You Asked, I Answered and Moving

renovating

construction-06On Wednesday you asked some very interesting questions. The answers have been posted at my new location. Yes, that was my big announcement. I have a new blog.

So click on your mouse and come on over detour to my new blog located at http://sheliagoss.com/blog/

Get the answers to your questions and while there, take a look around. Be sure to let me know you were there by leaving a comment.

Hope you like my new home.

Double Platinum Contest Featuring Mariah Carey

To help celebrate the upcoming book release DOUBLE PLATINUM by Shelia M. Goss, you now have a chance to win a 2 DVD set showcasing live performances by one of the top-selling female artists of all time – Mariah Carey – The Adventures of Mimi
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=b6vo7hcab.0.0.kfv6bhcab.0&p=http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Mimi-Exclusive-DVD-Set/dp/B000X3KZVI/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1198807985&sr=8-1&id=preview&tag=word08-20&tag=word08-20How to enter: Answer the following question:
What is the name of the record executive who delivered the bad news to Parris Mitchell – either she record a hit CD or the record company would be giving her the boot? The answer can be found in an excerpt from Double Platinum at http://sheliagoss.com/books/doubleplatinum/
Send your answer to sgpublicist@aol.com and put Double Platinum in the header. You have until 11:59 p.m. est on January 30, 2008. All correct answers are eligible for the drawing.
Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. Contest open to U.S. residents only.

 THE ADVENTURES OF MIMI offers Mariah fans a must have all-access exclusive VIP pass to Mariah’s most successful tour. Shot in high definition and recorded in digital surround sound, this large scale, sold-out arena production, produced by legendary award winning producer Ken Ehrlich, is a chance for fans to see Mariah belt out power ballads, hip-hop tracks and pop classics with a special guest appearance by Boyz II Men who join Mariah to perform their record-breaking hit duet “One Sweet Day”. For her fans, it is a fantasy come true to see her and hear her famous five octave voice.
          Also on the DVD, a Spike Lee original mini movie called “Lovers & Haters” starring Carey as herself. The fifteen minute spoof chronicles a day in the life of Mariah with the “lovers and haters” she encounters along the way, and how she overcomes those obstacles to still be one of the most talented and loved musical sensations in history.
Check out THE ADVENTURES OF MIMI trailer and buy link here:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site//olspage.jsp?id=pcmcat135300050041&type=category

Mariah Carey official site:
http://www.mariahcarey.com
And MySpace page:
www.myspace.com/mariahcarey

ADVANCE REVIEWS for DOUBLE PLATINUM

Double Platinum “Double Platinum moves at break neck speed and is a thoroughly enjoyable read. If you’re looking for a novel that successfully combines glamour, suspense and intrigue with a highly charged love affair then this is the novel for you.” ~ Janice Spence, Freelance Music Journalist (Gossip/News columnist -Str8hiphop.com and former BET.com contributor and Don Diva UK , etc.)

An evocative look at the music industry from the inside. Double Platinum is a gripping portrayal of one woman’s quest to climb back to the top of the charts while overcoming personal obstacles”. ~ Vonnie Woods – HoneySoul.com

 

A Change Is Coming

Today’s quote: “In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

It’s already the second week of the month and it seems like it was January 1st just yesterday. Tomorrow I have an announcement to make. Why don’t you just tell us now, you ask?  All I will say right now is I’m excited about it. I actually outsourced and it felt good. This is coming from someone who is so used to doing everything herself.  God worked it out so that it was within budget and I got what I wanted. I hope you like the change. Feedback is surely welcomed after I make the official announcement.

I’m so excited about some of the things God is allowing me to do right now, its hard to sit still in my seat.  Right now, imagine hearing the song “I’m So Excited” playing in the background–that’s how I feel.

Ask Me Anything

Today’s quote: Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can’t ride you unless your back is bent.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

question-mark-gif.gifAsk me anything and I will answer it here on the blog on Friday. Promise…you can leave your name or leave one anonymously…I’m not scared (smile). I look forward to your questions.

