Dream Weaver

Happy Holidays

2011-12-15T15:25:00.000-06:00

Happy Holidays!

Peace on Earth.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Humanist
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

The Day of Action by the Movement

2011-11-17T12:58:00.002-06:00

Mainstream media, reporters, and newspapers know what Occupy Wall Street, L.A. Movement, and Oregon Movement are about. They've been reporting on the Great Recession, lost of jobs, and home foreclosures since 2009. These are the real causes for our discontent. They're trying to discredit the movement by focusing on small groups committing violence or theft. News anchors are between a rock and a hard place because they work for the very corporations the movement is complaining about. The Media is constantly reporting that there is no leader, no specific cause for their discontent. They ask "What do the want?" They know.

The media (the big 4) want a leader they can focus on and follow. They consider that news and they are in the news business. How truthful can they be in reporting on the movement?

Note to the media, you cannot minimize the movement.

From this year forward movements everywhere are going to be organized over the Internet and social media.

Someone sent an email to CNN saying these people are just acting like spoiled brats, they should get a job. *both hands up in the air*

I support the movement, understand and agree with each point they are constantly saying.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Humanist
Mz Minerva Publishinghttp://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

"The heart and the mind...what an enigma."
~ ~ Charlie Chaplin

Hacks' Sabotage

2011-10-23T12:05:00.000-05:00

Science fiction-style sabotage a fear in new hacks

By JORDAN ROBERTSON - AP Technology Writer | AP – 2 hrs 13 mins ago, 10/23/2011

http://news.yahoo.com/science-fiction-style-sabotage-fear-hacks-120704517.html

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — When a computer attack hobbled Iran's unfinished nuclear power plant last year, it was assumed to be a military-grade strike, the handiwork of elite hacking professionals with nation-state backing.

Yet for all its science fiction sophistication, key elements have now been replicated in laboratory settings by security experts with little time, money or specialized skill. It is an alarming development that shows how technical advances are eroding the barrier that has long prevented computer assaults from leaping from the digital to the physical world.

The techniques demonstrated in recent months highlight the danger to operators of power plants, water systems and other critical infrastructure around the world.

"Things that sounded extremely unlikely a few years ago are now coming along," said Scott Borg, director of the U.S. Cyber Consequences Unit, a nonprofit group that helps the U.S. government prepare for future attacks.

The team behind the so-called Stuxnet worm that was used to attack the Iranian nuclear facility may still be active. New malicious software with some of Stuxnet's original code and behavior has surfaced, suggesting ongoing reconnaissance against industrial control systems.

And attacks on critical infrastructure are increasing. The Idaho National Laboratory, home to secretive defense labs intended to protect the nation's power grids, water systems and other critical infrastructure, has responded to triple the number of computer attacks from clients this year over last, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has revealed.

For years, ill-intentioned hackers have dreamed of plaguing the world's infrastructure with a brand of sabotage reserved for Hollywood. They've mused about wreaking havoc in industrial settings by burning out power plants, bursting oil and gas pipelines, or stalling manufacturing plants.

But a key roadblock has prevented them from causing widespread destruction: they've lacked a way to take remote control of the electronic "controller" boxes that serve as the nerve centers for heavy machinery.

The attack on Iran changed all that. Now, security experts — and presumably, malicious hackers — are racing to find weaknesses. They've found a slew of vulnerabilities.

Many of the threats at these facilities involve electronic equipment known as controllers. These devices take computer commands and send instructions to physical machinery, such as regulating how fast a conveyor belt moves.

They function as bridges between the computer and physical worlds.

Security researcher Dillon Beresford said it took him just two months and $20,000 in equipment to find more than a dozen vulnerabilities in the same type of electronic controllers used in Iran. The vulnerabilities, which included weak password protections, allowed him to take remote control of the devices and reprogram them.

"What all this is saying is you don't have to be a nation-state to do this stuff. That's very scary," said Joe Weiss, an industrial control system expert. "There's a perception barrier, and I think Dillon crashed that barrier."

One of the foremost Stuxnet experts, Ralph Langner, a security consultant in Hamburg, Germany, has come up with what he calls a "time bomb" of just four lines of programming code. He called it the most basic copycat attack that a Stuxnet-inspired prankster, criminal or terrorist could come up with.

The threat isn't limited to power plants. Even prisons and jails are vulnerable.

Another research team, based in Virginia, was allowed to inspect a correctional facility — it won't say which one — and found vulnerabilities that would allow it to open and close the facility's doors, suppress alarms and tamper with video surveillance feeds.

During a tour of the facility, the researchers noticed controllers like the ones in Iran. They used knowledge of the facility's network and that controller to demonstrate weaknesses.

They said it was crucial to isolate critical control systems from the Internet to prevent such attacks.

Kurt Stammberger, a vice president at Mocana, told The Associated Press that his firm found multiple vulnerabilities that would allow a hacker to control any piece of equipment connected to the controllers.

"We've never looked at a device like this before, and we were able to find this in the first day," Stammberger said. "These were big, major problems, and problems frankly that have been known about for at least a year and a half, but the utility had no clue."

"The situation is not at all as bad as it was five to six years ago, but there's much that remains to be done," said Ulf Lindqvist, an expert on industrial control systems with SRI International. "We need to be as innovative and organized on the good-guy side as the bad guys can be."

___

Jordan Robertson can be reached at jrobertson(at)ap.org

King Memorial on Washington Mall

2011-10-16T15:21:00.001-05:00

http://news.yahoo.com/video/#crsl=%252Fvideo%252Fus-15749625%252Fobama-king-stirred-our-conscience-26968505.html

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Humanist
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

"The heart and the mind...what an enigma."
~ ~ Charlie Chaplin

Be in the moment

2011-10-05T12:01:00.000-05:00

To my writing groups and friends.

For those who think that this is not the place to talk politics you are wrong. History is being made in America, in your communities, in your lives, and is worthy of recognition in your writing.

To many, their job is their life. Loss of that job is devastating to their pride. It's causing some to walk away from their families, reduce some to murder, and/or suicide.

I live in a 26-story building and lately evictions have been happening monthly. A man many of us don't know because he worked 2 jobs and was rarely seen, walked into the manager's office and told them he has to give up his 2-bedroom apartment. He lost his main job he has held for 35 years. He's not a young man, yet too young to file for Social Security, and too old to compete for the small available jobs. I could write about more stories like this, but you get the point.

What can you do? Pull out that "Verification of Registration" card from your wallet, use your member-Ward and member-Congressional districts, and write. Tell Washington that you cannot be ignored. That you voted them into office to work for you, not for corporations, not for banks; they don't need help, they will get their money -- from you.

Back to my original statement, this is the place--one of the places--to talk, write, and fight for your rights as a citizen of the United States of America.

You cannot write without including the present-day history of humanity in your stories and essays.

Take a look at this protest sign. It speaks volumes.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/05/opinion/rushkoff-occupy-wall-street/index.html?eref=rss_topstories&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rss%2Fcnn_topstories+%28RSS%3A+Top+Stories%29&utm_content=My+Yahoo

Peace and love.

Minnie Estelle Miller

A registered voter,

senior on Social Security,

and a writer.

http://www.millerscribs.com

http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3211593.Minnie_Estelle_Miller

Children's Defense Fund

2011-09-24T13:28:00.000-05:00

Huffington Post
9/23/2011

Marian Wright Edelman

President, Children's Defense Fund

Is Our Nation On The Titancic?

"It is disgraceful that the number of poor children in our rich nation is greater than the entire combined populations of Haiti and Liberia -- two of the poorest countries on earth -- and that the number of children in extreme poverty is equivalent to the whole population of Israel. The number of poor children under age five, the years of greatest brain development, is more than the population of Sierra Leone. I have yet to hear political leaders in either party nationally or in the states say we will not cut young children who have no belts to tighten. I believe no child cuts and no cuts for the poor should trump no tax increases for the rich in a just society."

"The Children's Defense Fund's trademarked logo is based on the old fisherman's prayer -- "Dear Lord be good to me. The sea is so wide and my boat is so small." It shows a tiny little sailboat on a vast sea drawn by a young child many years ago based on the prayer. Never has it seemed more poignant and appropriate than today as our children are being tossed all about in a rough and uncertain sea of life without rafts by killer economic and political waves from the wakes of gigantic, powerful ocean liners -- capsizing small child boats. Is our nation protecting the Titanic -- a burdened boat enjoined to give right of way -- rather than protecting the child's small privileged boat struggling without power to reach safe harbor?

"What can you do? Demand your political leaders protect the child's small boat -- the privileged boat -- and tell the powerful burdened boat to give them the right of way."

Read more...
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marian-wright-edelman/is-our-nation-on-the-tita_b_978679.html

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Humanist
Mz Minerva Publishing

"This is not class warfare, it's math."

~ ~ ~ President Obama

Faces of poverty

2011-09-18T17:07:00.000-05:00

When will the poverty rate (15.1 percent according to the Census Bureau) abate?

There are names and faces behind this report. Thanks to David Crary of the Huffington Post for bringing those faces to the fore.

He is one of many telling this story. Congress hears, yet seem to ignore them.

Our face hangs with embarrassment before the world even as we claim to be one of the so-called high ranking nations.

I must to be careful making this statement because there are areas in which we do well and some in which we don't, e.g., education for one.

Perhaps America will find the right path when we become a failing nation.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/18/living-in-poverty-people-behind-the-statistics_n_968494.html

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Humanist
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com

Remember the United States Postal Service?

2011-09-06T18:22:00.000-05:00

WP-PostPolitics

Article by Ed O'Keefe

September 6, 2011

Excerpts

Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe said:

"...mail volume fell again this year to only 167 billion pieces delivered, down 22 percent from four years ago, partly because Americans are paying bills online and sending electronic invitations instead of paper ones. The Postal Service has a place in this new world, but getting there requires us to change and adapt in ways that might not have been thought of before.”

He wants to make changes, wants to close many post offices, and layoff 120,000 employees. [These employees are also unionized.]

Labor Department figures showed zero net jobs created in August and unemployment holding steady at 9.1 percent. Black unemployment rose from 15.9 percent to 16.7 percent.

President Obama is practically begging companies to hire. They are not listening. The Republicans will block his proposed incentives to businesses stating it will increase the budget they are trying to cut. Then where does he go? What is the plan he's going to tell the nation about this Thursday in his speech.

This has better be good. His options are running out and support slipping.

I say this with great regret. But make no mistake, I plan to vote for his 2nd term.

Minnie Estelle Miller

Founder, Writer, Essayist & Humanist

Mz Minerva Publishing

http://www.millerscribs.com

http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3211593.Minnie_Estelle_Miller

He's trying

2011-08-30T18:04:00.000-05:00

Washington Post

PostPolitics

Posted at 10:13 AM ET, 08/30/2011

Obama appears on Tom Joyner radio show, tries to reassure African American listeners

By Peter Wallsten

Under fire from some black lawmakers for not directly addressing rising unemployment in their communities, President Obama appeared Tuesday morning on a popular African-American-oriented radio show to assure listeners that he understands their concerns.

Obama reflected on the opening of the Martin Luther King Jr. memorial on the Mall, noting that King devoted much of his attention to employment matters.

"It's always important to remember that when Dr. King gave the 'I Have a Dream' speech, that was a march for jobs and justice, not just justice," Obama said during the interview on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. "And the last part of his life, when he went down to Memphis, that was all about sanitation workers saying, 'I am a man,' and then looking for economic justice and dealing with poverty.

"It's not enough for us to just remember the sanitized version of what Dr. King stood for," the president added.

Obama's remarks were part of an effort by his administration to remind black voters that the country's first black president is fighting for them, even if he is not heeding the demands of some black lawmakers and crafting policies specifically aimed at boosting struggling African-American communities. Blacks remain Obama's staunchest base – giving him 90-percemt-plus approval ratings – but some Democrats worry that worsening economic conditions in that community might hamper Obama's efforts in next year's reelection campaign to mobilize the mass African-American turnout he needs to win.

Black unemployment stands at 15.9 percent – far higher than the 9.1-percent overall rate.

Tension between Obama and the Congressional Black Caucus is not new, but in recent weeks caucus members have traveled the country holding jobs fairs and town halls designed to put public pressure on the White House to address black joblessness as part of the plan Obama will announce next week.

The president offered no hints Tuesday as to what, if any, of his ideas might offer targeted help to blacks.

But he repeatedly reminded listeners that he is acutely aware of his own background.

He talked about King's work making possible his very presence in the Oval Office. And he described two important symbols that he sees every day – the Norman Rockwell painting of Ruby Bridges, the black child who integrated a New Orleans elementary school, newly installed in the White House, and a framed original program from King's March on Washington.

"They're reminders as we go through the day and we're working hard here to make sure that we're putting people back to work and getting the economy going again that we stand on the shoulders of a lot of people who made a lot of sacrifices," Obama said. "And it's important for us to make sure that we're following through on those commitments even if it's slow and frustrating sometimes."

# # #

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Humanist
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3211593.Minnie_Estelle_Miller

Budget Cuts 2011

2011-08-14T17:08:00.000-05:00

Richard J. Durbin

United States Senator from Illinois

Via email

I have asked a dear friend to help me word this letter knowing he feels as I do about the current state of the United States. All these issues are ultimately important in these times. I understand your don’t serve on all these committees, but you do have a say in budget cuts, which is why I am writing you.

Our military spending is six times as large as China's, who is a distant second light years across the galaxy. We've been at war almost 110 consecutive years. Studies have shown that al Qaeda operatives and the Taliban reinvent themselves on constant bases. It appears that we cannot eliminate them all. The deepest cut of all is that our young people are being killed in large numbers in that disorder. Need I tell you how we feel about the loss of our Navy SEALS?

Infrastructures in the U.S. have been in disrepair for more than 50 years and some even longer. Yet we are sending money to Afghanistan to help repair their infrastructure, among other dubious things.

The continual erosion of the tax base [read the rich tax base] has killed the middle-class. In Eisenhower's day, tax for the rich was 90 percent and now they get away without paying at all.

Another troubling issue is the constant talk of discontinuing social programs. Government reports that one in seven people are living on food stamps. Congress must not alter or dismantle Social Security and Medicare for future individuals, and privatizing is simply out of the question. This generation of seniors will not stand for it because we know future generations will suffer.

We are losing the brain race as our students didn't crack the top ten in science, but Japan, Singapore and Korea went 1-2-3. We are talking future jobs. There is a dire need for directed funds to education; schools are in disrepair; teachers need continuing education and decent pay; and after school programs for kids will help to keep some off the streets.

I find that Congress is self-serving and totally lacking in character. They have succeeded in turning the idea of ‘for the people and by the people’ into a sad joke. Now, with the Super Congress coming, we are preparing ourselves for saber rattling, sabotage on the eve of the eve of Thanksgiving, and then $1.2 trillion in budget cuts across the board. I truly hope I'm wrong.

Minnie Estelle Miller

A retired senior

Douglass' Women, A review

2011-07-07T18:47:00.003-05:00

Douglass’ Women
By Jewell Parker Rhodes

Ms. Rhodes is an excellent writer. Her research is nearly flawless, attest to her citations at the end of the book. Her added fiction builds a passionate, emotional story.

“Douglass’ Women” is about two very different women loving the same strong, ex-slave, abolitionist, a writer. I believe Ms. Rhodes knew Frederick Douglass had to be included in the story to understand his women. He is an escaped slave afraid of being enslaved again, even by the women in his life. Consequently, he juggles them, accepting their love with little emotional return.

Anna Murray Douglass is a free black woman. She’s the stronger of the two women, the realist. She gives her hard-earned money to Freddy to escape his slave master. He later marries her. Anna says Freddy is “Samson-man, standing, perched on the edge of his horizon.” She does not like the name Frederick Bailey Douglass, feels it beyond her as his mate. Anna is steadfast in her loyalty and self-confidence and suffers his infidelity.

Ottilie Assing, a German-Jewish woman, teaches him to read and write, and uses his ego and hatred of bondage to keep him near. He becomes Frederick to Ottilie. She is indispensable with her money and time helping him pursue his career. She clearly has a way out of the mistress role, but is too much of a romantic in love to accept the reality of her situation.

Both women suffer the pains of unreciprocated love, heartache from their “great man.” They learn Freddy/Frederick doesn’t tell either one he loves her. Anna says, “Freddy never really learned to love.”

I can only conclude that Frederick, husband, lover, and abolitionist is mentally disturbed as a result of his years as a slave. Freedom is the only thing he seems to focus on. This proves to create both bad and good events in his life. Nevertheless, he needs sexual love, takes it wherever he can get it, when he wants it. Yet, it does not interfere with his plans, in spite of the fact that he fathers five children with Anna. His intimate relationship with Ottilie beats his subconscious.

Frederick has no time for women’s suffrage — says that can come later. He refuses to admit that he is color conscious. He tells Rosetta “I’m married to an old black log. Would you repeat my mistake?” In speaking of his oldest daughter’s love interest, Lucius, he says, “We’re at war...Fighting for racial uplift. Not degradation.” And further says, “I raised you for better than this. Better than him.” Dear timid Lucius cannot read nor write, but loves Rosetta Douglass.

Every page kept me immersed, kept me wondering what next. Jewell Parker Rhodes penned vivid pictures of strong fictional characters, which reflects her understanding of humankind. What an excellent read!

Reviewed by Minnie Estelle Miller
Author of “Whispers from the Mirror.”
July 6, 2011

Happy Fathers' Day

2011-06-19T17:49:00.000-05:00

“Today, I'm also proud of my husband, the man who drove our first daughter and me home from the hospital 13 years ago next month, determined to be the kind of father he hadn't had for himself.

“Barack often says he decided that day that if he could be anything in life, he'd be a good dad, and he dedicated himself then and there to making sure our daughter had every opportunity he could provide.

“When it comes down to it, that's why we're all here -- Barack, Alex, myself, and everyone who's part of this campaign. We're all working to make sure we leave our kids with a country that's fairer and more full of opportunity -- just as our parents did for us. {Alex is in the video Mrs. Obama sent with this message}

“Thank you for being part of that work, and part of this campaign.
Wishing you a happy Father's Day,”
“Michelle”
[Mrs. Obama, First Lady of the United States of America]

Not so fast, Mrs. Obama. I don’t like raining on anyone’s parade, but...

I think we've lost a generation of African American and minority boys. I can't think what will bring them under control. Parents don't seem to be able to raise them properly or even know what their kids do away from home. Of course, Barack Obama, Father of the year and beyond, is the exception. Even if he weren’t President, I believe he would still be the ‘Father of the year’.

We are screaming to President Obama to give more help to minority communities, get the kids off the streets, but his hands are tied. The problems go deeper than that. Consequently, he preaches education, going to college, even makes tuition available. But how do you turn ignorant, African Americans and other minorities, and street-millionaires around?

Breaking up the drug cartel and stopping the weapons flowing from America would be a good start, although most difficult, I hear. Drugs are the largest and most profitable bloc here and in South American Countries there is, again I hear.

I’ve learned in my 75 years on earth that money means power and power corrupts. We have seen it everywhere, in Congress, banks, corporations, and on down to young boys. Car dealers could blow the whistle on young boys buying luxury cars with $40,000 or more cash. Cash! Yet how many dealers would turn in the buyer?

There's no law against selling a car for cash. What's illegal is not reporting it and not paying taxes on the money. That was the only charge in which the Federal Government could convict Al Capone. They put him away on tax evasion -- never mind that he was the mastermind of hundreds of killings.

On a more cheerful note, I called my nephew-in-law to wish him Happy Father's Day. I always speak with my grandnephew whenever I call their house. My Zoe is 8. That’s my name for him. I introduced myself to him as Aunt Minnie even before he opened his tiny eyes. He told me today that he's taking a Japanese language course in summer school. I'm so proud of him. Nevertheless, I must give credit to his parents, however. Zoe has never known in his eight years what it's like to live in a single parent home. They live in a single-family house community in Hammond, Indiana.

Happy Father’s Day to all who stood up to their responsibilities as Father

Minnie Estelle Miller [A.K.A. Aunt Minnie]

Founder, Writer, Essayist & Humanist
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3211593.Minnie_Estelle_Miller

“Whispers from the Mirror”
Awarded one of The Top 100 Books – 1st Quarter 2011
by Sankofa Literary Society. Ella Curry founded SLS.

Sankofa Literary Society Top 100 Books Award - 1st Quarter 2011

2011-05-16T11:49:00.002-05:00

BUILD YOUR LIBRARY
The featured books are listed in alphabetical order. Keep in mind some of the books might not be available today. Please pre-order the books. You can find the book introductions at our online bookstore. Go here today to shop and explore: http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20?_encoding=UTF8&node=33

Please make sure to visit all of the shelves to find the following award-winning books. Tell all your friends too! If you have read any of these books, post your reviews below.

