Vocal Expressions

This was my first time reading anything by Claudia Burgoa. The storyline drew me in and I couldn’t wait to see how Jackson Spearman, an impatient, demanding, and very private billionaire would fare against Amy Walker, a clever virtual assistant who took over while his assistant went on maternity leave for three months. The story unfolded via a blend of emails, text messages and in-person meetings at various places. I enjoyed the back-and-forth banter emails at the beginning of the story between Jackson and Amy. Jackson, the ever-stubborn CEO and Amy’s ability to expand his taste in food, music, and places to explore was quite a task but she accomplished this in her devious ways.  They then settled into a rhythm of sharing quotes and playlists. This led to them divulging more personal things: dating, trust issues and heartbreaks. Without giving away too much of the story, when they finally met in person (revealing who they truly were) it was to resolve some confusion and ultimatel...

Author’s Bio: Desmond Williams is an educator, former principal, and author. He has spent his entire professional career working with youth serving as a teacher and principal.  He received his bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Howard University and his master’s degree from George Washington University. He started his career as a special educator. His expertise includes, support for Black males, restorative justice, relationship building, and family engagement.  Desmond served six years at an all-boys school in Washington DC, teaching for four years and serving as an administrator and principal for two more years.  Afterwards, Desmond launched Nylinka School Solutions which helps educators increase their level of engagement and investment in boys of color.  Desmond released his first book, The Burning House: Educating Black Boys in Modern America, in February of 2020. Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book? Desmond Williams:  ...

Author’s Bio: “The thing I write will be the thing I write.” Chris wouldn’t trade his northeast Philly upbringing of street sports played on blacktop and concrete, fistfights, brick and stone row houses, and twelve years of well-intentioned Catholic school discipline for a Philadelphia minute (think New York minute but more fickle and less forgiving). Chris has had some lengthy stops as an adult in Michigan and Connecticut, and he thinks Pittsburgh is a great city even though some of his fictional characters do not.  He still does most of his own stunts, and he once passed for Chip Douglas of My Three Sons TV fame on a Wildwood, NJ boardwalk. He’s a member of International Thriller Writers, and his work has been recognized by the National Writers Association, the Writers Room of Bucks County (PA), and the Maryland Writers’ Association. He likes the pie more than the turkey.  Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book? Chris Bauer: Zero Island is a crime thril...

Thanks to all the poets (Wendye Savage, Alan King, Otis Sprow, Jade Wilnona, Monica Hudson, Patti Ross and Nanette Buchanan) who shared their talents with my audience this month and my audience for showing them some love. In closing out National Poetry Month, I would like to share this poem with you.   THE HUNTED By Deliah Lawrence   New on the scene No more shackles From the past.   He’s a breath of fresh air Innocent enough So she thought.   Late night calls Awaken her No sleep in sight.   Flowers arrive Beautiful in arrangement Yet disturbing the mind.   A thunderous knock A crashing sound Freaks her out.   Fear seeps in Her heart pounds No safe haven around.   Losing her mind It’s been just a week He’s already hooked.   Reality sets in There’s no denying She’s the hunted.  

I’m really getting hooked on reading sexy and steamy romance novels. Anyway, this is the first time I’m reading anything by Cassia Leo. I like her storytelling style of moving between the past and the present, allowing readers to learn the characters’ backstories and bringing things full circle.  So let’s meet Kristin Owens, a sassy NYU art college student who dropped out to care for her mom by working as a waitress at Cantina Joe’s to pay the rent for their South Bronx apartment. Angry that she has received an eviction notice for alleged nonpayments, she storms down to the property management company to fix the clerical error. While there she meets Daniel, a handsome and well-dressed stranger who saved the day by paying the rent. The chemistry between them was instant. Daniel showers her with attention something she hasn’t had in a while. He appears to be the knight in shining armor showing up to save her from a jerk at Cantina Joe’s and from folks trying to hurt her. While sh...

Poet’s Bio: Nanette M. Buchanan is a native of Newark, New Jersey now residing in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She first set her pen to pad, as written expressions of her love for poetry. To date, her pen-to-pad accomplishments include three volumes of poetry, four yet-to-be-published children’s books, one published children’s book, and thirteen published novels. When asked what genre best describes her novels, she teasingly answers, “Reality Fiction”. Her preferred genre is women’s fiction or crime fiction, but readers will attest they all have suspense, mystery and a dramatic twist. Now retired, Nanette has begun speaking about the realities many must face in life. As a motivational and transformational speaker, it is her goal to open a dialogue that will mend deep rooted issues for many. Her company is I Pen Visions, LLC which hosts many of her ongoing projects. As the CEO, she has launched I Pen Magazine, a quarterly magazine, and I Pen Podcast – Let’s Talk About It which streams...

About the Poet:  Patti Ross, Orator, Poet, Poor Peoples Advocate, Feminist Warrior  Why I write…  Much of my writing stems from my interest in social justice. I come from a family that has always believed in the basic right of a human being is to exist at a level of equity in society. My family also believes that it is our responsibility as citizens of this country and members of our communities to work toward inclusion of all persons. This nation wrote words in a constitution defining what it means to be citizen. I believe we must abide by those words. When we say “all men are created equal” it is our duty to put action behind it.  As a writer of poetry and a spoken word artist, I hope that in creating with both words and speech; I am putting to action the reminders we are all created equal–no man, no woman–is intrinsically better than the next. I hope to shed light on untold stories of history and survival of the black and brown people of this nation. I was t...