The Battle of the Sexes – Or Is It? (Part 2)

Quote of the Day: “Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today’s post is by Guest Blogger V. Anthony Rivers
Dearest Beautiful…

I feel as though you mistake me for another. For I seek what most men and
some women for that matter, take for granted. In my experience(s), I’ve come
across women who fear what feels right. They run from good intentions and
efforts that say, I do, I will, for always, forever…

I could never imagine nor fathom the idea of placing my heart on the line
only to present to you a false image of the future. That to me is a waste of
time that would only serve the purpose of leaving us both exhausted. Sure,
unforseeable things happen between two people but it’s always been my belief
that once a man is blessed with commitment from a woman, that’s when the
real fun begins…

A toy or a quick thrill?
Dearest, as I said, you mistake me for another. I see and even know many who play such games to fulfill what you accuse me of. At times because of disappointments in my own relationships, I too have considered going that route. To become a man interested only in quick thrills, mindless pursuits and efforts where paydirt is another notch on my
manhood. Crazy thing though; I once discovered what I’d always believed in my heart to be true and you know what that is? In a committed relationship, love gets better; it has
purpose and the sex? Very hot! Within the realms of commitment, a man is blessed
with the opportunity to learn all of your pleasure zones from head to toe; physically and mentally… I crave that sort of committed exploration.

Man to woman-
I present to you my own nakedness and truth for everyday I fight the very
same skepticism that you carry so close to your heart. This feeling which
causes you to doubt and question a man before he can even utter words like
“how are you today?” It hurts my heart to have that which I refer to as the
most beautiful blessing on earth(Woman) convict me without so much as having
the courage to investigate my heart on a personal level.

That question you place before me; “what is it you want from me?”
I sigh whenever I hear it. My adult life flashes before my eyes because it conjures up the disappointments that I too have suffered under the guise of love. I dont fear trying again but I do fear that after you’ve witnessed the ease in which I’m willing to share my heart and soul, you will then take it for granted or run because it’s not what you’ve become accustomed to when dealing with a man.

What is it that I seek?
A chance without early conviction… Run from me if I treat you wrong or curse me out but if I show to you sincerity, passion, kindness, comfort, support, honesty, and a desire to build something together based solely on the merits of my actions; reward me with your own sincerity. Don’t run if I treat you right… Don’t walk away from the possibility that forever could potentially be right here with me… I’m not afraid. I dream about it all the time…

====================================

V. Anthony Rivers is the author of Daughter By Spirit and Everybody Got Issues and the upcoming My Life Is All I Have. He has also contributed to various anthologies including; Sistergirls.com, Chocolate Flava, Truth Be Told, and Love Is Never Painless. A native of Los Angeles, California he currently resides in Van Nuys, Ca.
Blog: http://vanthonyrivers.blogspot.com
Website: www.vanthonyrivers.com

The Battle of the Sexes – Or Is It? (Part I)

Quote of the day: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Today’s post is by Guest Blogger Sharon “Shaye” Gray

Dearest Handsome,

Is it all a farce?
A devilish ploy, designed and passed down through a wicked fraternal tradition, to make an innocent succumb to the perils of premarital sex and other various faux relationship woos.Am I your toy?
Your ultimate conquest?
Make her whimper-fall prey to the big bad wolf? Am I this said prey that has beeen once hunted in pure play in hunt of a quick thrill?
Is this deviant and ill-composed ‘chase’ really worth future heartache of another?

Are you playing me?

What is it you desire?
My sex?
My squeals from intimacy induced dances?

I plead in lack of angst or even in seek of anything else beyond pure curiosity derived from my deep skepticism, grave fear and horrific past heartbreak.

What is it that you want from me?

Woman to man—
Straight with no chaser
I present to you in all of my nakedness. My truth.

Will you let me be…let me free…leave me…
If it is so—that your intentions are tainted for other desires than love.

If you seek a lover—solely and purposefully please let it be known and save me another grudgingly heartache at the expense of my dignity.

Let me be.

If you seek a buzz—a quick sexual jolt, an exchange of temporary ecstasy—be loud with your tongue and speak your rendition of the truth. I will listen.

Do you not aspire all of my essence in which enthralls one and weaves a collage of passions and whimsical tales of wanderlust?

You see…and I whisper this from within so mark my honesty with my life and the life of my unborn.

I like divinely, adore intensely and love immensely.

That’s my hand of truth—in all is bare so I plead in earnest repertoire,
For you to reveal your earthy intentions with me. My affair. My adulation. My love
Confess now, let it generously, and mercifully unfold…
Is it, indeed all a farce, as it was softly, from above, undoubtedly told?
To me. About you.

What is it that you seek?

