Author Amaleka McCall Talks Literature and Her Career Maryland Day
Literature & Public Relations News
Banking Tips
Women Entertainment Edition Credits Volume 1- March 2013
Featuring Traci Braxton of WE TV’s “Braxton Family Values”
Author Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite
Anthony Dew
The first day of spring was March 20th. It’s such a joy to sit and talk with friends under a blue sky!
FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Hello Grove Street Readers, Welcome back. I hope that the month treated you well. This time we’re publishing an edition on the heels of Easter, Women’s History Month and Maryland Day. I know that you’re probably tending to a busy Spring Calendar, so this edition will be fun, fast, and fabulous. I’m based in the DC Metropolitan area. I spotted events here that I never noticed before. Some of them included networking functions for female entrepreneurs. My hope is that women receive and give support beyond March. Women have made remarkable strides, but our demands and challenges are ever changing. There is a plethora of struggling women who still need help and support to achieve their goals. I believe that true networking entails bringing people together who are making tangible efforts to move up. What I find particularly refreshing is women in the entertainment industry who give back to their fans and their communities, although they have busy careers, families, and personal obligations of their own. Maryland Day also reminded me how many talented women are living, or were raised, in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV). I feel that someone who is devoted to their prospective craft deserves hometown support. Investing in each other—even if it’s no more than encouraging words—also fosters a sense of community. As many who read Grove Street probably know, Traci Braxton, her mother and sisters star in WE TV’s top rated show, Braxton Family Values. The reality show is currently in its third season. Traci Braxton just stepped off a plane, but she was still gracious enough to agree to an exclusive interview with Grove Street. We will have a chance to learn a little bit more about a Marylander on the move. There’s so much more to her than many may realize, but in the near future you’ll probably get to see that for yourself. Author Amaleka McCall is another noteworthy woman who stands out. Her persistence has helped her make her mark in a difficult industry. Anthony Dew, DMV’s PR Guru, has been busy connecting with people in his industry. Where has he been on assignment? It has something to do with a launch party that was held in New York City. I hope you enjoy this edition. Enjoy a beautiful spring!
Andrea Blackstone
Do we really know the real Traci Braxton? Find out how fabulous she really is.
Grove Street: Hello. Thank you so much for taking time out this morning to talk to Grove Street. I know you’re busy and on the go so I really appreciate it. Traci Baxton: Thank you. Thank you for having me. Grove Street: I just wanted to find out a little bit more about the third season with the reality show, Braxton Family Values, and where you stand as far as coming out of that wanna be image. I never thought that you were the wanna be, by the way. I thought that you were absolutely great being yourself. Traci Braxton: Well, thank you. Grove Street: I was thinking ‘What are they talking about?’ I don’t see her like that at all. Traci Braxton: I tried to embrace that wanna be. You know, wanna be with my sisters, and just wanna be a part of. People really think I’m not a sister. They think that I’m like one of the cousins or something like that, but no, I share the same DNA as my sisters. Grove Street: Wow, so they think you’re like a cousin? Traci Braxton: Oh yeah. They were like ‘I didn’t even know they had another sister. She doesn’t even look like them’. Grove Street: That ties into the first question. How do you feel about the third season of Braxton Family Values? Do you feel like you have more of an opportunity to break out of that stereotypical wanna be mold, and be the real you to show other facets of who you truly are? Traci Braxton: This season I think they want to show more of me because a lot of people don’t know about the things that I do, like through charitable things like Walk for Women’s Cancer, being with the organization, Queens of Sheba, and Motorcycle Social Club, which we do a lot of things for abused women. We do walks. We do coat drives. We just do a lot of things. They’re showing that side of me. Plus, I used to work with emotionally disturbed adolescents for 15 years. They’re trying to show a little bit more of that side of me because they said ‘you’re a little bit quiet. You do pop off a little bit but we want to see more of that side of you.’ So that’s great, and plus, you’ll see more of my family. Grove Street: That’s great. Could you tell me more about the causes? Is your charity work local in your home area? Traci Braxton: Right now it’s locally. I’m also with Saving Our Daughters. That’s part of the Boys & Girls Club. I like doing things like that. It keeps me humble. Plus my organization, me being an Eastern Star and a Zeta, you know we have to give back.
