Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Get Them While They Are Free!

As a free promotion, I am offering two of my novels for free until December 30, 2011.  Fighting The Desires” and Nayla’s Dilemma-The Ends of Justice” can be downloaded from www.amazon.com  for Kindle users with no strings attached.  I hope you enjoy the free eBooks and feel free to check out my latest novel “Law and Order: Partners Undercover” for only $1.00.

 

Monday, December 26, 2011

My Theory on What To Do With Those Gift Cards

Christmas is over and the gifts cards you received are stacked on the table in front of you.  You shuffle them, stick 'em in your wallet or dresser drawer where they will sit for months or expire before you can use them. The sales are hitting the stores TODAY!  Don't let dust settle on those gift cards or gift certificates. Treat yourself to that item you would never buy for yourself.  I have received several gift cards and I am one of those people that hold onto them for almost a year.  This time I am going to treat myself to something I would never buy for me.

This is hard for me to admit, but I hate the mall and shopping.  You walk the acreage in hot clothing for hours comparing prices or trying to find different color shoes to match a dress or vice-versa.  Three hours later and irritated, we're back at the very first store taking a second look at that suit, dress, or shoes we didn't like the first time. 

I have a solution to alleviate this problem.  Why not convince ourselves we are going for a walk.  This way, if we stop in a few stores, it won't seem like we are shopping.  You look at a few items, don't care for what you see and continue on that walk.

My theory is, if you don't set your agenda for looking for a specific item, you will come across something you like if you are just doing a nice casual walk.  On this walk you won't have the fresh air (unless you are doing a strip mall) but if you get hungry, most of these malls have great food courts plus you've gotten your exercise in for the day.

My point to sum it up is; pack up your gift cards, grab your water bottle and head out for a nice walk today. The weather is going to be nice in most places and this walk can possible net you percentages off items you weren't actually looking for. 

Happy shopping.....er....walking.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Gifting eBooks for Kindle and Nook Owners

I just found this out a few days ago.  You can now gift eBooks directly to Kindle or Nook owners.  If the reader on your Christmas list has asked for electronic books, check out Amazon.com or BN.com for details about gifting eBooks.  While you are browsing what books to purchase, please check out my eBooks for only a $1.00 or less.


  

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Amazon Prime Membership

If you are a Prime Member of Amazon and own a Kindle, you can now borrow "Nayla's Dilemma-The Ends of Justice" for free from the Kindle library.  If you are not an Amazon Prime Member, "Nayla's Dilemma-The Ends of Justice" is still only $0.99.  While you are surfing the site, make sure to check out my other eBooks as well.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

eBook and Paperback Book Christmas Sale


It’s hard to promote an eBook sale when you want do a buy one get one free promotion.  So I had to devise a plan that might or might not work.  From now until December 15th, purchase a Kindle or Nook version of “Fighting the Desires” or “Law and Disorder: Partners Undercover” and get a free PDF copy of “Nayla’s Dilemma-The Ends of Justice” for free.  That is all three books for less than $3.00.

To receive your free copy of “Nayla’s Dilemma –The Ends of Justice,” please respond to me by email with proof of purchase.  For other formats, please visit www.allromanceebooks.com or www.smashwords.com if you don’t have a Kindle or Nook to receive the same.

If you prefer paperback books, I have a sale for that also!  Purchase a copy of “Fighting the Desires” and receive a copy of “Nayla’s Dilemma-The Ends of Justice” for free.  Please visit www.toyebrown.com for reduced prices to take advantage of this sale.
Merry Christmas and happy reading!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

It’s been awhile since I’ve blogged.  My health hasn’t been that great lately and I was hospitalized for six days.  That was not fun by any means but I thank God for getting me on the mend and hopefully back to myself before the holidays.  I love Thanksgiving and the thought of not being able to prepare my family a big meal is pretty depressing.

