Blessed & Curvy

3 things I wish someone had told me before starting writing a book Hiring an editor, proofreader and copy editor if you can afford it. If you can't then ask friends and family to read your manuscript before publishing your book. A reader won't continue to support your work if they continue to see errors, misspelled words, or poor grammar. Don't give away your work for free. I was signing up for workshops and they all had said to sign up for  Amazon Giveaways when first  launch my book in exchange the reader will give the book a review. I paid for the books and postage for the winners to receive the books. Some never did the reviews, some never read the book and gave it a bad review which impacts your rating.  I rather attend a live event where I have built a relationship, tell the reader about the book, and have them purchase the book. They are more connected to the author and higher percentage of those writing a review.  I remember the first time I had trav...

10 Things you may not know about me  I love to sing . Since I was a child until  a young adult I was always in the church choir. I inherited the love of music from my father who had a beautiful baritone voice. Now I sing in my car while driving. I can burn in the kitchen aka I can cook. My parents had me later in life . Majority of my siblings were out of the house when I was growing up so I was my parent's shadow. Both loved to cook and I would watch them both. My mother cooked all the meals for the house since she was self employed and ran a boarding home . My father would bake or cook in the evening when he had a taste for something. I realize that is where I get it from. At ten o'clock at night I decide to bake a banana bread because I have a taste for something sweet . I will have a slice and bring the rest to work. My favorite dishes to make is lasagna, macaroni and cheese and St. Louis barbecue ribs.  Travel bug- traveling domestic or international is my gu...

I always tell people things that stressed me out when I was younger doesn’t phase me now. Recently I  felt excluded from an event and instead of being stressed about it I found a positive thing to do. I booked a trip, took a couple of days off from work, and enjoyed myself.  I was able to unplug from social media, told my family I would contact them when I returned, and didn’t engage with majority of my circle, I made it real simple .  During this time I am able to reflect on my actions, write new goals, and prepare a plan. It also a time where I look at items I was stuck doing and reach out for advice. It’s much clearer for me because there aren’t any distractions.  Also I got my journal out and started making goals for 2020 for new ventures, ways to invest into myself, and enroll into courses that increase my knowledge because that is something no one can take from me.  I have had staycations and mini vacations and they all do the same for me. It help...

I was digging through my archives and found posts that I would love for you to revisit on Throwback Thursday. These blog posts were the highest rated posts over the years and I want to hear back from you on what you think. Top 5 Blog Posts on the Blessed & Curvy platform that every reader should read: Me Too Fresh Start Sister's Love  I Would Have Freed More If Only They Knew Body Of Armor- Unconsciously Putting on Weight to Protect Myself About the Blogger: Patricia A. Saunders, is a Award Winning Author, Poet, Motivational Speaker that travels the United States sharing her story of losing her mother to Alzheimer's and her journey back from losing it all. Follow Author: www.patriciaAsaunders.com www.facebook.com/blessedpoetpat

My Purpose As a young girl you play with dolls You are the Momma and your dolls your children You have crushes on the little boy next to you You put a pillow under your top and play like you’re having a baby As you mature you have boyfriends Some go to proms Some have arranged marriages Some have relationships where the man does propose You marry The pressure is on for when you are going to have children Is that your purpose to be a wife and a mother? Some never want to have children Some find themselves in situations where they have children and give up the right As a woman you have to compete in a man's world, still be the sexy wife, and mother. What about the woman who isn't married Does society dictate what her purpose should be? Reading magazines, watching the news, and speaking with other women there are mixed emotions. 1.       There are more women CEO's now more th...

After the passing of my mother I found myself in a deep depression. I didn't want to continue to be active in this thing we call life. My motivation was gone along with her because as her caregiver what was I now to do? I felt lost.   Also I was self employed running a business from my home office so I didn’t want to promote, network or make any sales. No sales meant no income. I knew I had to snap out of it but didn’t know where to begin.   Being a private person I didn’t know how to ask for help. Its years later and I find working now in Corporate America I still come across both men and women who go through stress, life struggles and still try to stay focused on top of their corporate game. More and more I read in the news that when the world feels like it is grumbling around you and you have no outlet you quit one way or another. You either quit your job, relationships or life.  Here are the five steps that I learned and hope that it helps someone. ...

As an independent author you want to find a location where you can meet the readers, have a conversation with them about what they like to read, and also talk to other authors. I found the most important event that I have to attend annually is the National Book Club Conference. I save the date for every year the first weekend in August, book my flight and travel to Atlanta Georgia for the best weekend to soak everything in. National Book Club Conference Foundation, Inc., is a literary organization founded by author Curtis Bunn that ...