Tag: AAMBC Virtual Book Tour

Collaborations are an amazing way to combine talents and elevate your brand. That is the case for two powerhouse women who wanted to bring to life the fictional story of Keilanii Jennings. In reading an excerpt from the book I am immediately drawn in and excited to read more. The saga has twists and turns, action and most of all drama. I had the opportunity to chat with the authors via Q&A about collaborating and also what to expect from the series.

From the creative minds of Lalanii Wilson Jones and Treavion Davenport comes Keilanii Jennings, a sexy, feisty, independent, proud Texas mogul in the making who makes no apologies about splurging on her lavish lifestyle, designer labels, 5-star getaways, and her “boy toys”. Keilanii is a confident, self-made success story whose life takes complex twists and turns while building her empire. Things start to heat up when she meets Elliot Jennings Jr., a handsome, charismatic companion who turns out to be her worst nightmare. Like most women, Keilanii wanted to have it all, including her happily ever after. This seems imminent until she discovers that the man who stole her heart tries to steal her fortune and is exposed as the ultimate gold digger. 

Purchase Your Copy of Sugar Mama: A Keilanii Jennings Saga

How was it collaborating on a fiction novel? 

I write fiction and nonfiction, and Lalanii had a story in mind that had to be told. Our initial literary project was going to be a tell-all book, but after careful consideration, we just decided to let the facts fuel the fiction. Once we made that creative decision we began a journey that included hundreds of hours of interviews, transcription, bi-coastal meet up and lots of emails! It took 2+ years but we finally came up with a solid story that we both are excited about. – Treavion Davenport 

How much of Sugar Mama was based on real-life experiences?

Our book tells the true stories and empowers countless victims of users, abusers, and those who mistake kindness for weakness. It’s a true to life page-turner and will literally have you on the edge of your seat! -Lalanii Wilson Jones 

What does it mean to be a Sugar Mama? 

Most people are familiar with the concept of a sugar daddy but not necessarily a sugar mama. However, there are many women who are financially stable, or well on their way, and date men who purposely take more than they give. We incorporated the male gold-digger into the plot of Sugar Mama to give urban fiction a unique twist that also imitated life. -Lalanii Wilson Jones 

Describe what it’s been like promoting Sugar Mama during a pandemic? 

Sugar Mama definitely quells quarantine fatigue with a healthy dose of urban-fiction intrigue. Jennings pops off the page with her larger-than-life persona, her deep pockets and a problematic paramour who goes by the name of Elliot, Jr. In terms of getting the word out, Lalanii and I engaged in a virtual tour, participated in online book fairs and live events, most recently we were hosted by the one and only Teri Woods at the Book Boutique in Atlanta. It’s important that we continue to connect with readers virtually even in the midst of COVID 19 restrictions. -Treavion Davenport

About the Authors:

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Meet Miki Riley —  She is an Inspirational Entrepreneur, Founder and Author of the Fabulous 40 & Over Club. 

Having a passion for the makeup/beauty industry, 5 years after starting her makeup career, Miki began selling fashion accessories. Her company is called Accessory Me. Over the past several years she has been able to provide clients nationwide with beauty industry experience as well as help them gain additional income and accessories through sales from products her company supplies — empowering other women to become entrepreneurs as well.

Being in the business of beauty and understanding it more greatly, as Miki grew in age and maturity, so did her perspective. She believes that beauty is much more than skin deep, which compelled her to write and publish a book called “The Fabulous 40 & Over Club.” This book dissects the word “Fabulous” from the mature woman’s perspective, exposing some ugly truths about what some are doing to appear outwardly beautiful. Miki’s book explains generational differences and how it relates to Fabulosity, expresses the need for more positive role models, and shares stories, as well as words of inspiration and encouragement from mature women (ages 40–90 years old) to all. This is not only a book Miki has penned but an organization of women she is building to give mentorship and reap the benefits of coming together through exclusive membership, discounted products, services and other national incentives.

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How did publishing your first book change your perspective on being an author? I learned that there is much more to being an author than just writing or typing a book. It’s research, formatting, presentation, getting feedback, marketing and more. Because what’s the purpose of being an author if your book doesn’t reach the hands, ears, hearts and/or minds of people.

Who are some of your favorite authors? Books? Years ago I was a heavy fiction reader. Eric Jerome Dickey (R.I.P.), Teri Woods, and Toni Morrison were some of my favs. Non-fiction, self help/improvement books are what I read or listen to now, as they are more important to me because I don’t have enough spare time to read anything else. Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich), Dale Carnegie (How To Win Friends & Influence People), Robert Greene (48 Laws of Power), and I love The Richest Man in Babylon (George Samuel Clason). I find myself going over parts of Think & Grow Rich most often though.

What part of your life’s journey made you feel most certain you should write this book? As I was approaching the age of 40 and reflecting on my business in beauty and interacting with women young and old, I was compelled to write this book. I felt the need to share what it truly means to be Fabulous from a mature woman’s perspective in hopes to redirect and inspire some.

You have a young daughter. How will this book help younger generations? I want my daughter and her generation to know that there is much more to being Fabulous/Beautiful than outward appearance, social media posts, following trends and other superficial things. Understanding and defining their own Fabulous on more than a surface level will increase their happiness and make them a value to society.

In your opinion, what makes you fabulous? Self -love, Love for others, and accomplishment are the main ingredients to being Fabulous in my opinion. Read the book and find my more detailed answer to this question. You will be glad you did!