====================================

Sharon “Shaye” Gray is the Co-Founder of Essentially Women Writing Group, and co owns Eve’s Literary Services with Lorraine Elzia. Ms. Gray works full time as a high school teacher and part time as an evening instructor for adult education; she has her B.A in English, Master’s degree in Public Administration and Doctorate in Higher Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Adult Education.

Guest Blogger – Unequally Yoked

Unequally Yoked

What’s a couple to do when they discover they’re unequally yoked,

They’re in love…

Had a nice wedding,

The sex is hot and often…

Occasionally they have conversations…

But,

Now you knew there would be a but or two…

Ambition wise they couldn’t be more different,

Her focus is climbing the corporate ladder, shattering glass ceilings,

He is perfectly content, going to work eight hours a day, five days a week,

Then coming home to dinner, hopefully prepared by her, having a drink, chilling out with his head in her lap, watching ESPN,

Or,

She wants a baby right now,

Her biological clock is ticking, racing and winding down,

He would just as soon wait until they are forty, after all isn’t life just fine, the way it is…

When do these conversations take place?

During the courtship,

On the honeymoon,

Two years in,

On the way to the break-up?

I’m not sure I know the answer for all,

And I certainly understand, that we can’t be totally yoked,

However, when it comes to things as serious,

As babies and lifetime aspirations,

Some things probably should be planned before the broom is jumped…

What do you think?

Blessings,

Angelia

http://acvermen.blogspot.com/

January 2008 Newsletter

 If you can’t view, go to the following link: http://www.sheliagoss.com/newsletter.htm 

January 2008 

Official Newsletter

Author Shelia M Goss

In This Issue
Featured Reading
5 Year Anniversary
Contest
Must Read List
Live Love Laugh & Books
Sponsored By
Double Platinum
Its a new year and its time for a new start. As one year ends and another one begins, its time to make some much needed changes. Procrastination was left behind. What I can do today, I will. Dead weight has been lost. In order to move forward on the path God has set forth, life can’t remain stagnant. Change isn’t always easy; but change will come whether you prepare for it or not. As my friends know, my life changed at the end of 2007. I lost someone dear to my heart. As I reminisced about the good times I was blessed to share with my grandfather, I also took time to reflect on other areas of my life.  Although I don’t know what 2008 will hold; I will do my part to make sure I’m working towards my personal and professional goals. Learn from the past and live for today. Its time to embrace not only a new year but a new start.

May God’s blessings overflow in your life this year and beyond.

SG’s Quicklinks
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001McMhmGS9Q6vgQaw59cQf6TeLj0IfjrVj1QTyLUH5nsLOddSZvts9d5XpboCoBj2BzMCYnaNktKhOkSKvOJFkC0CFPXShx2pXmqo7rWtArL9vZ8kDoOx72HDgswajEo6cvuHpNsVqCrMQ0LgFkla_Chvuj-8-NLAPXYTp5ThymD0kAVUvp5nwkziSN4Yj5q5vHzEoe4KjeQeEwkURXbCYGrB0jdf0XY7-LOTKbS78WQ5o98n_ZVhM7t4qMQh7YdbJ9v6YXYR_Ldyx-GcPnnEWVe8RwCXiNeDBVst7apWLe2Q=

Advance Reviews for Double PlatinumDouble PlatinumReview by Janice Spence, Freelance Music Journalist (Gossip/News columnist -Str8hiphop.com and former BET.com contributor and Don Diva UK , etc.)Double Platinum takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride through the life of R&B star Parris Mitchell, who is forced to turn her career around after falling off the top spot while struggling to overcome a former lover’s betrayal, a major bout of depression and unwanted media attention.

However there is light at the end of a very dark tunnel which comes in the form and shape of handsome hit producer Casper.

Sheila Goss’ latest novel provides an exciting, unique and insightful look in to the music industry through the eyes of Parris Mitchell. A singer desperate to reclaim her spot at the top of the charts while embarking on a very intense relationship with her producer turned lover Casper.

This page turning love affair keeps you gripped throughout, wondering if it can survive due to Parris’ impending comeback, her trust issues, an interfering reporter going by the name of Sandy and Parris’ “I think the world, revolves around me” attitude.

It’s this attitude that often leaves you feeling less than sympathetic towards Parris during her often traumatic journey, and feeling sorry instead for the people closest to her.

