Non-fiction

May 8, 2019

A’Lelia Bundles On A’Lelia Walker, Patron of the Arts

Author, journalist, and public speaker A\’Lelia Bundles is the great-great-granddaughter of Madam C. J. Walker, a black female millionaire during a time when it was monumental. A’Lelia’s biography of her of her is titled, On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker. May 25, 2019 is the 100 year anniversary of her death and is recognized by the May 2019 issue of Essence magazine with a contributed feature by A’Lelia, her proud descendant.

Also buzzing with excitement is Netflix’s scheduled 2020 release of a 4-part movie series based on the book, starring Octavia Spencer. Can’t wait to see it!

A’Lelia Bundles’ upcoming book, The Joy Goddess of Harlem: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance, is about her great-grandmother. Yes, they have a shared name.

The Madam C. J. Walker website introduces A’Lelia Walker as:

The only child of Madam C. J. Walker, A’Lelia Walker (pronounced Ah-LEEL-ya) hosted one of the most memorable salons of the Harlem Renaissance. At “The Dark Tower,” a converted floor of her elegant New York townhouse, she entertained Harlem and Greenwich Village writers, artists and musicians, as well as visiting African and European royalty. Her parties, as well as her regal African beauty, lavish clothing and glamorous lifestyle inspired poets, painters and sculptors. Langston Hughes called her the “joy goddess of Harlem’s 1920’s.” Zora Neale Hurston outlined a play about her and her mother.

A’Lelia Walker provided an atmosphere for much joy; however, she also contributed to many causes and institutions. She led a campaign to provide ambulances for black soldiers during WWII, donated to the Silent Protest Parade against lynching, and was a leading fundraiser for a children’s center. In the arts world, she contributed by using her money, power, home, and influence to provide jobs and opportunities to actors, writers, filmmakers, caterers, musicians, etc., and advertised in black newspapers.

A project that has been in the heart and mind of A’Lelia Bundles for many years, that has kept her in a state of unrelenting research, this book is highly anticipated. It will be published by Scribner.

To see another postcard from A’Lelia Bundles, go to this link. It’s a classy picture of Madam C. J. Walker; and the post has more intriguing information about the businesses and philanthropic activities that stem from this legendary woman.

A’Lelia, this photo of your great-grandmother is dazzling! Your upcoming biography of her will surely fascinate its readers. And you have her notes to her famous friends – Awesome! Thank you for the joy of adding this postcard to my site.

~Anita~

A’Lelia Bundles On A’Lelia Walker, Patron of the Arts

April 7, 2019

Erika Raskin – She Writes What She Knows

Oooohhh… I just got all tingly when I read the synopsis of Best Intentions by Erika Raskin! How did a stay-at-home mom, who returned to her career as a hospital social worker, become the defendant in a murder trial? This medical thriller is about Marti Trailor, who grew up privileged, and is now married to a doctor who works at the same hospital. He is less than thrilled with her new position. Hmmm… I wonder why?

Erika Raskin is a Virginia author who makes the literary rounds in Richmond, Charlottesville, the Capital Beltway areas, and beyond. She has written essays for print and radio, articles, and short stories, as well as her novels. Best Intentions, set in Richmond, was a 2018 fiction finalist for the People\’s Choice Awards, an annual event by the prestigious Library of Virginia; quite an achievement!

Erika’s book, Close, has also received excellent reviews. It’s YA; however, enjoyed by adults, too, as a crossover novel.

Visit Erika’s website to find a treasure trove of blog stories, musings, and essays. Read a few and you’ll feel like you’re having a conversation with her. Actually, I did have an in-real-life chat with her at a recent Richmond event which added another notch on my meet-an-author belt!

You can also find Erika’s fiction and editing skills on the pages of Streetlight, an online magazine that publishes the work of writers, artists, photographers, and other talented creative people.

I love this awesome postcard, Erika. Thank you! It’s an introduction to Charlotteville’s McGuffey Art Center; but the star, of course, is the colorful Sistah who represents YOU. 🙂

~anita~

Erika Raskin – She Writes What She Knows

February 15, 2019

Madam C. J. Walker to A’Lelia Bundles – The Legacy Continues

Hello Visitor,

Did you notice the stamps on this postcard!? Madam C. J. Walker (1867 – 1919) was chosen for the USPS Black Heritage Series in 1998. Can you tell that I’m excited to share a pinch of her life? Well actually, her great-great-granddaughter, A’Lelia Bundles is the scholar. Her book, On Her Own Ground: The Life and Times of Madam C. J. Walker, has been reviewed and lauded by major media publications as the first comprehensive biography of this amazing entrepreneur, philanthropist, and self-made millionaire. Visit A’Lelia Bundles’ website to browse a compilation of her interesting projects and work.

