authors

Interview with the Reader #1

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Celeste Williams

celesteFavorite Read: The Bible

What role did books play in your early life?

In my early life, books, like Sweet Valley High, or Goose Bumps were key. As these books allowed me and my peers to have discussions.

Do you think that networking with other readers is also important?

I believe networking with other authors is important, because as a reader, an endorsement from my favorite authors have allowed me to give newer to me authors a chance.

How important is a book’s cover to overall marketing of a book?

I majored in marketing, therefore, for product placement and distribution it is important, as it draws readers. It also lets you develop your first thoughts of what you believe the book would be about.

If you had a chance to address a room full of authors, what would you want them to know?

I would want them to know that I appreciate their creativity and that it is important to stay true to their voice. They do not have to write in every genre, but if they are going to stretch themselves into different genres, to research and ensure the formula works.

Why do you read?

I read as a creative outlet. It gives me a way in which to visualize and conceptualized characters. I often compartmentalized books where I say, this one is made for television, and this book would work best on the big screen.

About Celeste:

Bio (brief): Native Chicagoan, currently living outside of Austin, TX. I am the daughter of Irene & Joseph. I am the sister to 10 siblings (6 brothers/4 sisters). Host of nieces/nephews (last count 30), and the godmother to 1. I am an avid reader. Growing up, when I read, I would always start from the back, and if the ending did not work I would not read the book. It was my Sorority Sister Karen Fletcher, who convinced me to start reading books from the beginning, when she gave me Francis Ray’s “Somebody’s Knocking on My Door” in 2008. It was then, where I decided since I was going to read for pleasure that I needed to read the books from beginning to end.

http://facebook.com/ChangingFaces2

@godsgift6


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Join Me For Lunch?

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Sweet Tea & Chocolate Cake Book Club

                                            announces it’s
10th Anniversary Luncheon & Book 1383003_514621601966781_1324016348_nsigning November 8, 2014
Be Our Guest Banquet Catering & Events
4216 Washington Rd
Evans, GA 30809

What  do attendees get?

Gifts from your author

Lunch with an Author at each table

First to enter Booksigning which will be open to the public

A Tote Bag filled with goodies and books (worth more than the price of admission)

Chance to win door prizes donated by authors

Just $30 a person

Rooms are blocked at HAMPTON INN & SUITES AUGUSTA WEST for $89 a night

4081 Jimmie Dyess Pkwy | Augusta, GA 30909

Phone: (706) 860-1610 | Fax: (706) 860-0912

Call to make your  reservations mention Sweet Tea & Chocolate Cake to get the $89 rate

The following Authors will be attending

CH Admirand, Nicki Salcedo, Terry Poca, Victoria Vane, Dianna Love, Debra Parmley, Tonya Kappes,
Jordan K. Rose, Melissa Klein, Stella Price, Haywood Smith, Jocie McKade, Sandy
Sullivan, Linda Joyce, Jodi Vaughn, Seressia Glass, Nancy Naigle, Olivia Gaines,
Susan Carlisle, Lindi Peterson, Larissa Reinhart and yours truly Hildie McQueen

Limited seating, so register ASAP please!!

Well, now what…..

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042012_0140_FindingYour2.gifThere is a point in everyone’s life when you realized that some things are just not for you. I recently experienced that moment, not only once, but twice.

Last week I walked into my classroom and we began our finals.  I started with my attendance and told the students, “For the last time, let us begin and end our Public Speaking journey.” After completing the attendance, I passed out numbers for the students speaking order.  I then began my relaxation techniques before the students began their final speeches. After the deep breathing and cleansing exercises, I politely instructed to the students, “Let us begin, come and show me what I have taught you.”

One by one they filed to the podium.  They were rehearsed.  They were prepared.  They were ready.  I was proud.

We managed to get through sixteen, five minute speeches, with slides, no cards, no scripts, no major flubs.  I, again was proud.

It was at that moment that realized, it can’t get any better than this.

My work here was done.

I walked into my boss’ office, and informed her that Thursday, would be my last day.

I kept it quiet and proceeded to complete my normal end of quarter process, and on Thursday, as quietly as I had arrived, I turned in my badge and key and called it a day.

Ironically, my boss understood that there was nothing left there for me to do and it was time for me to move on, forward and upward.

I also received a call on Tuesday from a potential employer which was also my signal to move on to greener pastures.  I had an interview with him on Friday.

I met with him and the team, and sat over the weekend and put together a plan of marketing profit.  If I may say so myself, it is brilliant and will make them a crap load of money.  There is only one problem.  I don’t want to do it.

I have decided, that I will give it to him and he can have fun with it. images

I may consult or work on one or two of the concepts, but honestly, I don’t have the energy to do that kind of work anymore.

My boss, in her farewell speech to me said, “We only have so much creative energy, and we must be careful how we use it.”  I found myself thinking that is the most bullshit filled statement I have ever heard.  The more creative you are, the more creative you become.  It is when you stop using the old grey matter that it becomes congealed. I felt my teaching gig was congealing the grey matter but for another reason. I had or was losing my passion.

I had other things I wanted to do and try and teaching, for the moment was in the way.

I sat yesterday, my first free day in Heaven knows when, and watched judge shows and SVU all day.  Okay, Cheryl, now what?

Well, I am going to start by cleaning my house, then I will clean my mental house and I will decide what’s next.

I am unemployed with a head full of ideas and ready to start the final phase of my life.  I know where I want to go.  I just have to clear out the clutter of where I have already been.  It is not going to all happen this week, but it will happen, because I will make it happen.

I am a writer.   I will write.