Archive for July 2017

BRADY CLARK'S FAMILY chooses horrible timing for their first camping trip—a night when a fierce storm leaves them stranded in the woods.

Circumstances that leave him running around in the forest wearing, well, let's just say less than appropriate attire cause him to unleash his anger by physically assaulting his father.

Not yet ready to face the discipline he has coming, Brady makes false allegations against both of his parents. That one foolish move throws the Clarks into a world they knew very little about. A world that could possibly prevent them from ever dwelling together again as a family unit.

Can God use these trials to wake this family up to His purpose?

Pick up your copy of Revenge Fires Back on Amazon.com

My interview with JR Thompson

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

Sure. I was born and raised along the outskirts of Charleston, WV. As a little boy, I had a lot of ambitions—I wanted to be a police officer, a veterinarian, a journalist, or a photographer. Well, I didn’t exactly realize those dreams, but am thankful God has given me the ability to write books. In addition to writing, God has given me the privilege of being an assistant pastor at a local Baptist church – another honor I am extremely grateful for.

How did you choose the genre you write in?

That’s easy! I’ve always enjoyed making up stories – got quite a few spankings for that when I was a kid. Haha. Now that I’ve gotten older, I get paid for making them up. I chose Christian fiction because I do not include any foul language or indecency in my writings. I want my books to be 100% family friendly and I believe Christian fiction is the best fit for me.

Where do you get your ideas?

They float in from everywhere – dreams when I’ve went to bed after eating too much pizza, real-life experiences that I can twist into fiction, and sometimes just from my warped imagination.

Do you ever experience writer’s block?

Yes, but only on rare occasion. When I run into that problem, I usually take a break from writing for a little while and then try to pick up where I left off. If that doesn’t help, I’ll try to outline and usually it doesn’t take long before I’m back on track.

If you had to go back and do it all over, is there any aspect of your novel or getting it published that you would change?

I’m not 100% sure, but I did play with the idea of rewriting it in the form of first person narrative.

What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?

There’s no doubt about that one – the chapter called Sappyblooditis. I chuckled as I was writing it and again every time I proofread that section. I don’t want to tell you the details of the chapter because it would be a tremendous spoiler. But I would be surprised if any of my readers would disagree that it’s their favorite chapter.

How did you come up with the title?

Getting even is a recurring theme throughout the novel. Quite often, main characters learn that vengeance sometimes has a way of biting back.

What project are you working on now?

I’ve been working on a Christian mystery titled “Hidden in Harmony.” It’s about a devoted Christian family who return home one night to find a homeless man sleeping on their doorstep. They take him in only to later learn he has been accused of terrible acts in the past. Horrible things begin happening in and around their household. Oh, I better not keep talking or I’ll give the whole book away. “Hidden in Harmony” is scheduled to be released on October 14^th.

Is there anything that you would like to say to your readers and fans?

I would just like to say thank you for your support. If you enjoy my books, please leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. It would help me out tremendously!

What brought you to write this book?

I had provided therapeutic foster care for several years and during that time period, multiple families shared many horror stories with me about how children ended up in foster care and about how they were treated while in foster homes. I also heard about some wonderful foster homes and foster families and met some children who truly needed to be removed from their parents’ custody – but those cases were not the norm. I wrote this book to show the world what goes on behind the scenes.

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About JR Thompson

JR Thompson was born and raised in West Virginia. For more than fifteen years he worked with at-risk youth there. He married and moved to a small ghost town in Montana, where God called him to preach. He now serves as an assistant pastor in a neighboring town.

On more of a negative note, JR humbly admits that he is an addict - that's right, he can never get enough Dr. Pepper and has been that way for years.

In addition to writing and ministerial work, Thompson loves the outdoors - he and his wife enjoy going camping in tents (and they make sure to take their bear spray with them - especially since a blackbear got inside their Jeep and ripped up the seats in recent months), hiking, and doing anything to enjoy the beauty of God's creation.

Matthew J. Murphy’s new book Remedy: How I Cured the Incurable ($17.99, paperback, 9781545606285; $7.99, eBook, 9781545606292) is the go-to book for those suffering from IBD, IBS, Ulcerative Colitis, and Crohn’s Disease. It provides an alternative path to overcoming debilitative digestive and autoimmune disorders through bone broth, faith, and alternative remedies.

An estimated 60-70 million Americans suffer from digestive ailments according to the National Institutes of Health. This book provides an alternative means to heal outside of standard medical path of surgery and lifelong medication.

