2012 Featured Authors

We're just getting started!
More featured author appearances to be announced soon!
Registration will open in November!

Francis Ray

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Francis Ray is a native Texan. A graduate of Texas Woman's University, she is a School Nurse Practitioner with a local school district. In 1999 and 2000, she was nominated for Texas Woman's University Distinguished Alumni Award. She gave Texas Woman's University 2010 Winter commencement address.

Ms. Ray's titles consistently make national bestseller's lists. INCOGNITO, her sixth title, was the first made-for-TV movie for Black Entertainment Television. She has written forty-seven books to date. Awards include Romantic Times Career Achievement, EMMA, The Golden Pen, Atlantic Choice, Borders 2008 Romance Award for bestselling Multicultural Romance for NOBODY BUT YOU. IF YOU WERE MY MAN was selected as Written 2010 Book of the Year.

THE TURNING POINT, her first mainstream, was a finalist for the prestigious HOLT Medallion Award. At the release event for THE TURNING POINT in May 2001, Ms. Ray established The Turning Point Legal Fund to assist women of domestic violence to help restructure their lives. The fund is administered by The Family Place in Dallas,TX. February 2005 heralded a personal triumph with the release of her first Christian fiction anthology, HOW SWEET THE SOUND.

Ms. Ray had four books published or re-released in 2011, and four scheduled thus far for 2012. She enjoys writing fiction, where intelligent women through hard work and perseverance triumph over adversity, just as they do in real life. www.francisray.com

Moses Miller

Moses Miller is a journalist, a motivational speaker and an award winning author for Mind Candy, LLC, which is a company focused on book publishing, the development of screenplays and educational programming for our youth. A native New Yorker, Moses exhibits the uncanny ability to capture the pulse of the streets with intelligent and well thought out storylines. In the past, he has contributed articles and written for various websites and publications including The Voice, Newsday and 88HIPHOP.COM where he is currently the Editor in Chief of content. He holds a Bachelors degree in Business Management and a Masters of Science degree in Technology Management obtained from Polytechnic University. His first novel, Nan: The Trifling Times of Nathan Jones has received various awards and critical acclaim from readers and book clubs around the world. After the successful release of his first novel, Mr. Miller cemented a deal with F.E.D.S. magazine resulting in a joint venture to publish his second release, Once Upon A Time in Harlem in September of 2007. The highly anticipated second installment in the Nan series, The Game of Trife, was released through Mind Candy, LLC in August of 2008. Mr. Miller is a socially conscious individual who strives to play a key role in helping to improve the literacy rates amongst African American and Hispanic teens. Through his American Me “Voices of Our Youth” program, he has worked with several other organizations in an effort to decrease the high school dropout rates plaguing lower income communities. Mr. Miller’s inspirational book The Barack in Me, was written specifically for young African American males, with themes that cross the boundaries of gender and race. Mr. Miller is currently the facilitator for two youth mentoring programs focused on developing upstanding men and community leaders. His latest release, Nan: The Trifecta is the highly anticipated finale to his Nan series. http://www.mindcandymedia.com

Naleighna Kai

Naleighna Kai, a Chicago native, is the author of the national best-selling novel, Every Woman Needs a Wife, coauthor of Speak it into Existence and a contributing author to a New York Times Best-seller. Naleighna started writing in December of 1999, self-publishing her first three novels before landing a deal with an imprint of Simon & Schuster and reaching the national bestsellers list. She is a Mercedes Benz Mentor Award Nominee, the founder of Macro Marketing & Promotions Group and is the brainchild behind the Cavalcade of Authors events in Chicago which is now in its eighth year. She is a publishing and marketing consult with clients that range from New York Times Bestselling authors, independent authors and major publishing houses and corporations. Naleighna is the mother of, J. L. Woodson, NAACP Image Award Nominee for Outstanding Literature (Superwoman’s Child: Son of a Single Mother). Every Woman Needs a Wife is currently required reading for Indiana University’s Women and Gender Studies Course and has received rave reviews and awards across the nation. Naleighna works for a major international law firm and is currently working on two new projects: Slaves of Heaven and Was it Good For You Too? Visit her on the web: www.naleighnakai.com

A'ndrea J. Wilson

A’ndrea J. Wilson, Ph.D. is the author of several fiction and nonfiction books, including the novel, Wife 101, the devotional, My Business His Way: Wisdom & Inspiration for Entrepreneurs, and the Young Adult Series, Ready & ABLE Teens. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology, a Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology; Marriage and Family Therapy, and a Doctorate in Global Leadership; Educational Leadership. A’ndrea works as a college professor, as well as conducts workshops on a variety of personal and professional topics. Dr. Wilson is the Founder and President of Divine Garden Press, a publishing company that specializes in fiction and nonfiction books addressing marriage and family issues. She is a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and is frequently involved in community service activities. A native of Rochester, New York, she currently resides in Georgia. Please visit her online at www.andreawilsononline.com

Jo Lena Johnson and Steven Charles Martin

Jo Lena Johnson and Steven Charles Martin are the authors of The Strategic Planning for Love and War (February 2012), which is a relationship book that not only addresses relationship issues but also offers practical solutions and tools for married couples and singles. They are also known as Water (Jo Lena) and Ice (Steven).

About Jo Lena Johnson - Empowering individuals to be their best is what International Trainer & Speaker, Jo Lena Johnson specializes in through her consultancy Absolute Good Training & Life Skills Management. Through her training, she reveals tools and strategies for people to thrive in life, work, and relationships.

