December 2018

SISTAH'S PLACE ARETHA TATUM

Inspiration & Entertainment Magazine

TERRI SHAYNE JEANEE PATTON AJA SELENA HASKINS SIMONE CARTER AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT MARY MOSS VALECIA CARTERÂ

DESIREE HARRISON SMALL BUSINESS SHAWANNA BYRANT

DECEMBER 2018

SISTAHSPLACE.COM

Sistah's Place Magazine Table of Content Editor's Note

Pg. 4

Message From Letrise

Sistah's Place/Sistah's Creative Media

Author Spotlight Feature

Pg. 5-8

Mary Moss

Letrise Carter

Cover Story

Pg. 10-15

Aretha Tatum

Terri Shayne

Holiday Motivation

Pg. 17-18

Dread with Love

Aja Graves

Poetry Corner

Pg. 20

I am Dripping in Melanin Honey

Simone Carter

Small Business Showcase

Pg. 22-23

Shawanna Byrant

Terri Shayne

Pg. 24

Small Business Directory

Letrise Carter

New Author Highlight

Pg. 26-29

Valecia Carter

Terri Shayne

Inspiration

Pg.31

Holiday Blues

Jeanee Patton

Informative

Pg. 32-33

Fear Factor

Selena Haskins

Youth Perspective Thoughts

Pg. 34-35

The Hate You Give-What it means to Me?

Desiree Harrison

Twitter https://twitter.com/SistahsPlace2 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sistahsplace Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sistahsplace Website http://sistahsplace.com

Sistah's Place Magazine- October/November 2018 Issue

Check out Dr. Norma McLauchlin , “First Lady� is business owner, Author, and Speaker connects with women from all walks of life.

Meet Nicole Smith, an author on Chosen Pen Publishing. Pick up your copy today on Amazon and be sure to follow her on social media.

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK This has been an amazing and blessed year. Thank you to all of our supporters, readers, and fans of Sistah’s Place. The response to our magazine has been beautiful. We are extremely happy to continue bringing you some wonderful stories from our freelance writers, celebrity interviews, and features with authors, community leaders, activists, and small business owners. We are growing our team in 2019 so get ready for an exciting year.

This special holiday addition features women who have a strong faith that supports their purpose.

Get acquainted with the small business on our small business directory. Enjoy the poetry corner and our brand new Youth perspective where you hear from many talented young girls on issues that is sincere to their hearts.

The holidays can be tough for some but please remember that you are not alone. Let’s continue to love on our beautiful brothers and sisters. Stand together against depression during the holidays. It’s not just about giving to others but show them that you really care for them.

I want to thank all the women who have written an article for our magazine since its launch.

These women have supported Sistah’s Place since its inception. I just want to say thank you and I appreciate your time and dedication to my dreams.

Chief Editor/Founder Letrise T. Carter Sistah’s Place/Sistah’s Creative Media

pg. 4

Author Spotlight Feature with Mary Moss

by Letrise Carter I had the pleasure to interview author Mary Moss, a full-time Office Administrator for a local transportation company in Richmond, Virginia. Like many indie authors, Mary still works full-time and is a published author, speaker, and teacher.

Mary comes from a long line of writers and continues the legacy and journey that she is very passionate about.

She wears many hats as most women do, but Mary’s hat is very unique. When you are a woman of God, the shoes you walk in are many. Get to know Mary Moss in our author spotlight feature to learn more about who she is and find out more about her books.

Letrise Carter: Give our readers some insight about who Mary Moss is.

Mary Moss: I’m a writer, speaker, Biblical storyteller, columnist, retreat leader, and occasional blogger. I’m creative and energetic with a passion for life and a deep abiding faith in Jesus.

I’ve served as a Stephen Minister, a Certified Lay Speaker (now Lay Servant) in the United Methodist Church, and earned a certificate in Congregational Leadership through the Baptist Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia.

I’m a wife; mom and doting grandmother and I’ve had just about any job you can think of!

"Jill of all trades" and master of some, I lean on the Lord to make it through every day-every hour. Okay . . . every minute. Oh! And coffee . . . lots of coffee!

Letrise Carter: Tell us about your latest book release Mary Moss: Woman with the Alabaster Jar is my second book (both are titled after “unnamed” women in the Bible). In this book, I invite readers to walk alongside me through grief, and join my journey toward healing, and hope. My first book, Woman at the Well, chronicles my discovery of God’s grace and how it manifests in our lives.

I’d like to interject that the cover art for both books are commissioned paintings done by a friend. He is a United Methodist Pastor by the name Jim Harris. I was attracted to the stained glass look of his paintings and thought they would be a good fit for the covers.

