Changes to The Quality Corner

There are many views of change.  Some think change is good.  Others are afraid of change.  I have had very mixed views of change.  The Quality Corner has gone through a lot of changes recently and I'd like to share them with you.

In February, I made the decision to close my eBay store.  It was not an easy decision.  I thought long and hard before I made the final decision.  You can read all about that decision here.  Looking back, I know it was the right thing to do. 

After closing the eBay store, I was faced with a decision about the direction of my business.  In the book industry, a massive shift has been made toward ebooks.  I have grown to love ebooks, so I could understand why they were growing in popularity.  I chose to keep up with the trends.  I was determined to be a forward-thinker.  I did not want to get stuck with one way to do things.  So, I tried to sell ebooks.  I made links available on my blog to purchase ebooks from popular retailers like Barnes & Noble and iTunes.  I was very excited about this opportunity.  However, my excitement quickly waned.  Ebook sales for me paled in comparison to the sales I made on eBay with books in print.  I became discouraged.

Although I have loved the experience of owning an online business and working from home, there have been some downsides.  One of the biggest issues for me was that I missed working around people.  Although I craved human interaction, I was very skeptical about going back to work in an office.  I absolutely loved the freedom that working from home gave me and I just was not willing to give that up.  So, again I was at a crossroad.

At this time, I met a Notary Signing Agent.  I had never heard of that profession before.  She told me that she loved her job.  I began to do research about this field.  It sounded like something that I would enjoy.  I found out that I would first have to become a Notary Public and then become certified to be a Notary Signing Agent.  I decided to give it a try.  I took a couple of classes and passed the required tests and I became a Notary Signing Agent.  I started a new business - Quality Notary Services.  I began working my new job this summer and I love it!  To find out more about my new profession, visit my website at www.qualitynotaryservices.com. 

So, what does that mean for The Quality Corner?  Well, I'm still passionate about books and I always will be.  I will continue to blog about books and direct my readers to the best places to purchase my favorite books.  I still have my connection with the large book distributor that I have worked with for years.  So, I will maintian my relationship with local clients, including Columbus City Schools.  However, I will discontinue my bi-weekly newsletter as of August 15, 2012.

BlackBookReview.com has been operating as a division of The Quality Corner.  BlackBookReview.com will remain in operation.  I have made a few changes to the products that I offer.  You can find out more about those changes by visiting www.BlackBookReview.com. 

I would like to thank all of my clients, business associates, friends and family for all of your support over the years.  Since The Quality Corner opened in 2008, it has been a roller coaster ride.  Thank you for taking the ride with me.  It has been my great pleasure serving you and I look forward to continuing that relationship!

iPad - Should You Believe the Hype?

Yes.  You should believe it.  The buzz about the iPad is not just hype.  The iPad is awesome.  I just purchased an iPad a couple of months ago.  I have grown to LOVE it.

When Apple first announced the release of the iPad in April 2010, I didn't get it.  I didn't understand why anyone would need such a device.  As the iPad increased in popularity, my curiosity grew.  I went to the local Apple store to investigate.  I left the store somewhat unimpressed.  I thought it was cool, but not useful enough to justify the cost.

In March 2011, Apple released the iPad 2.  This upgraded version contained several new features.  My interest began to grow.  Friends and colleagues began toting the iPad in front of me.  The iPad commercials continued to pique my interest.  I wanted one.  Still, I wasn't sure I could justify the cost.

In November 2011, I finally decided to make the purchase.  I knew I would be able to use it for business.  At the time, that was the main appeal to me.  When I brought it home, I was still skeptical.  The more I used it, I could see how truly useful it was.  I read books, write reviews, maintain my eBay business, blog - all on my iPad!  I even find time for an occasional game of "Words with Friends."  I use it everyday and carry it with me almost everywhere I go.  I definitely use it more than my laptop.  The convenience cannot be beat.  I would never tote my laptop around like this.

I am definitely a fan of Apple products.  I first fell in love with my iPod touch in 2007.  My love grew when I bought my first iPhone in 2010.  Now, I'm really hooked by my iPad.  I must admit - my laptop and desktop computers are still PCs.  I haven't made that leap yet.  That just might be my next step...

