VBD Magazine - Premiere Issue October 2021

VICTORIOUS

by DESIGN

Your literary World • • • • • • • •

EDITING PUBLISHING BOOK PROMOTION AUTHOR COACHING WRITING COURSES WRITING SEMINARS WRITING WORKSHOPS WRITING CONFERENCES

Positioning you for success.

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VBD Magazine

CONTENTS COVER STORY

6 VBD MAGAZINE About Us

34 DR. PASHA CARTER A Business Mogul Connecting & Empowering Entrepreneurs

7 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ann Marie Bryan 8 MEET OUR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

PIONEERS’ PARADISE 12 HENRITTA STEWART Talks strategies for work-life balance and being unshakeable 14 ANN MARIE BRYAN Building an extraordinary life and business 18 DAMARIS NIGHTINGALE A pioneer making waves in the natural perfume industry

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LITERARY DEN

22 FROM STRUGGLES TO SUCCESS Meet Digital Media Expert and Influencer Letrise Carter 25 3 REASONS TO OUTLINE YOUR NOVEL 26 DENISE M. WALKER Taking a message of hope to the world 28 STASHANE DAVIS WILLIAMSON Step boldly into your destiny 29 FINDING YOUR TRIBE The key to an author’s success

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30 AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT Lakisha Johnson speaks on faith, walking in purpose, and finding her writing voice

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STAR POWER LIST

39 25 AMAZING AUTHORS & THEIR MUSTREAD BOOKS Powerful stories that touch the heart, soul, and spirit

VBD Magazine

LOVE ZONE 78 SOMEONE LIKE YOU 79 UNDENIABLY YOURS 80 FORGIVING IS ALWAYS IN ORDER

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83 A LOVE SO RARE

70 ATTORNEY CHEREE D’OYLEY Taking bold steps to achieve success 72 DEVELOPING OTHERS Victory over your fear of delegating 74 CIVIL ENGINEER GAREY DUNCAN Seizing every opportunity to deliver excellence

76 SOMETHING SPECIAL The ordinary in the extraordinary

DESIGN magazine

MANAGING EDITOR Kerry-Ann McPherson

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BEYOND THE PAGES

86 ANGELA ANDERSON Loving all things literary 88 SANDRA BARELA Celebrating Christian literature one book at a time

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INSPIRATION OASIS

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Ann Marie Bryan

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HAVEN

68 MAKING PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PERSONAL A step toward intentional growth

V I C T O R I O U S

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FEATURES EDITOR Dr. Henritta Stewart CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Icylin Morgan STYLE EDITOR Beverlyn Johnson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Stacy-Lee Abrahams Dr. Velma Bagby Waletta Mason Dunn Rose-Ann Durant Paula Hamilton Beverlyn Johnson Kerry-Ann McPherson Icylin Morgan Ramona Powell Danyelle Scroggins

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V I C T O R I O U S

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DESIGN Victorious By Design Magazine is a quarterly literary and empowerment haven for personal, professional, and organizational transformation. We support aspiring and established authors and feature the stories of phenomenal individuals who are simply brimming with delight to pour into you.

We created Victorious By Design Magazine just for you. We will deliver actionable advice, strategies, and tools to light the path to your next level of unprecedented success. We do all this to inspire you to reach beyond your fears and walk in your God-given purpose so that you can live victoriously. We are your go-to literary and empowerment oasis and we are excited to be a part of your growth and success.

Website / Subscribe www.victoriousbydesign.com Contact / Advertisements info@victoriousbydesign.com

VBD Magazine

EDITOR'S LETTER

FROM THE DESK OF ANN MARIE BRYAN

Walk In Purpose and Power

I

’m thrilled to release the premiere issue of Victorious By Design Magazine, a quarterly literary and empowerment haven for personal, professional, and organizational transformation. This publication was uniquely written to fan into flame every gift in you.

I have always been fascinated by how each person uses the gift of life. Now VBD Magazine will provide an opportunity to highlight some of those powerful stories, the narratives of those who are courageous enough to bare their souls. Beyond that, as an author, I wanted to provide a one-stop-shop for aspiring and established authors to take their writing career to the next level. I’m thankful for the addition of the magazine unit to Victorious By Design’s literary services.

No matter where you are on your journey, on these pages you’ll find practical solutions, tools, opportunities, ideas, and inspiration to help you succeed. I can’t wait for you to dive into our cover story, featuring Dr. Pasha Carter who personifies the unstoppable woman. You simply must check out our Star Power List of 25 amazing authors and their must-read books. These authors are dishing out valuable tips and strategies with respect to writing and the publishing industry.

Kudos and a big thank you to the team who created VBD Magazine. I watched the surge in momentum as we went from editing and proofreading articles to the design phase, and then perfecting the layout. This is a moment I have dreamed of—a dream that is now a reality. It felt incredible to be a part of history in the making and I can tell that this issue will be both a fun memory and one of the high points in my literary journey.

Still, these are interesting and exciting times. I’m walking purposefully. If you have a desire to pursue something that God placed on your heart, step into it. Go forth intentionally, crush your challenges to achieve your goals, and claim your victory.

Background by KMNPhoto / Shutterstock

Stay safe, stay connected, and as always, stay victorious. Happy reading!

Ann Marie Bryan Editor-in-Chief

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VBD Magazine

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

VBD Magazine

Premiere Issue 2021

Meet Our

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Click/tap on the card to visit the writer's respective website or social media page.

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STACY-LEE ABRAHAMS

DR. VELMA BAGBY

Personal and Professional Development Consultant

Award-Winning Author & Minister

With over 20 years’ experience in Human Resource Management and in manpower planning, people engagement, strategic compensation, training and development, and performance management, Stacy-Lee Abrahams worked with some well-established companies and as a freelance consultant to help others streamline their HR systems and processes in furtherance of people development. Stacy-Lee serves as the Personal and Professional Development Consultant for Victorious By Design.

Dr. Velma Bagby is an Award-Winning Author of Christian Fiction/Creative Nonfiction, and co-author with her granddaughter on her children’s books, a Christian Dating-Relationship Coach, ordained Minister (Th.D.), and Speaker. She is the CEO of Adoni Publishing LLC and has a passion for writing about the Christian experience.

God is at the forefront of everything she does in ministry, writing and in serving others.

ROSE-ANN DURANT

PAULA HAMILTON

Freelance Writer

Freelance Writer & Copy Editor

Rose-Ann Durant is a young Christian from Kingston, Jamaica, who is currently living on the island of Barbados.

She is an ardent reader who enjoys going to the beach and river, and spending time outdoors. She is also a writer for Christian Today, an online magazine based in Australia. Her love for the literary arena has birthed her first Christian fiction novel entitled Mercy Came Running, a story of a young woman’s journey of forgiveness and love, which is set to be released in 2022.

Paula Hamilton is a woman of God, wife, mother, writer, copy editor, and human resources professional. She is at her happiest when she is writing, budgeting, or organizing something. Recognizing that it is never too late to realize your dream, she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Management, magna cum laude, at Hodges University. She believes her mission from God is to use her God-given talents and life experiences to help others.

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VBD Magazine

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

BEVERLYN JOHNSON

WALETTA MASON DUNN

Wellness Consultant & Style Editor

Bestselling Author

Beverlyn Johnson is the Wellness Consultant and Style Editor for Victorious By Design. Over the past thirty years, she worked first as a Registered Nurse and subsequently entered the area of Nursing Management in the healthcare industry. Through the years, she has written a diary filled with many inspirational and love poems. Beverlyn has a special love for interior decorating and on the weekends can be found honing her creative skills.

Waletta Mason Dunn is the author of five Christian Fiction novels, Morethan Sisters, Faithful Father, A Family Dilemma, Positions of Compromise, and For Such a Time as This. She was born in Bossier City, Louisiana, received her undergraduate degree from Texas College inBusiness Administration, and earned a graduate degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. She and her husband have been married for 36 years and have two adult children. They reside inTallahassee, Florida.

KERRY-ANN MCPHERSON

ICYLIN MORGAN

Managing Editor

Contributing Editor

Kerry-Ann McPherson is a Christian leader and administrator with a passion for growth. She serves as the Project Manager for Victorious By Design, and regularly contributes personal development content for the blog. She is also the Managing Editor for Victorious By Design Magazine, where she works closely with the Editor-in-Chief and magazine team to produce high quality content for subscribers.

Icylin Morgan is an educator at heart. She has held many positions in the education system including master teacher, guidance counselor, and principal. She gained a Bachelor of Education degree from Western Carolina University and a Master's in Education in School Counseling from Florida A&M University. She enjoys working in her community and is involved in several projects, clubs, and church activities. Icylin operates as the Curriculum Developer and Contributing Editor for Victorious By Design

RAMONA POWELL

DANYELLE SCROGGINS

Author, Teacher & Inspirational Speaker

Author & Senior Pastor of New Vessels Ministries

Ramona Powell is an author, teacher, and inspirational speaker. She has used her upbringing in a Christian home to help channel her love for Christ and her desire to be an inspiration to all. "Sometimes we go through things to strengthen our faith and to be a testament to others." She loves sharing her life experiences to show that no matter what life throws at you, you can overcome and prevail.

Danyelle Scroggins is the Senior Pastor of New Vessels Ministries North in Shreveport, Louisiana. She is an author of both Christian fiction and non-fiction books. Danyelle studied Theology at Louisiana Baptist University, has a Psychology Degree from the University of Phoenix, an Interdisciplinary Degree in Psychology/Biblical Studies and a Master’s in Religious Education. She owns Divinely Sown Publishing LLC and is a Chaplain at Ochsner LSU Health Center.

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GET FEATURED IN VBD MAGAZINE Join the trailblazers!

We are excited and honored to feature you!

Ready to crush it?

Click To Get Featured

V I C T O R I O U S

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DESIGN Pioneers'

PARADISE

A Leader

IN THE SPOTLIGHT HENRITTA STEWART, PH.D.

The educator talks strategies for work-life balance, building trust in the workplace, and most importantly being UNSHAKEABLE

by Icylin Morgan 12

VBD Magazine

A

t VBD Magazine, we are delighted to showcase individuals who are shattering the glass ceiling and paving their own paths.

That’s why we are thrilled to feature Dr. Henritta Stewart, a multi-faceted professional and a committed educator. This trailblazer has proven that it pays to dream big and is now a driving force, equipping others to leave their marks on the world.

Recently, we had the distinct pleasure of talking with this pioneer about her beginning, successes, challenges, creating a work-life balance, and building trust in the workplace.

Henritta was quick to let us know “there were no shortcuts in her journey,” and how thankful she felt to see the “manifestation of her dreams.”

PIONEERS' PARADISE In 2007, Henritta made the decision to migrate to the United States to reside with her family and relatives. She is married and has three grown children and three grandchildren.

HER SUCCESSES & CHALLENGES “Success is the accomplishment of an aim or purpose, such as giving back to the world and making a difference. My successes were not easily achieved, and the challenges were many. But trust and faith in God, through Jesus Christ, made the difference between a life well lived and a life of disappointment and misery.”

It was wonderful to learn about this unshakeable woman of God. When we ask her who motivates her, she says, “The fact that I’m alive means that I’m here in purpose for the Lord. True, too, I’m intrinsically motivated and I use this to influence those with whom I come in contact. I don’t settle for mediocrity but always strive for excellence.”

Photo Credit: ShaunBattickPhotography

During her five years of study in the United States, Henritta gleaned a wealth of knowledge and professional experience. She actively participated in administration work at the university level, wrote and published many research papers, and presented several research papers at international conferences.

“I’m grateful to have won several scholarships and awards in different areas.”

STRATEGIES FOR WORK LIFE BALANCE To ensure that she and her family not only survive but thrive, Henritta shares the following strategies which she still practices.

However, she states, “Above all, pray for God’s guidance.”

• Nurture family relationships.

• Make family meetings fun.

• Exude positive attitudes by looking for the silver linings behind the dark clouds.

• Play on your strengths.

• Never try to be all things to all people.

• Prioritize your time and plan for personal time.

• Use your organizational skills.

• Set S.M.A.R.T. goals.

• Budget time for involvement in outdoor and spiritual activities.

• Set and have prayer times.

BUILDING TRUST AND COMMITMENT IN THE WORKPLACE With her extensive experience as an educator, we had to ask Henritta about building rapport, trust, and commitment in the workplace.

She dished out these tips: • Learn to listen.

• Be genuine by sharing your failures, challenges, and successes.

• Share about the activities you do outside of work, such as hobbies.

• Use recognitions, like awards.

• Ask meaningful questions and provide value during conversations.

• Understand the value that each person brings to the workplace.

A LADY OF DISTINCTION Henritta hails from North Clarendon, under the wings of the picturesque Bull Head Mountain in Jamaica. She had planned to become a medical doctor but fell in love with the students and started teaching mathematics at 17 years old, as a pretrained teacher.

Following her passion, Henritta gained her Diploma in Teaching at Church Teachers' College in Mandeville, Jamaica, and her Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. Years later, Henritta then traveled to Tallahassee, Florida and completed a Master’s Degree in Education at Florida A&M University. This she finished in the year 2000 and immediately pursued doctoral studies in Educational Leadership at the same university, receiving her Ph.D. in 2003.

relaxation so as not to negatively affect her physical, psychological, and emotional health and well-being.”

For much of her life, Henritta was focused on succeeding despite fears, naysayers, and unwelcomed events. “Life will throw the unexpected at you, but you must keep focus and remain resolute. The same God who kept you yesterday, will keep you today.

I’m laser-focused, trusting God, until the issue is resolved.”

Henritta faced several challenges such as “balancing family life commitments while striving to achieve career goals and maintaining other healthy and supportive relationships.” Nevertheless, she came out victorious and even had time for “rest and

ON THE HORIZON When she’s not on a vacation or having fun with family and friends, Henritta is busy working on her passions, “educational consultancy, mathematics research, event planning, writing, and working in her community with the youths.” For the next leg of her journey, she hopes to retire so that she can take on more work in God’s vineyard, “because that’s all that will count.”

Click & Visit victoriousbydesign.com 13

VBD Magazine

PIONEERS' PARADISE

A Visionary

CHARTING HER OWN PATH ANN MARIE BRYAN Building An Extraordinary Life & Business

By Paula Hamilton

M

any years ago, an uneventful day turned into an exceptional one when I met Ann Marie Bryan. From the moment I met her, I could tell this was no ordinary lady. We worked together for a few weeks, and I remember vividly how she empowered me with one sentence that has never left my mind. Over the years, she has demonstrated leadership skills, been a role model and mentor to women and girls, advocated for positive social change, and given her time and talent to the community—all done with passion, dedication, and integrity.

Picture yourself sitting by a lake enjoying nature and watching the swans in all their grace and glory. Beneath all that grace, there is hard work taking place, but all you will ever see is the gracefulness that is displayed above. Ann Marie is like that swan: a multi-talented woman of God, a woman of beauty and grace personified; forever gliding around with a smile and always ready

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with an edifying word. Her favorite phases are, “Look at you, I knew you could do it,” “When you can’t see God’s hand, trust His heart,” and “Stay victorious.”

SUCCESS MEANS SOMETHING DIFFERENT TO EVERYONE. IT’S IMPORTANT TO DEFINE SUCCESS, AND THEN DETERMINE THE BEST WAY TO WORK PURPOSEFULLY TOWARDS ACHIEVING IT. It’s our pleasure to turn the spotlight on Ann Marie, our Editor-in-Chief. Her journey serves as an inspiration and a strong reminder

to pursue your goals relentlessly. Read on to learn more about our unique trailblazer.

VBD: Tell us about you and how you got started in business.

ANN MARIE: I am an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and writing consultant, with more than a decade of experience providing top-notch literary services and innovative personal and professional development solutions to clients. I come from a line of educators, so I began teaching mathematics as early as middle school. For a period, I assisted my community by teaching adult literacy classes in reading, mathematics, and English. After college, I entered the field of human resource management where professional development became a part of my job responsibilities. My creativity fuels my enthusiasm not only for training but also for writing. I’m the Editor-in-Chief of VBD Magazine, Managing Editor of VIP Global Magazine, and former Editor-in-Chief of Purpose Driven Women Magazine. In addition, I am a Christian Fiction author

VBD Magazine

PIONEERS' PARADISE

Photo Credit: ShaunBattickPhotography

RESOLVE IN ADVANCE THAT YOU WILL PURSUE YOUR GOAL UNTIL YOU SUCCEED.

who writes to inspire and empower others.