Grove Street: I love what you’re saying. Where do you think that whole notion of a wanna be came? Do you think it was you being a mom at the time and being closely connected with your family, and not just having a love of stardom? Traci Braxton: I think that wanna be came from me saying ‘I just wanna be with my sisters,’ so I guess they just gravitated to that. I don’t really get to see my sisters a lot. Now I do because of the show, but everybody has their own family, their own dreams and aspirations. When you’re a tight knit family, and you don’t get to see each other, and everybody is gone all the time, it’s like ‘I want to see my family.’ I want to be with my sisters. I guess that’s where they got that wanna be. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that a lot. Grove Street: As far as your family, do you think this show is bringing you closer together as a unit, especially on the female side of your family? Traci Braxton: We were always close. The thing is we get to see each other more and work with each other again. We got out of working with each other for quite some time. Even though we sang background for Toni, yes that’s working together, but still I think that it made it the same. We still keep the boundaries in line. We still continue to talk to each other. Even though we’re upset with each other, we still have communication with each other. Grove Street: Right. I liked that as a Marylander, I got to see you all go back to the old house as a whole family. I love the idea of family sticking together no matter what may separate you for those moments. I think a lot of people can relate. So what would you say about people and women keeping their families together? Do you have any tips that you’ve become more aware of through the show and being able to see your family more now? Traci Braxton: What I can say to women today that have families is keep your family close. Always love your family. No, you did not choose your family, but that’s what God gave you. You have to communicate with each other. When you communicate with each other and things like that then your relationships outside of your family becomes better. When your communication skills are not good, you may think, ‘Why am I having the same problems with my sisters as with somebody else outside?’ You have got to keep that communication and the love close with each other. Love each other just as hard as you fight with them. If you’re wrong, you have to go back and say ‘I was wrong.’ If you have a disagreement, think about saying, ‘You know you really made me mad. I couldn’t even talk to you during that time, but right now I’ve got myself together and this is how I really feel that I can really talk to you.’ You don’t have to put your hands on each other. My parents taught us that you better no put your hands on each other. I may threaten to put my hands on one of them, but I won’t put my hands on them. You can use your words. It’s better for you to use your words than your hands. Using your hands—that’s not good. It doesn’t have a good outcome. We’re talking about your family.
Grove Street: Right. I hear you. How do you think that ties into your hobby of motorcycle riding? Are we going to see hobbies that show more of the carefree side that you have, too? Traci Braxton: You’re gonna see me on that motorcycle. I am determined, honey. It’s just one of my passions. I always wanted to be on a motorcycle since I was 16. My parents told me, ‘No you can’t do that. That’s so dangerous.’ Now I’m grown. My child is grown. My husband has the same passion that I have. The sky is the limit. Grove Street: Oh, wow. Okay! Maybe we’ll be to spot you around Maryland on a motorcycle. Traci Braxton: Yes! Grove Street: How is your music career coming? How do feel about priorities of your salon passion compared to your music passion? Do you feel they’re equal? Traci Braxton: Well, my salon passion right now, I put it on hold. Don’t get weary. I am going to come back and do my salon. Right now I have a little play time in myself. You know when you’re really getting out of the hole from being with your parents and things like that, you always have your play time. Grove Street: Right. Traci Braxton: Right now I just want to play. I know I always have this serious side with me, but right now I just want to play and get it all out before I have to be serious. I don’t want to grow up yet. Grove Street: Okay. There’s nothing wrong with that. As far as your music, do you feel that you’re gravitating toward a certain style? Traci Braxton: Right now my music—I have something in the bag for everybody. Right now I’m going to sit back and let y'all sit back. It’s still in the early stages. I came real close to opening up a salon this year. I was like, ‘Oops…oh my goodness, I stepped on a roach, that’s it.’ Grove Street: I understand. We’ll be patiently awaiting this next venture. How did you end up getting involved with the Women’s Cancer Foundation? What would you say about hope and people getting well, whether it’s a physical illness or some other challenge that they’re having medically? Traci Braxton: Well, a few years ago I had a scare of cervical cancer, and it runs in my family. I wasn’t able to carry my second child. That touched my heart. I felt as though I had to do something for myself, and also teach women the awareness of their body. You have to get yourself checked. You can’t walk around for two years and a whole year and not get yourself checked, especially when you know a lot of illnesses run in your family. You have to get a pap
smear. You have to get a mammogram. You have to listen to your body while your body is telling you, ‘Wait a minute, hold up. Something is going on.’ If the doctor says there’s nothing going on, there’s nothing there, it’s in your head, then you need to have a second opinion. That’s why they always say have a second opinion. And for hope, I pray for the day they have a cure for cancer. Grove Street: Yes. Traci Braxton: And a cure for all cancer and all diseases. Humans are going through a whole lot these days. You’ve got hatred. You’ve got wars and things like that. Maybe if everybody could get together and be happy, maybe some of these illnesses wouldn’t consume our bodies. Just be aware of your body and listen to it. Listen to other people when they see something is going on with you, and you’re in denial and don’t want to listen to them. My sisters had to come to me. I’m a human. I was upset, but it came to me that ‘Traci, they’re really looking out for your wellbeing. You’re really just going to have to see for yourself and look in the mirror and say wow, something is going on.’ Grove Street: This Women’s Cancer Foundation—where is it based? Is it a non-profit? Traci Braxton: It’s a non-profit organization, but they have different chapters and sister chapters. They have the breast cancer, they have cervical cancer. There’s so many cancer families; they break it down. I’m part of the chapter that’s here in the DC area. Grove Street: Oh, excellent. That’s good to know. Is there anything else that you wanted to add as far what people don’t know about you that you really don’t get to share, or anything upcoming? Traci Braxton: Yeah. People don’t understand that I’ve been married for 13 years and I’ve been with my husband for 20 years. When I make a comment, laugh at Tamar, or call Trina velcro or something like that, we do that, that’s what family does. It’s like having a girlfriend and your girlfriend has a guy, and then you don’t have nobody, then you got somebody and you’re just stuck with them, and your girlfriend has been with their guy for so long. It’s like girl, you’re velcro. Dag—you can’t come out? People need to sit down and be quiet. That’s my sister. I love her to death. I’m glad she’s in love. I’m glad she has what she has. I’m glad my other sisters have what they have with their significant others. Don’t get that twisted. Stop trying to throw sand at families. That’s crazy. Really, we’ve never said each other was jealous of anybody. We don’t do that. I’m sorry. I had to set the record straight. Grove Street: Okay, well I’m not mad at you!
Traci Braxton: I love my sisters. I’m very proud of all of them, and I’m a fan of all of my sisters. I’m a fan of my mother, my father, and my brother. Stop already. That’s crazy. You want to draw drama to us. Yes, sometimes we don’t get along. No we don’t, but we still love each other just as hard. Grove Street: Right. Traci Braxton: That’s it. Thank you to all my fans, and thank you for supporting me and my sisters. Bless y’all. Grove Street: Thank you so much. I appreciate you sharing with us this morning. We love you in Maryland and beyond. I’m just proud of a Maryland family. I’m so happy for all of you. Traci Braxton: Thank you. You know I love the DMV area, honey. I’m not going anywhere. They could ask me to move to Timbuktu but I’m not. I love the crabs. No one can make seafood like the DMV area. Grove Street: That’s true. Thanks again so very much. We look forward to seeing what’s up with you next. Traci Braxton: Okay. Thank you. Grove Street: Bye Bye.
This bird sculpture is at Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Bladensburg Maryland.
In honor of Maryland Day, which was March 25th, here are a few tidbits relating to state news and Maryland love.
