Life in its Rawest Form: A True Story of Perseverance & Triumph By: Qiana Hicks

Life in its Rawest Form:

A True Story of Perseverance and Triumph

By Qiana Hicks

     Upon receiving this book, I admired the beautiful cover. At first, I thought it was just a beautiful woman, until you look closer into the blouse that she is wearing and see. Within the blouse, you can see a lingering past dwelling up, and then you look at the smiling face again, and you can see where the end word on the title of this book, helped to make that smile shine.

     Then, I started reading this book, and could feel my throat knot up as I read. A little girl who had to deal with so much at such young age, striving to succeed, no matter what came her way. 

     Qiana and her siblings had drug addicted parents. So often, as a child, Qiana would try to stop her parents from getting high or even intoxicated, only to fail. With sadness to see her efforts lost, Qiana often wished she could just disappear into another reality, with better parents; and take her siblings with her. So many times, Qiana didn’t even understand why her and her siblings had to tolerate such neglect and abuse. There had to be another way, something better, or even a reason. 

     Finally, rescued at the age of fifteen, Qiana and her siblings are taken away from her parents and put into foster care, and group homes, and even shelters too. Alas, she thinks there is hope. But because of the frequent transitions from place to place, Qiana herself ends up pregnant. 

     Although this seemed like a step in the wrong direction, Qiana refused to deem it as such. She refused t turn out anything like her parents. She was going to be different, if it took everything she had.

     Qiana struggled, with her bruised ego, low self-esteem, and a child, and managed to strive toward the top. Wanting and looking for jobs, not a handout. She wanted to make something of herself, not ask for help, not depend on someone else to give it to her, or help her. She wanted to be the story for her own success. To Qiana, failure was not an option, and she was going to be the best person, and mother she could be. 

     Qiana shares with you, the reader, her story. She opens her heart, her hurt, and lets you the reader in. She wants you to see, that although you may have had a bad road behind you, that yes, you can make a difference, and a new start.

     Through Qiana’s own words, she wants to help you, the reader, see that you are a person, just as she was, and is, to this day; and that you matter. Her words are insightful, and truly eye opening. 

     This book is truly an amazing read, you need to read it. I was truly uplifted, and found a new vision through Qiana and her words. I think you will too! This is a five-star read, worth sharing with your family and friends!

Here are my questions for Qiana:

1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?

It took me a year and a half to write my fist book, the memior. I wrote a second, companion workbook, thereafter. I chose to write the book because I wanted to release a number of memories from my past that I had been harboring for some time. I also wanted to share my story with other disadvantaged youth, parents who battle addiction, family services professionals who work with families in crisis, centers or facilities that house disadvantaged youth due to their conditions at home, and people in general who may come in contact with these families. I wanted the youth and young adults of a disadvantaged upbringing to know that they are not alone. Although they grew up in unfortunate conditions and circumstances, that should not keep them for dreaming and hoping of a better, brighter future someday. Our environments or past experiences cannot break us or stop us from having better. Only we can ourselves. I also wanted to bring awareness to parents who battle addiction the trauma their behaviors have on their children and loved ones. I wanted to share with family service professionals, foster homes and group homes how they can help make a positive difference in the children our youth life as they reside with them.  

2. Do you have any photos to go along with this book to share with us? 

I did not include any photos in my book.

3. What inspires you to write?

Writing was a form of therapy for me. It brought clarity to some of the things from my past I struggled with. And writing allowed me to share things that I would normally be afraid to share with others, directly. Writing was always a peaceful experience for me.

4. What are you working on now?

Promoting and marketing my book, as well as looking for opportunities to perform speaking engagements and provide mentoring and advocacy to youth and young adults of similar backgrounds.

5. What are your hobbies?

Since I've started writing, I haven't had many hobbies outside of it. 

6. What is your favorite book of all time?

Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody.