In 2010, I felt a push to start a business, and with that, Victorious By Design (VBD) was established to deliver top quality writing services, comprehensive personal and professional development programs, and exceptional performing arts services to meet the unique needs of individuals and organizations. As Founder and CEO of VBD, I use my extensive knowledge and experience in human resources, information technology, banking, and writing, to bring a well-rounded perspective when working with clients. Our clients are worldwide, and some have been featured in multiple media affiliates such as Huffington Post, Sheen Magazine, Forbes, Essence, Black Enterprise, Purpose Driven Women Magazine, VIP Global Magazine, NBC, CBS, MSNBC, and FOX, just to name a few.

VBD: What challenges have you had to overcome while climbing the ladder of success?

ANN MARIE: My business is a natural flow

for me because I get to impart knowledge while helping others fulfill their goals. There have been many moments of happiness, excitement, and peace. However, there have been growing pains between milestones. As challenges arise, I take full responsibility and stay on course. It has been an interesting journey to get where I am today. A journey, mostly, of learning to follow the footprints that God has laid out for me, of letting go of fear and wanting affirmation from others, and above all, learning to be my authentic self and to love me – the good, the bad, the quirks, and all. Today, I have not arrived, but I am working the gifts that God has deposited in me, and I am abiding in Him. After getting out of my own way, I worked hard to achieve my goals and began reaping the rewards of a profitable business, and the joys of walking in purpose. I absolutely love walking in purpose and helping others connect with their purpose. Purpose brings significance, value, and stability to my life.

As I walk in purpose, I recognize that I am at

my best when I am helping to transform lives.

It is a natural calling to encourage others to achieve personal excellence so they can live life to the fullest. Of course, there are many positives to walking in my purpose.

The amazing thing is that God continues to multiply what I have surrendered to Him. VBD: What services do you offer and why should someone work with you over the competition?

ANN MARIE: Victorious By Design was established to equip individuals and organizations with top quality writing services, innovative personal and professional development programs, and outstanding performing arts services. To break that down, we provide the following services – writing, editing, publishing, book promotion, and training programs for authors, individuals, and organizations.

In addition, we train and hone the skills of participants in the performing arts.

Our current focus is dance, and we offer dance classes for all ages. We promote

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VBD Magazine

PIONEERS' PARADISE creativity in individuals through a variety of artistic experiences and opportunities.

We are thankful for every person or organization that buys our products and utilizes our services. Our clients will always feel our superb customer service. Excellence is one of our core values so we never take on a project unless we can dedicate our time, expertise, and resources to it. Clients’ projects are managed by a team of highly qualified and experienced professionals to provide the highest quality of service. We listen to our clients’ needs and offer actionable advice to help them at any stage of their projects.

Our goal is to light the path to our clients’ next level of unprecedented opportunities and success. Above all, we want our clients to be satisfied as we deliver final products that communicate their brands.

BENCHMARK AGAINST THE BEST IN THE AREA OF YOUR GOAL, NEVERTHELESS, BE A TRENDSETTER. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO BREAK NEW GROUND. ​VBD: What’s your best advice for someone who desires to find success in life?

ANN MARIE: Success means something different to everyone. Consequently, my advice would be to define success, and then determine the best way to work purposefully towards achieving it. Be clear and specific about your goal so you can identify workable ways to fulfill it. Create an action plan and do something every day to move you toward your goal. Do research to obtain information on how you can best leverage your knowledge and abilities to fulfill your goal. Benchmark against the best in the area of your goal, nevertheless, be a trendsetter.

Do not be afraid to break new ground. Don’t be overwhelmed by your lack of knowledge about a particular area of your goal. Select a person or organization to approach, who you believe has the knowledge or ability to help you succeed. Importantly, resolve in advance that you will pursue your goal until you succeed.

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VBD: Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?

ANN MARIE: As I indicated, success is an individual concept. Therefore, it’s important for me to determine my version of success as it is the key to living a fulfilling life. For me, success is both a goal and a journey. Success occurs when I’m walking in my purpose, serving others, and giving back to the world. That means, I’m using my knowledge, expertise, and resources to connect others to their purpose. Success means I’m on the right path and making a positive impact on my family, friends, relatives, business, and community.

VBD: What’s on the horizon?

ANN MARIE: VBD is expanding because of our growing clientele. We are in the process of creating online courses to keep up with our growth. We are super excited

to have launched Victorious By Design (VBD) Magazine. We plan to establish more platforms to connect with readers and authors so we will be launching book clubs and VBD’s Avid Reader’s Award program.

We believe in working together, exchanging ideas, and sharing resources. Therefore, VBD will assertively identify and foster collaborations with relevant innovative programs and form partnerships that can ultimately empower individuals, organizations, and communities to tackle a wide range of needs and concerns.

Click & Visit victoriousbydesign.com

The Encounters

of THE HEART Series h ◆

By Ann Marie Bryan Bestselling Author



• LOVE STORIES YOU WILL NEVER FORGET. • INTENSELY EMOTIONAL YET BEAUTIFULLY ROMANTIC. ​ • LOVE GUIDED THEM TO PRECISELY WHAT THEY NEEDED —EACH OTHER.

These 5 standalone novels are available on Writing with a sense of purpose to inspire and empower | annmariebryan.com

VBD Magazine

PIONEERS' PARADISE

D

amaris Nightingale is an herbalist and natural perfumer alchemist with a passion for using natural aromatic materials to heal body, mind, and soul. She specializes in the sense of smell, and she is zealous about empowering men and women to know their personalized scent DNA. She’s known for being pulled aside and asked if she has a special anti-aging lotion, or if she could produce a special fragrance for a love interest or advice on how best to weather these times.

If you stopped by her apothecary, tucked away in Hallandale, Florida, you would often find her in the lab mixing something heavenly—beautiful fragrances and silky textures. Her apothecary is that feminine blend of store front, social center and 24hour therapy session all rolled into one!

All her skin care products, perfumes and health potions are beautifully handmade, 100% organic and healthy. In everything she does, she works ardently to reduce her carbon footprint, making her products safe for humanity and the environment.

We are delighted to share Damaris’ story with you. She’s a pioneer in the natural perfume industry who will inspire you to make your own mark in the world.

Damaris Nightingale

INNOVATIVE. CREATIVE. EXQUISITE. A pioneer making waves in the natural perfume industry

by Kerry-Ann McPherson

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VBD: You have a very eclectic and powerful business. What motivated you to begin this business?

DAMARIS: I could say that I was born to make healing potions, beauty products, and natural perfumes. Healing for me is not just about the body, but the heart, mind, and soul.

I have always been a curious person with an investigative mind. When I discovered that I could experiment with aromatherapy and perfumery to promote healing, I was immediately drawn in!

I began studying with Master Perfumer Raed Butrous of Uttati International. Later, I attended a Perfumer Training course in Grasse, France followed by a training course in Natural Perfumery with the accomplished Master Perfumer Abdessalaam Attar in Rimini, Italy. These are all big names in the natural perfumer industry! I wanted to be able to share my knowledge with the world, so I opened my apothecary and have not looked back since.

VBD Magazine VBD: What are you hoping for your clients to see that is different about your products compared to health care and skin care products already on the market?

DAMARIS: My products are really natural, and they really work. We do not use fillers or anything to stretch the products. Every ingredient is an active ingredient. Our essential oils are of high quality, and we use both therapeutic grade and perfume grade pure and natural essences. We know that smell has a profound effect on our entire system: physical and spiritual, therefore the blends that go into each product or perfume are masterfully crafted to provide a desired effect while maintaining a pleasant aroma.

VBD: We know that you want to educate others about their primary scents to make informed choices about their health. Tell us about your courses in aromatherapy and perfumery.

DAMARIS: The course is called the Scents DNA Profile Training. It is designed to help

PIONEERS' PARADISE each person become in tune with his or her own body and feelings. Today, there is so much conflicting information on what to eat and what not to eat, what is healthy and what is not, what medications or supplements work, and which ones do not. The truth is there is no one thing that works for all persons under all circumstances. I realized that each one of us must figure out what works for us and to do that, you have to be able to feel the effect of things you smell or ingest. Unfortunately, this is not something we learn in school or that is encouraged by health practitioners in general. I designed the course to teach people how to feel what is going on inside their bodies. First students learn this through fragrances then they apply this knowledge to things they consume such as foods and medications.

Learning to feel the effect of substances in the body is easier than you may think, and the course is a lot of fun. At the end of the course, each student would have developed their Personalized Scent DNA Workbook.

VBD: Who and what was your inspiration behind making this a personalized course?

DAMARIS: I created this course because I realized from personal experience that "one person's medicine is another's poison."

I am passionate about helping you come closer to discovering what scents, fragrances, food, and medicines are your medicine and conversely which ones are your poison.

VBD: Why do you think scent self-awareness is so important for your clients?

DAMARIS: There is a problem with information overload. One moment coffee is good, then it is bad. Coconut oil was good, then bad, and now good again. These are just two of the hundred examples we can find.

It is good to be familiar with all the expert advice, but it is most important to know what is going on with our individual bodies.

Dr. Peter D'adamo has done some interesting work on genotypes attempting to help people figure out what works for them based on their genetic profile. The Scent DNA course is a way of helping each person understand what is the most beneficial fragrances and foods for them.

VBD: What is your favorite scent and why?

DAMARIS: My favorite scent is one I created under my Di Nightingale Perfume Elixirs brand. It is called Fox & Diamonds.

I must say it is not a scent for everyone.

The main notes are Tuberose, Sandalwood, Rose, Tangerine, and Vanilla. It makes me feel daring, adventurous, and sophisticated.

It is not necessary to like this particular fragrance to get these feelings. Different scents can induce the same feeling in people of a different constitution.

VBD: What’s next for you?

DAMARIS: I would like to establish Di Nightingale Apothecaries all over the world where people can learn about themselves to help them smell better, feel better, and live better.

Click & Visit dinightingale.com 19

PERFUME

ELIXIRS

Damaris Nightingale The cooking and brewing, the mixing and blessing of all natural plant materials hand-blended for you.

Fox & Diamonds

Happily

EAU DE PARFUM

PERFUME ELIXIR

ELEGANT, DISTINCTIVE, AND SENSUAL.

FORMULATED TO BRING OUT THE HAPPY IN YOU.

Designed for the woman who dances to her own music, traces her own path fearlessly, and is ready for anything that comes her way.

Soothes stressed nerves.

Calms an anxious mind.

Relaxes a tense body. Floral, herbal, distinctive and intoxicating.

Ingredients: Tuberose, Sandalwood, Rosa de Mai, Tangerine, Vanilla, Linden Blossom.

Ingredients: All natural means all naturalFood-grade alcohol, distilled water and essential oils and absolutes.

Phone:

(954) 907-9408

Click and Visit

dinightingale.com

Click and Visit Instagram:

@damarisnightingale

V I C T O R I O U S

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DESIGN LITERARY

Den

VBD Magazine

LITERARY DEN

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he entrepreneur shares candidly about building her business and recovering from breast cancer.

“Who said, you can’t build an empire when you hit your forties. You are never too old to build a legacy and have an impact on society that is positive. My mission is to build a platform that will be a light that will shine and serve for others… to be a voice in the community to inform, inspire, educate, and entertain.”

Those are the inspirational words of Letrise Carter, Digital Media Expert and Influencer.

We sat down with Carter to discuss her business acumen and recovery from breast cancer, a major challenge that she faced in 2019. “I became cancer free and can say that I am now a Breast Cancer Survivor and Warrior,” she declared with a huge smile.

MY VISION AND MISSION WERE BIGGER THAN I COULD EVER IMAGINE, AND THAT ACTUALLY SCARED ME.

From STRUGGLES to SUCCESS Meet Digital Media Expert and Influencer

LETRISE CARTER

by Icylin Morgan

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As Carter begins to speak, you get a glimpse of the powerhouse’s ability to focus on the fundamentals to elevate her brand. During our interview, she was poised, strong, thoughtful, and refreshingly forthcoming. One thing is sure—there is no stopping this warrior.

VBD: Give us details about you and your story.

LETRISE: I am Letrise Carter, an educated Black single mother who dreamed of impacting others in the community to rise above their circumstances. I became a mother during my junior year of college, and with the support and encouragement of my professors, advisors, and mentor I was able to stay in school to finish my bachelor’s degree in accounting despite all the odds against me.

I was the first to break the generational curse among the Black women in my family. I desired to have more for myself as well as

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for my daughter, so I worked very hard to climb the corporate ladder. Fast forward to becoming an empty nester, I was stuck, not sure what to do with my time now that I was not running to basketball, track, or dance class. I decided to go back to school and earn my master’s degree in Accounting and Financial Management.

to Sistah’s Place being sought after from publicists, agents in film/television, and more indie talent. I was honored to form new relationships and new friendships with some of my favorite talents in the literary and entertainment industries.

I am where I am today through dedication, hard work, sacrifice, networking, sharing knowledge, asking for help, learning from the mistakes, utilizing my support team, and educating myself about my industry, honing my niche, staying unique to me, not following the trend, and just being a humble and genuine Sistah to love all chasing their dreams to walk into their purpose.

Photo credits: Brianna @ Veo Photograper, Hair by: Kealsa at Kreative Braids, Makeup by Simone

VBD: What was your inspiration to start writing?

LETRISE: After completing my master’s degree, there was still a void in my spirit until I started writing again as a blogger in 2014. It’s funny how you find yourself back at your first and true passion—writing that started in high school through college, thanks to Mrs. Cooper. It was she who helped me find my writing voice at the age of 15 years old. I found myself back to my first love of writing by blogging about issues that affect the community and relationships and doing book reviews and theatrical interviews.

Writing was easy for me because I could escape in my thoughts and pull-out stories that would encourage, empower, inform, and educate my readers. As a writer it’s important for me to hone my craft and that is exactly what I did. I took classes for blogging, marketing, promotion, and how to build your audience as a blogger. I watched some of the best bloggers on Twitter to gain insight and tips to engage with my audience, and most importantly establish relationships with other bloggers that would help me grow my readership, skills, and network. I purchased many books to learn about the craft that I had fallen in love with so that I could become a blog influencer.

VBD: How did your vision evolve to where you are today?

LETRISE: Simply put, I wanted to be more than just a blogger. My vision and mission were bigger than I could ever imagine, and that actually scared me. I sat down and created a vision board for Sistah’s Place. I imagined having a platform that would be sought after by authors, community leaders, and celebrities. The first step was to buy my domain and transfer my most popular blog posts to its new home.

Next, I came up with a strategy for guest writers so that I would not be the only one

YOU MUST CREATE YOUR OWN STYLE AND PATH THAT IS UNIQUE TO WHO YOU ARE. YOUR READERS WILL LOVE YOU FOR IT.

VBD: Tell us more about Sistah’s Place and the services you offer.

LETRISE: As you must have gathered, I started Sistah’s Place because I saw a need for a platform to showcase Indie talent in film, theater, literary, and music. I know firsthand how hard it is for Indie talent to get media exposure. Considering that, I created a platform that would shine the light on our community of black and brown brothers and sisters. Eventually, my platform grew to all Indie talent for all ethnicities. The services that we offer are advertising services, media exposure packages, subscriptions to our print magazine, and podcast interviews.

The brand of Sistah’s Place is growing, and I feel honored and humbled. When I started, I was reaching out to the agents, managers, and publicists and many said no because I was not big enough, but then word of mouth from celebs, authors, and agents spread and the tables were turned.

writing. I learned to capitalize on social media tools and graphic designers to create Sistah’s Place. I guest wrote for several blogs, magazines, and local articles to build my brand as a writer while growing Sistah’s Place’s name. Over the years, I would make mistakes that made me better and stronger. After the first two years, I learned to set realistic goals, boundaries, and most important standards for Sistah’s Place.

We have set a professional standard for Sistah’s Place that many have come to respect and love. This new status caused me to raise the bar each year to make us better than the previous year. In 2021, I rebranded the podcast to be Sistah’s Conversations with Letrise Carter. It was the time for me to become the face of Sistah’s Place instead of standing behind the logo.

In 2016, I needed to add another voice to Sistah’s Place which came in the form of Sistah’s Place Blog Talk Radio. The radio podcast was a success because it opened doors to more celebrities, national and bestselling authors that would lead

VBD: How has COVID-19 changed your life and business operations?