Maryland repealed the death penalty. Should Prince George’s County Executive, Rushern Baker, have more control over Prince George’s County Public Schools? A new Regional Medical Center in Prince George’s is on the agenda. Where should it be? The gun control ban advanced in the House.
@ GovernorOMalley @LtGovBrown @StateMaryland @MDBiz @TravelMD @PrinceGeorgesMD
If you are a Maryland resident in need of help, who should you ask for information? First Call for Help info@211MD.ORG Dial 2-1-1 for resource information 7 days a week, 24 hours a day
Youth Chart your path to college. Way2GoMaryland event for students in grades 5-10 (Visit to Salisbury University on May 4rth, 2013) See: www.way2gomaryland.org. Go to News/Events Spring has sprung. Are you looking for a farmer’s market? See www.visitmaryland.org. Find events, then browse to Maryland Farmers’ Markets. Something family-friendly in the DMV to do: National Cherry Blossom Festival Free along the Parade Route; $20 for Grandstand Seating April 13th 10 AM-12:00 Noon Constitution Avenue See www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org Browse or Buy: She-Sale Seasonal Consignment Event for Ladies, Junior and Home Décor April 4-7th Pip Moyer Recreation Center at Truxtun Park 273 Hilltop Lane Annapolis, MD See Shesaleconsignment.com Wee Children’s Consignment Sale Coming to Greenbelt, MD April 19th 9-7; April 20th 9-5; April 21st 10-2 50% off day See wee-sale.com/princeGeorge.php
Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite’s author name is Amaleka McCall. She resides in the D.C. metro area, but her hometown in Brooklyn, New York. Her book titles include: A Twisted Tale of Karma, Hush, Price of Fame, Hard Candy, Hard Candy 2 and Cold Summer (to be released Summer of 2013). Grove Street: What genre of books do you write, and what's your personal favorite? Amaleka: This is a hard question for me. My books have always been classified and sold as urban fiction; however, I think most would agree that my stories are not what readers come to expect from traditional urban fiction. My books are more like suspense/crime dramas with an urban back drop. Grove Street: How did you get started writing books, and how long have you been penning page turners? Amaleka: The way I started writing is pretty funny. I had just had my second child. I was on maternity leave from my New York City government job, and I had insomnia. My baby was so crazy and screamed most of the day and night. I started suffering from insomnia. I'll never forget the night I wrote the first few lines of "A Twisted Tale of Karma." It was Mother's Day 2004...the baby was acting crazy as usual. I'd finally gotten her down to sleep and I was wired. I had to find something to do with my energy. I sat at the computer and said, "I'm going to write my story." I typed a few words and decided, "my life is not that interesting." I kept typing, creating fictional characters and BAM! The story took on a life of its own! After that, I really
couldn't sleep because my characters kept me up all night. LOL. I have been officially writing novels since May 2004. Grove Street: Have you always been traditionally published? Amaleka: Yes. I've never tried self-publishing. The first company I sent my book to published me. It was a small company and I was super excited! After the first book, I was without a publishing deal for about 2 1/2 years when my next publisher, a slightly bigger, more wellknown company came calling. The rest is history. :-) Grove Street: I know that you have a day job. Do you share your book journey with your coworkers? Why or why not? Amaleka: Yes, I work a day job. I have shared my book journey with some of my coworkers. There are people you meet at work who become really good friends. Those are the ones that know I have a second career. They are all supportive too! Grove Street: What's one tip that you wish you would've known starting out? Amaleka: I wish I would've known all of my rights. Being a new author you don't think about what will happen five years down the line if you're not happy with your publishing company and want your book rights back. I was just so happy to be published that I never took time to understand what the contract REALLY said. Today, as a writer who has been through it all, I will pay the few extra bucks to have an attorney read and decipher a contract in laymen's terms before I ever sign anything. Grove Street: Some people say that a good book takes years to write. What's your opinion about a 30 day writing challenges? Amaleka: I feel that writing all depends on the writer. A well-known author said to me, "Do you want to entertain the world or change the world? Ask yourself these questions when you're writing." It clicked with me. I think if you're just in it to entertain...sure you can write a novel in 30 days. I mean what they classify as novels now are 50,000 word projects with a beginning, middle