Book synopsis – Woman With The Alabaster Jar: Grief is a club with open membership, but nobody wants to join!. Whether we grieve over the death of a loved one, the end of a marriage or long-term relationship, loss of a job, even when a pet dies, grief, like birth and death, is a universal experience. We certainly don't like grieving! But if we are to accept the

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reality of it, we must believe it serves a purpose in our lives, just like love and joy and awe and every good thing we know of this life. Join the author as she journeys through grief, to find healing and hope and even faith renewed.

Letrise Carter: It’s always fascinating how authors come up with their book titles. What is the inspiration behind your book?

Mary Moss: The scripture upon which both book titles are based are two of my favorite Bible stories. They are both about women who are marginalized by society yet meant enough to Jesus that he not only spoke to them; He uplifted and healed them both.

He demonstrated the depth of love God has for all of us, regardless of our situation or status. They are both powerful stories of redemption and I enjoyed unwrapping the treasures found in them.

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Letrise Carter: After readers read The Woman with the Alabaster, What is it that you

like for them to take from your book’s story?

Mary Moss: I wrote this book to offer healing and hope to those who are grieving.

Specifically, I share my journey through the grief of losing my mom to cancer. In the process, I discovered a renewed, albeit, different faith, and that life can and does continue after a tragic event.

My desire is to let others know that while we never stop grieving. It is possible to find healing and hope as we continue to live in a “new normal.

Letrise Carter: Who would you say inspired you to be a writer?

Mary Moss: This latest book is dedicated to my mom and to a dear family friend. They both died from cancer. I’ve really been writing my entire life-ever since I could hold a pencil! I

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am descended from a long line of writers and wordsmiths! Newspaper men and women, teachers, and crossword-puzzle-solvers-with-pens! My love of words comes naturally.

I largely credit my mom for instilling in me a curiosity for word meanings and origins.

Back in the day before Google, when one of us asked my mom how to spell a word she almost always responded, “Look it up in the dictionary.” (I also learned to be a really good speller!)

Letrise Carter: Name three of your favorite authors and why those 3?

Mary Moss: Three of my favorite authors are Michael Chrichton, James Patterson, and John Grisham. All tell great multilayered stories that are well-researched with compelling characters and storylines.

Their books are entertaining, and tell a story that draws the reader in from the start and make you sorry the book is over! I tend to read several books at a time, including devotionals, bible studies, and biblical fiction Letrise Carter: Being an author is an amazing and fun journey, what is next for you?

Mary Moss: I’m actually working on two books. I am looking forward to speaking at women’s groups, retreats, conferences, and church groups about faith, grace, grief, healing and hope. I plan to speak about some of the topics listed on my website regarding Journaling, Prayer, and Living into God’s dream for our lives.

I thank you Mary for sharing your story with Sistah’s Place. It’s a blessing when you can turn your testimony into a passion that will be able to bless us. Continue to bless others with your stories and walk the path.

The best way to reach Mary Moss is to follow her on Facebook. Visit her website to keep up with her speaking engagements, interviews, and events.

To learn more about Mary, follow her on social media and visit her website listed below.

Facebook:

facebook.com/themarymoss facebook.com/themarymossauthor My website: divinelydesigned.us My Amazon author page: amazon.com/author/marymoss

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Sistah’s Place Magazine December 2018

Cover Story: A Woman driven by God’s Plan- Aretha Tatum by Terrie Shayne

Aretha Tatum is a minister, author, filmmaker, actress, and freelance writer. Though she walks in the path the God leads her, she has learned how to balance. Balancing her gifts is important for the plan that is placed before her.

Aretha said, “I don’t do everything at one time, I follow God’s lead and there is a season for everything.” Her life is filled with gifts that she uses. She does not work all her gifts at once. When she is writing, it’s either a book or script. When Aretha is not writing she is usually on a television set or film set.

In this life, you don’t meet many people who know what their purpose for their life should be. For Aretha, walking into her purpose was an amazing feeling that sometimes made her nervous. However, when God begins to pull out of you all the gifts he has placed in you that you will be shocked. We all have these ideas in our head of who we think we are then God begins to shows us who he created us to be can is surprising.

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A perfect example of this is when Aretha recalls when God told her to write her first book, “The Problem with Jesus.” Her reaction to God’s request was “Me, write a book”. The Lord told her to “write the book, and I will help you.” Aretha’s first book, The Problem with Jesus” was written with God’s help. She has written three books driven by God’s Plan.

I sat down with Aretha to learn more about the ministry, filmmaking, and freelancing in a Q&A. Getting to know this woman of God is truly a blessing. The year 2018 has been an amazing year for women in Media Arts & Entertainment.

Terri Shayne: Tell us about your latest book, Faith & Finance. What inspired you to write this particular book?

