Friday, August 7, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Andria Hall, my friend
Andria Hall, more than an author - more than a client - my friend and mentor
Andria Hall, a former anchor for CNN and WNBC, died on Monday after a two-year battle with breast cancer, according to Caribbean World News and the New York Association of Black Journalists. From 2001 to 2005, she hosted the old Faith and Values Media's Sunday morning program "America at Worship," airing on the Hallmark Channel, which for two hours would take viewers to various services around the country, producer Jeff Weber told Journal-isms.
She is also the author of several books including "The Walk at Work" and "This Far by Faith."
Andria held an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Virginia University of Lynchburg, and has been featured in The Washington Post, Essence, Ebony, Jet, Precious Times, and many other newspapers and publications across the country and the world. A former columnist for Gospel Today magazine, Andria also played a supporting role in the movie "The Good Son."
In addition to winning the prestigious Emmy Award for Hosting, she has garnered numerous journalism awards. Andria was respected as a "faith and work" expert, showing that the two need not be separated but rather, when faith is lived out in one's everyday vocation, true success is achieved. Andria and her husband, Clayton Sizemore (CNN's Manager of Operations), made their home in New Jersey.
She was predeceased by her grandparents, Evelyn and Walter Sellars, and Aurelia and Grant Hall. Celebrating her life, she leaves her mother Mabel Hall, father Reverend Willie J. Hall, husband Clayton Sizemore, three children Amber, Cameron and Chase, sister Akosua Yeboah, aunts Marjorie (Matthew) Carden, Catherine Eason and Geraldine Young, and a large group of devoted relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2009 at Bethel Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York (265 Bergen Street, NY 11217) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., while her viewing and celebration is scheduled for First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset, New Jersey (771 Somerset Street, NJ 08873) on Saturday, January 17, 2009 starting at 8 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked well-wishers to make contributions to the SpeakEasy M.E.D.I.A. Foundation which Andria established to minister, mentor and mold the future generations.
Contributions can be sent to SpeakEasy M.E.D.I.A. Foundation - 1812 Front Street, Scotch Plains, New Jersey 07076. For further information, email info@speakeasymedia.com.
ON a personal note, by Pam Perry
Andria Hall, seen through the lens of many TV cameras and heard through many microphones, has been called home to be with Jesus. Though I celebrate her home-going to be with the Lord, I am so deeply sadden.
You see, she was more than an award-winning journalist, former CNN anchor, television host and author - she was my friend. A true and trusted friend. The kind of friend that has "your back" through thick and thin.
She pushed me to be my best. Her faith was an inspiration to me to really do Ministry Marketing Solutions. Her book, "The Walk at Work," literally changed my life.
Andria, I believe, is one of those gifts that God gives you that happen ever so rare. Like a treasure. It was a blessing to know her - and everyone who has met her says the same thing!
I remember the time we did her book tour in Detroit and she was always so gracious and never meeting a stranger. Our relationship grew over the last ten years - and she became like a big sister and mentor to me.
When I thought I couldn't - she would tell me I could! When I felt like giving up, she would offer prayers of encouragement - and know just the right words to say to keep me going.
She was the epitome of a fine Christian lady. A sister, friend that will be missed so much.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13 (New International Version)
A Time for Everything
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
What does the worker gain from his toil?
I have seen the burden God has laid on men.
He has made everything beautiful in its time.
He has also set eternity in the hearts of men;
yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.
That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil- this is the gift of God.
Sincerely,
Pam Perry
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Marilynn Griffith (author)
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http://www.MarilynnGriffith.com
Serious Faith. Serious Fiction. Serious Fun.
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http://www.MarilynnGriffith.com
Serious Faith. Serious Fiction. Serious Fun.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Rhonda McKnight on Urban Christian Fiction: Interview with Author, Marilynn Griffith
Rhonda McKnight on Urban Christian Fiction: Interview with Author, Marilynn Griffith
Interview with Author, Marilynn Griffith
Today we welcome one of my favorite authors and an all around great person with a wonderful spirit, Marilynn Griffith.
Rhythms of Grace has a beautiful cover, very different from your other novels. I’m used to seeing bright colors when I see Marilynn Griffith. Tell us about the story and what’s different about this novel for your readers?
