Tag Archives: domestic violence

Their Darkest Hour by D.C. Wiggins- Domestic Violence the Silent Killer

Their_Darkest_Hour_cover

About “Their Darkest Hour”

Their Darkest Hour is a short fiction novel that looks at the multiple social identities of a woman (as wife, caregiver, supporter, employee as just a few of the roles.) Their Darkest Hour also deals with the hidden shame of domestic violence. Inspired by true events, Their Darkest Hour tells a story of disappointment, pain, temptation, and betrayal. Will this couple learn the importance of truth and wisdom as they experience their darkest hour?

Their Darkest Hour by D. C. Wiggins, is 50% off during October only on http://www.smashwords.com/ with coupon code YV97D. This is in honor of domestic violence awareness month.

DCWiggins

About the Author

Dr. De’Andrea Wiggins is committed to helping you grow spiritually and excel professionally. She is the author of “Their Darkest Hour” and co-author of “Reboot Global Breakout: Small Group Study Guide”. Dr. Wiggins has been an educator since 1996 and has seven years of experience in diversity and inclusion. A dynamic speaker and expert facilitator, Dr. Wiggins has presented at corporations, universities, and churches across the United States and Canada.

Dr. Wiggins is the Interim Director for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. She is also the vice-president of the Virginia Park Community Investment Associates. Dr. Wiggins serves as the Pastor of Small Groups for Impact Church, under the direction of Pastor Keenann R. Knox. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University in African-American studies. Additionally, Dr. Wiggins holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Theology, and has earned a Doctorate of Religious Education from Destiny Christian University.

Interview Questions with Dr. De’Andrea Wiggins ( D. C. Wiggins author of Their Darkest Hour) by Linda Fegins

What would you like readers to take away from your book?

I want my readers to feel hopeful after reading Their Darkest Hour. I want them to know regardless of the circumstance they find themselves in, there is hope, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

What inspired you to write about the issues of domestic violence?

I was inspired to write this book because domestic violence is often difficult to talk openly about. This short novel provides the backdrop for deeper conversations to take place as individuals and groups explore the complexities of domestic violence and the roles of women at home and in society.

How can we help to address this issue of domestic violence?

It’s challenging because many people hide behind a mask as if all is well, when internally they are screaming to be free. How can you help? Prayer is our first line of defense. Pray that God’s will be done. Pray that all negative soul ties are broken. Pray that any areas of vulnerability are filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Pray that by the Holy Spirit, you are shown how to be of greater assistance while protecting the person’s well being. Also mento young women and men about the proper roles.

Mentor a young lady so that she understands her worth and knows not to accept any type of abuse in relationships. Mentor a young man so that he understands what it means to be a “suitor”, a gentleman, and a covering for a woman. Confront societal norms which accept or condone verbal, physical, or sexual abuse. Things will only change if you change. The time to do it is now.

What is your current book project?

My current book project is entitled “Almost Doesn’t Count”. It is also a fiction novel, yet this one looks at the obstacles urban youth face growing up in the inner city and completing their education.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

I come up with ideas for my books based on real life experiences. Fiction allows readers to explore their own feelings through the lives of the characters.

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?The three things I wished I had known before I reached where I am now is that (1) everyone needs mentors (2) create and follow a disciplined savings plan for the future (3) you don’t “go through” for you, but your testimony can bless someone else.

What did you learn while writing this book?

While writing Their Darkest Hour, I learned to just write, then revise later. It’s most important to get the information down first, then make corrections and even deletions later.

If you could have dinner with three authors to talk with about their writing ,living or deceased , who would you invite and why?

If I could have dinner with three authors about their writing, I would want it to be Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti, and Jerry Jenkins. These are all fiction authors who are Christians, yet their work is so compelling and rich with descriptions that encapsulate you in the storyline. I love to read their work. Good writers are also good readers!

Dr. De’Andrea Wiggins can be contacted at:
http://about.me/DrDee

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Filed under Domestic Violence, Urban Christian

Their Darkest Hour by D.C Wiggins- Silent Killer Domestic Violence

Their_Darkest_Hour_cover

About “Their Darkest Hour”

Their Darkest Hour is a short fiction novel that looks at the multiple social identities of a woman (as wife, caregiver, supporter, employee as just a few of the roles.) Their Darkest Hour also deals with the hidden shame of domestic violence. Inspired by true events, Their Darkest Hour tells a story of disappointment, pain, temptation, and betrayal. Will this couple learn the importance of truth and wisdom as they experience their darkest hour?

