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As a Public Relations Specialist, the duties far exceeds that of a Publicist.  However, specifically I’m going to share my day as a Publicist with everyone. I’m doing this because many people don’t know what a Publicist does, but most importantly do not know why they need a Publicist.  The question of the day is…..

Are you ready for a Publicist?

Before I begin, this is what I do always ONLY at the beginning of each week.  This sets the tone for the days ahead with strategic planning of projects, products, and so forth and to execute those plans of actions.

8:30 am ~ My client (Artist) calls me.  We discuss what I need via song mp3’s for his upcoming campaigns.  We briefly discuss what we need to do today when we follow up for a later call because we both need time to figure out our strategy and like to hear each others ideas and then we come up with an execution plan.  I listen to the music he sends me so I can review it, provide my feedback and for use.  I receive both versions…original and the radio-edited because he knows that I need both.

9:06 am ~ My same client contacts me to ask me a quick question before sending me more music.  While I was in the middle of checking all of my business emails. (I have several because each email reaches the max in such a short time.)

9:15 am   – I decided to do a blog about my day and so, here I am.

9:18 am   – Designing the image for this blog post.

11:00 am – Checking all of my social media networking accounts for any engagement & to stay up to date on the specific industries, such as music, book publishing, and film.  I respond back or take notes for future response.

11:06am – I see that my client responded back to me in regards to his BIO.  I immediately stop what I’m doing to inform him that I have received his BIO headline (which I loved) – Sometimes my clients would like to use their own which is actually better for me. Coming up with creative headlines is never easy. LOL! I told the Artist Manager that I will do it now. I pull up his BIO, logged onto our Project Management Database and start the timer, make the change, and upload to Project Management to submit to him. The time is recorded, but this time is unmarked on the billable box because it took me less than 5 minutes to make the quick change, but still documented as making the change.  It will show up under non-billable time.    The rest of the content has already been completed, reviewed, and he is satisfied with my work and the creative direction that I took with it. We had minor edits, but nevertheless, the BIO is done and ready for use since the headline is changed.  However, my client will still review the BIO in its entirety to check for any minor edits and, if not, I will receive confirmation that it is good to go.  I informed him that I have just submitted the updated BIO to him.  Now back to where I left off in going through all of my social media accounts as well as my clients.  I have access to all accounts in order to run their campaigns, branding and image purposes.

A R&B artist that I have known for over 6+ years or close to it via in the past I hooked him up with a live radio show interview out of his city and this was actually the very first live radio show interview.  We went to the location.  He even had the chance to sing his newest song a Capella style and he nailed it! The radio show hosts absolutely loved him and wanted him to come back on their show.  It’s one of those moments that artists do not forget and are grateful and appreciative for making it happen for them.  Then years later in 2016 (or 2017, I forget) we reunited at an event in VA at a mansion for an artist showcase.  I was invited as media to provide coverage and he was one of the performers with his rap partner.  Their performance was HOT!!! Very creative, I must say! Well, getting to the point….he always sends me flyers to where he will be performing.  i just found out the he is a featuring performer on an event coming up on the 30th of this month.  All I can do is let him know that I received it, but not sure if I will be available to make it or not, but will keep him posted.

It’s awesome to see my client’s book is getting major feedback from her fans…via I’m connected to her new Facebook Author group page where she shared what her fan wrote! It was awesome, now her fan has me wondering….is my client going to write more books to keep the story going with the two main characters??? That remains to be seen so stay tune with that one.  I download the fan image so I can share via social media from my end.  I love when I see my clients are getting fan engagement from the work that they have done on their own. For now, I will quickly share on my Facebook personal page.  I scroll down her group page back dated one week to see what she is promoting so I can piggy back it so to speak. Social Media informs me a lot on what my client’s are doing for their projects.  I start taking notes on what I need to promote and I download the images for promo. (It is now 12pm)  While doing so, I do a quick share to my personal Facebook page.  I also post on my Facebook Group that I started for writers, authors, screenwriters, and filmmakers.  She is promoting a prequel to her book, that was published at the end of August.  I check the SEO to see where the book stands online so that I can know what needs to be done to get more exposure for the book through publicity.   I jot down what I plan to do so later I can strategically do a roll out plan and execute it.  Not to mention, she has a group on Facebook that needs to be promoted in order to gain more members. I’m sharing 2 clients with major videos and images real quick so I can keep tract on the up to date promo they are doing. So I’m doing a lot of downloading, saving, taking notes, sharing, etc so I can make sure I include during their campaigns.