Aretha Tatum: Well, I have my degree in Accounting and I have worked in various areas of accounting field for almost thirty years. I was called into ministry in 2010 at the age of forty-three. Our ministry, Free Life – Life Changing Ministries started doing Faith and Finance seminars back in 2010.

At the beginning of 2018, I was led to do a book on the subject and it was published in June 2018. My first book, “The Problem with Jesus “was published in June 2014 and my second book “The Wonderful Counselor “was published June 2016. I didn’t plan for my books to be released in June but when I look back it appears as though God has led me to do a book every two years. It goes back to the fact that there is a season for everything.

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Terri Shayne: Your background in Accounting is perfect for leading Faith & Finance seminars and your book. What would you like readers to walk away with after reading Faith & Finance?

Aretha Tatum: I want those who are struggling in the area of finances to be encouraged. To realize that money is a tool, but God is our source. God can and does do what I call “MONEY MIRACLES” all the time. It is not the money but IN GOD WE TRUST! Terri Shayne: You created your first short film; can you tell us the inspiration behind making a short film?

Aretha Tatum: Through His Eyes- The Insight of Bartimaeus is the name of the short film. It takes you into the life of a man named Bartimaeus on the day his faith changed his life forever. Witness his story THROUGH HIS EYES. It is based on Mark chapter 10.

The inspiration came from when I was at the car wash waiting for my car to get washed and I began thinking about the miracles that Jesus had done. I started thinking about the blind man Bartimaeus and the Holy Spirit gave me the concept of the film right there.

God will inspire you, but you still have to do the work. Later, I wrote the script and shared it with a friend, Alisa Inez and she and I produced the film. The film was blessed to win a few awards at a couple of film festivals.

Through His Eyes was actually the third script that I have written but the first one to be produced. So I have others ready to go. All in God’s timing. My overall mission is to use film to ignite faith.

Terri Shayne: That is truly an amazing inspiration for short film. Tell us about your Ministry, Courage over Fear. What inspired the creation of this ministry?

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Aretha Tatum: Courage Over Productions is a facet of Free Life- Life Changing Ministries. My Pastor is Prophetess Sandra D. Bates. I am the Director of Courage Over Fear Productions and our mission is to uplift, encourage, and educate with faithbased seminars and special events.

Terri Shayne: Who has inspired you throughout your journey?

Aretha Tatum: I have been blessed to have my best friend, Tavia Jordan. She and I have been friends since we were little girls. She has always been there with me and for me. I have always admired her open and giving heart, her creativity and her drive to do her best at all times.

When I became a minister at the age of forty-three when I thought I had my life figured out was a major life changing event. My Pastor, Sandra Bates played a major role in helping me to walk in what God had planned for my life. She has also been a blessing.

Last but not least my parents always encouraged and supported me throughout my life and I don’t take that for granted. They were the first ones to make me realize that I can do and be anything!

Terri Shayne: Having loved ones close who support your is key. You are a Chicago native, what has kept you here instead of migrating to Hollywood?

Aretha Tatum: Family first. My mom passed in 2005 but my dad is still in Chicago and he is now eighty-five. He took care of our family and now it is my honor to serve him.

Besides that all that I am doing is because the Lord is leading me to do it. I wouldn’t leave until the Lord tells me to go.

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Terri Shayne: Good for you Aretha! Move when God says, it’s time to leave. What advice can you share with young people about their gifts and purpose?

Aretha Tatum: You are unique. Be you. Use your gifts in the way that God would have you to use them. Too often people try to copy and follow what others are doing. If you sing, find your style don’t try to mimic someone else.

If you write, tell your story. Not what you think people will want to read. You were born alone, be prepared to stand alone and be what God created you to be!

Terri Shayne: Beautiful advice to our young people! These are words for them to live by and shine by. We have seen women in Film & Television rising from writers, directors, producers, television, films, and short films. Would you say there is a movement right now with more women behind the camera and leading television and film?

Aretha Tatum: I would say as with everything, right now it’s our season. More doors of opportunity have opened the talented and gifted female writer’s directors, and producers who were already there and ready just walked through the open doors.

Nothing really happens overnight. Even when you are just getting started (receiving recognition that is) you didn’t just start if you know what I mean. Most people have been doing things for years before anyone knew who they were.

Terri Shayne: As a writer can you give advice to aspiring writers and women who aspire to want to venture into film/television as writers and actors?

Aretha Tatum: Yes, for the aspiring writers, I say this all of the time to people who tell me that they would like to write a book or a screenplay. Step one write it and re-write it. If you have an idea in your head, get it out of your head and on paper. Don’t talk about writing, write. You can get and editor and make it “pretty” later.