Anyhow, it is that time of year when we start making those dreaded Christmas lists and counting our pennies to see how much debt we can afford to fall further into.  Well, if one of your gift recipients has a Kindle or Nook or any of those fancy ebook readers, you can pick up my newest novel “Law and Disorder: Partners Undercover” for only a $1.00.  This is not a short story but a full fledge book for only a dollar.  If you like that book, check out my other books for only $0.99.

It won’t hurt your wallet and you will be giving the reader on your Christmas list four romance/suspense novels for under $5.00.

For Kindle, go to www.amazon.com to purchase and for Barnes & Noble for Nook.  For other eReaders check out www.allromanceebooks.com for PDF and ePub versions.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Fighting The Desires
Nayla's Dilemma-The Ends of Justice

        Obsessive/Obsession 

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Saturday, October 22, 2011

Banning, Avoiding or Eliminating the Indy Authors on Amazon

Read a post on Amazon where a reader wants Amazon to apply a filter to rid the self-published books. I understand a reader's right to only want to read books by established authors and books published traditionally.

This post also made me feel when a person snubs their nose at the self-published author, it’s like saying these authors should give up on their dreams. My question is, now that a large number of traditionally published authors are going the self-publishing route, does this mean they will no longer have their following or should no longer write because they left their publishing house?

Traditionally published and self-published authors are striving for the same conclusion...to put out a product for readers to enjoy or learn from in any genre. True, the publishing houses offer more services to help those authors and true the self-published author has to rely on feedback and others to help achieve what a department at a publishing house can do. Snubbing or eliminating a category is wrong on many levels. If you eliminate or snub the unknown you never know what might be overlooked. The brilliant minds that would never be discovered or the masterpiece one might have been waiting all their lives to read. If you don't care for us self-published authors, that's okay, but to take it to a point where we should be eliminated is uncalled for.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Another Self-Promotion For All Authors

It's coming around time to start making that Christmas list.  For $0.99 you can give the reader in your life a good book on any genre for any electronic reader.  While you are searching for your favorites, please check me out on Google ebooks, smashwords, BN, Amazon, and allromanceebooks for less than a dollar.

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Meet the Characters of "Law and Disorder: Parners Undercover"

Morgan Dane – Former child psychologist turned Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force member is 33-years of age, African-American, single, and dedicated to capturing Cleveland's most dangerous drug dealer. Her hobbies are working out, running, baseball and spending time alone. Considered a tomboy, she does not like to wear dresses and prefers the comfort of cargo pants, ponytails and combat boots when hunting criminals. She eats mostly take-out from the local diner instead of cooking for herself. Keeping her private life private, Morgan doesn't indulge much about herself to any of her colleagues except Carmen Maria. She does on occasion hang out with her college sorority sister and friend Monica. The two were very close until Monica does the unthinkable, which puts a strain on their friendship.

Adam Cabrera – an eleven-year veteran for Miami's Fugitive Task Force, joined the Cleveland Division after his partner was killed during a bank heist. 34-years of age, single and of Puerto Rican heritage, his hobbies include, all sports, working out, video games, cooking and playing piano. Known for having a keen sense of humor, he keeps his colleges laughing but when the action starts he is on top of his game and the go to guy. Attractive and charming, two women at FBI headquarters immediately set their sights on the new agent and try to impress him, only his attraction lays elsewhere and getting that attraction returned has become harder than any mission he has encountered in his career.

Carmen Maria – Another member of the Northern Ohio Law Enforcement Task Force and right hand to Commander Philip Talbert is 44-years old, Puerto Rican and engaged to retired Task Force member, Steven Benson. Carmen is friendly and often mothers the younger agents. Best friends with colleague, Morgan Dane, Carmen has made it her mission to make sure Morgan is in a secure relationship before she marries and retires from the force. She feels Morgan is in the prime of her life but spends too much time alone after her live-in boyfriend leaves her.