Rhythms of Grace is my true first novel. I started it almost ten years ago. It’s about a group of friends who all have a heartbreak growing up that makes them believe differently about God and about themselves. There is one woman common to all of them, a teacher whose love and strength once helped them all. Now she needs help and to give it, each of them much come to terms with their trouble pasts…and their uncertain futures. Especially Grace Okoye.
Who is your favorite character in the novel and why? Who is the character you found most difficult to write and why?
I’ve lived with these characters so long and loved them so much that it’s hard to say, but off the top of my head, I’d say Dr. Brian Mayfield. Brian isn’t always right (sometimes he’s downright messed up) but he always tries to be real. He has a good heart underneath it all. In this story, none of the characters were really hard to write, but sometimes I had to make sure that the reader could really see the good and bad in some of the people
What do you want readers to take away from this story?
Hope. I want readers to put down Rhythms of Grace knowing that there is hope and healing available, that God never stops playing your song, even when you run away covering your ears.
I absolutely loved your Sassy Sistahood series with Steeple Hill (Made of Honor, If the Shoe Fits and Happily Even After). Are we going to see any more of Tracey?
I never say never. Tracey is very close to my heart and I get emails all the time asking if the Sassy Sistahood is really over. We’ll see… I’m so glad you enjoyed the series though, Rhonda. I did too.
Where do you get your inspiration for your stories?
Writers see stories everywhere. I get many of my ideas in church, especially during worship. Other ideas come from poems, a few words someone might say, crazy situations that arise… Ideas are everywhere.
Marilynn tell us about your journey to publication and why you choose to write Christian Fiction?
My journey to publication started with me thinking I was having a heart attack. While my friends and family passed before my eyes, the characters to all my secret stories passed before my eyes too. I told God that if He’d let me get up from there I would write instead of waiting for the someday that might not ever come. I’d been playing around with some stories for a couple years before that, mostly the beginnings of Rhythms of Grace.
Joining ACFW was a turning point because there were workshops and critique groups available. There were some really hard years of waiting and working, working and waiting. And now…things haven’t changed that much though. Published authors get rejected too. It just takes one person to say yes!
Marilynn I know from following your career that you blog, you speak and teach at writer’s conferences, you also have a very large family – six kids that you used to homeschool, and obviously you write and market your novels. Please tell me how you balance it all? What’s your writing schedule like?
I actually have seven children and yes, we homeschooled for seven years. I’d love to tell you that my life is all perfect and balanced, but that would be a lie. We all try to support one another in our gifts, knowing that might mean that someone has to be away or unavailable. I don’t travel as much as most authors though, especially during the school year. During school, I try to do most of my writing during the day, though sometimes I have to edit after the children go to bed.
What are some recommendations you have for aspiring writers seeking publication?
Don’t give up. God’s delays don’t always mean denial. Read. Write. Read. And write some more. Keep seeking the Lord first in all things.
You’re a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and in the past have served in leadership in this organization, tell us the benefits of belonging to ACFW?
I’ve been a member of ACFW almost since its beginning and the organization, critique groups and fellow authors have helped in more ways than I can name. I’ve served on the national board as vice president and publicity officer and both those experiences taught me a lot about the Christian book industry and publishing in general. I look at you Rhonda, a president of one of the chapters that I proposed from the office in my bedroom closet and I think of how amazing God is! It’s a wonderful organization and I always recommend that people join it whenever I’m speaking. This year, two authors we both know well, Sherri Lewis and Stacey Hawkins Adams are finalists for the ACFW Book of the Year. I’m so proud of both of them.
Who are some of your favorite authors and what’s on your nightstand right now?