2:20 pm  – As I’m still going through my social media, I have a prospect who is a published author and has a few more questions in regards to the proposal I sent her. (By the way….I look forward to working with her:)  Once she signs the proposal to give me permission to do the services, I draft and send an agreement for review and signing and then send the monthly retainer invoice via PayPal.  Then we begin our client relationship and get to work!!!

2:53 pm  –  I’m finally done going through my Facebook accounts and my client’s Facebook accounts. I’m still not done. There’s more major social media sites to tackle.

4:30 pm  – A local person from a referral reached out to me. I received images of a local studio. I’m not sure if he is only a Artist or a Artist & Producer. I’m not sure how he wants me to assist him, but he does. I tried calling back, but had to leave a message on his voicemail because I didn’t catch him in time before he went to the studio. So we’ll try again so I can have a better idea on what he needs done.

6:54 pm  – Checking my Twitter accounts and my client’s twitter accounts. Still haven’t finished up with going through all of the social media to see what is what with my clients, as well as my business.

7:05pm  – I have a newspaper called, Celestial Caring Enterprise, LLC World Daily News Features and today I’m featuring Chris Brown that was shared by K-WAVE 104.3 and the featured placement is located on Hush! Magazine.  I plan to screenshot so I can do promo on this feature.

7:31 pm – I just finished going on a Twitter ReTweet Binge.  One of my client’s Book Publishing Company is preparing for a Review Tour for her upcoming new book release to secure a few dates in October.  Now jotting down notes because I need to do promo and reach out to bloggers directly.  I ran across a great writing tip to share to my Facebook Group listed above.  It was about Show n Tell and A LOT of writers and authors fight with that on a daily basis during their writing time.  My client’s upcoming book is going to be her seventh book released!!!  I obtained a YouTube video that I can use in one of the other promotions that we are currently doing for her other book that has the chance to turn into a movie.  I went on a retweeting binge again. Then ran across some AMAZING news. My client’s book is officially an International Bestseller #1 in the USA and UK #32 Canada Top 100 in Australia and Germany. More great news for publicity.

9:23 pm  – Reviewing my Instagrams, my client Instagrams, and other Instagrams via if I need to be updated on what anyone else is doing for my client.  Specifically I have one client whose music is going to be played on a major radio show hosted my major folks in the music industry. Updates on the radio show are listed via a nice flyer promo. I’m back to taking notes. My clients have images with heavy hitters. This is important for publicity.  I have another client who has A LOT of teasers that I can use for publicity with her books.

9:44 pm   – I have other clients and projects that I don’t need to review any updates from their social media, but instead go through all of my notes to find out where we are in the process of what needs to be done.  I review all 3 of my client notebooks from current to previous.  So here we go.

• I have to do a Social Media Campaign for an upcoming out-of-state event. (Time is ticking so I would prepare tomorrow. )
• I have to put a PR Package Deal together for an upcoming event. (I can hold off on this for right now.) These 2 items above are very important because I’m one of the Sponsors.
• I already have notes on what I plan to publicize later, so I can move forward to other tasks.
• Re-reading a Press Release that I previously did for a client, but yet to release. Now, its time to release the Press Release, but I have to come up with a different angle for the artist because I would like to launch his Regional PR Campaign.  I’m trying to come up with a catchy headline for his Press Release.  Whew, I found a catchy headline which ties into everything that is going on right now in the world with specifics. Now, time for me to rewrite the Press Release. Time is now 11:24 pm.

Now that it is after midnight.  I’m ready to go to bed.

Thanks for reading about my day in the life of a Publicist.  If you have any questions, please let me know.  Thanks!

Day Two

7:20pm  – (Preparing for my client’s Regional PR Campaign) Listening to my client’s songs to determine which one I suggest we drop this week because he has so many songs and we have to also be strategic about how we roll out all of his singles leading up to his album release.