For women who desire to get into film and television as a writer or actress, I say Get to work. Take classes, go to events, learn the industry, and meet people in the industry and network with them. I took acting classes when I was younger. I have taken a studio production class. I attend film festivals and the workshops that they offer. Stay humble, teachable and hungry. See yourself as successful and put in the work to make it true.

Terri Shayne: That is some great advice. Are there any events that you have coming up and how can our readers learn more about you?

Aretha Tatum: I would love for people to check out my #SermonInUnder60. Every Sunday, I post a sermon which is under 60 seconds. I love to encourage and inspire.

Sometimes it only takes a minute to ignite your faith. I upload them on Social Media.

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You can find me on social media: Facebook page: Ms Respect Speaks Instagram: @MsRespect1 Twitter: @MsRespect1 YouTube: Ms Respect Speaks Ministry website: courageoverfear.org Through His Eyes- The Insight of Bartimaeus Facebook page It was a pleasure to learn more about this beautiful woman of God who has allowed her gifts to not just be discovered but to be used by the father to serve others. Aretha’s purpose is driven by God to inspire and uplift. We wish you much success with your ministries. You are a powerhouse! Continue to rise my beautiful sister for God’s plan is always the right plan.

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Check out author Mary Moss and get to know her. Learn more about her and be sure to purchase her book Mary’s Amazon author page: amazon.com/Mary-Moss/e/B077J56KFW Be sure to follow

her on social media.

Meet Aja Graves, an author, freelance writer, and blogger at www.ajathewriter.com Pick up your copy today on Amazon and be sure to follow her on social media.

Beating Dread With Love by Aja Graves I’ve been dreading this time of year. I’ve been dreading the holidays and that seems so unlike me. Almost every year of my life the most exciting time for me were the winter holidays and it was because of my family, and specifically my grandmother whom I called MaMa. Holidays were always at her house, and though technically it was my grandparent’s home, in my mind it was MaMa’s house. Sorry Granddad.

When I was a girl, the morning of each holiday I would barely eat just so that I’d have enough stomach room for her food and my children had begun to do the same. Her turkey dressing alone brought people from near and far to eat but it was much more than that, it was her.

She is why we came to celebrate. Her presence made us all feel loved and welcomed. I imagine and know actually, that it took a lot to feed us all, as there would be anywhere from 25-40 people some holidays, but never once did she complain, at least not for us to hear, and never once did she run out of food. I always knew her ability to be a blessing in that way, was because her heart was so big and because she had faith that God would provide her and us with all we would need and He did.

She is gone now. Right before Thanksgiving last year that big heart of hers stopped beating, she stopped breathing, and though they resuscitated her, she had been gone too long. She was … and is gone. So this holiday season, I am not as excited. I know that I still have so much to hope for, to celebrate and to be happy for and I am. I have a wonderful and perfect mother, a husband and children that make my heart sing, but the person behind family holidays is gone and I don’t know how else to feel about it but to dread it.

Then I just remembered as I typed this. She lost people, people she loved and cared for, and yet she cooked, still gathered us all, still loved us all and that is how she went on; with love.

And so, somehow, I must vanquish dread with love, and create new memories, and traditions, and experiences that would make her proud. And make it clear that I was paying attention.

-In Memory of Carrie L. Wynn -

© Aja 2018 Aja is the writer of sensually erotic and passionate women’s fiction. Her stories allow readers to experience realistic, inspiring, and soulful interactions and intense passion while

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overcoming life’s challenges. She is inspired by soulful music and sensual art to craft her stories. Her published works include the Love & Passion series featuring her new release Good Old Soul. Aja is working on her next love story, Love’s Required.

Author Links: My website: http:// www.ajathewriter.com Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.com/Aja/e/B00K30K138/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aja_thewriter/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThewriterAja FB Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/ajawriter/ Sign up for my mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/cnEs1f

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PTSD IS NO RESPECTOR OF PERSONS. IF YOU HAVE HAD ANY TRAUMATIC AND UNJUST EXPERIENCES “PTSD TO FREEDOM” IS A BOOK YOU SHOULD READ.

When you experience traumatic experiences that alters your emotional and psychological foundation, you begin to experience a very personal and fragile meltdown. You survived the initial shock, now the aftermath. What now? “PTSD to Freedom - No More War Within”, will tell you to pick up your bed and walk because you are the captain of your ship.

Authors Linda Diane Wattley and William Sumner are veterans of the United States Army. They teamed up together to write this extraordinary and unique book because they have a heart for people suffering with PTSD. What they share brings to power that the “Truth Will Set You Free”.

