January 2012

Next month will bring in feelings of new possibilities and I love it! I will not only be thrilled about the new year, but January itself. I'm looking forward to the continued holiday season, which in my family goes until the 6th, as well as wonderfully positive surprises that we haven't found out about yet. 

The first week of January kicks off a one year old birthday celebration for Alice Benton's Blog! In honor of that accomplishment there will be a cyber bash at AliceBenton.com. My blog's official address will change. It's leaving blogspot, but you will be able to continue accessing it at AliceBenton.com We'll have lots of happiness and joy to spread along with some giveaways for members. The blog's official birthday is January 6, but the party will begin before that date. Make sure you check in with us! 

The following weekend, on Saturday, January 14, 2012, there will be a Beauty in Pain book signing in Towson, Maryland. Yippee! The signing will be at Ukazoo Books from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Make sure you stop by and say hello. Get your autographed copy of Beauty in Pain!

As far as the rest of the month, it's a little uncertain. Don't worry because I still expect great things! I'll have some news about my soon to be released novel, Autumns Five Seasons: The Men. It's the first book in a series of three! Plus, there will be many more announcements as we continue along. Regardless, I look forward to spending more time with you. Stay blessed.

*Posts you may enjoy:

An Introduction To Upcoming Novel - Autumn's Five Seasons

My Books - Beauty in Pain & Black Love

December

Surprise!

December

As the month of December begins, I have been reflecting on this year. It's been a good one. It has certainly had some challenges, but I can't complain. I have accomplished a great deal within 2011. I started this blog and my website, AliceBenton.com. I also published my first novel, Beauty in Pain and wrote a second soon to be released novel, Autumn's Five Seasons: The Men; to name a few.

For you, December holds the last NYU Free Writing Class in the series that started in September. So, mark your calendar. It's also time for the Charity: Water Charity: Ball here in New York City. I can't wait and you won't want to miss it. And, the holiday season is already in full swing. Happy holidays to you all!

This month will add closure to some things. It is also ushering in a new day year. I'm looking forward to venturing into new areas in 2012. The anticipation alone has an overwhelming feel to it. I'm going to embrace December and all it has to offer because soon it will be gone.


*Posts you may enjoy:

NYU Free Writing Classes
Reasons To Love Beauty in Pain
Serve Humanity Through Charity Water

My Books - Beauty in Pain & Black Love

The novel, Beauty in Pain, surrounds the topic of losing a loved one. While the story focuses on the main character Valerie Peterson and her ability to, at times, cope with loss. It also shows her inability to properly deal with the situation at hand. Beauty in Pain is filled with the drama that may engulf a family during this particular struggle. It shows the stages of grief, which are on full display through intriguing characters. 

This novel covers one of life's inevitable steps. It is an experience that will take its reader on a wild, but fantastic journey. This is an inspiring tale that begins with an accident and covers the years after it. 

This is one for the book clubs. Or, at the very least, I suggest reading it with a friend because you will want to discuss it. Beauty in Pain is an emotional roller coaster, but it's definitely a ride worth taking. 

 

On the other hand, Black Love: A Book of Poetry & Love keeps things really simple. This book of poems is a unique representation of relationships. It's full of sensual, caring, realistic, harsh and loving realizations. It leads the reader straight to true love. 

Black Love is a great read for one person, but two is even better.

*Posts you may enjoy:

Reasons to Love Beauty in Pain

The Black Love Book Discussion

A Month Before Christmas

Passing The Party

This past weekend was a special one. It was long, but I got things done. My only scheduled event was the Beauty in Pain, book signing in Norfolk, VA, but I had much more to do. My literary calendar was full and I could feel the late nights catching up to me.

I wanted to extend my stay and parlay the overall good feeling into a mini vacation. There were some fabulous moments, but I had a deadline to keep. Seemingly against my own will, I sat at up with my laptop and virtually completed my next novel, Autumn's Five Seasons.

I may not have gotten a chance to run around or shop, but I was happy with the choice I made. I felt accomplished, especially after finishing the novel tonight in its entirety. It's fantastic! You're going to love it! Sometime we have to pass on a little bit of fun and simply handle our business. The party will come back around!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Autumn's Five Seasons
Choices
Prince Books & Me
Where Can I Get Beauty in Pain?

Prince Books & Me

This afternoon's Beauty in Pain Book Signing, at Prince Books in Downtown Norfolk, went well. In fact, it was a huge success! I sold out and was able to take some great photographs that can be seen on Facebook or AliceBenton.com.

When I arrived, I was greeted by a very pleasant employee. Thank you to her and Prince Books for welcoming me into their store. After I set up my table I took a look around.



 I thought this will be good, after all, being in Norfolk is like visiting my heart. I spent a great of deal of time in Virginia when I was younger. So revisiting it felt like going home.

