Monday, December 20, 2010

Greetings Friends,

Please be advised that the scheduled broadcast for my show this evening has been canceled but will be re-scheduled in the near future. DTBA. Thanks always for your support and have a great evening!
Greetings Friends,
Please join me tonight as I welcome author, minister & teacher Jake Powell Jr. to my show From The Heart & Soul tonight at 7PM EST. Powell is the author of a controversial novel entitled 'Dark Secrets Your Pastor Won't Reveal.' Call in number is 347-838-9657 or listen from the chatroom http://ping.fm/CsLw6 Hope to hear you there

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Today is my youngest son Shaun's birthday - Happy birthday baby. Mom loves you and I'm so very proud of the man, husband and father you've become.
Greetings friends, coming early 2011 I will be launching a new service to the public called The VOW Network (Voices of Wisdom.)This service will be an empowerment bridge that brings together the public and a variety of information-experts through a convenient and inexpensive medium. If you are an expert in any field and would like to be a part of my Speakers Bureau for this venture please e-mail me at speakers@thevownetwork.com for compensation info and participant guidelines.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Hey FB fam. She's here my 3rd grand daughter Journey Aliyah 8 pounds even 21 inches long. Yeah I'm so happy. Have a great weekend

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Greetings fam,

My best of wishes to you all. I just want to remind you to give the gift of
knowledge this season. Books are great gifts. Please gift a young girl or boy
with my book� 'A Slip In The Right Dithirection.'�It's a coming-of-age story
with challenges and celebrations any reader at any age can identify with. Pick
up a copy at Amazon.com or for an autographed copy go to my website�and order it
at: www.RachelBerry.webs.com� Have a great day

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Here's to hoping everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I wish you all an enjoyable weekend as well. I'm spendingg time with family and loving it. My youngest daughter is in town too as we all await the birth of my third grand daughter Journey Aliyah. Have a great day

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Good morn fam. Here's a tip I wanted to share with you to help you enjoy your turkey day. As family gathers and someone works your nerves by the numbers remember the term RWWW. Red Wine Works Wonders!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Greetings all. I wish for you a successful and happy day. Thanks for sharing all that you are thankful for. I wish you all a happy and joy filed Thanksgiving. Now can someone explain to me why so many people can't wait for Black Friday? Are you going to be outside a retail store at 4AM?

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Good morn FB family it is Thankful Tuesday. Enjoy your day and all that you are blessed with. Tell or show someone today that you appreciate them. I'm thankful for life, my family, love, and knowing of my life's purpose. What are you thankful for?

Monday, November 15, 2010

Sunday, November 14, 2010

FB Fam, the book signing on Saturday was fantastic. I not only sold a lot of
books but I met great people and fellow authors. Please join me tonight on my
show to greet popular authors Adra Young & Tracie Christian 7PM EST. Call in
number 347-838-9657 or chat and listen at
http://ping.fm/wtQka� I'm Doing It From The Heart & Soul
for you so I hope to hear you there!

Friday, November 12, 2010

Greetings�FB fam, I know it's been a minute since I said hello but it's been so
busy, and I am so blessed. I just wanted to tell anyone who will�be in the
Hampton Virginia�area to come out tomorrow to the Hampton Book Festival at the
Hampton Convention Center. I'll be signing books, reading,�and talking about my
latest project from 12 noon until 5pm.� A variety of other authors will be there
too. Stop by and say hello and pick up a few copies of my book for
holiday�gifts. Hope to see you there!

Monday, November 8, 2010

Friday, November 5, 2010

Greetings friends! I invite you to tune in tonight at 7pm EST to�my show From
The Heart & Soul. The call in and listen in number is 347-838-9657�or chat and
listen in the chat room at http://ping.fm/bAyl1�My guest
will be�Beverly Black Johnson creator of Gumbo For The Soul and the Gumbo
family.�Listen in as they�share their literary spices with me Lady Serenity and
my�co-host best selling author Sheila Goss for some serious mind-food and
conversation. This is the premiere of many shows to come. You don't want to miss
this soulful and empowering collaboration!

