Today, I met Hill Harper (and two local authors)

I was invited all week to attend the Literature and Arts Fesitival, so as a new author writing my first book, I decided to go. I am so glad that I did.

The featured author was Hill Harper, of CSI: NY, and the line for his book signing was long. Before I made it over to Mr. Harper's table, I met some of the local writers. I took note of the tables and how the authors explained their books. There were two authors that I connected with right away. The first author was Michelle Adams. I thumbed through her book, "Boone Hall Plantation: Images of America" and was genuinely interested. I asked her about her book and took note of the way that she described her book. It was interesting, not only in the way that she described the book, but I felt that this non-fiction book could give me some great background to the story that I was writing. I purchased her book and she signed it for me: "To Delores, good luck with your book. - Michelle Adams." Thanks Michelle!

I also met Steve Brown, an author of several fiction books based in Charleston. Like Michelle, Steve and I conversated very easily. He described a couple of his books and I knew I was talking to a professional. I spent most of my time at his table. One of his featured books was "The Belles of Charleston." I was fascinated that he wrote about young women. Interesting perspective. I told him that I was a new author writing my first book and he gave me some tips that I'll never forget. He told me to keep writing forward and not spend too much time editing instead of writing. I told him that I was spending a lot of time in my back story and he referred me to Steven King's book, "On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft." A lot of people assume that it is just a biography but there is a lot of information on how to get your book published. Lots of great information. I'll be checking out Steven King's book as well as his own books. Thanks Steve!

I managed to get in line and meet Hill Harper before police cut off the book signing. Hill had a photo shoot at 2:00 and I just made it through the line thanks to the goodwill of a stranger. Hill shook my hand and I stated that I am a new author writing my first book and he shook my hand again. As he is signing my copy of his new book, The Conversation: How Black Men and Women Can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships, I asked him if he had any advice for me and two of the things that I'll mention here is that he said to keep writing to the end and don't stop to rewrite. He said that it was nice to meet me and I relayed that it was nice to meet him as well. I only stood at his table for about two minutes, but it was a very valuable two minutes of my life. Heartfelt thanks to Hill!

Thanks to my friends: Rick and Brian, who informed me about the event and kept following up until I decided to go. Thanks to Zina Sinker, who accompanied me to the event and lunch afterward. Thanks to authors: Michelle Adams, Steve Brown, and Hill Harper.

Thanks to everyone who put on this event. Dent Middle School Organizers; Promoters; local radio stations. It was great exposure for local authors and very motivating for new authors, and and as that police officer said to me casually: "One day we'll be coming to YOUR book signing," I considered it a blessing to my ears. From his mouth to God's ears!

I'm soooooooo excited, but I made a goofy mistake.

Hello ladies and gentlemen: I have been speaking about Blastoff.com and all the great features for a couple of weeks now. I am still learning. I still make mistakes along the way. My goal is to change my buying habits using Blastoff, getting great discounts and cash back. It has been working great. I have used it at Buy.com to get my Garmin GPS; I used it three times at GoDaddy.com to get my domain names and web page, and I just used it to reserve my rental car at Avis.

Last night, I had to get my PC protected because my trial period was almost up. I was getting those threatening messages flashing across my screen to extend the service NOW. Well, since I waited until the last minute, when I went to Blastoff, they were doing some maintenance and the PC protection service I was going to use was temporarily down. I felt too nervous to wait any long (especially since I waited until the last minute) so I purchased the plan that came with my laptop for a total cost of $79.00 a year.

Well, here I am 24 hours later and I go on the Blastoff website. I could have had the top program with a well-known competitor for a discounted price of $39.00. The regular retail price was $79.00. That the same price that I bought my plan for. Dang it! I could have gotten total protection for less than half price!
What was I thinking?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Although I am excited about my Garmin, my services at GoDaddy (with 24/7 free customer service) and my rental car, I still have a lot to learn. Don't let it happen to you. For those of you interested in the fun and benefits of Blastoff, check it out at the site below. type in http, then add a colon,add 2 forward slashes...and then type in blastoffwithdelores dot com. Easy. Its my website that I got at no cost and you can get one two starting this Monday.