1. Adora Bennett – Allegro
2. Africa Fine – Swan
3. Allegra Adams – The Man Whisperer
4. Allison Hobbs – Put a Ring on It (Erotica)
5. AlTonya Washington –A Lover's Shame
6. Angela Weaver – Frost On My Window
7. Asa Hilliard – Black Children: Their Roots, Culture, and Learning Styles (NF)
8. Ayana Byrd and Akiba Solomon – Naked: Black Women Bare All...(NF)
9. B. W. Read – Fourth Sunday (Bookclub Story)
10. Bernice Layon – Lies in Disguise
11. Booker T. Mattison – SNITCH (Fiction)
12. Brenda Jackson –A Silken Thread (Romance)
13. Cairo – Deep Throat Diva (Erotica)
14. Carla S. Pennington – The Available Wife (Urban Lit)
15. Carolyn Evans – Forty Beads: Simple, Sexy Secret for… Marriage (NF)
16. Celya Bowers – Promises of Forever
17. Chamein Canton – I Take This Woman
18. Chika Unigwe – On Black Sisters Street: A Novel
19. Danette Majette – Bitter (Urban Lit)
20. Dorinda Nusum – The Back Pew Crew
21. E. Lynn Harris & RM Johnson – No One in the World
22. Electa Rome Parks – True Confessions
23. Elle (Zane Presents Series) – The I.O.U.
24. Eloise Greenfield – The Great Migration: The Journey to the North (YA-CB)
25. Eric Pete – Piano in the Dark
26. Erica Simone Turnipseed – A Love Noire
27. Francis Ray – Twice the Temptation (Romance)
28. Francis Ray – Undeniable (Romance)
29. Intelligent Allah – Lickin' License (Urban Lit)
30. Isabel Wilkerson – The Warmth of Other Suns
31. Iyanla Vanzant – Peace from Broken Pieces (NF)
32. Jackie D. – Married to a Balla (Urban Lit)
33. Jasmin Darznik –The Good Daughter: A Memoir (NF)
34. Jemal Gibson – Drugs, My Curse, My Savior (NF)
35. Jewell Parker Rhodes – Hurricane
36. Joan Early – Oak Bluffs (Romance)
37. K. L. Brady – The Bum Magnet
38. Kamala Nair –The Girl in the Garden
39. Kathleen Grissom – The Kitchen House: A Novel
40. Katie McCabe – Justice Older than the Law
41. Keith Lee Johnson – Johnnie Wise In The Line Of Fire
42. Keith Walker – The Finley Sisters' Oath of Romance
43. Kendall Banks – One Night Stand (Urban Lit)
44. Kymberly Hunt – The Sea of Aaron
45. Kristy K. Taylor – Mrs. Garcia's Class Visits the Hospital (YA-NF)
46. L. E. Newell – Durty South Grind (Urban Lit)
47. LaShawnda Jones – Love and Forgiveness (NF)
48. Leonard Peltier – Prison Writings: My Life Is My Sun Dance (NF)
49. Liz Balmaseda – Sweet Mary: A Novel
50. Lorene Cary – If Sons, Then Heirs
51. Manning Marable – Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention (NF)
52. Marcella Barrett – And the Tree Cried Out (YA-CB)
53. Marian L. Thomas – My Father's Colors
54. Mary Monroe – Mama Ruby
55. Meesha Mink –Real Wifeys on the Grind (Urban Lit)
56. Melissa De La Cruz –Bloody Valentine
57. Michelle Au, MD –This Won't Hurt a Bit (Memoir-NF)
58. Michelle Monay – Wife (Urban Lit)
59. Minnie E. Miller – Whispers from the Mirror
60. Miriam Shumba – That Which Has Horns
61. Miss KP – The Dirty Divorce 1 and 2 (Urban Lit)
62. Nakia R. Laushaul – Running from Solace
63. Nicole Green – The Davis Years
64. Nikkea Smithers – The Misery of Amore's Demise
65. Pamela D. Rice – The Sunday Morning Wife
66. Pamela Samuels Young – Buying Time
67. Paulette Harper – Completely Whole
68. Pearl Cleage – Just Wanna Testify
69. Pynk – Sixty Nine: A Novel (Erotica)
70. Regena Bryant – Except on Sunday
71. Rhonda Bowen – Man Enough for Me (CF)
72. Robert Leon Davis – Running Scared (NF)
73. Ruthie Robinson – Lights Out
74. S. Dodson – Teen Girls Need L.O.V.E. (YA)
75. Sabrina A. Eubanks – Karma II and III (Urban Lit)
76. Sandra Ciscernos – House on Mango Street
77. Santa Montefiore – Mermaid Garden
78. Sarita Mandanna – Tiger Hills
79. Sean D. Young – From This Moment
80. Sherryle Kiser Jackson – Taylor Made
81. Shoshana Johnson –I'm Still Standing: Captured Solider to Free Citizen (NF)
82. Sophia Nelson – Black Woman Redefined... in the Age of Michelle Obama (NF)
83. T. D. Jakes – 64 Lessons for a Life Without Limits (NF– Motivation)
84. T. J. English – The Savage City
85. Tanya Wright – Butterfly Rising
86. Tavis Smiley – Fail Up: 20 Lessons on Building Success from Failure (NF)
87. Tayari Jones – Silver Sparrow
88. Terrance Dean – This is YOUR Year: Straight From Your Gay Best Friend
89. Tiffany Ashley – Love Script
90. Tim Wise – Between Barack and a Hard Place (NF)
91. Tracy Brown – Aftermath: A Snapped Novel
92. Trice Hickman – Unexpected Interruptions
93. Trisha Haddad – Nihon Nights
94. Tyrese Gibson – How to Get Out of Your Own Way (NF)
95. Vanessa Miller – Promise of Forever Love
96. VegasClarke –Snitch: A Novel (Urban Lit)
97. Victor LaValle – Big Machine
98. Victor McGlothin – The Secrets of Newberry
99. Victoria Brown –Minding Ben: A Novel
100. Wahida Clark – Justify My Thug (Urban Lit)

***
UL - Urban Lit
NF- Non-fiction
YA/CB - Young Reader; Children Book

SHOP EDC CREATIONS' BOOKSTORES

Black Pearls Bookstore: http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fastore.amazon.com%2Fedcmagazine-20&h=146b0 BAN Radio Show Bookstore: http://astore.amazon.com/sanklitesoci-20

"Whispers from the Mirror"
is on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

I humbly thank Ella Curry and the SLS for this honor.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Humanist
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com/
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3211593.Minnie_Estelle_Miller

Looking for support

2011-05-02T13:48:00.000-05:00

Black Rain
http://www.eyesoda.com/film/494

View the short film by Vincent Alexandria
Black Rain is about passion, murder, and deceit. ALL IN A DAY’S WORK!

Kansas City Homicide Detective, Joe Johnson, goes against the decision of his partner, his wife, and leaves his dying father’s bedside to risk death for the FBI agent he is indebted to.

After Johnson takes the case of his FBI friend, Cheryl Chase, who is deep undercover in a ring of dirty cops, a single phone call catapults him and his partner, Vernon Brown, into the most difficult and dangerous case of their lives.

A riveting story of intrigue, romance, suspense and comedy.

We are looking for a producer and 100,000 hits on our website. They've completed the 30-minute-short and are seeking a producer to finish the feature film project. ~~ Vincent
http://www.vincentalexandria.com/

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Humanist
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com/

The fight for Medicare

2011-04-15T21:55:00.001-05:00

First Read from NBC News, April 15, 2011

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/04/15/6478024-ryan-budget-plan-passes-house-only-4-gop-reps-vote-no

"The House has passed a FY2012 budget plan that would cut trillions in spending over the next decade and fundamentally transform the current Medicare system.
"The vote in favor of the budget proposed by Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc., could prove politically perilous for some Republicans, who are likely to be painted by political opponents as insensitive to older voters who favor the current Medicare system.

"But ultimately, only four Republicans voted against the measure, which includes a proposal to gradually transition the current Medicare system into a government-funded voucher program for seniors to purchase private health insurance.
"All Democrats opposed the Republican budget."
It took a year or more to explain Medicare, Part D to seniors, myself included, and there are still fuzzy sections in the plan. Killing Medicare and giving seniors vouchers to chase down health insurance is like giving them a slingshot to hunt bear -- cruel and unusual punishment, indeed.
It is crucial that we speak out now against this proposed transformation *read assault* Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.) has put forth. Reject its implementation in the 2012 budget and at a future date.

Our seniors are in danger of losing Medicare as we know it, now.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Humanist
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

"Whispers from the Mirror"
is on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

Human Rights directs my course.
~ ~ Minnie Estelle Miller 2011

A Milestone

2011-04-05T12:50:00.001-05:00

I lucked upon this book and was captivated by the story as an African American female. I have heard these stories for over 60 years and still get mad as hell. Read why Black/Negro/African American women have never had complete control over their bodies, even during the Civil Rights Movement. I worked as secretary to a lawyers for the Black Panthers and during the 1968 protests by blacks and whites. In my opinion, there are still stories untold about the sexual abuse of females by both.

"Just when we thought there couldn’t possibly be anything left to uncover about the civil rights movement, Danielle McGuire finds a new facet of that endlessly prismatic struggle at the core of our national identity. By reinterpreting black liberation through the lens of organized resistance to white male sexual aggression against African-American women, McGuire ingeniously upends the white race’s ultimate rationale for its violent subjugation of blacks—imputed black male sexual aggression against white women. It is an original premise, and At the Dark End of the Street delivers on it with scholarly authority and narrative polish."
—Diane McWhorter, author of Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama, the Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution

"At the Dark End of the Street: Black Women, Rape, and Resistance--A New History of the Civil Rights Movement from Rosa Parks to the Rise of Black Power"

Peace...
Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Administrator
Mz Minerva Publishing

Author of "Whispers from the Mirror"
Available at online book stores.
http://www.millerscribs.com/
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/mzminerva

"The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe."
~ ~ ~ Gustave Flaubert

A Seductive eBook on Kindle

2011-03-07T16:07:00.000-06:00

The Seduction of Mr. Bradley
Adult fiction

You think seduction only happens to women? Guess again. Please read Mr. Bradley’s story of reality, truth, and love. It’s thought provoking, written with maturity, and deep thinking. And it’s on Kindle eBook.

http://www.amazon.com/Seduction-Mr-Bradley-ebook/dp/B003ODI80E/ref=sr_1_cc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299527144&sr=1-1-catcorr#

Minnie E Miller, author &
Laurel Stradford of What The Traveler Saw

National Women's Month

2011-03-01T22:59:00.000-06:00

I remember Barbara Jordon. I met her during a rally for the election of Jack Kennedy for president. She was the keynote speaker. I was mesmerized by her speech, the fact that she had accomplished so much at a young age, and that we were the same age. I mention her in my opening poem in "Whispers from the Mirror." She will be my s/hero forever.

Remembering Barbara Jordan on Her 75th Birthday

By The Admin on February 21, 2011

FOX – Houston

Barbara Jordan was an American politician who was both a product, and a leader, of the Civil Rights movement.

She was the first African-American elected to the Texas Senate after reconstruction and the first Southern black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, among numerous other honors, and is even featured on the U.S. stamp this year as part of its black heritage series.

Monday would be Barbara Jordan’s 75th birthday, so what better time to look back on this amazing woman?

Her story begins in Houston’s Fifth Ward and ends with her impacting the entire country. Anyone who has ever had a dream can relate to Barbara Jordan’s story. She broke down doors, blazed trails and became what she had once only dreamed of.

In honor of National Women's Month, I honor Barbara Jordon.

Google her and learn about this phenomenal woman.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com/

Welcome Mayor-elect Emanuel

2011-02-23T15:44:00.000-06:00

Monica Davey's article is probably 75 percent true, but I'm willing to accept that over what's been happening to Chicago for 22 years.

Some leaders don't know when to step down and allow fresh agendas to take shape. North Africa and the Middle East are a few glowing examples.

If Chicago grows under Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel -- as I feel it will -- there will be pain. But that's life.

I'm believe Confucius had something to say about growing pains, but I can't find it. This one will do for now...

Never give a sword to a man who can't dance.
~~ Confucius

And perhaps Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel will plant trees and flower gardens on the South Side of Chicago!

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/us/24chicago.html?hp

"Whispers from the Mirror" is on Amazon.com and
BarnesandNoble.com

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Administrator
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

Author's Page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003POL3FY

"The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe."
— Gustave Flaubert

An important event in history

2011-02-23T13:52:00.000-06:00

http://www.npr.org/2011/02/23/133996797/u-s-will-no-longer-defend-anti-gay-marriage-law?sc=nl&cc=brk-20110223-1301

U.S. Will No Longer Defend Anti-Gay Marriage Law

by NPR Staff and Wires

Darron Cummings/AP

Attorney General Eric Holder, pictured earlier this month in Indianapolis, said the Justice Department has defended the law until now because the government was able to advance reasonable arguments for the law based on a less strict standard.

Attorney General Eric Holder, pictured earlier this month in Indianapolis, said the Justice Department has defended the law until now because the government was able to advance reasonable arguments for the law based on a less strict standard.

February 23, 2011

The Obama administration says a federal law that bans recognition of same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and has directed the Justice Department not to defend the law anymore in court cases across the country.

The decision announced Wednesday represents a big victory for gay rights activists.

Obama's Justice Department has been arguing to preserve the Defense of Marriage Act for two years in courts all over the nation. Government lawyers said they were acting out of a sense of legal precedent, not moral obligation.

Everything changed Wednesday when Attorney General Eric Holder told Congress that Obama had determined that the administration can no longer defend the federal law that defines marriage as only between a man and a woman.

"After careful consideration, including a review of my recommendation, the president has concluded that given a number of factors, including a documented history of discrimination, classifications based on sexual orientation should be subject to a more heightened standard of scrutiny," Holder said in a statement released Wednesday.

At the White House, spokesman Jay Carney said Obama himself is still "grappling" with his personal view of gay marriage but has always personally opposed the Defense of Marriage Act as "unnecessary and unfair."

From now on, the Justice Department will no longer fight to support the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act in court. But the government will continue to enforce the law across the executive branch unless Congress repeals it or a federal judge throws it out.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Administrator
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

Author's Page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003POL3FY

"The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe."
— Gustave Flaubert

Frederick Douglass

2011-02-21T22:49:00.000-06:00

Frederick Douglass > quotes > quotable quote

"I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ: I therefore hate the corrupt, slaveholding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial and hypocritical Christianity of the land. Indeed, I can see no reason, but the most deceitful one, for calling the religion of this land Christianity. I look upon it as the climax of all misnomers, the boldest of all frauds, and the grossest of all libels. Never was there a clearer case of 'stealing the livery of the court of heaven to serve the devil in.' I am filled with unutterable loathing when I contemplate the religious pomp and show, together with the horrible inconsistencies, which every where surround me. We have men-stealers for ministers, women-whippers for missionaries, and cradle-plunderers for church members. The man who wields the blood-clotted cowskin during the week fills the pulpit on Sunday, and claims to be a minister of the meek and lowly Jesus. . . . The slave auctioneer's bell and the church-going bell chime in with each other, and the bitter cries of the heart-broken slave are drowned in the religious shouts of his pious master. Revivals of religion and revivals in the slave-trade go hand in hand together. The slave prison and the church stand near each other. The clanking of fetters and the rattling of chains in the prison, and the pious psalm and solemn prayer in the church, may be heard at the same time. The dealers in the bodies and souls of men erect their stand in the presence of the pulpit, and they mutually help each other. The dealer gives his blood-stained gold to support the pulpit, and the pulpit, in return, covers his infernal business with the garb of Christianity. Here we have religion and robbery the allies of each other—devils dressed in angels' robes, and hell presenting the semblance of paradise."
— Frederick Douglass (Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass)

tags: christianity, race, religion, slavery

"Whispers from the Mirror" is on Amazon.com and
BarnesandNoble.com

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Administrator
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

Author's Page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003POL3FY

"The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe."
— Gustave Flaubert

You are invited!

2011-02-03T19:38:00.000-06:00

Join me on Black Authors Network Radio Show

Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011, at 8:00 pm CST and 9:00 pm EST

Author/Speaker call-in number: (646) 200-0402

Host: Ella Curry, president of EDC Creations Media Group

We’re going to discuss my novel, “Whispers from the Mirror.” If you’ve read it, I love to hear your comments and questions.

To chat with us live log onto http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network

or call 646-200-0402 to join the live conversation.

Registered Blog Talk Radio (BTR) chatters will have an opportunity to win books and other gifts!

If you talk on the phone lines, please mute the computer speakers, before calling into the show.

Love to meet you there!

Minnie Estelle Miller

"Whispers from the Mirror" is available
on amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com

Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com/
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

2011 Event Press Releases.doc

2011-01-20T16:57:00.000-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 17, 2011

CONTACT:

Sheila Peele-Miller Gevell Wagner Michelle Wesbrooks

Sheilapmiller@yahoo.com Vellis216@aol.com michellelovewesbrooks@awofinc.org

773.983.2202 773.350.4675 866-702-9133 ext 102

TWO EXCITING LITERARY EVENTS COMING TO ROGERS PARK AND EVANSTON

Chicago, IL – Adira Books, RealSistaWriters (RSW) Online Reading and Writing Group and The Ministers of Music Alliance have joined forces in honor of Black History Month and Women's History Month to bring two of the largest literary events to ever come to Chicago's north side. These exciting engagements are free to the public. They have been endorsed by former mayor of Evanston, the Honorable Lorraine Morton and Alderman Joe Moore of the 49^th ward in Chicago and will feature fifteen multi-talented authors representing several different genres.

The first event, the African American Read-In and Book Fair has been a traditional educational celebration in the African American community for twenty-two years. The Read-In and Book Fair will be held in Evanston on February 26, 2011 at the Fleetwood Jourdain Center at 1655 Foster Street from 2p.m. until 5.

On March 26, 2011, also from two to five, the group will be hosting Women and Books . This literacy extravaganza will take place at the Willie Whyte Center at 1650 W. Howard Street, Chicago. "We expect both events to be a stepping stone for our literary efforts," says author Sheila Peele-Miller who has resided in Rogers Park for over twenty years. "This is also an excellent opportunity for readers and writers to meet some of their favorite authors as well as have the pleasure of being introduced to new ones."

In addition to becoming acquainted with the authors, attendees will experience a cozy, up close and intellectual atmosphere, while enjoying featured participants reading and performing from his/ her published works. Attendees will also have the opportunity to purchase autograph copies from each author. The sponsoring book store for both free events is Books Ink located at 1835 W. 103^rd Street, Chicago.

The African American Read-In and Book Fair honoring Black History Month

February 26, 2011 - The Fleetwood Jourdain Center - 1655 Foster Street Evanston Illinois - 2p.m. until 5

Participants include:

Earl Sewell (Mainstream) Cougars / Have Mercy / Love, Lies and Scandal
Sheila Peele-Miller (Adult Contemporary Fiction) Prey for the Wicked/ Daylight Coming / Painted Picture
Gevell Wagner (Mainstream) The Shattered Glass Effect Anthology: Sin
Michelle Larks (Christian Fiction) Couple's Therapy / Legacies / Til Debt Do Us Part
Nicole Rouse (Christian Fiction) Be Careful What You Pray For / Someone To Love Me/ Happily Ever Now
Deanna Michelle Smith (Urban Fiction) Reign Storm / Outlaw City
Barbara Keaton (Romance) Nights Over Egypt / One in a Million / Good With His Hands Anthology
Tony Lindsay (Street Lit) Pieces of the Hole / More Boy Than Girl

Women and Books honoring Women History Month

March 26, 2011 - Willie Whyte Center - 1650 W. Howard Street, Chicago Illinois – 2p.m. until 5

Participants include:

Naleighna Kai (Mainstream) The Pleasure's All Mine /Every Woman Needs a Wife)
Tina McKinney (Adult Contemporary Fiction) Snapped / Deep Deception / Dubious
Gevell Wagner (Mainstream) The Shattered Glass Effect Anthology: Sin
Sheila Peele-Miller (Adult Contemporary Fiction) Prey for the Wicked/ Daylight Coming / Painted Picture
Minnie Miller (Women's Fiction)Whispers from the Mirror / Mr. Bradley /Catharsis
Linda Wilson (Mainstream) A Taste of Java, The Shattered Glass Effect Anthology: Cut Up A Thousand Times
Barbara Keaton (Romance) Nights Over Egypt / One in a Million / Good With His Hands Anthology

2011-01-11T15:14:00.005-06:00

Despite the big Media catastrophizing, at age 74 and still functioning on all six sparkplugs, I dig deeply into these matters. You should too.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/us/politics/07daley.html?hp

Editorial The Corporate House

Published: January 5, 2011

John Boehner, the new speaker, promised the incoming House members of the 112th Congress on Wednesday to “give the government back to the American people.” But away from the camera, the chamber’s new Republican leadership is busy doing the opposite.
Darrell Issa of California, the new chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, has sent out letters to 150 businesses and trade groups, asking them for suggestions on loosening what he called “job-killing” corporate regulations.
#
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/07/us/politics/07daley.html?hp

By ERIC LIPTON

Published: January 6, 2011

"WASHINGTON — He is a top executive at JPMorgan Chase, where he is paid as much as $5 million a year and supervises the Washington lobbying efforts for the nation’s second-largest bank. William M. Daley also serves on the board of directors at Boeing, the giant defense contractor, and Abbott Laboratories, the global drug company, which has billions of dollars at stake in the overhaul of the health care system.

"Mr. Daley, 62, who is not close friends with Mr. Obama, even though both share a Chicago base, has a well-rounded résumé. It includes work as a lawyer in private practice , a bank president, a telecommunications company executive, a political strategist, fund-raiser and campaign chief, a lobbyist for foreign corporations (he advocated on tax matters for Nestle and a Canadian petroleum company) and a three-year stint as commerce secretary in the Clinton administration. His brother, Richard M. Daley, is departing after six terms as mayor of Chicago, where his family has an almost royal status..."
*They forgot to mention his father, former Mayor Richard J. Daley.*

Once again, middle-class, low-income, and seniors are left to swing in the wind. It should be clear to most of us by now that politicians are not about "the American people."

Peace,

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Administrator
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com

"Whispers from the Mirror" a Novel
is available on Amazon.com

Sharing News

2011-01-10T11:20:00.000-06:00

Americans are no doubt into finger pointing; however, we must look further than the "Tea Party." There's plenty of guilt to go around. Perhaps instead of reading the Constitution aloud in Congress, they should bring in several professors to conduct classes in parapsychology twice a week.

Arizona's Innocents Reap What Palin & Company Have Sowed

By The Admin on January 10, 2011

Earl Ofari Hutchinson

- The instant Democratic Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and 18 others were gunned down at a public meet-and-greet in Tucson, leaving six dead—including a federal judge, several retirees, and a 9-year-old student council representative—Tea Party grandmaster Sarah Palin and leaders of her movement swung into damage-control mode. Palin offered condolences to the families of the shooting victims and called for prayers for peace and justice. Tea Party Express chairwoman Amy Kremer went further and condemned the shootings as "an attack on the democratic process."