If you’re not familiar with Madam C. J. Walker, you will be! A’Lelia Bundles’ book is in development as a 4-part Netflix series starring Academy Award winner, Octavia Spencer, who is in partnership with NBA Champion, Le Bron James. It’s scheduled to air in early 2020; and a new release of On Her Own Ground will be published by Scribner.

More exciting news from the Walker camp:

The Madam Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, is in a period of restoration and will be re-opened.

And…

Villa Lewaro, Madam Walker’s mansion in Irvington, New York, is now part of the New Voices Fund – a think tank for women of color entrepreneurs. It is the vision of Richelieu Dennis, founder and CEO of Sundial Brands, the parent company of the Madam C. J. Walker Beauty Culture line of hair care products.

A’Lelia Bundles has her hands full. In addition to her involvement with all things Madam Walker and writing books, she’s also a journalist and a public speaker. Her fifth book, The Joy Goddess of Harlem: A’Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance, is almost finished. It’s about her great-grandmother, who was another dynamo in the family. The book will be published by Scribner.

Thank you for this postcard and your treasured note, A’Lelia! I love seeing the confidence and beauty of your great-great-grandmother and the other women as they pause for a photo in her luxury car. 🙂 And how fitting that the postcard was designed by Helaine Victoria Press, who published women’s history postcards.

~Anita~

Madam C. J. Walker to A’Lelia Bundles – The Legacy Continues

January 1, 2019

Saeeda Hafiz – Journey to Yoga & Wellness

On her website, Saeeda Hafiz is in an array of photographs exhibiting various yoga positions. In the first photo, she appears to be ready to take flight from the rocks along the shore! It’s followed by others in her at-home yoga gallery. If I begin (and stick with) yoga classes, and adapt to healthy eating, will I be able to outstretch my arms and legs to form body lines that look like an angled letter of the alphabet?

Saeeda’s memoir, The Healing: One Woman’s Journey from Poverty to Inner Riches, reveals a life that was tainted with domestic violence, addiction, and poverty that she witnessed as a child. Later, a college education led her to a professional job and the “middle class” life she’d wanted; however, the demons would not go away.

Today, Saeeda is a yoga teacher, an author and a wellness expert. You’ll have to read her book to learn how this amazing transformation occurred! One factor – a cooking class. A bit of humor: she thought it was to learn to cook “sophisticated” meals, but instead, was surprised to be in a class that taught about holistic nutrition and food.

Saeeda’s website is full of engaging info. I was fascinated to see Salma Hayek on her client list page. On another page, the sight of her creamy carrot ginger soup had me salivating. So go check it out! I’m learning new words, like hijiki and savasana. 🙂

Thank you, Saeeda, for the beautiful, “wavy” postcard! I love your mind and soul message.

~Anita~

Saeeda Hafiz – Journey to Yoga & Wellness

November 15, 2018

Pamela Samuels Young – Mysteries That Matter!

What do they say – brains before beauty? Well, when I met Pamela Samuels Young at the James River Writers Conference, the first thing I noticed was beauty! She welcomed a conversation with me as I absorbed her glow and ultimately learned that this vibrant, smart, and confident woman is an author and was a speaker at the event.

Pamela, whose website is subtitled, Mysteries That Matter!, has recently published young adult adaptations of her book Anybody’s Daughter, about a teen who is unwittingly drawn into the world of sex trafficking, and Abuse of Discretion, a legal thriller about teen sexting. Pamela’s extensive career as an attorney and her commitment to anti-trafficking, feed her desire to write books that are spine-tingling with important messages.

Also, the multifaceted Pamela, gives us Kinky Coily: A Natural Hair Resource Guide, that encourages pride in having natural hair and the steps to achieve it as you transition.

Visit Pamela’s website where you can find and read excerpts from her many books, including a bit of erotic suspense under the pen name Sassy Sinclair. How fitting!

Click on the other menu options, too. As a recipient of prestigious awards, Pamela is requested for speaking engagements, and book club discussions with her readers! You’ll find it all there, and so much more.

Thank you, Pamela, for the Palm Springs postcard! I can see why it’s your writer’s paradise. 🙂

~Anita~

Pamela Samuels Young – Mysteries That Matter!