7. Did writing this book help you realize or achieve any goals?

It did. I set out to gain understanding and clarity for some of the things that occurred in my past that I never understood beforehand.

8. Has your book helped others?

My book was just recently published, so it is too early to see the difference it makes with others.

9. Please share with us your social media and book links:

This is a work in progress. So far, the only social media platform I have is Instagram (words_inspire). Others are soon to come.

Life in Its Rawest Form: A True Story of Perseverance and Triumph by Qiana S Hicks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Upon receiving this book, I admired the beautiful cover. At first, I thought it was just a beautiful woman, until you look closer into the blouse that she is wearing and see. Within the blouse, you can see a lingering past dwelling up, and then you look at the smiling face again, and you can see where the end word on the title of this book, helped to make that smile shine.

Then, I started reading this book, and could feel my throat knot up as I read. A little girl who had to deal with so much at such young age, striving to succeed, no matter what came her way.

Qiana and her siblings had drug addicted parents. So often, as a child, Qiana would try to stop her parents from getting high or even intoxicated, only to fail. With sadness to see her efforts lost, Qiana often wished she could just disappear into another reality, with better parents; and take her siblings with her. So many times, Qiana didn’t even understand why her and her siblings had to tolerate such neglect and abuse. There had to be another way, something better, or even a reason.

Finally, rescued at the age of fifteen, Qiana and her siblings are taken away from her parents and put into foster care, and group homes, and even shelters too. Alas, she thinks there is hope. But because of the frequent transitions from place to place, Qiana herself ends up pregnant.

Although this seemed like a step in the wrong direction, Qiana refused to deem it as such. She refused t turn out anything like her parents. She was going to be different, if it took everything she had.

Qiana struggled, with her bruised ego, low self-esteem, and a child, and managed to strive toward the top. Wanting and looking for jobs, not a handout. She wanted to make something of herself, not ask for help, not depend on someone else to give it to her, or help her. She wanted to be the story for her own success. To Qiana, failure was not an option, and she was going to be the best person, and mother she could be.

Qiana shares with you, the reader, her story. She opens her heart, her hurt, and lets you the reader in. She wants you to see, that although you may have had a bad road behind you, that yes, you can make a difference, and a new start. Through Qiana’s own words, she wants to help you, the reader, see that you are a person, just as she was, and is, to this day; and that you matter. Her words are insightful, and truly eye opening.

This book is truly an amazing read, you need to read it. I was truly uplifted, and found a new vision through Qiana and her words. I think you will too! This is a five-star read, worth sharing with your family and friends!


View all my reviews

 

True Story: "I'll Get You!" Drugs, Lies, & the Terrorizing of a PTA Mom By: Sam Rule

True Story: “I’ll Get You!” Drugs, Lies, and the Terrorizing of a PTA Mom

By: Sam Rule

Kelli Peters lived in Orange County, California, and had one of those seemingly normal lives like most PTA Moms do. You know, she loves and took care of her family, drove in the carpool, and volunteered at her Daughters School from time to time. The normal kinds of things Parents do. 

Little did Kelli know, one day she would end up in a conspiracy just because the parents of another child, Jill and Kent Easter, were upset because their Son had been kept waiting. Allegedly mind you. 

Kelli tried to handle the situation with kindness, apologizing for something that even she was unaware that she had done, but apparently it had already caused a target to be placed on Kelli’s head and there was no way out of it. 

After the incident, Kelli gave it no further thought. But for the Easter’s they had begun to set their plan in motion. 

Can you imagine being a woman who is and was drug free, being set up, and found with drugs on your person, and then imagine the embarrassment this will cause? Not to mention, now you are being investigated in how many ways? How will people look at you now? Think how this is going to affect Kelli and her family.

Then the lies start at School, because other students, with the help of the Easter’s Son, start talking about Sydnie’s Mom, and how she was found with drugs in her possession. School is hard enough, now everyone is looking at Syndie like: wow…

Kelli ends up having nightmares, and everywhere she does try to go, she feels like she is being followed. Is she? 