LETRISE: COVID-19 has made me appreciate family and friends more because I have lost both during the last year. COVID made me let go of the “I am not talking to

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LETRISE: There were a lot of lessons that I learned but the one that stands out is stop trying to follow what other authors are doing because you don’t know their journey or story. You must create your own style and path that is unique to who you are. Your readers will love you for it.

I WAS DETERMINED TO RISE ABOVE THE ILLNESS THAT HAD INVADED MY BODY you anymore attitude.” For my business, it has caused us to re-invent to improve our digital presence and not be limited to local business but to expand our reach to a global audience. We had to change our marketing strategy and our way of doing business during the pandemic.

VBD: When did you publish your first book? And tell us about your latest release.

LETRISE: I became a published indie author in 2017 with my first novella Deceitful Secrets. My latest release is a short story series titled Lucy Mason and it has three parts Lucy’s Worth, Lucy’s Faith, and Lucy’s Heart. The current release, Lucy’s Worth, part one, details a young woman's desperate journey to find herself while trying to make it on her own. Faced with her first true relationship, Lucy's long battle with low self-esteem will cause her to go down a path with a dangerous man. Will Lucy be able to escape the trap that has been set for her? She's going to have to make the most important decision of her life—because her life depends on it.

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VBD: You are a breast cancer survivor and warrior. Thank God! Share with us how you overcame that challenge.

LETRISE: On July 15, 2019, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on the right side. My writing went on hold and the team of women who I entrusted Sistah’s Place to helped me keep the quarterly schedule as I underwent Chemotherapy and Radiation. Just when I thought it was over and I can begin to heal, I was re-diagnosed with Breast Cancer on the left side, on the anniversary of the first diagnosis in 2020.

VBD: What’s your favorite quote?

LETRISE: I have many, but this is one I have been living since the last year and half, “Failure is an important part of your growth and developing resilience. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail.” Michelle Obama.

VBD: What’s next for you?

LETRISE: For the authorprenuer in me, I will be working to get the remaining two books in the short story series released this year.

Lucy’s Faith will be released sometime in September and Lucy’s Heart will be available in December. Further, I will be finishing up the long-awaited sequel to Deceitful Secrets titled Truth & Lies out in January 2022. As for Sistah’s Place, we are working on a special issue for Breast Cancer Awareness and our Holiday issue to close out 2021. We are planning the 2022 Magazine and Podcast sessions, February through October, with a lineup of guests and features.

I was devastated, hurt, angry, but that still, small voice said I got you… I was determined to rise above the illness that had invaded my body. I endured 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 40 sessions of radiation, in a short period of two years (2019-2021).

My daughter has always been my rock and she was my biggest cheerleader. I received a lot of love and support from my sister tribe (Marcie, Barbara, Dilshald, Gina, Stephanie, Pam, Renee, Diane, Aretha, Debra, and Alyssa) who would not allow me to give up.

My team at Sistah’s Place held it down so that our readers didn’t go without. In May of 2021, I became cancer free and can say that I am now a Breast Cancer Survivor and Warrior. I advocate for women like myself for fair and equal health care treatment. I inform and educate other women on the importance of Black women’s health. I’m planning to share my journey, my fight, and my testimony with others so that we are more than a dollar profit for facilities.

I am thankful for Cancer Treatment Center of America who cared for me during my second round of treatment. No one should have to undergo the rigorous treatment that my body, mind, and spirt endured due to someone playing with your life just to make a profit.

Click and get on Amazon Click & Visit Letrise Carter letrisecarter.com

Click & Visit Sistah’s Place sistahsplace.com

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1. ORGANIZE YOUR IDEAS

I use the 3-act story structure for my novels.

In my outline, I label each part in Roman numerals (I. Act 1, II. Act 2, III. Act 3).

Then, I jot down words, phrases, or even a sentence in each section to prompt my memory later. The first section is about my main characters and the world in which they live. Every good novel has at least one struggle. The second part of my outline is used to detail the struggles and attempts to solve them. The last section of my outline is about the resolution of the story. This is where the protagonist learns his or her lesson.

The second level of my outline is all about the subpoints of my novel. The subpoints are the scenes and sequels coordinated with each of the acts. Again, I jot down words, phrases, or sentences that will pique my memory later. Using the outline helps me organize my thoughts in a logical order, so each scene connects with its sequel.

2. MANAGE YOUR TIME

I use the outline to write the paragraphs of my manuscript. I save time because I expand and connect ideas together in a logical flow.

If I’m not sure that a scene will work in a particular place, I can look at my outline to see where it works best.

3 Reasons to

OUTLINE YOUR NOVEL

by WALETTA MASON DUNN

H

ave you ever tried to drive to a new destination without using a map, global positioning system (GPS), or another navigation tool? It can be difficult, can’t it? Sure, you can reach your destination without a navigation tool, but the tool makes it easier to stay on course and arrive sooner. What happens if you travel a few miles off course to visit a shopping mall or visit a local landmark? You refer to the navigation tool and get back on course. And just like that, you are once again headed toward your destination.

Likewise, authors often use a navigation tool to find their way from the beginning to the end of a manuscript: the outline. It is a guide and if you get off course, it’s simple to refer to the outline to finish your project. Use an outline to:

3. MONITOR YOUR PROGRESS

Whether requested from an outside source or self-imposed, deadlines are a part of every author’s life. My outline helps me to monitor the progress of my writing. With a quick glance, I’m able to determine how much I have accomplished and what I have left to do. I can then determine if more time is needed to meet a deadline or if adjustments are needed.

Remember, an outline is a plan, and plans change. It can help an author by organizing ideas, planning, and managing time, and monitoring progress. It is a handy tool to assist with navigating through your manuscript.

Whether you’re writing a short story, novella, or novel, an outline is important because it helps to move you from the beginning to the end of your novel in a logical, timely, and reliable way.

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Denise M. Walker

TAKING A MESSAGE OF HOPE TO THE WORLD MINISTER, AUTHOR, SPEAKER, PODCASTER & WORKSHOP HOST

by Icylin Morgan

D

enise M. Walker is a wife, mother, minister, author, podcaster, educator, and entrepreneur. She has served in the field of education for the past 22 years. Denise is the founder of Hope-in-Christ Ministries, Inc. and the CEO of Armor of Hope Writing & Publishing Services, LLC. She is the host of the Hope-in-Christ w/Denise podcast, leads Bible literacy workshops, and has penned six books to date.

In addition, she is the creator and facilitator of the Hope-in-Christ Book Club Facebook group, the host of Hope-in-Christ w/Denise podcast, and a co-host of Her News International radio show. Her ministry’s mission is to lead others out of their barren places and to the truth of Christ and His purpose, to build literacy, and to assist individuals in walking in their true identity in Christ.

It was our pleasure to connect with Minister Walker. During our interview, she discussed her ministry, finding purpose in her pain, and Barren Womb, her latest release.

VBD: How did you get to where you are today?

DENISE: Growing up, I walked through many obstacles. As a result, I experienced depression, rejection, fear, and more. Over the years, God used individuals to speak into my life until I came to the place of understanding I needed a relationship with

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Christ. After coming to the Lord, I have come to know that my true identity is found in Him and only He can make me whole and complete.

VBD: Why did you start Hope-in-Christ and what services do you offer?

DENISE: I began Hope-in-Christ as a blog ministry. The first blogs were written by me and for me. God was healing me through each word.

Hope-in-Christ is now a Christian blog, podcast, speaking, and teaching ministry.

The mission is “Taking the Message of the Cross to the World.” This is fulfilled through Christian authors, ministers, and entrepreneurs’ interviews, teaching biblical literacy strategies, and ministering Christ Identity and wholeness to women and teen girls.

VBD: Tell us about your latest release.

DENISE: My latest release is a women’s Christian fiction novel, Barren Womb. This novel is about Hannah Jefferson. Hannah is a newly married educator and mother to be who is on top of the world until her worst nightmare comes knocking. In addition to that news, she receives even more heart wrenching disappointment. In the end, she learns a more important lesson, one that can only be realized through Christ.

VBD: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since becoming an author?

DENISE: As a Christian author, I have learned that God already has the audience to receive the message. I only need to continue to trust Him to give me the words to minister to the soul of the one who will receive.

I have also learned that you have to be willing to put in the work to see the manifestation of success, and this is more than a book sale, a bestselling ranking, or a recognition by man. This is ministry, even if only one life is changed for the better.

Click and get on Amazon

VBD: What’s your favorite Scripture & why?

DENISE: One of my favorite Scriptures is Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

I love this Scripture because it is the one God spoke to me after accepting Christ. He helped me to understand that all of what I sought after was found in Him. The search was over.

VBD: What’s next for you?

DENISE: I am working to finish book 2 of The Redemption Series. I am also working to complete more Bible literacy journals, and a few other projects.

Click & Visit hope-in-christ.com Click & Visit armorofhopewritingservices. com 27

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win; they no longer have to wear a façade to function but can be their God-given self.

VBD: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since becoming an author?

STASHANE: Consistency. I have learned that I must be consistent. I can’t just write the book, publish, and launch it and that’s it. I must become proactive in ensuring that it is in the hands of everyone – I must be consistent with encouraging and sharing what has been poured into me. Growth equals consistency and I desire to grow daily so I must be consistent.

An author encouraging her readers to step boldly into their destiny

S

tashane Davis Williamson is a wife, mother of two beautiful daughters, inspirational speaker, poet, and author. She was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and currently resides in Toronto, Canada. Stashane has over ten years of professional experience in the banking and finance industries. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management from the University of the West Indies Mona/Bahamas.

Stashane has been a Christian for over 16 years and serves in her local church. She has a passion for the restoration of women of all nations, creeds, and colors.

VBD: Tell us about your latest release.

STASHANE: Hello Nineveh: A Jonah Journey takes you on a journey of forgiveness, wholeness, discovering purpose and realignment with the will of God. It brings a new perspective to the “Jonah” story – it is more than just being swallowed by a fish. It is a call to obedience to use the keys of the Kingdom to be impactful in the earth-realm.

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VBD: Why did you write it?

STASHANE: It started as a soul-cry; a deep search that I began feeling after watching the story of Jonah being depicted in a play in 2017. I could not shake it, so I went on a 40-day fast to seek God for direction which I documented every day. I had some unresolved issues and some painful experiences. I came to the realization that if I was going through it someone else was also having similar experiences. I desired wholeness, healing, and growth. And if I could get over some hurdles, I would love to help others do the same – sharing the strategies I have learned. Writing this book holds me accountable to walking purposefully.

VBD: What are you hoping that readers will gain from reading your book?

STASHANE: It is my desire for readers to gain fresh revelations about God and to discover themselves in the process. I hope my readers find strength to overcome painful pasts, develop strategies to walk boldly in their destiny, and realize that they can still

VBD: What’s next for you?

STASHANE: Currently, I’m focused on marketing my new book. In addition, I’m about to start writing my next book, while pursuing a master’s degree.

Click and get on Amazon Click & Visit instagram.com

Photo Credit to Rizphotography

Stashane DAVIS WILLIAMSON

VBD: What’s your favorite Scripture & why?

STASHANE: One of my favorite Scriptures is “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV). We must first understand the instructions which we will use to “go forth into the world” and make disciples of all.

When the vision is plain, straightforward, clearly understood, it makes it easier for anyone who reads it to bring out the task.

It speaks of faith and work. It takes faith to write the vision and action to move in its direction. I’m not just believing; I’m moving in sync with the mandate of God.

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LITERARY DEN support and inspiration. Every writer should gather a TRIBE to help them succeed. The TRIBE includes people and resources, and if you open your heart, you will discover some have already crossed your path. Here is your TRIBE: T–TEACHERS: The experts are your teachers in the literary world. During my writing journey, I transitioned from writing with a corporate voice to using my writing voice, and it was a struggle. As I explored my writing voice, I studied the rules of novel writing - rules about dialogue, show don’t tell, overuse of adverbs, et cetera. Because of my challenges, my first book took six years to write. Had I taken the time to invite a literary expert/teacher on my journey, the book would have been published sooner.

R–RELATIONSHIPS: Everything in the writing world is about the relationships you establish. Join writers’ groups within the writing community that represent your genre.

I surrounded myself with author friends who later became my editors and a few who are masters at creating book hooks, titles, and a synopsis. Your relationships are crucial to creating support around your projects.

Finding Your TRIBE THE KEY TO AN AUTHOR’S SUCCESS

A

by Dr. Velma Bagby

nyone can develop an idea they believe belongs in the literary world. Often, we begin with a creative idea, but the vision quickly fades because of the creator’s insecurities. Most talk themselves out of the project early in the journey, resulting from doubt and disbelief. Better still, many disbelieve their original intent, despite having the credentials that to write about the topic. Others try to reassure themselves through research of diverse books on the topic and retreats when they find the field flooded with resources addressing the same.

The writer is ready to bury their creative idea, leaving a void in the literary world.

This scenario replays repeatedly, as most in the writing community rehearse the same quest. It takes place when a writer begins the journey alone. At the onset, you construct a book concept and begin writing, but do not recognize that one element is missing from the initial stages in the writing process.

Welcome to my world as a writer! Let me reassure you those earlier questions of doubt happened to most of us. I, too, faced similar insecurities and conquered them because of my TRIBE. With their help, I am now an award-winning author.

A TRIBE is comprised of literary experts/ ambassadors, editors, or relationships with fellow authors, and is key to providing

I–INVESTORS: There are many authors out there who will help invest in your project as a mentor. Again, begin with building relationships. As you get to know them, reach out to a few who write in your genre. You can start with the circle of author friends you establish and choose one or two who will mentor you. Soon, you will position yourself to do the same for another up-andcoming author.

B--BELIEVE: Trust that writing is what you are called to do and, by doing so, you commit to cultivate and grow your gift. Set aside time for your personal development.

This includes surrounding yourself with great writing resources. There is an endless supply of self-help books and online/virtual classes to consider. Set aside time to pause from writing to study and grow.

E–EXPECTATIONS: Believing is expecting. The God of all creativity has given us our creative gifts, and He is on our team as He walks with us through the stages of our creative writing. Seek His wisdom with your writing. Prayer creates the expectation of a rewarding outcome.

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EVERYTHING GOD DOES IS PURPOSEFUL AND IF HE PLACED THE GIFT OF WRITING IN YOUR BELLY, IT IS A PART OF HIS PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE.

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AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT Lakisha Johnson

SPEAKS ON FAITH, WALKING IN PURPOSE, AND FINDING HER WRITING VOICE

L

akisha Johnson is a Memphis born God-fearing woman who has been writing since 2012.

She has published thirty books including novels, devotionals, and journals covering topics of faith, abuse, marriage, love, loss, grief, and losing hope.

In addition to being a self-published author, she’s also a wife, mother, grandmother, co-pastor, senior business analyst, devotional blogger, college graduate and product of a large family.

Lakisha writes from her heart and hopes the messages on the pages will relate to every reader. This is why she doesn’t take the credit for what God does because if you were to strip away everything; you’d see that Lakisha is simply a woman who boldly, unapologetically and gladly loves and works for God. Ask her and she’ll tell you, “It’s not just writing, it’s ministry.”

What inspired you to become an author?

Truth is, I never set out to be an author. When I wrote my first book, it was something fun to do. I made a cover and uploaded it to CreateSpace, and it did okay. Then it was picked up by a publisher and for a couple of years, things were good. One day, I decided to self-publish, thinking I knew what it would take. I was wrong.

After releasing The Family that Lies in 2016, God would shut me down and I didn’t release anything in 2017. I didn’t realize, God was shutting me down to shift everything I knew.

by Icylin Morgan By this time, I’d accepted my calling to ministry and God would use fiction books as a part of it.

In 2018, I released my first Christian Fiction novel, and I was scared because it wasn’t my usual style of writing. Readers loved it.

God would then allow me to release eight books that year. In 2012, there was no inspiration, but in 2017, ministry became it and if I can get someone to see God, trust God, try God and His grace even through a fiction book, sign me up.

I TELL ANYBODY, I WRITE REALISTIC CHRISTIAN FICTION THAT DOESN’T ALWAYS END IN HAPPILY EVER AFTER.

What is the most challenging aspect of writing a book?

