Shelia E. Lipsey Press Kit

Shelia E. Lipsey Press Kit Index Press Release About the Author Current Book Release: Beautiful Ugly Excerpt More Books by Shelia Interview Questions Speaking Topics Media Appearances Awards and Recognitions Closing Message from Shelia 3 4 5 6 16 19 21 22 23 24 Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 2 Shelia E. Lipsey PRESS RELEASE Is beauty really in the eyes of the beholder─or the one staring back at you in the mirror? Author, Shelia E. Lipsey returns with her fourth novel Beautiful Ugly. True to form, Lipsey addresses everyday issues faced by everyday people. In Beautiful Ugly, Lipsey unleashes her literary brilliance to bring to the forefront the constant struggles with low self-image of untold numbers of men, women, and adolescents. Beautiful Ugly is the captivating story of three friends who share the good, bad and the ugliness in each other’s lives. Layla Hobbs has a singing voice that could easily give Jennifer Hudson a run for the money. She is the lead singer in her church choir, but she battles some serious issues over her size. Envy Wilson is a beautiful, intelligent, successful business woman, who is also promiscuous, something her friends do not know about her. She also has a deep, dark secret that haunts her life. Kacie Mayweather is a part time cashier, lives on Section 8 and has six children by six different men. She has real self-esteem issues because of her physical disability of cerebral palsy. The message in Beautiful Ugly can only be determined by the person who reads the book and dares to stand before the mirror and see themselves for who they are and for how God created them, which is fearfully and wonderfully made. Publisher: Kensington/Urban Books Marketing Campaign • • • Tennessee/Arkansas/Georgia/Mississippi/South Carolina Author Appearances Nationwide media, book events and postcard campaign Online Promotions, including blog tour(s), e-blasts, social media sites (Ning groups included), cross promotions on Black Pearls Magazine Website; His Pen Publishing Website; Urban Books’ Website; uchisglorybookclub.net Website; The Authors’ Guild website; ACFW website; Dreams4more website; Facebook’s Shelia E. Lipsey Readers Fan Page; MySpace Marketing to Book Clubs, bookstores, churches Library marketing, including postcards, flyers and book cards campaign • • Shelia E. Lipsey is available for print, radio, television, and web interviews. To schedule an interview or to request a review copy contact: Andrea N. Curry quikhandyasst@gmail.com Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 3 Shelia E. Lipsey ABOUT THE AUTHOR Lipsey is a multi-award winning author, along with the 2009 SORMAG Readers’ Choice Awards for her novel My Son’s Wife. Black Pearls Magazine Top Book Shelf Award for her newest release Beautiful Ugly. Lipsey is also an inspirational speaker, professional proofreader and a literary expert. She attended Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi, graduating magna cum laude with a BBA degree. She is an inspirational speaker who has been actively writing and speaking most of her life. Lipsey has penned the following novels under Urban Books’ Into Each Life (Jan. ’07), Sinsatiable (Aug.’07). My Son’s Wife (Oct. ’09), Beautiful Ugly (Aug. 09) My Son’s Ex-Wife-The Aftermath (Sept 2010). Prior to being noticed by Urban Books, she self-published a fictional title, Always Now and Forever, about love, loss, and grief. Then just two years later, she followed up with a nonfiction book, A Christian’s Perspective—A Journey Through Grief, which enlightens and encourages grieving hearts. Lipsey has shared her inspirational messages throughout the south since the year 2000, having written several short stories and over 200 poems which she also has plans of publishing in the near future. After submitting to the newly founded imprint, Kensington/Urban Christian, Lipsey’s talents were noticed, landing her a book deal in December 2005. She is one of the first authors to be signed to Urban Books LLC. Among Lipsey’s list of other literary accomplishments and affiliations, she was awarded 2007 Shades of Romance Readers Choice Awards (Into Each Life); Conversations Book Club 2008 Author of the Year (thebestbookclub.info) (Into Each Life and Sinsatiable), Dallas Morning News Bestselling Author ’07 (Into Each Life), Urban Knowledge Memphis Bestselling Author ’07 (Into Each Life); Founding president Memphis African American Writers Group (MAAW), Founder & President of Living Your Dreams Literary Arts. She is president of UC His Glory Bookclub (uchisglorybookclub.net). Founder and Writer of The Word According to Shelia motivational blogs, speeches and columns; contributing writer for Black Pearls Magazine, contributing writer for By God Inspired BGI Connnections Webazine (www.bgi.com); as well as a member of several online literary social groups. Lipsey is the proud mother of two adult sons and three grandchildren. To arrange speaking engagements, book signings, tour events, interviews, online chats, or phone chats with the author you can contact her at shelialipsey@yahoo.com or visit her online at www.shelialipsey.com. Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 4 Shelia E. Lipsey CURRENT BOOK RELEASE Beautiful Ugly Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: Urban Books (August 1, 2009) Language: English ISBN-10: 1601629974 ISBN-13: 978-1601629975 Retail Price: 12.95 Three friends with different struggles rely on God and each other to get by. Layle Hobbs has so much to offer, including a beautiful singing voice, but obesity and low self-esteem hold her back from life and finding true love. Envy Wilson has always been Layle’s backbone. But what about her own dark secrets? She won’t share them with anyone, and it’s starting to eat away at her from the inside. And then there’s Kacie Mayweather. Stricken with cerebral palsy, she’s had her share of men—five baby daddies for six children, in fact. But she’s never had one man to call her own. They’ll need plenty of faith and support from each other to see the real beauty that lies within each one of them and fulfill their deepest desires at last. PRAISE FROM A READER In Beautiful Ugly by Shelia Lipsey, Envy, Layla and Kacie are three women that go through a spiritual awakening in their lives. They are each learning a very important life lesson that will bring them closer to each other and to God. I’ve often read Christian fiction and I must say Beautiful Ugly is one of the best I have ever read. The characters are very real and engaging. The book teaches an important lesson that all girls and women need to know. -- Carol Langstroth, Manager, Mind Fog Reviews, www.carollangstroth.com Available at bookstores and online at Amazon.com, AALBC, Cushcity.com, BN.com, and BlackExpression.com. Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 5 Shelia E. Lipsey EXCERPTS FROM Beautiful Ugly Chapter One The world is a beautiful place. It's just the people in it that make it ugly. - Rick Thompson “It coulda been me, it shoulda been me, it woulda been me...” Envy was deep in thought. Why is it that most obese people can hum? I mean they just don’t sing, they sang. Is it something with the make-up of their vocal chords or what? Envy listened from the middle row of the church pew at her almost 300 plus pounds friend, Layla, her voice so strong it echoed off the wall of the sanctuary like she was singing from a mountaintop. She had a voice that could easily compete against Yolanda Adams. Even from the middle pew, Envy could see beads of sweat glistening and dripping down Layla’s face. The church seemed on fire, moved by the Holy Spirit spreading through the choir stand. Kacie sat next to Envy on the royal purple pews. Leaning over and whispering in a harsh voice, she chastised her children, Kali, Kendra, Kenny, Kassandra and Keith, while holding on to nine month old baby, Keshena. “Didn’t you hear me? I said sit y’all tails down and be still. I told y’all about acting a fool in church. Now, stop it or you know what’s good for you.” Kacie turned toward Envy and mumbled, “I don’t know why they can’t have Children’s Church every Sunday.” Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 6 Shelia E. Lipsey The five children barely acknowledged their mother’s threats until she hauled off and slapped four year old Kali and five year old Keith on their legs. Before tears could gush from their faces, she pointed one long polished fingernail at them. “You better not let a single, solitary tear fall,” she demanded of the two kids. Two year old Kendra, seven year old Kassandra and ten year old Kenny’s eyes widened in fear, like they were hoping they wouldn’t be next. When Keshena started crying, Envy reached over and quickly removed her from Kacie’s arms. No sense in all of Kacie’s kids keeping up a ruckus. Envy searched in the baby’s diaper pouch until she found her juice bottle and Keshena immediately grabbed it out of Envy’s hand, placed it in her mouth and leaned back in the comfort of Envy’s arms. “It was mercy and grace,” Layla belted. With upraised arms, and bowed down head, Layla started jumping up and down in the choir stand. Envy eyed two teenage boys sitting on the pew in front of her, snickering when Layla suddenly broke out in a Holy Ghost dance. Envy hated to admit it, but it was sort of funny to see Layla in a purple robe, jumping up and down. She put her in the mind of the purple dinosaur she’d seen Kacie’s kids watching on television from time to time. Just as quick as the less than sympathetic thought invaded her mind, did she see the inevitable unfold before her nut brown eyes enhanced by the designer eyeglasses she wore. Nervously, Envy pushed her frames up on her nose. Suddenly, Layla’s humongous legs pointed toward the ceiling at the same time that her backside landed on the purple carpet. Gasps and aahs, and more than a few giggles filled the air while deacons and ushers rushed to Layla’s side. Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 7 Shelia E. Lipsey Envy’s hand flew up against her mouth, while Kacie’s kids pointed and laughed at their ‘Play Aunt Layla’ sprawled in the floor at the front of the choir stand for everyone to get a first class view. Kacie popped each of her kids one by one and warned them to shut up. It took several minutes for the church staff to get Layla up on her feet. While they led a limping, disheveled Layla to the choir room, Envy stood and shuffled quickly past Kacie and her kids. Rushing to the choir room, Envy halted only seconds and then burst inside to find Layla crying, probably more from shame and embarrassment than anything else. “Layla, girl, are you all right?” Envy asked and knelt down beside Layla. She pushed back several locks of the twists that partially shielded Layla’s blood red face. “Yeah, I’m okay,” Layla answered in a whisper. “Are you sure? Why don’t you let me take you to the doctor to the emergency room to get checked out?” Envy offered. “No, I said I’m fine.” Layla snarled. “Sista Layla, if you need anything, let me know,” one of the ushers told her. “Thanks, Sista Jones, but I’m fine. Y’all can go on back in the sanctuary.” “Okay, honey. Come on, y’all,” Sista Jones ordered the rest of the ushers who were still gathered in the choir room. “We need to get back to our posts before Pastor starts his message,” she told them. The ushers left and Layla and Envy were alone. “I can’t believe I did that,” Layla cried. “My fat tail fell down. I know I musta looked like a giant elephant. How humiliating. I know folks were splitting their sides with laughter. I just know they were.” Layla switched her head back and forth. “Probably out there still laughing and talking Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. about me.” Layla wiped tears from her eyes. Page 8 Shelia E. Lipsey “I told you about downing yourself, Layla. People fall down everyday. What makes you think it shouldn’t happen to you? Think about Kacie? I bet you don’t hear her feeling sorry for herself because she has cerebral palsy. And she’s fallen way more times than you ever have. And look at me, kids used to make fun of me because I’m so dark skinned. What I’m saying is that calling yourself names is not going to make things better. How many times have I told you that talking about yourself only makes you feel worse? So what if you’re a little overweight. If you’re tired of it, then do something about it,” Envy lashed out. “I am not going to get into this with you here in the church. You know that I’m more than a little overweight, so don’t try to pretend that I’m not. I already feel stupid enough for being so careless. And just ‘cause you are a size six doesn’t make me feel better, and whether you’re dark or light has nothing to do with the way people treat you.” Layla wiped the last tear from her round full figured face. “It’s not as easy to lose all of this,” Layla pointed at herself with her hands. “It’s hard; downright impossible for me.” Layla stood and moved toward the door. Peeking out to see who was in the hallway, she walked out when she didn’t see anyone. Envy followed. Layla went to the hallway in the same direction Envy had taken earlier. She was not about to go back into the choir stand. Instead, Layla went into the sanctuary and took a seat on the next to the last pew and listened to Pastor Betts message. “Go on back up there with Kacie. You know she needs help with all of them children,” Layla told Envy. Envy agreed and tip-toed back to her seat. “Is she all right?” Kacie asked in a whisper when Envy sat down. “Yeah, her ego is bruised more than anything,” Envy focused her attention on Pastor Betts. Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 9 Shelia E. Lipsey When church services ended, Kacie quickly rushed the children along by pushing them one after another into the crowded aisle of people. Envy held Keshena until they all made it to the Fellowship Hall located in the back of the church where muffins, juice and coffee were prepared for who ever wanted a light snack. Kacie was glad the church provided snacks every Sunday. That way she wouldn’t have to worry about rushing home to cook. She wanted to lie down, relax and chat on the phone, which was more like a hobby for Kacie. “Sista Layla, are you all right?”several church members asked while Layla stuffed herself with muffins. She assured them that she was while pretending that her embarrassing fall was nothing major. “You know you did your thing this morning, girl,” said another church member. “Thank you. That’s one of my favorite songs,” replied, a still shaken Layla. Envy stood next to Layla, holding Keshena. She fed the baby a finger full of a blueberry muffin. Layla pushed the last portion of her third muffin into her mouth, washing it down with a box of juicy juice. Scanning the fellowship hall, Layla spied Kacie all up in some man’s face, skinning and grinning while her children ran around in and out of the crowd, slinging chunks of muffins all over the place and splattering juice. “When is she ever going to learn?” asked Layla. “No time soon, believe me. But I’m not going to stand here and hold Keshena while she pushes up on some man. My arm already feels like I’ve been holding a piece of lead.” Envy made her way over to Kacie. Without uttering a word, she placed Keshena in Kacie’s arms. Right away Keshena started crying. “Layla and I are about to leave. I guess we’ll check you later.” Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 10 Shelia E. Lipsey Appearing somewhat embarrassed by Envy’s gesture, and her baby’s crying, she flipped Envy off. “No problem. I’ll talk to y’all later,” then turned and continued flirting while Envy and Layla walked away. Layla and Envy continued their conversation about Kacie while Layla squeezed inside of Envy’s champagne Saturn VUE. “I don’t understand Kacie. The only real reason she comes to church is to look for a man, anybody’s man at that. She ought to have enough. She ought to just stay home,” said Layla. Envy readily agreed. “I know that’s right. She’s thirty years old and already has six children and five or six baby daddies. She needs to be anointed with a well full of blessed oil.” Envy and Layla laughed as Envy started the car and maneuvered between the other cars leaving from the parking lot. “You need to stop anywhere before I take you home?” asked Envy. “Yeah, I want to go by Church’s Chicken and get a three piece meal. I want to get something to eat, then go home and soak this body of mine in a hot tub of water before I get stiff from that fall. Plus, it’s supposed to storm later on this afternoon, so I don’t plan on getting back out.” “It’s getting cloudy already,” Envy remarked as she drove in the direction of Layla’s house and Church’s Chicken. Envy and Layla changed started talking about the morning worship service, and how much they loved Pastor Betts’ preaching. When they made it to Church’s Chicken, it didn’t take long for the cook to prepare Layla’s order. Less than half an hour after leaving church, Envy drove into the main entrance of the newly renovated Uptown housing development. She made several turns until she arrived in front of Layla’s apartment. “I guess I’ll talk to you later. I might go over to my sister’s house and chill for a while,” said Envy. Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 11 Shelia E. Lipsey ”I don’t know why you want to do that? You’re the one who’s always talking about how Nikkei is always riding you about the fact that your mother lives with Nikkei and her husband.” “I know that’s right,” Envy said like she suddenly remembered how much Nikkei bickered. “But why shouldn’t mother live with them? Nikkei has plenty of room. She acts like mother’s dementia is easy for me, but it’s not.” “I know that. And your mother is so young to have dementia. I’m thankful that my parents are in good health,” Layla told Envy. “I know you want to see your mother, but seeing her today means dealing with Nikkei. Think about it.” Layla looked at Envy in silence. “I will,” answered Envy. Layla adjusted her short, obese body by moving one way and then the other. Getting out of Envy’s car was always easier than getting in. After a few seconds, she stood erect, pulled her blue dress out of her butt with one hand and used the other hand to grab her chicken dinner. “Bye,” said Layla as she turned and walked toward her apartment. “See ya.” Envy waited until Layla was at her front door before she sped away. After replaying Layla’s comments about Nikkei, Envy changed her mind about going to see her mother as soon as she left out of the gate of Layla’s apartment. She turned up her radio and sung along with the tune playing. When she pulled up directly in front of her two bedroom downtown Memphis duplex, Envy parked and turned off the ignition. She sat quietly with her hands gripping the vinyl steering wheel cover and her head bent over resting on them, thinking about how glad she was that she had changed her mind about going over to Nikkei’s. She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, hoping that the frustration mounting inside of her would not overflow this time. No such luck. She questioned God like she’d done many times before. Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 12 Shelia E. Lipsey “I know I’ve asked you this before, Lord. But like always, you never give me an answer, at least not one except what my mother told me. Why did my mother have to name me, Envy? What was going through her mind? Was she demented then? Why did she place this obvious curse on me? I’m sick of hearing that she thought it was a cute name. That’s a bunch of baloney. I know it and you know it.” Envy balled her hands into fists and pounded the sides of them against the steering wheel until they turned cherry red. “I can’t get up for going down. I can’t take a step forward without taking ten steps backward. I look at other people, including my sister and I just don’t understand. She has a beautiful home, a great job,” with emphasis she added, “and a husband with a good job who simply adores her. But look at me. Here I am still struggling, still groveling, still wishing and hoping that things were right in my life. So what if I make good money. Where has it gotten me? I have no man, no real life. So tell me, what’s the difference in me and Nikkei? It has to be my name. Envy, let’s see if I can remember what the dictionary has to say about it, as if you don’t already know.” Envy’s anger toward God mounted with each word that spewed from her mouth. “Ahh,” she spoke out, her words laced with venom. “Envy, the verb form, means to feel envy toward or on account of,” she said from memory, having read the definition numerous times. “Surely that’s not me. Maybe it’s the other definition. You know, God, I’m talking about envy, the noun, painful or resentful awareness of another's advantages. Ah, ha, now maybe that’s me. But why should I be condemned for being resentful and in pain? I don’t understand why you don’t allow me to have one good opportunity, a real chance at having good things happen in my life. Everything that’s good flies right pass me and into somebody else’s lap. Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 13 Shelia E. Lipsey Dang, even Kacie has it better than I do and she has six children tugging at her twenty-four seven. She may work a little part-time job, but she still seems to live better than me and I don’t have not one little crumb snatcher. I guess I should be fake, like Kacie, before you show me some love. I don’t know what you want. And Layla? Well, Layla is Layla. She loves you, I do know that. But you don’t act like you want to give her a break either. Seems like she doesn’t realize the game you’re playing with her. What is it with you, God? ” Envy suddenly ended her conversation with God just as quickly as she’d started it. She opened the car door, got out and slammed it hard behind her. She raised her hands in surrender and bolted off. “I don’t know why I even bother talking to you,” she hollered at the sky before rushing up the walkway leading to her front door just as the first big drops of rain began to fall – down upon her head. × The three women had become friends while attending community college; Envy and Kacie to become surgical technicians, while Layla studied cosmetology. Neither of them, if asked, could explain what drew the three of them together, but whatever it was, they had remained friends for eleven years. Layla, always a big girl was about seventy pounds lighter back then and just like now, she was heavily involved in church. Kacie was pregnant with her first child when they met, and Envy lived at home with her mother, attended Vo-tech and worked part-time at FedEx. Over the years, their circumstances in life changed but their friendship remained sturdy. While neither Envy nor Kacie completed their surgical tech programs, Envy decided to attend the University of Memphis. As many courses that she could transfer from community college to the university she did, and after three years she received a Bachelors degree in Business Administration. It had paid off very well for her because Envy was now a manager in regulatory Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 14 Shelia E. Lipsey affairs at a large company with an extra nice salary and annual bonuses attached. Layla completed her cosmetology course but for some reason never managed to pass the board exams required to become a licensed cosmetologist, so whenever she got in a serious tight, she’d fix hair in her apartment. One by one, each of them faced the game life plays on each person who lives it. The alternative to living was dying, and neither of them wanted to go down that pathway. There was too much zest in living for them, too many things to see, places to go and an endless list of mistakes yet to be made. So, through it all, the three of them clung to each other without judging each other’s actions and decisions. Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 15 Shelia E. Lipsey MORE BOOKS BY SHELIA My Son’s Wife Paperback: 300 pages Publisher: Urban Books (October 1, 2008) Language: English ISBN-10: 1601629710 ISBN-13: 978-1601629715 A time bomb of sinful revelations only God can make right! First Lady Audrey Graham believes she's found the perfect woman to become her eldest son, Minister Stiles Graham's wife. Sweet, sensitive, kind, and of course a fine Christian girl, Audrey couldn't ask more of lovely Rena Jackson. But skeletons fall from the closet when Audrey and Stiles discover that Rena is in love and committed to the troubled, rebellious, ex-con, Frankie. My Son's Wife is more than a love triangle, it's a time bomb set to explode with twists, turns, entanglements and sinful revelations that only a loving God can make right PRAISE FROM A READER AWESOME This book was off the chain. I stayed up all night reading this book. It has a lot of twists and turns and aahs and oohs in it. I would recommend this to everybody. It is a must read. This author needs to come out with more books. Can’t wait for the next one to come out. -- BlackExpression.com Reviewer, 123michelle12@yahoo.com Available at bookstores and online at Amazon.com, AALBC, Cushcity.com, BN.com, and BlackExpression.com. Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 16 Shelia E. Lipsey Sinsatiable Paperback: 300 pages Publisher: Urban Books ISBN-10: 1893196984 ISBN-13: 978-1893196988 Retail Price - $14.95 Reprint Edition August 2009 Twenty-four year old Aisha Carlisle has the kind of life most people would envy. She’s a college graduate, an excellent dancer as well as the owner of A-Carlisle Studio of Dance and Choreography. She has both beauty and intelligence. Aisha’s life is surrounded by great friends and a doting father, not to mention she has a dashing bachelor, Chandler Larson, dangling on her arm and in her heart. With so much going on in her life, Aisha is rooted and grounded in her Christian faith. Her world revolves around God and her dance studio, in that order of importance. Aisha’s faith is sorely tested when she is confronted with losing her dance studio if she cannot come so Aisha sets a plan into motion to save the one place that has become a safe haven and a dream builder for many of the young girls in the inner city neighborhood of south Memphis. However, instead of turning to God to help her through this situation, she chooses to take matters into her own hands. In her hunger to make quick cash, Aisha accepts an offer that she can’t refuse from the sultry, sophisticated and intriguing Elisa Santana. Entering a world that she has only seen in the movies, Aisha is drawn into a secret society comprised of some of the wealthiest men in the world. The cost Aisha pays for turning against her faith is tremendous. Will the faith she so willingly relinquished free her from the sinful life she has chosen? Will her lust for the forbidden ruin her relationship with the man she loves? Is she too deep into corruption for God to pull her out of the trenches? Sinsatiable is another powerfully gripping tale by Lipsey that delves into real life issues faced by people of faith. PRAISE FROM A READER Ms. Lipsey has done it again! Author Shelia E. Lipsey has stayed true to her reputation and produced another dynamic novel Sinsatiable. This book will hold your attention from start to finish. I laughed, I cried, and I got angry. The storyline and characters are so real it will have you feeling like you know each character personally. I would encourage everyone to purchase a copy of Sinsatiable. You won't be disappointed. 5 Stars. -- Lacricia A’ngelle, Author of Girl, Naw! Available at bookstores and online at Amazon.com, AALBC, Cushcity.com, BN.com, and BlackExpression.com. Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 17 Shelia E. Lipsey Into Each Life Release Date: January 2007 Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Kensington/Urban Books ISBN-10: 1601629788 ISBN-13: 978-1601629784 Retail Price: $14.95 Reprint edition (January 1, 2009) Sovereign destiny connects the paths of Prodigal Runsome and Teary Fullalove's families, but no greater bond is formed than the one between Prodigal and Teary. The two become inseparable best friends. During his adolescent years, Prodigal discovers there is life outside of Teary when he develops an attraction for the very beautiful and captivating Faith Meadows, yet his heart continues to yearn for his best friend. While Prodigal's relationship with Faith intensifies, Teary's life takes a devastating turn when she chooses to lay aside her Christian morals and succumb to the charming, deceptive ways of the heartthrob womanizer, Skyler Jenkins. Continuing to suppress his feelings of love for Teary, Prodigal supports her after she experiences the pain of betrayal. When Prodigal faces an insurmountable tragedy, Teary is to whom he turns. His anger toward God is paramount and his faith is sorely tested. Will Prodigal betray the love he and Faith shared to be with Teary? A powerfully intriguing and dramatic novel, Into Each Life follows Prodigal, Teary and their families on a spiraling journey from childhood through adulthood, revealing the depths of the human spirit to persevere against some of life's most tumultuous trials and temptations. PRAISE FROM A READER Into Each Life is an engaging story of the connection between friends and family. It highlights our responses when faced with adversity and how we attempt to overcome with our friends and family rallying around us. I found the familial alliance, which continued through the years between both families, refreshing. Into Each Life is a moving tribute to the power of forgiveness, the ability to stay faithful and the realization that life is a journey which each of us must navigate. -- Dawn R. Reeves of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers Available at bookstores and online at Amazon.com, AALBC, Cushcity.com, BN.com, and BlackExpression.com. Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 18 Shelia E. Lipsey INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Introduce us to your story, message and the main characters. The main characters in Beautiful Ugly are three, thirty-year old women who have been good friends for eleven years. There is Layla Hobbs, who has a singing voice that could easily give Jennifer Hudson a run for the money. She is the lead singer in her church choir, but she battles some serious issues over her size. Envy Wilson is a beautiful, intelligent successful business woman, who is also very promiscuous, something her friends do not know about her. She also has a deep, dark secret that haunts her life. Kacie Mayweather, is a part time cashier, lives on Section 8 and has six children by six different men. She has real self-esteem issues because of her physical disability of cerebral palsy. The message in Beautiful Ugly can only be determined by the person who reads the book and dares to stand before the mirror and see themselves for who they are and for how God created them, which is fearfully and wonderfully made. Are your characters in Beautiful Ugly from the portrayal of real people? Yes, my stories are from the portrayal of real people because that is the way I write. I write about every day people, so that somewhere, someone will pick up one of my novels and be able to identify with someone in the book, or know of someone like my characters. That is the essence of my gift of writing. I call it perfect stories about imperfect people. What inspired you to write this story? I write stories according to what God places in my spirit to write. At first, a title is given to me, and from that point, God orchestrates the words on the pages. Beautiful Ugly is such an everyday story for many women in the world today. We all have issues of some kind with our outward appearances whether we consider ourselves fine, thick or ugly and fat. Society just about bases everything on outward appearances, which is not the way it should be. Unfortunately, it is what it is; the world is warped when it comes to defining the difference in Beauty and Ugliness. What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book? Beautiful Ugly addresses issues of how individuals equate beauty in correlation with outward appearances and physical attributes, or the lack thereof. It discusses issues of low self-esteem, low self-image, secrets that we hide from the closest of friends and families, and the importance of loving one’s self. How difficult was it to complete the novel? Beautiful Ugly, surprisingly was not difficult to complete. Having a physical disability of my own, I was easily able to get into the lives of my characters. I faced many of the same type of problems Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 19 Shelia E. Lipsey and issues they have; not all of them, but I can say that looking around today, I saw something of my characters in everyone my path crosses. When did you decide to be a writer? What motivated you to start writing in this genre? I have been writing speeches, reciting poems and helping others write persona and business letters since I was a youngster. I always enjoyed writing essays when I was in school and when I attended college. As for the genre, I have known God as my personal, Lord and Savior since I was eight years old. As I thought about writing, God kept ‘nudging’ me to write about the problems and situations of people of faith, to show the imperfect side of those who walk in His path. Sometimes Christians and people of faith pretend that they lead perfect lives and have it all together, but that is definitely not the case. Therefore, I write about the flip side of sin in the people of God. Would you like to write a different genre than you do now, or sub-genre? I am of the opinion that my writing already ‘dabbles’ or should I say crosses over into mainstream and contemporary fiction, which are genres I would like to concentrate on as well. I also love writing Christian nonfiction and have actually self- published a nonfiction book entitled A Christian’s Perspective-Journey Through Grief. I plan on expanding this line of nonfiction books into a series of books. What is your most valuable lesson about the publishing industry? Today, the publishing industry is bombarded with a flood of authors, both traditional and selfpublished. Therefore, the most valuable lesson