You can browse all you like, but you cannot join until Monday, October 12th starting at 1:00 am EST. Oh did I tell you? The Blastoff webpage is free. You just buy things at the online mall like you would at any regular mall.

If you want me to add you to my Email list, just send me a message: deloresmccarter@live.com

Blasting Off With Blastoff!

I wanted to blog my experiences with Blastoff.com to give people a sense of what I am doing online before the launch takes place in October.

The announcement of Blastoff takes place in Las Vegas. The buzz of the organization vibrated down to South Carolina, the little place I call home. I was already excited about the service because I knew that I could use it immediatly. I paid for tickets to Vegas and I purchased a laptop recently. I would have jumped at the chance to get cash back on those purchases. I'm contantly buying things to fix up the house and Christmas is only 3 months away. (Just typing this, I remembered that my poor alarm clock kicked the bucket a few days ago and needs to be replaced.) I can have my gifts directly to my family's house for Christmas without having to worry about wrapping it up. Just stick a bow and a gift tag on it and I'm all set.

That night, I browsed the site and was amazed at what the site offered. Hearing Blastoff's CEO the night before was exciting but I just figured some of it was a little hype. You know how it is when a new program is announced by the big fella. Well, I logged in a saw one of the best websites I have ever seen. The colors on my page are incredible. I see the current PPL stock graph and a video. Beneath that is a hulu video from "the office" but I can change it to some of the latest shows on tv. I watched an episode of "The Closer" just for fun. It was absolutely great. I saw a button on the top right side of my screen: "Boss Coming? Dramatic Pause" I was watching this video from home but I clicked the button anyway just for fun. Immediately, the video disappeared and a bogus excel spreadsheet popped up on my screen. Clever! Then scrolled down to the games and checked out a few that were already loaded on my homepage (there are tons to choose from). I've played slower moving video games (like solitare) but not like these. I was a bit overwhelmed with the graphics and the speed that I did not play well at all. In fact, I stink at it. LOL

I took a peek at the wireless phones and instantly wanted one. I've had my eye on a Blackberry Curve for about 9 months now, but I have an additional 6 months on my cell phone contract so I have to be patient. There were tons of Blackberry Curve phones for sale. Many were free. One caught my eye with a $50.00 cash (turn in your cell phone) back bonus. Unfortunatly, that was the last time I saw that offer. Darn.

I didn't even think about that alarm clock until just now, so when it was time to go shopping I remembered the thing I needed most: A GPS. A found a cute little Garmin that was similar to the one my attorney friend has. It is portable so I don't have to worry about having to leave it mounted up on my window. I'll get it in time for my 25th Class Reunion in two weeks. That way, I'll know how to get to the banquet on Saturday night.

This is a cool way of earning some extra money down the line. When this takes off, which will not take long, it will be a start of a great way of buying products. Its like the shift from shopping on Main Street back in the day to going to the mall. No one shopping downtown on the weekend in most cities. Many downtown streets are like a ghost town. Now, look at the malls. There are so many empty stores because more people are shopping online now. Many stores offer free shipping and some offers deep discounts. It makes shopping online so inviting. Blastoff just takes it to another level.

It is amazing that children from the ages of 13-17 can shop and save and have their friends so the same and when these kids turn 18, they can get access to their cash.

I have made a commitment to contact 1,000 people about Blastoff before the launch. It may seem like a huge task but I am aiming high. I have seen, I have tested, I have purchased. I am excited like a kid on Christmas morning.

Delores McCarter
deloresmccarter@live.com
http://pplblastoff.com/

Book 1: An Update...

Hello Everyone. Since so many people have been asking about the book, I decided to blog my progress.

I now have an editor, and illustrator, a publisher....and my very first paying customer. Someone actually paid me in advance for the book although I am still writing it. The support has been great.

The writing is coming along well. I have been writing every day for the last few weeks. I have even started writing in the mornings for the last two days. That is tricky because I have to keep my eye on the clock so I won't run late to work.

