Come Out and Party with…
Los Angeles Native, father of two, Rickey Teems II is the acclaimed author of such novels asRegression and The Healing of Love and Laughter. He is a man of God and community. Teems is active in the community, working to help the next generation of parents and youth better themselves. He does his best to follow Christ (sin less not sinless), and volunteer around the church. Teems likes to push social, religious, dramatic, and emotional boundaries with every story he tells. With a Bachelor’s in Psychology and a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, he spends a lot of time working with youth to ensure the men of tomorrow understand the fundamentals of success.
Why did you choose to participate in this literary event? OOSA was one of the first to review my books when I didn't know what I was doing! How could I not attend?
What is your favorite pajama party game/memory? I have two memories. First was childhood. Always being the kid who could stay up later than everybody else then bragging the next morning. Apparently not much has changed because now the late night is when most of my writing is done. A pajama party at a club in Long Beach. Them ladies weren't playing, so we'll save that memory. LOL
What is your favorite pair of pajamas? Had some Star Wars jammies as a kid, matching long sleeve shirt and bottoms. I see old pictures where I was still rockin' em even when the pants were up to my shins and the sleeves dang near to my elbows.
What are you most looking forward to at the Pajama Jam? I'm looking forward to meeting some people that have been rockin’ with me hard for some years now, but it's always been social media interaction! No more virtual hugs!
Pack your overnight bags
Step out in your best jammies
Join OOSA Online Book Club and your favorite authors William Fredrick Cooper, Damon ‘Amin’ Meadows, Eric ‘Oasis’ Myrieckes, Jason Poole, and Rickey Teems II for a night of books, food, dancing, games, give-a-ways, dinner & fun!!!
Calling all book clubs, readers, and friends to come out and PLAY!
WHEN: October 25, 2014
WHERE: Crowne Plaza, St. Louis Airport
HOW: Register now at www.oosapajamajam.com
BE There Or HEAR About It!
The Pajama Jam Weekend kicks off with a Mix-and-Mingle followed by Pillow Talk hosted by bestselling author Brenda Hampton featuring authors Chris Renee and Caroline McGill.
Adrienne Thompson
It is FOR and ABOUT authors. Here we shine the light on authors who we've read, reviewed, and recommend to others. In this edition we are shining our light on another gifted author.
Married at sixteen, a mother twice by seventeen, and thrice a mother and divorced by twenty-four, Adrienne Thompson is no stranger to adversity. Not your typical teenage mother, she went on to complete her college degree and to earn her nursing license. She attributes God's faithfulness as the catalyst for her success in life. Now, having raised two children as a single mother, with a third fast approaching adulthood, she is sharing a long hidden talent and passion with the world. Using the lessons that life has so expertly taught her as a guideline (betrayal, abusive relationships, self-esteem issues, witnessing the deteriorating effects of drug abuse), she has created stories with multicultural characters that will both entertain and inspire the reader. Stories from the soul… for the soul.
Adrienne considers herself a literary maverick with a unique writing style, and her greatest desire is for reading her books to be a unique experience for everyone. She is not interested in emulating any other authors. She aspires to set trends, not follow them. For her, writing is an art that she strives to remain true to.
With twelve published novels under her belt, this indie author and publisher is blazing a trail to success. Her brand of edgy inspirational realistic fiction and romance has been termed easy-to-read and extremely addictive. One of her favorite phrases is “Betcha can’t read just one!”
Thompson was nominated for the 2012 All Things Literary Award for Best Female Author. She was also nominated for the 2013 Facebook Urban Literary Award for Best Romance Author. In addition, she was nominated by the BRAB (Building Relationships Around Books) Online Book club for Women’s Fiction Author of the year for 2013. Her title, Been So Long, is listed as one of AALBC.com's 20 bestselling eBooks of 2012. Her title, See Me, was chosen as one of UBAWA’s top 25 books of 2012. Your Love Is King was listed as one of UBAWA’s top 100 books of 2013.