about the publishing industry for me is recognizing that the industry can afford to be extremely choosy about who is offered a book deal; which makes me truly grateful for the favor God continually showers on my literary career. What writers inspire you and why? The writer that inspires me is renowned author J. California Cooper. Though I’ve yet to meet her personally, her work inspires me to be great and to give my all along my literary journey. Her writing is so pure. She is able to perfectly weave a story that compels readers to her character(s). She is one that will go down in the great history of literature and be talked about in years to come like other great authors such as Faulkner, Washington, Walker, Morrison and so many more. What did you hope to accomplish by writing this particular story? What I hope to accomplish by writing this particular story is after reading Beautiful Ugly that the readers will close the pages of the book and be drawn toward their own inner beauty. I hope that those who do not like the person they see standing in the mirror, will read Beautiful Ugly and then see the wondrous, unique individual God Himself created him/her to be. Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 20 Shelia E. Lipsey SPEAKING TOPICS To arrange speaking engagements, book signings, tour events, interviews, online chats, or phone chats with the author you can contact her at shelialipsey@yahoo.com or visit her online at www.shelialipsey.com. Why I Write Seven key principles that are required in order to become a successful writer and author. Born, Broken Blessed Learn six tools that lead individuals from brokenness to blessings Beautiful Ugly Learn seven key principles for identifying true beauty and real ugliness. The Juniper Tree Effect Learn about the issue of spiritual depression. Failure is Not in My Vocabulary-But Is It in Yours? A message of encouragement that addresses how to pursue dreams. I'm Determined To Be Somebody Today! Seven tools for self-motivation through belief in oneself and your inner spirit. Are You Dressed For Success? Learn five tools to assure that you are "emotionally and spiritually dressed for success" The Dash Moment Learn seven key principles for living in the dash moment. I Have A Voice-I Can Speak! A special workshop for parents and adolescents. Listening is the key to a successful relationship with your child(ren). Living Your Dreams Now - “The Dreamer” A message to inspire people to believe in the dreams that God has placed in their minds and spirits. Going for Broke Learn seven tools that show the true meaning of ‘going for broke’ GET UP! GET OVER IT! GET ON WITH IT! Learn seven key inspirational principles on how to live and walk in your true purpose. Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 21 Shelia E. Lipsey MEDIA APPEARANCES • APOOO Books Features Author Shelia E. Lipsey • Urban Review - My Son's Wife • Q&A Urban Reviews • BOOK TALK WYPL INTERVIEW • Written Voices Podcast Interview • CBC Radio Interview Part 1 w/Founder & Host C. A. Webb • CBC Radio Interview Part II cont'd • CBC Radio Interview Part III cont'd • Into Each Life Book Trailer f! • Into Each Life Podcast by Tricom Productions • Book Club Writers on Line Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 22 Shelia E. Lipsey AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS • Beautiful Ugly - 2009 Black Pearls Top Books Award • 2009 SORMAG Readers Choice Awards Best Book Cover of the Year-My Son’s Wife • 2009 SORMAG Readers Choice Awards Author of the Year-My Son’s Wife • 2009 SORMAG Readers Choice Awards Best Christian Fiction Book of the Year-My Son’s Wife • 2009 SORMAG Readers Choice Awards Christian Romance Book of the Year-My Son’s Wife • 2009 SORMAG Readers Choice Awards Fiction Book of the Year-My Son’s Wife • 2009 Urban-Reviews Top Shelf Rating for My Son’s Wife • 2009 Black Webs Award Nominee • 2008 Conversations Book Club Author of the Year -Into Each Life and Sinsatiable • 2007 SORMAG Readers Choice Awards – Best Multi-Cultural Christian Romance Book of the Year- Into Each Life • 2007 SORMAG Readers Choice Awards – Best Multi-Cultural Christian Romance Author of the Year- Into Each Life • 2007 SORMAG Readers Choice Awards – Best Multi-Cultural New Christian Romance Author of the Year- Into Each Life • 2007 SORMAG Readers Choice Awards – Best Multi-Cultural New Christian Romance Author of the Year- Into Each Life • 2007 SORMAG Readers Choice Awards – Best Multi-Cultural New Christian Fiction Author of the Year- Into Each Life • 2007 Cushcity.com Best New Author Nominee-Into Each Life Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 23 Shelia E. Lipsey CLOSING MESSAGE FROM SHELIA Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign LORD is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19 Thank you all for your support! Author Shelia E. Lipsey Press Kit designed by Tywebbin Creations. Page 24