The viewpoint has changed from third person to first person, which can be a little tricky. The point it to be clear in keeping perspectives separate and believable. I'm tapping into my training in order to show the reader the different character viewpoints, however, seen through the eyes of the protagonist. Considering that the characters are so vivid and different from each other, it is not as difficult as it seems.

Is this a girly book? Actually, I don't get this question as much as I used to. The main character just happens to be fifteen years old at the time, so her personality drives the story forward in the beginning. As you are introduced to additional characters, you will get a sense that the book is well rounded. At least, that is my objective. It may read like chicklit in the beginning, but it is actually a family story about a love story as well as a love story about a family. That may not make a whole lot of sense until you read the book.

My target audience is geard toward young women, but women of all ages have shown an interest in this book, even if it is only to read it with their teenage daughter. I hope they will. I hope this book, as well as the others, will invoke positive, deep disucssions about life. Maybe we can get families back to the dinner table and talk about a situation that the characters face and ask: "How would you handle that?" It could help start a revolution in teenage reading, communicating with their parents, being aware of their environment, taking care of their body, protecting themselves from abuse, the options are limitless.

Interestingly, there are men of all ages that are interested in reading this book. I have to admit, that really shocked me. I didn't know how men would react to this book. I just assumed that would roll their eyes, yawn, look at their watch in boredom. Well, my latest interview was two weeks ago over lunch. I was asked about 30 questions and the interview lasted about an hour. It was great! At the end of our lunch, the gentleman interviewing me was the one who paid for the very first copy of my book. Well, I insisted on giving him a complimentary, autographed copy, but he refused. He wanted to be sure he got first in line. Well, as nice as he ws, he would have to get the second copy. Mamas come first no question about that. (That will be our little secret.)

I'm still sticking to my December 31st deadline for my first draft to be finished. My goal is to have it published by Spring 2010.

Thanks for all of the support! Yes, I do read ALL of the Emails. Please note that my incoming messages have tripled since I started this book so it may take a little while to get back to you.

Delores

Letting Go and Letting God

Everyone loved Constance Johnson. The entire Moretti family was intrigued by her, especially Jonathan, the youngest son. He was obviously smitten by the strikingly beautiful Constance, but at the time, she only considered him to be a good friend.

Maria Moretti watched her son from a distance and wondered if this crush would fade over time. Constance was a lovely girl, but she didn’t appear to have much in common with her son. In fact, they appeared to be living in different worlds. Constance was a rising star in the fast-paced world of designer fashion and Jonathan was opening his own financial consulting business. While Jonathan engrossed himself in endless computations, equations, and statistical correlations, Constance strutted up and down runways all over Paris, Milan, and Rome.

Even when Constance was home from Europe, she still had community service requirements to fulfill as a beauty title holder. It was hard to keep track of her schedule because she was always in and out of church attending different events across the state. She would suddenly show up out of the blue, at a church service or a community event. Maria was a little concerned about that. She wanted Jonathan to fall for someone with a relationship with Jesus Christ, and at the least, someone a little more committed to attending church on a regular basis. She didn’t want her son to end up with someone just because she was nice and pretty. Relationships go much deeper than that. She knew she was being an overprotective mother but she didn’t want her son to compromise his faith for someone who hasn’t clearly defined her own.

One night, Maria felt the need to pray. She knelt down and prayed to God for a spiritual release from fear and worry. She did not want to feel trapped by those negative emotions anymore. She just wanted to love her family and be there for them. She called out for peace and it fell upon her before she stood back up. The next day, Maria decided to let her son make his own decisions and she would encourage and support him.

In the meantime, her church created a dynamic youth ministry to hold the young people’s interest in church long enough to keep them coming back. The youth minister established creative activities such as engaging community service projects every single weekend. The next event was a community-wide car wash with free car washes for single parents. It turned out to be a big hit.

That day, Constance arrived with her standard beauty queen uniform: tiara and sash. She was much more than just a pretty face because she successfully recruited twenty car owners to kick off the event. They arrived on time with horns blaring in excitement. Leading the caravan was a popular radio talk host in his bright red Hummer. After a brief photo opportunity, Constance tossed her tiara and sash in the trunk and returned with a bucket and a sponge ready to work. She was like a breath of fresh air which made it harder for Jonathan to keep his eyes off of her.