For me, it depends on the message because the majority of what I have written, I haven’t gone through personally. When I wrote about mental illness, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and divorce, I needed the posture of those who have dealt with these issues in order to reach their hearts. To achieve this, it took a lot of prayer, time, and research.

This for me is the most challenging and rewarding.

What are three major keys to building a successful literary ministry?

• Keeping God first in everything and believing it will all work according to God’s plan for your life. See, sometimes, you’ll find yourself believing it isn’t worth it.

Especially when you don’t see the readers or the royalties. However, everything God does is purposeful and if He placed the gift of writing in your belly, it is a part of His plan for your life.

• Prayer, faith and fasting. I pray about every book from the title, synopsis to the storyline because I’m writing for God and it’s His story to tell.

• Finding a balance when there doesn’t seem to be enough minutes in the day.

Life can be overwhelming, especially if you have a family, day job and other things requiring your time. You must find a healthy balance to ensure nothing is lacking. This also means you may have to say no to some people, places, and things. In other words, sacrifice.

• Bonus… Keep writing even when it hasn’t paid off.

How would you describe your writing style to a reader who has never read your work?

I tell anybody, I write realistic Christian Fiction that doesn’t always end in happily ever after. This means, you may read a story with sex, cursing, and sinful living, because I write imperfect people for imperfect people.

Yes, I realize it’s fiction, but for me it’s not just writing.

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house. I kept writing. Readers would give good feedback, but books still weren’t selling. I kept writing. Sacrificing time with family and it didn’t seem to be worth it. I kept writing. Why? Because I’m looking beyond where I am and into what I know God said. There’ll be a time when I won’t have to work as hard, when royalties will match the gift and things will align because my strategy is simple… believe what I heard God say concerning me.

Each time I publish a book, it’s ministry and through ministry you have to reach people where they are. Sometimes, this is during brokenness, while in sin, a dark place, while suicide is speaking, or anxiety is at its highest. Sure, I could write every book with a happy ending, but life doesn’t always give us one. There’ll be times when the test result is positive for cancer, you miscarry, your marriage ends in divorce, or your life feels as though it’s been shaken up and you feel like you won’t survive.

My style of writing offers hope for you to pray again, hope again, fast, get up, try one more time, trust some more, try love for the twentieth time, etc. These are the types of things I write about. My writing is real, raw, and leaves nothing out.

I PRAY HOPE IS INSTILLED IN THE HEART OF EVERY PERSON WHO READS MY BOOKS What message do you hope readers will get from reading your stories?

Even when life isn’t always good to you, there’ll be things you don’t think you deserve to go through and times you’ll question whether you should go on… there’s hope.

I pray hope is instilled in the heart of every person who reads my books. Enough hope to make them say, “I may be going through this, I may have dealt with that, or they may have tried, but I can survive.”

What is your advice for aspiring writers?

Trust your gift while working your gift.

If you know writing is your purpose, you can’t give up when it’s hard. Truth is, it’s hard 99% of the time, but if one person is impacted by you, it’s not in vain. Also, spend time researching the topic, choose a genre you’re passionate about, write for quality not quantity, and enjoy it. The last thing you should do is work a gift you don’t love, like, and enjoy. When you enjoy it, it makes everything else worth it.

What are you currently working on?

Now, this is a loaded question. I have a few books I’ve started on, yet I haven’t decided what will be next. Currently, the one in the forefront is called One Small Secret, although the title could change. I do know, I plan to release a couple more books, including a book of prayers from previous stories, before the end of the year.

Again, I may write Christian Fiction, but baby, I soak every word in God’s anointing.

Therefore, I include sermons, Bible studies, and prayers because somebody may not have a church home and yet, they need a church.

What strategies do you use to ensure that you thrive when things are tough?

There’s only one, really. I look beyond where I am. I’ve been writing since 2012, yet it would take until 2018/2019 before I’d even begin to see the light. All I knew was God said to write and man, it was tough. I released books and royalty checks weren’t enough to cover the cheapest bill in the

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Click and get on Amazon Click & Visit Lakisha Johnson

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COVER STORY

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COVER STORY

An Unstoppable Woman

DR. PASHA CARTER A BUSINESS MOGUL CONNECTING & EMPOWERING ENTREPRENEURS

by Ann Marie Bryan

The entrepreneur cut through the noise to build a multimillion-dollar business - and now she’s helping others do the same.

“G

o after your dream!” says Dr. Pasha Carter.

“I did it, others have done it, and you can, too.

Don’t stop pushing until your dream becomes a reality. Your dream demands that you pick up the pace. Go!”

It is always a great experience when I’m listening to Dr. Pasha Carter, a wife, mother, and business mogul. Pasha and her husband Steve are owners of VIP Global Network Inc. Pasha is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of VIP Global Magazine and a member of The Forbes Coaches Council.

If you ever speak with Pasha, you will be changed. She has a way of delivering riveting power talks that leave you inspired, challenged, empowered, and transformed. I’ve had several close-ups with Pasha as she works through challenges, and her attitude remains constant—what can we learn from this situation and how do we move forward. She’s not daunted by challenges and welcomes uncertainty with some amount of excitement. Perhaps, she says, this is a chance to improve my A-game.

VBD Magazine caught up with the powerhouse to discuss her entrepreneurial journey, business continuity through the pandemic, and the purpose behind her recently launched VIP Global Magazine.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE What is Pasha’s reason for inspiring, helping, and mentoring others?

“The answer is simple,” Pasha says, “it’s all about my prior experience. I know what it’s like to need help, to wish I had a mentor.

Back in the day, I wanted more for my life, but I didn’t know the best steps to get to where I wanted to go.”

Watching Pasha’s effortless ability to reach backwards to pull others forward is an experience. “Shining the light on someone else doesn't dim your light, it just makes the world a little brighter,” she explains. “I love seeing others win!”

A PIVOTAL MOMENT Pasha grew up in Montgomery, Alabama, but in the mid-1990s, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia, a city that she thought was ideal for aspiring young entrepreneurs. However, she soon realized that a regular 9-5 job was not going to create wealth for her.

“I was 23 years old, living in Atlanta, sleeping on the floor of my best friend’s one bedroom apartment. I worked at Emory University from 9-5, and then coached gymnastics from 6-9 p.m. every day. If that wasn’t enough, I was also an NFL Cheerleader. It felt like I was working every waking hour, yet I was broke and couldn’t pay my bills.

A pivotal moment in my journey came when the NFL staff hosted an event at one of the NFL player’s mansions one evening after a game. It was the first time I saw what financial success looked like up-close. Right then, I said, ‘One day I’m going to have this type of lifestyle.’ Instead of being on the sidelines cheerleading for millionaires, I decided to become a millionaire. I wanted to create my own lane, generate wealth, and work on my terms. The switch flipped for me just like that. Millionaire status was suddenly within reach because I changed my mindset.”

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THE ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY When it comes to entrepreneurship, Pasha would be the first to let you know that the journey is great but challenging. “Even so, do not stop moving forward. Go after your dream and witness the manifestation of your dream.”

From the moment Pasha realized that her dream was within reach, she began attending conferences dealing with entrepreneurship and listening to leadership tapes by Les Brown, Zig Ziglar, and Brian Tracy. “By the time I was 29, my business was making 6-figures.

My husband and I partnered up in our 30s, and by our mid-40s, we had earned over $10 million. I want people to realize between the milestones; there were plenty of growing pains. Some months, I made significant income; other months, I didn’t make a dime. The life of a young entrepreneur was a rollercoaster, but I refused to get off the ride because my goals were not only possible, but they were also attainable.”

Nowadays, Pasha is an industry legend and one of America’s most famous and influential direct sales leaders, ranked in the “Top 15 Female Networkers in The World” out of over 14 million women worldwide. Pasha is passionate about helping others to leave a legacy and create generational wealth for their families. “My mission is to educate others on the reality of and the choice of true financial freedom by teaching them how to earn more, keep more, and invest more so that they can live more!”

When we inquired about her excellent work ethics, leadership skills, and dedication, Pasha was quick to attribute all to her mother, Mrs. Annie Oliver, who recently passed. “Mom was an advocate for women. I am who I am because of my mother’s unconditional love and guidance.”

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DOING BUSINESS WITH THE LOVE OF HER LIFE Still, we cannot mention Pasha without acknowledging her savvy business partner, her husband Steve. They are among the most successful couples in business. The duo has been called one of “America’s Favorite Business Couples” in the home-based business world. Over the last 20 years, the Carters have launched, invested in, and sold dozens of products, establishing themselves as profitable business-minded moguls who create their own rules for success.

With their powerful main-stage trainings and servant leadership style, Steve and Pasha built a multimillion-dollar empire and are the go-to experts for leaders who want to earn six and seven figures from their direct sales businesses. The Carters have been featured in The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires by Dr. Dennis Kimbro, magazines such as Networking Times, Success from Home, and Business from Home, as well as many other publications and radio shows.

At the time of our interview, the Carters were at the cusp of one of their most strategic moves yet—international business expansion in Dubai. In addition to managing their online eCommerce businesses, digital banking services, Cryptocurrency investment, and running a magazine, the Carters thought it was an opportune time to expand into foreign markets, and Dubai was an ideal location.

RISING DURING CHALLENGING TIMES As we live through the global pandemic, it is hard to miss the surge in creativity and the inevitable rise of doing business online. We are witnessing an increase in entrepreneurial activities by those who dare to flourish in these unpredictable times, because they know the normal rules are out the door.

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COVER STORY

“The effects of COVID-19 have given entrepreneurs who want to level up the perfect opportunity to recreate their own rules for success, just as Steve and I have done,” Pasha states. “While these are uncertain times, a lot of people are in a period of transition and are looking to make significant changes to set themselves up for long term success. Creating digitally based income sources gives you freedom to spend time with family, travel the world, and establish success on your own terms. As an entrepreneur your income-producing options are endless—you just need to find what works for you.”

LAUNCHING VIP GLOBAL MAGAZINE The forced shutdown due to the pandemic gave the Carters the space to brainstorm potential business ideas, which led to the launch of VIP Global Magazine, the ultimate business resource for entrepreneurs.

The idea for the magazine evolved when the Carters’ four children started expressing an interest in entrepreneurship. “I believe every child should know how to build a million-dollar business before they leave home. Steve and I, being successful entrepreneurs, and having met and partnered with so many other entrepreneurs in million-dollar businesses, thought, ‘Why not create a business media outlet to provide tips and strategies for entrepreneurs?’ In so doing we would have a platform for our children to learn exactly how to excel in their areas of interest.

We created VIP Global Magazine to provide business owners and entrepreneurs with a platform to learn, network, and shop in one place, no matter where they are in the world. The magazine is an online support system like no other, because it shares highly sought-after advice and top-notch secrets from professionals who are giants in their industries.”

TIPS FOR BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS Here are Pasha’s tips for building a successful business: 1. The life of an entrepreneur is challenging, don’t quit; focus on achieving your goals as you build the business and brand you believe in.

2. Don’t be frustrated by an issue that was only meant to be an incubator. Shift your mindset and get your priorities right.

3. Create a solid plan, study your industry, know your competition, and leverage your abilities to fulfill your dream.

4. Start before you’re ready but understand the risks and rewards.

5. Build strategic partnerships.

6. Know and understand your target market.

7. Put together the best team to help you carry out your vision.

8. Secure adequate funding and don’t blow your budget.

9. Create a marketing plan.

10. Build an online presence.

11. Celebrate your victories along the way.

Pasha remains committed to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. Her message, “One of the biggest wealth shifts is taking place right now. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Work Smart! Be open and go for it! Create multiple streams of income.”

Click & Visit pashacarter.com

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Documenting people s lives and stories through photography PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY FOR ALL OCCASIONS: beauty | events | wedding | corporate | product email: sbat65@gmail.com click & visit: @shaunbattickphotography

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POWER LIST

25 Amazing Authors

& THEIR MUST-READ BOOKS Powerful stories that touch the heart, soul, and spirit VBD Magazine is delighted to present our Star Power List of 25 amazing authors and their must-read books. These influential Christian and inspirational fiction and non-fiction authors have been writing captivating faith-based books that touch the heart, soul, and spirit of readers.

We have been following the works of these authors and have been impressed and blessed by their literary journeys. They certainly know how to hook and keep you on the edge of your seat, while giving you the message of the cross—God’s love, faithfulness, compassion, mercy, grace, and sacrifice.

If you’re looking for Christian fiction and non-fiction books, we’ve got you covered. Go ahead and accelerate your life. Dive into these amazing reads!

VBD Magazine

STAR POWER LIST

KIMBERLA LAWSON ROBY

New York Times Bestselling Author, Speaker & Podcast Host

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earn everything you can about the craft of writing and storytelling, discover your own unique voice, and then learn everything you can about the business of publishing.”

Kimberla Lawson Roby is a New York Times Bestselling Author, Speaker, and Podcast Host of The Woman God Created You to Be Podcast. She has published 28 books, including her non-fiction title, The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith---Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally; as well as her novels, such as Casting the First Stone, Better Late Than Never, A Christmas Prayer, It’s a Thin Line, and her debut title, Behind Closed Doors, which she originally self-published through her own company.

Photo credits: Sonya Martin, Brian Adams

Kimberla has sold nearly 3 million copies of her books, and they have frequented numerous bestseller lists, such as The New York Times, USA Today, The Washington Post, Publishers Weekly, Essence, Black Christian News, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and many others. She is the recipient of the 2013 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction and the 2017 SOAR Radio Trailblazer of Honor award, and in August 2020, she was named

by USA Today as one of the 100 black novelists you should read.

Additionally, her book, The Woman God Created You to Be: Finding Success Through Faith—Spiritually, Personally, and Professionally was recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award for the Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional category on February 2, 2021.

Click and get on Amazon Over the years, Kimberla has spoken to thousands of women at churches, conferences, luncheons, libraries, colleges, and universities where she candidly shares her personal journey—hoping to help women become all whom God created them to be. Kimberla also resides in Illinois with her husband, Will.

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Click & Visit kimroby.com

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TAMERA ALEXANDER

USA Today Bestselling Author & Four-time Christy Award Recipient

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SA Today bestselling author Tamera Alexander is one of today's most popular writers of inspirational historical romance. Her novels continue to garner reader loyalty around the world, with her most recent, Colors of Truth, hitting the Netherlands bestsellers list right out of the gate. A Christy Award Hall of Fame author, Tamera seeks to draw closer to Christ through her writing and is thrilled when readers share that, through reading one of her novels, they’ve taken steps closer to Him as well.

Tamera lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for many of her critically-acclaimed novels.

Her novels have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Library Journal and regularly appear on the best-seller lists—including ECPA Bestsellers, the #1 CBA Bestseller spot for historical fiction, and #1 Amazon Bestsellers in Historical Christian Fiction.

A reviewer from USA Today wrote about one of the Belmont Mansion novels, "To put it simply: This book is a full-on HIT!" (about A Lasting Impression)

Click and get on Amazon

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Click & Visit tameraalexander.com

Tamera has garnered four Christy Awards and was inducted into the Christy Award Hall of Fame in 2020, which is the highest honor awarded Christian fiction. She's a two-time recipient of the coveted Carol Award bestowed by American Christian Fiction Writers, a national organization dedicated to equipping writers with a Christian worldview. She's also a two-time winner (and six-time finalist) of the RITA Award—the top award in the romance genre awarded by Romance Writers of America.

Photo credit: Mandy Whitley Photography

Publishers Weekly raves that "Thanks to Tamera Alexander's vivid writing, one can almost hear the music resonating off of the page." (about A Note Yet Unsung)

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WRITING WITH A SENSE OF PURPOSE TO INSPIRE AND EMPOWER

ANN MARIE BRYAN

Entrepreneur, Bestselling Author & Writing Consultant

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etermine why you desire to write. Do research to obtain information on how you can best leverage your knowledge and abilities to fulfill your dream of writing. Benchmark against the best in the area of your writing assignment. Nevertheless, be a trendsetter. Do not be afraid to break new ground.”

Ann Marie Bryan is a multi-talented leader with a passion for excellence. She’s an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and writing consultant, with more than a decade of experience providing topnotch literary services and innovative personal and professional development solutions to clients. As Founder and CEO of Victorious

By Design, she uses her extensive knowledge and experience in human resources, information technology, banking, and writing to bring a well-rounded perspective when working with clients.

Photo credit: ShaunBattickPhotography

A Christian fiction author, Ann Marie writes to inspire and empower others. She desires to tell great stories with fascinating characters to show the awesome power of God in the lives of people and places.

