Rainy Day Diva™

There is nothing I enjoy more than a good read.  A good novel can hold it’s own against any TV show or movie.  So of course, I have my favorite novelist and I’m always adding to that list of authors.  I would have never guessed that I’d be adding a novel by Victoria Rowell to my list of must-reads.   Yes, Victoria Rowell a.k.a. Drucilla of Y&R fame, has written a novel, Secrets of a Soap Opera Diva, about an actress that is written off of her TV soap opera.  Rowell’s Secrets of a Soap Opera Diva will be released on May 4.  I can’t wait.  It looks like sheer fun.

My excitement has nothing to do with her days on Y&R, when I stopped watching Mamie was still a maid for John Abbott.  I’m excited about this one because honestly, I don’t think I have ever seen any author have this much fun promoting a book before.  That’s not to say that others don’t enjoy touring and promotion, but just visit Rowell’s site and you’ll see what I mean.  Not only does she have webisodes-hilariously funny scenes that she acts out-but she has also released a song on iTunes.  There will also be a virtual book released simultaneously on the book release date.

As an aspiring novelist myself, I have to give Rowell credit for one thing if nothing else, she has definitely broadened my view of what is possible when publishers ask the inevitable: “And how do you plan to promote this book?”  I will definitely stay tuned.  In the meantime, you can check out a webisode below.  This is going to be good.  Much success Victoria!

In life you shouldn’t have to pursue what you can attract.

–Hill Harper

The above quote is just one of the many interesting gems in Hill Harper’s third book, The Conversation.  I was eager to read Harper’s perception and research on relationships, after reading an interview he did for author, Amy DuBois Barnett’s book, Get Yours!  It was in that interview that Harper discussed how many women make the mistake of being “heavy in…mood.”  Interesting observation and definitely an aha moment for me.  I can’t wait to finish reading what other gems Harper’s insights and interviews might offer.

The above quote is in chapter 8, Checking Baggage: The Lightness of Being.  Have you ever  wanted to put down the bags, the luggage and designer totes and just be free, light and relax? Run, skip, laugh and just be without pretenses or emotional fire alarms going off.  Wouldn’t that be nice?  It would be more than nice.  It would be peaceful, inviting and yes, outright beautiful.   Maybe even sexy.  Perhaps we need to start a trend–for the new season of our lives.  Let’s destroy those bags, ladies.  Better yet, recycle them as wisdom, courage and joy.

Keep up the good work, Hill!

If you ever get the opportunity to hear Lisa Nichols speak, do so.  She is phenomenal, but in any event you can learn her principles for living triumphantly in her book, No Matter What.  Nichols reveals the personal and painful mistakes and lessons she learned that led her to becoming the motivational speaker she is today.  Her key message is that obstacles and setbacks can be overcome using your “bounce back” muscles.

She discusses how to change your negative perceptions and how to “get off the nail”–those situations in life that you need to change, but haven’t because they don’t cause you enough discomfort to spark action.  Once you read that chapter, you’ll be motivated to get moving.  Nichols is also author of Chicken Soup for the African American Soul

It’s on my shelf, what are you reading?

Today’s Quote:

“Keep on moving don’t stop.” Soul II Soul