Book Review - "A Flight of Fancy" by Jo King

Trees that talk and fly. Aliens and spaceships. A child’s imagination is endless. A Flight of Fancy is a delightful story that will fuel the imagination of young readers.

The main character is an eleven-year-old boy by the name of George. He is a thoughtful young man that looks after his mother since his father was killed. Every morning, he wakes up early to check on his mother. One morning he goes into her room and looks out the window to find that all of the trees in the yard are gone. In fact, all the trees in the town of Arbordon are missing.

George joins forces with his neighbor, Lisa. They are determined to find out what has happened to the trees. Thankfully, they find one weeping willow that can give them clues about the missing trees. George and Lisa are astounded that the willow can talk to them! Together, they set out on a quest to find the trees of Arbordon.

George has suspicions that aliens may have taken the trees to a different planet. He vividly describes the aliens’ evil plan. George’s imagination is running wild. He will not rest until the mystery is solved.

The clever and unique storyline of A Flight of Fancy is captivating. As I read through this book, I eagerly anticipated the mystery unfolding. Readers will enjoy this story from beginning to end. This book reminded me of the joy I felt when reading as a kid. I allowed myself to be a kid again and get completely lost in this fascinating journey. I am confident that all who read this charming book will be as enthralled as I was.

Available for purchase at Xlibris.com/bookstore, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

"A Flight of Fancy" Audiobook Written by Jo King Read by Kenya Brome

Photograph by Jordan Matter

Kenya Brome is a fine New York actor. She showcases her talent as the reader of the audio version of A Flight of Fancy.  She breathes life into this charming story.

A Flight of Fancy is an imaginative tale about trees that have decided to take a vacation.  Overnight, all of the trees in the town of Arbordon have disappeared.  The main character is a young boy named George.  He and his friend Lisa set out on a quest to find the missing trees.

Kenya Brome skillfully depicts each character and allows the reader to see the story unfold.  Using various accents and voice inflection, Brome distinguishes individual characters.  The listener is able to easily discern one character from another.  Her spirited, theatrical delivery brings the tale to life.

Brome entrances the listener with her depth of feeling.  She vividly portrays the disappointment George feels when he finds out that the trees are missing.  The listener can feel the eagerness and excitement that George and Lisa experience as they investigate this great mystery.  
 

One tree is left in Arbordon – a weeping willow.  This willow holds the key to unlocking the mystery of the missing trees.  Brome represents this character extremely well.  I chuckled every time I heard the willow weep.

Young ones will be delighted as they listen to A Flight of Fancy.  Children will be carried away and their imagination will run freely as they listen to the lively, realistic reading by Kenya Brome.

Available for purchase at Xlibris.com/bookstore, Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

Book Review - “U.S. Marshal Harry Bailey and the Case of the Persistent Widow” by Larry Montgomery

Centuries ago a wise king stated, “Man has dominated man to his injury.” Innocent people suffer at the hand of greedy businessmen. Bad things happen to good people. These are facts we must all face daily. Sufferers take comfort in knowing that justice will prevail in the end. This age-old tale of good versus evil sets the stage for Larry Montgomery’s debut novel, US Marshal Harry Bailey and the Case of the Persistent Widow.

The main character, Harry Bailey, is a US Marshal returning from a tour of duty in Iraq. He has been injured and he is now on medical leave. The doctor sends Bailey to a home in New York where he can receive supervised care. While recuperating, Bailey unwittingly becomes involved in a devious plot.

To Marshal Bailey’s surprise, he is living across the street from the pregnant widow of a fellow soldier. He watches her endure unspeakable tragedy. She has lost dear loved ones in death and now she is left alone to deal with a dubious landlord. Her landlord is trying to force her out of the building and she is determined to remain in her home. Instead of taking time to grieve for her loved ones and prepare for a new baby, she is forced into a long court battle. Despite her circumstances, she is persistent in her fight.

The plot thickens as the landlord’s motives are slowly unveiled. Marshal Bailey steps in to help. As he investigates, he finds out the enormity of the situation. He is determined to assist this widow and make sure that the wrongdoers are brought to justice. 

