Ok, so do you remember last month when I was discussing traveling to a new place outside of Ohio? Well, I made up my mind, scheduled my trip, and reserved my room. The decision came to me while I was updating my status on a popular website; Facebook. I received an invitation to participate and attend the Michigan International Books Festival. I thought to myself, why not? Why not experience the feeling of talking and encouraging the youth, selling some books, and performing poetry? I was now ready to man my own table, after observing the authors at the National Black Book Festival in Houston, Texas.
The Michigan International Books Festival is an event "aimed at educating and encouraging youth to read and author books. The festival will bring together hundreds of book writers, role models and teachers of the literary craft." My niece will attend this event with me, with hopes of developing her interest in creating a comic book.
Let me say, come one, call all, we'll have a ball at the Michigan International Books Festival. I hope to see you there.
Stay up-to-date with information about the author, current events, and things Melica deems important.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
I Can Breathe Now!
Hello everyone. My two month hiatus from blogging is over. The hiatus was due to me participating in various activities, which included completing my thesis project, taking a computer design class at Columbus State, preparing and implementing the It's a Book Celebration, working full-time, and trying to have a life outside all of those activities. Whew, I said quite a mouthful huh? I feel similar to my poem I Can Breathe. "I can breathe now. Finally, I am free and I will show you how..."
Pep has been put back in my step and I'm almost ready to take on my next challenge. Let's see, what will this challenge be? I should probably do something that would get my mind flowing and allow me experience life outside of Ohio because truth be known, I did enjoy my time in Texas. It's always nice to travel outside the city, visit other places, and then head back home. Some of my friends told me that I should visit California or Georgia and take a few of my books with me. Either place would be equally as nice, seeing that I have never visited those states. I'll just plan to visit one of those states in the next year and tell you all about it.
It's really nice to be back on here. I look forward in letting you be apart of my world. Until I type again.
Pep has been put back in my step and I'm almost ready to take on my next challenge. Let's see, what will this challenge be? I should probably do something that would get my mind flowing and allow me experience life outside of Ohio because truth be known, I did enjoy my time in Texas. It's always nice to travel outside the city, visit other places, and then head back home. Some of my friends told me that I should visit California or Georgia and take a few of my books with me. Either place would be equally as nice, seeing that I have never visited those states. I'll just plan to visit one of those states in the next year and tell you all about it.
It's really nice to be back on here. I look forward in letting you be apart of my world. Until I type again.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Enjoy Yourself!
Hey there!
I know it has been quite some time since I was last on here; however I have been very busy. Busy as a bee they say. Before I get into all the details of my activies, I want to wish you a happy 4th of July weekend. Make sure you enjoy this time with friends, family, and the ones you love. Also, please be safe. I will be spending today at a cookout with my family. I am looking forward to the food, family, and fun.
National Black Book Festival Update
So as you may recall, last month I went to the National Black Book Festival. The event was held from June 10th to June 12th in Houston, Texas. This was my first time attending the event, so I chose not to participate as an author. I wanted to get a feel of what was going on and how I should approach the event next year. I met so many notable authors; one being Nakia R. Laushaul. This young lady was quite energetic and you could tell she enjoyed writing. I just had to purchase her book "The Truth As I See It." Nakia's writing caught me off guard when I read pg. 134 of her book titled "I Hope Your Ear Falls Off." The title was different from anything I had seen and I wanted to find out more about the content. In reading this portion of the book, I could relate to a lot of things she was discribing regarding gossip and practicing the skill of listening more. Since I had basically started to read her book from back to front, I decided to go through the front of the book and read more. I found myself liking more of her work, such as: Aspire and 5 W's and How: A Reality Check. I was definitely glad that I bought her book. Good luck Nakia and keep progressing to a better you!
My next table stop took me in the view of a good friend and sorority sister, Alicia Wiggins. Alicia smiled and embraced me, as my friend and I admired her table. I definitely had to buy a book. I chose to buy "A Place Like Home" because I already had the other book placed on her table. Alicia was very positive and enjoyed the various contact she had made at the event. I wish Alicia nothing but success also!