Their Darkest Hour by D. C. Wiggins, is 50% off during October only on http://www.smashwords.com/ with coupon code YV97D. This is in honor of domestic violence awareness month.

DCWiggins

About the Author

Dr. De’Andrea Wiggins is committed to helping you grow spiritually and excel professionally. She is the author of “Their Darkest Hour” and co-author of “Reboot Global Breakout: Small Group Study Guide”. Dr. Wiggins has been an educator since 1996 and has seven years of experience in diversity and inclusion. A dynamic speaker and expert facilitator, Dr. Wiggins has presented at corporations, universities, and churches across the United States and Canada.

Dr. Wiggins is the Interim Director for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. She is also the vice-president of the Virginia Park Community Investment Associates. Dr. Wiggins serves as the Pastor of Small Groups for Impact Church, under the direction of Pastor Keenann R. Knox. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Michigan University in African-American studies. Additionally, Dr. Wiggins holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Theology, and has earned a Doctorate of Religious Education from Destiny Christian University.

Interview Questions with Dr. De’Andrea Wiggins ( D. C. Wiggins author of Their Darkest Hour) by Linda Fegins

What would you like readers to take away from your book?

I want my readers to feel hopeful after reading Their Darkest Hour. I want them to know regardless of the circumstance they find themselves in, there is hope, forgiveness, and new beginnings.

What inspired you to write about the issues of domestic violence?

I was inspired to write this book because domestic violence is often difficult to talk openly about. This short novel provides the backdrop for deeper conversations to take place as individuals and groups explore the complexities of domestic violence and the roles of women at home and in society.

How can we help to address this issue of domestic violence?

It’s challenging because many people hide behind a mask as if all is well, when internally they are screaming to be free. How can you help? Prayer is our first line of defense. Pray that God’s will be done. Pray that all negative soul ties are broken. Pray that any areas of vulnerability are filled with the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Pray that by the Holy Spirit, you are shown how to be of greater assistance while protecting the person’s well being. Also mento young women and men about the proper roles.

Mentor a young lady so that she understands her worth and knows not to accept any type of abuse in relationships. Mentor a young man so that he understands what it means to be a “suitor”, a gentleman, and a covering for a woman. Confront societal norms which accept or condone verbal, physical, or sexual abuse. Things will only change if you change. The time to do it is now.

What is your current book project?

My current book project is entitled “Almost Doesn’t Count”. It is also a fiction novel, yet this one looks at the obstacles urban youth face growing up in the inner city and completing their education.

How did you come up with ideas for this book?

I come up with ideas for my books based on real life experiences. Fiction allows readers to explore their own feelings through the lives of the characters.

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?The three things I wished I had known before I reached where I am now is that (1) everyone needs mentors (2) create and follow a disciplined savings plan for the future (3) you don’t “go through” for you, but your testimony can bless someone else.

What did you learn while writing this book?

While writing Their Darkest Hour, I learned to just write, then revise later. It’s most important to get the information down first, then make corrections and even deletions later.

If you could have dinner with three authors to talk with about their writing ,living or deceased , who would you invite and why?

If I could have dinner with three authors about their writing, I would want it to be Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti, and Jerry Jenkins. These are all fiction authors who are Christians, yet their work is so compelling and rich with descriptions that encapsulate you in the storyline. I love to read their work. Good writers are also good readers!

Dr. De’Andrea Wiggins can be contacted at:
http://about.me/DrDee

Leave a Comment

Filed under Domestic Violence, Urban Christian

Holy Rollers Blog Tour with ReShonda Tate Billingsley

ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a national bestselling author of 19 books, all published by Simon and Schuster/Pocket Books. In 2000, after numerous rejections from publishers, ReShonda stepped out on faith, established her own publishing company, and self published her debut novel, My Brother’s Keeper. The book caught the attention of one of the country’s top literary agents, who secured a deal for ReShonda with megahouse publisher, Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books. 

The rest, as they say, is history.

 

ReShonda went on to sign one deal after another with Simon & Schuster and to date, is considered one of the country’s top inspirational authors. Her sophomore novel, Let the Church Say Amen, is being made into a movie of which she is Executive Producer and actress Regina King is the director. ReShonda’s literary career is such a success that in 2007, she was able to leave her job as a reporter with Fox 26 News in Houston to write full time. 