Eventually the whole ordeal gets so intense that Kelli learns more that she had bargained for, because the Easters make their intentions known to Kelli. “We’re going to get you!” and other threats were made one on one. Kelli fears for her life, and informs law enforcement, and her family but as you know, in the beginning, it takes proof with the law.

Kelli is told to keep a lid on everything, but the stress is eating her up inside. Eventually she feels the need to see a counselor. Going without sleep, living in fear, she just can’t handle all of this.

Fortunately, through this true story that Kelli told to Sam Rule, in the end justice does prevail. But it still doesn’t erase the damage that it has caused. Even to Syndie. 

Kelli was shocked in the end, that the media was interested and involved in the coverage of this case. But she was also pleased to find that in the end, the public was on her side. 

This book is astounding, and eye opening. At the end, Kelli’s own words will enlighten you that she was pleased with the outcome of the book, and sharing her insight and terror with Sam Rule. She wants to make people aware that there is and are people out there like the Easters, and to always be prepared.

This book, is a nightmare, and very much worth reading. I could feel myself worry, and wonder, and want justice for Kelli and Syndie. I was so impressed that Mr. Rule took the time to share their story with us. It is a definite five star read. And I am pleased that Kelli and her family are doing well now, so to speak, and I wish them continued peace, and thank them for sharing their lives and story with us. 

Be sure and check this book out. Especially if you like true stories, you will find this book worth your time and money!

My questions for Sam:

1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you to write it?
A mutual friend introduced me to the victim in this case, Kelli Peters, and after I met her and heard what she'd been through, I was compelled to write her story. I offered to do it for free since she didn't have the money to hire a writer.

2. Do you have any photos or descriptions of your characters?
There are some in the book, but most of them are online. The characters are real-life people, so they're easily found on Google. :)

From the book, Kelli and daughter Syndie

 

From the book, Mugshots of the Easters

3. What led you to desire to become a writer?
I'd always loved to read, and it's my belief that all avid readers are also writers at heart. I started to write at a young age but didn't have the guts to finally publish until my forties. Some of us are late bloomers!

4. What are you working on now?
Sequels to two other books under different pen names. Also, I'm toying with the idea of writing a "Making Of" book that shows the behind-the-scenes reality of what it took to write this book. It was so interesting to interview attorneys, police, etc., and to also get to know the victim on a personal basis. Plus, there were contract negotiations with Hollywood (Netflix has optioned the book for a movie deal starring Julia Roberts) that were difficult and crazy and exciting! 

5. What suggestions do you have for those desiring to become a writer?
Just write, even when you don't think you're doing a good job. Write, and write some more, and push through to the end. As readers, we have high tastes in what we read, and often it takes time and practice as a writer for our skills to match our taste in books. That's often why so many writers give up before they've ever reached the finish line. Write, and write some more, and eventually you'll close the gap between your expectations for good writing and your skill level.

6. What is your favorite book of all time?
That's a hard one! I would say Little Women. I read that book so many times as a child that I practically memorized it. The character of Jo has stayed with me forever.

7. What all education have you had?I put myself through UCLA while working full time. I was so tired during those years that I don't really remember anything that I learned. I do remember the yummy pastries at the UCLA coffee shop, though. (Priorities...) ;)

8. Do you ever put yourself into any of your characters?Yes, and also people that I know. That's the fun part! I can also get my revenge on mean people that way, haha.


9. What kind of research did you do for "I'll get you" or was this just off the top of your head?I interviewed everyone I could, from the district attorney, the civil attorney, the victim, her friends and family, you name it. Plus I pored over transcripts, interviews, and text messages. It was time consuming but fascinating!