12/10/2018 >>> I just went to my website backoffice and saw that this blog post was never posted. SMH! So I’m going to post it right now. I’ll do another one again soon! 🙂

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Not Too Much is Romantic About this Psychological Thriller 

Bestselling Multi-Genre Author, Rachael Tamayo released the Cover Reveal and Book Trailer of, “Crazy Love” on June 19, 2017. Reading into the mind of a psychopathic man goes to any extent to catch his prey, a beautiful young woman, Emily. She’s interested in another man, Isaiah not knowing her worse nightmare is too close to home, living right in her attic. The chills from Noah’s creepy thoughts teaches readers to be extra careful of who they let into their lives and the signs to know when to flee or be caught in a crazy love that closes you into a danger zone. “Crazy Love” is published by Solstice Publishing and set to be released this summer.

I love Emily. I know she loves me too, I just need to show her. One day, we will be together forever, I’ll make sure of that. She’s only with this guy she’s been hanging around with to test me, see if I’ll stand true. Emily wants me to fight for her, to see if I can win her. Of course, I will. Once she sees how I’ve been caring for her, all the plans I’ve made, and the lengths I’ve gone to in order to be with her, she will be so proud of me. If only she would stop pretending so I could stop hiding in her attic.

Reach deep into the mind of mentally ill millionaire, Noah Burrell as he turns Emily’s world upside down. His deranged love just might be her undoing.

Emily is happy with her quiet life. A young pharmacist in a Houston area CVS, single and living on her own. Noah, a middle-aged millionaire, comes in to see her daily. Emily chalks it up to a man with a crush on a younger woman, assuming that it’s harmless, although mildly annoyed by his daily visits.

Later in the evening, while Emily is busy attending her close friend’s engagement party, Noah heads to Emily’s home. Knowing where she keeps her hidden keys, he lets himself in and make himself at home, as he has been for months. Noah takes some clothing and checks her computer, but avoids spending the night in the attic like he often does, watching her though holes.

During the party, Emily runs into Isaiah, a previous one night stand. Overcoming her slight embarrassment after remembering how she left months before, the two strikes up a conversation and hit it off. Before leaving, while chatting in the driveway, Emily spots a strange vehicle and happens to mention it to Isaiah, who is a detective with the Katy Police Department. After a quick phone call, they discover that the vehicle belongs to none other than Noah.

“I’ve discovered that I love writing thrillers and believe I’ve found my genre. I doubt I’ll be returning to contemporary romance anytime soon, but everything I write will always have some element of romance,” said Tamayo.

Rachael Tamayo has written Romance, Paranormal, and now this Best-Selling Author is trying her hand at Thrillers. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her with her family. Tamayo is a Mom of a four-year-old son and infant daughter, and Wife of thirteen years. Her full-time profession as a 911/Police Dispatcher in the Houston area gives her an interesting perspective into people that others might not have. Rachael was born and raised in Southeast Texas, where she lives with her family. Her website is http://www.rachaeltamayowrites.com

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Here is the Book Trailer for, “Crazy Love” created by Tamayo:

Solstice Publishing was started in March 2008 under another name. In 2010, we teamed up with a marketing company who suggested that we change the name. Solstice has been growing for many years and we plan to have many more to come.

For Media and Blogger Inquiries, please contact Tishawn Marie, Book Publicist
Synopsis with Spoilers is available upon request.

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It’s a beautiful Sunday evening. I spent my morning reading my first Danielle Steel book, The Sins of the Mother, which I couldn’t put down. Then I found out that my story in Book One of the Faith Series is finally on the Main Spotlight to be critiqued. Furthermore, I received an awesome message on my scratchpad that another writer really loves my work. A few minutes later I was notified by email that I had my first critique, and it was an awesome critique that put a great big smile on my face. Reading this critique confirmed that my writing is getting better, I’m learning more about my style of writing, and others are loving my story thus far, and is looking forward to reading more from Book One, Faith Series. This is very encouraging and enlightening! I received my second critique which was great as well, but I need to use more description in my writing, which I lack. I can’t wait to get my writing fingers moving and grooving so I can become a better writer through the Faith Series Writing Journey.

I look forward to rewriting the ending to my first chapter, rewriting the first part of chapter two which has been critiqued by a different site and adding the second part of chapter two with the chapter two revision. Once completely revised and combined, I will submit the entire chapter two for reviews.

Moving on….it’s September. School has started for my children about a week ago. I’ve been beyond busy with appointments between my children and I. Not to mention, starting my second business, handmade products, such as beaded jewelry. I’ve had some challenges along the way with taking several different medications to manage my Bipolar Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety Disorder, Rape Trauma Syndrome, and Depression while still dealing with PCOS. These complications has caused me to become manic because my insurance won’t approve the medication that really works for me.