Before leaving the event to explore downtown Houston, I stopped and admired all the beautiful jewelry in the hallways. I just knew I would purchase something; however decided against it because I did not include jewelry in my budget. My friend and I chose to stay in the downtown area, seeing that we did not have transporation at our immediate disposal. In our navigation of the downtown area, we went to the Houston Pavilion. There, we questioned the line of people that spewed from Pete's Dueling Piano Bar. An employee told us that the company was about to complete a live taping of a karaoke show. The same employee motioned us to get in line and participate in the event. After waiting in line for over an hour, we were told that we would not be able to attend the event because the show was over capacity. Although we really wanted to go to the event, we did not let it get to us. We continued our navigation of the city and the book festival.
Upcoming Events
What type of person would I be without updating you about my upcoming events? Not a very informative one. Well here they are! Feel free to tune in, attend, or respond to these events.
Interview on ArtistFirst.com
Tuesday, July 26th at 7 pm
Please tune in and ask questions
It's A Celebration of Books!
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Saturday, August 27th at 1 pm
College/University event
more information coming soon!
Please email me at MelicaNiccole@gmail.com for more information.
Have a blessed Day!
I know it has been quite some time since I was last on here; however I have been very busy. Busy as a bee they say. Before I get into all the details of my activies, I want to wish you a happy 4th of July weekend. Make sure you enjoy this time with friends, family, and the ones you love. Also, please be safe. I will be spending today at a cookout with my family. I am looking forward to the food, family, and fun.
National Black Book Festival Update
So as you may recall, last month I went to the National Black Book Festival. The event was held from June 10th to June 12th in Houston, Texas. This was my first time attending the event, so I chose not to participate as an author. I wanted to get a feel of what was going on and how I should approach the event next year. I met so many notable authors; one being Nakia R. Laushaul. This young lady was quite energetic and you could tell she enjoyed writing. I just had to purchase her book "The Truth As I See It." Nakia's writing caught me off guard when I read pg. 134 of her book titled "I Hope Your Ear Falls Off." The title was different from anything I had seen and I wanted to find out more about the content. In reading this portion of the book, I could relate to a lot of things she was discribing regarding gossip and practicing the skill of listening more. Since I had basically started to read her book from back to front, I decided to go through the front of the book and read more. I found myself liking more of her work, such as: Aspire and 5 W's and How: A Reality Check. I was definitely glad that I bought her book. Good luck Nakia and keep progressing to a better you!
My next table stop took me in the view of a good friend and sorority sister, Alicia Wiggins. Alicia smiled and embraced me, as my friend and I admired her table. I definitely had to buy a book. I chose to buy "A Place Like Home" because I already had the other book placed on her table. Alicia was very positive and enjoyed the various contact she had made at the event. I wish Alicia nothing but success also!
Before leaving the event to explore downtown Houston, I stopped and admired all the beautiful jewelry in the hallways. I just knew I would purchase something; however decided against it because I did not include jewelry in my budget. My friend and I chose to stay in the downtown area, seeing that we did not have transporation at our immediate disposal. In our navigation of the downtown area, we went to the Houston Pavilion. There, we questioned the line of people that spewed from Pete's Dueling Piano Bar. An employee told us that the company was about to complete a live taping of a karaoke show. The same employee motioned us to get in line and participate in the event. After waiting in line for over an hour, we were told that we would not be able to attend the event because the show was over capacity. Although we really wanted to go to the event, we did not let it get to us. We continued our navigation of the city and the book festival.
Upcoming Events
What type of person would I be without updating you about my upcoming events? Not a very informative one. Well here they are! Feel free to tune in, attend, or respond to these events.
Interview on ArtistFirst.com
Tuesday, July 26th at 7 pm
Please tune in and ask questions
It's A Celebration of Books!
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Saturday, August 27th at 1 pm
College/University event
more information coming soon!
Please email me at MelicaNiccole@gmail.com for more information.
Have a blessed Day!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
A Thank You is in Order
Well, I promised that Poetic Outlets would be released soon and I meant it. Poetic Outlets will be sold on Amazon.com in a couple of weeks. If you are attending the National Black Book Festival next month, you may see a couple of the books in the Book Announcement Program. Make sure you find out more about the event and whether or not you qualify to receive a copy.
Thank you!!!