Available today in Kindle and paperback Visit Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/PTSD-Freedom-Mental-Spiritual-Healingebook/dp/B07CZPKXQ7/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526993779&sr=81&keywords=ptsd+to+freedom

Poetry Corner: I am Dripping Melanin Honey

by Simone Carter “I am dripping melanin and honey. I am black without apology”.-Upile Being a black woman in this day in age should be not just a word or label of color but a powerful description of unimaginable beauty. It shouldn’t be defined as “female human being of African descent subject of extreme abuse and oppression based upon the inaccurate or faulty perception of inferiority by the oppressor”. It should be defined as beauty in all shapes, sizes, nurture, mother of civilization, and strong resourceful queens. Hell the definition should be endless if you ask me. “I am dripping melanin and honey. I am black without apology.”

As a black woman I’ve seen us devalued, degraded, underestimated continually, and I take a stand to state we are more than our bodies and our various shades of complexion. We are discoveries of endless Inventions, we are mothers of all Mothers, we are Educated beyond expectation, and we are Leaders. And must I say we do a damn good job at it all. This list is of just a few things we do best. “I am dripping melanin and honey. I am black without

apology”.

Our skin has been seen as a weapon but understand something when the color of your skin is seen as a weapon you are never unarmed. Women of all shades we need to embrace one another. Stop letting society define you, the media tell you who you are because the true definition of strength is knowing oneself and accepting all of yourself: size of lips, hips,

thighs, and complexions whether you are dark skin, light skin, brown skin you name it. “I

am dripping melanin and honey. I am black without apology.”

Author Bio:

Simone Carter is a Speaker, Freelance social media strategist, and web designer. She is the social media manager for Sistah’s Creative Media. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola University Chicago in Public Relations & Advertising. Simone is experienced doing digital and website, and analytics for non-profit, education, major corporations. Visit her page at http://sistahscreativemedia.com/simone-carter/

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Check out Author, Freelance Writer, and Entrepreneur Selena Haskins –Get your copy on Amazon and Barnes & Nobles.

NEW POETRY RELEASE Poetry knocked on my door when I was just a little girl. She started rhyming to me in nursery books my mother gave me. Poetry spilled harmony through my speakers from songs of love to songs of heartache and pain. When I walked outside poetry stood on the corners and rapped while the youth pop locked and made beats with their lips and called it, the "Human Beatbox." All around me was poetry and poetry was me. She spoke the colors of my mind that would set me free. This is a collection of poetry, a personal part of me.

Southern gal, Germaine Landry wants to become a writer in the big city of Washington, DC. She meets a privileged heartthrob, Angelo Pearson, who is used to having anything, and every girl he wants. A loner by nature, Germaine is not easily impressed with Angelo's bravado, but he eventually charms his way into her heart. This pair of opposites develops a friendship that catches fire. Their love is seemingly shatterproof until a malicious scheme leads them down a dark path that could end tragically.

Visit her website to learn more about her and follow her on social media http://www.booksbyselena.com/

Small Business spotlight with Shawanna Bryant by Terri Shayne Women are stepping out on faith and launching their own business every day. Meet Shawanna Bryant, owner of Shawanna Realty Group of Keller Williams Realty Infinity Chicagoland Area. She has been in the real estate business for six years.

What makes Shawanna different from her competitors is that she cares about her clients. She is sincere and compassionate about getting the goal accomplished for her clients. Shawanna’s clients have described her in three words that define who she is to them. Her clients describe Shawanna as dedicated, passionate, and supportive.

When you decide to go into business for yourself, there are obstacles that owners are faced with; however, it’s how you handle those obstacles is what sets you apart from others and grounds the foundation of your business. For Shawanna, there have been two obstacles in her path. The first being a woman of color in today’s business. She also is faced with the fact that men don’t’ take her as seriously as they should.

She is a pit bull for her clients no matter the gender or color. The second obstacle is being a southern bell in the Midwest for some of her clients find that Shawanna’s southern politeness is fake or too much for them. She said, “I was taught to treat others the way I wanted to be treated and that was treated with respect and acknowledge. “ As Shawanna embarks on the road of entrepreneurship, she has six tips for women who desire to launch their own small business.

• •

• • • •

If God gave you the dream or vision YOU CAN ACHIEVE it.

Hire a coach that has walked the walk who can understand your perception and level of your vision. TD Jakes explained it best; if you are a giraffe you can’t share your vision with an ant…

Never lose yourself and don’t take no for an answer.

DON’T QUIT and you will never fail.

Create the Vision/goal board and focus on it.

Pour into others along the way, the mission is complete if you help others the world is bigger than YOU.

Where to find Shawanna to learn more about her business? You can find her on her website at www.shawannabryant.com or on Facebook at

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www.Facebook.com/shawannabryantrealestate . Thank you for sharing your journey as entrepreneur allowing our readers to learn about what it takes to be a small business owner. We wish you much success with all of your future endeavors.