I’ve been making decisions that haven’t been in our best interest. In the process, I’ve realized abusers cannot be helped by their victim.…To this day I continue to live with the side effects.

People cannot change their ways unless they’re aware of what they’re doing to others; understanding their behavior is changing and effecting their livelihood, including their career; and they have a willing heart to want to seek professional help. I don’t know what God is doing, but I know that prayers speak volumes and anything is possible through prayer and seeking a relationship with the Lord.

What do you do when your back is against the wall? When you think about what is in the best interest of your children, as well as yourself, you’re doomed, if you do, and doomed, if you don’t. Writing really is a major outlet to help me express my world from a realistic literary fiction perspective.

During my travels on the train, I’ve been focused on writing more to Book One. Since my story hits so close to home, I decided to make a few changes in regards to my characters. I also chose to add chapter three to be the ending of chapter two. My chapter four is now chapter three. Chapter five is now chapter four. Chapter six moves into chapter four. The reason for all of these changes is because I wanted the plots to stay in the same chapter oppose to splitting the plots. These changes make for a better story flow, and fits my style of writing.

Three days ago, I started writing chapter five, but I’m not finished. I’m hoping to write chapter five and six by the end of the Labor Day holiday. The story is moving in so many different directions due to Faith meeting new people, falling into unexpected situations beyond her control, and on the flip side, making decisions within her control which were not too street smart.

As a writer, I’m hoping to show my readers how life can instantly take many different turns in less than one year. More so, Book One really sheds light on the start of abusive relationships, and a young woman who is dealing with multiple victimization. Book One is really going to open up the eyes of many, and I’m pretty sure others can relate to Faith and realize that they are not alone.

Our career goals have a great impact on the decisions that we make. These choices can also hinder our goals in the long run. Faith shows the reader how her career moves has made and broke her, all at the same time.

If this is speaking to your spirit, please share your story with my blog readers. I would love to hear from others. Remember, sharing your story could help others who are currently going through similar experiences.

I welcome words of encouragement, uplifting, and spiritual guidance as I currently get over this hurdle that we’re facing. I appreciate any comments. Thank you!

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Lately I’ve been doing many critiques and having my writing critiqued as well, but have not shared the Chapter One Extension critiques as promised. So this Saturday afternoon, I’m sharing my second, third, fourth and fifth critiques. I hope this is helpful during your writing journey.

At the same time, I’m waiting for my WordPress blog themes to show up completely. The internet is a bit slow for some reason. I’ve decided to start a separate blog site specifically for the Faith Series. The domain is www.faithserieswritingjourney.wordpress.com. Please visit once the site is completed. I’m hoping to help many writers and authors along the way as I take on this writing journey myself.

Also, for my readers, I hope to bring insight to the Faith Series so they can get a glimpse into the creation of the novels. Currently, I’m on Book One. I’m not really sure how many books the series will have, but I’ll have a better idea once I keep writing the story. So let’s get into it!

Second Critique

After reading the entire critique, I only want to respond to one comment by the reviewer.

I don’t mope about my destructive life cycle. I don’t cry over spilled milk. I don’t regret my loose cannons from exploding in a moment that left me worthless, used and abused.
I don’t mope about my destructive life cycle Not sure what this means.

I don’t cry over spilled milk. Too many metaphors consider eliminating one of two.

The reviewer is not sure what “destructive life cycle” means. To me, destructive life cycle is when a person’s life keeps moving at the same pace, which is the cycle. It doesn’t change. Where you started is where you keep ending up, over and over again. In this case, Faith has a life that is very destructive due to being victimized during different moments that have left her feeling worthless, used and abused.

Third Critique

After reading:
You have a good start here. Keep writing! I hope my suggestions are helpful.

Yes, the reviewer’s suggestions were very helpful. It really helped me to revise the Chapter One Extension Rewrite.

Fourth Critique

It was dusk as the night was approaching. I headed back downtown to unwind. I’m always putting a band aid on my pain by dancing the night away and getting drunk enough to only feel that good feeling. When I’m in the zone being swirled into the loud music, I became the beat.
Sounds like a fun character. Try to use active voice instead of passive whenever possible. For example, “It was dusk” could become “Dusk fell over the city, as I headed back downtown to unwind.”