Paul Hamilton – Detroit's Fugitive Task Force member working with the Cleveland division, meets Morgan when they team up to capture Cleveland most wanted. Paul is immediately drawn to the petite but feisty agent and would like nothing more than to be the number one man in her life. Obstacles stand in his way of becoming that man, and the fact they live in different states doesn't help matters either. The handsome African-American corporate lawyer turned FBI agent has to find a way to gain Morgan's trust and prove he is worthy of winning her heart.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Two for One Continued by Popular Demand

By Popular demand the two for one sale for "Nayla's Dilemma-The Ends of Justice" and "Fighting The Desires" will continue until further notice.  Check out my website www.toyebrown.com for details.


Taking Your Thoughts and Ideas

Well the Fall season has begun.  I'm finishing my fourth book "Law and Disorder: Partners Undercover."  I have vague ideas for my fifth book but a good title has not come to mind yet.  I love suspense and drama but might go purely romance with this book.  Maybe a relationship going on the wayside type of story with the characters finding their way back to each other by the end---this is really not my style.  I think I will stick with my suspense and keep the suspense until the very end.

I'm bringing back the Lofton sisters but not sure which sister will feel the sting of this suspense novel.  Should the psychiatrist's rough edges be softened more, or the brilliant lawyer become hardened after her ordeal, or maybe the quiet scientist should see some spice in life or yet, the good sister who is always doing the right thing take a trip down the wrong path this time.

I haven't decided what I will do but I'm sure as I stare at my blank screen an idea or two will pop into my head to get me headed in the right direction.  In the meantime, I would love to hear from you and maybe if we come up with a few good ideas, we can co-author this book together.  Drop me an email if you are interested.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Random Events In My Fictional World

A few random things happening in my fictional world of late. First off, my blog is now called www.booksbytoye.com.  If you have me saved under the www.booksbytoye.blogspot.com, you will still be able to link to my blog; so no changes have there.

Second, the Michigan International Book Fest will be held at the end of October.  I will post more about that as the time nears.  It will be a three day event and I hope the weather and turnout will be great for this event.

My fourth book, "Law and Disorder: Partners Undercover" is coming along and should be released by winter if I can get the cover together.  The first round draft and proofing is with my proofreader and she is thrilled with the story thus far; I'm still working on the ending.  If and when I do another book, it will continue where the Lofton series ended.  I have had requests to follow-up with the Lofton clan and their lives of drama, romance, and suspense revolving around the church.  So be on the lookout for that.

To end my blogging today I will do it with a promo.  Winter is fast approaching it seems.  Here in Cleveland it was 90 degrees a few days before Labor Day. Monday, it was rainy and 68 degrees and the temps have not moved much since.  So while we get the hot chocolate and blankets out earlier than expected, curl up with a good romance suspense story.  If you are an eBook reader you can get all three for the low price of $0.99 from participating retailers.  Amazon, Barnes & Noble, smashwords.com just to name a few.  My website www.toyebrown.com  has specials running for paperback versions if you like the feel of pages flipping through your fingers. 

Thank you for the support and for listening to what is going on in my fictional world.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Google eBooks

Now that Google has released  iriver Story HD, its version of Kindle and Nook for their eBooks, my eBooks are now available for download at www.books.google.com for $0.99.  That's right all three eBooks are available for only $0.99.
Fighting The Desires Nayla's Dilemma - The Ends of Justice Obsessive/Obsession

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Helpful Household Tips

I'm branching out a bit here.  If you have never used Charlies Soap, give it a try.  It can be used to replace a multitude of products you buy separately, hence saving you a little money.  I first heard about Charlie's Soap from a good friend of mine that gave me a little to try.  I'm a skeptic and have to see for myself if a product works before I spend over $50 dollars for it.  Well, that product worked and I immediately ordered my batch of Charlie's for myself.

Once I started cleaning, I didn't stop until my whole house was sparkling and I did it with that one product.  Reduced with water and you have an all purpose cleaner. It will clean wood (but not varnish, it will remove that) baseboards, computer desks and chairs, windows, mirrors...you name it, it will clean it.  Use full strength to clean stoves, refrigerators, sinks, tubs, toilets, stainless steel pots and pans, cutting boards (removes all food odors), and dishes.  Warning, do not soak metals in this soap or cutting boards treated with any type of coating, it will remove the outer coating.  You can use a wood oil for cutting boards to restore that shinny surface if you want.  Wash and immediately rinse and dry.

