Jalisha followed Camille's rules to the letter. When she broke a rule, her innocence became a thing of the past. Eight-year-old Corine loved and admired her sister dearly and would do anything for her, even if it meant taking a life. Self-absorbed Camille loved her tricks more than she loved her daughters. Apple Tree is the story of love, betrayal and the loss of innocence.
I was born September 1966 in the Chocolate City, also known as Washington, DC. When I was 12 years old, my parents moved our family to Upper Marlboro, Maryland where we called home.
I loved reading books. I read three to four books per week. My favorite spot in the house was the cozy corner of the living room sofa, curled up with a good book. One Christmas, Mr. Tilles (my ex-hubby and dear friend), gave me the best give ever--Homecourt Advantage by Rita Ewing and Crystal McCray Anthony. I cracked that book open on December 25, 2000 and by December 26, 2000, I was reading the last page. However, between the 25th and the 26th, something happened to me. I heard a voice that I'd never heard before. I recognized that voice, too! How can I recognize a voice I'd never heard before, right? I know. I thought the same thing, but I did. The voice said, "You can do that, too." I smiled and made a beeline to the basement, propped myself at my computer and within four weeks, I'd written my first novel, Anything Goes. That was one exciting and exhilarating ride. That voice? It was my grandmother--Esther McGee. I'd never met my grandmother nor spoken to her. She died years before I was born. However, something inside me knew that voice belonged to her, and no one can tell me differently. Thank you, grandmother. You were right. I could do it, and I did!
It has been ten glorious years as a writer. In that time frame, I released: Anything Goes, In My Sisters' Corner, Apple Tree, Sweet Revenge, Fatal Desire, Unfinished Business, Erogenous Zone: A Sexual Voyage, Loving Simone and No One Has To Know (an erotic quickie eBook). My short story, "Julian's Grace" was published in The Triumph of My Soul (Peace In The Storm Publishing).
Did I mention I self-published my first book, and now I head an independent publishing house, Xpress Yourself Publishing? In 2006, I published fellow authors Bill Holmes, Kenda Bell and Michael J. Burt. Bill Holmes' debut novel, One Love, peaked at #4 on the Essence Best Seller's List in July 2007, followed by Kenda Bell's For Every Love There Is A Reason at #8 in August 2007. As the publisher of Xpress Yourself Publishing (now affectionately known as XYP), I am helping to mold the literary careers of talented authors, and I publish around 5 to 10 titles per annum. In 2008, I was honored to receive the African American Literary Award for Independent Publisher of the Year. I was also nominated for that same award in 2009. Visit my publishing company at www.xpressyourselfpublishing.com.
I am listed in Heather Covington's Top 100 Literary Divas (Amber Communications). I am the Creative Designer and Owner of TWA Solutions (formerly The Writer's Assistant), a small, minority- and woman-owned business providing services to independent publishers and authors and small businesses in the areas of book cover design, interior book design, editing, web design, consulting and self-publishing services.
In addition to my many accomplishments, I am a staff writer for Black Men In America.com, have contributed the article "Third Shift Blues" to Black Romance Magazine, and is the recipient of the Memphis Black Writer's Guild's Rising Star award, and the Jackson Mississippi Reader's Clubs' Outstanding Contributor to Literature award.
I am currently working on several literary projects. I have to keep busy! I still reside in Upper Marlboro, Maryland with my two dogs: Abby and Teddy.
