Schools Out

Anybody else excited as I am that schools about to be out? Yes, the chaps--as we say down South--will be underfoot, but no more papers to grade or advisees to advise. Just 3 weeks until my summer camp, then 1.5 months of just rest and relaxation.

During this time, of course I will be promoting and selling my behind parts off. I'm actually targeting church congregations with my latest, Devil's Orchestra. I just send them a flyer, asking them to post it on the bulletin board and list the bookstores that are carrying it in their town. Sales are brisk.

Take care and keep on reading and writing.

End of school laze

Yep, I'm feeling the slow down bug creeping into my bones. It's telling me Take as much time off as you would like just coordinate everything first. Good advice. After the stress of the past year, I think the idea of me slowing down, smelling the roses, planting some roses and just communing with myself is cool as everything.

NOT!

If you know me, you know that "free time" just means I don't work on that job over there, I have time to work on this job over here. LOL. Wish me days of a clear mind ahead....

Get inside my character's heads

I've created a blog that gives more "backstory" to my three characters in Devil's Orchestra. Check it out at www.devilsorchestra.blogspot.com !

PS. I LOVE comments.

Peace out,
Sydney
www.sydneymolare.com

Promotions! Promotions! Promotions!

Well as you can see from my header, I'm in promotion mode! Yes, Devil's Orchestra is hot off the presses and I'm headed up the promotion mountain. The great thing about it is I get to meet and converse with tons of new people. And there is nothing to get the endorphins rushing like promoting a book for me! I also know that once you get a taste of Sydney Molare's writing style, you will be hooked for life!

Devil's Orchestra definitely stretched my imagination...as well as scared the pants off me! Yes, sometimes I just had to stop writing because I was afraid I was thinking about the Devil too much. Didn't want him to put me in his crosshairs and I unconsciously "channel" him up. Somehow, I pushed forward and my masterpiece was birthed.

So if you love spicy fiction with a Christian undertone, pick up Devil's Orchestra. It will definitely leave you saying, "Hmmmm...."

Sydney
www.sydneymolare.com

Devil's Orchestra. Its NOT your average novel.

I'm Cooking Now!

Just got some GREAT remarks about Devil's Orchestra! One fan described it as my BEST work yet! Am I on Cloud 9? You betcha!

Devil's Orchestra has begun with a great start and I'm hoping to continue this course. So pick up your copy today @ www.sydneymolare.com, www.amazon.com, www.bn.com or www.booksamillion.com ! You won't regret it.

Sydney
www.sydneymolare.com

Got another story published

It's out! The Underground Voices Anthology, featuring my story "Possessions" is out on the shelves now! This powerful story written from the viewpoint of a pedophile has garnered much attention--praise and revulsion. It is definitely my most controversial one. Look for it on a shelf near you!

The Devil's Gonna Git Cha!

It's on its way...Devil's Orchestra is finally born! I tell you I am more than proud of this novel here. Yes, my thoughts and ideas are there but I believe they will resonate with the masses. Good or bad, I appreciate the publicity folks!

Keep your eyes open. A free copy may be headed your way any day now!

Syd

www.sydneymolare.com

Caramel Flava

Well, guys. Just found out last week that my story "Overhaul" has been selected for Zane's newest anthology, Caramel Flava! (((SCREAMS))) I'm am past excited at being selected for this great honor! Ain't no stopping me now! Wish me continued luck.

Syd

Move ova! I'm coming through!!!

DEVIL'S ORCHESTRA...It's NOT your average novel.
www.sydneymolare.com

Hello, hello, hello!!!

Have I been missing in action or what? I can't believe its been over a month since i last posted but that's how life is sometimes...just gets away from you.

I've been very busy getting Devil's Orchestra ready for release. I held back a bit because Grandmama's Mojo Still Working suddenly got hot, hot, hot! I submitted it for a NAACP Image Award so I've got my fingers crossed. By anywho, Devil's Orchestra will be out in just a smidgen.

I'm not touring yet this year. I'm too busy to get through the regular grind to add flying, driving and book registrations on top of it all. Sometimes you've just got to let things go...so I did.

Y'all take care and I'll hit you back soon.