Yes, Faith is a fun character when you get to know her Writing in active voice is something that I really need to work on.

Sometimes I would drink too much just so I would be too drunk to fight back. Saying no to men never stopped the vultures in sheep clothing from wearing out my jewel. It was easier for me to cope with being in powerless situations opposed to fighting an uncontrolled battle that I have never won.
Try to avoid redundancy in word use. For example, the first sentence has drink and drunk in it. Nothing’s really wrong with that, but it might be more interesting to mix up the words a bit. Maybe something like: . . . just so the booze would render me helpless. Could maybe throw in a metaphor, like: Serving as a puppet in these battles somehow protected my pride from the feeling of failure.

This analysis is very deep and sad. Good job being able to express it.

Pride has nothing to do with the situations. Faith is not protecting her pride. I don’t think the reviewer understood where I was coming from in this paragraph.

In regards to the sentence about feeling of failure, I don’t quite agree with the word “failure.” When someone is a victim, we don’t necessarily have feelings of failure. We more so have feelings of defeat. When I think of failure, it’s more as though one has failed something one was trying to do, not doing something one has no control over.

She hit it right on the nail. I was able to express it because the character Faith is actually me. This was a very deep and sad time in my life. Some fiction novels have a lot of truth to the story. This is my truth that many can relate to. I’m not alone. You’re not alone. Together we can overcome our past to not let it affect our future.

“When you get downtown, stop by McDonald’s to pick me up two Double Cheeseburgers,” said Darius.
OMG, of all the nerve. Good job making him come across like a jerk.

Ha, Darius is a jerk! Usually when one abuses his girlfriend, they act like they have done no wrong. Life continues to move forward with the abuser as if all is normal. Victims are so used to doing what the abuser wants them to do no matter how bad the abuser has hurt the victim. The victim begins to self-blame and being remorseful to the abuser as if the abuser is the victim. The victim begins to care for the abuser’s needs and wants just to keep the peace.

A lot of people walked around, down the sidewalk, street and drove bumper to bumper. There was a row of club spots, bars and jumbo pizza places. It was hard to choose where I wanted to go considering that I was all by myself. I was determined to have a good time, although I felt so sad inside.
Wouldn’t she rather be with a friend? Or would a friend hold her accountable? (Not let her drink too much and become powerless)?

Yes, Faith would rather be with a friend, but that wasn’t the case. Faith usually had to go out by herself because she couldn’t get a hold of her friends. Faith seemed to believe that she was strong enough to protect herself while she was out. The type of friends that Faith had during that time, were not the type that would hold her accountable. She usually still was in bad situations around her “so-called friends.” They never stopped her from drinking too much nor did they protect her from becoming powerless.

Closing comments

Great story line. I’m intrigued by her attitude that it’s easier to get drunk and be powerless than to stay sober and be in charge of oneself. And I’m also intrigued by what is going to happen in the club to change her life.
My biggest suggestion is to pay attention to your tense and try to stay completely in past tense (or present tense, but just be consistent).
My second biggest suggestion is to try to minimize verbs like is am are was were when possible. Your writing will be more bold and will have more to visualize in your descriptions when you substitute other verbs.
Good job.

Yes, this reviewer gets it after all!!! I’ve always had issues with tense since I’ve been writing the Faith Series, Book One. I definitely need to work on minimizing the verbs in order to write with more description for my readers to visualize. I’m currently reading two writing books to help me along the way. Studying these books have been great tools during my writing journey.

What tools do you use to help you with your writing journey?

Fifth Critique

You’ve written a piece that is intriguing and even captivating, but there are some issues that need to be worked out.

I did the rewrite already which is currently up for review. This reviewers suggestions really helped me during my rewrite. I greatly appreciate the feedback.

Do you use critiquing sites to help with your writing journey? If so, which ones?

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Today, in honor of National HIV Testing Day Celestial Caring Enterprises and our client, Essence Magazine Bestselling Author, Tia Hines encourages you to get tested for HIV. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) that causes AIDS.

The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Many people with HIV don’t have any symptoms. In the United States, 1 in 7 people living with HIV don’t know they have it.

Even if you don’t feel sick, getting early treatment for HIV is important. Early treatment can help you live a longer, healthier life. Treatment can also make it less likely that you will pass HIV on to other people.

Am I at risk for HIV?