Thank you to everyone that joined me for the book signing! You are appreciated!


Link: AliceBenton.com

*Posts you may enjoy:

Facebook Pet Peeves
Miami Book Fair International 2011
Where Can I Get Beauty in Pain

Breakfast in Brooklyn

This mornings Books & Breakfast Event held at The Archives Restaurant & Bar located in the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge was fascinating! Breakfast was shared with friends and family, which included author, Rose Hester-Lavenburg and aspiring writers. We had a ball. Luckily I found that a great way to bring people together is with food and books.

Everyone agreed that the buffet style breakfast was delicious. The only thing I regret is not tasting more edible delights, although the reviews around the tables were great. There was everything from muffins, danishes and fruit to bacon, waffles and a variety of sausage. There were countless other items, but my favorite was the western made for me fresh on the spot.

We talked about my novel, Beauty in Pain and it was wonderful! I loved hearing thoughts from the group. I discussed some of my favorite parts like the prison visit and chapter 13. While others talked about their own favored sections. We carefully discussed some of Beauty in Pain because there were some guest who had just received their copy...we may have to hold a discussion.


*Posts you may enjoy:

My Beauty in Pain Review Part I
My Beauty in Pain Review Part II
The Black Love Book Discussion
Rose Hester-Lavenburg & Poems for Benjamin

Beauty in Pain Book Signing - VA

Once again, I am going back on the road! I am happy to announce that my next stop on the Beauty in Pain Book Tour is in Norfolk, VA. and I'm elated! Virginia has always been near and dear to my heart.

My book signing will be held at Prince Books. It is located in downtown Norfolk on the corner of Main Street and Martin's Lane in the Towne Bank Building.  The signing will be on Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

If you will be in or around the area stop by and pick up your copy of my novel, Beauty in Pain. Come out and join me. I'm looking forward to a successful book signing and I hope to see you there!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Books & Breakfast in NYC
Reasons To Love Beauty in Pain
Where Can I Get Beauty In Pain?

Where Can I Get Beauty in Pain?

As I make my rounds throughout New York City or even in the social media realm, many people have asked me one question. Where can I get your novel, Beauty in Pain? I am always eager to supply an answer and this post is an attempt to further do so.

Beauty in Pain, is mostly available online. That means you can pick which ever online source you're most comfortable with, like Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble, among many others and order it there. You may also get your copy from AliceBenton.com or by using the Amazon Search Sidebar Gadget on this blog.

If you're in New York City too, the Barnes & Noble bookstore located inside of the Fordham University Lincoln Center Campus (Corner of 60th Street and Columbus Avenue) has copies of Beauty in Pain in the Campus Author section. Those of you in Maryland can stop by Greetings & Readings in Hunt Valley to pick up a copy.

Get your copy today...happy reading!


Link: AliceBenton.com

*Posts you may enjoy:

AliceBenton.com
Beauty in Pain - Available Now
Books & Breakfast in NYC
Reasons To Love Beauty in Pain
The Black Love Book Discussion

A Positive Way of Life

Recently, I was reminded of what the title to my novel, Beauty in Pain, really means. Thankfully, I can say it wasn't the kind of heart wrenching, self-annihilating situation I have previously known, but any kind of hurt is still painful.

I was faced with a situation that caused me a great deal of heartache. As I experienced this unexpected circumstance I realized things weren't as bad as they felt momentarily. When I took a moment to step away from the problem I noticed things were not that bad. Truthfully, I have to acknowledge I received information I had been wanting, although it arrived in an undesirable package.

As negative things rear their ugly heads in your life, look for the beauty that can be found in or around the situation. Focus on being well and attempt to step back from what's happening. Really examine what is taking place, regardless of how it might look at first glance. Choosing to actively seek the beauty in your pain is a positive way of life.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Books & Breakfast in NYC
Choices
God Is Love
Positivity
Reasons To Love Beauty in Pain

Books & Breakfast in NYC

November will be ushering in a Beauty in Pain Event in NYC entitled, Books & Breakfast! It will be held at The Archives Restaurant & Bar located inside the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. Breakfast includes a complete selection of hot buffet items.

This affair will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2011. It begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m. There will be a brief welcome and introduction at 10:30 a.m., which leaves plenty of time to eat and mingle. Guests are encouraged to bring their previously purchased Beauty in Pain novels, although, books will also be available for purchase. Towards the end of the event there will be a book signing.

Come out & meet the author, but hurry and secure your ticket because space is limited. Send an email if you are interesting in attending to avbenton@gmail.com or visit AliceBenton.com


Link: AliceBenton.com

*Posts you may enjoy:

AliceBenton.com
My Beauty in Pain Review Part I
My Beauty in Pain Review Part II
Reasons To Love Beauty in Pain

Big Dreamer

1.    