How has your experience in the beauty industry as a black woman inspired your perspective on all things fabulous? It is important to look good on the outside, because looking good can make you feel even better. I’ve had the pleasure and opportunity to help women who are absolutely beautiful on the inside to see themselves in a more glamorous way on special occasions. Experiencing the look on a woman’s face when they see their naturally glammed finished look was rewarding. However true beauty starts from within, it exudes through our actions. You can’t cover your personality, actions, and decisions with makeup. You can be pretty on the outside yet broken within. We should put as much effort or more being fabulous within as we do outwardly.

Who should read this book and consider joining the Fabulous 40 and over club? This book is for women of all ages: Younger women can learn from the life experiences and advice from those of us who are 40 and over. For us more mature women, you are not alone in your struggles and life experiences. For anyone who likes supporting, uplifting, and acknowledging women. If you like to travel, if you like makeup, if you like accessories and receiving great discounts at some of your favorite places to shop and more, then you should join The Fabulous 40 & Over Club and read the book.

Find out more about Miki Riley and The Fabulous 40 and Over Club

Website | Amazon Book Link | Instagram | Facebook

AAMBC Virtual Book Tour

Julia Aaryn Montanez’s passion for writing started at the tender age of 10 years old. Julia credits her enthusiasm for writing to her big imagination! Her mission with “The Adventures of Pamela King” book series and animation is to encourage children everywhere to grow their imagination and to experience the joys of “just being a kid.” 

She wants to deliver a fun, experimental, and motivating children’s books and an animation web-series to ignite the power of a child’s imagination. She states, “I believe that the power of imagination is a crucial component in our healthy mental development as adults and children. I have, too often, witnessed children forced to grow up too fast and adults that have lost their vitality due to the stresses of daily life. We can all take a page from a children’s book and strive to remain young at heart.” ~Julia Aaryn Montanez”

Below is a Q&A with Montanez about the creation of “The Adventures of Pamela King”. 

 What inspired the creation of this book and animation series?

 As a child I was always very imaginative. I loved to purposely mess up my projects for school just so I could figure out how to fix them. And I always would make it better! I think imagination is so important for children and adults. As I got older, I noticed that age naturally changes your mentality as you experience and learn more. Hence the word “wisdom”. Which is a good thing, but who said wisdom has to come at a certain age or not be youthful. The same is true for children forced to grow up too quickly and not enjoy their youth, because of parentless or single parent homes etc. I wanted to create a family that was fun, youthful, curious, normal, but also still learning the world. We never stop learning and that’s why imagination is so important.

What are your plans for the future of “The Adventures of Pamela King” book and animation series?

Right now, I am running a 60-Day Kickstarter Campaign to raise funding for our marketing and production efforts. Merchandise is next, of course, and the second book is on it’s way! We have a full feature animation script prepped and ready for any interested animation studios also! (*Winking* (HAHA) at Sony, DreamWorks, & Disney Animation)

 What are some important messages you hope readers can gain from reading your content?

 Live life! Don’t be afraid to be who you are, but we all have to be responsible and accountable for the lives we CHOOSE to live and actions we take. I think what Pamela learns in her adventures most is about accountability and how to moderate her curiosity. Discernment is also a very important trait children are learning, and it is something we don’t talk enough about. Freedom is great! I hear a lot of parents say that nowadays. “I want my child to be a free thinker and be free to be whatever they want. I agree with that, but I also believe in the fundamental understanding of the cause and effect of our actions. Which ultimately becomes our personality. Gaining great lifelong wisdom is the goal!

How important is representation right now in the current Black culture and society specifically?

It’s 2021 and we are just now discovering about Kings and Queens that ruled in Africa. Stories of these courageous people that looked like me doing such amazing things. It is power in that narrative, and as a child I did not have those options of the internet to teach me things. My father taught me. School and TV did not. Now that that has changed, I want to add to the movement, because it is a powerful and important part of history for our culture and the future of our culture. A little girl of any race should know she is important, uniquely beautiful, and can be a detective, or a scientist, or a mechanic. That is why representation matters!

 What are some obstacles you faced as a first time Author?

I self-published during a pandemic with scarce knowledge on what I was doing. I read a little here and there and I jumped in head-first. Hence, where I got PAMELA’s character’s personality from. Haha! The publishing distributor I got with was horrible and I was forced to switch while trying to launch my book. They did not care about me or my book, they just wanted my money and used the pandemic as an excuse to bypass having great customer service. Terrible, terrible service. And the worst part is they are very well known! But it was all a learning experience. My readers are happy so that’s what matters most to me!

What are some positive affirmations you tell yourself to stay focused on crushing your goals?

My positivity is normally rooted-in-reality. So the reality is, if I don’t work hard for myself and loved ones, who else will? I am going to be the first billionaire in my family. That would seem like a lot of pressure, but I believe that God gives us visions for a reason and I wake up each day obeying that vision. I think my obedience to God is what drives me.

 Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

My mother first and foremost. She’s the hardest working woman I know. She is 64 years old and refuses to stop working. I think it’s just who she is and I was lucky enough to get that from here. I go harder than anyone I know. My other inspirations are the classics such as, Issa Rae, Ava DuVernay, Mara Brock Akil, so many black women power-house creators that just created their own path. They inspire me so much. They represent so much class and real-ness and show me I am capable of anything.

Find out more about Julia Aaryn Montanez creator of “The Adventures of Pamela King”

Kickstarter Campaign | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

AAMBC Virtual Book Tour