Her celebrated bestselling Encounters of the Heart series, blend faith and romance. In addition, Ann Marie serves as the Editor-in-Chief for VBD Magazine and Managing Editor of VIP Global Magazine, a business resource for entrepreneurs. When she is not writing and training, Ann Marie enjoys speaking at conferences, retreats, workshops, and special events.

Click and get on Amazon Ann Marie's greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by tapping into their God-given potential. She enjoys writing, reading, dancing, teaching, meeting people and traveling. With all the knowledge and experiences that God has so graciously blessed her with, Ann Marie is determined to make her life a ministry for the Lord.

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Click & Visit annmariebryan.com

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EXPLORE GRACE, LOVE & CAROLINA LIVING WITH

ANDREA BOYD Bestselling Author

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ind your tribe. And I don't mean readers. You will need other like-minded people that are on the same path, following the same dream, to help you along the way. Partners to critique your work, brainstorm with, ones who will give you honest answers—these are the keys to your success.”

Each of Andrea Boyd's series represents a different genre but all fall into the category of romance. All offer an element of her own brand of humor. And all are a tribute to God. Besides writing, she loves spending time with her family, quilting, going to car shows, and driving around in her 1968 Barracuda convertible. Andrea lives with her husband, Tommy, and at least a couple of cats in York County, SC. Becoming an author never crossed Andrea’s mind. “But looking back, it should have. I have pages filled with story ideas and dreams I’ve had over the years, but at the time when I was writing these things down it felt like nothing more than a hobby.”

Three elements that are always included in Andrea’s writing are romance, humor, and God. “When God called me to write, He gave the repeated message to feed His sheep. His sheep are Christians, so my books are geared toward them. I think romance is a perfect example of God’s love for us. The humor wasn’t planned, it just showed up in my writing style, and I accepted it as one of God’s gifts.”

One of Andrea’s favorite things about being an author is to hear from readers that one of her stories helped them in some way. She prays that readers will give her stories a chance. “There’s a message in each one, and according to several reviewers, they’re not too preachy. So, no fears there. And you have a variety to choose from.

Are you interested in medieval fantasy? I’ve got you covered. Is contemporary romance that runs sweet more to your liking? I’ve got that, too. Or do you prefer contemporary romance that reads more like women’s fiction? Well, that seems to be my specialty.”

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KHARA CAMPBELL Bestselling Author

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s an author, you must know that your book isn’t for everyone, but that doesn’t mean that your work is bad.”

Khara Campbell holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing from Midland University. She enjoys blogging about the happenings of life, faith, parenting, her publishing journey, marriage, fashion, and her Bahamian heritage She was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas. She resides in the Washington, DC metro area with her husband and their three children. Khara is a contributor to www.theprayingwoman.com. She wrote an essay for Ebony Magazine, and she was also featured in Bronze Magazine and the Tribune Newspaper in Nassau, Bahamas.

“I love using my imagination to come up with stories and characters, and I also like readers to end my book feeling inspired. Life is a lesson learned each day, if my book can entertain and inspire, or bless someone that would be great.

I don't just want readers to know my novels, I want them to know me. I'm joining writing and author groups, placing ads, doing interviews, and networking on social media to ensure that occurs.

I personally believe your faith in God should be your lifestyle, so to me faith is very important to success. Do you have faith to fulfill all that God has for you? If you believe that, take action—success is only inevitable.”

Khara’s message for everyone, “Don’t give up on your God-given dreams! Keep pushing, keep believing, and you will see the fruits of your labor. I know how hard it can get, the self-doubt and disappointment you may feel, but that is only temporary. Many successful people dealt with the same issues, but they didn’t let that stop them – so neither should you!”

Click and get on Amazon

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Click & Visit kharacampbell.blogspot.com

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COLLEEN COBLE

USA Today Bestselling Author

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earn POV. Ask yourself who has the most at stake in the scene? Once you figure that out, stay in that POV for the entire scene—no head hopping. Some authors break this rule but jumping from head-to-head and back again in the same scene distracts the reader.”

USA Today bestselling author Colleen Coble's novels have won or finaled in awards ranging from the Best Books of Indiana, the ACFW Carol Award, the Romance Writers of America RITA, the Holt Medallion, the Daphne du Maurier, National Readers' Choice, and the Booksellers Best. She has over 4 million books in print and writes romantic mysteries because she loves to see justice prevail.

Colleen is CEO of American Christian Fiction Writers. She lives with her husband Dave in Indiana.

“I wrote my first book in 1st or 2nd grade. It was about a horse that had twin colts. The teacher praised it, and I thought, wow, maybe I could have a book in the library someday. The seed was planted way back then. I would take that dream out and blow off the dust every now and then, but I didn’t do anything until my younger brother, Randy, was killed in a freak lightning accident when I was thirty-eight. It was a wakeup call for me that it was time to follow my dream.

Click and get on Amazon I am mostly a seat-of-the-pants writer. I start off with an interesting premise, but I usually don’t know who the villain is, and I lay down several rabbit trails to see where they will take me. It makes it more fun for me! I’ve plotted out some books but knowing what was going to happen took all the fun out of writing for me.

Writing helps me make sense of the world. The spiritual themes that make their way into my books are often truths that I’ve learned or am still learning. Faith is at the core of who I am. My books are written from my worldview that God exists and cares about us.

That belief doesn’t come out in a heavy-handed way, but it’s woven through there if you look.”

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STAR POWER LIST

TANYA EAVENSON Award-winning Author

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ever give up. The Lord calls us to step out in faith to do the impossible in His strength. To me, writing and being an author is a tough journey, but He equips us as we take those steps of faith toward our future. And yes, sometimes that road to our future is difficult. Unforeseen trials get in the way, but we should never lose our focus and take our eyes off Him. Because when we allow Him to lead, He’s fulfilling His promises for our future, doing what can seem impossible, writing and publishing.”

Tanya Eavenson is an award-winning Christian romance novelist who enjoys spending time with her husband and their three children.

Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book

Click and get on Amazon

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Click & Visit tanyaeavenson.com

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STAR POWER LIST

DR. TONY EVANS Bestselling Author l Founder & Senior Pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship

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r. Tony Evans is the founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, founder and president of The Urban Alternative, chaplain of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, and author of over 100 books, booklets and Bible studies. The first African American to earn a Doctor of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, he has been named one of the 12 Most Effective Preachers in the English-Speaking World by Baylor University.

Dr. Evans holds the honor of writing and publishing the first full-Bible commentary and study Bible by an African American. His radio broadcast, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, can be heard on more than 1,400 US outlets daily and in more than 130 countries.

Dr. Evans launched the Tony Evans Training Center in 2017, an online learning platform providing quality seminary-style courses for a fraction of the cost to any person in any place. The goal is to increase Bible literacy not only in lay people but also in those Christian leaders who cannot afford nor find the time for formal ongoing education.

Dr. Evans was married to Lois, his wife and ministry partner of over 50 years until Lois transitioned to glory in late 2019. They are the proud parents of four, grandparents of thirteen and great-grandparents of three.

Click and get on Amazon

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Click & Visit tonyevans.org

VBD Magazine

STAR POWER LIST

ADRENALINE-FUELED FICTION

LISA HARRIS

USA Today Bestselling Author & Christy Award Recipient

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hile the life of a writer isn’t always easy—and is rarely glamorous as I once imagined—it has been tremendously fulfilling. I’ve not only made lifetime friends, I’ve learned so much about myself. The journey has taught me to push through rejection, to be disciplined, and to dream big. So if you are an aspiring writer, then write—even when it’s hard. Keep learning and find joy along the journey!”

Lisa Harris is a USA Today bestselling author, a Christy Award finalist for Blood Ransom and Vendetta, Christy Award winner for Dangerous Passage, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 (Blood Covenant) and 2015 (Vendetta) from Romantic Times. She writes both romantic suspense and medical thrillers and has forty plus novels and novellas in print.

She and her family have spent almost two decades working in southern Africa where they are involved in church planting and humanitarian aid. When she’s not working, she loves to travel, spend time with friends and family, cook different ethnic dishes, and explore the African bush on safari.

Click and get on Amazon

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Click & Visit lisaharriswrites.com

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LITERARY DEN

LORANA HOOPES USA Today Bestselling Author

“K

eep writing. It took me years to finally finish a book, but once I did, the stories just kept coming. It's not always an easy journey, but it is often a rewarding one.

When I hear how my books have touched people's lives, I know that I'm doing the right thing.”

Lorana Hoopes is originally from Texas but now lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three children. Most of her books are set in the great state. As the saying goes, “You can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take Texas out of the girl.”

Lorana began writing at an early age, but it wasn't until a few years ago that she began publishing. Now, it seems she can't get the stories out fast enough. She writes inspirational romances and a kids adventure series, and she became a USA Today Bestselling author in 2020. Lorana narrates her own audiobooks and the audiobooks of several other clean and wholesome authors.

When not writing, Lorana enjoys spending time with her family, acting, singing, running, and kickboxing. She has been an avid kickboxer for more than 15 years. Lorana is also a part-time teacher who teaches English, Creative Writing, Drama, and more.

Click and get on Books2read

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VBD Magazine

LITERARY DEN

PIPER HUGULEY Bestselling Author & Two-Time Golden Heart® Finalist

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gnore the haters. If God has lit a fire in you to tell your stories, keep to that path."

Piper G. Huguley is a two-time Golden Heart® finalist and is the author of Migrations of the Heart, a three-book series of historical romances set in the early 20th century featuring African American characters, published by Samhain Publishing. Book #1 in the series, A Virtuous Ruby, won Best Historical of 2015 in the Swirl Awards. Book #3 in the series, A Treasure of Gold, was named by Romance Novels in Color as a Best Book of 2015 and received 4 ½ stars from RT Magazine.

Piper is also the author of the Home to Milford College series. The series follows the building of a fictitious college from its founding in 1866. On release, the prequel novella to the Home to Milford College series, The Lawyer’s Luck, reached #1 Amazon Bestseller status on the African American Christian Fiction charts. Book #1 in the series, The Preacher’s Promise was named a top ten Historical Romance in Publisher’s Weekly by the esteemed historical romance author, Beverly Jenkins and received Honorable Mention in the Writer’s Digest Contest of Self-Published e-books in 2015.

A Champion’s Heart was named by Sarah MacLean of The Washington Post as a best romance novel selection for December 2016.

Click and get on Hallmarkchannel

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Click & Visit piperhuguley.com

The contemporary romance novel portion of this series, called Sweet Tea will be published by Hallmark Publishing on July 13, 2021. Her debut historical fiction novel, By Design: The Story of Ann Lowe, Society's Best-Kept Secret, is the true story of the Black designer of Jackie Kennedy's wedding dress. By Design will be released on June 7, 2022 (William Morrow).

Piper blogs about the history behind her novels. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and son.

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EDUCATE. EMPOWER. ENTERTAIN.

BISHOP T. D. JAKES Pastor, New York Times Bestselling Author & Award-winning Filmmaker

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thers can inspire you, but ultimately the only thing that empowers you is what lies within you and learning how to better utilize what you’ve been given.” – T.D. Jakes, Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive

For more than 40 years, Bishop T.D. Jakes has helped millions of people realize their purpose through his dynamic ministry. Recognized as “America’s Best Preacher” by Time Magazine, as well as “One of the Nation’s Most Influential & Mesmerizing Preachers”

by The New York Times, Bishop Jakes remains a charismatic, yet humble man. In 1996, with minimal resources, T.D. Jakes founded The Potter’s House (TPH), a non-denominational, multicultural church and global humanitarian organization, in Dallas, Texas. The church has since expanded to include more than 30,000 members, with more than 50 diverse ministries. While TPH, located in southern Dallas, is the designated home to numerous members, Bishop Jakes has fulfilled the needs of those residing in the northern and western regions of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, as well as out-of-state. TPH campuses are also present in Frisco and Fort Worth, Texas, as well as Denver, Colorado.

Named “America’s Treasure” by Oprah Winfrey, T.D. Jakes is a master communicator for all ages. His prose flows like honey from a soft Melianthus comosus. While many of his followers have familiarized themselves with Bishop’s sermons, few know that he also relishes making people laugh, especially when trying to overcome life’s most daunting circumstances. The adage, “Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying” helps to keep one’s heart and soul healthy. While not every creative work that Bishop publishes displays overt hilarity, Bishop Jakes delicately weaves in a tone and style that helps the reader or movie patron feel a sense of peace and healing. T.D. Jakes offers a collection of award-winning and New York Times best-selling books, including Destiny: Step Into Your Purpose and Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Inborn Drive. In the entertainment space, Bishop Jakes has numerous film credits to his name, including the award-winning romantic comedy, Jumping the Broom, among others.

Bishop Jakes lives in Dallas, Texas, with his wife, five children, and two grandchildren.

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WRITING BOOKS THAT TOUCH THE HEART OF WOMEN, ONE STORY AT A TIME

RHONDA MCKNIGHT

Award-winning & Bestselling Author

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elieve in yourself. Everyone won't support your writing.

Most people won't, so be okay with 'you' being the only person who does.”

Rhonda McKnight is the author of 21 novels and novellas which include several award-winning bestsellers, including An Inconvenient Friend, What Kind of Fool, and Breaking All The Rules. She is the winner of the 2015 Emma Award for Inspirational Romance of the Year. She has been nominated thrice for the African American Literary Award.

Rhonda fell in love with the written word when she learned to read at age five. “I couldn’t write really, so I started telling my stories with pictures. I finished my first book at the age of six.” Today, Rhonda writes inspirational romance and women's fiction stories that touch the heart of women through complex plots and interesting characters in crisis. The themes of faith, forgiveness, and hope are central to her brand.

For Rhonda, the hardest part of being an author is multitasking. “We all have to multitask in life, but this author multitasking requires octopus DNA for real.” A normal day for Rhonda includes “walking the dog, spending time reading Scripture verses for devotion or doing Bible study. I love to study the Bible. It’s my favorite thing to do. Of course, I also make time to write and work with my editing or coaching clients.”

Rhonda has done freelance work as a developmental editor and writing coach for the past eight years. She's also the founder of the Write It Right Online Fiction Writers Workshop. Originally from a small, coastal town in New Jersey, she called Atlanta, Georgia home for twenty years and now resides in South Carolina.

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Click & Visit RhondaMcKnight.com

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QUEEN OF PLOT TWISTS

MELINDA MICHELLE Award-Winning Author & Speaker

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on’t put yourself in a box by comparing yourself to others. Your unique spin on whatever you choose to write will set it apart from anyone else’s. Trust your voice. Be bold, be fearless, be authentically you. Train yourself to believe you are your ONLY competition.”

Melinda Michelle is an award-winning author and speaker with a current catalog of 27 books. Spiritual warfare is her signature subject, but all her work centers around the power and grace of the Almighty, Sovereign God of all creation. All her works have a Christian theme, but the genres vary from non-fiction, suspense, romance, contemporary and even a thriller. It is her desire to keep her readers captivated by a quick-paced, emotional roller coaster of a page turner that always reminds them that it is REAL in these spiritual streets. Affectionately known as the “Queen of Plot Twists,” Melinda hopes to exemplify that living your life as a Christian is far from boring and is well worth the sacrifice.

Melinda’s stories are designed to connect with Christians, but it is her desire to connect to anyone who likes to read. When you pick up a book by Melinda Michelle you should expect for your eyes to be opened, your heart to race, your emotions to rise and your faith to be taken up a notch. Purpose is her passion and with that passion, she weaves a story about the matchless power of the Almighty God through the written Word by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is her desire to awaken the Body of Christ to not only the power that they have but the knowledge that they truly wrestle not against flesh and blood.

Click and get online Melinda received the Author of the Year award by Divas on Fire Magazine in 2016. Her Chronicles of Warfare series won the Redemptive Fiction Award of Excellence by Radiax Press and Saturday Showdown was a nominee for Indie Book 2016 by Metamorph Publishing.

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VANESSA MILLER Bestselling Author, Entrepreneur, Playwright & Motivational Speaker

“S

tudy your craft by doing workshops and reading books on writing and believe in yourself and never give up.

So, I guess that was three pieces of advice, but they go hand in hand. I truly believe that writers must study the craft because things change. It’s important that you believe in your writing because this is a hard business, and it will make you want to give up and throw in the towel. But if you know that you are called to write those books, you won’t give up.”