Adrienne currently resides in Arkansas with her daughter. Formerly an RN, she now writes and publishes her stories full time. She is also a motivational speaker.
What’s next for Adrienne? Adrienne is currently working on several projects including follow-ups to her novels Your Love Is King and See Me, a short devotional, a YA novel, a detective series, and a fantasy novel (remember, she’s a literary maverick). She is planning to release four books next year and maybe even a surprise release for later this year. To keep up with her, be sure to sign up for her newsletter at: http://eepurl.com/jnDmH and be sure to check out her Amazon author page: http://amazon.com/author/adriennethompson
GETTING TO KNOW ADRIENNE...
What was the last film that really moved/disturbed/thrilled you and why? The Great Gatsby (the old one with, Robert Redford). Why? Because it is a beautifully tragic love story, and Robert Redford is marvelous as Mr. Gatsby. Gotta love Robert Redford!
You have the opportunity to date any music-celebrity of your choice. Who would it be and why? I would resurrect Marvin Gaye and date the heck out of him! Love that man’s voice and his swag. He had lots of swag and massive sex appeal!
Receipts – keep them or throw them away? I’m sort of a paper hoarder, but I’m an organized paper hoarder. I have totes full of receipts, so yeah, I keep them.
If I could go back and talk to the 18-year-old me, I’d tell myself: You are much cooler than you realize. You really are. Don’t settle!
From my children I have learned...That I’m not that bad of a person. I’d have to be pretty good to raise awesome people like them!
If you could not make any changes but could relive one day in your life over again, what day would you choose? The day I met my ex. We had a horrible marriage, but we made some incredible human beings together.
You see a quarter on the sidewalk. Do you pick it up? Uh… yeah! I’m a starving artist, remember? Shoot, I’d pick up a penny, lol.
What televisions series would people be surprised that you watch? Hmm, Storage Wars, maybe?
What color is your car? White. I’ve actually owned 3 white cars, so I guess I like white.
What one thing would an ex say he missed most about you? My heart. When I love, I love unconditionally. Sometimes that can be a good things, other times it can be not so good.
This or That...
Rain or Snow? Rain!
Hot or Cold? Cold
Night or Day? Night
On or Off? On
Pen or Pencil? Pen—with a fine point, no ball point!
PRAISE FOR BEEN SO LONG
“BEEN SO LONG.....This book was soo good!!! I could not put it down and could not wait until my next break at work to read some more!” Monique
“I found this story quite compelling…Been So Long was a wonderful story to read.” – Sandra Hall
PRAISE FOR YOUR LOVE IS KING
“I could never do this story justice in a short review. If you've ever read an Adrienne Thompson, then you know that this is not just another love story. She puts her heart and soul into each book. But if you have never experienced her brand of writing, I highly recommend this book to start. But don't stop with this one, they all will enhance your perspective on love.” – Karen Rodgers
“Real characters and a good plot makes this story a great read.” – Denise Bolds
PRAISE FOR SEE ME
“This was such a compelling story. The characters and storyline were believable but still mind blowing. It was a good reminder just how serious mental illness is and how we honor people in all their glory but never ever really know their story. This book was my introduction to Ms. Thompson's work but I can't wait to read her other books. What a passionate writer. Don't sleep on this book - it's a must read.” – DebiG
“WOW, when I started reading this book, I couldn't stop!!!! From the first page, you had me wondering what was going to happen next! I can't wait to read your next book!!!!” – Alicia P
PRAISE FOR BLUESDAY
“I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to read a book that has a believable storyline and characters. Side Note: As a music fan of all genres, I love how the author titled each chapter after a famous blues song.” – OOSA
“Thompson delivered a very realistic story of a woman who has buried secrets deep within her heart. She had to find strength to understand her childhood and the reasons she made the decision and mistakes in her life. The story was very haunting but it held my interest until the very end.” - APOOO BookClub
Learn more about her at http://adriennethompsonwrites.webs.com or connect with her on the following social media platforms:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/A_H_Thompson
Instagram: http://instagram.com/ahthompsn
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ahthompsn/
Keith Thomas Walker
It is FOR and ABOUT authors. Here we shine the light on authors who we've read, reviewed, and recommend to others. In this edition we are shining our light on another gifted author.