10. Please share with us your social media and book links:

Website: http://www.samrulebooks.com/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Drugs-Lies-Terrorizing-true-crime-ebook/dp/B01FB02V3C

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ill-get-you-drugs-lies-and-the-terrorizing-of-a-pta-mom-sam-rule/1123818132?ean=2940158391101

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sam_Rule_I_ll_Get_You_Drugs_Lies_and_the_Terrorizi?id=HEYsDAAAQBAJ&hl=en

Kobo Books: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/i-ll-get-you-drugs-lies-and-the-terrorizing-of-a-pta-mom-true-crime

 

11. Anything extra to add?
I would say to anyone with a secret dream, find ways to pursue it in a consistent way, even if it's in small chunks. I'm living proof that dreams can come true with consistency (KEY), hard work, and never giving up! Reach for the stars--there are enough for all of us to grab! :)

"I'll Get You!" Drugs, Lies, and the Terrorizing of a PTA Mom by Sam Rule
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kelli Peters lived in Orange County, California, and had one of those seemingly normal lives like most PTA Moms do. You know, she loves and took care of her family, drove in the carpool, and volunteered at her Daughters School from time to time. The normal kinds of things Parents do.

Little did Kelli know, one day she would end up in a conspiracy just because the parents of another child, Jill and Kent Easter, were upset because their Son had been kept waiting. Allegedly mind you.

Kelli tried to handle the situation with kindness, apologizing for something that even she was unaware that she had done, but apparently it had already caused a target to be placed on Kelli’s head and there was no way out of it.

After the incident, Kelli gave it no further thought. But for the Easter’s they had begun to set their plan in motion.

Can you imagine being a woman who is and was drug free, being set up, and found with drugs on your person, and then imagine the embarrassment this will cause? Not to mention, now you are being investigated in how many ways? How will people look at you now? Think how this is going to affect Kelli and her family.


Then the lies start at School, because other students, with the help of the Easter’s Son, start talking about Sydnie’s Mom, and how she was found with drugs in her possession. School is hard enough, now everyone is looking at Syndie like: wow…

Kelli ends up having nightmares, and everywhere she does try to go, she feels like she is being followed. Is she?

Eventually the whole ordeal gets so intense that Kelli learns more that she had bargained for, because the Easters make their intentions known to Kelli. “We’re going to get you!” and other threats were made one on one. Kelli fears for her life, and informs law enforcement, and her family but as you know, in the beginning, it takes proof with the law.

Kelli is told to keep a lid on everything, but the stress is eating her up inside. Eventually she feels the need to see a counselor. Going without sleep, living in fear, she just can’t handle all of this.

Fortunately, through this true story that Kelli told to Sam Rule, in the end justice does prevail. But it still doesn’t erase the damage that it has caused. Even to Syndie.

Kelli was shocked in the end, that the media was interested and involved in the coverage of this case. But she was also pleased to find that in the end, the public was on her side.

This book is astounding, and eye opening. At the end, Kelli’s own words will enlighten you that she was pleased with the outcome of the book, and sharing her insight and terror with Sam Rule. She wants to make people aware that there is and are people out there like the Easters, and to always be prepared.

This book, is a nightmare, and very much worth reading. I could feel myself worry, and wonder, and want justice for Kelli and Syndie. I was so impressed that Mr. Rule took the time to share their story with us. It is a definite five star read. And I am pleased that Kelli and her family are doing well now, so to speak, and I wish them continued peace, and thank them for sharing their lives and story with us.

Be sure and check this book out. Especially if you like true stories, you will find this book worth your time and money!

View all my reviews

Ruby's Fire by Catherine Stine with Guest Blogger Drema Williams

Ruby’s Fire

By Catherine Stine

Written by Guest Blogger: Drema June Williams

My mother, Deneale won this book “Ruby’s Fire” from Ms. Stine in a facebook party for me. I am lucky enough to have received a signed copy of this and another book as well, and they are my very first autographed books that I own! And to that, I owe a big thank you to Ms. Stine and my mom. 