Vanessa Miller is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.

Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Vanessa’s work has received numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained minister in her church, explaining, “God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”

She has worked with numerous publishers: Urban Christian, Kimani Romance, Abingdon Press and Whitaker House. She is currently working on Something Good with Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins) which releases in March 2022.

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In 2016, Vanessa launched the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat in an effort to bring readers and authors of Christian fiction together in an environment that’s all about Faith, Fun & Fellowship. If you would like to know more about the Christian Book Lover’s Retreat that is currently held in Charlotte, NC during the last week in October you can visit: www.christianbookloversretreat.com

Click & Visit vanessamiller.com

Vanessa lives in North Carolina with her husband and family. She graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication.

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CHRISTIAN BOOK LOVER'S RETREAT Faith, Fun, Fellowship and Books

OCTOBER 28 - 31, 2021, CHARLOTTE, NC

The Christian Book Lover's Retreat (CBLR) is an annual all-inclusive retreat.

There is no extra charge for any event you attend during the retreat... and a lot of events are planned just for you!

• Events that will uplift your spirit • Provide encouragement to move you towards your destiny • Activities to help you de-stress, relax, and rejuvenate • Opportunities to hang out with some of your favorite authors “The Christian Book Lover’s Retreat is not just an event, it’s an experience that provides a refreshing respite to recharge, edify, and uplift readers and believers,” states Vanessa Miller Pierce, Founder and Host. “The CBLR is a non-profit that offers businesses, publishers, and authors numerous opportunities to connect with consumers. On average, our attendance has grown 40% each year. We are building something special at the CBLR, no wonder so many of our attendees return year after year. Even during the 2020 pandemic, our attendees faithfully attended our virtual retreat.”

DON'T MISS THIS RETREAT. AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER Click & Visit: christianbookloversretreat.com

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TYORA MOODY

Award-winning Author & Entrepreneur

“I

encourage writers to keep pressing forward whether it's your first book or your twenty-fifth book. If God placed a story inside of you to share, then be determined to share it in the most excellent way possible.”

Tyora Moody is the author of Soul-Searching Mysteries which includes cozy mystery, women sleuth mystery, and mystery romance under the Christian Fiction genre. Her books include the Eugeena Patterson Mysteries, Reed Family Series, Serena Manchester Mysteries, and the Victory Gospel Family Series.

“I have always loved to read, but it took me a while to realize I loved the art of writing a story. My first recollection of when I knew I loved to write came from an extra credit creative writing assignment I did during my sophomore year. I wrote a story and shared it with my classmates, and they all really liked it. The teacher gave me wonderful feedback as well. Interestingly, I still wouldn’t think about pursuing writing until I was in my thirties. I’ve been writing and publishing books for almost a decade now and I love diving into a new story with familiar and new characters.”

As a literary-focused entrepreneur, she has assisted countless authors via her company, Tywebbin Creations LLC since 1999. Popular services include book covers, book formatting, and virtual author assistant services. She writes the nonfiction series, The Literary Entrepreneur, under the pen name, Ty Moody.

“I never thought I would write fiction. I was more drawn to writing nonfiction. For several years I wrote bible studies, devotions and even designed a curriculum for vacation bible school. I think writing Christian fiction grew out of a love of writing and understanding that ministry takes place in a different form with a story versus a bible study lesson.

Click and get on Books2read

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Click & Visit tyoramoody.com

I specifically write mystery and suspense, so I place my characters under some extreme issues, like murder, and I use these experiences to draw out how a person leans on their faith during difficulties. I have dealt with a wide variety of relatable issues like grief, terminal illness, mental illness, and more.”

When Tyora isn’t writing or working for a literary client, she enjoys reading, spending time with family, binge-watching crime shows, catching a movie on the big screen, and traveling.

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FUSING FAITH, ROMANCE & AFRICAN SPICE

UNOMA NWANKWOR

Award-winning Author, Owner KevStel Publications & Founder of Expectant Living

“O

ne word...Focus. Know your why then create your definition of success and focus. Many distractions will come your way. Internal and external. Things that will make you doubt your talent, but you must remain focused. The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were yesterday. Discipline is important, if you set goals for yourself, meet them. Integrity is key but also extend yourself grace. Genuine networking and reciprocity is vital. To find a friend you have to be a friend. Writing can be a very isolated thing, but you must find a community of like-mindedness that can feed you.

And lastly, take social media with a grain of salt. Do not compare yourself to someone's highlight reel. Keep going. You got this!”

Unoma Nwankwor writes Contemporary Christian and Sweet romances that span Africa and the African Diaspora. She weaves romantic tales for readers who enjoy stories centered around faith, family and the rich culture of Africa. Through the pages, she promises you humor, tight hugs, forehead kisses and above all else, redemptive, sacrificial love.

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Click & Visit unomanwankwor.com

A first generation Nigerian-American, Unoma spent her childhood and early adulthood in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria. Holding two degrees in Finance and Management, she is the recipient of the Nigerian Writers Award 2015 for Best Faith Fiction Writer. In 2017, she was shortlisted for the Diaspora Writer of the Year. A few years ago, she was named one of the 100 Most Influential Nigerian Writers Under 40.

She resides in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and two children.

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BOOKS TO ENTERTAIN, EDUCATE AND ENCOURAGE IN JESUS CHRIST

TRACIE PETERSON ECPA, CBA & USA Today Bestselling Author

“I

n this difficult time for publishing, I always encourage authors to connect. Join a local or national writer's organization that can connect you to editors, agents and other writers who share the same interests as you do. For Christian writers, I always encourage them to check out American Christian Fiction Writers, an organization I helped to create, that is devoted to coming alongside Christian authors to encourage and educate.

You can check them out online at acfw.com. They offer so many benefits for new and established authors. Through organizations like ACFW, writers can join local groups, critique groups, take online workshops and attend yearly conferences. No matter where you connect, it's important to network with other authors and people in the writing industry in order to know what is happening and to get the encouragement and help that we authors sometimes need.”

Often called the "Queen of Historical Christian Fiction", Tracie Peterson is an ECPA, CBA, and USA Today bestselling author of over 125 books, most of those are historical. Her work in historical fiction earned her the Best Western Romance Author of 2013 by True West Magazine and USA "Best Books 2011" Award for best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love. She was given the Life Time Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers in 2011 and the Career Achievement Award in 2007 from Romantic Times, as well as multiple best book awards. Tracie has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell, Kimberley Woodhouse and her daughter Jennifer.

Click and get on Amazon Tracie writes stories that she hopes will entertain, educate, and encourage in Jesus Christ. Tracie, a Kansas native, now makes her home with husband Jim in the mountains of Montana.

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Click & Visit traciepetersonbooks.com

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JOHN PIPER Bestselling Author & Founder & Senior Teacher of desiringGod.org

J

ohn Piper is founder and senior teacher of desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College & Seminary. For 33 years, he served as pastor at Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is the author of more than 50 books, and more than 30 years of his preaching and teaching is available free of charge at desiringGod.org. John and his wife, Noël, have four sons, one daughter, and fourteen grandchildren.

Endorsement for Don’t Waste Your Life

“Piper’s thundering message and clarion call pierce the layers of nonsense that clutter our hearts and lives, mesmerizing and distracting us all from what matters most. Don’t Waste Your Life is a passionate and magnetic plea, drawing a generation back from the brink of irrelevant living, propelling them toward lives filled with the wonder of God.”- Louie Giglio, Pastor, Atlanta, Georgia.

Click and get on Amazon

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Click & Visit desiringgod.org

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PRISCILLA SHIRER New York Times Bestselling Author, Minister & Actress

P

riscilla Shirer is a wife and a mom first. But put a Bible in her hand and a message in her heart and you’ll see why thousands flock to her conferences and dive into her Bible study series and books each year.

A graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, Priscilla holds a master’s degree in Biblical Studies and considers it a privilege to serve believers from every denomination and culture by helping them to know the truths of Scripture intellectually and encouraging them to experience these truths practically by the power of the Holy Spirit.

In addition to Priscilla’s participation in many churches and para-church conferences across the globe each year, Going Beyond Ministries hosts AWAKEN – an outreach event in their hometown designed to encourage and mobilize women locally. This free gathering brings together thousands of women from different denominations and backgrounds several times a year in an effort to stir revival.

Going Beyond Ministries also equips believers through books and Bible study resources. Priscilla has authored over a dozen video driven studies for women and teens on a myriad of Biblical characters and topics including Jonah, Gideon, the Exodus, discerning God’s voice, The Armor of God. Her books include Discerning the Voice of God, God is Able, and two New York Times Bestsellers – The Resolution for Women and Fervent: A Woman’s Battle Plan for Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer, which was named the 2016 Christian Book of the Year. Her latest offering is a 365-day devotional called Awaken: 90 Days with the God Who Speaks. In 2016, Priscilla ventured into the world of children’s publishing with The Prince Warriors, a fiction 4-book series and accompanying 365-day devotional (Unseen) designed to equip tween boys and girls for victory in spiritual warfare.

Click and get on Amazon Priscilla has been married to Jerry for 20 years. Between studying and writing, she spends most of her time cleaning up after (and trying to satisfy the appetites of) their three growing boys – Jackson, Jerry Jr. and Jude.

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Click & Visit goingbeyond.com

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PAT SIMMONS Award-winning & Bestselling Author

“P

ay attention to every character you put in your book.

They could live forever."

Pat Simmons is a multi-published Christian romance author of more than thirty titles. She is a self-proclaimed genealogy sleuth passionate about researching her ancestors, then casting them in starring roles in her novels. She is a three-time recipient of the RSJ Emma Rodgers Award for Best Inspirational Romance. Two books were featured in Woman's World Magazine.

Pat describes the evidence of the gift of the Holy Ghost as an amazing, unforgettable, life-altering experience. God is the author who advances the stories she writes.

A fellow author describes Pat’s writing in In Defense of Love, “What can I say about Garrett and Shari? I loved their love. I thought Kidd and Eva (Guilty by Association) were it for me but this couple was hot!!! I loved the way Pat Simmons weaves a tale of a smoking hot romance around the infallible Word of God. I nearly had a heart attack but as only Pat would do...she made it all better in the end.”

Romance Novel, Inc., says, “Wow! I loved the way that the storyline (No Easy Catch) flowed so smoothly. Pat’s scriptures were well timed and very appropriate, without being preachy or over the top.

I loved how Shae and Rahn seemed like normal, everyday people that lived normal everyday lives. They were not so overly wealthy, or so over the top sexy that they were unbelievable.”

Click and get on Amazon Pat has converted her sofa-strapped sports fanatical husband into an amateur travel agent, untrained bodyguard, and GPS-guided chauffeur. They have a son and a daughter. Pat holds a B.S. in mass communications from Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, and worked in various positions in radio, television, and print media for more than twenty years.

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Click & Visit PatSimmons.net

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CHANDRA SPARKS SPLOND Editor, Speaker, Award-winning Author & Blogger

“J

ust write. Rather than following trends, write the story that’s in your heart.”

Chandra Sparks Splond is an editor, speaker and award-winning author and blogger. Her young adult novel Make It Work was named Alabama’s Great Read 2017, Spin It Like That was chosen as a Popular Paperback for Young Adults by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), and The Pledge was a YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers. Black Pearls Magazine honored Splond as a Legends & Leaders for 2017 for her blog, Book of Splond (formerly known as Magic City Momma). Splond is a 2019 recipient of the Orlean Beeson School of Education Learning for Life award.

Splond is the owner of West End Publishing, LLC, and Live Life Creations, a personalized gift and party boutique. In addition to working for Kensington Publishing as the consulting editor for BET Books/Arabesque romance, Splond has also done work for Random House, Moody Publishers, Kimani Press (formerly known as BET Books), and Hyperion. She has edited books for several New York Times, USA Today and Essence bestselling authors. Splond has interviewed New York Times bestselling authors Karen Kingsbury, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Eric Jerome Dickey, and actress Meagan Good. She has also worked for Good Housekeeping, Black and Married with Kids, Brides Noir, Weddingpages, Newsday, The Morning Call and Romantic Times.

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Click & Visit chandrasparkssplond.com

Of all the titles she has held, Splond’s most important remain child of God, wife, and mom. Splond graduated from Ramsay High School in Birmingham, Alabama, and the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa with a degree in journalism. She received her Master of Science in education degree with a focus on instructional design and technology from Samford University. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and resides in Birmingham with her family. They are members of Forty-fifth Street Baptist Church.

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CHRISTIAN ROMANCE AT ITS BEST

BROOKE ST. JAMES

USA Today Bestselling Author & Amazon Kindle All-Star

“P

eople often tell me that they want to be a writer, and I tell them all the same thing. Do it. Write. Make time and sit at your computer (or notebook, or however you choose to write). This is my main secret. I make time and write a lot. Just get going—get the idea out of your head and onto paper. It may not come out exactly how you envisioned the first time, and that’s when you start over and do it all again.

You have to trust the process.”

Brooke St. James is a USA Today bestselling author and Amazon Kindle All-Star. She writes contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings.

She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, Brooke constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She's currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs.

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Click & Visit brookesaintjames.com

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MICHELLE STIMPSON Bestselling Author, Speaker, Educator & Encourager

“D

ecide what you want out of this industry right now.

You can change your mind later but figure out what you want now and move in that direction.”

Bestselling author, speaker, educator, and encourager. These are but a few of the titles prolific creative Michelle Stimpson wears.

The entertaining voice behind the wildly popular, award-winning Mama B book series, Michelle took the Bachelor of Science degree she earned from Jarvis Christian College and headed to the classroom, where she served as an elementary and secondary teacher. She later earned a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington and moved into educational consulting. As much as she loves teaching, the keyboard is where Michelle discovered her true calling. The highly acclaimed, page-turning Boaz Brown, Divas of Damascus Road and Falling Into Grace aren't just words on the page...they're food for the soul. Fifty books into this writing career, she still counts it a blessing and an honor to continue in her calling as a teacher in more than one arena.

“I first knew that I was a writer when I was 12 years old. My mom had a car accident and, suddenly, I became the keeper of our household. I started keeping a journal as an outlet, and writing became my best friend.

Everything I write has a little bit of humor, while causing people to think about serious issues. This, of course, lines up with my personality. I think if you asked my friends, they’d say I’m a fun person. I love to laugh and enjoy life. But at the same time, I’m serious about things that matter most, like faith, family, and fulfilling God’s plan for my life. I’m honored to share my gift through so many various forms – writing, teaching, mentoring.”

Click and get on Amazon

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Click & Visit MichelleStimpson.com

Michelle serves the body of Christ through ministering to women in churches, workshops, the Warrior Wives Club, or simply praying with a frazzled mother in Wal-Mart. She regularly speaks at special events and writing workshops sponsored by churches, schools, book clubs and other positive organizations.

Michelle and her husband live near Dallas. They are parents to two young adults and one amazingly sweet granddaughter.

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BECKY WADE Christy and Carol Award-winning Author

“W

e don't have to be fast; we simply have to be steady and move in the right direction. Direction is always going to trump speed." -Toni Sorenson

Becky Wade and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky’s passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances for the general market, put her career on hold for many years to care for her three kids, and eventually returned to writing sheerly for the love of it.

She’s delighted to be penning heart-pounding contemporary Christian romances laced with mystery. She’s the Christy and Carol award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, the Bradford Sisters series, and the Misty River Romance series.

During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She’s been a fan of all things romantic ever since.

“My novels begin with one small seed of an idea. Everything else comes gradually, layer upon layer, from that one initial thought.

It’s like a spiderweb that starts off with a tiny strand, and then that strand is built into something much, much bigger, and more complex.

Before beginning the first chapter, I type up a simple bullet point list of every big and pivotal scene that I can envision for the book.

That’s my road map. The list may start off short, but over the course of the book it grows and grows as new ideas for scenes drop into my mind.

I often cut and paste scenes from one location in my list to another.

Nothing is set in stone. It’s really a matter of feeling out where each scene fits best and where it will hopefully have the most impact. Some scenes on my list never get written because I end up merging the purpose behind them into another scene or I realize that they’re too inconsequential to matter. Once I have my list of scenes, I begin the first chapter.”