and end. I think if you're expecting to write a book like "The Color Purple" (my favorite of all time by the way), then you can't expect that type of work to come about in 30 days. It did not take me years to write my first book, but it also didn't take me 30 days. Grove Street: What has your most memorable or rewarding moment of your journey been? Amaleka: The emails, readers who show up at signings, and feedback I receive from readers have been my most rewarding moments. One day I showed up at a mall in Prince Georges county and there were six ladies (not girls...ladies) waiting at the table for me to arrive. They said they'd been following my work since my first book. They began speaking to me about my characters like these were real people. They said they were my biggest supporters. I am telling
you nothing in my writing career has topped that moment yet. For me, I write for the love of writing, but when I get those extras it feels darn good. Grove Street: How can readers keep in touch with you? Amaleka: I have a website www.amalekamccall.com. Also, my email is amalekagmccall1@aol.com. I am on twitter @AMcBrathwaite Grove Street: Do you have any forthcoming releases in the works? Amaleka: I am featured in "Girls From Da Hood 9" set to release in November. My novel "Cold Summer" is set to release Summer 2013. Grove Street: Thank you so much for taking time to visit Grove Street. We wish you continued success, Amaleka!
EASY TIPS FOR SMARTER BANKING By Andrea Blackstone
Is calling your bank’s customer service number free of charge? Some banks allow just two courtesy calls a month. In cases like these, charges may appear on your monthly statement. If you don’t know the terms of your agreement, find out. Some consumers unknowingly run up high bills until they realize the root of the problem. Consider getting an automated system to take a payment. Connecting with a live representative to do so may cost a fee. However, if a customer has a bank and credit card with the same financial establishment, he or she may find out if live assistance is free for credit card users. Which number you call can make a big difference. One way to help monitor fraud is to sign up for credit or debit online banking alerts. If a certain amount it spent, you may be alerted. These alerts often monitor low balance as well, which helps prevent owing hefty overdraft fees. Select your preferences. Safeguard yourself from paying high overdraft fees. Consider if you should link your checking account to your credit card, if you have two accounts with your bank. The automatic transfer fee to cover insufficient funds is usually significantly lower than paying an overdraft checking fee. As long as transactions were made in the same day, you may only have to pay one penalty fee, by using your overdraft protection that is covered by your credit card linkage, as opposed to paying multiple fees for each transaction through your checking account. To avoid high interest charges, stay away from cash advances. Although offers sound tempting, think of the long term consequences of getting fast cash. Have an idea if you phone in a payment or pay through a website online, how many days it may be before the amount is presented to your bank. If you use your routing or checking account number, your checking account information may show as an ACH debit. Usually that takes two to three days to present to your bank. Thus, even if you check your balance online, keep a mental note of the forthcoming charge that may not show up right away. With check card payments, that runs as a debit or credit charge. It’s equivalent to physically swiping a card. Your balance is typically more accurate then. Be careful of not understanding how accurate your available balance may really be.
Know what your monthly bank fees cover. Some banks allow customers to request a credit report free of charge, four times a year. Newer bank accounts sometimes offer identity protection which protects up to a certain dollar amount, for example, if someone applies for loans in your name. At some banks, representatives will also assist a customer to file disputes if he or she feels that she has been a victim of fraud. Again, by registering through the designated website, users can sign up for fraud alerts. That’s one way of knowing it’s time to investigate for fraud via credit report. If you’re paying to safeguard your identity already, take advantage of the feature. Enroll in credit card rewards programs with full understanding of the terms. Some rewards programs cost to participate after the first year, if a customer does not spend over a certain dollar amount. Know when your points expire. Take complete advantage of your rewards, and don’t get caught up in the glitter of them by spending money that you really shouldn’t, just to get rewards. Disclaimer: These tips do not constitute professional financial advice. Confirm them with your bank.