Murphy writes, “My story of faith and the steps I took to combat an illness few ever triumph against will both inspire and enable someone else to live the best life possible, despite what medical experts have told them.”

What are common traps for aspiring writers?

I believe that editing is the biggest unseen trap. Prepare to have many edits. You need them. It may get discouraging for a writer to find so many mistakes. I had two professionals edit my book. One from the publisher. I also had 5 friends edit the book. In addition, I must have read and re-read my book 30 times. Each time there were mistakes and paragraphs that I re-wrote to flow better. This is the name of the game. Also, don’t be afraid to delete. If you wonder if something should be in the book delete it. You have to hold the readers interest and if it makes you the author perk an ear up in confusion in just a teeny bit then it surely will the reader in a bigger way.

Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

No. I’m proud of my work.

What was your hardest scene to write?

The two difficult topics were to write about my relationship break-up and court case. I am sure most people don’t want to rehash painful life moments but they were necessary for my story. It relates to the body/mind/spirit connection in the healing process. Negativity in the form of fear, resentment, or condemnation to name a few ultimately manifest themselves in the body in some manner.

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I wrote my book pretty much on what I wanted to find for help when I was looking for an alternative means to recover from an illness. I wanted a story and details of the person’s life recovering as well as the steps and remedies. So that is what I provided. It is original in the manner I told my story but it also provides the reader what they need (which is the remedies and healing schedule) which is ultimately what they want as they want to heal too. I also provide a sense of hope. Deep down I believe a patient wants hope that they too will smile again in the face of adversity.

What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?

My research began out of necessity. I was very ill. I spent 5 months researching and documenting information and sources prior to even contemplating writing a book on my subject. With the topic of my subject on healing I did not stop there. I continued with research for a year during the time spent actually writing the book as well. The shear amount of information required this commitment.

What’s your favorite under-appreciated novel?

My absolute favorite is the Captains and the Kings by Taylor Caldwell. It was later turned into a mini-series with popular actors from the time (1976). Cast included John Carradine, Jane Seymour, Beverly D’Angelo, and Henry Fonda. The subject matter is an eye opener in the book and very relatable to the power and political conflicts that continue yet today. It seems that very few know about the book. It is a good read.

What’s the best way to market your books?

I believe podcasts are the best way. I went through a POD publisher and very little help is given to the author for marketing. Suggestions are made to do book signings but why spend a day reaching maybe 20-30 potential customers when a podcast such as Dr. Angela’s can be selected based on the book genre and reach thousands.

Which writers inspire you?

Taylor Caldwell, George MacDonald Fraser, and Johnnie M. Clark. Excellent writers. When I can read a book more than once that is the sign of a excellence.

What are you working on at the minute?

This is my first book. I always had one in me just as I believe everyone does. I am working on getting the word out for this book. I do have a good portion of my research completed for my next book however. When I am done with the current marketing, my next book will be based upon my senior military officer experience in the middle east which will bring to light legitimate points for the United States not to be there based on Sun Tzu “The Art of War” thesis. Basically about how if we stick our nose in a hornets nest enough times we will eventually get stung.

Why do you write?

I probably should have been a teacher but my childhood dream was twofold being a military pilot and and electrical engineer. Yes a strange duo dream combo. Well, I achieved both of those dreams. I suppose my illness kick started me into my other forte which is teaching. I figure I can reach the greatest amount of people seeking the knowledge on my particular writing topics through print.

Matthew J. Murphy is a senior military officer, pilot, and engineer. Visit the website at www.enlightenmetoday.org

An Interview with the Nicole A Jones, Editor of "Never Forsaken" by Bishop Ted G. Thomas

Never Forsaken by Ted G. Thomas

I understand you served as Bishop Thomas' Developmental Editor on his book “Never Forsaken”. What was that experience like?

For me it was a privileged experience. It’s always a pleasure working with someone who truly has something to say and sound words to share. But I believe God poured wisdom and understanding directly into me through my collaboration with Bishop Thomas. I’ve been blessed by the experienced.

How did your collaboration on this project start?

Mother* Charletta Clifton Thomas. I was set to work with Mother Thomas on a book but she changed her mind and told me Bishop Thomas would be interested in writing a book... but I would have to call him. Well, Bishop Thomas is the prelate of the Virginia First Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ so naturally I hesitated.

Mother Thomas told me on three separate occasions to contact him about the book. Eventually, I sent an email to Bishop. Impressively enough, he immediately responded to his email and the collaboration began. That was pretty nice.

Nonetheless, I admire how Mother Thomas was mindful of Bishop and put his ambition above her own.

