Have You Heard? "Real Talk" with Tina Brooks McKinney

Hi, everyone! Here's hoping that this post finds you in good health and spirits!

I wanted to extend a personal invitation to you and you and you, to join me tomorrow - Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. - on BlogTalkRadio as I throw myself on the mercy of the one and only Tina Brooks McKinney for some Real Talk. We'll be discussing my latest release, Where There's Smoke (Jan 2009), and I'll be spilling my guts as only I know how to spill.

So dial in at 646-595-4022 and hear us out.

If you've read Where There's Smoke, here's your chance to have some of your questions answered. If you're thinking of reading it, here's your chance to be convinced that you'll love it. And if you just like the sensation of other folks being on the hot seat, I'm your girl.

Hope to "hear" you there!

"It's All About Love" Over at APOOO - Join Us!

Join me and a host of other prolific and talented authors during the month of February - Love Month, in more ways than one - over at APOOO Books as we give love, get love, and share love! If you're looking for love, you'll find it in the right place - on the APOOO website. Come check out the great articles and features that you've come to expect and appreciate from APOOO and show me [us] some love while you're over there!

Yours truly will guest blog on Friday, February 13th, and I plan on bringing a scary, rarely acknowledged slant on love to the table, in honor of a [insert spooky sounds here] "scary" day. So don't leave me hanging, folks. See you there!

Chronicles of a Lesser-Known Writer: Part XIII - Sources of Inspiration & Encouragement

Hello Fellow Lesser-Knowns,

For me, the inspiration to continue on this literary journey comes from the many wonderful readers who write to let me know that they took time our of their busy lives to read my work and reflect on it. At my core, I write, not because I want to, but because I need to. I have to. But I can only allow the world to see what I stay up all hours of the night writing, because of my readers' supportive reception. Knowing that people care enough to read my words is a powerful motivator on those days when I'm wondering if I should keep knocking at literary's door.

Am I knocking loudly enough? Is anyone home? Am I at the right address? You know what I'm talking about, fellow LKs.

So, I thought I'd take a moment to share with you an email that I received today, in hopes that it inspires you as much as it did me. To write or not to write, that is the question, and sometimes the answer you seek lands in your inbox when you least expect it. Please read on...

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Ms. Little,

I just want to thank you for opening up my mind to read. I work for [deleted in the interest of anonymity] and we had a copy of your book in the office. Since I am in grad school, finding time to read has been a challenge. However, I read "Running from Mercy," and something just clicked. I use to love to read as a child, but reading has escaped me since my middle school years. If it wasn't for you and your inspirational work, my love for reading would not be as prolific as it is today. I can't wait until spring break to read "Where There's Smoke," I still have to be studious before personal. Funny how the simplest things can be such a huge inspiration. Again, Thank you :)

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There was no question as to whether I'd respond to this woman's thought-provoking and greatly appreciated email. Here is my reply to her:

Hi,

Indeed, it is funny how the simplest things can be sources of inspiration. Take, for instance, coming home after a loooong day at work, checking my email, and finding a message like yours in my inbox. Here I am, a low on the totem pole author, trying to get my voice out there and be heard, and here you are, hearing me. LOL.

So, please, don't thank me. Allow me to thank YOU, because you have truly inspired me to persevere in the literary world. I'm humbled that I could be a source of inspiration for you and I'm grateful to you for reaching out and inspiring me. I look forward to your feedback on "Where There's Smoke" and I wish you continued success in your studies.

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So now I'm asking you, fellow Lesser-Knowns... What or who inspires you and why? What are your thoughts as you knock at literary's door? Whom do you hope answers? And what will you do when they come to the door?

Dish!