They also have a laundry powder that will remove residue from your washer left from other liquid detergents.  I wasn't thrilled about the laundry powder.  It made my clothes seem dull and stiff but there was no static.  The darker clothes tend to have an ashy look once they dried.  I will stick with my regular laundry detergent for that.

Anyway, that is my household tip for the day.  Did I mention it was environmentally safe.

Charlie's Soap Indoor/Outdoor Surface Cleaner, Concentrated, 128-Fluid OunceCharlie's Soap Laundry Liquid - 1 Gal Jug - (128 Loads)

Saturday, August 20, 2011

End of Summer Special

Now until the end of August, get the two for one special by purchasing "Nayla's Dilemma-The Ends of Justice" and  "Fighting The Desires for the special rate of $15.00.  That is two books for the low price of $15.00.

Check out my website to order www.toyebrown.com.  I will autograph both copies.

Fighting The Desires Nayla's Dilemma - The Ends of Justice

New Google Ebook Reader

New eBook reader debuts exclusively at Target.


The iriver Story HD, the first ereader device featuring integration with Google eBooks, will be available in the United States exclusively at Target on July 17.  The Story HD features a 7.3-ounce bodyweight, a six-inch high-definition (768x1024 pixels) E-ink display, a QWERTY keyboard and a $139.99 price tag. Customers can pick them up at Target's website, or at retail locations nationwide.  The new reader lets customers download content via WiFi from Google's cloud-based library of over 3 million free works. Thousands more eBooks are also available for purchase on Google's platform. Read the complete article by clicking:  http://www.iriverinc.com/

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Heading Home From Philadelphia


Well another exposition is done and over.  I hope to be on the road by noon tomorrow.  Whenever I do one of these events, I always hope to leave with the feeling I have learned something new from each author that attended.  Well, I am leaving with that.  Many of the authors I met at this venue had to overcome an adversity to get where they are today.  What I mean when I say that is, they were inspired to write due to an event or tragedy that lead them to share how they overcame to be the success they are today.  Not success as money or fame but just looking in the mirror to say "I overcame."


Besides myself, there were two other authors that only wrote fiction for fun and not as a self-help motivator or maybe even therapy.  As I took my place to tell why I wrote my books, I felt out of place....maybe even foolish.  I had no sad story to tell, I didn't have abusive parents, or a parent addicted to drugs, or no one to care about me as a child.


My family has always been there for each other and we are still there for one another as adults with children and grandchildren.  Listening to these people reminded me how blessed I am.  I have a job; I am able to put food on the table, walk under my own ability and sleep in a warm bed at night.  I might not have all the riches but I have the necessities to keep my head above water, anything outside of that is an added bonus, not something I need to get me through my days. 


Yes, I get angry about things that happen in my life but after hearing the background behind their writing, it was strong, tragic and emotional.  I could never get up enough courage to tell of events in my life that personal.  I could sympathize with their struggles in life but not empathize with their struggles since I've never experienced such hardships while growing up.


I will say this expo was more for those geared toward the self-help and motivation to get one's life together more so than wanting to divulge into the world of fiction.  I am a fiction writer because I like to escape from the real world that I live in daily.  For those looking for self-improvement, spiritual uplifting or even guidance after a tragedy, this would have been the event to attend.


I commend these authors, keep them in prayer and took what they said to heart.  For anyone seeking advice or needing that extra incentive to get motivated, please check out their books.  The names of these authors can be found on the flyer posted on a previous blog.


I won't do a plug here for myself, but for the authors that achieved their dreams after finding peace in their lives.  God bless and I will blog more when I arrive back in Cleveland.  That will be a whole 'nother issue, because the people traveling around downtown Philadelphia have clearly opened my eyes.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Self-publishing and International Sales

I have made many international sales thanks to the invention of the eReader.  German citizens have been the latest eBook readers to start noticing my novels and I want to thank them for becoming fans and taking a chance on a newbie. 