Later that night, after a Christian concert, Constance dedicated her life to Christ. She spent years walking up and down the fashion runways of the world, but now she faced with the most important runway of her life: answering the call of salvation by walking down the aisle toward the Pastor. Maria stood on the front row and could not hold back her own tears as she watched her future daughter-in-law make the most important decision of her life.

The Real Deal

A lot of people wonder if the Pre-Paid Legal membership works and if it is worth paying a monthly membership. I get these questions all the time. Some people have even gone as far as to try and tell me that it doesn't work, based on what they heard someone say about the membership. Well for the record, let me tell you that it does in fact work. I used it numerous times and it works great. I have never paid for anything other than my regular monthly membership.

Whenever I am given an objection to the membership, I ask why they thought it it didn't work for them. I am usually told a story where the member wanted the attorney to do something that wasn't legal or ethical. Remember attorneys have to abide by the law too. Whenever I asked them, I found out the main reason they didn't like the service was because they were cited for DUI and the membership only covers that in the 25% disount area. It is NOT a part of the motor-vehicle coverage. Depite what the media shows on TV, attorneys cannot wave a magic wand and make people's legal problems go away. They give advice on the best way for their client to deal with the situation. I tell them I am NOT an attorney, and they need to talk to one either though us or through their own research. Then there are always those last-minute folks that have to go to court in the next day or two and need legal help. Believe it or not, I have even received calls from folks already locked up seeking a Pre-Paid Legal attorney. We don't operate like that. I was starting to get so many calls, I called the law firm to see if anything had changed. Having a Pre-Paid Legal membership is NOT a get out of jail free card and it is not Legal Aid. The key is seeking assistance IN ADVANCE for everyday issues.

We are changing the perception of utilizing attorneys,whether using a Pre-Paid attorney, a referral attorney, or using an attorney of your own. The point is to get legal advice on an ongoing basis so everyone can make wise legal decisions during the course of our everyday lives and if something happens to come up, we can squash it and keep on moving.

We are changing the status quo of our friends and loved ones waiting until the absolute last-minute to get our legal matters taken care of and by that time, it is a full-blown crisis.
Most of us have a story about someone in our family passed away without a will and the drama that came right after the funeral. (I was told many stories and I have a couple of my own.)
I know what you're thinking. Who wants to talk about death? Why drop $300-$500 on a will when we didn't have anything left anyway? I used to think the same thing. We even made a joke about it to make us feel better. We sung: "Dad left nothing but a loan." or put "I'm spending my children's inheritance" on the back of our cars. I read those bumper stickers too. I bought the concept too because I was broke (mentally). Even after I started making more money and found that I didn't qualify for a lot of the programs that are designed for those in a lower-income bracket, I still had the same mindset. But aren't we supposed to pass something down to the next generation? ***It's not all about us.***

Then there is a question about the business opportunity. Yes there is money in Pre-Paid Legal. Why is it a good business opportunity? Well, for one thing, the product is very affordable. People eat out all the time these days. A lunch may cost $8-$10. Dinner can be twice that much. That investment lasts you 3-4 hours and a burp then that investment is done and you'll do the same thing again at least once or twice that week. Some folks even eat out for breakfast and never cook at home anymore Wow, that gets expensive. It is not so much about what you make, but what you spend it on and how much of it you hold on to.

Plus, you don't have to stock products in your house or garage, you don't have to keep up with any points, and you and your family can benefit from the product today and tomorrow. I support a lot of my friends in their own businesses. I have seen it all (well, the legal stuff anyway). One thing I have found out, no matter how good the gadget or widgit is, if I am in a spot and need some help, that gadget or widgit cannot help me but my Pre-Paid Legal membership can. I cannot run to my daddy for help. He had passed away many years now. I don't want to share all my legal questions and/or mistakes with everyone in my family either. I have peace of mind knowing I can pick up the phone and ask any legal question I want without wondering about getting a big bill in the mail. That is why I signed up in the first place and I love it. I called them a few days ago and a few minutes later I hung up the phone with the answers I needed.