Palin's and Kremer's expressions of outrage are undoubtedly sincere and heartfelt. But those fine sentiments don't absolve either of them of blame for helping to create the hyper-vicious, borderline-vigilante climate that has provoked more than one unbalanced kook —as the alleged shooter Jared Loughner clearly is—to blast away at innocents, under the guise of striking back at someone or something whose politics, ideas, religion, or race they hate.

That this country had entered a new era—where some thought it permissible to take the law into their own hands and bombard public officials with life-threatening letters, texts, phone calls, and in some cases physical attacks—was plainly evident during and after the health care reform debate last year.

Nearly a dozen Democrats and Republicans received threatening messages. Republican Rep. Eric Cantor got a bullet through his campaign-office window. Other legislators had their windows broken and their tires slashed. Palin didn't help matters with her oft-quoted exhortation to conservatives to "reload"—complete with photos of her on hunting forays, gun in hand. Palin and GOP leaders drove home their message that political opponents—i.e. liberal and moderate Democrats—were ripe for attack when she plastered an image of crosshairs in a Facebook post listing 20 vulnerable House Democrats who had voted for health care reform. Giffords was one of them.

Palin sensed the dangerous line that she had edged up to with her depiction of Democrats in the GOP's gun sights. She protested that she was not calling for anyone to slaughter them with weapons but to vote them out of office.

Palin was far from alone in cavalierly tossing about violent images to make the point that Democrats were fair game for attacks. Tea Party member Catherine Crabill, who ran for the Republican nomination in the Virginia's 1st Congressional District, flatly declared that the right to carry firearms was the way the Founding Fathers meant for citizens to fight off tyranny. Failed Nevada senate candidate Sharron Angle was unabashed in proclaiming that the Constitution gave citizens the right to oust a "tyrannical" government—which, she cryptically added, meant removing her opponent Harry Reid from office. Angle backpedaled fast, insisting that she meant vote him out, not kill him. Whether a retraction or "a clarification," Angle's words had a definite wink-and-nod feel to them, and Reid was neither amused nor mollified.

The scariest threats from the right—and the deranged feeding off their hate—have been aimed at President Obama. A year ago, hundreds of Facebook respondents answered a poll question, "Should Obama be killed?" The poll was quickly yankedbut the fact that it was even briefly on the site for a brief gave de facto dignity to the bizarre and murderous question.

Obama has been in danger from the moment he announced he would seek the presidency in February 2007. He had the dubious distinction of being the earliest presidential contender ever to be assigned Secret Service protection on the campaign trail. This didn't ease the jitters over his safety. Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson fired off a letter to Secret Service officials practically demanding that the agency provide all the resources and personnel at its disposal to ensure the safety of Obama and the other presidential candidates, notably Hillary Clinton.

As the showdown with John McCain heated up in the fall of 2008, the flood of crackpot threats vowing murder and mayhem toward Obama increased. This prompted the Secret Service to take even more elaborate measures to protect his and his family's security.

In the wake of the Giffords shooting and the murder of Chief U.S. District Judge John Roll, federal officials have again tightened security around Democratic and Republican elected officials. This is welcome. But it does not address the climate of fear and hate that ultra-conservative extremists and unreconstructed bigots and hate-mongers have created. Unbalanced individuals feel they have license to send a hate message, toss a brick, or—as the tragic events in Tucson amply prove— rampage against a public official and other innocents caught in the crossfire. Palin and company can't evade blame for that.

Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author and political analyst. He hosts nationally broadcast political affairs radio talk shows on Pacifica and KTYM Radio Los Angeles. Follow Earl Ofari Hutchinson on Twitter: http://twitter.com/earlhutchinson.

# #

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Administrator
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

Whispers from the Mirror A novel

2010-12-20T20:06:00.004-06:00

12/19 Rick gave 5 stars to: Whispers From The Mirror
by Minnie Estelle Miller
status: Read in December, 2010

WONDERFUL NOVEL- Simply stunning- from cover art to writing style- a must-read!!!
Rick Friedman
Creator
James Mason Community Book Club

Season's Greetings!

Minnie Estelle Miller

My new novel is here!

2010-12-19T15:45:00.001-06:00

My novel is on amazon.com and I didn't know it! Holy Buckets! Whispers from the Mirror has been born!

http://www.amazon.com/Whispers-Mirror-Minnie-Estelle-Miller/dp/0615383513/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1292793813&sr=1-2

Season's Greetings to all

Peace be with you,

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, Writer, Essayist & Administrator
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

Author's Page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003POL3FY

"The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe."
— Gustave Flaubert

Paradigm

2010-11-21T13:32:00.007-06:00

Paradigm
–noun
1.
a.: a set of forms all of which contain a particular element, esp. the set of all inflected forms based on a single stem or theme.
b.: a display in fixed arrangement of such a set, as boy, boy's, boys, boys'.
2. an example serving as a model; pattern.

Bob Edwards Weekend is rarely boring; this one perked my interest. I've been following this man's story because I can see his side, but never understood the need for man to veer off a well-constructed path, to have anything and anyone they want, and continue a veneer high-power career.

Understood, it's prevalent. Why? What's missing in their lives?

To my mind, there is no difference in Eliot Spitzer's life and the life of an executive on the so-called down low. They want to have it all but each in separate places. Spitzer was overwhelmingly elected as the Governor of New York and later became a powerful Attorney General and then was toppled.

I want to view Alex Gibney’s documentary titled "Client 9." It talks about Spitzer having the world in the palm of his hand--he came from a wealthy family, had a brilliant life--and made a slip. He wasn’t accused of a crime according to the laws of our land. A comment made in the documentary, noting that he was not prosecuted for a crime, and I paraphrase, was, "he had sex ohmygod!" *tongue in cheek.*

Filmmaker Gibney said, “The man's entire life is a lie.”

When caught and brought down Spitzer said, “I make no excuses; I was wrong.”

Me? I believe he stepped on some very powerful people's toes as Attorney General in New York--alleged to be three--and they went after him with a vengeance. Simple fact: men rarely condemn other men for having outside sex—it’s a brotherhood.
Another person interviewed for the documentary said, “We want our political people to be God and they're not.”

Source, go to http://www.bobedwardsradio.com/bob-edwards-weekend/
Listen on iTune http://www.bobedwardsradio.com/ways-to-listen/?SSScrollPosition=0

Bob Edwards Weekend
November 20-21, 2010
HOUR ONE
Eliot Spitzer was New York’s powerful Attorney General, known as “The Sherriff of Wall Street.” Then in 2006, Spitzer was overwhelmingly elected as the Governor of New York. The Democrat was on his way to political super-stardom and maybe someday the White House. But it turns out he had the secret habit of employing very high-priced escorts. Spitzer was known to the prostitution ring as “Client 9” and that’s the title of Alex Gibney’s latest documentary. Gibney joins Bob to discuss the rise and fall of Eliot Spitzer.

I'm just the messenger,

Maukie - the virtual catgreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, writer, essayist & Administrator
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

Wise words for today

2010-11-19T13:36:00.000-06:00

Once in a while I come across wise words, or words to live by, and enjoy passing them on. In doing so, I must remind those who have forgotten that there are black men in white families. Yes, even change changes.

Today, I pass along there wise words.