Last year when I first started thinking about self-publishing and actually did it, I was so ecstatic when the very first ebook sold...then I sold ten; I was glowing.  One year later and selling over thousands of eBooks, I am doing pretty well. I have been on a few bestselling lists for my first eBook and now the second and third eBooks are catching up and, in some instances, outselling the first book.  This has given me a boost of confidence to continue to hone my skills and create more mystery romance novels.

This has been a very challenging journey for me.  I'm not one to peddle my wares or hound people to purchase things.  I'm a very quiet person that doesn't attract attention easily or approach strangers in a crowd.  All that is changing now that I have attended a few book shows.  Meeting these independent authors has been a great asset for me.  They are so willing to share information and selling points or how they approached marketing to get their books noticed.  

Before meeting these people or joining the various groups that support independent authors, I preferred to observe rather than partake in vocal activities.  My selling techniques were so challenged, that I would buy most of the fundraising items my kids would be selling for their school instead of hocking it to my co-workers or family.  Seriously, I could only store so much Christmas paper that wasn't enough to wrap a pair of earrings or peanut brittle.  Don't get me started on the outdated M&M's; they really aren't good after sitting in a cabinet for more than a year.  In my case more than a year since I'm not a chocolate fanatic.

The self-publishing industry has proven serious independent authors belong by helping us get that foot in the door.  Many of today's self-published authors are very successful and have proven they can stomp with the big dogs.  If you are serious about getting into this business and giving up your spare time, then I say go for it.  I have given up a lot of my weekends and evenings to dedicate to crafting my dream.

My first book was my test.  I have gotten feedback from that book and learned from it.  A little warning, if you can't take criticism, this is not for you. I took the good and the bad and made myself better with the intentions of only going up from there.  

Selling my work to others to enjoy is a great feeling for me.  I love to read and I know what I look for in the types of books I read.  I try to convey that to what I write.  If it doesn't make sense to me when I'm reviewing it, it’s back to the drawing board until it makes sense.  Example being: I'm working on my fourth novel and one part of it has me thinking I need to make changes.  I have been working on those changes for over a month now and will continue to work on it until it feels right to me.  

Don't get into this business if you are only looking to make a quick dollar, do it for the passion and knowing you worked hard to put out a product someone took the time to purchase, read and even review it.  The good reviews are great confidence builders but take the bad reviews as well.  Most reviewers will tell you why they rated the book low and you can learn from that.

God bless to my fellow Indy authors and good luck to those thinking about joining the party.  It is fun and frustrating at the same time.

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Philadelphia Book Expo

I'm finalizing my itinerary for next week. I have a few odds and ends to wrap up and I should be ready to hit the road early Friday morning. I'm really excited to meet fellow independent authors and learn from them.

My main reason for attending these expo's is to gather knowledge from other and to hopefully get my work some exposure also. I will blog from the event if I get a chance if not, I will definitely have pictures post at a later date.

I would love to get an event like this is Cleveland one day. If there are any independent authors interested in getting together to discuss the possibility of hosting an expo, contact me at my email address listed on this blog or my website.

Back to my plugging before signing off.  If you haven't yet followed the Lofton Sister's in their journey, visit my website www.toyebrown.com for a paperback version of any of my book for a reduced prices.  You can also purchase directly from my blog using paypal.  If you are a eBook reader, you can purchase my books in eBook format for all eReaders from the following vendors.
www.amazon.com, www.bn.com, www.smashwords.com or www.books.google.com

Fighting The Desires Nayla's Dilemma - The Ends of Justice Obsessive/Obsession



Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Congratulations!!