US Marshal Harry Bailey and the Case of the Persistent Widow is a very entertaining story. It is full of drama and suspense. Larry Montgomery does an excellent job of vividly describing each character and location. I could easily envision the story with my mind’s eye. Montgomery captivates the reader with an interesting storyline. He keeps the reader engaged throughout the story with unexpected turns at every corner. This is the kind of book that can keep a reader up all night to find out the ending.

This novel is the first in a series of twelve featuring US Marshal Bailey. It is the author’s hope that the reader will “find a few moments of relaxation from reading this book and that you look forward to reading the complete, twelve book series.” I certainly found relaxation, entertainment and enjoyment from reading the first book in this series and I eagerly anticipate the books to come. I would love to see this story made into a movie. I am confident that all who read this book will enjoy it as much as I did.

Book Review - "The Dirty Side of Midnight"

Davida Adedjouma is a licensed social worker who specializes in guiding women through past traumas by using writing.  She is a published author and produced playwright.  Her writings include “Palm of My Heart” and “The Barbie Chronicles.”  Her recent release, “The Dirty Side of Midnight,” is a collection of captivating short stories.

In “The Dirty Side of Midnight,” Adedjouma has created 36 different stories.  The stories are related and tied together through the lives of various characters.  The book focuses on the lives of women that have survived unspeakable tragedy.  The stories of these women are familiar to many readers.  Adedjouma tackles a variety of social issues such as poverty, addiction, racism and domestic violence.

One of the main characters is a woman by the name of Delta.  She is first introduced in the story, “Delta Is.”  Delta Cotton was born in the South and migrated to New York.  We learn of her struggles and her victories.  Throughout the book, we are introduced to Delta’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  The failures and triumphs carry throughout each generation. 

Adedjouma is very skillful in the way she portrays each character.  As I read through the stories, I could feel the author’s passion for the issues she wrote about.  I got the feeling that she is speaking from experience.  Even though this book is a work of fiction, I could hear and feel the very real stories of real people. 

A good writer puts the reader in the story and makes them feel something.  The feelings are not always good because that’s life.  That’s real life.  Life is glutted with tragedy.  Adedjouma addresses tragedies of our nation such as 9/11 and hurricane Katrina.  One of my favorite stories is entitled “A Paradox of Faith.”  This story paints the picture of a woman that survives the atrocities of hurricane Katrina.  Miss Maggie is such a strong woman of conviction.  After the death of her husband, she is faced with being estranged from her daughter.  Her story is of courage and determination.

“To be able to use words is the greatest of gifts, the supreme power, because you call each thing into being as you see it,” states a character in the book.  Adedjouma has truly used her gift of writing by creating the intriguing stories of “The Dirty Side of Midnight.”

Book Review - “Black Business Secrets 500 Tips, Strategies, and Resources for the African American Entrepreneur” by Dante Lee

African Americans are more likely to fail in business than other minority groups.  Statistics may deter some African Americans from starting their own business.  However, millions of black businesses are thriving.  What makes the difference between success and failure?  As the saying goes, “knowledge is power.”  Dante Lee’s new book, Black Business Secrets, is designed to help entrepreneurs gain the knowledge needed to be successful.

Dante Lee is the president and CEO of Diversity City Media, an African American marketing and public relations firm.  This company is known for its online businesses – BlackPR.com and BlackNews.com.  It helps clients to market to the African American community.  Lee was named by Ebony magazine as one of the “Top 30 Young Leaders for 2006” and profiled as a successful business owner in 2010.  Because of his experience and accomplishments, Lee is in a position to mentor entrepreneurs.  “My hope is that by learning from my in-the-trenches experiences your business will reward you with the success and satisfaction that I have been allowed to claim,” Lee says.

Black Business Secrets contains a wealth of information on a variety of topics.  Lee starts with a very candid discussion about what it means to be a black entrepreneur and why it’s a good idea to start your own business.  Individuals must have a realistic viewpoint of entrepreneurship.  A successful entrepreneur needs a certain mind-set – positive, courageous, hardworking and open-minded.  Readers are helped to develop ideas for business and determine if their idea is a good one.  Lee gives advice on how to start your business, where to look for financing, marketing, advertising and public relations.