If you’ve been around for a while, you can probably tell I’m big a dreamer. It really doesn’t matter if we’re talking about a fantasized ambition or a dream state. That’s even more obvious if you have read my novel, Beauty in Pain. While I don’t dream every day, I am fairly consistent with it. The one type of dreaming, I never do is daydream, at least until today.

After tending to many things I had to do, I was left feeling exhausted and like I needed to lean on someone. I decided to take a mid-day nap, something I rarely do and that’s when it happened. I experienced my first daydream! It was simple and beautiful. In it, Jesus allowed me to lie my head down on His lap as I rested while He rubbed my head.

It was the best nap I ever had. I relaxed in a way that left me feeling whole and later remarkably resilient. I knew that I was alright. I also knew that the only one I ever needed to lean on was already there.

*Posts you may enjoy:

God Is Control

Inspiration

Reach For Him

Greatings & Readings & Me!

This past Saturday, August 27th, at Greetings & Readings was excellent! I was happy to finally be able to match up voices with a face. The Greetings & Readings Staff was pleasant and accomodating.

Hurricane Irene made me wonder if anyone would be inside this great store. Fortunately, the storm didn't scare everyone away. I met plenty of people at the Beauty in Pain Book Signing.  Success! I was able to sign books and take pictures, as planned.

Thank you to the entire Greetings & Readings staff, as well as everyone else that braved the storm! We had a great time and you made the trip worth it!


*Posts you may enjoy:

My Beauty in Pain Review - Part I
Reasons To Love Beauty in Pain
Victory Is Yours!
WEAA & Me!

WEAA & Me!

My radio interview on WEAA 88.9 FM was great! I would like to personally thank "Cool Vibes" host, Sandi Mallory, as well as the station for having me. It was wonderful speaking about Beauty in Pain. Ms. Mallory led the interview with absolute grace. I was sincerely happy to be a part of it all.

We briefly spoke about each part of Beauty in Pain. Ms. Mallory also eloquently read from the back cover. The entire experience was exciting and I hope you were able to listen to it.

I'd like to do more interviews. We'll see what's next!


*Posts you may enjoy:

AliceBenton.com
Favorite Teachers
Greatness

AliceBenton.com

I am excited to announce that AliceBenton.com is now available! My website is a place created to showcase my creativity. It will keep you up to date on what's going on with me.

AliceBenton.com offers quick updates about products, photos, upcoming events and more. Please continue to check the site for updates because this is just the beginning. I'm happy about it and feel inspired and I hope you will be too. AliceBenton.com acts as an all access pass! You can see my latest tweets, as well as updates from my Facebook Fan Page. You can even get to Myspace from there.                                       

Do not hesitate to check out my website and please share it with family and friends. Also, sign the Guestbook and let me know you were there. Blessings always...

*Posts you may enjoy:

A Weekend in Maryland!
My Beauty in Pain Review Part I
The Black Love Book Discussion

The Philly Market Street Book Expo

Today was great! The Philly Market Street Book Expo (PMSBE) was amazing to attend. I'm glad I participated.

I saw many familiar and non-familiar faces and of course all were welcome. My novel, Beauty in Pain was well received!

I personally thank PMSBE for having me, as well as all those who came to get an autographed copy of Beauty in Pain. I look forward to many more events. For now, my next stop is in Baltimore, MD...see you there!


*Posts you may enjoy:

A Weekend In Maryland
God Is In Control
Positivity
Reasons To Love Beauty in Pain


Beauty in Pain

A Weekend in Philadelphia, Pa!

I have exciting news. This upcoming weekend, I will be Philadelphia, PA for the Philly Market Street Book Expo (PMSBE)! I will be a featured author, so please come out and see me.  My newly released novel, Beauty in Pain, will be on display! I'll be autographing books around 5pm. I'm looking forward to it.

I'll arrive on Friday, August 12th for the meet and great at Pep Bowl from 5 to 7 p.m.  The next day is the book expo located at Griffin Hall. Saturday, August 13th, the festivities start at 10 a.m. and end at 6 p.m.

For more information, please read the invitation created by host, Holly Peters, on Facebook. Once again, I'll be looking for something to do on Sunday. I sincerely hope to see you there!


*Posts you may enjoy:

A Weekend In Maryland!
Beauty in Pain Book Signing - MD
My Lord

A Weekend in Maryland!

The last weekend in August, I'll be headed to the great state of Maryland. I'm already feeling the love! I'm excited about this upcoming weekend.

It will begin on the radio, at 11:15 a.m. Friday morning on August 26th, I will have the privilege of being interviewed by "Cool Vibes" host Sandi Mallory on WEAA - 88.9 FM: The Voice of the Community. We'll be discussing my newly released novel, Beauty in Pain. Make sure to listen in on the conversation.