HIV is spread through some of the body fluids, semen (cum), vaginal fluids, and breast milk. HIV is passed from one person to another by:

• Having sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) without a condom or dental dam with a person who has HIV.
• Sharing needles with someone who has HIV.
• Breastfeeding, pregnancy, or childbirth, if the mother has HIV.
• Getting a transfusion of blood that’s infected with HIV (very rare in the United States.)

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010, insurance plans must cover HIV testing. Talk to your insurance company to learn more. Free HIV testing is also available at some testing centers and health clinics.

“HIV does not discriminate.” ~ Tia Hines

The Most Talked About Youth Discussions
Teens Are Not Exempt from HIV

Author Tia Hines is spreading a message through her YA Urban Fiction novel series, “ That Girl is Poison” to shed light on the most talked about youth discussions involving the following topics: Sex, Promiscuity, HIV, Abuse, Teen Rape, Child Sexual Assault, Pregnancy, and Neglect.

This sexual assault survivor is a youth mentor that has a very fascinating way of reaching the young generation and inspiring adults to set goals to create dreams and never stop striving to achieve new heights.

The first book in the two part series was published by Urban Books in 2012, this work is about Desire Jones, a young, hot-to-trot teen who lives life on the edge. Abandoned by her mother, she yearns for love and attention. Her uncle shelters her, but life is impossible to bear with his abusive wife. To make things worse, she gets involved with Malik, who shatters her hope and trust by leaving her pregnant and infected with HIV. So hardened, she decides to do the unspeakable, purposely infecting people with her disease. Of course, no one knows of her intent, not even her best friend, Jennifer, who unwittingly helps Desire find her victims. Will Desire realize the error of her ways before it’s too late? The forthcoming second book, “That Girl is Poison Too” will follow.

“The powerful lessons in my book reflects on respect, love, and protection. Many can relate to my own growing pains which is displayed in my fictional character experiences,” said Tia Hines.

That Girl is Poison ($12.68, 288 pages, 5.5 x 0.9 x 8.2, paperback, ISBN: 1-60162-517-0, is available at online booksellers and distributed by Kensington Publishing Corp. Urban Books is one of the nation’s largest African-American owned book publishing company located in New York and founded by book mogul and best-selling author, Carl Weber whom has published over 2500 African-American topic based books. For more information, please visit www.urbanbooks.net.

NOTE TO MEDIA: To arrange for an interview with Tia Hines, write a feature story, book review, or quotes, please contact Tishawn Marie, Publicist 209.227.4643.

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I love sharing the positive news while I’m writing through my novel journey. I was recently on my first chapter, third revision while writing my second chapter. I submitted my first chapter, third revision for critiquing. I’m happy to say that each revision my writing has improved. Here’s the feedback that I received and will revise during the final chapter editing.

Before I give you all of the details from reviewers, I wanted to let you know that reviewers are not able to see each other’s critique until after one has completed the critique. I was really happy, ok beyond happy to have all four of my reviewers love my opening sentence. I worked really hard putting my opening sentence together. Whew! If you only knew….. It’s a great feeling to know that I finally nailed it!

First Reviewer:

“I like the first sentence…It made me want to read more….”

One of my hang ups when I first started writing, was more so telling oppose to showing. By the time I got to my third revision, I pretty much got the hang of it.

“Good Visual”

“I like that she is strong enough not to answer her cell phone.”

But as you all know, women may be strong at first, but then by the second call, we may get a bit weak and just might answer the cell phone.

“I like the word regretful here.”

I normally don’t give you the edited details because that is for me to fix, but I do want to share this one.

“With all due respect…I would like to see a stronger hook here so the reader wants to turn to the next chapter….

She was referring to my last sentence. This was a bit hard because others liked the end sentence and some needed more. I realized while I was editing my second chapter that it actually is an extension of my first chapter. I came up with a better hook at the end. Now the only problem I’m having is that the characters are taking me in a different direction than I planned from the start. I don’t know how I’m going to start my second chapter. I just have to write and see what happens. That’s the beauty in creative writing!

Second Reviewer

Hi, Tishawn
Your main question was whether your piece is better in past or present tense. I’d vote for present tense, although I couldn’t read the first two versions (however much tried). Here, at this version, present and past still mix, which can be all right, but then they have to follow one another fluently. My hunch is (and it’s only a hunch) that this wholeness could be reached more easily not just by first person singular, but by present as well. This way the problem of past participle could be eliminated too. Otherwise your work seems dynamic and pungent to me. Real life shines through with all its dirt and suffering. You are really good at this genre!