November 8, 2018

Amy Julia Becker – Powerful Messages

When Amy Julia Becker launched her new book, White Picket Fences, in Richmond, Virginia, I was there – and what a speech and conversation! After summarizing her early life as a white, privileged girl that continued into adulthood, the audience asked questions which Amy Julia answered with honesty and acceptance of reality.

Visit Amy Julia’s about page on her website where you will learn of her accomplishments and struggles. In her books, and in articles for well-known media, you can piece together Amy Julia’s contributions to social causes, one of which is Down syndrome. Penny, her first child, has the condition. Amy Julia’s Penny-inspired book, A Good and Perfect Gift, and the rest of the Becker family happenings (with pictures!) are also featured on the site. It’s very engaging. 🙂

I love a book cover postcard! Thank you, Amy Julia, for gifting me with yours. My collection is growing. 🙂

~Anita~

May 1, 2018

Kathleen M. Rodgers, Patriot to Page

I thought I’d take a quick look at Kathleen M. Rodgers’ website, but stayed there MUCH longer! It’s filled with all sorts of interesting things about her life and work. Most notable is her latest novel, Seven Wings to Glory, a 2017 Foreward Indies Book Award Finalist and shortlisted for the 2017 Somerset Awards. It dives into the difficult topics of racism and war; and also, love and forgiveness. Her previous novels are Johnnie Come Lately and The Final Salute, where Johnnie has to retain the strength she needs to avoid the return of bulimia, and Tuck, a Vietnam vet, goes to war again – this time in the Middle East. Go to her site to read more. And by the way, Kathleen is married to a retired USAF fighter pilot/commercial pilot; her very own research library right there at home!

In addition to the numerous awards and recognitions Kathleen and her books have received, Thorndike Press, the leading large print publisher in the United States, released Johnnie Come Lately and Seven Wings to Glory in hardcover large print editions in early 2018. Now her books are in libraries around the country (US), Canada, Australia, and New Zealand!

No break for Kathleen, though. Her current work in progress introduces Trudy and Clay, and is set in eastern New Mexico… which brings us to her postcard, a representation of her native state.

Thank you for the Georgia O’Keeffe postcard, Kathleen; and best wishes with your successful writing journey!

April 12, 2018

Danitza Borges, Strength…

The sad reality is that sexual abuse has always existed… and continues. Nowadays, movements such as Me Too are an effort to decrease it. Unrealistic, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if it could be eradicated. *sigh*

In Left Vulnerable, Danitza Borges has written about her long period of sexual trauma by a very close family member, and how she eventually escaped. Her story brings more awareness to incest and abuse.

In addition to her book, which will grab hold of you on the first page, she spends her professional life treating individuals and couples who have experienced sexual abuse; rendering help and healing to those who need it. Danitza can be contacted via her website, Dr. Danitza Borges.

Click on the Amazon icon below, and then the Look Inside button to read a few pages; beginning with the haunting line, If your family won’t protect you, then who will?

Thank you for your Frida Kahlo postcard, Danitza, and for signing my book. I pass your inscription on to others, which is, Be Kind to Yourself.

March 20, 2018

Heart In Hand from Stacy Hawkins Adams

Where do I begin with this prolific writer of encouragement and positivity…

Stacy published 9 novels and a nonfiction book in 10 years! Obviously creative and gifted, there must be a story going on in her head at all times. Visit her website, Stacy Hawkins Adams, to see the attractive book covers and summaries.

I’ve been to a couple of her book talks where the venue was filled with excited fans who relate to the characters. Stacy’s stories embody a hodgepodge of life’s ups and downs that keep the pages turning and the readers reflecting.

In addition to her novels, Stacy is the Inspiration Queen! She has a blog titled Life Untapped, she is a contributor to Huffington Post, she coaches (Author In You), does seminars, and is a special correspondent for the Richmond Times Dispatch… And she remains a kind and humble human being.

I Love the postcard, Stacy

December 17, 2017

A Note from Kris Spisak

With degrees from the College of William & Mary and the University of Richmond, Kris Spisak began her career as a college writing instructor; however, after six years in the classroom, she transitioned to professional writing and editing. Helping writers sharpen their craft was the driving force behind her book, Get a Grip on your Grammar: 250 Writing and Editing Reminders for the Curious or Confused (Career Press, 2017), and the creation of her writing program, Grammartopia. Kris is on the board of directors of James River Writers, the co-founder of Midlothian Web Solutions, and is also pursuing the publication of her first novel.