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Click & Visit beckywade.com

V I C T O R I O U S

B Y

DESIGN Personal & Professional DEVELOPMENT HAVEN

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LITERARY DEN

Making

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT PERSONAL A STEP TOWARD INTENTIONAL GROWTH

by Stacy-Lee Abrahams 68

VBD Magazine

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Photo Credit: ShaunBattickPhotography

have always been keen on identifying development opportunities for myself, friends, and colleagues, but it was only after recently failing to help someone make an attitude adjustment where I was reminded that a seed cannot develop into a sequoia tree overnight; and that for self-development to be realized, we must make personal investments. Sometimes, in our capacities as coaches and mentors, we give beautiful mind-blowing speeches aimed at depositing hope and aspiration in our charges, but fail to realize that while we can show anyone the pathway to success, he/she must want to find it.

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HAVEN

IT IS OUR INDIVIDUAL WILLPOWER THAT DRIVES US TO DEVELOP AND BECOME BETTER INDIVIDUALS.

HERE ARE 10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL INVESTMENT IN SELF-DEVELOPMENT. 1. Plan your development - Make a plan and include at least one thing from each version of yourself that you would like to improve. Invest in formal training if necessary.

2. Take baby steps - Break large goals into smaller ones and keep your eye on the prize.

3. Find a trusted “truth-teller” - You can learn from the mistakes of others, but you can also benefit from honest and constructive feedback.

Personal development has been formally described as a continuous lifelong process of nurturing, shaping, and improving skills and knowledge to ensure maximum effectiveness, but it is simply taking steps to become a more effective individual.

This often contributes to the realization of dreams and aspirations and in the process, we improve self-awareness and personal image, enhance quality of life, develop talents, build human capital, and become more attractive to employers.

4. Embrace change - As the world around us changes, we change by default.

Ensure your plan details how you will change for the better; and set your milestones.

Generally, our adult lives are shaped by the templates we store from experiences with family, friends, neighbours, schools, and even our employment journey. Unfortunately, these templates are not always positive, and we soon realize that although it takes a village to raise a child, it would have been better if all the characters in the village were exemplary. The motivation to develop self is often powered by a personal desire to override some of the negative templates, but as soon as some of these desires are met, new ones arise - hence the benefit of this lifelong process and fascinating art called personal development.

7. Challenge yourself - Don’t deny yourself the satisfaction of achievement and optimum change by setting overly simple targets, but at the same time do not reach for impossible goals.

As a force for growth and progress, personal development is an important aspect of life, which each one of us should strive for.

While training and coaching creates a guide, it is our innate willpower that drives us to develop and become better individuals. In our development journey we must ensure the physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual versions of ourselves are not neglected.

5. Hold yourself accountable - You are responsible for what and who you are today. Be responsible for your progress.

6. Be intentional in your pursuit - Find your true intention before you commit to doing something. Our intention often becomes our reality.

THOUGH IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF ALL THE CHARACTERS IN THE VILLAGE WERE EXEMPLARY.

A SEED CANNOT DEVELOP INTO A SEQUOIA TREE OVERNIGHT.

8. Recognize your worth - People around us benefit from who we are and what we do. Your effectiveness can only increase your value and contribution to others.

9. Follow your passion - Indulge in things that you really enjoy and surround yourself with strong and positive people who will support you.

10. Take your plan seriously - It should rank right up there with taking your daily vitamins.

Abraham Lincoln sums it up nicely for us—“You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.”

While we can never be done with growth, each time we make a personal investment in our development, we improve ourselves, and our impact on others.

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PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HAVEN

VBD Magazine

Attorney

CHEREE D’OYLEY TAKING BOLD STEPS TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS

by Icylin Morgan

Lunch with Counsellor D’Oyley was refreshing, enlightening, and inspiring all at the same time. VBD Magazine had a chat with her regarding her journey to becoming an attorney, her challenges, and triumphs.

Read more about her investment in her development.

VBD: Give us details about you and your story.

CHEREE: I am an ordinary working-class citizen of Jamaica, with a passion for life.

In addition, I see myself as someone who seeks to maximise every opportunity while enjoying life at different stages and seasons.

My professional journey began at eighteen (18) years old when with one year left to complete my high school studies, instead of returning to school after the summer break, I submitted my first job application. After been interviewed, I was employed by the

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Ministry of Justice, an arm of the public sector of the Government of Jamaica, and was assigned to the Judicial Sector, at court in Kingston.

That initial employment has been unbroken and almost thirty-two (32) later, I have gained a wealth of experience and knowledge having held several positions in different Parish Courts namely Criminal Court, Civil Court, Tax Court, Traffic Court, and Family Court. The positions held include paralegal officer, accountant and supervisor of various account departments, Court manager (Senior Court Administrator), and currently a clerk of courts (prosecutor). My professional experience resulted in passion, desire and ultimately a love affair, firstly for the accounting profession and secondly for the legal profession.

VBD: You have extensive professional experience. How did you move from the field of accounting to law?

CHEREE: My reasons for working in each area of specialization are different. Initially, I was assigned as a paralegal officer, but it was my passion to explore my hereditary inclination. My father was an accountant so that led me to become an accountant.

At this point, I began enjoying my job and thought to myself that I had found my calling and would continue as an accountant until I retired. However, this changed because of my desire to maximise every viable opportunity. I accepted an offer in management and human resource and became a Senior Court Administrator where

I managed a specialized Court. The final area of specialisation came about when I felt the need to maximise my experience and knowledge of the judicial sector hence, I became an attorney- at-law which led to me discovering a passion for law.

VBD: How did you get up to speed with the educational requirements for your profession?

CHEREE: My educational journey has evolved concurrently with my professionally journey. My passion for accounting resulted in my first two major territory educational achievements. Firstly, an international certificate from London, a National Vocational Qualification in Accounting Level 4 (AAT) which was followed by my first of three degrees a Bachelor of Science B.Sc. (accounting major). Next, I then pursued and completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Towards the end of the MBA program, I enrolled in the Faculty of Law, and was labelled a professional student by friends and families.

In my opinion, my educational and professional development was influenced by my mother, an educator for over forty years and my stepfather, a professional, who both instilled in me the need for educational and personal development. At the Faculty of Law, I completed the Bachelor of Law program and in preparation for the Jamaica Bar exams, I went to the Norman Manley Law School, where I completed the Legal Education Certificate program and was subsequently

Photo Credit: ShaunBattickPhotography

C

heree P. A. D’Oyley is a practising attorney-at-law and a qualified accountant. She is currently employed to the Government of Jamaica as a clerk of court, prosecuting mainly criminal matters.

She holds a Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.) in Accounting, a Bachelor of Laws, a Master of Business Administration, a Legal Education Certificate, and a National Vocational Qualification in Accounting Level 4 (AAT).

She has been working in the judicial system for thirty-one (31) years. She is a Christian and enjoys the performing arts with dancing and drama being her favorites.

VBD Magazine

PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HAVEN called to the Jamaican Bar in 2016.

VBD: What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?

CHEREE: The major challenges that I have had to overcome in my professional and educational journey include working hard to achieve my dreams, managing my finances, and learning how to multi-task, while remaining creative and innovative. Throughout my career, each promotion was done without prior experience in the area, and it was my overarching dream to succeed that gave me the courage to accept and perform each of my work assignments. With my employment being my main source of income, I had to creatively manage my finances as I went through each educational program.

All my higher educational pursuits were undertaken on a part-time basis while I continued in fulltime employment. The hardest of which was being enrolled at the Barbados campus of the University of the West Indies for two academic years, while being in fulltime employment in Jamaica.

During that time, creativity and innovation took on new meaning for me as I requested permission from the Mona Campus to informally sit in on equivalent courses in Jamaica whenever I was not able to be in Barbados. The degree was a joint Mona/ Barbados campus degree with the first year in Jamaica and the final two years to completed in Barbados.

VBD: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned since becoming a lawyer?

CHEREE: I have learned the importance of being prepared at all times, which simply means being equipped beforehand to complete each task.

VBD: How has COVID-19 changed the way you live?

CHEREE: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused me to become more reliant on faith in God to protect us from unseen viruses, coupled with the need for proper nutrition and hygiene. I have changed how I interact with people and my surroundings, and I have become more responsive to what is required to function and live in times of crisis.

VBD: What’s next for you?

CHEREE: I plan to continue developing professionally and personally while enjoying life.

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LITERARY DEN

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PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HAVEN

Developing Others

VICTORY OVER YOUR FEAR OF DELEGATING

by Kerry-Ann McPherson

I

t is a Friday afternoon, and you are sitting with your subordinate to review the work you entrusted to him last month. Along the way, you provided support and allowed him to solve problems on his own. The entire team was aware of his delegated role and assignment, and most importantly, he knew what was required of him and how it had fit into the wider company’s mission. Although all his tasks were not completed in the set timeline, he grew in his critical thinking skills, and you were able to focus on the career development of other staff members.

You became this leader because you overcame your fears of delegating and learnt how to do it effectively.

We all know it—entrusting tasks, projects, or authority to someone else—is scary business.

When you consider your past attempts and failures, limitations, and insecurities, your fears are very real. Despite all this, I want you to believe that you have help! Isaiah 41:13 (NLT) states: “For I hold you by your right hand—I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.” God has given you a position of

authority for a reason, but He is not going to leave you all alone to manage it. Although delegation can be risky, learning to do it, with God’s help, is absolutely necessary. If the vision is worthwhile, become effective at delegating, because you cannot accomplish it alone.

We are going to explore three common fears of delegating, using stories from the Bible that will hopefully motivate you to gain victory over your fears.

FEAR #1: I am afraid that the person I delegate to will fail.

As early as the book of Genesis, God delegates to human beings and they fail. It is not something to be feared, but something to be accepted. When you delegate and the person fails, extend grace and try again. If God delegates, we have no excuse but to learn from His example and patiently work with those assigned to us.

FEAR #2: I am afraid that I will do a poor job of delegation.

In the same way that leadership of the Israelites moved from Moses to Joshua in Deuteronomy 31:1-8, someone will eventu-

ally replace you. If you are fearful that you will fail at delegation and remain paralyzed by your fear, you will do nothing about it.

If you do nothing about it, neither you nor your sub-ordinates will grow in the entire time span of your leadership. The Promised Land was greater than Moses, likewise the destination of your team is greater than you.

With the bigger picture in mind, you have to trust God, delegate, fail, learn, and repeat.

FEAR #3: I am afraid that the delegate will do a better job than me.

Consider that this fear was in King Saul’s heart too and it was the beginning of a nasty downward spiral of his hatred toward David (see 1 Samuel 18). If we leave this dangerous fear unchecked, we can quickly become monsters to those around us. This is the time for a heart check with God (see Psalm 139:23-24). If you genuinely believe that you and the delegated person are victorious by design, you will see that God has made you both with the talents and personality to lead in the way that only each of you can.

There is success, growth, and victory on the other side of your fears. Will you hold God’s hand and delegate?

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PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HAVEN

CIVIL ENGINEER

Garey Duncan

SEIZING EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO DELIVER EXCELLENCE

T

he midday sun blazed with its piercing heat as Garey Duncan walked for lunch. In the bustling city of New Kingston, Jamaica, affordable and available parking is a luxury enjoyed by a select few. Without a doubt, it was more beneficial to travel by foot. As he strode along the sidewalk, he noticed a steel structure being erected behind the zinc barricade of a construction site. Only a few months before, he read about steel structure design and had put his knowledge to practice by designing a steel structure on his engineering software.

Diverting from his original plans for lunch, Garey went unto the construction site to speak to the foreman. He reasoned that there is always something to learn from someone with implementation experience.

The foreman was more than happy to tell him how the steel was fabricated offsite and welded together for all the pieces to fit together. Since Garey had designed his own steel structure, this visit gave him a much deeper appreciation for the details in making sure his design is constructible. Zig Ziglar once declared that, “Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation”. Garey was prepared and his hunger for knowledge and growth propelled him to seize the opportunity as it presented itself.

From as early as high school, Garey was drawn to subjects such as Technical Drawing and Physics and he exceled in them as well.

In the first year of high school (Grade 9 in Jamaica), he had to choose subjects that would determine his career. He researched and discovered that Civil Engineering matched the subjects he loved, so he began to fol-

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by Kerry-Ann McPherson low that path. He explained that this field involves the creation of structures, designs and systems for civil society, for example, environmental engineering (wastewater management) and transportation engineering (highway and roadway networks and routes).

At the University of Technology, he pursued an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering, and has now attained his Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure.

We sat down with Civil Engineer Garey Duncan to get his perspective on professional development, and how you can make use of what is available as you journey to your ultimate destination.

MAKE THE MOST OF ON-THE-JOB LEARNING In his own words, "an engineer is always learning." As Indian philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti also concluded: “There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.” This means that no matter your profession, you can learn invaluable skills that will build the bridge to a business you want to start, or another rung on the career ladder that you want to climb.

Right now, he is learning the irreplaceable skills of contract and project management, and interpersonal skills. He meticulously reviews each contract so that he may use the contract language and clauses when communicating with contractors and consultants. Also, he now knows what to adjust in the project scope for cost effectiveness,

while still maintaining functionality and technical soundness. As a technical officer, the nature of his work mandates that he works closely with a social officer to provide a balanced approach to those they serve. It has taught him the importance of communication, collaboration and active listening to the end-users that will use his designs. He is driven to care about their concerns and issues before simply erecting a structure or designing a solution. All these skills are useful and critical as Garey is now in the process of establishing his own consultancy firm.

PURSUE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING In our post-COVID world, there are numerous opportunities to be exploited through online learning platforms. Garey advises every professional to complete a course in entrepreneurship and social media marketing.

With the first option, you are able to identify and understand your market, manage your business and discern when there is a lucrative opportunity. With the second option, you learn to optimize various platforms that make it affordable and accessible to successfully promote to your market.

For engineers and other professionals in technical fields, it might be tempting to only stick to your field. However, he encourages persons to learn a wide range of things and not box yourself in. When internal and external training opportunities are provided by his workplace, he attends every one of them.

He has learnt about wastewater testing at the Ministry of Health and Wellness; first aid and hazardous material at the CEAC Solutions Company Limited and now at the Jamaica Social Investment Fund, he

VBD Magazine has been trained in writing effective Terms of References and writing effectively in the workplace. Garey puts into action what Tom Peters, business author and speaker advises: "If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade."

YOUR ULTIMATE DESTINATION As we learn from Garey's story, numerous opportunities will present themselves. The destination of your professional career is dependent on what you do with those opportunities.

Garey ultimately wants to be known for his competence and sound engineering practices.

He works in such a way that his designs are done in the realm of compliance, laws and codes set by the profession. His work should be able to stand the test of time. Therefore, he takes learning very seriously and seizes every opportunity that presents itself.

Proverbs 22:29 states, "Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank." We look forward to seeing Garey Duncan change the course of human history with his innovations.

Garey A. Duncan is a Civil Engineer who is registered with the Professional Engineers Registration Board in Jamaica. A graduate of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, of the University of Technology, he was awarded the Desmond Young Award for being the top civil engineering graduate for the class of 2015, as well as being included on the faculty’s Dean’s List for his academic performance. He has worked in both the private and public sector as a civil engineer where he has gained substantial experience in engineering design, surveying and construction project and contract management. He is extremely passionate about his profession, always seeking to improve his competence whenever possible. His main interest is in engineering design and his ultimate aspiration is to establish his own consultancy firm, where he can focus on improving as a design engineer and establishing himself as a top tier consultant on the island.

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iNSPIRATION OASIS

don’t believe in that. I certainly had won the favour of many people around me, but it wasn't luck or chance. It was by God’s choice and His divine plan.

You see, what I didn’t know was that God was preparing a deliverance for His people and chose me to be a part of it. God is always up to something, and He is always looking for people who are willing and available to partake in what He is doing. For a while, I had forgotten this.

Something

SPECIAL The Ordinary in the Extraordinary

by Rose-Ann Durant

“I

am nothing special.” That’s what we sometimes tell ourselves. After all, with the world’s population at approximately eight billion people, why should you believe that you have what it takes to do that thing that was never done before? Why should you believe that you can win that competition, start your own business, or be the first to graduate from university in your family?

The answer to that is simple—why not you?

Each one of us has been created by God and given a special purpose that will aid in the advancement of His Kingdom. Our gifts, talents, resources, position, and even

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something as simple as our beauty, can be used by God for His ultimate plan. I know this all too well. I lost both parents when I was young and was raised by my older cousin, who later became my mentor and advisor.