"The family must support young Black men and guide them in a racist society where even the President of the United States is disrespected for the only reason that he is a Black male."

~~~Idrissa.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, writer, essayist & Administrator
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

Author's Page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003POL3FY

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men"
~ ~Frederick Douglass

The men in Whispers

2010-11-13T14:21:00.004-06:00

May I introduce Brianna Deville's men?

A villainous, unprincipled scoundrel, without a doubt;

an opportunist, yet charming country fellow;

and a debonair, dashing, and gallant man.

You will meet them all in Whispers From The Mirror, a novel.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, writer, essayist & Administrator
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

Author's Page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003POL3FY

My notes on Election 2010

2010-11-03T14:52:00.000-05:00

MoveOn says it better than I. The supporters in the 2008 election split and went in different directions. It's kind of hard to believe when your financial rug has been pulled from under you. I understand. I hope President Obama understands. The priority at the end of 2008 and going into 2009 should have been jobs, jobs, jobs. mem

"It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men"
~ ~Frederick Douglass

Dear MoveOn member,

There's no sugarcoating it. The election results overall are devastating.

And already, pundits are telling Democrats they "overreached," and need to be less progressive.

Well, here's our take: Americans needed to see Democrats out there, every day, fighting tooth and nail for regular folks. But too often, on things like the AIG bonus scandal and the foreclosure crisis, they saw corporate lobbyists getting their way while people suffered.

Democrats made genuine and significant progress on issues like health care and Wall Street reform. But the Republicans, Fox, and corporate front groups systematically misled America about all of that. And then those same groups spent hundreds of millions to put Republicans over the top.

Progressive heroes like Russ Feingold, Alan Grayson, and Tom Perriello stood up for everything we believe in. But they were swamped by voter frustration and corporate cash.

It sure makes the change we seek seem a long way off.

But when I'm tempted to throw up my hands and walk away, I think of folks like Steve Nathan, an amazing MoveOn volunteer leader in Pennsylvania. Since Steve got laid off months ago, he's been splitting his time between hunting for a job and helping organize hundreds of other MoveOn members.

Then, two weeks ago, Steve arrived home from four hours out knocking on the doors of Democratic voters to find a foreclosure notice taped to his own door. "I'm in shock and stunned," he wrote us in an email, apologizing for needing to cut back on his duties. But Steve didn't cut back—he's been out knocking on doors and coordinating volunteers almost every day since.

Just like thousands of other MoveOn members who tirelessly canvassed, held house parties, and made calls all year.

When I talked to Steve yesterday, he told me that, win or lose, house or no house, he's not stopping his work for change. "Doing that," he said, "would mean giving up all hope, and I'll never do that."

We can't either.

Because Steve's work—and your work—has made a difference. Now millions of people will get health care. Some of the worst Wall Street abuses have been reined in. Billions have been invested in clean energy.

We can't give up hope because our country is still hurting. And if corporate Republicans and tea partiers have their way, things will get a lot worse.

We can't stop fighting because we carry in our hearts a vision of Americans coming together to take care of each other and make our country work again. And if we don't fight for that vision, who will?

Today, we should all take a breath.

Tomorrow we need to get back to work.

Our country needs us still.

Thank you—for all you did this year to make change happen, and all you will do to keep up the fight.

–Justin, Aaron, Adam, Amy, Anna, Annie, Carrie, Christopher, Daniel, David, Duncan, Eli, Emily, Gail, Ian, Ilya, Ilyse, Jarred, Joan, Kat, Laura, Lenore, Mariana, Marika, Matthew, Melanie, Michael B., Michael S., Milan, Nick, Nita, Patrick, Perrin, Peter, Randall, Robin, Ryan, Sam, Scott, Stephen, Steven, Susannah, Tim C., Tim G., and Wes

P.S. What do you think about the election? Post your thoughts, and see what other MoveOn members are saying, here:

http://pol.moveon.org/2010/discuss.html?id=25019-5362859-25L5FYx&t=1

Want to support our work? We're entirely funded by our 5 million members—no corporate contributions, no big checks from CEOs. And our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. Chip in here.

PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. This email was sent to Minnie E Miller on November 3, 2010. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here.

A true word for the day

2010-10-31T14:34:00.001-05:00

A truly true word for today.

The Republicans are using chicanery to highjack this election and leaning toward the next. (My opinion.)

Word of the Day for Sunday, October 31, 2010

chicanery \shih-KAY-nuh-ree\, noun:

1. The use of trickery or sophistry to deceive (as in matters of law).
2. A trick; a subterfuge.

Wordsworth's paternal grandfather, Richard, had first come to Westmorland from South Yorkshire in 1700, to recoup his fortunes with the then baron Lonsdale, having been done out of his fortune by his own guardian's chicanery.
-- Kenneth R. Johnston, The Hidden Wordsworth

True, Gramm-Rudman's deficit targets were often met only by chicanery -- by anticipating revenues and moving expenses off-budget.
-- David Frum, "Righter Than Newt", The Atlantic, March 1995

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, writer, essayist & Administrator
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

"The Seduction of Mr. Bradley" is on Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B300DI80E

Author's Page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003POL3FY

Down and Dirty Politics

2010-10-30T11:11:00.001-05:00

Wonder, how many other corporations are doing this. There'll get away with it if employees don't complain.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/30/us/politics/30ohio.html?src=ISMR_AP_LO_MST_FB

McDonald's Workers Are Told Whom to Vote for

By SABRINA TAVERNISE

Published: October 29, 2010

WASHINGTON — When workers in a McDonald's restaurant in Canton, Ohio, opened their paychecks this month, they found a pamphlet urging them to vote for the Republican candidates for governor, Senate and Congress, or possibly face financial repercussions.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, writer, essayist & Administrator
Mz Minerva Publishing

Drop by and read about Ibn. Idrissa's nephew

2010-10-29T10:38:00.001-05:00

Something is working on:

http://millerscribs.com/blog/2010/10/28/ibn-a-natural-talent/

Stop by.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, writer, essayist & Administrator
Mz Minerva Publishing
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

"The Seduction of Mr. Bradley" is on Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B300DI80E

Author's Page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003POL3FY

Pending Novels:
Lucien and Christina: A Vampire Love Story
Whispers From The Mirror

The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration

2010-10-19T15:10:00.008-05:00

Lolly L. Bowean
Subject: Isabel Wilkerson Discusses new book about Great Migration

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson discusses her new book, The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration

In this beautifully written masterwork, Wilkerson chronicles one of the great untold stories of American history: the decades-long migration of black citizens who fled the South for northern and western cities, in search of a better life. From 1915 to 1970, this exodus of almost six million people changed the face of America.

She interviewed more than a thousand people, and gained access to new data and official records, to write this definitive and vividly dramatic account of how these American journeys unfolded, altering our cities, our country, and ourselves.

Recorded Thursday, September 30, 2010 at Harold Washington Library Center in Chicago, IL

----------------------
MEM

Minnie Estelle Miller
Mz Minerva Publishing
Founder, writer, essayist & Administrator

http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

"The Seduction of Mr. Bradley" is on Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B300DI80E

Author's Page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003POL3FY

Pending Novels:
Lucien and Christina: A Vampire Love Story
Whispers From The Mirror

I'm just saying!

2010-10-19T14:36:00.011-05:00

Here are two interesting articles showing two-sides of the issue. The first one, IMO, tells me I shouldn't scrabble to watch my favorite TV News, I can catch it on the other side, everywhere. Only the faces change.

Shop Talk by TVSpy, Short Takes. October 19, 2010

Forbes
"Given the seamless fusion of cable, satellite, and over-the-air TV in recent years, it seems inevitable that subscription-based services, with content providers and distribution providers splitting the revenue, is the future trend."

Bloomberg
"Media companies may be gaining the upper hand in extracting fees from cable and satellite companies for content that used to be free."

Minnie Estelle Miller

Push back & you'll be heard

2010-10-19T12:49:00.001-05:00

It pays to speak up!

Democrats make pre-election pitch to help seniors

By JIM ABRAMS, Associated Press Writer Jim Abrams, Associated Press Writer Tue Oct 19, 6:56 am ET

WASHINGTON – Democrats are making a pre-election pitch to give Social Security recipients a one-time payment of $250, part of a larger effort to convince senior voters that their party, and not Republicans, will best look out for the 58 million people who get the government retirement and disability benefits.

The $250 check is meant to make up for a second year without a cost-of-living increase due to low inflation.

President Barack Obama has urged Congress to approve the $250 payment. House and Senate Democratic leaders Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid say they will bring up the legislation when lawmakers return for the lame-duck session in November. In the meantime, Democrats are using the proposal to augment their campaign pitch that Republicans would undermine Social Security.

"Instead of helping seniors," Pelosi's office said, "Republicans, backed by their allies on Wall Street, are threatening to privatize and cut Social Security, just as they tried to do under President Bush."

Added Reid, "The only thing standing in the way of America's seniors receiving this critical support are Senate Republicans."

Actually, 12 Democrats and one independent who aligns himself with Democrats joined 37 Republicans in blocking the $250 bonus when Senate voted on the issue last March. Two of the Senate Democrats who voted against it then, Michael Bennet of Colorado and Russ Feingold of Wisconsin, are engaged in tough campaign battles to keep their seats.

Democratic leaders in the House never brought the issue up for a vote. Obama first asked Congress for the $250 payment last February.

"It's clearly a last-ditch election-year Hail Mary," said Michael Steel, a spokesman for House Republican leader John Boehner of Ohio. If supplementing the incomes of seniors was really a priority, he said, Democrats would have acted on it before they adjourned for the campaign.

Pending Novels:
Lucien and Christina: A Vampire Love Story
Whispers From The Mirror

Mz Minerva Publishing
Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, writer, essayist & Administrator
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

"The Seduction of Mr. Bradley" is on Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B300DI80E

Author's Page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003POL3FY

1960s

2010-10-13T04:14:00.001-05:00

Something you should know and most remember. mem

From: Wayne Tukes <wtukes@colum.edu>
Subject: Twitter, Facebook, and social activism

Small Change

Why the revolution will not be tweeted.
by Malcolm Gladwell
Source: New Yorker.com

At four-thirty in the afternoon on Monday, February 1, 1960, four college students sat down at the lunch counter at the Woolworth's in downtown Greensboro, North Carolina. They were freshmen at North Carolina A. & T., a black college a mile or so away.

"I'd like a cup of coffee, please," one of the four, Ezell Blair, said to the waitress.

"We don't serve Negroes here," she replied.

The Woolworth's lunch counter was a long L-shaped bar that could seat sixty-six people, with a standup snack bar at one end. The seats were for whites. The snack bar was for blacks. Another employee, a black woman who worked at the steam table, approached the students and tried to warn them away. "You're acting stupid, ignorant!" she said. They didn't move. Around five-thirty, the front doors to the store were locked. The four still didn't move. Finally, they left by a side door. Outside, a small crowd had gathered, including a photographer from the Greensboro Record. "I'll be back tomorrow with A. & T. College," one of the students said.

By next morning, the protest had grown to twenty-seven men and four women, most from the same dormitory as the original four. The men were dressed in suits and ties. The students had brought their schoolwork, and studied as they sat at the counter. On Wednesday, students from Greensboro's "Negro" secondary school, Dudley High, joined in, and the number of protesters swelled to eighty. By Thursday, the protesters numbered three hundred, including three white women, from the Greensboro campus of the University of North Carolina. By Saturday, the sit-in had reached six hundred. People spilled out onto the street. White teen-agers waved Confederate flags. Someone threw a firecracker. At noon, the A. & T. football team arrived. "Here comes the wrecking crew," one of the white students shouted.

By the following Monday, sit-ins had spread to Winston-Salem, twenty-five miles away, and Durham, fifty miles away. The day after that, students at Fayetteville State Teachers College and at Johnson C. Smith College, in Charlotte, joined in, followed on Wednesday by students at St. Augustine's College and Shaw University, in Raleigh. On Thursday and Friday, the protest crossed state lines, surfacing in Hampton and Portsmouth, Virginia, in Rock Hill, South Carolina, and in Chattanooga, Tennessee. By the end of the month, there were sit-ins throughout the South, as far west as Texas. "I asked every student I met what the first day of the sitdowns had been like on his campus," the political theorist Michael Walzer wrote in Dissent. "The answer was always the same: 'It was like a fever. Everyone wanted to go.' " Some seventy thousand students eventually took part. Thousands were arrested and untold thousands more radicalized. These events in the early sixties became a civil-rights war that engulfed the South for the rest of the decade—and it happened without e-mail, texting, Facebook, or Twitter.

Pending Novels:
Lucien and Christina: A Vampire Love Story
Whispers From The Mirror

Mz Minerva Publishing
Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, writer, essayist & Administrator
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

"The Seduction of Mr. Bradley" is on Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B300DI80E

Author's Page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003POL3FY

Not fair!

2010-10-11T23:21:00.000-05:00

Senior citizens brace for Social Security freeze

By MATT SEDENSKY, Associated Press Writer Matt Sedensky, Associated Press Writer – 1 hr 4 mins ago

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Seniors prepared to cut back on everything from food to charitable donations to whiskey as word spread Monday that they will have to wait until at least 2012 to see their Social Security checks increase.

The government is expected to announce this week that more than 58 million Social Security recipients will go through a second straight year without an increase in monthly benefits. This year was the first without an increase since automatic adjustments for inflation started in 1975.

"I think it's disgusting," said Paul McNeil, 69, a retired state worker from Warwick, R.I., who said his food and utility costs have gone up, but his income has not. He lamented decisions by lawmakers that he said do not favor seniors.

"They've got this idea that they've got to save money and basically they want to take it out of the people that will give them the least resistance," he said.

Cost-of-living adjustments are automatically set by a measure adopted by Congress in the 1970s that orders raises based on the Consumer Price Index, which measures inflation. Social Security benefits will remain unchanged as long as consumer prices remain below the level they were at in 2008, the last time a COLA was awarded.

Still, seniors like McNeil said they'll be thinking about the issue when they go to vote, and experts said the news comes at a bad time for Democrats already facing potentially big losses in November. Seniors are the most loyal of voters, and their support is especially important during midterm elections, when turnout is generally lower.

Minnie Estelle Miller

http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

News_it's not fair!

2010-10-04T10:29:00.000-05:00

I knew this would happen. Where are the overseers? Firms are firing, not hiring, stashing the money, and doubling work loads on employees still on payroll. It's not right! mem

- TOP STORIES -

Cheap Debt for Corporations Fails to Spur Economy
By GRAHAM BOWLEY
As many households and small businesses are denied loans,
some big corporations are saving, not investing, vast sums
they borrowed for next to nothing through a policy meant to
help the economy.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/04/business/04borrow.html?th&emc=th

Pending Novels:
"Lucien and Christina: A Vampire Love Story"
"Whispers From The Mirror"

Mz Minerva Publishing
Minnie Estelle Miller
Founder, writer, essayist & Administrator
http://www.millerscribs.com
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

"The Seduction of Mr. Bradley" is on Kindle
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B300DI80E

Author's Page
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003POL3FY

You have received the Lovely Blog Award

2010-09-24T21:39:00.008-05:00

I have chosen you for the Lovely Blog Award because you offer so much, and because you are a kindred spirit. https://www.niambibrowndavis.blogspot.com

I've already committed to reading Sabor A Mi. It sounds exciting.

Oh, and most definitely try ballroom dancing. It's elegant. My Uncle Blu taught me. He was in his sixties and I in my teens. I felt like such a lady. You see how long ago that was, but given the right partner (and he doesn't bend me over backward) I believe I could try it again.

Thank you for your friendship.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Mz Minerva Publishing
https://www.millerscribs.com

Susan's Lovely Blog Award

2010-09-24T20:47:00.006-05:00

Susan Griscom https://susangriscom/ deserves the Lovely Blog Award.

She is to be watched; she has a prying nature; and she will keep asking until satisfied.

Keep pushing, Susan. Something wonderful is coming your way.

Minnie E. Miller

https://www.millerscribs.com

Amazon Author Central

2010-06-27T13:57:00.000-05:00

Check out my new author's profile on Amazon.com and tell me what your think.

Those who have already visited, note that I've added more information about my upcoming books.

Your opinions are important to me.

https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/profile

Peace...

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
http://www.millerscribs.com/
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

My Author's Page

2010-06-06T12:20:00.017-05:00

My Author's page on Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003POL3FY

"The Seduction of Mr. Bradley" is on Kindle http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ODI80E

Lucien: Prince of Darkness and
Whispers from the Mirror are coming soon.

My novel on Kindle

2010-05-30T22:45:00.001-05:00

"The Seduction of Mr. Bradley"

http://www.amazon.com/Seduction-Mr-Bradley-ebook/dp/B003ODI80E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1275242168&sr=1-1

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
http://www.millerscribs.com/
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog
www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

A new adventure for Brianna?

2010-05-16T15:38:00.008-05:00

Rowena Seabrook sent Brianna on a so-called wild-goose-chase freeing Beau from his and Brianna’s romantic dance. But a new world opened for her.

Before Brianna could pull herself together, a well-dressed, genteel man approached her, took her hand and swirled her onto the dance floor, much to her surprise. She drew her head back, gazed at his face. “Well, sir, we meet again.”

He chuckled and in a husky voice. “Yes, several times.”

“You sat beside me during the campaign speech and you and your wife were at the mayor’s table during the Parker event.” I also remember Mrs. Anthony’s antagonistic expression and later reading about your divorce in a Chicago newspaper.

“And I remember you well, Brianna, how could I not.”

This was definitely not the place to discuss what little she knew about his divorce. She let it rest. “Marc, can we talk when I have a little more time? I’m in charge of this soirée.”

“Is that a promise? I’ll accept a date for breakfast ... lunch ... a picnic ... dinner. How’s that for availability?”

Gazing in his face, Brianna couldn’t hide the smile that lit up her face. Love that mischievous smile.

“Okay.” She removed her body from his. “Later, Mr. Anthony.”

“At your convenience, Ms. Deville.” He was in no hurry to end their conversation indicated by the secure hold he had on her hand and the smile still on his lips.

Leaving him on the dance floor, she said in a lowered voice, “Interesting. But where did Beau go?”

Watch for this new women’s fiction novel coming soon.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist

Whispers From The Mirror, A Novel

2010-05-06T16:15:00.004-05:00

Whispers from the Mirror

By Minnie E. Miller
Publication in August 2010

A Brief Synopsis

Brianna’s mother, Belle Deville, is a Civil Rights lawyer and news commentator. She never meets her father; her parent’s relationship ends before she is born. This weighs on Brianna’s mind for years. Belle’s broken relationship leaves its mark and she passes bitterness to her daughter telling her to be independent and put very little faith in men. As a result, Brianna hides behind the mask of feminism. At age forty, unmarried and childless, she begins to question her mother’s advice. She meets the man she wants. Beau. He deceives her, they breakup. No matter who’s at fault, she must deal with it. Their lives change but not their feelings.

Two years later, emotions are awaken during an unexpected meeting. Beau calls two days later and, once again, turns her world upside down. Determine to end that chapter in her life, she writes him a letter emptying her mind, but her heart is still in pain. She writes.

My Dear Beau:

It was good to see you. It seems only yesterday that you left me. You were so dear to me. I think I’m still in love with you. I might even love you. Yet, I’m a coward. I invited you into my secret garden and you came willingly in all your beauty. conversely, you changed so abruptly it was dizzying. What happened?

In our chance meeting, your eyes gazed deep into my soul. Even though it’s been awhile, they continue to fascinate me. I see them in my sleep. And yes, your lips still invite me. You say you see my face in your dreams. That’s a laugh.

Standing on that sidewalk before all seeing eyes, I wanted to touch your cheeks, feel your arms around me. You still make me feel warm, although it’s been a while since we have touched.

You keep your distance in my dreams as well. I understand your hesitation. It’s because our situation is not conducive to that action.

Reflections of you make me hyperactive, giddy and then sad. Memories pass through my fingers like a gentle wind, leaving me with nothing to quiet the pain except more pain.

Just when I think I’ve gained control of my feelings, you return from afar with a smile, but offer nothing else.

Now, you call me confessing your love. Why? And I still can’t touch you.
Please stay out of my mind. Then, I will get you out of my heart. I don’t want your confession, then again, I guess it’s only human to want to know how another feels about you. Humankind is funny that way.

How is all this possible? My heart created this fairy tale, with your help, of course. Yet, I consider it my burden. Nevertheless, being a person of principle, I won’t interrupt your life and I will not allow you to interrupt mine.

Tuck your love away in the recesses of your heart. Free me by allowing me to grieve, to heal and to find another. I refuse to live crying myself to sleep.

Go away, Beau.

I remain,
Brianna Deville

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
http://www.millerscribs.com/
http://www.millerscribs.com/blog

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

2010-05-06T16:13:00.000-05:00

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Year_74

2010-05-02T17:20:00.001-05:00

Click on the picture and see the others.

Streams of Thought

2010-04-19T13:31:00.003-05:00

Hello Spring!
April 19, 2010

We are stuck in the past in many of our writings. I know that is a bigmouth statement that will earn me a lot of criticism. But it’s true.

We write about baby mommas, mental and physical abuse, “hood” thugs, drugs, soft-core pornography (named in the 1970s, today we call it erotica), so-called Christian fiction, and good old infidelity. Almost every African American reader know about these issues from living them or reading about them ad nauseam. They tend to hold us down, preventing growth in our writings.

Then the question is how can we begin to think and write Future? Life is a series of changes—life cycles. It’s played out in families, cultures, plants, and animals. We have questions about life, pick a subject, research it, and tell it in a story. Sorry to tell you this but I can’t see many of the work published today being accepted as Literary Classics—don’t know the definition? Look it up. And that includes my novels. We write commercial fiction with a lot of sub-genres, many we have invented, and some publishers as well as.

While it’s important to remember the past so as not to repeat, it’s also important to reach for the future, to do that we must prepare in the present.

If you don't want to grow your writing career, forget about his message.

I saw this in my mind this morning and needed to put it into words. Please accept it as a love offering.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
http://www.millerscribs.com/

March Report on M20

2010-03-15T12:51:00.005-05:00

How we’re doing with Ménage à 20, Tales with a Hook
by Carlos J. Cortes
Mar 14, 2010 12:59AM

UPDATE

We published on December 9. This morning at 08:00 CET the figures for the period December 9, 2009 to March 14, 2010 were as follows:

Book sales at Lulu: 108
Visits to the Ménage page: 2050
Downloads from the website: 896

Though interest is flagging the diversity of our visitors isn't.

United States 574
India 277
United Kingdom 138
Spain 121
Canada 71
Philippines 49
Australia 31
Indonesia 28
Nigeria 23
Malaysia 22
South Africa 22
Russia 16
Singapore 15
Pakistan 14
Germany 12
Egypt 12
Romania 12
Mexico 11
Japan 11
Kenya 11
Ukraine 9
France 8
Brazil 8
Bangladesh 8
Poland 7
Zambia 6
Myanmar 6
Netherlands 6
Ireland 6
Italy 6
Uganda 5
Turkey 5
New Zealand 5
Puerto Rico 5
Greece 4
Iraq 4
Denmark 4
Saudi Arabia 4
Sweden 4
Georgia 4
Belgium 4
Sri Lanka 4
Ethiopia 3
Portugal 3
Norway 3
Hungary 3
Colombia 3
Morocco 3
Argentina 3
Malta 3
Nepal 3
Vietnam 3
Serbia 3
Ghana 3
Switzerland 3
Thailand 3
South Korea 2
Slovenia 2
Cambodia 2
Cyprus 2
Trinidad and Tobago 2
Macedonia 2
Yemen 2
Tunisia 2
Algeria 2
Palestinian Territories 2
Cameroon 1
Jamaica 1
Brunei 1
Barbados 1
Níger 1
Costa Rica 1
Bhutan 1
Bulgaria 1
United Arab Emirates 1
Botswana 1
Iran 1
Czech Republic 1
Israel 1
Uzbekistán 1
Paraguay 1
Bahrain 1
Tanzania 1
Slovakia1
Albania 1
Armenia 1
Namibia 1
Senegal 1
Chile 1
Bolivia 1
Jordan 1

"Naturally, my heart soars at the thought of our lonely reader sitting under a Kopje in Senegal, or Namibia, Tanzania or Yemen, licking a grubby finger to turn a photocopied page, deep into Gwen's or Michael's or Wendy's magic while the goats scamper all over the place."

Free download to Ménage à 20
http://www.carlosjcortes.com/downloads/menage_a_20.pdf

For ordering details:
http://www.menage-a-20.com/

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist

http://www.millerscribs.com/
http://millerscribs.com/blog/

Reporting on Menage a 20

2010-02-07T12:11:00.005-06:00

Reporting...They know us in India. Woo-hoo!
(Don't mind Carlos's tease, he loves Renee.)

UPDATE
Carlos

We published on December 9. This morning at 08:00 CET the figures for the period December 9, 2009 to February 7, 2010 were as follows:

Book sales at Lulu: 106
Visits to the Ménage page: 1,521
Downloads from the website: 602

Her Royal Highness, Princess Renée, once she stops feeling tenuous, insubstantial and almost incorporeal after a memorable night, will post the data from Scribd. Naturally she will gift us with tall stories about hyperactive kids, snoring husband, restless cats, dogs and moles, blizzards, headaches and the like to cover her tracks. Shameful.