However Goss skillfully reminds us that underneath Parris’ sometimes hard R&B diva exterior is an insecure young woman who just wants to be loved and respected when it’s all said and done.

Double Platinum moves at break neck speed and is a thoroughly enjoyable read. If you’re looking for a novel that successfully combines glamour, suspense and intrigue with a highly charged love affair then this is the novel for you.

DOUBLE PLATINUM BY SHELIA M GOSS will be in stores March 2008.List Price: $6.99
To Pre-Order: Amazon.com

FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Not only is it a new year, but its also the five year anniversary since I sent out my very first newsletter. Double Platinum I wanted to thank everyone who has taken the time to read them over the years.  The newsletter has evolved from a word document to an interactive online newsletter.

  To help celebrate my upcoming book release DOUBLE PLATINUM, you now have a chance to win a 2 DVD set showcasing live performances by one of the top-selling female artists of all time – Mariah Carey – The Adventures of Mimi. 

http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001McMhmGS9Q6vQzXZNdbUHfXhRlSD0qacr3ooBWDkiAgtZ3ERQ13Nwq-jYHvEfUCy-vtgbcF5hZ4cAKO3o08Q_IKiSr3JcTrTx8Sp407wj83Int2v4TouJcot00DvNnAwTQ0FyK-KhxgRTHRxU6J2uiaJghEhgMhPmQsV7QX-3wbvVMKOuWtjKs3VewUDoNEbqfRNqrgHkMx2hi4X8_i2jUe5jIzwPF8lkRLoZEyt0lwHIENjZEx0WMUBzDzK4RrZlz8N9pS6iZ0tjW53W-9eotQ==How to enter: Answer the following question:

What is the name of the record executive who delivered the bad news to Parris Mitchell – either she record a hit CD or the record company would be giving her the boot? The answer can be found in an excerpt from Double Platinum at www.sheliagoss.com/doubleplatinum.htm 
Send your answer to sgpublicist@aol.com and put Double Platinum in the header. You have until 11:59 p.m. est on January 30, 2008. All correct answers are eligible for the drawing.
Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. Contest open to U.S. residents only.

http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001ZjaDcRenUQQorWoYP0DYLQDrBAyjUIuKXz7p_38SmC0YjJgSl3ljKwlL63VCZIwq7SoWKNWErCeRzN-h9XGbkbCALNEWyboWMUST READ LISTAre you a book worm too? Here are a few books I recommend adding to your reading list.

No Girl Needs a Husband Seven Days a Week by Nina Foxx
On The Line by Donna Hill
Hook, Line And Single by Marcia King-Gamble
Passin’ by Karen E. Quinones Miller
Sin No More by Kimberla Lawson Roby
Nappily Faithful by Trisha R. Thomas
Something On the Side by Carl Weber

Stop by your favorite local book store or order online by clicking link:

Amazon.com 

Join

LiveLoveLaughandBooks · Romance Fiction Readers and Fans

Four romance fiction authors: Gwyneth Bolton, Shelia Goss, Michelle Monkou, and Celeste O. Norfleet have combined resources and positive energy to form a readers/fans group. Lively discussion is encouraged about the latest romance book, to current events, to anecdotal messages. Authors will also share book release news, contest information, and their point of view of a variety of topics. Jump on board.
To subscribe send a blank email to: LiveLoveLaughandBooks-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Newsletter Sponsored by

http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001McMhmGS9Q6stzxpGTAiouwQYqtYPZcHzsaBVrWlzwtcxQ-XmiNVYtPMOn9d86Tg64JDNDaz33inVJQfBEFYwm7XqCuCv1ADRXxCSXfCM5MdB8eq-vD05xQ==

This could be your ad. If you would like your ad in next month’s newsletter, send an email to  sheliagoss@aol.com for details.
Double Platinum

Happy New Year

Double Platinum
Its a new year and its time for a new start. As one year ends and another one begins, its time to make some much needed changes. Procrastination was left behind. What I can do today, I will. Dead weight has been lost. In order to move forward on the path God has set forth, life can’t remain stagnant. Change isn’t always easy; but change will come whether you prepare for it or not. As my friends know, my life changed at the end of 2007. I lost someone dear to my heart. As I reminisced about the good times I was blessed to share with my grandfather, I also took time to reflect on other areas of my life.  Although I don’t know what 2008 will hold; I will do my part to make sure I’m working towards my personal and professional goals. Learn from the past and live for today. Its time to embrace not only a new year but a new start.

