Thursday 11 July 2013

Embarrassing Empi Baryeh (in a good way)

This post is a long time in the coming. She may or may not know it, but Empi Baryeh, published author of Chancing Faith and Most Eligible Bachelor, is my hero, I mean mentor. 


I first encountered Empi when she was a judge on a writing contest that I participated in (I won third place by the way and the book has been picked up by Decadent Publishing- but this post is not about me). I thought her comments on my entries were insightful and the changes I made to my work based on her recommendations made the work so much better.  To be honest, I thought editing was her job.

During the competition Empi’s book Most Eligible Bachelor was released and I won a copy of it. If I didn’t respect the woman before, I would have started to lay prostrate at her feet after reading her work. She writes a fantastic story. I highly recommend that you read her books.

When it was time for me to start my blog I did what Empi did (except for using Wordpress, Blogger was a first come first serve thing for me). If I had a question I would go to Empi’s blog and then duplicate what she did.

It turns out that Empi knows a whole lot about blogging. When I read Kristen Lamb’s book Are You There Blog? It’s Me Writer, I saw that I was already doing most of the things Ms. Lamb recommended. All thanks to Empi.

Empi wrote a blog post about how she obtained the publishing contract for Chancing Faith with Black Opal Books. I did the exact same thing and got a contract.  I am so happy I got to know her. I owe the publication of Love Though Time (being released on August 3rd) to Ms. Empi Baryeh, who is not only my mentor, but has become my friend as well.

She was my very first non-me follower on my blog. A person can't get any more supportive than to be the first to sign up for something, can they?

Thank you Empi for being so great at what you do and being my mentor and friend.


Who is your writing mentor?

Most Eligible Bachelor
Magazine columnist Chantelle Sah doesn’t celebrate Valentine’s Day—not since her fiancĂ©’s betrayal three years ago. After botching her first assignment as a feature writer, she’s more than willing to put in a hard day’s work this Valentine’s Day; even if it means going on a date with gorgeous construction Tycoon, Lord McKenzie, and opening herself to an onslaught of all things love.

When Lord—his given name, not a title—sets his sights on Chantelle, it isn’t just work he has on his mind. But even he couldn’t have predicted the magnetic attraction between them when they meet, nor the evening ending with more than an interview. Now he has to convince Chantelle that their one-night stand wasn’t a mistake. Can he win her love without revealing a secret from their night of passion, which could prove fatal for both their hearts?

Chancing Faith
HE DIDN’T DO SHORT TERM RELATIONSHIPS…

American ad exec, Thane Aleksander, doesn’t date co-workers either—until business takes him to Ghana, West Africa, and he meets Naaki. Now he’s at risk of breaking all the rules. Can he stop this headlong fall before it’s too late?

UNTIL HE MET HER!

Naaki Tabika has a burning need to prove, to herself and to others, that she’s more than wife and mother material. To do so, she’s prepared to give up everything for her job. Meeting Thane, however, makes her want to get personal. But falling for her boss could destroy her career. Will she be willing to risk it all for the one thing that can make her truly happy?

Two divergent cultures, two different races, two career-driven professionals, only one chance at true love—will they find the faith to take it, or will their hearts be sacrificed on the altar of financial success?

8 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post for Empi. My book shelf is starting to sag, so many books I must read.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Cathy. I know what you mean about the book. I buy the way faster than I read them. But I love it.

      Delete
  2. Lovely words for Empi. You are a good friend, Nana :)

    I've always loved the cover for Chancing Faith. One of the sweetest but sexiest cover I've ever seen.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Debbie. You should have read her go on and on and on about how much she loved the cover. We didn't stop her because we loved it too.

      Delete
  3. I enjoyed reading this, Nana. Yes, Empi is a huge inspiration to me. I have all her books reviewed on my blog as well. I take some pride in her achievements as if I know her personally. It is so good to know that she impacted so much in your life. God bless the both of you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm happy to hear that I'm not the only one she's effected. God bless you too Celestine.

      Delete
  4. (blushing)Hi Nana. Thanks for this post and sorry for the late (late) response. The internet in my neighbourhood is just bad so I am often on my phone and commenting on it is just too much work. And please continue to use me as your sounding board etc cause it helps me too...

    ...and thanks to all commenters on this post. I am truly honoured that you stopped by to say hello

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I will definitely continue to come to you. Definitely.

      Delete

I love reading your comments.