Don’t ask me why, but we have almost 20o visits from India; our readers from Bangalore, Delhi and Calcutta are having a whale of a time with Ménage. Also, the folks from Yekaterinburg and Orbsk, from the former Soviet Union, love the compilation. A group en Malang, Indonesia, plan to name a dirt road after our inimitable Henry, much revered at rowdy parties and hailed as a minor deity by the locals.

I will continue to post updates on Sunday mornings.

From Renee

Oh yes, I did have a wonderful night, and I`m still recovering. This guy, Sinus Infection, stopped by and kept me up all night. He was kind enough to allow me to sleep in though, until 7:30. I should send him home, Kurt tends to get jealous, but he`s determined to stay.
Interesting, those numbers Carlos. India, who knew.

So we uploaded to Scribd on Jan 25, 2009, Wendy added to her profile on the 29th, total reads Jan 25 to Feb. 7 = 436
Downloads = 34

Not bad. We had one rating of 5 stars. But they don`t often rate or comment on there, so even that is pretty good

Peace be with you.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
http://www.millerscribs.com/
http://millerscribs.com/blog/

Free download to Ménage à 20
http://www.carlosjcortes.com/downloads/menage_a_20.pdf

For ordering details:
http://www.menage-a-20.com/

Coming Soon: Whispers From The Mirror

The Beginning

2009-12-11T13:59:00.004-06:00

Ménage à 20, Tales with a hook

We offer fantasy to horror, science fiction to comedy, and romance.
My contribution is “Reconstructing Emily,” mainstream fiction.
Visit here for all the ordering details: http://www.menage-a-20.com/

Note: We make no profit from this project. We simply want to share our talents with the world.

Paraphasing Carlos J. Cortes, the leader of the pack.
The moderators put together a project to promote the Goodreads members’ extraordinary talents and the On Writing Group.

“We propose to publish an e-book with twenty short stories from as many writers, to give away free from every blog and website we can muster. Our goal is to enrich the lives of 100,000 readers with snippets of rare beauty they would otherwise miss. Naturally, 100,000 is a conservative estimate, millions is more likely.

“Please, don’t forget the submissions must meet two conditions to be included in the collection:

“1. Quality of writing. The piece must be well written. “Well written,” is subjective and Their Eminences will take into account that we will later pool our collective talents and edit the texts to the best of our abilities until they shine. Therefore, though we hope every writer will endeavour to polish their submissions, syntax and grammar problems we can address once the pieces have been chosen.

“2. Structure. The pieces must have a surprise ending. This is the common thread for the collection. It doesn’t matter if the short is a romance, SF, horror, Western, fantasy, thriller, Historical, urban or any other genre, as long as it has a surprise ending.

“The Ménage cover promises 29 shorts. I suggest we squeeze a titanic effort to produce the 30th tale. We could add it at the end of the book. (When the reader thinks the shorts have played out, there could be a suitable preface and a surprise). It would be a unique gift to our readers. One short-story written by the twenty of us.”
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1976776.Carlos_J_Cortes

The authors on Goodreads hail from the 4 corners of the globe and are:

Andy Love (Goodreads author), Carlos J. Cortes (Goodreads author), D.B. Pacini (Goodreads author), Diane Condon-Boutier (Goodreads author), Gwendolyn McIntyre (Goodreads author), Henry Lara (Goodreads author), Isabella Erlenmeyer, Jeanne Voelker (Goodreads author), Kate Quinn(Goodreads author), Kelley Roby(Goodreads author), Lauren Stone(Goodreads author), Michael Keyton(Goodreads author), Minnie Estelle Miller(Goodreads author), Paul Mitton, Renee Miller, Rita Stradling(Goodreads author), Rita J. Webb(Goodreads author), Roy L. Pickering Jr.(Goodreads author), Susan Curnow(Goodreads author), Wendy Swore(Goodreads author).

Luis Cano created the intriguing cover and Carlos J. Cortes guided this ship through the storm. Bravo, Carlos!

Our home: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/13591.On_Fiction_Writing.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist

Coming very soon...

Lucien flaunts designer clothes like a peacock
and has the presence upon which to drape the finest--
tall with a mysterious, brooding, handsome face--when fed.
He is a vampire of fine presence despite all.
He wants to control the undead's nights,
to be the...
Lucien: Prince of Darkness

http://www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/
http://www.shelfari.com/estelle4700
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3211593.Minnie_Estelle_Miller
Seasons Greetings

My work 2009

2009-11-19T21:57:00.009-06:00

"Blue Lady Rising" started 13 years ago is on hold even now. I felt it too controversial to publish at the time. It even upset my editor. Simply, it’s about the life of a 17-year-old lured into prostitution by a much older pimp. It spans more than 40 years, and for half of those years, the protagonist lives under the threat of death for turning evidence against the pimp that sends him prison.

"Catharsis" was self-published in 2003. It consists of 3 short stores.
Run, Baby, Run! opens in 1854 on a slave plantation in Augusta, Georgia. Protagonist Sarah, a Negro bastard child of the white plantation owner, and her mother flees from slavery. During their escape, her mother dies of untreated illnesses. Sarah meets Vampire Damon in the woods and is offered eternal life, freedom, and an opportunity to save her peers still in bondage.
An Unusual Love Affair is between a mortal and an immortal. They meet at an opera house, but she is unaware that he is a vampire. He mentally seduces her. She reluctantly accepts his offered so-called gift-of-life. The bliss begins to dull when she misses the accouterments of the mortal world. She straddles the divide and the fight is on.
Connecting is a contemporary paranormal love story. Mature adults meet and experience love at first sight. Both have been through bad marriages. Yet, she wants him in her life and invites him to move in with her. He refuses. She is embarrassed and they break up. He dies and she knows not why. During many haunting spiritual visits, he explains his refusal of her offer and confesses love for her, which drives her to distraction.

"The Seduction Of Mr. Bradley" was hard to write. Don’t know if I would have made it if not for two senior editors. It’s also self-published.
Bill Bradley is protagonist. I wanted it to be a love story, but it had its own mind, and I left it up to the reader to define. And, believe me, there were many differing opinions. Ted Grassley adopts and mentors Bill from high school to manhood. Ted is a marketing CEO with deep pockets. Although married for forty years, he is bisexual. He financially backs Bill’s PR agency. Ted awakens Bill’s alternative life that he isn’t aware of by seducing him on his 21st birthday. Many years later, matters become complicated when he meets Jina Cook, a straight, attractive writer. He is now torn between Jina and Ted—trapped in an emotional war.

"Whispers From The Mirror" is a paranormal/feminist novel.
Brianna is protagonist. Mother Belle raises her to be a strong, independent woman. In deference to her mother, she lives most of her life hiding behind that mask until she learns mother had abandoned her for a career she tethers Brianna to. A rape and troubled relationship shakes her world. She hears her biological clock ticking and knows she is at a crossroad. Mirror-lady, an apparition and constant companion, counsels Brianna. She tells her the truth about her life as a feminist, how it’s inhibiting her, and blocking her happiness. “Whispers” is pending publication.

"Lucien: Prince of Darkness" is my latest vampire love. It’s half finished and under contract with an indie publisher.
Lucien wants to create a different vampire world away from the proverbial graveyard, but must fight the ancient vampires for territory. He recruits a crew, some willingly and some against their will, to join his planned vampire empire. Most of all he wants a love for eternity and finds her in a mortal. He has to convence her to be transitioned into his world of vampirism. The novel is a spin-off from Forever, My Love, an Amazon Short.

"Reconstructing Emily" is my contribution to our anthology titled Ménage-à-20

My published books are no longer in online bookstore. They can be purchased from me through e-mail or my website http://www.millerscribs.com

I guess you are wondering why the red sheet. I just like red.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist

Blogging In Black: E-Publishing or Bust

2009-08-20T13:34:00.000-05:00

Blogging In Black: E-Publishing or Bust

Believe in Yourself, a poem

2009-08-12T09:45:00.003-05:00

Believe in Yourself
By Ali Marsman

I AM BEAUTIFUL

I will no longer believe you as I have before,

I AM DESERVING

What you said doesn't matter to me anymore,

I AM STRONG

You will no longer bring me down,

I WILL HEAL

Because of the greatness in me I've found,

I WILL SUCCEED

at what I want that is best for me,

I AM ELATED

Because of the fine things in me I see,

I AM OUTSTANDING

It shows in everything I have done,

I DO BELIEVE

In myself, this means I've won,

I AM INTELLIGENT

Because of what I now believe

I AM WONDERFUL

It doesn't matter anymore what you see,

I AM LOVABLE

I don't need to hear this from you,

MY FEELINGS COUNT

Along with everything else I've been through,

I Am Beautiful, I Am Elated, I Am Intelligent,

I Am Deserving, I Am Lovable, I Am Wonderful,

I Will Succeed, I Am Outstanding, I Do Believe,

My Feelings Count AND I Am Strong!

all the things I allowed you to put in my head,

were so very wrong.

'96

Ali Marsman was born in 1978, she grew up and spent twenty-five years living in Nova Scotia and now lives in British Columbia.

Her first books, 'Heal With Me' and 'Our Journey Goes On' sent her on a journey throughout Canada presenting motivational workshops and speeches, in schools, group homes, shelters and within various other organizations and societies.

Stop by her website for more of her lovely poems.
http://alimarsman.com/default.aspx

Editing Tips

2009-07-30T17:24:00.004-05:00

Meet Carlos Cartes: “I write for the same reason I breathe: to carry on living.”

He’s the moderator of “On Fiction Writing” group on goodreads.com. “We seek to debate how we research, structure, plot, draft, edit, write, and rewrite our novels.” It's a public group; anyone can join. Fair warning, however, it’s not a showcase or an arena to promote your personal works.

Carlos J Cortes is the author of numerous unpublished novels and one of the World’s least influential people (his words, not mine). His first SF thriller, Perfect Circle, was published in 2008. The second, The Prisoner, another SF thriller, is scheduled for release 29 September 2009, both courtesy of Random House. He presently lives in Barcelona, Spain.

I asked permission to share his notes because they hit me square in the middle of my brain.

# # # # #

Imagine that after no end of poring over the ghastly dribble we try to palm as prose, we reach the wishful—and often irrational—conclusion that our work is readable.

We must now strive to revise the text with discipline. It’s almost impossible for most of us to do the mental juggling needed to review a text looking for flaws under seventeen separate headings. Hence, I propose a sensible approach: read-as-we-look-for-a-single-flaw.

Repeat after me: “Adverbs are a curse, my writing is cursed and it must be exorcised.” Repeat it ad nauseam, like a mantra. If you feel giddy, stop. The first step must be to identify the rascals and bring them up into the open.

To do this, advance as follows:

You need the “find” tool in MS Word, on the “edit” menu.

On the “find” window, type ly (no spaces at either side). Click on ‘Highlight all items’. The text will move and a little color window will appear on any word containing ‘ly’. Look for the words ending in ‘ly.’Check that it’s an adverb (it can be an adjective or a noun). If it is, click on the highlight tool, on your toolbar at the top of the screen.

When you finish, the text will have a dose of chickenpox.

Now that you have identified the fiends don’t do anything. Don’t plunge headlong on to a search and destroy sortie. Most of those adverbs have a short life, but they don’t know it yet.

Settle down, relax, bunch your toes a few times and then wiggle them a bit.

Browse through your text; look for masses of unbroken text and for bordering paragraphs of similar length. If you detect some of these visual problems, read the offending passages and try to break the large items into smaller and reshape similar paragraphs to add variety. They say variety is the spice of life. It certainly is of literature.

Have you done? Excellent! Repeat the toe bunching and wiggling, it shakes up dormant neurons.

Now read with an eye to the first word of each paragraph. Any echoes? Obvious repetitions? Repair.

Read again. Check the first word of each sentence. Any echoes? Obvious repetitions? Repair.

The toe routine is essential in-between each read. If at the same time you manage a smile, the effect is doubled. If, by any chance you suffer a flitting pang of self-consciousness and realize, deep down, that you’re being silly with all that toe bunching, then the effect increases tenfold.

With every reading the offending adverbs must have stuck up like sore thumbs, you couldn’t help glancing at them and their colorful livery. From now on, without undue zeal, when they least expect it, pounce over one and delete it or replace with another turn of phrase or a stronger verb.

Read the text again, perhaps over a cup of tea, and check only the POV, nothing else matters. (You can massacre an adverb or two, just for the hell of it).

Return to the top of the page, scene, chapter or manuscript and examine sentence structure. Check each sentence, weigh it, chew it a bit as you would olives (or cherries if you don’t like olives). If you find a pit (unnecessary adjective, dangling modifier, silly conjunction, sillier noun or even sillier determiner) spit it out. Check for passive constructions and fragments (these are not problems if used with measure), but keep your eye open, they have gregarious tendencies and can ruin a paragraph. Repair.

Hit the beginning of the manuscript a few more times. Look for weak verbs, flocks of pronouns, gaggles of conjunctions and the like. Repair.

Start again with an eye for names. Try to distinguish the names of your characters by length and initial. Don’t use two similar sounding names. (“Come here, Joe”, said Jim. Jon glanced at Jan and frowned.) Strive for variety.

Now tackle dialogue. Take a passage at a time. Read it aloud. Does it sound silly? It is. Does the brave heroine sounds inane? She is. Does the burly macho captain sounds limp-wristed? He is.

While you’re at it, check the tags. Any time you come across “Come here, buster,” she hissed. You try to hiss it, if possible in front of a mirror. (The same applies with ‘growled, barked, wheezed’ and the like). When you collect your wits and stop laughing, rewrite the offending tag without forgetting the toe bunching and wiggling.

Repeat the procedure with stage directions. Don’t forget that some lines (“This is silly,” Peter said scratching his crotch. “Yes it is,” Lynne said scratching her underarm.), are only acceptable if you’re writing ‘The Itch’.

Next in line is punctuation. Divide the task into two parts: story punctuation and dialogue punctuation. Read slowly, check for non-existent periods, punctuation outside quotes and the plethora of places where the damn things play hide-and-seek. From time to time, ambush an unsuspecting adverb and clobber it.

After you complete this process, the color-clad bandits will be in frank retreat, decimated beyond recognition. Check on those that have resisted previous onslaughts. You may want to spare the lives of these adverbs for effect. Relax and bunch your toes.

To remove the offending colored marks, select the whole document, then click on the highlighting tool and select ‘none’ or ‘no color’, depending on the version of your word processor.

After this process is completed let the text (and your toes) rest for a week. Then read again, as you would a book from a library shelf.

Now you have a pseudo-polished manuscript and it should go to your trusted readers.

The dear unpaid people will detect flaws in continuity, pace, structure, plot and subjective issues. They will labor like beavers and burn the midnight oil to point out the silly things we've left behind. What? You have no such readers? Mmmmm... you must secure the complicity of decent readers. We need ‘others’. Others will detect things that we cannot. It’s a question of perspective. A book doctor? Forsooth! That’s a last-ditch solution, like hitting a psychologist when you run out of friends. I’ve suspected for a long time that behind every good writer there lurks a body of tip-top readers. I insist. Get a cadre of harsh readers and you’re halfway there.

Once you get your reader’s reviews and corrections, implement these that in your opinion have merit and ignore the rest.

Now you can format the manuscript, light a candle to St. Dimas (patron saint of lost causes), another to St. Marie Magdalene (benefactor of repentant hookers), and send it off for a round of rejection slips.

When you collect a baker’s dozen, start again.

No rejections? Then open the bubbly and laugh yourself silly with much toe bunching and wriggling.

You can learn more about Carlos at:
http://www.carlosjcortes.com
http://carlos-odd-world.blogspot.com/
http://cortes-theprisoner.blogspot.com/
http://cortes-perfectcircle.blogspot.com...

Happy writing!

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist

On Agents

2009-07-15T11:19:00.002-05:00

As a writer, I have questions and personal beliefs regarding the use of an agent to shop my manuscript.

I have read Dr. Linda F. Beed’s article on SORMAG blog, “Purposely Said,” July 14, 2009. The issue being what you look for in an agent or what you want the function of this literary professional to be.

Dr. Beed said, “Depending upon the client/representative relationship, negotiations can extend to the securing of public appearances and collaborations on other projects.”

I was not aware of this broad representation.

The agent’s list of “typical agent services” is undertaken before receiving an income from the writer. I believe they deserve an advance for performing these services while waiting for a publisher to accept my MS. Probably not a popular idea, I’m sure. These are time-consuming activities and I understand that agents don’t receive pay for their services until the MS is accepted by a publishing house.

In Deatri King-Bey’s conference on “Unrealistic Expectations,” speaking of author royalties and agent fees, Tee C. Royal of RAWSISTZ offered, “for a lot of contracts, the author’s advance is broken up into 3 or 4 installments, some of which may be a year (or longer), they won’t see that 2nd part of the advance until that time.”

Ms. Royal continued, “Don’t even get me to talking about unexpectations as far as agents go and how some authors think agents don’t deserve 15% commissions. For those who feel this way...read above and note how often the author gets paid, which equates to how (and when) the agent gets a commission, no matter how much work they’re doing on your behalf throughout the year.”

I can see paying for agent services on a contractual and time limit basis. There I go again with my unpopular thoughts and I’m not even an agent. I am a writer. Period.

Dr. Beed said, “Because the agent is commission-based they will work diligently to secure the best contract.” I’m uncomfortable with that thought. I would rather they go beyond the usual PR connections, than be bribed (perhaps too harsh a word), maybe tempted, with a carrot to hustle harder.

One reason why I would think twice about hiring an agent is as Dr. Beed said, “avenues for submissions are not as hard to find as they once were.” The Internet is a wonderful avenue for writers. Yet and still, “The majority of the larger publishing houses only accept agented-manuscripts.” Yet another bump in the road when trying to get your work published.

Given the above, I would write a contract stating what I want from a professional agent. Perhaps they could work on other projects on my behalf. I have special needs, am unable to run all over having book signings that only produce limited income with my limited income. I need an agent to design a program for me as an aging author, to keep me before the public for at least a month in one or two big news media and to list my book in online bookstores. I’ll work a blog and a myspace account to coincide with a press release. When you think about it, adding the costs of 2 round-trip airfares and stay at 2 hotels together, you could purchase a nice ad in a local newspaper that will reach far more readers than a table at a book conference.

I wonder how Dorothy West’s agent handled her when she wrote her last novel in her nineties.

There I go again with my unrealistic expectations. I’m a long way (well...almost) from Ms. West’s writing ability. But I still have needs.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
www.millerscribs.com
Copyright © July 15, 2009

Fight Hate

2009-06-16T10:52:00.003-05:00

Lately, I feel my immediate job is to read the tea leaves about America because President Obama is the target of all sorts of hate attacks. I am not forgetting my career goal to write, but much fiction imitates life and should be included as well as debated in our fiction. Therefore, I will often pass on information that some might feel "not their concern." I beg to differ with that attitude. What happens in America is our concern--we are citizens of these states.

That said, I offer the following.

Op-Ed Columnist

The Big Hate

By PAUL KRUGMAN
Published: June 11, 2009

Back in April, there was a huge fuss over an internal report by the Department of Homeland Security warning that current conditions resemble those in the early 1990s —a time marked by an upsurge of right-wing extremism that culminated in the Oklahoma City bombing.

Conservatives were outraged. The chairman of the Republican National Committee denounced the report as an attempt to “segment out conservatives in this country who have a different philosophy or view from this administration” and label them as terrorists.

But with the murder of Dr. George Tiller by an anti-abortion fanatic, closely followed by a shooting by a white supremacist at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, the analysis looks prescient.

There is, however, one important thing that the D.H.S. report didn’t say: Today, as in the early years of the Clinton administration but to an even greater extent, right-wing extremism is being systematically fed by the conservative media and political establishment.

Now, for the most part, the likes of Fox News and the R.N.C. haven’t directly incited violence, despite Bill O’Reilly’s declarations that “some” called Dr. Tiller “Tiller the Baby Killer,” that he had “blood on his hands,” and that he was a “guy operating a death mill.” But they have gone out of their way to provide a platform for conspiracy theories and apocalyptic rhetoric, just as they did the last time a Democrat held the White House.

What will the consequences be? Nobody knows, of course, although the analysts at Homeland Security fretted that things may turn out even worse than in the 1990s — that thanks, in part, to the election of an African-American president, “the threat posed by lone wolves and small terrorist cells is more pronounced than in past years.”

And that’s a threat to take seriously. Yes, the worst terrorist attack in our history was perpetrated by a foreign conspiracy. But the second worst, the Oklahoma City bombing, was perpetrated by an all-American lunatic. Politicians and media organizations wind up such people at their, and our, peril.

Read the entire essay at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/12/opinion/12krugman.html?_r=1

Minnie Estelle Miller

Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
The Seduction of Mr. Bradley is still available.
www.millerscribs.com
www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/
www.shelfari.com/estelle4700
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/865951

"The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe."
— Gustave Flaubert

About "Wild Seed"

2009-06-13T17:56:00.002-05:00

Wild Seed
By Octavia E. Butler
(Taken from the back text of the novel)

“For centuries Anyanwu has created: birthed tribes, healed with her kisses, transformed into anything she wills herself to be. For millennia Doro has possessed: taken bodies as his own, killed with his whim, manipulated others to build a private race of witches and seers. And the power of their meeting, of Anyanwu’s nurture and passion, of Doro’s force and ambition, of their immortal love and hatred, will burn a Pattern into the very destiny of the world.”

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
The Seduction of Mr. Bradley is still available
http://www.millerscribs.com

What The Traveler Saw

2009-05-31T14:28:00.004-05:00

Take a trip through Laurel Stradford’s boutique in Chicago’s Hyde Park. “What The Traveler Saw” will delight the adventurous and fill others with awe. Laurel has traveled the world and brought back many of its treasures to Chicago. She has declared herself a bit of a gypsy and when you see the countries she has visited, you’ll understand. Be sure and read her bio; it’s most interesting.

I cannot pass her door without going in and browsing; it is so tranquil and Laurel is so open and friendly. I believe we are kindred spirits. And she loved my novel “The Seduction of Mr. Bradley!”

Click on the link and enjoy. Better still, if you can visit her boutique in Hyde Park You will get lost in time.

http://www.whatthetravelersaw.com/

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist

The Seduction of Mr. Bradley is still available.

www.millerscribs.com
www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/
www.shelfari.com/estelle4700
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/865951

Least We Forget

2009-05-09T12:06:00.005-05:00

Sorry if you feel I'm beating a dead horse, but much depends on our ability to survive in these troubled times. Who am I to preach? A caring individual.

It's a fact that most "Negroes" survived the Depression in the 1930s. I lived in those times and can attest to that. Sacrifices were a must and the coming together of community and family helped immensely. We can't ignore the so-called gorilla in the room.

I could go on forever but I think Bob Herbert says the rest.

~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^

May 9, 2009
Op-Ed Columnist
Far From Over
By BOB HERBERT

It’s a measure of just how terrible the economy has become that a loss of more than a half-million jobs in just one month can be widely seen as a good sign. The house is still burning down, but not quite as fast.

I can understand why people are relieved that we no longer seem to be hurtling toward a depression, but beyond that I see very little to be happy about.

The economy is in shambles. Nearly 540,000 jobs were lost in April, a horrifying number. The unemployment rate rose to 8.9 percent. Even the most optimistic observers expect the job losses to continue, although, hopefully, at a slower pace. The unemployment rate is expected to keep on climbing, like some monster from the movies, toward double digits.

We are stuck in what is — or will soon be — the worst economic downturn since the 1930s. Newspapers and the U.S. auto industry are on life support. The employment picture for even the most well-educated Americans — men and women with four-year college degrees or higher — is the worst on record.

If there is something about this economy to be cheerful about — something real — I wish someone would let me know.

Poverty and homelessness are increasing and, as Lawrence Mishel, the president of the Economic Policy Institute, said during an interview this week, “There are a whole lot of people who are going to be economically desperate for many years.”

Joblessness is like a cancer in the society. The last thing in the world that you want is for it to metastasize. And that’s what’s happening now. Don’t tell me about the stock market. Don’t tell me about the banks and their perpetual flimflammery. Tell me whether poor and middle-income families can find work. If they can’t, the country’s in trouble.

One reason the employment losses slowed somewhat in April was that the government added 72,000 jobs, most of them temporary hires as part of the preparation for the 2010 Census. The private sector dumped 611,000 jobs. Moreover, the Labor Department revised the job losses for March upward, from 663,000 to 699,000, and for February, from 651,000 to 681,000. Some 5.7 million jobs have been lost since the start of the recession in December 2007.

Mr. Mishel has been trying to call attention to the human toll caused by job losses on this vast scale. The institute estimates that the poverty rate for children is in danger of increasing from 18 percent, which is where it was in 2007, the last year for which complete statistics are available, to a scary 27.3 percent in 2010.

For black children, you don’t want to know. But I’ll tell you anyway. The poverty rate for black kids was 34.5 percent in 2007. If the national unemployment rate rises, as expected, to the vicinity of 10 percent next year, the poverty rate for black children would rise to 50 percent or higher, analysts at the institute believe.

That would be a profound tragedy.