Another Award

Just found out that Small Packages had been awarded 2004 Erotic Fiction of the Year by the Mahogany Book Club of Craryville, NY! Better late than never! This baby is slowly but surely racking them up! Keep on, baby, keep on!

Happy Holidays

I'm usually swinging from one emotion to the other--Scrooge to Ms. C laus--this time of year, depending on life circumstances. This year--I'm happy to report---I'm Ms. Claus. I need to change it to Ms. Clawssssssss becauuuuuuuse once my honey gets ova heah, I'm gonna ******************** (too explicit even for the internet !)

I've just thown my Grandmama's Mojo Still Working hat into the 37th Annual NAACP award ring and I am hyped. Underground Voices just informed me my story Possession would be part of its anthology! I'm just about finished with revisions on Triango for Kensington books...this has been a hellova year!

Now stay tuned....Devil's Orchestra is about to burn you.................

Take care!

Syd

Introspection

My journey to authorhood has been an exciting one. I've stepped beyond any comfort zone I might have had, spread my wings and been rewarded in meeting many new people. Some who knew of me, many who'd never heard my name but supported me nevertheless.

There were also "angels" who entered my life. Some came bearing a word of encouragement, others had the skills I needed, at the exact time I needed them at an affordable expense. Thank you.

No, this is not a farewell post. Just a realization of the power within all of us that we never use. How little is required to take someone further than they thought they could go.

I hope we all take a moment to reflect on our blessings and good fortune we've encountered daily. Take care.

Devil's Orchestra, it NOT your average novel.
www.sydneymolare.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME

Today's my birthday. Happy Birthday to me...and so on. I had an online birthday bash in Sydney's Planet and it was loads of fun. Many thanks to the authors who stopped by: Delinda Jasper, www.delindajasper.com, Sylvia Hubbard, www.sylviahubbard.com, Count, www.countkreweproductions.com , Michelle Davis, Timothy Kelly, and of course thoses fans--you know who you are.

It was fun and a little tiresome. I gave away prizes to those who wanted to get one, so I'm happy and they should be happy also. If you didn't get a prize, you just didn't want one.

Another year, more goals...now I'm off on a hot dinner date with my 15 YO sweetie named Gar. Take care!

Self-Evaluation

This week, I've done some re-evaluating of my life. I got naked like I suggested in some of my earliest posts and looked at where I've been, where I am and where I want to go. I was brutally honest with me, myself and I. Thus, I've got a trashcan than needs dumping 'cause I've thrown out what doesn't work, things I don't have time to see if it will finally work and things I am unwilling to commit to fully. **Inhale** My head is clearer and heart lighter. Saying "No" when you mean to, need to or just want to is a right we all need to exercise regularly. I don't plan to be too blunt (as my brother says I am). But I do plan to participate in things that "fit" with me, whatever, wherever and whoever they are.

Peace.

Cover2Cover Book Club Update

I'm back!

Yes, I participated in the Cover2Cover Book Club Conference this past weekend in Houston, TX. I think this is the first one where I've actually gone to a lot of the sessions and participated so fully versus just being a vendor. Very interesting experience.

It was great to put faces to names I'd only read about: Erica Martin, M Bridges, Cydnex Rax, Victor McGlothin, The Gumbo Sisters, Nicolle Parker

Let me also say it was nice to revisit and make some new friends: Tina Brooks McKinney, Erica Perry, Vincent Alexandria

Looking for a Silver LIning?

Devil's Orchestra has got me hyped! I just rewrote the ending and I'm feeling this baby here! Choices...repercussions...redemption. My publicist says it sound like Christian fiction. But I made up a whole 'nother genre: Quasi-Spiritual fiction. I'll just say this: It's NOT your average novel and I know it.

Want to get some clues about the book? I'm holding a Silver Lining Contest to give away some silver for good luck...or to ward off evil. Just join my yahoo group: Sydney Planet, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sydneyplanet/ and jum right in. I'm giving away a .999 pure silver bar every few days. Try your luck. You just might win!

I'm now off to the Texas Size Book Club Conference in Houston, TX. I'll meet, greet and rub elbows with others that have been at it for a minute. And don't think I don't plan to massage that information in. I do.

