Review: Somewhat Saved

Inspirational, African American Romantic Comedy
Somewhat Saved
Pat G’Orge-Walker

Summary: Mother Sarah Shady and Sasha Pray Onn's, the feisty Mother Board leaders of Ain't Nobody Saved But Us--All Others Going to Hell church believe God's favor shines only on them. But when the new pastor[Leotis Walker] takes the helms of the church the Mother Board becomes disheveled. Instead of sending Sarah and Sasha he sends Sister Betty, Pelzer's moral compass. All learn an important lesson about themselves and their faith.

Zipoorah Moses[Sister Sasha's niece], was homeless and dejected by a two-bit hustler when Chandler Lamb[Sister Betty's godson] hires her as a casino cocktail waitress. Zipporah needs this job or she's back on the streets, but she can't control her growing attraction to her boss. (Dafina, April, 288pp., $22.00)

Read full review and rating in Romantic Times Magazine at newstands now.

Why Fiction Matters: Bynum on Divorce Court

We writers spend months trying to come up with compelling fiction to write about. Yet we are often trumped by sad and weird reality. Televangelist Juanita Bynum will be on television... this time on Divorce Court? Please explain this to me...

Any writing prompts from this one? I feel a new Law & Order episode in the near future.

Earth Day: Handmade Books & Byzantine Bling

In College I fell in love with two things: The Byzantine Era Illuminated Bibles and Artists books. One day the Lord will bless me with another digital camera and I will show the books I've made. I'm currently building a mockup of an African-American girls Bible stories book for Selah. By the time I'm done she'll be a tween. This thing is hard. Until then--in honor of Earth Day I want to showcase some nice spots I found devoted to book arts.

To my write is an illuminated page of Saint Mark writing his Gospel. Real gold is inked on those pages. Bling, bling!

The one below is a book made from discarded blue jeans. Love the pocket. The artist is Farkkukirja

Also of note: A Children's handsewn book: Why Am I Christian?

We talk often about writing books, but can you imagine the craftsmanship it takes to build a book with your hand? It is a humbling experience I encourage you to do. Handsewn books are great gifts.

Off Topic: Writer, Brandon Satrom and I are chatting on Twitter about this question: When is it time to scrap a story and start over? Not abandon it but start fresh? Come twit with.

What's your answer?