Thank you does not express how I truly feel for those who helped me through the process of publishing my second book. It's amazing how the process becomes easier and easier, as it is done numerous times. I would like to thank my editor. She did such a wonderful job with editing my book and providing me with feed back. I look forward in working with her in the future. Thank you to my mother and best friend who listened to me recite poetry over and over again. You both provided me with great insight to what works and what needs improvement. I thank you for your comments, love, and support. Thank you to those who have listened to me discuss Poetic Outlets, my aspirations, and my unwavering devotion to writing. I would also like to thank my supporters who attended my book signings, events, and have been steadfast in their efforts to provide me with encouragement. You are truly appreciated.
Thank you!!!
Thank you does not express how I truly feel for those who helped me through the process of publishing my second book. It's amazing how the process becomes easier and easier, as it is done numerous times. I would like to thank my editor. She did such a wonderful job with editing my book and providing me with feed back. I look forward in working with her in the future. Thank you to my mother and best friend who listened to me recite poetry over and over again. You both provided me with great insight to what works and what needs improvement. I thank you for your comments, love, and support. Thank you to those who have listened to me discuss Poetic Outlets, my aspirations, and my unwavering devotion to writing. I would also like to thank my supporters who attended my book signings, events, and have been steadfast in their efforts to provide me with encouragement. You are truly appreciated.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Amazon Here I Come!
So pretty soon, my books will be sold on Amazon.com. Hampton Publishing House, LLC has been working very diligently in getting my books sold on the website. I am hoping that everything will be up and running by late May or early June. Just in time for the Celebration of Achievements Event for publishing two books and graduating from graduate school in late August. There are so many events that are closely approaching that I am starting to get excited. These are all the things you have to look forward from me in the following months: release of Poetic Outlets (May), National Black Book Festival (June), and Celebration of Achievements Event(August).
Also, it's time for me to start thinking about a new state to visit, like Florida, Georgia, or California. I would love to visit one of the places I mentioned above. Let's just see where the wind blows and what state I end up visiting.
Also, it's time for me to start thinking about a new state to visit, like Florida, Georgia, or California. I would love to visit one of the places I mentioned above. Let's just see where the wind blows and what state I end up visiting.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
National Black Book Festival
I'm truly excited about attending the National Black Book Festival in June. I'm looking forwad in networking with other authors, performing at the poetry event sponsored by CushCity.com, and the fact of being in Texas. I will be among great authors and my best friend, who plans to attend the event to also enjoy the festivities and get some new and exciting books.
So a few months ago, I had a conversation with a well known author about attending the event. She told me that I would really enjoy being in the presence of others with dreams as big as mine. That very fact made me smile with excitement because my energy would be magnified by others around me. She told me that her favorite parts of the event was networking with other authors, signing books, and stuffing her suitcase full of books from other authors.
I can't wait for this opportunity and I will keep you updated as time progressing toward leaving for the event.
So a few months ago, I had a conversation with a well known author about attending the event. She told me that I would really enjoy being in the presence of others with dreams as big as mine. That very fact made me smile with excitement because my energy would be magnified by others around me. She told me that her favorite parts of the event was networking with other authors, signing books, and stuffing her suitcase full of books from other authors.
I can't wait for this opportunity and I will keep you updated as time progressing toward leaving for the event.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Book Signing of Daphne Bell; Activitst, Author, and Radio Personality
I would like to encourage everyone to attend the Book Signing of Daphne Bell on Saturday, April 2, 2011. The Event will be held at Urban Spirit Coffee Shop & Art Gallery in Columbus, Ohio. Daphne is an Activist, Author, and past Radio Personality at Radio One.
Show your support by attending the event and purchasing a copy of her book. I hope to see you there!
Show your support by attending the event and purchasing a copy of her book. I hope to see you there!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Love was Supposed to be Everlasting
Love was Supposed to be Everlasting
The Male and Female Interpretation of Love
This work of art is dedicated to individuals who have been,are, or want to be in love. Open your heart to new experiences. Cherish what you have at this moment and open your mind to break the barriers that are hindering you from loving another.
Special Thanks to those who made this work of art possible: Kareem, Lionel, Victoria, Branden, Shenita, Caressa, and others involved in this discussion.
Ch. 1
What is Love?