Monday, November 1, 2010

LinkedIn
Greetings FB family. Please join me tonight on my radio show�'From The Heart &
Soul' as�I welcome author, actress, and so much more, the incredible Ms. Ci Ci
Foster, author of 'Sunny Rain.' Tune in at 7pm EST. Call in or listen in at:
347-838-9657 or join us in the chatroom and listen in at:
http://ping.fm/uUZLg� Hope to hear you there!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Greetings FB fam. I hope all is well. I'm inviting you all to join me tonight at 8pm EST for my author"s interview on BAN radio Call in number to listen or chat is 1-646-200-0402 If you have read my latest book please call in with your comments. Hope to hear you there

Monday, October 25, 2010

Good Day FB fam. It is a Marvelous Monday and I'm back at home. Time to rest up from vacation.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Greetings fFB fam. It"s been a whole week since I communicated last. LA was gorgeous, visiting family was a blessing and loads of needed fun. Now husband and I are in AL visiting our youngest daughter. The day is beautiful. Get out and enjoy. Hey call someone who has been on your mind. Make their day Chat with you soon.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

FB fam it's a sunny Saturday. I'm on my way to Louisiana to visit family, get some R&R, and soak up the local beauty and atmosphere. My next family novel Between The Tears And The Laughter takes place there. Have a great day!
FB it's a bra

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Good morn FB fam. It's another wonderful day we're sharing. Recognize and enjoy your blessings

Friday, October 8, 2010

It's another fantastic Friday fam, BE a great day and make someone laugh. Laughter is good for the soul.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Good Morning fam. I hope you all had a great weekend. I did. I spent it with family. I know I am blessed. I also know you NEVER know what life might ask of you to do but if it's in your life's purpose our creator gets us through. What do YOU know?
Good Morning fam. I hope you all had a great weekend. I did. I spent it with family. I know I am blessed. I also know you NEVER know what life might ask of you to do but if it's in your life's purpose our creator gets us through. What do YOU know?

Sunday, October 3, 2010

Good Morn Fam. I'm still recovering from the fantastic Friday I had for my book release and on line book party Thanks to everyone that supported me, participated in the book party and bought the book on Friday. You are appreciated. Please continue to tell your family and friends about A Slip In The Right Direction which is available on Amazon, B&N, Books A Million, and my web site, just to name a few. Remember it's about the message to our tweens and teens, not the book. But let's continue to use the book as one way to reach the young people, especially our young men.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Fam, I'm offering a special promotion today only: for any book club or individual that purchases 8 books or more of 'A Slip In The Right Direction' at Amazon.com if you send me proof of receipt I will send you the poetic portrait that is an accessory to the book for free - valued at 35 dollars. Both make excellent tween & teen gifts.
http://ping.fm/Tjqbc
Fam, I'm offering a special promotion today only: for any book club or individual that purchases 8 books or more of 'A Slip In The Right Direction' at Amazon.com if you send me proof of receipt I will send you the poetic portrait that is an accessory to the book for free - valued at 35 dollars. Both make excellent tween & teen gifts.
Good morn fam, well today's the big day. My book is released and I'm so excited. I'm glad to be able to share this journey with you. Have a great day too!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Come Join me on my show From The Heart & Soul http://ping.fm/kR2lK this Friday at 7pm EST or call 347-838-9657 and help me celebrate the release of my first Young Adult novella 'A SLIP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION' on sale OCTOBER 1st at Amazon.com & BarnesandNoble.com. I've written this book especially for young men 12-16 years old. It's a must read for tween & teens!!! I'll be reading excerpts from my book, giving away 2 free copies, telling you about the poetic portrait that is an accessory to the book, how to get it, and playing some old school music. Please grab yourself at least one copy, call in with your comments about your coming-of-age experiences and tell your friends to do the same. Best-selling author and comedienne Pat G'Orge Walker and CEO of Gumbo For The Soul Beverly Black Johnson will be co-hosting the celebration. It's gonna be a blast. Hope to hear you there!!!!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Good morning fam, the count down has begun, 6 days until October 1st and the release of my Young Adult novella A SLIP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. Everyone who has a special tween or teen in their life, especially if it's a young male please go to Amazon.com and get at least 1 copy of this coming-of-age series. Why not help a young heart find their way in life through reading? Please feel free to post your comments about the book and its message once you read it. Tomorrow I'll post a few reviews from a few people that have already given it their stamp of approval. Have a wonderful day!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Today is a wonderful day, my mom turns 88 years young. Happy birthday Gussie Mae Gaines

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Greetings friends, I hope you are having a great day. I was wondering though, how many of you have or know young men between the ages of 12 and 16 that you pray would read more, and read something that inspires their mind and heart to grow towards their King-dom? We can all think of some young boy that needs positive material to help him identify with the natural occurences of becoming a young man and coming-of-age. Respond if you like, but at least think about it. I did. I'm the mother of 2 grown sons now and this is part of what prompted me to write: A Slip In The Right Direction. These reasons are just a few of why I am promoting my messages in my latest book. I hope you decide to help too on October 1st!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Greetings Fam, I hope you all will support me in spreading the word about my latest book "A Slip In The Right Direction.' It goes on sale October 1st and can be bought on line at Amazon.com It's part 1 of a coming-of-age series for tweens and teens but written especially for young men. You can also pre-order by going to my website at: http://ping.fm/617fa
I'll be posting an excerpt soon to satisfy your curiosity. Please tell your family and friends to purchase their copy on October 1st. I thank you for your support!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Coming Soon author & poet Rachel Berry's first Young Adult novel 'A Slip In The Right Direction.' Part 1 of The Clifton Henderson series. This is a coming-of-age series for tweens and teens, ages 12-16 and written especially for young men. This novel will make a great gift for a birthday, as an appreciation reward and for the upcoming holidays. Pre-ordering info will soon follow so stay tuned