May God’s blessings overflow in your life this year and beyond.

For Contests and to see what’s new for 2008, read the January 2008 newsletter:  http://www.sheliagoss.com/newsletter.htm

Dedication and Farewell

Grandfather

His strength protected me

His wisdom educated me

His love shines through me.

Dedicated to the one man who showed me unconditional love this side of heaven.

JC Hogan (1916 – 2007)

I will be offline for awhile but wanted to wish all of my regular blog visitors a Merry Christmas. I hope to resume posting and visiting each one of your blogs again in January.

May God Bless each and every one of you.

P.S. – All guest bloggers who turned in their posts, God willing, I will post them at the beginning of 2008.

By Shelia Posted in Life

Today’s Inspiration

If we focus too much on ourselves and the troubles in our lives, it is very difficult to be happy. Lord, refresh my spirit, help me let go of longing to become something I am not and show me how to be the best of who I am.

Random Daily Inspiration

Get and keep a good humored attitude toward life. This will bring you support rather than opposition. Lord, may I always be a peacemaker.

 ~ Author Unknown

By Shelia Posted in Life

OPB Friday…Relationships, Books, New York 2 Drama and more

O.P.B. stands for Other People Blogs. These are a few places I visited this past week. Check them out:

New Song by Janet Jackson – Is it a Hit or Miss? You Decide: Feedback – LISTEN

Single Black Male has several interesting posts on his blog.  Check out Fundamental Character Flaw.

Don over at Minus the Bars talked about “A man aint supposed to cry…”

MegaRich asked the question about today’s AA books – Are they any good?

One of my favorite writers Bettye Griffin interviewed another writer I admire over on her blog.

Marcia King-Gamble is a national best selling author who has written for Kensington, BET Books and St. Martin’s Press. She now writes for several Harlequin lines.  – Five Questions for . . . Marcia King-Gamble Welcom…

Princess Dominique has  I Love New York 2 Drama – The Buddha Conspiracy on her blog, plus several other entertainment posts.

Well… at this point in time on the show I have summarized conclusively that New York “sexually get’s off” on drama. I am wholly a pleaser by nature, so drama is what I give her. The Punk is a COMPLETE back-stabber and uses New York’s trust in him to manipulate her with his lies. What you also didn’t see is while he was conspiring and plotting against me behind my back he was pretending everything was all good to my face… until I called him out on it… you call it. He got played and pimped by New York but I’m sure he found plenty of other boys to wrestle in South Beach before leaving. Read more…

Bishop Thomas Weeks III and Juanita Bynum on the Morning Shows

This week’s eye candy comes courtesy of Karen Knows Best.


Adrianne Byrd always knows how to find the best eye candy. Check out the hunk for this week:

C stands for Cheater

If you’ve ever been cheated on then you know how it feels to be betrayed. The one who is supposed to have your back, stabs you in the back.  Sometimes the woman he cheated with might not know he’s already involved, but then there are times, well there are times when they know. 

The old saying “it takes two to tango” holds true for cheating. Have you ever met a guy and knew he was offlimits, but still felt the need to get to know him better? Did you trick yourself into believing you could just be friends, but ended up in between the sheets? Did he make false promises saying that his wife or girlfriend doesn’t understand him and he can’t wait to get rid of them for you?

If you’ve ever found yourself in any of the above situations, you are an enabler. You have enabled the man to cheat. How? Well, knowing upfront that a man is involved should have been a sign to you that he is “no good.” Grant it, he might be good in between the sheets, but morally, if he cheats on the woman he has at home with you, then first of all he has little respect for you.

Why be with a man that doesn’t respect you? If he doesn’t respect you, he will treat you like a trick. Oh, he might be spending some benjamins on you, but honey child, where is the respect?

Ask yourself, if you were the woman, would you like the fact that your man is out sleeping with someone else? You already know the answer to that is not NO, but in the words of Whitney, “Hell to the Naw.”

So the next time a man who has a wife or girlfriend offer you his love (a/k/a the beef) without hesitation, tell him you’re not the one and if that doesn’t work, threaten to kick him in the balls. Okay, that might be a little extreme, but you get the point.

C stands for Cheater–don’t be an enabler.