Oh…I dread this question because I read so much and I love so many books, all for different reasons. I just finished Trading Dreams at Midnight by Dianne McKinney Whetstone, who can turn a phrase on its nose and make it do the cabbage patch. This week I also read Graceling, a debut fantasy by Kristin Cashore (it came with a tattoo! How cool is that?), Think Big by Ben Carson, Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Balwin, Who am I Without Him? By Sharon G. Flake, The Folk Keeper by Frannie Billingsley (another YA fantasy) and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
I’m blessed that many of my friends are my favorite authors, so you’ll always hear me talking about Claudia Mair Burney, Lisa Samson, Sharon Ewell Foster, Amy Wallace, Pat Simmons and so many of the authors I’ve been blessed to meet on the Internet and in real life. As for favorites, my short list (for today) would be: Delores Phillips (The Darkest Child), Kalisha Buckhanon (Upstate), Khaled Hosseini (A Thousand Splendid Suns), Lalita Tademy (Cane River) and Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man). That’s a short list that changes about every day. LOL
Let’s get personal with Marilynn:
What’s your favorite color? This week? Gold. That changes too.
What’s your favorite food? Grr! Another hard one. I love anything ethnic, but not to spicy. Pizza and cherries rank high.
If you could spend one hour with anyone living or deceased who would it be?
Oh boy. Of course, I’m supposed to say Jesus, but He’s always with me now and I probably wouldn’t have known what to say. Virginia Hamilton, the late children’s writer, I think. I would just want to listen to her and write her a poem.
Beach or mountains? Hmmm…. Are we talking hotel or cabin? LOL You’d think I’d say beach since I live in Florida, but I’m going to go with mountains.
If you could visit any country in the world, where would you go and why? That’s easy. I’d go to Nigeria to meet my father.
What’s next for Marilynn Griffith? What are you currently working on?
I just finished my January release and I’m working on the conference for Sistahfaith, a wonderful nonfiction anthology I’ve been blessed to edit. Other than that, I have ideas, but we’ll just see what God does. J
Thanks so much for having me and everyone please stop by MarilynnGriffith.com and say hello.
Thanks again, Rhonda!
Marilynn has several Internet sites where readers may reach out to her. Her books can be found at Amazon.com, Walmart, Barnes and Nobles, Borders, Books a Million and where ever books are sold. You can also look for Marilynn on the Soul Expression Book Tour. More details about the tour can be found at Marilynn's website http://www.marilynngriffith.com
Interview with Author, Marilynn Griffith
Today we welcome one of my favorite authors and an all around great person with a wonderful spirit, Marilynn Griffith.
Rhythms of Grace has a beautiful cover, very different from your other novels. I’m used to seeing bright colors when I see Marilynn Griffith. Tell us about the story and what’s different about this novel for your readers?
Rhythms of Grace is my true first novel. I started it almost ten years ago. It’s about a group of friends who all have a heartbreak growing up that makes them believe differently about God and about themselves. There is one woman common to all of them, a teacher whose love and strength once helped them all. Now she needs help and to give it, each of them much come to terms with their trouble pasts…and their uncertain futures. Especially Grace Okoye.
Who is your favorite character in the novel and why? Who is the character you found most difficult to write and why?
I’ve lived with these characters so long and loved them so much that it’s hard to say, but off the top of my head, I’d say Dr. Brian Mayfield. Brian isn’t always right (sometimes he’s downright messed up) but he always tries to be real. He has a good heart underneath it all. In this story, none of the characters were really hard to write, but sometimes I had to make sure that the reader could really see the good and bad in some of the people
What do you want readers to take away from this story?
Hope. I want readers to put down Rhythms of Grace knowing that there is hope and healing available, that God never stops playing your song, even when you run away covering your ears.
I absolutely loved your Sassy Sistahood series with Steeple Hill (Made of Honor, If the Shoe Fits and Happily Even After). Are we going to see any more of Tracey?
I never say never. Tracey is very close to my heart and I get emails all the time asking if the Sassy Sistahood is really over. We’ll see… I’m so glad you enjoyed the series though, Rhonda. I did too.
Where do you get your inspiration for your stories?
Writers see stories everywhere. I get many of my ideas in church, especially during worship. Other ideas come from poems, a few words someone might say, crazy situations that arise… Ideas are everywhere.
Marilynn tell us about your journey to publication and why you choose to write Christian Fiction?
My journey to publication started with me thinking I was having a heart attack. While my friends and family passed before my eyes, the characters to all my secret stories passed before my eyes too. I told God that if He’d let me get up from there I would write instead of waiting for the someday that might not ever come. I’d been playing around with some stories for a couple years before that, mostly the beginnings of Rhythms of Grace.