Saturday afternoon on August 27th, I'm headed to Hunt Valley, MD. Greetings & Readings in Hunt Valley will be hosting a Beauty in Pain book signing from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Please stop by for an autographed copy!  If you have already purchased your book, which we encourage, pop in to meet me and get it signed.

I'm looking forward to this beautiful Beauty in Pain weekend in Maryland. I hope to see you there! Now, I have to find something to do on Sunday!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Beauty in Pain Book Signing - MD
My Beauty in Pain Review Part I
My Beauty in Pain Review Part II
Reasons to Love Beauty in Pain

Beauty in Pain Warriors

Tonight's post comes directly from inspiration I received from one of my Networked Blog Followers. I recently, sent out an email to supporters of mine to enlists friends into helping along The Beauty in Pain Cause. So far, the reception has been fantastic. God bless those who believe in me and help simply because the can. It was suggested that the email be posted for others to read. It has been slightly edited, but here it is and thank you for reading.

Beauty in Pain Email Re: Beauty in Pain Warriors

Hello Dear Friends:

If you’re receiving this email, you are a great supporter of mine. As such, I am asking you to join The Beauty in Pain Cause. I am asking each of you to assist me in selling books. Also, because you are so near and dear to me, I will accept your decision not to help as well, with no questions asked. I am aware that even if you want to assist me, sometime you just do not have the time or people resources to do so. Below are reasons from a blog post I wrote, to love Beauty in Pain.

Reasons to Love Beauty in Pain

1.   1.   It is a story that everyone can relate to regardless of experience.

2.   2.   It is a unique story.

3.   3.   In its own way, it shows perception is everything. If you are willing to change your mind, you change your life for the better.

4.   4.   It is filled with life lessons.

5.   5.   It identifies some characteristics of grief.

6.   6.   It will enhance your life.

7.   7.   It is supernaturally intriguing.

8.   8.   It shows that anyone can overcome their personal struggles no matter what they are going through in life.

9.   9.   It is both interesting and entertaining.

1010.It is an inspiring tale.

Basically, if you say yes I’m on board, this is what I would like from your participation.

1.   1.  A commitment to attempt to sell 5 to 10 Beauty in Pain books.

2.   2.  You must read the book.

3.   3.  Once you’ve read and loved it spread the word! If you agree that it will entertain, or more importantly help people tell them about it.

One idea I had was for you to host a Beauty in Pain Party. It would be a get-together in which your friends, family, co-workers or just anyone that wanted to show support could order their books and mingle. A party isn’t necessary, but it is an idea. I would also like you to think of what you could do. Maybe you could introduce it to your church or Pastor. Or simply be kind enough to take orders at work or elsewhere. If you are part of a book club please suggest it as a group read. Pick what is suitable for you.

If enough of you agree, I will create a Facebook page just for The Beauty in Pain Cause. It will be there that I give you updates. Please let me know if you have any questions…thanks for your time.

Alice Benton, Author of Beauty in Pain

*Posts you may enjoy:

Beauty in Pain - Available Now

Beauty in Pain Book Signing - MD

My Beauty in Pain Review Part I

Beauty in Pain Book Signing - MD

I am happy to announce that I will be at Greetings & Readings in Hunt Valley, Maryland! The Beauty in Pain book signing will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2011 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

I'm honored that Greetings & Readings has allowed me to stop in and sign some books. I'm excited about appearing in Hunt Valley, MD and cannot wait to meet you there at the signing.

I encourage you to purchase your copy of Beauty in Pain prior to the event, if possible. If not, don't worry about it, we've got you covered. I look forward to saying hello and autographing your copy of Beauty in Pain. As always, I wish you happy reading and hope to see you there.

*Posts you may enjoy:

Beauty in Pain - Available Now
My Beauty in Pain Review - Part I
Reasons To Love Beauty in Pain

Check out Greetings & Readings.

My Beauty in Pain Review Part II

If you read yesterdays post, you know that I have been reading my newly published novel, Beauty in Pain. For your information, there are only five parts. I talked about Part's One - Three. Tonight, I have finished and will share my thoughts on Part's Four & Five.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me. It has been humbling and wonderful to say the least. I look forward to discussing it in some type of open forum with you in detail.

Three things stood out to me in Part Four. First, sometimes we simply have to do things that we don't want. Second, people often pay too much  attention to the wrong thing. And third, the ways of the world vs. the ways of the Lord are two very different things.

Part Five shows there are good and bad ways to deal with issues, which includes the men and women we deal with in our lives. Sometime we willing walk into situations that are clearly trouble. It also show that we can always make a difference and perception is everything. Last, but not least, we...you can survive anything. So when things are rough just hold on because it will get better.Overall, life has its moments of happiness and despair, but I promise you God is good everyday.

*Posts you may enjoy:

Beauty In Pain - Available Now
My Beauty in Pain Review Part I
Reach for Him