Congratulations to Aimee and Lisa Marie for winning the free copies of "Fighting The Desires" hosted by Goodreads. Your copies have been sent.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Random Excerpts From Law and Disorder - Partners Undercover

Law and Disorder - Partners Undercover

Last day for Free Copy of Fighting The Desires at Goodreads


Today is the last day to enter for one of two free copies of "Fighting The Desires" being held at Goodreads.  Click on the "enter button" in my previous post or go to www.goodreads.com to enter.  This romance novel  will be featured at the Philly Book Expo in two weeks.  As always, if you are an eBook reader, it can be download for your reader for only $0.99 at www.amazon.com, www.bn.com, www.smashwords.com, or any other sites were eBook’s are available.

While you are surfing, check out my other eBook’s that are also only $0.99.


Fighting The Desires Nayla's Dilemma - The Ends of Justice Obsessive/Obsession

Monday, July 25, 2011

Fighting The Desires Giveaway at Goodreads


 
 


   

Sunday, July 24, 2011

One Man In A Bar


Okay, I went to a jewelry party yesterday.  It was very nice and hosted by two very personable women.  The jewelry representative was on point with her sales and had beautiful displays of product to show and talk about.  My sister and I went and we both spent more than we said, but the quality and price of the jewelry was worth spending the extra money.

Now with every sales party there is always a down side.  First, I have to say, there wasn’t a down side to where the party was held, but more so the one man who wandered in.  The venue was a lounge/bar.  It was early in the day, so no bar regulars were there and probably wouldn’t start coming in until after the jewelry party was over.

The host had a wonderful spread of appetizers to offer to her guests and you could purchase a cocktail if you chose.  As the jewelry representative is going over her merchandise and helping the guests with their purchases, a man comes in to interrupt the good time….sigh.

First, he stands at the back of the room near the bar making comments to let the women know he is there….no big deal.  We women can block out the biggest nuisances when spending money.  Ever been in a mall during a sale…our feet can be hurting, arms heavy with packages, but we still manage to find the strength to fit one more bag or walk that extra length of the mall to get to that must have item…endurance baby.

Not liking he was ignored and probably feeling the testosterone boiling to boost his ego, he moved closer.  Still throwing lines from then 1970’s or earlier.  Some of what he was saying I had to give a raised eyebrow.

Anyway, continuing our ogling over the sparkling jewelry and burning credit cards in our wallets, we ignored Superfly sporting his work clothes at the bar.  He had his drink in hand, and maybe had a few before he got there, made the move---he bought a round for the women in the bar.

Yeah, he got them where he wants them now---free drinks! The bartender graciously takes the orders of those that accepted Superfly’s generous offer of free cocktails, thanking him with nods and smiles.

With cocktails served, a break was taken to enjoy the appetizers and to socialize among each other; Superfly’s bubble was busted yet again.  The free drinks did not garner the attention he was seeking.  (1) the women in attendance were not there looking for a man, (2) we are spending money, so even if you were the hottest male on the tube or in print, you wouldn’t have been noticed and, (3) he was starting to hit a nerve.

Doing number (3) was probably the worst thing he could do. A room full of women and an irritating man is a recipe for trouble, but Superfly wasn’t done yet.  He had one last ace in his pocket.  The host offered Superfly food.  We are talking finger foods here, not Subway.  Why do I mention Subway--because he asked for a meatball sandwich.  The host, annoyed, said nicely, “I can’t make a meatball sandwich.”

He declines the food since he couldn’t have it his way. Finally, he pulled that last card and the one that let him know he should move on while he still had legs.  He whipped out a $10 bill for the jukebox to get dances.  Superfly has fallen from the seventies back to the forties or fifties.  Did he think he could buy dances for ten cents or better yet ten dollars?

At that point, I think, he knew he made a mistake and first tied to correct it by saying he didn’t know there was a party going on and then by offering to buy a watch.  I guess the display tables with all the jewelry was part of the bar’s décor and the fact there wasn’t any jewelry for men displayed or any other men present besides the men that worked in the bar, didn’t give him much of a clue either.

The women handled it with grace and dignity by only burning him with stares.  Superfly backed his singed wings back to the end of the bar and out the back door.  He had to be the only customer that purchased products (drinks and $10 no-lap dances) that day and didn’t have a bag or receipt to show for it.