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Sistah's Place Magazine Small Business Directory Business Name

Website or Social Media

Email Contact

She Rocks It

www.sherockit.org

joycedawkins@sherockit.info

Sistah's Creative Media

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Angela Presents

Website Coming Soon

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Kennedy's Sweet Tooth

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Coach Christina Marie

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Winning 4 Life

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pservices111@gmail.com

Creative Beauty Supply

facebook.com/CreativeBeautySupply

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SL Media

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EDC Creations Media Group

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Write Now Book Tours

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Add it Today by sending your information to Letrise@sistahsplace.com It's Free to list your business with us

New author spotlight feature with Valecia Carter by Terri Shayne Meet Valecia Carter, a new author with her debut non-fiction book

“My Heart My Love My Life My Lord” Living Life Past the Pain.

As with all new authors, Valecia is excited to share her story with readers and be an instrument for others.

When we share our own personal testimony it becomes a light for those either going through the storm or feeling like there is no hope. For another woman to see hope, happiness, and success through the personal journey of another is healing. Join me as we take this journey to get to know a new author by the name of Mrs.

Valecia Carter.

Who is Valecia Carter? She is a wife of 22 years, a mother of seven children, a grandmother of fifteen children, and now a published author. You are a woman of many titles and our hat is off to you. Meanwhile, Valecia is a woman of faith and trust God with her many hats that she must juggle with her family. There is more to this beautiful sister as she is a motivational speaker, blogger, and certified marriage coach. She wrote her debut novel in hopes to help women and men struggling in their relationship. As she continues to write, Valecia hope to get her book written for the big screen.

I invite you to sit back and join a Q&A with Valecia Carter and get to know more about the author and her story.

Terri Shayne: Tell our readers about your debut non-fiction book “My Heart My Love My

Life My Lord-Living Life Past the Pain.”

Valecia Carter: Well, this book is about a single Mother who gets married and struggles with many issues and dilemmas that she faces throughout the course of her marriage.

Because she is determined to be happy in her marriage she overcomes these obstacles by the power of God. She believes in happily ever after, so she fights through the hurt, pain, anger, and frustration. It’s either stand and fight or give up what she asked for God to give her. She had to ask herself this question; Are you prepared to throw away what you said is “A Gift from God?”

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Terri Shayne: Your title is unique; tell us how did you come up with the title to your novel?

Valecia Carter: Everyone says I wear my heart on my sleeve and when I thought about it they were right. We as people base many of our decisions from our heart, which is why the first part is “My Heart”. We also want love and we want it to last and I love hard straight from the heart, so the next part of my title is “My Love”.

Next, these two points are major factors in the life that I live, so the next part of the title is none other than, “My Life”. Finally, I am a Christian and although I should always put God first, I did not always do that, so eventually, I turned to the Bible and I read Psalm 34, 4:22, which says, I sought the Lord and he heard me and delivered me from all my fears, so the last part of my title is ‘My Lord”. Because of that scripture, I was able to gain strength and courage, which is where my subtitle comes in, which is “Living Life Past the Pain.”

Terri Shayne: Whenever there is a novel that is a personal journey and testimony, I know there is always a message you want readers to walk away with. What is your message that you want readers to walk away with after reading, “My Heart My Love My Life My Lord”?

Valecia Carter: I want the message to get across to men and women of all ages who struggle with being a mother, a father, married, having a blended family, those struggling with emotional distress, addiction, betrayal, commitment, faith, trust, love, and those who

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want or have a relationship with the Lord. If you stand on Gods promises you will not only reach your potential, but you will be victorious over every obstacle you are faced with.

Terri Shayne: Being a new author, tell us who inspired you to writer?

Valecia Carter: I actually started journaling since 2005 and I told my husband many times from 2012 to 2015 that I was going to write a book, but I wasn’t sure how I would start. My husband is the one who encouraged me to follow my dreams and not to give up. So when the opportunity presented itself, he gave me that push and my actual journey began last year in November 2017 when I took an Authorship Course.

Terri Shayne: Name three of your favorite authors and tell me why?

Valecia Carter: Kimberly R. Lock because her books are written with references to scriptures from the bible and truth. Her messages in her books are very profound. Dr. Seuss because his creativity is amazing, and all my children loved every Dr. Seuss book I read to them. I am still reading them to my grandchildren. Then my last favorite author is Terry McMillan because her books keep me wanting to turn page after page. Her writing is very relatable.

Terri Shayne: Tell me how does it feel to be a published author?

Valecia Carter: It is a blessing that I don’t take for granted. I love hearing how my story has impacted so many people. I attended a conference in Dallas, TX this year and there were at least a dozen people who bought my book that live outside the United States. I feel accomplished, not only because those who bought my book are in different countries, but because many people have contacted me and stated that my story is one they can relate to and they thanked me for writing it.