House of Cars (A Young Adult Tale) Books 1 Fairley High Series Shelia E. Lipsey Fourteen year old high school freshman Nyl Person is the boy every freshman girl at Fairley High would like to call boyfriend. He is popular, cute and one of the leading players on the high school varsity basketball team. Sierra James with her thick locks of natural hair and the captain of the Fairley High cheerleading squad, is pretty, smart and the most popular girl in ninth grade, and she has a mission to make Nyl her boyfriend. Nyl likes her too and would jump at the chance to have Sierra as his girlfriend. But it isn't so easy for Nyl because he has a secret that no one at Fairley knows about which is Nyl, his little sister and his father have practically been living in the family Yukon since the death of his mom. What will happen if his secret comes out? What will he do? What about the girl he wants to make his girlfriend, Sierra James. Can she fall for a homeless boy when she practically lives in the lap of luxury? Pre-order your copy now: http://www.amazon.com/House-Cars-Shelia-ELipsey/dp/0983893543/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1364704345&sr=19&keywords=House+of+Cars
CD Media
Inspiring Ideas…Producing Results
The Braxton’s Season 3 Premiere Party
Photo credit: Anthony Dew
On March 13 in New York City, WE TV hosted the premiere party for the 3rd season of the hit reality show, Braxton Family Values. While attending, I spotted other celebrities like Lil’ Kim and Angela Simmons who attended the hottest party in the Big Apple. Premiere parties are the greatest method to generate buzz while allowing others to celebrate success in a grand fashion. The key to Public Relations (PR) is to “maximal every opportunity” that can increase your business opportunities, by monetizing your growing network and contacts. I connected with the Braxton sisters, and Kim Martin, who is the president and visionary leader of WE TV. I have attended many Red Carpet events, but the Braxton’s event was popping in every aspect. It was filled with fun and networking with television executives. We provide media and public relations services to assist our clients in discovering opportunities to showcase their work, vision and talent, by providing client management services and coaching that strategically positions their brand. Anthony Dew, PR Guru Telephone 443-932-2059 Email: Anthony_Dew@aol.com
Stay tuned for Nympho and Sexxxfessions being released in mass market paperback in 2014. I was recently informed by the publisher. Sexxxfesions is out of stock, but you still may be able to find a copy online. Readers are beginning to ask me if I’m working on a new novel. Yes, I am. I’m in the editing stage. During this phase, I’m knee-deep in polishing the story and getting helpful feedback. This book is different from any other that I’ve written. I will share more about it in the future. Thank you for your support and interest. It means so much to me!
Add Authoress Andrea Blackstone on Facebook. Twitter: @AndreaBlackston
A riveting tale of life in the 60’s. http://www.amazon.com/Olivias-Full-Circle-Judi-Emm/dp/142597919X
I would like to thank Traci Braxton and her team for coordinating an excellent Grove Street exclusive interview. Remember to tune in to Braxton Family Values on WE TV! Amaleka McCall has a forthcoming release coming your way, so please remember to keep up with her progress, too. Anthony Dew is the PR Guru who will work hard for you. Remember his contact information. I would also like to thank our contributors, helpers and readers who make this all worthwhile. We now have a Facebook page, so please join Grove Street by navigating to https://www.facebook.com/grove.street.12177. Feedback and support is greatly wanted. Would you like to subscribe to my book and reader’s blog? Please do @ The Reader's and Author's Nook. That landing page will offer snippets and tidbit that link to the e-zine. It would be much appreciated if you share our information with friends or fellow readers. You may like us through Issuu, too. Please email feedback to velocitydmv@gmail.com or Dreamweaverpress@aol.com. I want to know how we’re doing with the content we’re offering. Each issue of Grove Street is brought to you, compliments of Surge Marketing Group, LLC. www.surgemarketinggroup.com is the place where you can find an array of creative publishing and marketing professionals. Surge offers scheduling book tours, promotional distribution, marketing help, manuscript consultations, editing, cover design and more. Please visit with us again.
Andrea Blackstone