When my sister and I left, we saw the battered Superfly standing at the front entrance of the bar outside.  A storm was brewing and the winds had picked up.  I wonder if he was wishing he could catch a breeze to fly his wounded ego home.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

GUILTY


I don’t normally voice my opinion too much on what is going on in the world, but today I have a need to say something.  In 2009, Cleveland Police and other law enforcement agencies captured the city’s first serial killer in decades.

The Anthony Sowell killings stunned and sickened the residents of the Imperial Avenue neighborhood.  That area of Cleveland is not without its share of violence but to have a neighbor using his home as a death chamber to torture women, well, even that, will make the most hardened person shake their head.

Yesterday, July 22, 2011 the verdict was read and the monster, that I’m sure his parent’s did not groom him to be, stood to hear his fate. The eleven women that died so violently and left to rot like trash; got the last hoorah.  Anthony Sowell, found guilty of all counts—justice did prevail.

Newscasts carry almost daily, how women of other ethnicities are killed or gone missing.  When I say this, I mean women that are either wealthy, come from better neighborhoods or are not black, to break it down.

The eleven women, no matter what path they choose to take while on this earth, did not deserve to die at the hands of this man.  The local news stations here did an excellent job on profiling these women as human beings.  They have families who cared about them, children that will miss them and hearts that will weep even when remembering the good times they shared with them.

When reporting a woman or any person missing, it should be considered a serious matter.  Therefore, what if that person missing has a drug problem, so what if that person is poor, so what if that person is not a public figure—so what.

Some of those women had been missing for years and the families tried repeatedly to get help, only to have doors closed or the promise to look into it.  These procedures have to change so men like Anthony Sowell will not have an opportunity to kidnap torture and murder woman for years because they are not fortunate to have families with status or fit that certain profile to start looking for them immediately.

I am not going to bash the officials who handle missing persons, because I don’t have all the facts on how they operate. They most likely follow a protocol when opening a file to see who get priority; therefore, I can only voice my opinion on how I feel it should be handled.

This article is only my opinion.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Congratulations To The Winners of The Goodreads Giveaway

Congratulations to Ann, Amber and Morgan for winning the free copies of "Nayla's Dilemma-The Ends of Justice." I hope you enjoy the book. Also, I would like to thank all those that expressed an interest in receiving a copy. I will be doing another giveaway in the future.

You can still pick up a copy of  "Nayla's Dilemma-The Ends of Justice" or copies of my other books; "Obsessive/Obsession" and "Fighting The Desires," from http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bn.com/, http://www.smashwords.com/ or http://www.toyebrown.com/.

Electronic versions are only $0.99 an available at all the above retailers.

Thank you again for entering.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Goodreads Free Giveway




Goodreads Book Giveaway





Nayla's Dilemma - The Ends of Justice by Toye Lawson Brown



Nayla's Dilemma - The Ends of Justice


by Toye Lawson Brown



Giveaway ends July 20, 2011.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.




Enter to win


Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Final Two Weeks For Gift Card Freebie

Counting down to the last two weeks of the Lofton Family Gift Card Contest. For your chance to win a $50 gift card to Olive Garden or a $25 American Express gift card.  Check out my website for details at www.toyebrown.com or my blog for the post giving details on how to enter to win.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Monday, June 20, 2011

Summer Promotional From The Lofton Family

The Lofton family is having a summer reading give away.  Purchase the paperback versions of "Nayla's Dilemma-The Ends of Justice" and "Fighting The Desires" together from my website and be entered to win a $50 gift card to Olive Garden.  All that is necessary is proof of purchase and a valid email address with name and phone number to be contacted. I will send the winner the gift card.

eBook reader's you too can get in on this deal.  Purchase all three electronic versions from www.amazon.com or  www.bn.com or www.smashwords.com for a chance to win a $25 American Express gift card.  That is less than $3.00 to win $25.  With electronic purchases, a proof of purchase must be emailed to me in order to be entered into the  drawing.

Winners will be announced on my blog and website unless otherwise asked to remain nameless.  The contest ends July 15, 2011.