One of the many highlights of this book is the experiences of “superstar entrepreneurs.”  Lee interviews eight very successful business owners.  Among them are Bob Johnson, founder of Black Entertainment Television and Wally Amos, founder of Famous Amos Cookies.  Each of these experienced entrepreneurs shares their advice and secrets to success.

Black Business Secrets is a wonderful reference tool for everyone in business.  Lists of tips and secrets are easily found at the end of several chapters.  This book was very easy-to-read and even humorous at times.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and I have personally benefited from implementing strategies from Dante Lee, the “Black Business Coach.” I echo Lee’s encouragement to readers - “Grab a cup of coffee or tea, kick off your shoes, take out a highlighter and let this book give you the tools to ensure that your business will shine throughout the 21^st century.” 

Book Review - “Faith Professional Network: A Dream Comes Through a Multitude of Business” by Jeffrey L. White, II

Faith has been defined as “the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.”  Faith is an act of trust.  Those that have strong faith are led to express it in all aspects of their life.  In his new book, Jeffrey White helps readers to energize their faith and express it in their professional careers.

Jeffrey L. White, II is an entrepreneur, sales trainer and minister.  He holds degrees in Business Management and Theological Studies.  He has over 20 years of professional experience and he has led successful sales and training seminars for Fortune 500 companies.  In addition to his professional credentials, he has a wealth of life experience.  He arose from financial adversity, lack of education, tribulation within the family and severe health problems.  Despite the various trials he has faced, he is successful.  White has chosen to share the wisdom he has gained in this book.   

According to White, a “faith professional” is an individual whose Biblical faith and life work coexist.  In today’s busy world, many find it difficult to practice their faith.  White’s philosophy is to create a workplace ministry.  Anyone can express their faith in public.  The leadership skills, creativity and entrepreneurial skills possessed by men and women of faith can be used in the workplace daily.  Also, the way a person chooses to lead his life is an expression of faith.  Throughout this book, White encourages readers to use their skills to prosper and accomplish their goals.

White underscores the importance of having purpose and vision.  Purpose is the result, end or aim of an action.  Vision brings our purpose into focus.  We must be focused on our goals.  White sets an excellent example in this regard.  One of my favorite experiences that he shares in this book is about how he obtained the position of Field Sales Coordinator.  He was extremely focused on his goal and he achieved it.  Readers who implement White’s strategies will surely accomplish their goals.

In modern times, entrepreneurship is becoming increasingly popular.  Individuals that have chosen to start their own business need sound guidance to be successful.  This book contains very valuable advice for entrepreneurs.  Topics such as break even analysis, customer engagement and marketing are discussed.  White teaches readers how to get and keep customers.

White says, “I approach each business undertaking with confidence of fulfillment, believing things I haven’t yet seen to the point that I act on them until faith becomes sight.”  Jeffrey White exemplifies what it means to be a “faith professional” and through his book he is helping others to do the same.  For information on how to order your copy, visit www.faithpros.com.

BlackBookReview.com

I am pleased to announce that I have launched a new website!  BlackBookReview.com is a service designed to review books by African American authors and books that appeal to the African American community.  I love to read and I have enjoyed writing book reviews for years.  Now I have decided to advertise my service through this new website.

The primary goal of my book review service is to help authors succeed.  New books are released daily.  It's not easy to be a new author.  This service is an avenue for authors, publishers, publicists, or agents to market books to their fullest potential.  Books written by African Americans generate more revenue than any other minority group.

I began writing book reviews as a way to market my bookstore.  Then, I was contacted by several authors who read my reviews and they wanted me to write a review for their new book.  That experience made me aware of a need for book reviewers, especially in the area of African American books.

Clients will receive a review that is always original, honest and professional.  The review may also be sent as a press release, for an additional fee.  We partner with a very extensive press release service to all the African American media.

I look forward to working with new authors to promote great books.  For more information, visit www.blackbookreview.com.