You said Bishop Thomas immediately responded to his email. What was it like working with an 81 year old?

It was a pleasant experience. Ha ha. ha. Honestly, I'm beginning to prefer it. You never have to guess how seniors feel. They say what they have to say and keep it moving. I love it and respect it!

Let me also add, I love how Bishop is a senior person but he respected my skills and my recommendations. Whenever, I suggested more input in a particular chapter, he never got short with me; he respected my recommendation. And he went back to the drawing board and added more to it. When we spoke again he had all of the details. I believe this book is as great as it is because of the wisdom and insight he continuously added to it.

What would you say you have taken away from this book "Never Forsaken"?

Pure wisdom. Some of the stories are hilarious but it shows that (for all of us) it takes a process to get to where were going in God. But it’s a blessing to hear and read how God is still rewarding our faithfulness and obedience to Him when we put Him first.

Where can we find Bishop Thomas’ book “Never Forsaken”?

Bishop’s team will release the book on August 26, 2017 but you can pre-order as early as July 4th. The books will be available online in paperback and e-book formats. But of course you can always contact New Community Temple Church of God in Christ in Portsmouth, VA and someone there can assist.

June 29, 2017

Interview with Nicole A. Jones

Developmental Editor of Bishop Thomas’ memoir “Never Forsaken”

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Never Forsaken is a profound memoir of Bishop Ted G. Thomas Sr. It chronicles his journey from Hoke County, North Carolina to Norfolk, Virginia and beyond.

Each experience gained from his two hundred and fifty mile transition to the city and his upward climb to community and church leadership transforms into powerful messages and principles that encourages each reader to apply to their lives.

This book recounts Bishop Thomas’ life of humility through submission to God and obedience to the scriptures. He affirms that if we seek God by putting Him first in our lives, the material possessions we desire will be added to us.

*Mother or Mother of the Church: Mother of the Church (in Latin Mater Ecclesiae) is a title, officially given to Mary during the Second Vatican Council by Pope Paul VI. The title was first used in the 4th century by Saint Ambrose of Milan, as rediscovered by Hugo Rahner. Serving in such Christian denominations as the Baptist and Pentecostal predominantly African-American churches, "Mother" though shortened is used as a title of respect.

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Heaven’s Melodies and Mush Music are proud to introduce to the world the humble personality Jubril-Art. Born in Benin City, Nigeria, he now lives in Orset town in Essex, England, with his lovely wife Iyobosa Osunde and their beautiful children.

He’s been singing since his youth and been a faithful member of KICC ministries since 1998 where he is also an active member of their music ministry. There is no doubt that Jubril-Art is a living testimony of the awesome power of God and an inspirational figure as can be deduced from his story. Ten years ago he sank into a dark depression when he was diagnosed with a kidney condition and given only three years to live. He turned to God.

Jubril-Art recalls in his wording saying – “I had a bout of depression, in full realisation that I was about to lose the most precious thing I had; my life. I needed faith, to believe in Him who is greater than I am. I chose life through the grace of Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Fasting and denying myself the simple pleasure of a mealtime, I surrendered to the Holy Spirit, placed life in the affectionate hands of Christ. He who never fails didn’t fail me. I am now not only conquering, but also thriving.”

“My testimony and gratitude is expressed the only way I know how, THROUGH MY MUSIC.”

With the intention of sharing his good news and creating the opportunity for many others around the world to be equally encouraged and inspired, Jubril-Art determined to first share his Gratitude to God and his story to the world the best way he knows how, musical expression.

He has been working on his debut album for over two years with Netherlands based Ace music producer and music consultant Precious Obimdi, to paint the perfect musical reflection of his heart filled with gratitude.

The release date of the long awaited album is set to be announced imminently.

Jubril-Art is set to release a single from the forthcoming debut album titled “THE REASON”. The Reason is one of the songs in the album that mirrors his testimony, the reason indeed that he is still living after a long, wide and desperate search for hope and life in the midst of chaos in a season of darkness.

“ The Reason” is set to hit all major online digital stores on the June 30.

Please join us as we support and embark on a journey to spread Jubril’s message to the world, which is a message of hope and restoration by the awesome power of the most High God.

iTunes link to new single – http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1253222145?ls=1&app=itunes

You can follow Jubril-Art across his social media platforms Facebook@jubrilarto, Twitter@Jubril0013, Instagram@Jubrilarto and subscribe directly to his mailing list from his website www.jubril.co.uk

For Bookings :
Website – www.jubril.co.uk
Contact Management – precious@mushmusicservices.com