Terri Shayne: What advice can you give others who dream of writing a book?

Valecia Carter: I will tell them to keep a notepad with them at all times and just journal and write anytime they get a thought or gesture. Keep everything in one location so that they don’t have notes, thoughts or ideas on pieces of paper all over the place because it is easier to reference back to your notepad or notebook. Finally, you can do anything you put your mind to as long as you have Jesus with you. Philippians 4:13 says I can do all things

through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Terri Shayne: How can readers find out more about your events and how to get your book?

Valecia Carter: Readers can subscribe to my newsletter on my website at www.abovetheheart.net and I can be reached by email at authorvgcarter2018@yahoo.com and abovetheheart0803@gmail.com They can keep up with my events on my website under events tab.

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We wish you much success on your author journey. Continue to share your story and be a testimony to others as your story is meant to help others. Thank you for sharing your with our readers. Be sure to visit her website and pick up your copy today. It’s a great gift for the holidays.

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Learn more about Author Letrise Carter by visiting her website at www.LetriseCarter.com

Have you read her debut novel Deceitful Secrets?

Meet Devin. He’s handsome, successful and has a beautiful wife, who is equally accomplished. Devin’s lifestyle is one any man would dream of but he’s not content. He has an appetite for women that his wife alone cannot curb. But soon, his playboy antics has him buried deep in a blackmail scandal and the only person who can fix it, is the one person who can destroy his life.

Taylor couldn’t ask for anything more. She has a wonderful life. From the outside, all seems perfect but Taylor is harboring a secret that could end her marriage… and his name is Kelly.

Book Cover design by Tywebbin Creations LLC

Deceitful Secrets comes to Amazon with a Love Triangle https://www.amazon.com/Deceitful-Secrets-1-LetriseCarter/dp/1540650820/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1533958418&sr=8-1&keywords=deceitful+secrets Letrise is working on the much anticipated Book 2 in the series Deceitful Secrets. Be sure to join her Facebook group book club group titled Deceitful Secrets Book Series Follow Letrise Carter on social media: Twitter: @AuthorLetrise IG: @LetriseCarter Facebook: @AuthorLetriseCarter

Holiday Blues by Jeanee Patton The holidays are a time where it seems joy is spread all around like tinsel. Families come together for traditional dinners and laugh well into the night. Did you know that not everyone is overjoyed during this time? Most are cringing and uptight and secretly wanting the holidays to end quickly, so they can resume their normal lives.

According to The Mayo Clinic, the holidays can bring stress and depression. The months of November and December bring back-to-back holidays and there is often the stress of not being able to keep up with the demand. You are frequently being pulled in different directions by demanding family members and trying to accommodate everyone’s needs. It can be exhausting, but there is hope to help lighten the burden.

Planning ahead can be your biggest life saver. Realizing you can’t assume the responsibility for the entire holiday season will help alleviate your stress levels. Here are a few suggestions on how to decrease your stress levels: 1. Assign different tasks to your family and let each take responsibility to ensure a successful holiday.

2. Hire a catering company to cater the holiday meal or recruit family members to bring their favorite holiday dish.

3. Hire a cleaning service to clean your home prior to the festivities to save you time and energy. You might want to consider their services for afterwards too.

4. Ask several family members to assist with the duties of hosting, so that the burden does not fall on one person.

5. Recruit teenagers to help entertain the younger children, so that the adults can enjoy the day as well.

Although there is no sure way to alleviate 100% of holiday stress, you can reduce the amount of stress you choose to deal with. The holidays are a great time to kick back and reflect on family and all the blessings surrounding you. Have a most wonderful time spent with the ones you love and cheers to family, friendship & food.

Jeanee Patton

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Fear Factor by Selena Haskins There were at least 500 or more people sitting in the auditorium at Roosevelt High School in Washington, DC. They were all there to support the cause for anti-bullying. The audience included parents, students, businesspersons, celebrity guests, people from the local community, and various news media. I was one of 20 guest speakers invited to share my knowledge on this platform.

The Program Director of this very important event had read my article with Sistah's Place Magazine about bullying. I had never imagined that the article would bring me to an occasion of this magnitude. Still, I was nervous, scratch that, I was afraid! Sweat beads formed on my forehead and lined the creases of my hands as I stood backstage waiting uneasily for my turn to speak.

When the MC read my bio and called me to the stage, my feet felt cemented to the floor and I could not move. The curtains peeled back and I was still standing there as if my own name had become foreign to me. Surely, he meant a different Selena. I thought to myself, I

can’t do this. These people will think I’m a joke! I’m not a psychologist or a medical professional. I’m just an author who write books and articles.