Deciding the direction was very hard for me. I was going back and forth every revision, but I have finally came to the conclusion that I’m going to write in first person past tense. I initially started in present tense, but publishers hate present tense and since I want to become a published bestselling author, I have to write in past tense. If self-publishing, I guess it really wouldn’t matter. Plus, I was told that it’s harder to write in present tense, even for experienced published authors. WOW! The reviewer hit it right on the nail! Yes, this is real life…..it’s my life, but I’m writing a literary realistic fiction novel. This is book one in the series, Faith. I definitely want to stick to this genre!

“Very graphic beginning!”

Yep, here it goes again

“Otherwise, literally this paragraph is full of graphic details.”

Like I said, I was doing more showing than telling

“Good suspense… If you are afraid of something, it appears.

Did you know that I love reading suspense books? Yep, I sure do!

“Otherwise the whole dialogue is pretty dynamic.”

Dialogue was tough for me at first, but I got the swing of it as time went on.

“Good inner monologues.”

This came very easy for me!

“The dried blood stains… again good, graphic detail.”
“Good detail about the MC.”
“Good change in rhythm. Short and long sentences after one another.”
“I hated myself – excellent!”
“Otherwise I love this paragraph!”
“Good ending!”

Well see, this person liked my ending….. Didn’t I tell you earlier….some would, some wouldn’t. “Anyway, I’ve enjoyed your piece, it has a very special, original tone.” This is definitely original…kind of like a lifetime movie based off of a true story wouldn’t you say!

Third Reviewer

“Nice intro.”

I nailed the opening sentence! Third reviewer was also impressed with my writing. The opening sentence is very important!

“Ha. Nice bit of internal monologue.”
“Intriguing open chapter. Your main character has clearly had a troubled life. Be interesting to see how she moves on from here. Hope this crit has been of some use.”

Fourth Reviewer

“Good first sentence; interesting hook.”
“Good internal thought.”

All the reviewers got a kick out of the same monologue

“Good characterization of Faith.”

It’s so awesome when reviewers comment on the same comment with likable feedback.
“This is some interesting and heavy backstory. It definitely seems important to the plot and Faith’s story, but there must be a better way to bring this up (talking about it with another person, etc.) This is her just telling us about what happened. I actually did bring this up very well, but not by talking with another person. I think the reviewer missed the sentences leading up to what I was telling.

“She’s had a cruddy life! This is more telling, though. I would think, after all she’d been through, she would be rather distrusting of men.

No comment! You would think so, right????

“Very strong last line.”
“As I mentioned in the in-lines, you sometimes jump between present and past tense. Make sure you’re consistent. Also watch for spelling mistakes.
This was kind of weak for a first chapter. I liked the way it started, with Faith in tears, stiffening up to break up with her abusive boyfriend. I also liked the confrontation in the parking lot; it showed that she is already taking steps to right her life. But the second half is a lot of backstory, and Faith getting ready for bed. You do tell about her rough life, but again, that is “telling.” Find a way to bring out those incidents through action or dialogue or internal thoughts. I have a feeling that the confrontation with Darius will be a main part of the plot. But there wasn’t much buildup here. He calls, she doesn’t answer, and that’s it. As this is the first chapter, there should be a little more so the reader knows where this is going. It doesn’t have to be an actual meeting with Darius; just show that Faith is thinking about what will happen when they meet and how she thinks it will go. The last line sort of does this— write more like that! Good luck!”

This reviewer was right on point. This is where my original chapter 2 is now being added to chapter one because it flows and it hits on everything this reviewer mentioned. Great minds think alike! Anyways, there are two major paragraphs that show the “telling” because I just am truly stuck with trying to figure out other ways to bring the issues up. I can’t delete it because it’s very important milestones worth mentioning that otherwise has never been exposed. Ugh, I will figure it out. I have already submitted my first chapter extension to be reviewed. It’s not up for review until June 17th. That seems so long away. Hopefully, the days will go by fast. In the meantime, I can work on the two paragraphs that involve the “telling” and keep writing. I am ready to finally write chapter two. It’s a new plot altogether!