Joining ACFW was a turning point because there were workshops and critique groups available. There were some really hard years of waiting and working, working and waiting. And now…things haven’t changed that much though. Published authors get rejected too. It just takes one person to say yes!
Marilynn I know from following your career that you blog, you speak and teach at writer’s conferences, you also have a very large family – six kids that you used to homeschool, and obviously you write and market your novels. Please tell me how you balance it all? What’s your writing schedule like?
I actually have seven children and yes, we homeschooled for seven years. I’d love to tell you that my life is all perfect and balanced, but that would be a lie. We all try to support one another in our gifts, knowing that might mean that someone has to be away or unavailable. I don’t travel as much as most authors though, especially during the school year. During school, I try to do most of my writing during the day, though sometimes I have to edit after the children go to bed.
What are some recommendations you have for aspiring writers seeking publication?
Don’t give up. God’s delays don’t always mean denial. Read. Write. Read. And write some more. Keep seeking the Lord first in all things.
You’re a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, and in the past have served in leadership in this organization, tell us the benefits of belonging to ACFW?
I’ve been a member of ACFW almost since its beginning and the organization, critique groups and fellow authors have helped in more ways than I can name. I’ve served on the national board as vice president and publicity officer and both those experiences taught me a lot about the Christian book industry and publishing in general. I look at you Rhonda, a president of one of the chapters that I proposed from the office in my bedroom closet and I think of how amazing God is! It’s a wonderful organization and I always recommend that people join it whenever I’m speaking. This year, two authors we both know well, Sherri Lewis and Stacey Hawkins Adams are finalists for the ACFW Book of the Year. I’m so proud of both of them.
Who are some of your favorite authors and what’s on your nightstand right now?
Oh…I dread this question because I read so much and I love so many books, all for different reasons. I just finished Trading Dreams at Midnight by Dianne McKinney Whetstone, who can turn a phrase on its nose and make it do the cabbage patch. This week I also read Graceling, a debut fantasy by Kristin Cashore (it came with a tattoo! How cool is that?), Think Big by Ben Carson, Go Tell it on the Mountain by James Balwin, Who am I Without Him? By Sharon G. Flake, The Folk Keeper by Frannie Billingsley (another YA fantasy) and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
I’m blessed that many of my friends are my favorite authors, so you’ll always hear me talking about Claudia Mair Burney, Lisa Samson, Sharon Ewell Foster, Amy Wallace, Pat Simmons and so many of the authors I’ve been blessed to meet on the Internet and in real life. As for favorites, my short list (for today) would be: Delores Phillips (The Darkest Child), Kalisha Buckhanon (Upstate), Khaled Hosseini (A Thousand Splendid Suns), Lalita Tademy (Cane River) and Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man). That’s a short list that changes about every day. LOL
Let’s get personal with Marilynn:
What’s your favorite color? This week? Gold. That changes too.
What’s your favorite food? Grr! Another hard one. I love anything ethnic, but not to spicy. Pizza and cherries rank high.
If you could spend one hour with anyone living or deceased who would it be?
Oh boy. Of course, I’m supposed to say Jesus, but He’s always with me now and I probably wouldn’t have known what to say. Virginia Hamilton, the late children’s writer, I think. I would just want to listen to her and write her a poem.
Beach or mountains? Hmmm…. Are we talking hotel or cabin? LOL You’d think I’d say beach since I live in Florida, but I’m going to go with mountains.
If you could visit any country in the world, where would you go and why? That’s easy. I’d go to Nigeria to meet my father.
What’s next for Marilynn Griffith? What are you currently working on?
I just finished my January release and I’m working on the conference for Sistahfaith, a wonderful nonfiction anthology I’ve been blessed to edit. Other than that, I have ideas, but we’ll just see what God does. J
Thanks so much for having me and everyone please stop by MarilynnGriffith.com and say hello.
Thanks again, Rhonda!
Marilynn has several Internet sites where readers may reach out to her. Her books can be found at Amazon.com, Walmart, Barnes and Nobles, Borders, Books a Million and where ever books are sold. You can also look for Marilynn on the Soul Expression Book Tour. More details about the tour can be found at Marilynn's website http://www.marilynngriffith.com
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