LESSONS FROM THE STORY OF ESTHER When the king was looking for a new queen to replace the one he had banished, I, along with many other young virgins, were brought to the king’s palace. For twelve months, before seeing the king, we had to undergo special beauty treatments. Many women were brought before the king, yet I was chosen to be his queen. Was it luck? No, I

My cousin, however, reminded me that if I didn’t assist, then the Lord would use someone else to aid in the deliverance of His people. He also helped me to see that my royal position and appointment as queen created the avenue for me to make a real impact. I decided that I would approach the king, even if it meant my death. For three days, my people and I fasted and when I approached the king, he allowed me to come to him. When I eventually told him what my concern was, he granted the Jews permission to protect and defend themselves if attacked and, in the end, my people were spared.

Don’t take your talents, resources, and position in life for granted because God may be preparing you for a mighty work. He can use all your experiences, even your pain and shame for good. It is important for you to self-examine and ensure that your plans and desires are in line with God’s, because if they are not, you may find yourself standing in the way of what God may be trying to do through you. As you walk in the will of God, be strong and courageous, for whatever He brings you to, He will walk through it with you. Therefore, walk in purpose, knowing that whatever life presents, with Jesus Christ, you will overcome it victoriously.

Photo Credit: Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz - Queen/Unsplash

Years after becoming queen, my people were threatened with extermination and when my cousin asked me to intervene, I was afraid.

Firstly, the king didn’t know that I was a Jew and exposing myself meant I could be killed. Secondly, the law at the time stated that if someone approached the king without being summoned, that person would be put to death if the king did not stretch forth his gold sceptre granting permission for them to approach. The king had not summoned me in thirty days.

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LOVE ZONE

as the cedars. His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.” Songs of Solomon 5:10-16 (KJV) She compares his cheeks to “a bed of spices” and states “his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.” I didn’t realize that someone can look like a country. It would be pretty strange for me to say to my husband, “Roy, your appearance is like Jamaica.”

So, I decided to get creative and connect what I was reading to my own love story.

I would not consider myself a natural poet, but this is love. It makes you do things you never thought you could, especially when they are outside your comfort zone. It was such a pleasant, funny, and unfamiliar experience and I absolutely loved it.

These are some of the words I penned:

LIKE YOU

By Kerry-Ann McPherson

W

hen was the last time you got lost in the ultimate love story in the Bible?

I was reading Songs of Solomon one night and enjoying the love that the man and woman were pouring out on each other. But if I were to be completely honest with myself, I could not relate to many of the descriptions.

In chapter 5:10-16, the woman describes Solomon’s physical features.

“My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent

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I wrote this poem in a card for Roy, and I recited the different lines to him. From time to time, I would read the full poem again and he would catch me looking at him lovingly. It has a way of pulling him away from whatever he is doing, and we share a light moment of laughter together.

It is exciting that the Bible endorses this kind of lavish love and attention. While it spends considerable time speaking to the hidden, inner person—compassion, love, courage, humility, and faith—it does not ignore the flame of love and romance between a man and a woman. So dive in, get creative, and enjoy your love story to the glory of God. P.S. I absolutely love the beach and my favorite beach is Frenchman’s Cove in Portland, Jamaica. If you ever go to Jamaica, you must visit this beach.

Photo Credit: ShaunBattickPhotography

Someone

My husband’s skin is like A sweet milk chocolate mixed with caramel.

I delight in every bite of his handsomeness.

His hair is black and wavy, Like the gentle rolling waters as they crash on the shores of Frenchman’s Cove…

His mouth is like an advanced Google search engine, Dripping with knowledge.

He speaks from a discerning heart. "...he is desirable in every way. Such, O women of Jerusalem, is my lover, my friend."

Song of Songs 5:16 NLT

VBD Magazine

LOVE ZONE

UNDENIABLY Yours

by Ramona Powell

“L

ife has brought us to this moment when we vow to love each other forever. I can remember saying that I would never travel this road again because of the pain that I suffered the first time around. I made myself content with being single for fear of getting hurt again.

Little did I know that God was preparing me for you. You came to me several times in a dream, and I couldn’t understand why of all people I kept seeing you. I mean, I had not seen you since I was a teenager.

I shrugged it off, you showed up again, here, in this place, and I still shrugged it off, thinking it was a coincidence that we would meet again.

However, there was a different plan. I’m so glad you reached out to me and didn’t give up on me no matter how many times I tried to run away. Who knew that we would become best friends! Who would have thought that this is where life would have brought us? You are a vision of my deepest desires.

You are a kind and gentle soul. You love me

deeply and I’m so grateful for you. You are everything I wanted and so much more. I’m so glad that God knows our hearts and our deepest desires and then packages them in a way that only He can.

So today, I give myself to you as your wife, your helpmate. I promise to love you with an everlasting love. I am truly my father’s child and that comes with a stubborn streak as you are well aware, but I also come with the love and gentleness of my mother.

being single and satisfied. I must admit, I wanted to experience love again, but after a failed marriage, I had a long talk with God and with myself. We are only responsible for our own actions and not the actions of others. After forgiving my ex-husband and forgiving myself for the anger that I carried around for so many years, I promised God that if He wanted to bless me with another husband, I would accept him, and love him for who he is and not make him pay for the mistakes in my past relationships.

I won’t lie, I’m terrified because what we God blessed me with a beautiful single life have is so different from anything that I’ve and now He has given me the desires of my ever experienced — but I’m willing to con- heart, a life partner who is more than what tinue to trust God and the love that we have I asked for. God has a sense of humor, so if for each other to get us through any tough you ask Him to prepare you for something, times ahead. We have great examples set be prepared to get some life lessons. Believe before us by our parents and grandparents. me when I say, God is a promise keeper.

If we trust God and keep Him first in our “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He lives, we will be okay.” shall give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:4 (NKJV) I shared these words with my husband on our wedding day. A day that I never thought I would experience, since I was content with

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LITERARY DEN

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LOVE ZONE

Forgiving

IS ALWAYS IN ORDER

by Pastor Danyelle Scroggins

A

nyone who has a good marriage will tell you that marriage requires an abundance of things, however their quick list will often exclude the one thing that will always be in place and in order… forgiving.

You will never have a successful marriage if you do not understand that forgiving is a part of the foundational cloth of the institution and that to be forgiven requires that you forgive.

Wow! So Scroggins, are you telling me that someone in the marriage will always cause an offense?

That’s exactly what I’m saying. We are human and we are not perfect.

No two individuals get together saying we will be the perfect couple, with a perfect marriage, and we will never ever make mistakes or cause one another pain.

However, they vow in unspoken words to strive to perfect the things that are broken, mend the things that have cracks, and restore the unintentional breach they may have made, with the motivation or mindset to always forgive the one who sits in the seat of the fallen.

Can you see what it’s about?

Marriage is about giving you the room to do some things I may not like. But at the same time, it also gives me the space to say how it made me feel and the opportunity to adjust to accommodate me and you. It’s about a spouse not using the other’s mishap or fault to hog wrangle them into submission but building from these mistakes and finding ways to forgive that requires forgetting.

People often say, “I can forgive you, but I won’t forget.”

But I say, “If you truly forgive, it causes you to really forget.”

So how then will you ever know within your marriage what you are willing to forgive? This is one of the questions I get often.

And my answer is simply this…

God knew in order to really judge our hearts, to know how deep we were willing to fall in love with Him, that He would have to set in the midst of us an enemy that works vigorously to kill, steal, and destroy. But in the meantime, his work against us only helps to build our tenacity, deepen our belief, and strengthen our resolve.

Can you see this in your marriage?

Sometimes, you never really know how much you truly love someone until the enemy starts to fight your marriage and you are put in a position that requires that you forgive. But, if you fight the fight of faith for your marriage, hold on to what you know and who you love, you’ll soon find out that everything the enemy meant for your bad, will always work in your favor and you’ll grow to appreciate the fact that two is always better than one, and a three-stranded cord is not easily broken.

Just know, the best years of your marital life, could be hinged between you deciding to forgive or not to forgive.

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E LOVE SERIES

By Danyelle Scroggins

Books that pour into your spirit and ignite your heart to love and worship a true and living God.

Available on

Creating books that are an extension of God's Word. www.danyellescroggins.com

VBD Magazine

LOVE ZONE

A Love

SO RARE

by Beverlyn Johnson Lying in bed on a cold winter’s day, Asking God’s blessings for good health today.

The ring of the telephone attracts my attention … ringing out loud.

I have love from a distance and It is perfect from this day on.

This love recognizes no barriers, It is affectionate, consistent, dedicated, Irreplaceable, loyal, mature, and passionate.

This love will jump hurdles, leap fences, Penetrate walls, to arrive at its destination Full of confidence and sincerity.

My heart feels happy My heart feels glad Because in a soul union of love It lasts a lifetime.

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LITERARY DEN

THE 18 MINUTE REVOLUTION WITH PASTOR P Empowering, inspiring, and created to push you to the next level.

Dream again, hope again, and live a life on your own terms.

Paulette Harper

Speaker, Author, Coach, & Owner, Write Now Literary Book Tours

pauletteharper.com

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LOVING ALL THINGS LITERARY

Angela Anderson

FOUNDER & CEO, ANGELA ANDERSON PRESENTS

By Icylin Morgan

A

ngela Anderson is a literary and editorial services professional.

She has a deep passion for all things literary, marketing, and event planning. Angela founded the “Literary Café” as a place where authors and readers can connect and grow their reader-author bond through their love for the written word.

Due to her love for the art and craft of writing and people, she coined the phrase, “Where excellence and relationships are at the forefront.” It’s her motto that sets the tone and standard of Angela Anderson Presents. As the marketing and promoting of authors continue to be at the core of her organization, she finds great happiness in interacting and hearing the stories of authors and other literary professionals.

We had an opportunity to speak with Angela about the services offered by her company, strategies for building a successful literary café, and all the amazing things she is doing.

From the moment you meet Angela, you’re drawn in by her warm personality and infectious smile, which immediately put you at ease. Dive into our interview. You’ll be glad you did.

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VBD: Why did you start Angela's Literary Café and what services do you offer?

ANGELA: Angela’s Literary Café falls under the umbrella of my company Angela Anderson Presents. The café was birthed out of my love and passion for all things literary. I wanted to provide literary support to authors including editorial services, marketing, public relations, and literary coaching. Creating a safe place for them to nurture their craft and share their gift with the masses is very important to me, therefor you have Angela’s Literary Café.

In addition to being an avid reader, book reviewer and beta reader, I am a certified word nerd who offers editorial services as well as marketing and public relations services to my clients. I am also fueled by teaching and educating others. Therefore, I have several workshops and mastermind classes that are taught one-on-one and in group settings.

VBD: How has your vision for the café evolved?

ANGELA: I have more services to offer authors including two literary shows, An-

gela’s Literary Café and Angela’s Literary Tea. Both are avenues for authors to be in the spotlight, whether it is showcasing their new release on the café or having a live book discussion over tea. I think having the adaptability and courage to provide these shows virtually definitely has its benefits for Angela’s Literary Café. What started off as providing editorial services and literary events has grown to much more. I get excited just thinking about all that I have to offer authors, readers, and those in our community. I connect authors and readers together creating memorable moments of meeting their favorite authors and an unforgettable literary café experience.

VBD: What has been one of your most memorable moments in the café?

ANGELA: Oh, wow! Ok, there are so many.

But one of the most memorable moments was seeing Jacquelin Thomas in the virtual audience at one of the café interviews. She has attended several but the first time I saw her in attendance was a special unforgettable moment. She is such an amazing person inside and out. She is one of my mentors that I honor and respect. She has taught me so much about the literary industry.

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VBD: How has the pandemic changed the way you live and operate your business?

ANGELA: I definitely had to shift quickly to the virtual world. Believe it or not, I used to be terrified of the camera and going live.

I mean butterflies in the stomach before hitting the live button and everything. I could do in person events all day long…but it was something about going live. Now, I just think of it as in-person and go from there. I had to up my technology game to make sure that I am providing quality for my literary shows. I am a forever learner, so I am often taking courses and workshops to sharpen my skills and knowledge base to be of better assistance to my clients.

VBD: What are three major keys to building a successful literary cafe'?

ANGELA: Number 1 on the list is building quality relationships with your audience, readers, and authors. The second thing would be to be yourself and the third…have fun! I like for all my guests at the café to feel at home.

VBD: What helps you to keep going when things are tough?

ANGELA: I like to keep a positive mindset and to find the good in the situation. Prayer helps to keep me centered and balanced. I am a lover of music; worship music is always a plus and helps to keep my thoughts in a good place. Good music in general, especially a song with profound lyrics is important. My passion and remembering the initial “why” I do what I do, is another thing that helps me to get through times.

VBD: What’s in the works?

ANGELA: I have some amazing author interviews coming up as well as literary tea book discussions. In addition to working on some editing projects, I also have workshops and training courses available.

If you didn’t know, teaching and coaching is another love of mine. Helping others to be their best selves is an amazing feeling.

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CELEBRATING CHRISTIAN LITERATURE ONE BOOK AT A TIME

Sandra Barela

OWNER, CELEBRATE LIT PUBLISHING & PUBLICITY GROUP

S

andra Barela was awarded her master's in English from Southern New Hampshire University.

During her program, she took a publishing class and fell in love with the industry. That infatuation sparked Celebrate Lit Publicity Group where she helps authors publicize their books through low-cost blog tours and other promos. In the summer of 2016, she opened Celebrate Lit Publishing to help Christian authors bring their books to the reading world. The avid Christian fiction reader and author enjoys helping other great Christian authors succeed, one book at a time.

If you have published a book, Celebrate Lit Publishing and Publicity Group comes highly recommended. Feel free to connect with Barela and her team. According to Barela, her favorite part of Christian book publicity is, “Getting to know wonderful Christian authors and bloggers. They have truly become like a family to me.”

We had an opportunity to speak with Barela about Celebrate Lit Publishing and Publicity Group and her passion for helping authors publicize their books.

VBD: Why did you start Celebrate Lit, and what services do you offer?

SANDRA: We started the Celebrate Lit

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By Icylin Morgan because we wanted authors to have an option to market their book without having to spend lots of money and without having to be concerned what secular books they would be next to. Our niche is our 14-day blog tours that reach 400,000 people on average. We also offer Epic Book Launches to help give your book an amazing release and monthly multi-author promos to help build your social media.

VBD: How has your mission for Celebrate Lit evolved?

SANDRA: When we started, our plan was only to do book tours. They were successful and truly helped authors. Since then, we have added several new promo opportunities because we saw they were vital to the author’s success. We also saw that many small press publishers were closing so we decided to open our own publishing house to bring good Christian literature to the world. We have evolved from reaching a few hundred people with a tour to reaching over 400,000 and from just two authors in our publishing house to over thirty.

VBD: How has the pandemic changed the way you live and operate your ministry?

SANDRA: We have always been an online ministry, so the pandemic did not affect us much. The largest impact for us was not

being able to host our writing retreats and nor attend writing conferences.

VBD: What are three major keys to building a successful literary ministry?

SANDRA: God is always first, people over profit, and speaking truth in love. Striving to put the Lord first has been vital to our success. As soon as we take our eyes off Him, issues become overwhelming. The second key is to remember people over profits. We scholarship every author that uses our publicity side. Our goal is not to make money but to help authors. The Lord has blessed this, and we have grown from four tours a month to over twenty-eight.

Finally, we want to speak the truth in love.

It is important to be truthful and that can be hard. It is hard to tell an author their manuscript isn’t ready for publishing, or their cover needs work to reach readers, but we have learned it is very important. By instructing the author and connecting them with people (editors and cover designers for example), we are helping their manuscript to be the best it can be, and we are helping them grow in their field.

VBD: What helps you to keep going when things are tough?

SANDRA: My author and blogger friends and family. They remind me that this is

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the Lord’s ministry and how needed the ministry is. They are not afraid to hold me accountable. I am so thankful for them.

VBD: What’s in the works?

SANDRA: We have several things coming in both the publicity and publishing arms of our ministry. For publicity, we have been working on helping authors with new releases as well as nurturing their back lists.

For publishing, we have a new 1940s mystery set that pairs a fairy tale with a mystery. So fun! We have a couple of new series starting next year as well as our first non-fiction title.

To pitch a manuscript,visit celebratelitpublishing.com

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