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Today concludes Sexual Assault Awareness Month, Child Abuse Awareness Month, and the 16th was Teen Literature Day. I would like to end this month by presenting an inspirational introduction.

Meet Tia Hines. She is a published author with Urban Books, youth mentor and a sexual assault survivor that has a very fascinating way of reaching the young generation and inspiring adults to have dreams, and if you don’t already know her, you will want to.

Tia Hines is an author from Boston, MA who is making her mark in the literary world. She is a full time training specialist by day and a writer by night. When not writing, she dedicates her time to mentoring and teaching hip-hop dance to youth. She graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has a Master’s degree from Suffolk University in Criminal Justice. Tia discovered her passion for writing at a very young age. She figured she could create unimaginable stories through an explosion of words. With this in mind, she wrote her first novel, “Drama,” which successfully debuted as an Essence Magazine Bestseller. She has now written her second novel entitled, “That Girl is Poison.” In addition to that, she is in the process of launching her own publishing company. Her main goal is to get more youth to read and she plans to accomplish this by writing a series of intriguing novels. Tia wants to inspire everyone to set goals to create dreams and never stop striving to achieve new heights.

Today, Tia is spreading a message through her novel, “That Girl is Poison” shedding light on the most talked about youth discussions involving the following topics:

• Sex
• Promiscuity
• HIV
• Teen Rape
• Child Sexual Assault
• Pregnancy
• Abuse (Emotional, Mental, Physical)
• Neglect

Her powerful lessons in this book reflects on respect, love, and protection. Whether hearing her speak or reading her words, people are immediately drawn to Tia’s fictional character experiences many can relate to, and her own growing pain experiences…and, of course, her motivational life lessons.

To arrange for an interview with Tia Hines, write a feature story or book review, please contact Tishawn Marie directly at 209.227.4643 or send an email: pr@celestialcaringent.com. If you would like to receive access to the digital copy of the book, one can be provided to you. And, here are two links: the book cover for “That Girl is Poison” and the book trailer.

“That Girl is Poison” is available for purchase at Amazon.

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Welcome to “My First Novel: A Writing Journey!” Writing my first novel is a very special and interesting journey that I will start experiencing in my life. I really enjoy my creativity flourishing from beginning to end with passionate projects that will make a difference in our world. In doing so, I hope other writers will be inspired, uplifted and empowered when reading my writing episodes. You’ll learn what worked for me and didn’t work. I’ll share beneficial resources that helped me through the process. More so, this blog will shed light on domestic violence among families. I hope to bring more awareness to such a secretive topic for those who haven’t been able to break the stronghold and be freed from the cycle of abuse once and for all. I’ve come to the realization that separation and divorce does not necessarily mean that freedom has come.

The Faith Series is about a young adult who is the victim of abuse, not yet a survivor. She later becomes a divorced single mother. Faith seeks to break the cycle of abuse to put an end to her victimized life. In the name of protecting her 4 children, Faith journeys on survival mode to reach victory.

At a young age, I used to write books, poems and play/movie scripts that never published and I have no clue what happened to those writings. I’ve always had a love for writing and reading. I kept a diary that I started writing as a child and still write in my diaries to this day. Journal writing is such a huge part of my life. I was a big fan of Nancy Drew, The Babysitter’s Club, Romance books, and as I got older my interests turned to Self-Help & Spiritual books. I collect good books and throughout the years have read many, but still have a ways to go. I do have a slight addiction– book binges. I make my way to book sections of stores any time I’m out shopping and I buy every interesting book with a fabulous cover.

I always wanted to get back into writing, but this time taking my hobby more seriously. Eleven years ago I started working with magazine companies and then became a Publicist and opened my Public Relations Boutique seven years ago. Than last year I entered into the Book Publishing world when I landed a major out-of-state Publishing Company client. This was just what I needed to get my passionate juices flowing again. My skills excelled to the next level when I started working with Authors. It was an intriguing hands on learning experience and financially rewarding (I might add 🙂 Most of all, I met very wonderful authors!!!

Now I’m ready to write a novel to publish. So here I am! I finally started writing my first novel earlier this week on Tuesday June 17, 2014 when reality hit me hard and immediately realized that I actually wrote the introduction to what would become my first novel. Experienced writers say to begin writing and you’ll go someplace. That’s exactly what I did and it definitely took me somewhere. I went from not knowing what to write to establish a protagonist, plot and a series idea.

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