Who is Autumn?

Autumn is the main character in my upcoming novel, Autumn's Five Seasons: The Men. She is a young woman with a lot to learn. She's complicated in her own way, yet easy to understand. While it's easy to relate to her, don't confuse that with agreeing with her choices. You might, but she's a naive young lady with lessons to learn. One reader saw Autumn as a classy woman with a smutty edge. While another one described her as a little maddening.

Autumn's Five Seasons: The Men is filled with Autumn's relationships. It shows how she has dealt with some things that have happened to her within them. She's basically trying to keep herself together and figure out her next steps while struggling through messes along the way. Will love find her as she moves through these men and their situations?

Autumn's Five Seasons: The Men is absolutely riveting. You'll become engrossed in the characters from section to section and be surprised by all the twists and turns. This novel will leave you excited about what you read and ecstatic that it's part of a trilogy. Look for it because it's coming soon!


Link: AliceBenton.com

*Posts you may enjoy:

An Introduction To Upcoming Novel, Autumn's Five Seasons
Autumn's Five Seasons: The Men
The Black Love Book Discussion

A Year For Children

In ways, next year will be "the year of the children." I have several projects that I will be working on aimed right towards the little ones. As such, I pray to be more aware and attentive because children are precious and deserve more attention. It is my wish to bless them and their loved ones.

It will be interesting to jump into the world of a child. And, I hope you'll come along with me too. Personally, I love being read to by my nieces or reading to my grandson. It will be nice to be on the creative side of the books through books.

While I will be working on other things in 2012, much of my heart will be in the realm of the child. You can look forward to a variety of enjoyable tales, as well as niche topics too.


*Posts you may enjoy:

A Month Before Christmas
Evening Thoughts
One Mother's Letter To Her Children

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!

Autumn's Five Seasons: The Men

Autumn's Five Seasons is an exciting three book series! The first soon to be released book in the series is called The Men. This novel was inspired by my first book, Black Love: A Book of Poetry & Love and I'm so happy that it's almost time to share it with you.

My book of poems, Black Love, was used as an outline, but it did not control the story. And, I think that's good because poems are wonderful, but they only represent how you feel during one moment. A novel on the other hand is continuously revisited throughout the course of time. Generally, statements and/or feelings simply deepen or become more clear.

I found the male characters surprising! That's funny to me because I created them, but it's true. They all contribute a unique view on relationships and leave you wanting much more. In fact, that's how Autumn's Five Seasons became a three book series. The story was over, but I wanted more and I know you will too.

I'll keep you posted on its progress. Watch for it because my novel, Autumn's Five Seasons: The Men, will be coming soon!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Beauty in Pain - Now Available
The Black Love The Book Discussion
An Introduction To Upcoming Novel - Autumn's Five Seasons

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

Miami Book Fair International 2011

Great news! The Miami Book Fair International begins today, Sunday, November 13th! So if you're lucky enough to be in the area check it out because there are many great things to do. You have until the 20th of November to see everything, but the Street Fair is only from November18th - 20th.

There are many discussions and readings for the adults, as well as things for children. Activities for children include theater, arts-and-crafts, storytelling and readings. This annual fair is worth visiting. According the the About The Fair page, over 250 publishers, booksellers exhibit and sell books with special features.

If you would like to attend specific events visit the Schedule of Events page. The Fairgoer's Guide can also be helpful too. So head out there and buy books!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Beauty in Pain Book Signing - VA
The Black Love Book Discussion
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

An Introduction To Upcoming Novel - Autumn's Five Seasons

I would like to introduce my second novel, Autumn's Five Seasons, to you. It is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2011. This book is an exciting read for both men and women! You won't believe some of the many twist and turns it takes. You'll be shocked! I suggest you read both my previous books before this one because you'll have an extra appreciation for this novel, but it's not necessary. My intro is a letter to you. Happy reading and blessings always!


Readers,

I started writing this particular story in 2007. I think two pages were completed…maybe, disappointed to say the least. This story kept getting interrupted because I was trying to make sense of a personal tragedy.

I quickly came to realize that it isn’t that easy to write a novel. I asked myself, what am I doing? Could I come up with that type of story? I also worried that I didn’t have that kind of imagination. And last, I questioned, would I be able to create not one, but five interesting men that correlate to perfection with Guys 1 through 5, in Black Love: A Book of Poetry & Love; my first book which inspired this novel. As I worked on the character, Lem, from my first novel, Beauty in Pain, I realized the answer was certain; it was an unequivocal yes! 

Without my book of poems there would not have been a follow-up idea. Without Beauty in Pain, specifically, chapter 13, this book truly would not exist. I have noticed that my entire life keeps coming together in support of itself.  God has been so good to me and always has been, even when I was too naive to know it.

I can’t wait for you to read Autumn’s Five Seasons! You can enjoy it, knowing two things about this particular novel. First, I was raised to this occasion and second, the men have come to life for you.

Male Characters From Women Writers: Writing For The Opposite Sex

Reasons To Love Beauty in Pain

The Black Love Book Discussion

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

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

The Brooklyn Book Festival 2011

Tomorrow in Brooklyn, NY, the Brooklyn Book Festival of 2011 is a great festivity to check out. Sunday, September 18th from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. events will be taking place. Book lovers should plan to attend! All events are free, although some require tickets.

Look at the available schedule and plan your day. There will be many interesting guest. For more information, please make sure you visit the festivals official page. I hope to see you there. Enjoy & happy Sunday!

*Posts you may enjoy:

My Beauty in Pain Review Part I
My Beauty in Pain Review Part II

Reasons To Love Beauty in Pain

The Black Love Book Discussion

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

Books vs. Ebooks

This is not the typical article on this topic. I'm not going to try and sell you on which one is better, although, I do have my opinion on that. This post is to let avid readers know why they should buy both formats of a book.

Lets be truthful, ebooks are wonderfully convenient, as well as economical. They allow us to walk around load free, unlike the weightiness of a book. They also can be inserted into virtually any moment of spare time undetected. Thanks to the many advances in technology, you don't even need the extra device if you don't want it; simply use your favorite amp.

If you're anything like me, and I sincerely hope you are, you love a good book. I love the look and feel of reading. I don't exactly know why, but the actual page turning process brings me joy. If you collect books, reading the ebook can help with the preservation of the books on your shelf; keeping them in mint condition. I also like getting my books signed.

So, if you really love a book, you'll buy them both. What's your opinion?


*Posts may enjoy:

Distractions
Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25
My Beauty in Pain Review Part I
My Beauty in Pain Review Part II
Reasons to Love 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