We already know that children are being harmed in families hammered by job losses, home foreclosures and the myriad stresses that grip families trying to cope with economic reversals. Dr. Irwin Redlener, president of the Children’s Health Fund and a professor at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, has referred to these youngsters as the “recession generation,” and has described what is happening to them as “a quiet disaster.”

Much of the impact of the Obama administration’s economic stimulus efforts is still to come, but those efforts were never narrowly focused on the need for job creation and are not nearly large enough to cope with the mammoth job losses that are occurring. The official unemployment rate for men is already at 9.4 percent, and for black workers 15 percent.

To get a sense of the task ahead, consider that 7.8 million jobs would have to be created just to bring us back to where we were when the recession began. That’s because the working-age population has continued to grow since then. The economy has to create about 127,000 jobs a month just to keep up with population growth. That comes to more than 2 million jobs since the start of the recession, which you then add to the 5.7 million that have been lost.

There is no light yet at the end of this tunnel.

It may not be popular, and it certainly won’t sit well with the so-called deficit hawks in Congress, but there is a real need for additional government spending to further stimulate the economy and create jobs. (Think infrastructure, among other things.) The kind of employment distress we’re confronting is not sustainable. Help will be needed for people whose unemployment benefits run out, who are ill but not covered by medical insurance, who are homeless or otherwise in desperate economic straits.

This crisis is far from over.

Copyright 2009 The New York Times Company

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist

The Seduction of Mr. Bradley is still available.
www.millerscribs.com
minnie247@sbcglobal.net

First Lady Obama

2009-05-06T12:04:00.003-05:00

What is the role of First Lady Michelle Obama, Mom and wife or feminist? Your opinion about Ms. Harris-Lacewell's article. First is a paragraph of the article--you can read the entire article on the following link. Following that is Ms. Harris-Lacewell's response to some of the comments she received because of the stance she's taken.

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/notion/432957/michelle_obama_mom_in_chief

Michelle Obama, Mom-in-Chief
posted by Melissa Harris-Lacewell on 05/05/2009 @ 1:46pm

With Mother's Day approaching I want to think about Michelle Obama's assertion that her primary role as First Lady is "Mom-in-Chief."

Many progressive feminists were distressed with Michelle's assertion of motherhood as her primary role. They hoped she would seek a more aggressive policy agenda. After all Michelle Obama is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. She spent her career as an effective advocate for urban communities in their fraught relationship with powerful institutions. She is smart, capable, and independent. She maintained her own career and ambitions throughout Barack's early political career and even during his election to the U.S. Senate.

posted by MELISSA HARRIS-LACEWELL on 05/05/2009 @ 1:46pm

I focus less on Michelle Obama as an individual in the context you are writing in today - the context of cultural thought on gender and race norms - than I focus on the image of "family" the Obamas are presenting the nation's media with. I think that both Obamas are presenting together a very strong and important image of a functional, reasonable family, with two strong parent figures who respect each other and remain committed to their lives and children. Communities of color in particular what you might call "black America" struggle a lot with broken families. My point to you is that the way that Michelle Obama's image as a mother subverts certain images of black women as failed mothers, etc., is the same way that Barack Obama's image as a traditional father figure and a highly successful professional subverts the very serious and heavy images of failure that haunt black men.

Take them both together as a couple, then you can see how powerful their image is. Their "traditionalism" together is a completely needed and radical transformative image in a country where being african-american is equated with so man negative images.

Posted by syfriendly at 05/05/2009 @ 3:09pm

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
The Seduction of Mr. Bradley is still available.
www.millerscribs.com

One Hundred Days

2009-04-28T13:11:00.004-05:00

Confronting the economic crises here at home

Bold, yes. Strong, yes. A leader for all Americans, yes. That’s President Barack Obama.

Find your state on the map and see what he has done within his first 100 days in office. Go to http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/foundationforchange

Here is what he has done for Illinois.

> Jobs created or saved by the Recovery Act, 148,000
> Workers receiving the making work pay tax credit, 4,705,000
> Additional children with health care, 159,000
> Students aided by the American Opportunity Tax Act, 156,000.

* * * *

There must be something to this president. Look at what Sen. Specter did.

Pennsylvania's Specter switching parties

April 28, 2009 11:32 AM

Republican Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania is switching parties and plans to seek reelection next year as a Democrat, in the meantime likely handing the Democrats a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.

For Specter, the party switch also addresses an acute political problem at home, in a state whose political base is shifting and helped elect President Barack Obama in November.

The President got the news during a daily briefing, according to Hulse. He was handed a note that said: “Specter is announcing he is changing parties.”

Senator Specter's expected to make a formal announcement Tuesday or Wednesday.

The statement he put out reads, in part:
"I have been a Republican since 1966. I have been working extremely hard for the Party, for its candidates and for the ideals of a Republican Party whose tent is big enough to welcome diverse points of view. While I have been comfortable being a Republican, my Party has not defined who I am. I have taken each issue one at a time and have exercised independent judgment to do what I thought was best for Pennsylvania and the nation..."

* * * *

Keep your ear to the ground for new developments, my friends. It’s all about you.

Peace out,

Minnie Estelle Miller
minnie247@sbcglobal.net
http://www.millerscribs.com

A Love Letter...And Maybe Not

2009-04-09T15:57:00.004-05:00

My Love:

It was good to see you. It seemed only yesterday that you left me. You were so dear to me. I think I’m still in love with you. I might even love you. Yet I’m a coward. I invited you into my secret garden and you came willingly in all your beauty.

What happened? Your about face was so abrupt it was dizzying.

Your eyes gazed deep into my soul, and even though it’s been awhile since we’ve met eye-to-eye, I still see them in my sleep. Your lips invite me even today. I want to touch your cheeks once more, feel your arms around me and experience the security I once felt. In my private thoughts, you still make me laugh, feel warm, comforted, even though it’s been a while since we have touched.

You appear in my dreams yet keep your distance. Yes, I feel your hesitation. You haven’t surrendered. Maybe that’s because I won’t allow it. Our situations are not right for that.

Reflections of you make me hyperactive, giddy and then sad. They pass through my fingers like a gentle wind, leaving me with nothing to quiet the pain except more pain.

Just when I think I’ve gained control of my feelings, you return from afar with a smile. You call me confessing your love. Why? And I still can’t touch you.

Please stay out of my mind. Then, I will get you out of my heart.

I don’t want your confession, then again, I guess it’s only human to want to know how another feels about you. Humankind is funny that way.

How is all this possible? My heart created it with your help, of course. Yet, I consider it my burden. Nevertheless, being a person of principle, I won’t interrupt your life and you will not interrupt mine, again. I want you to reject my love gently and tuck yours neatly away.

Please free me. Don’t leave me this way. Give me occasion to grieve so that I can heal and find another. I refuse to live crying myself to sleep.

Go away.

www.millerscribs.com

Mad as hell!

2009-03-21T19:23:00.006-05:00

Remember this movie?

(IMDb Quote)

Network (1976)

“Howard Beale: [shouting] You've got to say, 'I'm a HUMAN BEING, Goddamnit! My life has VALUE!' So I want you to get up now... and go to the window. Open it, and stick your head out, and yell, [shouting] 'I'M AS MAD AS HELL, AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE THIS ANYMORE!' .... Things have got to change...Then we'll figure out what to do about the depression and the inflation and the oil crisis.”

# # # #

Fast forward to March 2009 -- mad as hell!

Rumblings of a culture war are going on right now in America. If the various entities involved in this debacle keep this up the common people will take to the streets in non-violent (we hope) demonstrations. How dare AIG reward their employees with our money for failure.

The financial structure of the United States of America is in trouble.

To paraphrase from the movie “Network,” we are mad as hell and won't take anymore!

People are sleeping under tents in homeless camps because they've lost their homes and jobs, standing in food kitchen lines to feed their families, sitting in cold, dirty halls waiting for hours for a dime's worth of food stamps, withdrawing students from college because they can no longer afford the tuition. And worse those who have had the dedication to stick with higher education, racking up huge tuition bills for MBAs and Ph.D.s, are unable to find jobs in their fields and settling for minimum wages at Walmarts, McDonalds and the likes. This has to stop.

# # # #

"House passes bill taxing AIG and other bonuses"
By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press Writer Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press Writer 9 mins ago (March 2009)

"WASHINGTON – The Democratic-led House overwhelmingly approved a bill on Thursday to slap punishing taxes on big employee bonuses from AIG and other firms bailed out by taxpayers. The vote was 328-93. "We want our money back and we want our money back now for the taxpayers," said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.

"The bonuses, totaling $165 million, were paid to employees of troubled insurer American International Group, including to traders in the unit that nearly brought about the company's collapse.

"In all, 243 Democrats and 85 Republicans voted "yes" on the bill. It was opposed by six Democrats and 87 Republicans...."

# # # #

"Protesters visit lavish homes of AIG execs"

"A bus tour of some of the executives' homes in Connecticut was organized by the Connecticut Working Families Party, a coalition of labor and community groups."

Updated 1 hour, 42 minutes ago
March 21, 2009

"FAIRFIELD, Conn. - A busload of activists representing working- and middle-class families paid visits Saturday to the lavish homes of American International Group executives to protest the tens of millions of dollars in bonuses awarded by the struggling insurance company after it received a massive federal bailout.

"About 40 protesters — outnumbered by reporters and photographers from as far away as Germany — sought to urge AIG executives who received a portion of the $165 million in bonuses to do more to help families.

"'We think $165 million could be used in a more appropriate way to keep people in their homes, create more jobs and health care,' said Emeline Bravo-Blackport, a gardener."

# # # #

The elephant in the room

There is a question hanging over this action. Can Congress apply punishing taxes on big employee bonuses, (if they can find them)? Were AIG’s contracts with their employees legal even though they took the bailout money?

Stay tuned. It’s not over yet.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
www.millerscribs.com
Copyright © March 2009

Free Books!

2009-03-05T11:38:00.006-06:00

I offer free copies of Catharsis to the first three individuals contacting me by email. The offer is open until Monday, March 16, 2009.

After which, copies can be purchased for eight dollars ($8) each through PayPal or by money order. Sorry, no personal checks, please. My email address is minnie247@sbcglobal.net and the website is http://www.millerscribs.com

Catharsis is a delightful read of three stories. Two are about vampires, and in my opinion, a dramatic vehicle in which to portray human emotions—the good, bad and ugly, as the saying goes. The characters are frozen in time, are beautiful and highly intelligent. The last story, Connecting, is a paranormal tale. A bit about each story follows.

Run, Baby, Run! opens in 1854 on a slave plantation in Augusta, Georgia. Although President Lincoln signs the Emancipation Proclamation, many slaves do not escape. Many others will not venture from the only home they have ever known. Sarah, a Negro bastard child of the white plantation owner, and her mother are among the fleeing slaves. During their escape, her mother dies of untreated illnesses. Now alone in the woods, Sarah meets Vampire Damon who offers her eternal life, freedom, and an opportunity to save her peers still in bondage. Although frightened to near fits, she innocently accepts his offer to become a vampire, yet satisfied that she is able to rains down terror on the old plantation.

An Unusual Love Affair speaks to the need for unadulterated love. The love affair is between a middle age, beautiful mortal and an elegant immortal. They meet at an opera house. He mentally seduces her from afar and she feels his seductive pull. But she is unaware that he is a vampire. He romances her, and says he wants her with him for eternity, but in order for that to happen she must submit to his bit, and become a vampire, too. Alone in the world and brooding over the lost of her small business, she reluctantly accepts the so-called gift. Too soon, the bliss begins to dull when she misses the accouterments of the mortal world. She straddles the divide, which goes against the old guard’s code and the fight is on.

Connecting is about love at first sight. Two mature adults meet, one from out of town, visiting a mutual friend and connect immediately. Both have experienced bad marriages. As a result, they are a bit hesitant to get involved. Yet, she knows she wants him in her life and invites him to come to Chicago and move in with her until he finds a job. He refuses her offer, she is embarrassed and they break up. But he couldn’t let go or face her. He confesses his love during many spiritual visits, which drives her to distraction. He has a reason for refusing her offer.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
The Seduction of Mr. Bradley is still available.

Low Blood Sugar

2009-02-21T10:46:00.004-06:00

Hypoglycemia can cause both short- and long-term complications, so it's crucial to monitor your glucose levels and treat hypoglycemia as soon as you're aware of it.

By Melissa Johnson

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is common among diabetics, and it can occur even when you're carefully managing your diabetes. Hypoglycemia occurs when the amount of blood glucose (sugar in the blood) drops too low to sustain normal functioning. This drop can cause both short- and long-term complications, so it's crucial to monitor your glucose levels and treat hypoglycemia as soon as you're aware of it. Pay attention to these telltale signs of low blood sugar and do your best to keep your glucose under control:

Ravenous hunger. If you've already eaten but still aren't satisfied, or if you suddenly, inexplicably feel as if you're starving, your body is signaling that it needs more glucose — preferably from a carbohydrate-rich food source, like raisins, fruit juice, or non-diet soda.

Feelings of anxiety. When glucose levels fall too low, your body tells the adrenal glands to release the hormone ephinephrine (also called adrenaline), which signals the liver to make more sugar. The excess ephinephrine creates an "adrenaline rush," which can make you feel anxious.

Restless nights. Nocturnal hypoglycemia, which is very common, can cause a number of sleep disturbances. Symptoms include night sweats, nightmares, episodes of waking suddenly and crying out, and feelings of unrest and confusion upon waking. A snack before bed can reduce the frequency and severity of sleep disturbances.

Shakes and tremors. The central nervous system starts to malfunction when glucose levels are off balance, and it releases catecholamines, chemicals that encourage glucose production and produce these symptoms.

Emotional instability. One of the neurological symptoms of hypoglycemia is mood swings and sudden emotional episodes not typical of your normal behavior, such as irrational outbursts, random or hysterical crying, uncontrollable anger, and a strong desire to be left alone.

Sweating. This symptom is controlled by the autonomic nervous system (the part of the central nervous system that governs the skin, among other things) and is usually one of the first signs of hypoglycemia. The excessive perspiration comes on without warning, regardless of how warm or cold the external temperature may be.

Dizziness and light-headedness. If you experience these common symptoms of hypoglycemia, heed them and treat the hypoglycemia quickly. Dropping blood sugar levels can also cause you to faint, so if you feel yourself start to swoon, sit or lie down immediately to avoid injuring yourself.

Wandering thoughts. Because the brain is especially sensitive to a drop in glucose, you may experience a sense of confusion and an inability to concentrate on one thing at a time.

Vision problems. If your vision suddenly blurs or you see double, a drop in blood sugar may be to blame.

Slurred speech. Your sugar-starved brain may not allow you to detect a change in how you sound, but others will notice a difference. To someone else, you may sound as though you've had a few too many cocktails — even though you haven't touched a drop.

Copyright © 2009 Waterfront Media, Inc.

The material on this web site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information. Use of this site is subject to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist

The Seduction of Mr. Bradley is still available.

www.millerscribs.com

Voice is the author's unique fingerprint. It can't be taught.
~ ~ ~ Jennifer Enderlin, Exec. Ed.

The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.
~ ~ ~ Gustave Flaubert

Yes he did!

2009-02-17T20:47:00.005-06:00

Minnie E --Today, I signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law.

This is a historic step -- the first of many as we work together to climb out of this crisis -- and I want to thank you for your resolve and your support. You organized thousands of house meetings. You shared your ideas and personal stories. And you informed your friends and neighbors about the need for immediate action. You continue to be a powerful voice for change throughout the country.

The recovery plan will create or save 3.5 million jobs, provide tax cuts for working and middle-class families, and invest in health care and clean energy. It's a bold plan to address a huge problem, and it will require my vigilance and yours to make sure it's done right.

I've assigned a team of managers to oversee the implementation of the recovery act. We are committed to making sure no dollar is wasted. But accountability begins with you.

That's why my administration has created Recovery.gov, a new website where citizens can track every dollar spent and every job created. We'll invite you and your neighbors to weigh in with comments and questions.

http://www.recovery.gov/

Our progress will also be measured by the tens of thousands of personal stories submitted by people who are struggling to make ends meet. If you haven't already, you can read stories from families all across the country:

http://my.barackobama.com/yourstories

Your stories are the heart of this recovery plan, and that's what I'll focus on every day as President.With your continued support, we'll emerge a stronger and more prosperous nation.

Thank you,
President Barack Obama

Paid for by Organizing for America, a project of the Democratic National Committee -- 430 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

This email was sent to: minnie247@sbcglobal.net

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist

The Seduction of Mr. Bradley is still available.

www.millerscribs.com

The Stimulus Bills

2009-02-08T11:18:00.011-06:00

The old saying is true today: You've gotta sing for your supper.

Contact your U.S. Senators and Representatives, CNN, and local newspapers with your comments about the stimulus bill presently pending in the Senate.

More importantly contact the Republican National Committee and complain that they are stuck in the same grove from the Bush administration.

Many of us are going to be impacted by this bill that is long overdue.

If you are unemployed and receiving unemployment compensation, it purports to extend your benefits through the end of the year.

If you have no health insurance, the Democratic Party is taking a serious look at health care for all, including those working in low income jobs.

Family leave is a joke. Yes, you can take time off for illnesses in the family, etc, however, without pay. How does this help single parents and one-earner households.

Aid to states is extremely important. Cities are experiencing layoffs and cut backs in municipal services. Imagine the police and fire department being reduced at a time when crime is up and people are praying on each other to feed families.

Most of us vowed to support President Obama. Now is the time. We must make our voices heard, again.

I will keep up with this bill, which comes up for arguments again Feb. 9 and report back with final results.

Read the latest news article from AP.

Congress Divided by Competing Stimulus Bills
Updated 10:29 AM CST, Sun, Feb 8, 2009
AP

The $827 billion measure is on track to pass the Senate on Tuesday, despite stiff opposition from the GOP and disappointment among Democrats, including President Barack Obama who labeled it imperfect.

WASHINGTON – With the Senate expected to narrowly approve its version of an economic stimulus bill, lawmakers from the House and Senate will face difficult negotiations over spending for tax cuts, education and aid for local governments.

The $827 billion measure is on track to pass the Senate on Tuesday, despite stiff opposition from the GOP and disappointment among Democrats, including President Barack Obama who labeled it imperfect.

Obama and Senate Republicans bickered over his historically huge economic recovery plan after states and schools lost tens of billions of dollars in a late-night bargain to save it.

The Senate convened in a rare Saturday session to debate a compromise reached between a handful of GOP moderates led by Susan Collins of Maine, the White House and its Senate allies.

The agreement stripped $108 billion in spending from Obama's plan. Changes included cutbacks in projects that likely would give the economy a quick lift, like $40 billion in aid to state governments for education and other programs.
The bill retained items that also probably won't do much for the economy, such as spending $1 billion to fix problems with the 2010 Census.

Among the most difficult cuts for the White House and its liberal allies to accept was the elimination of $40 billion in aid to states, money that economists say is an efficient way to pump up the economy by preventing layoffs, cuts in services or tax increases.

For all the talk of cuts, the bill retains the core of Obama's plan, designed to ease the worst economic recession in generations by combining hundreds of billions of dollars in spending to boost consumption by the public sector with tax cuts designed to increase consumer spending.

Much of the new spending would be for victims of the recession, in the form of extending unemployment insurance through the end of the year and increasing benefits by $25 a week, free or subsidized health care, and increased food stamp payments.

Obama acknowledged the bill was far from perfect but said it would be too dangerous to leave it lifeless on the table.

Minnie Estelle Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
Author of The Seduction of Mr. Bradley

http://www.millerscribs.com/
www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/
www.shelfari.com/estelle4700
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/865951
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The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.
~ ~ Gustave Flaubert

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My Sankofa

2008-12-21T11:47:00.007-06:00

Yesterday, when I was young. The years have run away.

Having worked more than fifty-five years for others, I was tired. For the fourth time, travel called my name. Against the advice of family and friends, I gave away and sold everything that was too expensive to ship and moved to San Francisco, CA.

I am a published author. I write about whatever touches my heart to politicians, to newspaper editors, and to broadcast media. My book of short stories titled “Catharsis” and novel, “The Seduction of Mr. Bradley,” contain political statements as well as my spiritual view of love of humankind. I’ve also written a vampire love story. You ask how is that. I say go to Amazon Shorts and read “Forever, My Love.” *Smile*

Presently baking in the oven is “Whispers from the Mirror.” Protagonist Brianna Deville is a feminist/activist. Her mother raises her to be a strong, independent woman. In deference to her mother, she lives most of her life in denial until she learns mother also abandoned her for a career she tethers Brianna to as well, that is until her biological clock starts ticking and her mirror tells her the truth. When the sister breaks free of her inhibitions, look out! Guys don’t shy away from this story. Learn how a mature man loves an independent woman.

Here are a few of my mentors: Octavia Butler, Zora Neal Hurston, Toni Morrison, Tananarive Due, L.A. Banks (I truly believe she is from outer space!), Dyanne Davis, D.J. McLaurin, Evelyn Palfrey, Maya Angelou, Clarence Nero, and John A. Wooden. Obviously, I'm eclectically inclined.

My prize possession is “American Negro Poetry: an anthology edited by Arna Bontemps” [Fifteenth Printing, January 1969, Hall and Wang, New York]. It travels with me wherever I go.

My Heroes and Sheroes are Grandpa Gus, President-elect Barack Obama, First-lady to be Michelle Obama, John Hope Franklin, Danny Glover, Willie Lewis Brown Jr. (former mayor of San Francisco, CA), and children.

My favorite quote:
“The moving Finger writes; and having writ, Moves on;
nor all your Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line,
Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it.”
~ ~ Omar Khayyam

I don’t know what awaits me in year 2009; however, I have built a strong foundation. Watch for my work!

Happy Holidays and peace be with you.

Minnie Estelle Miller
(A.K.A., Ms. Minerva)
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
The Seduction of Mr. Bradley is still available.
http://www.millerscribs.com/

What Happened was beautiful

2008-11-13T11:15:00.006-06:00

Obama acceptance speech
November 5, 2008
Excerpts

Hello, Chicago.

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer

This is our time, to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth, that, out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope. And where we are met with cynicism and doubts and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can.

Thank you. God bless you. And may God bless the United States of America.

# # # # #

We are in the driver's seat--you, me, bloggers and Internet writers. Are you aware of how strong we are, what we did in this election? Take pride, people. We are America.
~ ~ Minnie E Miller

Special to ShopTalk - The Obama Outlook

How the Obama Administration Will Affect Electronic Journalists
By Barbara Cochran, RTNDA President

"...Judging from the policy positions the president-elect outlined during his successful campaign, Obama's new administration will have a major impact on the communications industry and electronic journalists. As a candidate, he utilized new media to communicate, build grass roots strength and raise more campaign funds than ever in history. So it's no surprise that media and communications policies will get serious attention once Obama takes charge at the White House."

# # # #

Respectfully,
Minnie E. Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist

November 4, 2008 in perspective

2008-11-05T14:10:00.005-06:00

We have a big job ahead to help President-elect Barack Obama. There's a lot resting on his shoulders, no doubt. I'm going to work with my computer to help in any way I can. Now is the time to write history!

Palin is not done. She's coming back and there are several paths she can take. We'll see here she goes. Nevertheless, that’s not our worry right now.

President-elect Barack Obama came along when the nation was at its lowest point financially as a result of job loses, home loses and faced with an amazing deficit. People are killing their families and committing suicide whether than face disgrace and homelessness.

Wall Street didn't care about that – their worries are about falling stocks and loss of bonuses.

You know America needs heroes. Barack Obama came along and said I can help, I care and I'll work with you if you'll work with me. People of all colors and stripes held out their hands to this African American man.

Today, the media has set up its issues for the next four years: keep this Black (some are comfortable with this term, I’m not) man accountable. Watch to see if he keeps his campaign promises.