There are many business owners that are looking at Pre-Paid Legal as a Plan B to supplement their career. We have more professionals looking at our business than ever before. Even some of the attorneys are asking me about how they can become referral attorneys. (I called the SC law firm beause I didn't know. The Pre-Paid Legal website has instructions for prospective referral attorneys.) You don't even have to do Pre-Paid Legal for the rest of your life. It can be a stepping stone by providing immediate cash flow to help you start up your own business and get legal consultation along the way. What a concept!

Yes, like any cash-generating business, we can attract the greedy as well as the needy and but the corporate office does a fantastic job of sifting out those who do bad business practices. Those same people will take their sour grapes and go on the internet and state why the company doesn't work. These people can be found in any business. You know them, on our jobs, we call them disgruntled employees. The usual crabs in a barrell that seem to be always unhappy. Everytime I run into one of those people, they cannot give me a valid reason why they didn't like the company or the membership. The overwhelming majority of PPL associates have a passion for empowering our communities with proactive legal protection and identity theft protection. Just in any business, it takes vision and self-confidence to do well in Pre-Paid Legal. No matter how great our compensation plan is and no matter how well we encourage you in doing well, you have to believe that you can do the business.

"Untitled"
Short Story

by Delores McCarter

It was a few minutes before 6:00 in the morning but I was already wide awake. It was much too early to do anything because everyone was still asleep. With nothing better to do, I walked over to the window and watched the city of Rome wake up.

There is something breathtaking about watching the sun rise in Italy. The piazza was quiet with the exception of a few birds. The street vendors did not arrive yet so it wasn't much activity to see from my seventeenth floor window. That was until I heard the faint clacking sound that reminded me of New York city. The sound of high heels shoes against a city street has a pretty distinctive sound. Just as I thought, a few seconds later, a couple turned the corner and walked down toward the Trevi fountain.

The couple was dressed sharply for the early morning hour. The woman wore a white halter dress with a large white hat and a pair of the cutest high heeled shoes I've seen in a while. The man wore a white linen shirt and a pair of khaki slacks and a pair of shades. His face was blocked by the large hat, but I wasn't paying much attention to him. I was busy looking at the woman's high heeled shoes. It's a bit early in the morning to be decked out like that. I thought. Maybe they were just now ending their date from the night before.

The couple stopped in front of the Trevi fountain and kissed. I looked around my hotel room for the binoculars but I couldn't find them. Although I couldn't make out the faces, I could tell they were doing the kind of kissing that stops traffic. But there was no traffic this early in the morning. No one was around except me, a nosy teenager with nothing to do but to wait for everyone else to wake up. This couple was obviously in love. Maybe the guy is saying goodbye to his mistress before he goes home to his wife. I joked.

The man caressed the woman's back slowly while she caressed the back of his neck. They kissed deeply and slowly. I felt a little guilty staring at them but pasionnate kisses in Rome seems to go hand in hand with the Italian art. Maybe that is why they looked so romantic while they kissed in front of the Trevi. The couple stopped kissing long enough to hold each other in a tight embrace that seemed to last an entire five minutes. Maybe he was a military guy saying goodbye to his girl. I thought. That had to be the case with the way he was holding and kissing her. That is the kind of passion that keeps a man thinking about his woman while he is hundreds of miles away. I want to experience that kind of passion one day and when I do, I'm going to marry him. I thought.

The lovers turned and headed toward the hotel. As they walked up the piazza, they came closer into view. The woman removed her hat and her black tresses bounced against her face in a familiar gesture I've seen hundreds of times before. As she shook her hair back into place, I realized exactly who they were. "You've got to be kidding me!" I exclaimed. My little brother Leo whimpered in response. I walked over to his crib but he continued sleeping. The next look outside the window confirmed my hunch.

The passionate lovers down at the Trevi fountain were my own parents.

Straight Up Sisters!

Straight Up Sisters

by

Delores McCarter

I need to talk you, sisters.
Please sit down for a minute.
Bringing the truth to the ladies
is the entire point in it.