So here is my first review, I just hope that I don’t let anyone down:

This book, “Ruby’s Fire” is set in the year 2099. Ruby is dependent on Oblivian Powder, (which is a drug) and she is seventeen years old, and has a little brother named Thorn and he is mute.

The Greening which is a boarding School for orphan teens, is where Ruby hopes she can stay and finally stop running. Unfortunately, this boarding school is not what it is cracked up to be.

Ruby starts experiencing her physical changes, all in the midst of students who are typical out of control teens. This doesn’t help her feel any more comfortable, going through her own changes, and dealing with troubled teens.

Blane is a resident body guard and Ruby is attracted to him, but also ashamed of her new found attraction. She doesn’t understand why she can’t be satisfied with Armonk. She doesn’t understand why her needs must be so difficult.

Ruby wants to stop her dependence on Oblivion, all while working on her inner beauty. She feels that she needs to get her life straightened out, and become stronger, and better. But all the while, as she is reclaiming her life, Stiles comes back to reclaim Ruby. This was not part of her plan.

Ruby see’s a way to rescue her family from the dangerous cult, through George Axion. He is a rich Vegas-by-the-Sea, style entertainer. And George is running a contest which entails a cash prize for the winner of a student contest. But to everyone’s surprise-Thorn is the one who managed to create the most astonishing contest project of all!

I found this book to quite entertaining, and well worth the read. I enjoyed immensely, and give this book “Ruby’s Fire” five stars, because I think everyone should enjoy a book that makes you feel like a part of the fantasy. Any book that pulls you out of the real world and into another, makes it well worthy of the read!

Here are our Questions for Ms. Stine:

What made you decide to write Ruby's Fire and how long did it take to write?

Ruby deals with subjects young women angst over: how to negotiate one's sexuality and power, how to escape from an inappropriate and dangerous relationship, why people become addicted to drugs and what kinds of things help them to kick it, and how to find true interior beauty.

In Ruby, I wanted a female heroine, who had trouble with men because she was so beautiful. I wanted her to be a drug addict, forced to flee from the cult she grew up in, and run to a very unusual boarding school for nomadic teens in a place called Skull's Wrath.

In Fireseed One, the first in the series, Ruby grew up in a Fireseed plant cult (a plant with almost magical properties). At the start of Ruby's Fire, she escapes, for reasons you'll find when you read it. Her continued relationship to the Fireseed plants, however, takes a shocking turn. 

This novel took about two years to write.

Did you do any research for this book?

Yes! I did research on what’s called transgenic crops. These are plants formed from two very different species, such as tomatoes that also have fish DNA. I bet you didn’t know this crop exists for real. Well, it does! And in Ruby’s Fire, there are some even more strange hybrids. One of these is called a RED. Below, is a picture I drew of one.

Do you have any photos or pictures of these amazing characters?

Yes, here’s my drawing of a RED.

 

 What education do you have?

First, I went to an art college and got a BFA in painting. Then, I got an MFA in creative writing. There, I studied both Writing for Children and Adult Fiction. Essentially, I wrote two novels in the process.

How long have you been writing?

Oh, for years! I was always writing in school. But when did I first get published? In 2010, I ghostwrote a book for American Girl. It taught me a lot. My next published work launched in 2004, a YA called Refugees.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I have always written and loved writing. That said, I was a professional artist first! I went to art school and showed my paintings in galleries for a good ten years before I decided to write full time. Is it any wonder, then, that I love to write about artists? LOL. Heart in a Box has stuff about artists, and my Art of Love romance series does, too. (written as Kitsy Clare).

What can you offer to people wanting or thinking about becoming a writer?

Follow your passion. Find the one or two genres you love. For me it is YA and dark fantasy. Get in a trusted writing group. A good one can help you feel a part of the writing community and provide valuable feedback. Stay focused and work hard, yet don’t rush the process. Have fun with it.

What is your very favorite book?

Impossible question. It’s easier to answer the question, which book blew my mind? One of the books that made a huge impact on me was Ray Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles. It is poetic, inspiring, mindbending and has great heart.