Love was supposed to be everlasting. Love was supposed to stand the test of time. It was supposed to wrap it self around me and protect me. It was supposed to provide for me, support, take care of, and most of all love me. Love was supposed to show me a different side of the world that I had never seen. I have come to the conclusion that love is not always how you want it to be. I wanted love to listen to me and not be jealous or dictate. I wanted love to only view my beautifulness and not that of others. I wanted love to be considerate and not insensitive. Love was everything that made me feel insecure. It made me sensitive. It made me lose myself in it, for I did not know how to adjust to it.
Love made me think and feel in a way that I thought was impossible, for I was a woman of great strength and inspiration. I was confident. I was a woman who knew what she wanted in life and knew how to get it. Love did everything in its power to make me feel insecure because love itself was insecure. It beat me up and made me feel devalued. It was funny how love could make me feel unappreciated because love did not appreciate itself.
-True Meaning of Love
Love means safety, unity, and caring. Safety is a sense of security. It is a feeling of support. A feeling that you are protected from anything that is bad. Unity is a sense of oneness. Most of the time, it knows exactly how a loved one is feeling and tries whatever it can to keep the feelings happy. Love is caring. It thinks before it react or make decisions.
It is non-judgmental. It listens. It evaluates. It identifies the good things as well as the bad. It will not discourage you or make you feel less of a man or woman.
Love is knowledge. It is the growth and development of the mind and soul. It unites two bodies to be one mind, one soul. It accepts the responsibility of educating those who may not know what love should be. Love is not selfish. There is no I in love. It takes 2 bodies, 2 minds, and makes one connection. It is considerate about others time, for it knows life is short. It does not put the entire burden of affairs on one individual, but shares the responsibility. Love radiates affectionate waves that are felt and seen by those it comes into contact. Love does not cover itself up and hide or sink into its seat. It does not wonder what others think about it. Love has an aura of self assurance. It knows and shows the meaning of true love with each and every person it meets. Confidence is what love is because it knows what it is, what it has, and what it could be.
Chapter 1
Chapters 2-13 coming soon
The Male and Female Interpretation of Love
This work of art is dedicated to individuals who have been,are, or want to be in love. Open your heart to new experiences. Cherish what you have at this moment and open your mind to break the barriers that are hindering you from loving another.
Special Thanks to those who made this work of art possible: Kareem, Lionel, Victoria, Branden, Shenita, Caressa, and others involved in this discussion.
Ch. 1
What is Love?
Love was supposed to be everlasting. Love was supposed to stand the test of time. It was supposed to wrap it self around me and protect me. It was supposed to provide for me, support, take care of, and most of all love me. Love was supposed to show me a different side of the world that I had never seen. I have come to the conclusion that love is not always how you want it to be. I wanted love to listen to me and not be jealous or dictate. I wanted love to only view my beautifulness and not that of others. I wanted love to be considerate and not insensitive. Love was everything that made me feel insecure. It made me sensitive. It made me lose myself in it, for I did not know how to adjust to it.
Love made me think and feel in a way that I thought was impossible, for I was a woman of great strength and inspiration. I was confident. I was a woman who knew what she wanted in life and knew how to get it. Love did everything in its power to make me feel insecure because love itself was insecure. It beat me up and made me feel devalued. It was funny how love could make me feel unappreciated because love did not appreciate itself.
-True Meaning of Love
Love means safety, unity, and caring. Safety is a sense of security. It is a feeling of support. A feeling that you are protected from anything that is bad. Unity is a sense of oneness. Most of the time, it knows exactly how a loved one is feeling and tries whatever it can to keep the feelings happy. Love is caring. It thinks before it react or make decisions.
It is non-judgmental. It listens. It evaluates. It identifies the good things as well as the bad. It will not discourage you or make you feel less of a man or woman.
Love is knowledge. It is the growth and development of the mind and soul. It unites two bodies to be one mind, one soul. It accepts the responsibility of educating those who may not know what love should be. Love is not selfish. There is no I in love. It takes 2 bodies, 2 minds, and makes one connection. It is considerate about others time, for it knows life is short. It does not put the entire burden of affairs on one individual, but shares the responsibility. Love radiates affectionate waves that are felt and seen by those it comes into contact. Love does not cover itself up and hide or sink into its seat. It does not wonder what others think about it. Love has an aura of self assurance. It knows and shows the meaning of true love with each and every person it meets. Confidence is what love is because it knows what it is, what it has, and what it could be.