Friday, September 10, 2010

�
Rachel Berry�
Author of the upcoming YA novella: 'A Slip In The Right Direction'
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"Putting A Mellow View To All That We Do & Doing It From The Heart & Soul."�
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Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Good morning fam, I hope you're having a successful day. And for those of you
who might be being challenged by a situation, boss, co-worker or just someone
trying to make your day difficult - never let them see you sweat. Kill them with
kindness or if possible simply�ignore them. Remember anger is only one letter
away from danger.�BE a great day!


�
Rachel Berry�
Author of the upcoming YA novella: 'A Slip In The Right Direction'
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"Putting A Mellow View To All That We Do & Doing It From The Heart & Soul."�
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Saturday, August 21, 2010

Good morning fam. Just wanted you to know that I'll be at The Family Feastival in ABNER CLAY PARK in Richmond VA today from 4pm until 8pm signing books and taking orders for my soon to be released YA novel A SLIP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. If you're in the area come on by so I can meet you. Tell a friend and have a great weekend

Friday, August 20, 2010

Greetings Fam. I hope your day is going well and that you've had a powerful
week. Why not reach out and call someone special today to hear how their week
has been. Call just to listen to them and let them know they are appreciated.
After all true friends are the people that know all about you and still put up
with you and love you. Have a geat weekend

Monday, August 16, 2010

Greetings Fam it's Magnificent Monday. Come join me on my show From The Heart & Soul when I welcome Christian Fiction author Shana Burton and Best-selling author Victoria Christopher Murray. They'll be reading from their lastest books and taking calls from you. The fun starts at 7PM EST. Call in number 347-838-9657. Hope to hear you there

Friday, August 13, 2010

Good morning fam. It's another fantastic Friday and you've made it through the
work week.�Remember to pay yourself first before you pay others. Your wings for
today is: "Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you're up to."
�
�
�
Author & Poet
Rachel Berry aka Lady Serenity
�
"Putting A Mellow View To All That We Do & Doing It From The Heart & Soul."�
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http://ping.fm/nrUXj
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http://ping.fm/Eict7

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Hey fam, a little FYI for those writers or those inspirng to write: I write a
monthly column�for SORMAG called Building Colorful Characters. It's loaded
with�ideas and examples of how you can craft interesting characters for your
stories and books. I'm also always looking for guest writers to contribute to my
column. In return a link to your web site and a picture of your book will be
included. Check me out at SORMAG dot blogspot dot com. On the right hand side
with the links�under Directory�click on Building Colorful Characters. Pens up to
great writing!




Author & Poet
Rachel Berry aka Lady Serenity
�
"Putting A Mellow View To All That We Do & Doing It From The Heart & Soul."�
�
http://ping.fm/iCfSh
http://ping.fm/hVNsh
http://ping.fm/oW0bZ
Greetings Fam, I'm hard at work seeing to the release of my next book: A Slip In
The Right Direction. So much to do, but I can tell you it feels so good when you
finally hold your book baby in your hand.�These past years of being in the
publishing biz has given me a new sense of respect for book publishers. When you
reach for�a book from a retailer shelf or get one in the mail, please know a lot
of time and preparation has gone into that creation.�Write On!
�
Author & Poet
Rachel Berry aka Lady Serenity
�
"Putting A Mellow View To All That We Do & Doing It From The Heart & Soul."�
�
http://ping.fm/LStyy
http://ping.fm/PEGIe
http://ping.fm/1QIm2

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Good morn fam. Here's your wings to start your week: "Life is not
measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath
away." Have a wonderful day!

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Building Colorful Characters

Wordsmiths, if asked the following, what would your answer be—Fourth of July or crickets, electrifying sparks or sheer boredom? No, these are not dating questions. Instead, we’re determining which of these impressions your characters are making when they enter the room. The room, in this sense, is your readers’ mind. Your readers’ mind is the entertainment area you have rented for as long as or as short as you engage their attention. Are your characters holding a party—or a funeral? Will your readers allow you to enter their “room” again—or bar you forever?

As we’ve discussed earlier, creating characters that dance to a colorful tune for your readers’ eyes and emotions are an important part of what makes an entertaining story. We’ve also examined many ways in doing this, as there are no limits and many formulas to this tonic of literary pleasure.