Who are your favorite authors?

Wow, it’s hard to pin that down. In YA I like Nancy Werlin, in dark fantasy I like Stephen King, in historical fiction I like Paula Brackston, in kid lit I love Pippi Longstocking (written by Astrid Lindgren). In sci-fi I like Ray Bradbury. In literary fiction I like Don Delillo. How’d I do? LOL.

 Please share with us your social media links and book links:

Ruby’s Fire:

Amazon USA: http://www.amazon.com/Rubys-Fire-Catherine-Stine-ebook/dp/B00DDW84HS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453938265&sr=8-1&keywords=ruby%27s+fire

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rubys-Fire-Catherine-Stine-ebook/dp/B00DDW84HS/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1453938352&sr=1-1&keywords=ruby%27s+fire

Catherine’s website: http://catherinestine.com/wp/

Subscribe to Catherine’s newsletter: http://catherinestine.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=1fe566b1e53f7d3e95b7443e4&id=93554d599e

Blog: http://catherinestine.blogspot.com/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kitsy84557/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1018139.Catherine_Stine

Catherine’s Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Catherine-Stine/e/B001H9TXJC/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1439242205&sr=8-2-ent

Catherine on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorcatherinestine?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/crossoverwriter

Anything to add:

About the Author:

Catherine Stine writes YA and romance. Her novels span the range from futuristic to supernatural to contemporary. Her YA sci-fi thrillers Fireseed One and Ruby’s Fire are Amazon bestsellers and indie award winners. Her YA, Dorianna won Best Horror Book in the Kindle Hub Awards. She also writes romance as Kitsy Clare. Her Art of Love series includes Model Position and Private Internship. She suspects her love of dark fantasy came from her father reading Edgar Allen Poe to her as a child, and her love of contemporary fiction comes from being a jubilant realist. Visit her at catherinestine.com and subscribe to her newsletter for news of releases, workshops and appearances.

Ruby's Fire by Catherine Stine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Written by Guest Blogger: Drema June Williams

My mother, Deneale won this book “Ruby’s Fire” from Ms. Stine in a facebook party for me. I am lucky enough to have received a signed copy of this and another book as well, and they are my very first autographed books that I own! And to that, I owe a big thank you to Ms. Stine and my mom.

So here is my first review, I just hope that I don’t let anyone down:

This book, “Ruby’s Fire” is set in the year 2099. Ruby is dependent on Oblivian Powder, (which is a drug) and she is seventeen years old, and has a little brother named Thorn and he is mute.

The Greening which is a boarding School for orphan teens, is where Ruby hopes she can stay and finally stop running. Unfortunately, this boarding school is not what it is cracked up to be.

Ruby starts experiencing her physical changes, all in the midst of students who are typical out of control teens. This doesn’t help her feel any more comfortable, going through her own changes, and dealing with troubled teens.

Blane is a resident body guard and Ruby is attracted to him, but also ashamed of her new found attraction. She doesn’t understand why she can’t be satisfied with Armonk. She doesn’t understand why her needs must be so difficult.

Ruby wants to stop her dependence on Oblivion, all while working on her inner beauty. She feels that she needs to get her life straightened out, and become stronger, and better. But all the while, as she is reclaiming her life, Stiles comes back to reclaim Ruby. This was not part of her plan.

Ruby see’s a way to rescue her family from the dangerous cult, through George Axion. He is a rich Vegas-by-the-Sea, style entertainer. And George is running a contest which entails a cash prize for the winner of a student contest. But to everyone’s surprise-Thorn is the one who managed to create the most astonishing contest project of all!

I found this book to quite entertaining, and well worth the read. I enjoyed immensely, and give this book “Ruby’s Fire” five stars, because I think everyone should enjoy a book that makes you feel like a part of the fantasy. Any book that pulls you out of the real world and into another, makes it well worthy of the read!

View all my reviews