So much for faith in changes

Power dies hard.

Peace out,
Minnie E Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
Copyright © November 5, 2008
Author of The Seduction of Mr. Bradley
http://www.millerscribs.com/
http://www.amazon.com/
www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/
www.shelfari.com/estelle4700
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/865951

Obama Voting with Family

2008-11-04T13:56:00.002-06:00

I know these words have spread over the Internet for more than 18 months but they can't be said often enough. That is "What we are experiencing today is history in the making." I'd like to add, tell the children about this.

I live within 3 blocks of my polling place and Sen. Obama's voting place. When I looked out the window early this morning, I saw a line of cars parked on the baseball field of Shoesmith Elementary School in Hyde Park, Chicago where Obama was voting and a chopper circling overhead. Probably the CPD watching the area. CNN was inside the school filming the Senator and his family voting and Papa Obama was showing his oldest daughter how to vote. A memorable picture, no doubt. The place was crowded and folks were taking pictures with their cell phones(?) including the judges. It looked like time stood still until this man and his family voted and left.

Can you imagine what stories Malia and Sasha Obama will have to tell in their growing years? What a privilege it is to watch Daddy vote for himself as President of the United States of America.

Peace out,
Minnie E Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist

Author of The Seduction of Mr. Bradley
www.millerscribs.com

A Poem

2008-11-02T15:13:00.004-06:00

All I Have Is Rain

If you let me come close
I'll dress your wounds
and hold you till the new skin grows
clean and perfect...

We've picked at the scab long enough
both of us
and..
the blood...
ohh, the blood begins to ooze

There is nothing more painful
than a healing heart
places inside where my arms can't reach
where my lips can't kiss away the ache

Oh love,
how I hate you in moments
when the tears are the only thing
we can depend on

But if you let me
I'll cry over you
and let the liquid drops of my pain
rinse the stains from that place
where the knife of indifference and neglect
entered your flesh
(when you weren't the wiser,
and I couldn't have been more insane)

It' s the best I can do...now
after everything
after all we've been,
all we've done

All I have is rain
will you let me cleanse and bind
your wounds...
hold you close, in our pain?

Come, Joy! Songs from the Soft of Night
by
Bridgette Alyce Greathouse Wynn
(c) 2005

Minnie E Miller

Author of The Seduction of Mr. Bradley

http://www.millerscribs.com/

About Octavia E. Butler, Grande Dame

2008-10-04T16:00:00.004-05:00

sweetafton created this page for Shelfari.com, Tuesday, April 22, 2008.

Octavia Butler remains the grande dame of the group of African-American women writing in the field of science and speculative fiction (others include Tananarive Due and Nalo Hopkinson). As of 2007, she remains the first (and only) writer to have received both the MacArthur Foundation's "genius grant" (1995) and the Hugo and Nebula Awards.

Her work is classically American, addressing themes of alienation and transcendence; violence and spirituality; slavery and freedom; and separation and community... among others. Not only is it classic, but it is also timeless.

Her bibliograpy of novels includes the following (in order of publication, with series noted parenthetically):

Patternmaster (1976) {Patternist Series; collected in Seed to Harvest in 2006, not including Survivor}

Mind of my Mind (1977) {Patternist Series}

Survivor (1978) {Patternist Series}

Kindred (1979)

Wild Seed (1980) {Patternist Series}

Clay's Ark (1984) {Patternist Series}

Dawn (1987) {Xenogenesis Series--first collected as Xenogensis in 1989; also collected as Lilith's Brood in 2000}

Adulthood Rites (1988) {Xenogenesis Series}

Imago (1989) {Xenogenesis Series}

Parable of the Sower (1993)

Parable of the Talents (1998)

Fledgling (2005)

Her short stories include one compilation, Bloodchild and Other Stories (1995), two tales available online ("Amnesty" and "The Book of Martha"), and the recently published "Speech Sounds" (in Wastelands: Stories of the Apocalypse).

Peace,

Minnie E Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
of The Seduction of Mr. Bradley
http://http://www.millerscribs.com/

You Kissed My Eyes

2008-09-24T15:30:00.002-05:00

"You Kissed My Eyes"

I must fly.
Teach me how I said.
Let me know the wind and all its power.
You leaned forward and kissed my eyes
put your hands behind my earsbringing me the sound of rainbows.

Give me flowers I said.
You pointed toward a unicorn
and gave me a map that led to fields of them.

Let me know the fragrance of love
let me understand it’s caring
I will live there.

You brought flowers from the meadow
laid them at a rainbows feet
while the unicorn listened for my footsteps.

I am not blind
but perhaps I am not seeing.
I am not selfish
yet perhaps I have not heard your tears at times
ones that only I could cause to flow so freely.
I spent so much time measuring your worth
I failed to see it filled the skyline.

I ran to you
fell to the ground
pleading for forgiveness.
These photographs are only of me I cried.
I meant to bring you treasures
I meant to be more caring.
I meant to be more like you.

My website has cards, posters and giclees along with ecards and presents
for signing up for my newsletter.

http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=PNwhm&m=9iwlTBMgQ8iPz&b=LUYZhv6eJ.lpatP2pGa0fg

Blessings and Aloha, Kathy

Kathy Ostman-Magnusen
free art gifts
http://www.kathysart.com

Something to think about

2008-09-19T10:47:00.002-05:00

The events of the past few weeks touches you if you own a home, have a 401K, a pension/retirement plan, invest in Money Market Certificates.

Secretary Paulson is the man President Bush appointed to his cabinet. Here's what he said this morning (September 19, 2008). It got Mr. B off his butt and on TV this morning, huh.

-- Treasury Secretary Paulson says "hundreds of billions" of dollars are needed to resolve U.S. financial crisis.

On another note, I generally don't listen to Roland Martin, didn't like the huckster persona he projects. Still, the man has a quick mind. I'm going to try him. Check him out.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/10/martin.bias/index.html

Unless you want more of the same Republican administration for four more years, you must get out and vote November 2008 and take the entire household with you. It's on our shoulders.

And, don’t forget. Tell your children about this African American man who dares to challenge Washington, the system and the rebellious side of United States of America.

Peace,
Minnie E Miller

Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
of The Seduction of Mr. Bradley and
Forever, My Love, an Amazon Short
www.millerscribs.com
www.amazon.com
www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/
www.shelfari.com/estelle4700
www.goodreads.com/user/show/865951

The Obama/Biden Democratic Ticket

2008-08-24T13:56:00.006-05:00

Don't hesitate to voice your opinions. We are not a monolithic people.

I have a little better understanding of politics having worked in it from the age of twenty up under former senior Mayor Daley in Chicago and in the press office of former Mayor Willie Lewis Brown Jr. in San Francisco.

Mr. Brown is an African American. He danced through fire because he was the first of his race to hold that office.

When you find self in the middle of a nest of rattlesnakes, you cover your azz. In my opinion, that's what Senator Barack Obama did when he selected Joe Biden as his running mate for the office of President of the United States of America. Obama needed a defensive lineman to ward off the schoolyard attacks by John McCain so he can focus on the important issues facing the nation.

No man is an island, especially the President of the USA. That’s why the Constitution included the checks and balances system—to blunt all the nonsense talk and promises. The President can only do so much alone. To clarify let me refresh your memory, please.

~ Congress may pass laws but the President can veto them.
~ The President can veto laws but Congress can override the veto with a 2/3 vote.
~ The President and Congress may agree on a law but the Supreme Court can declare a law unconstitutional.
~ The President can appoint judges and other government officials but Senate must approve them.
~ Supreme Court judges have life terms but they can be impeached.

Even so, America stretched the Constitution a bit. We have created a nation of white-male-capitalist and Wall Street runs it. How do you think the present Chief of State was elected? He is a TX oilman.

I'm surprised Obama has made it this far being a young, African American Senator from Illinois. Not many of his old-guard peers reached out to help him until he was declared Democratic Presumptive Nominee for President. You know the story of crabs in a barrel I'm sure. It still applies today.

I hope the man comes out of all this with his head still in tack, wherever he lands.

Peace.

Minnie E Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
www.millerscribs.com

2008-08-22T14:53:00.005-05:00

In F.D. Davis’s dark novel, In the Beginning, Adam Omega propels this thrilling tale of creatures-of-the night. You have never met a man, excuse me, a vampire like Adam Omega. Reading this, Adam would say, ‘Yeah, lady, get it right. I am a vampire!’ Adam is different from Anne Rice’s Lastat and L.A. Banks’s Rivera.

The story opens in 1005 A.D. Adam is a priest and gives up his priesthood to marry the love of his life, Eyanna. The local townspeople believe her be a witch because of her ability to heal. Already alienated from his God yet not entirely from his faith, Adam volunteers to be turned into an immortal to save his wife from being burned at the stake. To his horror, events turn against him. What happens next sets the stage for the rest of Adam’s eternal life.

Davis brings the story into today and Adam still grieving over the lost of Eyanna. He believes that the mortal lady Eve that he meets in church (yes, in church), is Eyanna reincarnated.

Eve is also frighten of Adam, believes him to be evil. Her emotions swing between love and hate for the vampire. (Is hate a ramification of love? I wonder.) But that does not deter Adam from his quest to reclaim his wife through Eve. His confusion about Eyanna and Eve turns into a nightmare for Adam and Eve. She may well be Eyanna’s reincarnation. Eve’s quest to save Adam and strengthen her wavering belief in God aligns her with Eyanna. But will she lose her soul in this quadrilateral perplexity? It becomes a battle of wills and faith, Adam’s being the strongest and Eve coming very close behind.

Visit Adam Omega at http://adamomega.com/
Dyanne Davis at http://www.dyannedavis.com/

A Scary What If Story

2008-08-02T20:07:00.008-05:00

First, allow me to bring you up-to-date by way of a statement taken from an article just released regarding AIDS in America. My comments follow.

“MEXICO CITY — The current AIDS epidemic in the United States is about 40 percent worse than the government has reported. A new study released here on Saturday shows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 56,300 people became newly H.I.V.-infected in 2006 compared to the 40,000 figure that the Atlanta-based agency has long cited as the annual incidence of the disease...” It goes on to say. “We are not effectively reaching men who have sex with men and African-Americans to lower their risk,” Dr. Gerberding said. “One-fourth of infected people do not know they are infected because they have not been tested.”
[The New York Times, New Study Raises Estimate of H.I.V. Infections in U.S. by Lawrence K. Altman, Published August 3, 2008]

What if you heard through the grapevine that a person you have had sex with has tested positive for AIDS? And what if a health educator from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention knocked on your door, informed you that that person has named you as his or her sexual partner and says you must come in for testing? You cannot ignore them.

Corporations and insurance companies are also experiencing loss of profits in this bad economy and are using all possible methods of cost cutting, especially health coverage—many are already requiring smokers to pay higher premiums. Because of this new HIV study, expect them to review health coverage for those infected with HIV. And, guess who will be hit hardest: those singled out in the report—men who have sex with men and African-Americans. New hires will be highly scrutinized. Don’t let your company’s health insurance find you first. Get tested now.

As far back as five years ago, New York Life Insurance required that I take an AIDS test when applying for life insurance. I was as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof until I received a clean report.

I’ll tell you a little known fact; there are a surprising number of infected seniors and they don’t know it or learn too late. Older people assume that because they have reached a plateau in life, retired, and because their children are grown, and that their mate is deceased that they couldn’t possibly have AIDS. False assumptions. Seniors mostly get it from younger individuals, especially young ladies and this can be traced back to their complex lifestyles. I once felt that older men were safe sexual partners. Not anymore. Check out the data on CDC.

HIV is no longer a death sentence if treated early. Get tested.

Peace,
Minnie E Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
http://www.millerscribs.com/
August 2, 2008

In Interview with Dyanne Davis--Part 1

2008-06-22T19:39:00.009-05:00

The marvelous author Dyanne Davis is with us today. Dyanne is what I consider a constant-seller which is better than “best-seller.” In my opinion, “best-seller” sounds limited and she surely is not limited—she has 10 books in print. Fantastic! In addition, she has won several awards for her work.

Mrs. Davis has presented several workshops for teens at Chicago and Suburban high schools. She has a local cable show in her hometown to give writing tips to aspiring writers.

I’ll shut my mouth and let Mrs. Dyanne Davis talk.Welcome and thank you for allowing me this interview.

DD: Thanks for asking me, Minnie E. Miller, and thank you for being so patient while I finished my edits.

MEM: Please tell the readers about Dyanne. What is your life like and when did you start writing seriously?

DD: What is my life like? Well, I’m a retired nurse spending my days for the past thirty-eight years with the love of my life, Bill Davis. I think everyone already knows that it’s because of Bill that I retired and began writing full time. We had a deal that I would give it two years and that I would return to work after that time if I hadn’t at least received a nibble. Well I didn’t and prepared to honor my end of the bargain and return to work. Bill told me to keep trying. Bill has also saved my life. I’m not kidding. We were on vacation in Coco Beach and I was drowning. Of course, since I was in what he thought was shallow water and he was in waist deep water with our son, he thought I was playing when I was screaming for help. So it took him a bit longer than I would have liked to save me but I’m still breathing, so it’s all good. LOL He told our son, ‘let me go see what your mother wants,’ and began walking toward me, walking. Can you believe it? He hit a drop-off on what he thought was shallow water, realized I was in trouble and quickly came for me.

Now Minnie it’s not that I don’t understand plain English or your questions. But you do understand that a writer can’t just answer the questions. We have to make an entire book out of it. LOL My day. I’m up by 3 A.M. on the computer. Stop and make coffee when Bill gets up, make breakfast for our son, then make breakfast for us when we’re ready. Make lunch for our son who works in town and then make lunch for us later. We’re never ready to eat when Billy is. Bill and I do errands or whatever, I write, we do whatever again and I make dinner. I fall asleep between 7-8 P.M. on Bill’s chest watching either Two and a Half Men or The King of Queens. It’s something about both of those that are very soothing.I started writing seriously about eleven years ago.

MEM: Now that’s a great love story in itself. And I thank Bill Davis for being there or we would’t have romance writer extraordinaire Dianne Davis.

MEM: I know about your 10 books because I visited your website, which you can give to others at the end of this interview. How were they published? I’m aware that Parker Publishing published The Critic, what about the others?

DD: Genesis Press published six of my books and Parker Publishing has published four.

MEM: Do you have an agent or publicist?

DD: Yes, I have an agent. Michelle Grajkowski of Threeseas Literary Agency http://www.threeseaslit.com/ 3 Seas Literary Agency is RWA recognized 3 Seas Literary Agency is a member of the AAR 3 Seas is a full-service literary agency. We specialize in romance, women's fiction and children's books. Currently, we are looking for fantastic authors with a voice of their own. More specifically, we love any type of romance (historical, contemporary, romantic suspense, paranormal, chick lit, inspirations and fantasy) and young adult and middle-grade fiction as well as mysteries, thrillers and select nonfiction titles.

Minnie, I took this from Michelle’s website in case anyone wants to query her. They will now accept email queries. I also have an interview with Michelle on my website where I asked her some very thorough questions. Check out the interview before you query her.

MEM: How long did you shop The Critic before getting Parker Publishing’s attention?

DD: I didn’t really shop The Critic. I sent it to Harlequin several years ago and was told, “Much too much conflict.” At that time, I was too busy writing for Genesis Press and Parker Publishing had not yet opened so I did nothing with The Critic. I sold it to Parker as part of a five-book contract more than two years ago. It was just that I had other books with them that came out with Parker first.

MEM: I remember back maybe a year when you started writing a paranormal book. Now I see you latest novel, The Critic, is a romance novel. Which do you like writing the best and why?

DD: Now, Minnie, you know that’s a loaded question right? LOL I totally loved writing The Critic; it was so much fun. And as for romance, to be honest with you, I always have a point in them that I’m trying to make, some lesson. The thing of it is that I bury the lessons so deeply that most people miss it. Take for instance Many Shades of Gray, I wanted to bring awareness to the closing of independent, African American bookstores. But you can’t write an entire book about bookstores and you have to make sure you’re not too preachy. So what happens is your real message gets buried.

And no, I didn’t forget the original question. I guess I’m prefacing the way for my answer. My favorite thing to read or write is paranormal. It gives freedom to the reader and writer. No one can tell me what couldn’t happen because if I create it and say that it can, then it can. Believe me, I had people attempting to tell me what my vampire, Mr. Adam Omega, couldn’t do. Why? Has anyone ever seen a vampire? Do they exist? Do I have to write mine according to a formula used by all other writers? Hecky no! My vampire tells me what he can and can’t do. LOL So you can see why I would enjoy writing paranormals right?

MEM: Oh, I very much understand why you enjoy writing paranormals.

MEM: There is quite a message in The Critic, tell us about it?

DD: To be honest, The Critic, started off as a joke about my RWA chapter, Windy City. I wrote it, took it in, naming the members, and everyone loved the idea, thought it was fresh. So I decided to continue writing and see where it would lead. You might say my Baptist roots show in the book. My editor noticed it of course and mentioned it. She loved the family idea.

In all of my books, God is mentioned including my vampire series. But in The Critic, God is front and center. I’m very proud of this book and glad to have one book I’ve written that I don’t have to look at a young woman when she comes to one of my signing and ask her age before allowing her to buy the book. And yes, I really do that. People think I’m crazy but it’s my generation I suppose. I don’t think what I write is for the underage reader. I’ll probably hear flack about saying that but I’m in that kind of mood today, to speak my mind and tell the truth.The Critic isn't an interracial novel. It's a humorous story about a woman who wants to write romance but has problems with writing the love scenes because of her Baptist-up bringing. She hears the voice of God in her head when she's about to sin and hears it big time when she meets Jared.

Jared is a romance critic hell bent on telling the world that romance is bunk and women who write the trash are brainless. He thinks poorly of romance writers and readers, and challenges a group of romance writers telling them he can write a book in a couple of weeks. Along the way, he falls in love with Toreas and she with him. Of course, they fight against it until the end. If they didn't you would have a very short book.

MEM: Tell us about your vampire novel, In the Beginning and the incredible Adam Omega, I love the guy.

DD: I’m glad you asked about Adam Omega. I love him, love him, love him. Adam even teaches a lesson to Eve when she says something like she’s going to pray for his death. He questions her Christianity. Would a Christian really pray for the death of any being?

Mr. Omega has kinda separated himself from me and in doing so, he wanted and got his own email address: adamomegavampire@aol.com and he insisted on having his own website http://www.adamomega.com/. He has his own blog and get this Minnie, he has an advice column! The guy is too much. How could I not love him?

So, a little bit about the novel. Adam is not your typical can’t-go-out–until-sundown vampire. He wears a crucifix, goes to church, quotes scriptures, reads the bible and the man is not looking for redemption. Now come on, tell me you don’t get the message in all of that. Adam is bad and revels in it and I revel in his freedom. I ignore that he calls me his moronic human helper and that he threaten me on a regular basis. It comes with the job I suppose.

Mr. Omega was a priest before turned into a vampire. For a thousand years, he has mourned the death of his wife Eyanna. That is until he meets Eve and discovers his wife's soul resides in Eve's body. He will do whatever it takes to have Eve whether she wants him or not. There are no limits on how far Adam Omega will go when he wants something.

MEM: Now, you know I have to get to know Adam Omega!

MEM: Are you still a member of Romance Writers of America (RWA)?

DD: Yes, I’m still a member. I have been a member of my local chapter for eleven years and was vice president, then president for two terms. Being a member of RWA has been beneficial in many ways and I know that it will continue to be.

MEM: We both know that writing our dream or fantasy is easy but the cost of getting it published is an important step in the process—money opens doors. Walk us up your financial steps to being a published, recognized writer.

DD: Minnie, on this question my being able to walk your readers through it will be minimal. My first book or should I say my first six books were published with Genesis Press. The money I spent was for postage to mail off submissions to them and other publishers/agents along the way. I have not spent a great deal of money on promo because frankly I think it's thrown into the trash. I do go to writers’ conferences and I have a place on authorsden that I pay a small yearly fee for. I also have websites and that also cost. I’m a very frugal person and try to get the most bangs for my bucks. The thing that I probably spend the most money on is having contests and sending books, mine and those of other authors to the readers. I don’t do bulk mailing or buy a lot of give-a-way things. But surprisingly Mr. Omega insisted that I do something for him so I had cups made for him. That’s about it.

MEM: I always like to know whose shoulders writers stand on. Many great ones have gone before and opened doors for us. Who is your silent mentor or your living mentor? What writer influences you the most?

DD: I would have to say that the writers who influence me the most are writers of The Old Testament. Seriously. I love the flow of the Bible, the King James Version. No single writer has influenced my own writing. I’ve been reading since I was four and the entire writing world had something to do with my wanting to do the same thing. There are writers who have inspired me with the way they behave, the grace and humility of their character, and two of those are Evelyn Palfrey and L.A. Banks. Evelyn gave a speech in 2004 in New York at the Romance Slam Jam that inspired me to write about the closing of the African American bookstores. She also talked about our getting into writing for the young adult market. I’m working on that.

MEM: I agree with you about Evelyn Palfrey and L.A. Banks’s grace and humility.

MEM: As writers, we both know how important it is for neophytes to participate in writing groups. Please tell them the advantages.

DD: There are pros and cons to everything including writing groups. I’d say you have to go with your gut instinct on finding the right one. You don’t want one where all the members will tell you that every word you write is brilliant nor do you want one where they tell you that every word you write is garbage. A good group should be able to show you examples of what works and what doesn’t and they should be able to do it constructively. You should see growth in your own writing and understanding after a time. If not, maybe you need a new group. Whatever group you chose, I would strongly suggest you avail yourselves of one that has the tools you need. I’m aware of the love/hate relationship of African American writers with RWA but I also know that they prepare writers for sustaining careers. If you’re looking for a place to find your tools, I'm recommending them. Even if you don’t join a local chapter, joining the national organization makes you privy to all the information they have for their writers.

In essence if you have an entire group of supportive writers and none of you know the first thing about where to submit, industry standards, royalty paying publishers and the benefit to you, then you need to go to a place where you can find this information. You need to research and become educated about the things that will impact your writing career. Of course, you can do this without being a member of RWA but when they’ve already done the legwork on things you need, why not check them out. It’s a one-year deal at $75. If you don’t like it after the first year don’t rejoin.

MEM: More about the love/hate relationship in Part 2 of this interview.

MEM: Have you scheduled a book signing tour?

DD: No tours.

MEM: How do you feel about today’s book market?

DD: The economic crunch has hit every industry including the book industry. All we can do is weather out the storm. If you’re asking me about the shelving issue that’s a whole ‘nother’ subject.

MEM: Are there any other comments or information you would like us to know?

DD: Check out my website for excerpts on all of my books. I have an anthology, my first coming out with Parker Publishing in December, I believe. I also will have my second book in the vampire series coming out in September 2008. As we speak, my agent is in negotiations for two books I will have coming out with Parker Publishing next year, both under the “F.D. Davis” name. I will also have one romance, which will, of course, be under “Dyanne Davis.”

MEM: Where can your novels, especially, The Critic, be purchased?

DD: All of my novels should be available from any major bookstore though I’ve heard Borders is struggling lately. They’re available also from Amazon and directly from each of the publishers: Genesis Press for, The Color of Trouble, The Wedding Gown, Misty Blue, Let’s Get It On, Two Sides to Every Story and Many Shades of Gray.

Genesis Press
P.O. Box 101 MS - Columbus (39701) USA
Phone Number: 1-888-463-4461
Email Address: customerservice@genesis-press.com

Parker Publishing for Forever and A Day, In The Beginning, Another Man’s Baby, The Critic, and coming, In Blood We Trust, Continental Divide, part of The Lotus Blossom 2 anthology, To Live Again, Least Ye Be Judged and one more that I haven’t decided what title I’m using yet.

For Orders:
Parker Publishing
12523 Limonite Avenue, Suite #440-438
Mira Loma, California 91752
Phone Orders: 1-866-205-7902 (9 a.m.-5 p.m. CST)

MEM: Please give us your contact information, including website and blogs.

DD: I can be reached at davisdyanne@aol.com. My website is http://www.dyannedavis.com/. My blogs are listed on my website. I also have a yahoo group where readers are family and like family, we talk about any and everything. Others can join by going to my website and clicking on the JOIN button.

MEM: Dyanne Davis, it’s been a pleasure speaking with you. Thank you.

DD: Thank you for the privilege, Minnie. And since you live in the Chicago area, I’d like to invite you to be a guest on my cable show. Let me know. We’ll talk and work out the details.

MEM: I’d love to be your guest! I look forward to it.

There is more to this interview with Dyanne Davis. Check out part 2, comments on being a romance writer from a Romance Writers of America point of view.

Peace,

Minnie E Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
http://www.millerscribs.com/

Part 2 of An Interview with author Dyanne Davis

2008-06-22T15:21:00.006-05:00