Using the element of surprise with a character’s behavior or decision patterns is one way to keep our readers from yawning or hearing subliminal crickets chirp during our creations. Transforming a character with a drab or subservient personality into a feisty or domineering position can liven things up in any saga.

For example one, let’s create a familiar scenario but put a twist to it. Let’s use a mid-fiftyish Hispanic male with bad skin, cheap office attire, toting geeklike expressions. This meek, humble, and dedicated employee has been working at his job for twenty-nine years. As a family-man, he’s looking forward to retiring in a year and enjoying the benefits he’s loyally worked for all these years. One morning, right after a company meeting, unexpectantly, he’s given notice that the company is downsizing and he will be let go immediately with only severance pay. His immediate supervisor is given the unpleasant task of making this delivery to him as the company’s haughty CEO looks on and a few other sympathetic employees and coworkers silently pepper the room. Rightfully so, and certainly in this hurting economy, the employee grimaces inside, thinking of his home, car, family, and other obligations that have just been adversely affected.

As his silent internal inferno erupts, his attention aborts from listening to the lengthy explanation dripping from the lips of his soon-to-be ex-employer. The employee makes the decision to take matters into his own hand. No longer thinking rationally, he bum-rushes the exit doors to the conference room, taking everyone hostage but outwardly remains very calm while making his demands for a changed and upgraded decision. Coworkers and his immediate supervisor are shocked by his behavior, yet don’t feel endangered, knowing him to have always been a peaceful man and a team player. They can understand his feelings and have always respected him as a person, so they all sit as ordered in silence, hoping that he will change his mind and return to reason.

The CEO, however, not really knowing the employee other than occasionally seeing him meekly work in his tiny cubicle, doesn’t take him seriously and begins to taunt him with a cocky tone. With the passing of time, some coworkers ask for bathroom privileges and are granted them. The employee makes it known to everyone that he wants them to be comfortable until this “thing” is played out to his liking. Outside the company’s building, the police and crowd intensify. Daylight decreases, the CEO’s annoying words increase, and the telephone rings continuously in the conference room as the police hope to negotiate a life-saving deal. The situation begins to wear on the employee’s nerves, and he begins to realize that his circumstance needs a drastic change in order to get better, quicker results.

The employee politely grants a third bathroom break to a male employee who he has worked side by side with for many years. In fact, he also allows him to answer the telephone and request the police bring food and drinks for the hostages. But when the police ignore the request and only ask the coworker if everyone is safe, the coworker confidently answers yes—but is then stopped short by a barrage of bullets ripping through his back at the hand of the frustrated employee. The atmosphere has now changed, the CEO is shocked into silence, the respect from the employee’s coworkers vanish, and fear tightly clutches everyone’s heart now. The coworker lays dead with bright red blood pooling around his convulsing body, the police hear screams, then silence reigns as the phone conversation is abruptly disconnected, and the character’s personality and perception has been changed for all to see.

Do you think everyone, including the reader, views this character differently now? No longer is he a drab or background character. He is now in charge, very colorful, and at the front of the reader’s room, who waits to see what door the disgruntled employee steps through next.

For example two, imagine a serial killer who relentlessly and brutally murders prostitutes and pimps, yet he religiously wears all white and an expensive cross hangs around his neck. He also enjoys visiting a Catholic church whenever he can, to kneel and pray for the absolution of his sins. Does not this contrast in behavior and personality pluck a unique type of character from the literary tree? While this scenario could be considered strange and not the usual type of situation or story line, it does fall into the category of “it-could-happen.” Therefore, not only is the character colorful in its right, but also the story line as well. Surely there’s enough footage here to have fun with and keep the “room” of our reader very occupied with nail-biting attention.

In this example, I’ve said very little about this character or his background. But I’ve given you enough information so you can use your own imagination to take this character and story line to colorful heights.

Sometimes in our creations, less is more, yet, the intensity and possibilities are largely seen and felt. Too, a writer must also remember that the road must be paved with some reason or rhyme of why a character has crossed over into a different personality behavior or pattern. Otherwise, the change will come off unrealistic and unbelievable. An intriguing story’s plot or twist can get lost if the character delivering the blow is not wielding the sword of “it-could-happen” effectively.

So, while working on that next piece intended on keeping your readers turning pages for hours on end, remember: Fourth of July or crickets, party or funeral? This type of concentration will surely get you booked back into those rooms of your fans every time without reservations.

Pens up! to building colorful characters the write way.


To arrange speaking engagements e-mail Rachel at: admin@blackpearlsunited.org.
For book signings please e-mail her at: rachelwrites2@yahoo.com.
To preview and buy her books please visit her web site at: http://www.rachelberry.webs.com/