Miss Dee has a word for you
while you read on my profile.
So just sit back and relax.
This poem will take a while.

Nubian queens, Latina divas,
all female Caucasian.
We cannot forget our urban sisters
of the Asian persuasion.

Do you know how great you are?
Maybe it’s never entered your mind.
Maybe you never knew your heritage,
or your destiny left behind.

Sometimes we need some encouragement.
Sometimes we need respectability.Sometimes we need a swift kick in the pants.
Well, I am here to do all three.

Internet profiles are now the rage.
Everyone’s so excited to get their own page.
But what made ladies get partially nude,
to get a message from some strange dude?

My sisters, don’t let a simple “piece”
end up determining your sense of peace.

Our young divas used to talk constantly
about clothes, school and popping zits
but today all I hear these girls talk about
are friends with benefits!

Sometimes we need to get things in check
and tighten up on our self-respect.


In your womb, you hold
the future of our generation,
but way beyond that, my sister.
We need your inspiration.

The saying goes, if you don’t work, you don’t eat,
Why are you looking so tired and beat,
while your sons lay around, kicking up their feet?

Mamas, its time for your boys to grow up
and become adult human beings,
so come on, pull out those scissors
and cut up those apron strings!

A woman wants a man to love.
A man sent to us from God above.
A man of strength and good character
to fulfill the same goals that we’re after.

Potential to do a great many things
resides in your mind and your heart.
We need your success and your happiness,
but we need you to make a new start.

Be encouraged my sisters.
Embrace your true royalty.
Release and forgive the past,
and fulfill your destiny.

© Delores McCarter

A Shout of Thanks!!!!!

Hello. I just have to stop in my tracks and thank the friends and family that have supported me and my many ventures over the years. The funny thing is, the venture that is closest to my heart and not receiving any compensation....YET, is the one that is getting the most support: my writing.

It is amazing how much people want to see you develop and hone your craft. Sometimes it takes awhile to make the big time. I would love to see my books on the shelves of friends and loved ones. It has been a long dream of mine to see my work in the hands of ministers, students, businessowners, etc. But when I actually GET feedback from people who have seen my work, it is gratifying. I'm not being arrogant, please don't take it that way. It is very humbling. I took a break after Christmas to work on some other things and I still receive feedback in the mail/Email on my stuff. I am thankful that I finally humbled myself and was obedient to the calling. Writing from my heart is one thing, but when I am guided by a higher power to make an big impact on others, it is very breathtaking.

There is a lot of work that we as artists do behind the scenes. I just want to thank everyone who sent messages and tokens of encouragement, inspiration. Now, as I recouperate from this cold and head back to Book #1, I just want to tell you that I really appreciate the love.

Much love back to you!

Delores McCarter

Greetings and Happy New Year!

Hello folks. I didn't forget my reading audience. I've been taking a break and working with some other projects. My goal is to expand my business in 5 states this year, achieve the level of Executive Director, step into the real estate market, publish several magazines articles and finish one novel. Whew!

Why am I doing so much? Well, I need to step it up a notch in order to retire by 2010. I need to educate myself on the real estate market because I need to help my family business and I have zero knowlege about real estate. My mom owns three properties and I do not have the expertise to help her. I am a home owner and I want to start purchasing investment properities.

Pre-Paid Legal Services and my writing career are my two passions so those will always stay near and dear to my heart and on the front burners.

I am thankful to God for helping me get out of credit card debt and I want to erase all other debt (other than my mortgage) by 2010. It pays to diversify. In today's economy, we need to weigh our options, examine our portfolios, and scrutinize our bank accounts to see how we can make more money as well as use our money to make more money this year.

We will have to tighten our financial belt and realize that we cannot rely on government programs to bail us out. We need to make things work in our own finances. Many people are looking for ways to diversify to earn additional income and bring more money into the household. There has never been a better time than now.

For those keeping an eye on my writing projects, I am getting back to the keyboard. Kitty is back. Actually, I should mention that Kitty will not be in the first book. She will be introduced to the world in Book 2.

Have a great new year!

Delores