Keith Thomas Walker is the author of more than a dozen novels, including Life After, Fixin’ Tyrone, Dripping Chocolate and The Realest Ever. He enjoys reading, poetry and music of all genres. Originally from Fort Worth, he is a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University. Keith has won numerous “Best Author” and “Best Male Author” awards from a variety of book clubs.
GETTING TO KNOW KEITH…
What was your favorite food as a child? Nachos.
My first kiss was: at a school dance. I was so in love with that girl!
What is your favorite outdoor activity? Swimming.
My biggest celebrity crush is: Sanaa Lathan.
What was the first thing you bought with your own money? I'm sure it was a big, fat cheeseburger, but I don't remember.
The funniest fan mail/tweet I’ve gotten said: "OMG, is *** really ***???" It was funny to me, but they were really shocked, thinking I killed a main character.
If you could play any sport professionally, which would you choose? Mixed martial arts.
Do you have a nickname? Kdub (in certain circles), KT and KTW.
What one word describes you best? Efficient.
What trait do you most admire in women? Smarts.
What’s next for Keith? Brick House 2, coming in January. Korah Stewart and Brock “Brick” Avery are still reveling in their sizzling, whirlwind romance. With the prized contract secured, Brick is willing to share the spoils. But love may be an obstacle for the competing contractors. Meanwhile Devin and Yolanda struggle to see eye to eye, and Texas Builders is dealt a devastating blow. Korah fights to keep her family and her company together, and Brick must decide if commitment was ever on his agenda.
PRAISE FOR LIFE AFTER
"Once again Keith T Walker has written a book that is so realistic; I always love how he makes his characters real and normal. Great Job." - Demetris Mosley
"Wonderful story of love, lies, and second chances. As with his other novels, I couldn't put this book down until the end." - T. Williams
PRAISE FOR FIXIN’ TYRONE
"This story FIXIN' TYRONE proves with love, and someone to believe in you people can and will make changes. Mr. Walker's debut novel teaches, you to take charge of your life and not let the ugly keep you down. This story was a delight to read." - The RAWSISTAZ (tm) Reviewers
"OMG! Mr. Walker had me at page two! 'Fixin Tyrone' has it all and the chorography of this story is so well done - I don't know if Mr. Walker is a pipe layer but he is a PAGE LAYER for sure! I love Mia - an independent single mother, the characters around both Mia and Tyrone are a perfect mix! The love scenes are toe curling, blistering heat - you CANNOT read this book out in public (I tried). Oh yes, a MAN can write a romance story! GET THIS BOOK! "Fixin Tyrone" is the perfect book club read as the diverse topics within this story will have women talking and hopefully `fixin' for a long time! Hurry up and write the second book Mr. Walker!" - Denise Bolds
PRAISE FOR THE REALEST EVER
"Simply loved this book... It was truly the realest ever, It was good to see people arent millionaires to get a story regular people needs love too.. that is what I enjoy about Keith Books...A Must read one again Mr walker has done it again.. great job loved it..Keep the good work up..." - Sharon Blount
"I could not put this book down. It was refreshing and a delight...Bravo, Keith Thomas Walker. This was a nice book." - OOSA
For more information about Keith, please visit:
Website: www.keithwalkerbooks.com
Vanna B
It is FOR and ABOUT authors. Here we shine the light on authors who we've read, reviewed, and recommend to others. In this edition we are shining our light on another gifted author.