ReShonda has appeared on the Essence Bestseller’s list more than 20 times, as well as The Washington Post, Dallas Morning News and Ebony Magazine Bestseller’s lists. Her books include The Devil is a Lie, Can I Get a Witness, The Pastor’s WifeLet the Church Say Amen, Everybody Say Amen, I Know I’ve Been Changed and My Brother’s Keeper. Her inspirational teen novels include Nothing But Drama, Blessings in Disguise,With Friends Like TheseGetting Even, Fairweather Friends, Friends ‘Til the End, and Caught up in the Drama. She has one non-fiction title, Help! I’ve Turned into my Mother. ReShonda has won numerous awards for her journalism, fiction and poetry writing skills. She is a five-time winner of the National Association of Black Journalists Spirit in the Words competition, one of Rolling Out Magazine’s Top 25 Women in Houston and H-Texas Magazine’s Top Professional.

 ReShonda’s upcoming projects include Holy Rollers (July 2010), Say Amen, Again (July, 2011), the teen novel Drama Queens (Fall 2010), and two travel suspense novels. The Houston native also serves as a freelance editorial and marketing consultant. She has ghostwritten four fiction projects and five non-fiction projects. She is married with three small children and does not hide her addiction to Reality TV and Facebook. 

She welcomes readers to her websites at www.reshondatatebillingsley.com. 

About the Book

Looking for Love . . . 

Lifelong friends Coco, Nita, and Audra have spent years looking for love in the arms of flashy pro athletes, hoping to land a baller but ending up with a stream of failed relationships. The beautiful and demure Coco has endured years of physical abuse from her boyfriend, Sonny, while Audra, a single mother, has dated her fair share of cheaters and yearns for a stable companion who will be a father figure to her son. And feisty, seductive Nita is tired of being the million-dollar mistress and wants to settle down—if she can find someone worth coming home to. 

Changing the Game . . . 

Now that the women are approaching thirty, they’re finding it harder than ever to compete with the pro groupies. Determined to change the game and find some worthwhile men, Audra hatches an outrageous plan. Soon the trio is “holy rolling,” masquerading as God-fearing churchgoers at a local conference for young ministers in the hopes of snagging a prominent pastor. But will their big gamble pay off? Men of the cloth are still just men, after all. As the three friends meet their potential life partners, they will have to decide how far they want to take their holy rollers scheme—each risking heartbreak while taking a chance on finding a reliable, responsible man to love and cherish, flaws and all. 

Book Review by Linda Fegins

We all know too well about groupies pursuing professional athletes. Now we are introduced to a real and growing trend, groupies trying to catch prominent pastors and ministers. In Reshonda Tate Billingsley’s Holy Rollers ,three lifelong friends are facing thirty, without a committed or wholesome relationship with a pro- athlete. Tired of failed relationships, they decide to attend a ministers’ conference masquerading as “holy and devout” churchgoers with the intention of capturing the heart or desire of a prominent pastor.

This fresh and fast paced story about the encounters of Coca, Nita and Audra with men of the cloth will keep you turning pages to determine whether they will make the right decisions to accomplish their quest.  Sweet and humble Coca, short- sighted and needy Audra, and smart, sophisticated bad girl Nita were realistic and represent women you and I know or may have known.  

Clothed in humor and wit, that makes you laugh, this original story strategically addresses several real issues for women.  Without being preachy, but leaving that to my favorite character the outspoken babysitter, Ms Bea,  Holly Rollers  addresses such issues as looking for “love” for the wrong reasons and in the wrong places and smart good- looking sisters making poor choices in men and in life, due to a lack of self-esteem or due to the “issues” of their past.  The prevalent issue of domestic violence is carefully woven in the story.

This is a great story and would be a good book club selection. I would dare to suggest it as teaching tool for a women’s ministry as an interesting way to teach about pre-marital sex, selecting mates, faith, friendships, self-esteem and righteous conduct.

 In the past I have over-looked Billingsley’s books. Today, I am going to start reading Can I Get a Witness?

 

View the blog tour schedule at http://bit.ly/HolyRollersBlogTour.

http://www.amazon.com/Holy-Rollers-ReShonda-Tate-Billingsley/dp/1416578056/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1278202233&sr=8-2

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