Operation Restoration

To contribute to the Katrina relief effort, I have coordinated with churches in the Atlanta area to hold Operation Restoration. This is a day set aside to "beautify" and uplift those displaced by Katrina. We will have beauticians, nail techs and barbers on hand to bring back the glow the evacuees may need when looking for work in this new area. Cards will be distributed allowing persons one (1) free service. Please do not discount this as shameless promotion. Looking good on the outside also helps one feel better on the inside.

In addition, I am asking for book donations. No, you don't have to be an author just select a book you have enjoyed or one you just want to pass along. I do ask that you write an inspiring and uplifing message inside and sign your name beneath it. This adds to the power of positivity and they need all the positives they can get at this time. There is no restriction on the type of book you may mail. I'm taking them all. I'll let them decide what they want to read from the selections. I only asking for 1 book per person.

If you would like to be a part of this effort, please mail your book to:

Carriage and Coach Events
C/O Operation Restoration
415 Wayside Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30045

I hope others will hold their own Operation Restorations in their areas. Thanks again!
To brighten your day, pick up a copy of Somewhere In America! www.somewhereinamerica.net.

Sydney
www.sydneymolare.com

Twists of Fates

I am always left in wonder at how fate works in our life. Fate has shown me that we really need to let the idea go that we actually can run and plan our lives. We think we are, but just use your head. If that were true, why does the reality always veer from the original plan. You wanted to marry a tall, dark, handsome educated man but ended up with a short, redhead with a GED but who loves you unconditionally. Go figure.

I know that in this literary arena, fate has sprinkled itself into my life. It was fate that lead me to Tina McKinney who introduced me to Carol King Brooks, my publicist. Carol "understands" my vision. She doesn't narrow my imaginations, she feeds them. We have and are conceiving some innovative ways to market me and its working. Now isn't that fate? I know you skeptics are saying just good timing. Pshaw!

I also read a great book, The Simple Touch of Fate. This is a masterpiece of true short stories which show fate in action. It touched my life and will do the same for yours. Here are the links:

Book site: www.thefatesite.com
And my review here:
Amazon reviews

Take care and hope you are more blessed today than yesterday!
www.sydneymolare.com

Katrina's aftermath

As the world has seen, Katrina cut a path of destruction through the southern states. Our community felt her vengeance but in most respects we were blessed. Yes, we were without--and many still are--electricity, water and gas. But we have them now, even though the gas is in short supply and the wait is long. Huge trees fell around the homes but none on top of houses. I lost siding and shingles but not enough damage to call the insurance company about. My brother is from NO and his house is under water. But their attitudes are good and insurance was plentiful. They seem to be viewing this as an opportunity to make a change--something they had been considering anyway.

Let us all take a moment to reflect on how blessed we truly are in our lives. Yes, you may not have the money you want or the companion to spend the rest of your life with, but if you are breathing, eating, seeing and able to cool down at will...you are very blessed.

My prayers go out to all the evacuees and others affected by this storm. I especially would ask that if anyone has seen or know the whereabouts of author, Vanessa Johnson or Ama, Louisiana, please post a reply. We haven't heard from her since before the storm.

God bless us all and lets channel our actions and thoughts to the positives versus the negatives. Like my mother always says, "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar." Our world has much wrong with it, but let us not add to the problem but show those in the dark a brighter path.

Be strong.

To Be Anonymous or Not To Be?

Taking photos is something I've always struggled with. There are a myriad of reasons--known, unknown and imaginary--that I'm not the one that 'vogues' when somebody yells out "Cheese!"

But WHY are we expected to flash our fascinating mugs when someone writes our name or we write our own name? Does it change the quality of the content? Will you like it better if I look like you/am exotic/reminds you of your kid/cousin/niece/nephew? And what about the customers that put your book back because you don't look like them/they don't read books by Blacks/Indians/Hispanics/insert predjudice here?

I know for a fact that when I'm reading, it's okay if a photo is on the book but equally fine if its not. I'm caught up in the story between the cover, not the photo on the cover.

Besides, in this day and age, it never hurts to be safe. As my writing is about to kick into a sexy high, I will continue to take steps to guard my privacy and safety.

What do you guys think? How important is it to "visualize" the author before you purchase a book?

Take care and keep reading andI'll keep writing!