Principle-focused, results-driven, and heart-centered, Jo Lena has taught over 65,000 people worldwide with her no-nonsense and dynamic approach. Fast-paced and fun, her interactive self-discovery strategy sessions also help participants to develop skills in overcoming obstacles, build meaningful relationships and ultimately, achieve their goals.

Jo Lena helps you get real with who you are and who you want to be. You can either spend a lifetime wishing you had a great life or learn NOW how to have an extraordinary life. It’s your choice.
About Steven Charles Martin - A skilled communicator and leader, Chief Steven Charles Martin combines past experiences and compassion for others to present and deliver a fresh perspective and heart centered alternatives to explore strategies to build relationships for couples and especially men in today's world.

A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, a father and a career recruiter for America's Navy, A Global Force for Good, Chief Martin has served his country for over 22 years as a leader, a mentor, and a spokesperson for diversity.

With a winning attitude, a proven track record of success, and the courage to speak up, Chief Martin stands for bringing out the best in all those whom he encounters.

Visit Jo Lena and Steven's website http://www.strategicplanningforloveandwar.com

Mary Monroe

Mary Monroe's first novel The Upper Room was published by St. Martin's Press in 1985, which was widely reviewed throughout the United States and Great Britian. After fifteen years and several rejection letters, Mary was able to release here next novel God Don't Like Ugly with Kensington Books, which started the well known God Don't Like Ugly Series. In 2006, Mary's seventh book God Don't Play landed her on the NY Times Bestselling list. Ms. Monroe has released fourteen books to date with her latest being the prequel to The Upper Room, Mama Ruby June 2011.

In 2001, Ms. Monroe was the recipient of the Oakland Pen Award for Best Fiction of the Year for God Don't Like Ugly. She won the Southern Best Author Award for Gonna Lay Down My Burdens in 2004. http://www.marymonroe.org

Marissa Monteilh

Voted amongst the 2010 Women of Influence in Publishing by Written Magazine, Marissa Monteilh, a former news reporter and commercial actress, is the author of ten novels, two novellas, and one non-fiction title, as well as four erotica titles under her pen name, Pynk. Originally self-published, Marissa mentors new authors and is a regular contributor to the literary blog, Novel Spaces. Marissa is a member of the female group of writers, Atlanta's GA Peach Authors, whose mission is to promote the importance of reading and writing. Originally from Los Angeles, she now resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her family. www.marissamonteilh.com

Vanessa Miller

Vanessa Miller is a best-selling author, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.

Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained minister in her church, explaining, “God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”

She is currently working on a She Who Finds a Husband trilogy for Kimani Romance. The first book, Her Good Thing, releases in February 2013. She is also working on a historical set in the Gospel Era for Abingdon Press. First book in Gospel Series, How Sweet the Sound releases in 2013. http://www.vanessamiller.com

E. Lemont Goode Jr.

Renaissance writer E. Lemont Goode, Jr. is the criticially acclaimed author of the novel "Game", a fascinating coming-of-age tale about four childhood friends whose lives have taken vastly separate paths in their adulthood years. In addition to novels, Goode has also worked as a journalist and has several yet-to-be released screenplays. His second novel release is slated for release later in 2011. A native of Little Rock, Arkansas, Goode graduated with a Computer Information Systems degree from Park University and presently resides in Kansas City, Missouri.
www.ELGNovels.com

TaNisha Webb

TaNisha Webb is a well known book club consultant and author of the highly anticipated book club guideThe Ultimate Book Club Experience: How to Create & Maintain a Successful Book Club. She is the Publisher and Editor in Chief for Book Club 101 Magazine and the founder of Book Club 101 University, The Black Book Club Experience, and The Ultimate Book Club Experience. TaNisha is also a literary events consultant. She is the founder and coordinator of Fall Into Books Literary Conference and Book Club University Online Conference. She is the owner of Literary-ly Speaking Events & Services and Bookmark It! Handcrafted Bookmarks.

TaNisha Webb is the president of the award-winning KC Girlfriends Book Club and moderator for the “Maximizing Your Book Club Experience” panel discussion for the National Book Club Conference in Atlanta, GA. In 2002, TaNisha earned an Associates of Health Science in Respiratory Care at Newman University in Wichita, KS. TaNisha lives in Kansas City, MO and works as an Environmental Health Coordinator for a children’s hospital. Please visit TaNisha Webb online at: www.tanishawebbonline.com, www.bookclub101mag.com
or www.bookclubuniversity101.net

T.L. James

TL James graduated with an MBA from LeTourneau University. At LETU, James cultivated an interest in biblical studies and research. Little did James know, but her love for research would become an integral thread in her writing style.

After many sleepless nights, James began writing her first speculative fictional book, with her newly born son tucked comfortably at her side. She developed the family drama storyline that showcases her love of research, biblical studies and literary classics (i.e., Chaucer, Shakespeare and Mythology). The MPire Trilogy was born.

In 2008, TL James revived PHE Ink, a Writing Solutions Firm, after discovering a number of gaps in the publishing industry. James works with aspiring writers, one-on-one, to develop their literary voice. PHE Ink, also, assists entrepreneurs with transforming their business dreams into defined objectives and business plans.

TL James currently resides in Houston, Texas with her son and immediate family. www.pheinkpub.com