I asked Dyanne Davis, past president of a local chapter of RWA, to elaborate on the following statement she made in our initial interview: “I’m aware of the love/hate relationship of African American writers with RWA but I also know that they prepare writers for sustaining careers.”

Here's her answer.

DD: Minnie, that's a very good question. The love/hate relationship comes about because many writers of color have felt that their needs were not addressed. I can’t give you percentages as to how many of the almost ten thousand members are writers of color, but I’ll hazard a guess and say less than five percent. (This is only a guess.) But I can tell you that many writers do not feel welcomed in the RWA organization, either at conferences or local chapters.

Then, of course, you have disparity in the reading of romance. While women of color have been reading books by non-African Americans for many years that is not always the case of non-African Americans reading books written by people of color. I know that I’ve said in more than one interview that the idea came to me for The Color of Trouble during a Romance Writers of America (RWA) conference. The Wedding Gown was written because apparently after having sold The Color of Trouble to Genesis Press, I was now considered a writer of interracial fiction. Actually, that had never been my plan. It was, tell a story of racism once and it should be enough. It wasn’t. A friend knew of an interracial couple that got married because of the sale of a gown and told me I should write the story. When I told her that the story didn’t have to be interracial and that she could use it herself, she declined. So I took the story and made both characters people of color to prove a point. That was the first inkling I received that even ideas were color-coded.

And yes, there were many many times that I started to leave my local chapter. If another person of color came to a meeting I all but begged them to remain, but most times after one or two meetings, they left. I hung in because I found I was LEARNING THE CRAFT OF WRITING. Knowledge cannot be kept from you if you’re willing to learn.

The second thing the members of color and even non-members have an objection to in their assessment of RWA, is the yearly competition for published writers—The Rita's. To my knowledge, there has not been one of those trophies won by an author of color in twenty-eight years. (I’m including this year because there are no people of color as finalists, so there can’t be a winner of color.) For that reason alone, there would be a bone of contention. For several months there were internet heated debates and some really nasty things were said. To try to keep this short (ha ha) basically the consensus was that non-African American women couldn’t see themselves relating to romance heroes and heroines of color because it was too different from their own experience. Yet they had no problem enjoying and accepting romance with any and all paranormal beings—vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, aliens, etc., but a romance hero or heroine of color, NO WAY. How then can that not affect the chances of an author of color winning an award?

So why am I still advocating that writers join RWA? Simple. The organization has the information that a writer needs at every stage of the game. Whether you’re struggling to get that first book published or a writer who has had a dozen books published. Considering that a huge bru haha is going on over plagiarism, I’m stating up front that the information below was taken by me from the RWA websites. Since I’ve deleted privileged information and given only the general intended to persuade people to join the organization, I think I’m safe. I could not, however, access the information for the non-published writers. Believe me, I tried. That section is restricted to me—a published writer—the same as it is to the unpublished writer.

Just a sampling of what a published member of RWA is privy to.

General PAN Information and Email Loops.

PANCraft – This is the list where PAN members discuss the craft of writing.

PANIndustry – On this list, PAN members can discuss industry news related to publishers and agents.

PANOrg – This list is for PAN members' discussion of RWA-related business, chapters and the organization as a whole.

PANWritersLife – This list is for PAN members' discussion about general topics of interest to writers.

PANdora's

BoxPANdora's Box was a print publication of the RWA targeted to PAN members. It included articles on promotion, craft, the business of writing and opinion pieces.

Though "The Box" ceased publication several years ago, the advent of the new PAN Web site provides a forum for articles of interest specifically to PAN members. If you are interested in submitting an article for inclusion, please contact the PAN Chairperson for more information.

Craft Articles

Business of Writing
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There’s also information on Publishers and Agents that all members can access.

View RWA's definition of subsidy, vanity publishers and the rationale behind the definition. What is a Subsidy or Vanity Publisher?

What Does RWA-Eligible Publisher Mean?

An RWA-Eligible Publisher is defined in RWA's Policy and Procedure Manual, List of Non-Subsidy, Non-Vanity Publishers Review, a list of non-Subsidy, non-Vanity Publishers and a Chart of RWA-Eligible Publishers.

Review charts with in-depth information on both Eligible Publishers and non-Subsidy, non-Vanity Publishers and find out which publishers pay advances, are actively acquiring romance, and how long they've been in business.

Find submission guidelines for both RWA-Eligible and non-Subsidy, non-Vanity Publishers who actively acquire romance fiction (in our online Market Update)

Browse a list of RWA-Eligible agencies and agents who represent (or want to represent) romance fiction authors (in Agent Update)

Read what RWA has to say about Contracts and Interminable Agency Clauses. RWA makes no warranties regarding business practices or financial strength of any publisher or agency. Each author must evaluate the company, carefully read the individual publisher's/agency's contract, and decide if s/he is willing to accept the conditions set forth in the contract.

Seriously, the above is privileged information for RWA members and it’s just the tip of the iceberg. In addition, there are numerous chapters that have on-line workshops that address whatever your needs might be as a writer. I frequently take some of the classes, especially when I’m researching something that I need more information on. So, yes, even if you find that you’re the only person of color at your local chapter or just one in a sea of thousands at the conference, knowledge is knowledge and there is no doubt in my mind that it will make your writing better and more salable. And that after all is what we’re after. Right? Whether we can reach the same stats of our counterparts after the sale is another matter best left to another time.

As always,

Dyanne Davis

Minnie E Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
http://www.millerscribs.com/

Have the courage to march to the beat of their own drummer
~ ~ Minnie E Miller {aka, Ms. Minerva}

Sharing Octavia Butler

2008-06-17T20:54:00.006-05:00

Sharing questions asked in our Octavia Butler reading group.

"With which of Butler's characters do you most identify? Why? Which do you identify with the least? Which inspires you most? I'm curious about how people make sense of the people Butler writes."

My response: I think I identify most with Anyanwu in Wild Seed. I like her strength in protecting family yet weakness when it comes to Doro—a common human trait, I think. She hasn't completely condemned him, though she knows he's wrong. Doro disagrees with her thoughts and actions, yet he cannot kill her, which he does with anyone who disagrees with his ‘orders.’

This part struck me: "Doro," she pleaded, "it's enough. I understand. I have been wrong. I will remember and behave better toward you."

"She was clinging to both his arms now, and lowering her head before the smooth young face. Inside, she screamed with rage and fear and loathing."

Here, she’s fighting for a new world and realizes that others depend on her protection and that if she has to submit to attain that, so be it.

In the Parable of the Sower, Earthseed the Books of the Living (year 2026) Butler opens with "There is no end to what a living world will demand of you."

In the story, Lauren Oya Olamina is a strong, brave woman willing to walk into the unknown. I don't believe I can do that. As Butler says, change is the most powerful force.

I agree. Look around you and you'll understand.

All these ideas and beliefs are why I love OB

From “Parable of the Sower”
“...Consider: Whether you’re a human being, an insect, a microbe, or a stone, this verse is true.”

All that you touch,
you Change,

All that you Change,
Changes you.

The only lasting truth
is Change.

God
is Change.

These words were written by Octavia Butler’s character in “Parable of the Sower. EARTHSEED: THE BOOK OF THE LIVING, by Lauren Oya Olamina.” [Page 79]

A Tip: Wastelands, Stories of the Apocalypse includes a short story by Octavia Butler titled "Speech Sounds.

Peace,

Minnie E Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
Check out The Seduction of Mr. Bradley on my website
www.millerscribs.com

The 2008 VP Selection

2008-06-04T13:09:00.005-05:00

Save this for the children.

~ The New York Times
June 5, 2008
Obama Clinches Democratic Nomination
By MICHAEL LOU and JEFF FELONY

~ The Washington Post
June 5, 2008
Two Words: Black President
Once thought an oxymoron, impossible to be placed together in the same sentence, context, country -- unless followed by a question mark.
DeNeen L. Brown

~ The Chicago Tribune
June 5, 2008
Obama: 'A new course for America'
Illinois senator clinches party bid for president

Thank goodness, we now know the presumptive Democratic Nominee for President of the United States of America (after the DNC votes in August)—Senator Barack H. Obama. The hot issue now is his selection of a running mate.

Rumors are flying all over the Internet and broadcast media that it may be Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. I say that if selected that will bring the Clinton package back to the White House. As well, don’t forget that the daughter has become very visible and where mom and pop go, so goes daughter. It will be politics as usual on The Hill.

Hillary says if selected she will accept. In my opinion, she is faking like a basketball player. She wants to bargain with the Democratic National Committee (DNC) about the VP issue, and her chip is the “18,000 voters” she can direct toward the Obama (and Democratic) ticket. In addition, she will go away if the DNC retires her debt, which is said to be in the millions—remember Bill’s money is in that debt, which is probably why he’s so antsy.

Knowing the Clintons’ past history, Hillary is looking toward the future. In my opinion, she figures if the African American male is rejected and Republican Senator John McCain wins the election, he will probably not last beyond one term. She's coming back in 2012. If Obama is elected president, she will challenge him in the 2012 presidential election. That's my take on Lady Hillary.

As things stand today, and considering her refusal to concede defeat, she may come to the Democratic Convention and beg superdelegates to switch their vote to her. That would surely create a demonstration similar to what we experienced during the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. I was a living witness to that one and it wasn’t pretty.

No matter where this election goes from June 4, 2008, we are in a new era. America is growing.

Those are my thoughts. What are yours?

Peace,

Minnie E Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
"The Seduction of Mr. Bradley" is still available

www.millerscribs.com

www.amazon.com

www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

www.shelfari.com/estelle4700

“Forever, My Love” is posted in Amazon Shorts

www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001268D0U/

Discounts available to book clubs.

The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.
~ ~ ~ Gustave Flaubert

The Amistad Case

2008-05-26T15:59:00.009-05:00

The revival of “Amistad" to the stage after 11 years sent me on a journey to find “The Amistad Case.” Perhaps teachers and parents would be interested in reading this to children for the sake of ancestry as well as posterity. Enjoy.

Introduction: The Amistad Case

Proposed as a sample introductory unit.

I. Brief Synopsis of the Amistad Incident: The AMISTAD is the name of a slave ship on which the slaves revolted in 1839. (Ironically, “Amistad” means “friendship” in Spanish.) Joseph Cinques (pronounced French, i.e. “sank”), the son of a Sierra Leone chief, was one of 53 Africans captured and taken to Havana, Cuba, where the ship picked up additional cargo and two Cuban planters. On the passage between Cuba and New York, Cinques exhorted his fellow slaves to break their chains and gain their freedom. The slaves were able to take over the ship and kill the pilot and captain, but they realized they must save someone to sail the ship back to Africa. With sugar cane knives at their backs, the two Cuban planters were directed to sail the Africans home.

By day the planters sailed the ship toward Africa, but by night they sailed toward New York. With this zig-zag course, they managed to land at a New York harbor, whereupon the duped slaves were again taken captive. A New York Judge heard the case of the slaves and decreed that they be returned to their homes, but the President of the United States, Martin Van Buren, disturbed that this decision might encourage additional slave revolts, requested the Attorney General of the United States to appeal the case to the Supreme Court.

While awaiting the trial, many New England abolitionists organized the American Missionary Society, in order to raise funds for the slaves' eventual return to Africa.

Also, an ex-President of the United States, John Quincy Adams, then 73 years old, and with a full career behind him, came forth to argue the case before the Supreme Court in behalf of the slaves, Adams argued eloquently for nearly five hours, and gained freedom for the slaves. He states in his diary that this was the most important act of his life.

In the meantime, the American Missionary Society was able to procure a vast amount of money, part of which enabled the slaves to return home. Prior to leaving the United States, Cinques and several of the slaves toured the country for the anti‑slavery cause. When Cinques arrived home, he found his entire family and tribe had been enslaved, but after a few years he was made an African chief of another tribe.

The American Missionary Society used the remainder of its funds to found several Negro colleges, such as Hampton Institute, Berea College, and, after the Civil War, Tougaloo College.

Source: Mississippi Freedom School Curriculum: Guide to Negro History.
http://www.educationanddemocracy.org/FSCfiles/C_CC3a_GuideNegroHistory.htm

Peace,

Minnie E Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist

Forever, My Love is posted in Amazon Shortswww.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001268D0U/

"The Seduction of Mr. Bradley" is still available through me!www.millerscribs.com
www.amazon.com
www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/
www.shelfari.com/estelle4700

Discounts available to book clubs.

YES WE CAN!

What?

2008-04-25T10:00:00.002-05:00

This is an issue that seemingly will not go away; explosive remarks against America by the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, an African American and former pastor to Senator Obama. The fuse is an African American successfully running for the nomination of President of the United States.

Rev. Wright will go on PBS TV’s Bill Moyers Journal to defend his remarks Friday, April 25, 2008 at 9:30 p.m., CT. (Channel 11 in Chicago.) Even if you miss it, check the archives later.

In my humble opinion, Wright will have to repeat the context, maybe even the complete sermon, ignored by the media. Will it be enough to pull Obama out of the fire? Make no mistake, Southern Whites have already made their decision—Wright is a dangerous black man and Obama is guilty by association. Never mind that those same Southern Whites’ remarks are equally as explosive.

To smother this fire, I believe we must take a vocal stand as African Americans and as American voters. What stand would you take?What do you want to hear Rev. Wright say?

Minnie E Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
www.millerscribs.com
www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

Fiction imitating life

2008-04-10T14:01:00.002-05:00

In the novel “Wild Seed” by Octavia E. Butler, she says about antagonist Doro, “If he could not breed stupidity out of them, he would frighten it out.”

Doro built a village of handpicked people. Inbreeding is throughout the novel, as are sacrilege, racism, slavery, freedom, feminism, love, and hate. It is a paranormal novel. The ending is in true Butler style – life is never really finished, yet she leaves enough evidence for you to form your own opinions. She did this with Anyanwu (protagonist) and Doro in “Wild Seed.”

In 2000, Butler stated, "We are a naturally hierarchical species. When I say these things in my novels, sure I make up the aliens and all of that, but I don't make up the essential human character." She passed in Seattle, Washington in February 2006.

Fast forward to March 2008.

Polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs was sentenced in November to two terms of 5 years to life for being an accomplice to the rape of a 14-year-old girl who said she was forced to marry her cousin.

This news story from CNN.

(CNN) -- Authorities said Monday they have taken legal custody of 401 children who lived on an isolated West Texas polygamist retreat built by imprisoned "prophet" Warren Jeffs. The children are being kept at a temporary shelter at historic Fort Concho in nearby San Angelo while authorities investigate whether a child bride gave birth on the ranch at age 15. On March 31, a 16-year-old called and reported physical and sexual abuse on the ranch, authorities said. She said she was married to a 50-year-old man. Authorities are looking for evidence the girl had a child at the age of 15. It remains unclear whether the girl who reported being abused is among the children being interviewed -- or was whisked away from the compound under a different name before authorities arrived.

The women are free to return to the 1,900-acre compound, officials said, but many have chosen to remain. At this point, officials said, the children's fathers are not permitted to see them. Court proceedings began Monday to determine whether there is enough evidence to remove the children from their homes on the ranch, which is near Eldorado, Meisner said. A hearing is scheduled April 17.

# # # # #

Octavia E. Butler somehow saw this coming. On the other hand, maybe it has been happening all along.

Minnie E Miller
Marvelously Mature Author and Essayist
www.millerscribs.com

The book Market

2008-03-13T15:27:00.008-05:00

What do you think the publishing industry will look like in the next 2 years?

We know the independent bookstores are catching hell trying to compete with amazon.com (the largest bookseller) and its substores.

Publishers are reluctant to take on a client unless she/he has sold thousands of books. The untested writer is a gamble companies are not willing to take during these bad economy times. Consider, they are a business and the writer is a commodity. Publishers appear to accept a self-published writer who has proved self to be a great marketer. This is one example where self-publishing has proved its worth. Moreover, in some cases, if they do sign with you, you'd better sell well or they will break the contract (I think it’s in the small print) and you’d better write the way they tell you. I have heard this happening.

E-books are rising. Look at Amazon Shorts. But is this an answer for the writer? I would not put a full-length novel on AS to sell for 49-cents! When submitting, your work must be ready to print. Meaning it must be properly formatted, spell checked and edited, and that’s costly when you consider your profit is 40% of 49-cents!

Personally, I would not download an e-book. The cost to print out a hard copy would out pace the purchase price—laser print cartridges are expensive.

Maybe the little handheld computer is one answer. Amazon is busting its butt selling Kindle, a wireless reading device, for $399. Then you buy a book for the cute little computer for $9.99 but whose book, and what percentage will the writer receive?

I know this is a mouth full but these issues are important if you are a serious writer.

What do you think?

Minnie E Miller
The Rebel With Causes & Author
Forever, My Love has been posted in Amazon Shorts
www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001268D0U/

"The Seduction of Mr. Bradley" is still available through me!www.millerscribs.com
www.amazon.com
www.myspace.com/minnie_e
www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

Discounts available to book clubs.

A Review of The Seduction of Mr. Bradley

2008-03-05T21:12:00.003-06:00

THE SEDUCTION OF MR. BRADLEY

A novel by Minnie E. Miller

Reviewed by Stanley Bennett Clay

If it is reasonable to assume that some of us are right handed, some of us are
left handed, and some of us are ambidextrous, then it should be a reasonable
assumption that in spite of society’s rather clean delineation of
heterosexuality and homosexuality, that sexual ambidexterity—bisexuality—is
more authentic than the suspicions and dubiousness this much maligned and
misunderstood nature is shackled with.

Author Minnie E. Miller, in her crisply paced novel “The Seduction of Mr.
Bradley,” presents a clear-headed and thoroughly entertaining thesis on this not so phenomenal phenomenon.

P.R. Executive Bill Bradley is an absolute dream. The thirty something African
American is G.Q. handsome with his stunning braids. He’s also classy, smart,
witty, sexy, sincere, and thoughtful.

A man who has triumphed over a Dickensian childhood, Bill has his first same sex relationship at the age of twenty-one. His paramour is also his patron, a
handsome, distinguished, and very wealthy older black businessman by the name of Ted Grassley. In spite of the fact that Ted is happily married to an elegant Susan Taylor-esque socialite who may or may not be oblivious and/or duplicitous in and to his other side, he and Bill (Ted will only call him William) carry on a nearly 15-year love affair emotionally and physically satisfying to them both.

But when Bill (whose firm has been financed by Ted and who has been sexually and emotionally exclusive to Ted) takes on a new client, the beautiful and sensitive novelist Jina Cook, new sparks begin to flicker and those pre-Ted opposite sex attractions begin to re-surface. Smart and clever dialogue, wonderfully interspersed with Miller’s unique and trade-markable LOL inner-dialogue reveals the sweet building blocks of a genuine love affair. But when the courtship is consummated, Bill is torn between the duality of his heart.

After much soul-searching and heartfelt conversations with female college buddy Samara, he decides to do the only thing he knows how. Be honest.

Although Ted is coolly, almost coldly accepting, Jina is devastated by Bill’s
revelation.

And so herein lies the dilemma. How does a genuine, non-cheating,
committed-oriented bisexual convince his woman that he will be true even though a great part of who he is entails a natural attraction towards men? I don’t know the answer, and that is what is so appealing about this remarkably simple and complex novel.

If I had a qualm with this wise and wonderful work, it is the constant reference
to bisexuality as a lifestyle. Modern medicine and new social discourse have
almost settled the debate over whether heterosexuality, homosexuality and
bisexuality are lifestyle choices or nature’s simple draw of the card. Most
beliefs nowadays err toward the latter, meaning that Ms. Miller’s novel lags
slightly behind contemporary thinking.

But forget that little peccadillo. This book works without preaching, a
ruler-wielding schoolmarm, or right wing rants.

Debates will abound after this read, as well they should. And to Miller’s
credit, her well-drawn quartet---Bill, Jina, Ted, and Samara, give us many
man-in-the-mirror moments to ponder.

Miller also brings up the elephant in the room. AIDS/HIV. But wisely she points out in a heartfelt tag, that the culprit is not bisexuals, homosexuals, shared
needles, unsafe sex. It is ignorance. That alone makes this a worthwhile read.

(available through amazon.com)

Reviewer's Note: What critics are saying about Stanley Bennett Clay's LOOKER. "Engaging and thought provoking. A true master of writing." - Urban Reviews "Crisply written, imaginatively plotted, and realistically sensual." - Between The Lines "Strong and effective genre fiction." Bay Area Reporter "Expertly crafted eroticism." IN Los Angeles Magazine "Awesome!" - Out In New Jersey Magazine

Minnie E
www.millerscribs.com
www.myspace.com/minnie_e
March 5, 2008

Let's Talk About Bill

2008-02-04T09:21:00.000-06:00

The discussions about The Seduction of Mr. Bradley were most interesting. Many purchased my novel, participated in a discussion and spoke from their hearts. Thank you! To those who have not read the book, please do and join the discussion.

The novel is about Bill Bradley’s struggle to find a better place in life. I wrote and re-wrote the poor guy some many times I think I confused him. Ha! I felt him in so many different ways, more than any character I have ever written.

Ted Grassley is Bill’s male lover and mentor and Jina is Bill’s newly found love.

I didn’t want to build Ted’s character to be equal with Bill’s. It would have pulled the story into the down low factor. That is not the story I wanted to tell. Ted, the old devil, knows what it takes to stabilize his life and business in the straight world—the unconditional love of a wife and children.

Bill is drawn to Ted because he offers masculine love and mentoring he never had as a young boy. Ted is old to the game. His pockets are deep, his neon sign bright and he mesmerizes young Bill.

Jina is elegant, self-assured, straight and celibate. She seduces Bill, showing him the love she has to give and needs. He is a softy. Nevertheless, when she later learns the truth about her new lover she is conflicted, wants a “guarantee” from Bill that he will not jump that fence back to the other side.

Bill Bradley makes what he considers the ultimate sacrifice for Jina by ending his alternative lifestyle. Still another question dogs her, but for how long?
Bill learns that all love carries emotional commitments. He is in the middle of an emotional war.

The Seduction of Mr. Bradley is still available at www.millerscribs.com. Discounts are available to book clubs. Just ask!

I’ve been nominated for Infini Literary Awards 2008 in six different categories!

Minnie E Miller
The Notorious Senior and Author of
The Seduction of Mr. Bradley
minnie247@scbglobal.net
www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/
www.myspace.com/minnie_e

Yes we can!

/booknotes/2-4-08

The 2008 Presidential Race

2007-12-23T14:42:00.000-06:00

Some may be too young to remember a historical voting event, others know it well. It would seem we are at another voting milestone as African Americans voting for the nomination of the President of United States.

Allow me to bring you up-to-date.

In 1965, President Lyndon Banes Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law. It was to ensure on-the-spot federal protection of the right to register and vote. Negro leaders were called into Washington and told to call off the demonstrations while the bill was pending in Congress. But it was out of their hands, Negroes are already in the streets.

“In August 1965, just as Lyndon Johnson was signing into law the strong Voting Rights Act … the black ghetto in Watts, Los Angeles erupted in the most violent urban outbreak since World War II….” [A People’s History of the United States: “Or Does it Explode?” 1995]

I would like to share with you an article about the coming presidential election titled, "What Would Happen if Gore Jumped In?" by Hermene D. Hartman, Publisher/Editor in Chief of N’Digo (December 20 – January 9, 2008, N’Digo, Publisher’s Page, p.3.) Web site: http://www.ndigo.com/commentary.asp.

Here, I’ve added her comments and paraphrased others.

The quality of our future depends on the next President of the United States of America and, more importantly, African Americans’ actions at the poles. I’m speaking about us here. It’s important that we begin to think on this now.

A Clinton/Obama ticket (a female and African American) may throw the nomination to the Republicans. Although Obama said he is not interested in the VP job—today. Think on this.

Gender and race are still very much American hot button issues and will be for many years to come. Think on this.

Ms. Hartman said, “The down side is simple—America might not be ready to be led by either type of minority, a woman or a Black.” Think on this.

The southern male may run-for-the-border and vote for a Republican before accepting a female and African American presidential nominee. Think on this.

Ms. Hartman said, “So, enter Gore and all is well. We trust. We believe. And besides, he won the race before, but the Bushes snatched it from him....” If you didn’t know this you are truly out of touch.

Al Gore is in a perfect position to receive the nomination but, as Ms. Hartman said, he may not want to put up with the "political bull." Think on this.

In the heat of issues, we don’t realize how much of Self is left behind to accomplish gains. Absolutely, think on this.

Minnie E Miller
Author of The Seduction of Mr. Bradley
www.millerscribs.com
www.myspace.com/minnie_e
www.msprissy-dreamweaver.blogspot.com/

Copyright © December 2007