Nayla's Dilemma - The Ends of JusticeObsessive/ObsessionFighting The Desires


Thursday, June 16, 2011

Paperback Version of "Fighting the Desires"

I finally buckled down and finished the whole book cover for "Fighting The Desires."  When I first decided to write a book, I was so anxious to learn everything from publishing to designing the covers.  After doing two cover designs, I've come to the conclusion I don't need to know everything.  I will stick to the writing and let the designers do their job.

I have another cover in the works but I can pass off that design to the pros.  I'm dreaming edge dimensions, pixels and all the other formatting that goes with the territory of cover designing.  In an earlier post I vented my frustrations with Photoshop and Adobe InDesign programs in a whole...nothing has changed, I'm still  illiterate.  I used the programs I do know as best as I could and hopefully my final product will turn out as I envisioned.  Below is the final design for the book.



Until the paperback is available, "Fighting The Desires" is available for all eReaders for $0.99 at most online retailers such as www.amazon.com, www.bn.com and www.smashwords.com.


Monday, June 6, 2011

Fighting The Desires

Fighting the Desires is now available for eBook readers. Below is a brief synopsis.  I will be uploading it to www.smashwords,com soon and the paperback will follow thereafter.  I hope you enjoy the last series for the Lofton's sisters.

The year 2008 arrived as the Lofton sisters finally enjoyed a few years of drama free living, until Lieutenant Terrance Wilson entered Tina Lofton’s life.  His sudden investigation into her treatment of former patients who have turned up dead has turned her life upside down.
  
Dealing with personal issues that her sisters are not aware of, Tina now has to deal with the Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper prodding into her past and present, leading her on the verge of an emotional roller coaster ride.

Fighting The Desires 

Available at www.amazon.com and www.bn.com for $0.99.


Saturday, June 4, 2011

Radio Interview for Nayla's Dilemma

The Interview with ArtistFirst Radio Network for my second book "Nayla's Dilemma-The Ends of Justice"  is now available for a listen.  http://66.49.193.35/Authors-First_2011-05-25_Toye_Brown.mp3

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Frustrations with Adobe Photoshop C5S1

Today has been the day to test my creativity and nerves.  First, for the people that use Adobe Photoshop C5S1, I tip my hat off to you.  I have taken the classes offered and still can't get that program to do what I want.  My third book "Fighting the Desires" will be coming out soon and I'm in the process of creating that book cover.   Not wanting to create a mess of that cover, I decided to design the cover of my fourth book in process.

Since this book is not yet completed or scheduled to come out for awhile, I started playing around with Photoshop.  I am not an artist or paint by number expert by far.  I hate to admit I can't even draw simple things like stick figures.  Photoshop just proved that I should not be anywhere near a box of crayons, drawing pencils and now photographs.  The instructions, as clear and concise as they were, I still could not grasp the concept.  I'm embarrassed to admit how many times I replayed the exercises to obtain the hot mess I came up with.

After a few hours and many wasted brain cells, I switched to the old standby, PowerPoint.  That is a program I can use and will be using from hereon.  The future may be Photoshop but for this old brain and less than patient person, I will stick with PowerPoint.  Below is a sneak preview of my book cover for the next book in progress.  I am keeping the cover for "Fighting the Desire" under wraps for now.


 I will post a teaser to this book as soon as I get enough of it written and edited.  In the meantime, "Obsessive/Obsession" and "Nayla's Dilemma-The Ends of Justice" are available for your reading pleasures at www.amazon.com, www.bn.com, www.smashwords.com, www.booksbytoye.blogspot.com and www.toyebrown.comElectronic versions are available for $0.99 for all eReader formats at the above online book stores.

Nayla's Dilemma - The Ends of JusticeObsessive/Obsession
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Text 'Yes' If You Love Me Has Been Nominated for Cover of The Month for May. I Need Your Votes Please

If you liked the cover of my book, Text 'Yes' If You Love Me, please vote for it for the Cover of the Month contest on AllAuthor.com...