Have you ever felt this way? Have you ever been so immobilized by fear that it hindered you from accomplishing your goals?

Fear of failure will always make a person fester self-doubt and feel inadequate. While it is a good idea to think things through, we should never focus on the worse outcome to the point that we give up on achieving our goals. Yet, many people react in fear when it comes to following through or pursuing their dreams. For some, it is a genuine fear that they will not be successful if they pursued their goals.

The paradox for others is that they may actually use fear as an excuse not to try at all.

Growing up, we have all had certain fears, and some of those fears stayed with us as adults, especially the fears we never learned to overcome or control. One of the most common fears we all have is a fear of failure. How can we overcome such fear?

I immediately said a prayer and God helped me to remember why I was there at Roosevelt High School. I thought about my purpose and the cause I was willing to support.

Once I redirected my attention elsewhere, I thought less about my fear and more about the young people who needed to know that we were there to help them. Sometimes, we have to step outside of ourselves and redirect our focus to what is important.

Imagine if our ancestors allowed their fears to conquer them. Would we have the freedom we have today? All too often, we spend a lot of time and energy on thinking the worse, and the worse never really happens.

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Thankfully, I did not allow fear to conquer me. After the ceremony, many people came up to me and shared how much they appreciated my talk. Had I allowed fear to stop me, no one would have ever heard what I had to say. I would not have been able to help anyone.

Before you allow fear to conquer you, address your fears head-on. Take an assessment of what really scares you. Are your fears holding you back from pursuing your dreams? Does fear make you feel safer or happier? Pray for guidance. Talk to someone who has overcome his or her fears and achieved success in life. Having a balanced level of fear will protect you and guide you, but never keep you from living the life you were meant to live.

Author Selena Haskins

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The Hate You Give: What it means to me?

By Desiree Harrison As I sat in my chair watching the new movie the hate you give, I felt a very deep connection to the main character Starr Carter played by Amanda Stenberg. I could relate to her as a teenager with the way she dressed and how she wore her hair. Even our style of clothes was the same so her character was relatable.

Reflecting on the movie, I could relate to where she lived and the neighborhood was filled with drug dealers and violence. We live in a society where we can't even ride our bikes out after dark without the fear of it being kidnapped or shot. As I compare this movie to my background, the women in my neighborhood cannot walk down the street without the fear of being robbed, raped, or kidnapped here on the south side of Chicago.

The title of the movie stands for Thug Life "The hate you give little infants f***s everybody." Unfortunately, this is one of the most accurate lines in the world. It's almost like a twisted game that everyone play's. I feel like the men and women in our communities struggle to find food and they depend on food stamps to feed their small children. The women struggle to find a decent job that pays enough to support a family.

Meanwhile, men then are forced to start selling drugs and doing other illegal things to help support their family. The crazy thing is that the illegal activities lead to them being arrested going to prison leaving their children. Fathers that go off to prison not only leave their teenagers but leave behind small babies that will grow up without a father to teach them how to climb trees, how to become men or be their daughters first love. A man is the protector and provider of the family.

Just as Starr’s father Maverick “Mav” Carter played by Russell Hornsby in the movie The Hate You Give. He was a former drug dealer who turned his life around and opened up his

own grocery store in the neighborhood. Maverick taught his children the rules for living in the hood and when they get pulled over by the police.

In the movie Starr (Amanda Stenberg) almost lost her baby brother after he picked up a gun to defend his father. The two cops yelling at the child with their guns pointed at him as if he was a criminal. However, Starr refused to lose her baby brother and refused to keep silent honoring the signs of Thug Life so she stepped out in front of him to say no, enough.

That particular scene in the movie made me think of my neighbor. What if we as a community stand together and say “Enough” with the drug dealers, gangs, and police brutally. Can we make a change? I honestly believe that we can end the Black on Black

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crime and the Black on White crime. It takes one minute to talk out an issue instead of fighting. Going from an argument to picking up a gun does not solve the problems. We need to not be the pawn in their game. We need to stand out and stand up. Don’t’ be silent anymore. The Hate You Give can be reversed with education and resolution. I loved the movie “The Hate You Give” which is based on the bestselling novel by Angie Thomas.

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Thanks to all of our contributing writers in 2018 1. Jeanee Patton 2. Kimberly R. Jasper 3. Terri Shayne 4. Mia Thomas 5. Aja Graves 6. Cynthia Guillory 7. Natonya Medford 8. Alexandria James 9. Selena Haskins 10. Simone Carter 11. Desiree Harrison 12.Niara Savage If you are interested in writing in our bi-monthly magazine, please send your article request to our editor at guestarticles@sistahsplace.com