Chapter 1
Chapters 2-13 coming soon
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Quotes from readers about "Dead Wrong"
"I would pay more than the asking price for your book. I know your book is great." -E.Y.
"I let my daughter read my copy of Dead Wrong and she couldn't keep her face out of the book. It only took her 2 days to complete the book. She loved it." -Daisy P.
"By the way, I just finished reading your book last week. I was impressed with your writing and you definitely have talent. You were able to describe things in detail, where the reader could visualize everything that was going on in the book. This was a very good first book. Keep it up. Keep writing and growing in your craft. Don't let anyone or anything discourage you. Take care." - Kellie G.
"Sis, I absolutely loved your book. Congratulations." - Kendel B.
"I read your book in one day. I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it."- Cheryl S.
"I enjoyed reading your book. It had a great message at the end." - Jerry F.
"The writing within the book is very influential, which amazed me. I didn't know your writing was so powerful." - Issa K.
"Wow. I knew you were gifted in the many awesome things that you said and did. I am really floored. You really know how to make a dream, reality. I am proud beyond words for you. Wishing you the best of everything life has to offer one. You are well on your way. I can hardly wait for your book of poetry. May god continue to bless and keep you." -Lois H.
"I let my daughter read my copy of Dead Wrong and she couldn't keep her face out of the book. It only took her 2 days to complete the book. She loved it." -Daisy P.
"By the way, I just finished reading your book last week. I was impressed with your writing and you definitely have talent. You were able to describe things in detail, where the reader could visualize everything that was going on in the book. This was a very good first book. Keep it up. Keep writing and growing in your craft. Don't let anyone or anything discourage you. Take care." - Kellie G.
"Sis, I absolutely loved your book. Congratulations." - Kendel B.
"I read your book in one day. I couldn't put the book down once I started reading it."- Cheryl S.
"I enjoyed reading your book. It had a great message at the end." - Jerry F.
"The writing within the book is very influential, which amazed me. I didn't know your writing was so powerful." - Issa K.
"Wow. I knew you were gifted in the many awesome things that you said and did. I am really floored. You really know how to make a dream, reality. I am proud beyond words for you. Wishing you the best of everything life has to offer one. You are well on your way. I can hardly wait for your book of poetry. May god continue to bless and keep you." -Lois H.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Poetic Outlets
Well...
It's finally that time. It's time for me to release another book. I'm really excited about this project because many people have inquired about me releasing a book of poetry. I have received a lot of positive comments from individuals residing in California, Washington D.C., Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and right here in Ohio. When my avid readers and listerns tell me something needs to be done and it has presented itself time and time again, I listen. I am listening to your words and preparing to release my first book of poetry called "Poetic Outlets." The book will include poems that I had written a few years ago and others that were written a few months ago. You will all witness the transition in my writing, as I grow as a writer. It was interesting viewing my previous works because I had to decide between those poems that were absolutely horrible and those that still spoke sweet truths to my soul. I truly hope that my writing can speak to you in the same manner that it spoke to me when I wrote it. Feel free to stay up-to-date by visiting my page at MelicaNiccole. The site will give you information on my social networks and much more.
It's finally that time. It's time for me to release another book. I'm really excited about this project because many people have inquired about me releasing a book of poetry. I have received a lot of positive comments from individuals residing in California, Washington D.C., Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and right here in Ohio. When my avid readers and listerns tell me something needs to be done and it has presented itself time and time again, I listen. I am listening to your words and preparing to release my first book of poetry called "Poetic Outlets." The book will include poems that I had written a few years ago and others that were written a few months ago. You will all witness the transition in my writing, as I grow as a writer. It was interesting viewing my previous works because I had to decide between those poems that were absolutely horrible and those that still spoke sweet truths to my soul. I truly hope that my writing can speak to you in the same manner that it spoke to me when I wrote it. Feel free to stay up-to-date by visiting my page at MelicaNiccole. The site will give you information on my social networks and much more.
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