Vanna B. is an author and publisher of fiction novels. The Hope Street Publishing CEO is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and received her BA in journalism from Temple University. Writing has been a life-long passion of hers and she always planned on authoring books.
Vanna's professional writing career began with newspapers and magazines, where she served as a restaurant reviewer, proofreader, advice columnist and staff writer covering a range of topics including current events, local politics and culture. After making the decision to leave the workforce to stay home to raise her son, she began penning her first novel, “Fancy.” “Fancy” went on to be a huge success, landing on the Amazon Kindle best-sellers list for multiple categories, earning Vanna the 2012 Philly Hip Hop award for ‘Best Author,’ being featured in The Source Magazine, and receiving overwhelmingly positively reviews. This year “Fancy 2” and “Knock-off Nina” also made the Kindle best-sellers list, and Vanna was nominated for two AAMBC Awards as well as two Urban Literary Awards.
Her current titles include: “Fancy,” “Fancy 2,” “Knock-off Nina,” “The Succubus: Sins of the Flesh,” and “Waist Training 101: A Guide to Using Corsets to Slim Your Waistline.”
What’s next for Vanna? I am currently working on a collaboration with my husband, Cal Akbar, entitled “The City of Brotherly Blood.” And on July 31st my company, Hope Street Publishing, is releasing “The Hustle: A Means to an End” by Donisha Derice and Jai Darlene.
GETTING TO KNOW VANNA B…
What is your favorite home cooked meal? Curry chicken! My husband makes it the best. I could eat it every day.
I think my best feature is my smile, dimples and all, and I play it up by showcasing it every chance I get. No matter what is going on, there is always something to be happy about. Plus, a smile is much more attractive than a frown.
What do you usually do when you meet someone for the first time? Listen. I usually do more listening and observing than speaking. I like to take it all in and get a good read on them.
The best advice I ever got on love was: That it often requires work but true love should never be given up on. So true!
Which one fashion accessory do you like more than others? A nice stiletto heel—the higher the better. High heels just make me feel so sexy.
My biggest turn-on is: Intelligence. There is nothing sexier than an intellectual man…a man I can learn from and become better from…one I can just fall into, listening to him speak and enjoying his conversation.
Do you prefer pens or pencils? Pens. Pencils always remind me of elementary school.
The thing I am most proud of: My writing/publishing career. I’m proud of myself for taking a leap of faith to pursue my dreams and the continuous growth I’m experiencing while doing what I love.
What is the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you? Having someone steal a photo of me and put their face on my body. I was like, “What the hell?” Because the last time I checked, I was neither blonde nor Asian. It was so bizarre. People do some crazy manipulations with Photoshop.
The one clothing item I can’t live without is: A good steel boned corset to keep my waistline sleek and curvy. It’s become sort of an addiction and since I sell them I often find myself dipping into my supply! Lol.
PRAISE FOR VANNA B
"The author did an excellent job the first go around with the potential to only climb in her career." - Readers With Attitude Book Club
"Everything and everyone are not what they appear...Fancy experiences a series of dramas that inspires great change for her life." -Vanessa Irvin Morris, StreetLiterature.com
“Loved both books, well written & I didnt get bored while reading, I will definitely be reading more from Vanna B.” – Alisha
“Knock Off Nina is such a good read. I loved that the storyline was very different but still official in it's own way. This novel is filled with drama with a capital D and leaves you in suspense more than you'd like. It's a true page turner and the end with leave you with your jaw dropped. All I can say is go get this book. Great job Vanna B.” – Jenise Brown
“I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I must say Vanna B did her thing with this book right here! The suspense and build up kept me from putting the book down! It was very well written and very entertaining! The characters were very strong and held their own! There was not one boring part of this book! I enjoyed it from start to finish and would highly recommend this book to other readers! Kudos for Vanna B for putting out an excellent product for her readers! They will definitely be talking about this one for some time to come!” – Faye Wilkes
For more information on Vanna B, please visit:
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