Reach one Teach One...

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ABOUT ME...

<As a young girl at 17 you'd think the least of my worries should have been about
finding a secure place to live and more about my hair and what I should wear or the
big zit that appeared on my face from out of nowhere, a critical state of mind
wondering how much longer before it would disappear. That’s what teenagers do
right…? It’s considered our right of passage. A time to live and explore freely, having
the love and support of our mother and father, our family’s to secure us as we experience
some of life’s fragile insecurities.

Life is all about making choices but unfortunately I spent those years looking over my
shoulders in fear, hoping the nightmare of abuse would come to an end, and I would
finally be able to enjoy my life no longer locked in fear, after all hadn’t I gone
through enough in the years before? In the months my mother left I will always
remember this one day… I was 14 years old and thrown out on the streets of the west
side of Chicago by my own sister no less, with no place to go and no one to turn to. Yet
here I was now 17, and my abandon this time was to flee.

“Xceptance” is my story of trying to find a place in the world, and the abuse I suffered
in “Black Beans ‘N Rice” as I found the strength to walk away and the courage to let
go. I never knew the fruits of the reward in store for me would be finding real love for
the very first time at 25. In my journey I learned that I am worthy and so are each
and every one of you, and I hope that I am able to captivate, motivate, and inspire
you as well.

In addition to writing books I am also an Advocate for Stroke survivors, and the
creator of the Kuckabug Collection of African Dolls. I have released myself from
Corporate America and am pursuing my gift of writing.

What I crave... I love to write drama, and suspense stories that capture you from the
very first page and lock you in to a journey you won't soon forget, but will find yourself
laughing at the memories you recall. Are you ready...?

In addition to writing other novels, I am working in future developments bringing my
novels to film.

See you at the movies!
“Continue to Greatness”
Currently I live in Illinois with my husband and family.

Questions:

What people like most about me...?
My sense of humor, also the fact that I'm a country gurl and I keep it real!

What people find most interesting about me...?
I speak Spanish and I also speak "Polish!" (I know right?)

Lookin forward to learning and sharing, peace y'all!
Holla,Adios, do widzenia!

About my books:

"Xceptance" A mother uses her child as a pawn to get what she wants, then blames the child for everything bad happening in her life leaving her to face the world alone at 14 with no place to go and no one to turn to, simply because she was born.

Reviews for Xceptance:
Dena,
Based on your book trailer this book sounds like a winner!!! It speaks to and will inspire the soul of humanity. God Bless you on your endeavors.
~Kym Franklin
Spiritual Soul Goddess 2008
Aardvark Records

9-18-08
Dena I finished reading Xceptance on Monday. I must say your books really make a person think about some of the struggles one has had in life and how they overcome those
struggles. Your character Augie had to be in the hands of God from day one. For a young girl to be out on her own at a young age and over come her obstacles that was nothing but
God. She always seemed to keep a level head despite of everything going on in her life. I feel her family missed out on a wonderful relationship with Augie. She sounds like a very determined young lady. And if the sisters and mother would have opened their eyes, and heart , maybe she could have been a positive influence in their lives. But you know what that's their loss. I can't wait for the third book. Keep up the good work.
~L.W

Excerpt from Xceptance:
“I don't care what nobody say... can't nobody love me the way Stigg did!” Loraine shouted, snapping her fingers high into the air.
They laughed hard, Irutha looking in her direction. “Loraine, I thought I heard you say that same thang though 'bout Preach.”
“Aw yeah now Preach was my heart, but now Stigg…?” she paused, shutting her eyes smiling thinking back. “Ain't no man been able to do the thangs to me that Stigg could do!” This made her spine tingle and she broke into a sweat. “Go over there and put some more money in there so I can hear that song again Irutha. I love to hear that man sang. Put me in mind of Stigg all the way… that no good bastard.” she laughed. “He love me though.” she said, sipping her glass of Martel, taking a draw from her cigarette.
Irutha looked towards her pulling the bar stool closer. “You know Augie a big girl now. Ain't goan be so easy knockin on that door when you ain't got no baby in 'yo arms.”
“I know what you mean... I want 'em back though, this time I want him to come crawling to me. Ask me to come back you know what I'm saying?”
"You serious about that Loraine…?”
“You damn right I'm serious.”
“I'll tell you what... I been knowing this lady for a long time she help me out a lot, and I know she could probably do sumthin for you too.”
“Irutha what-chu know 'bout this woman? Talkin 'bout you been knowing her for a long time, what she doin for you?” she questioned, checking over her shoulder. “She ain't funny is she?” she asked, starring Irutha square in the face.
“I don't know what the woman is Loraine, but I know I ain't no got damn bull-dagger, and I don't appreciate where you comin from!” she said, angered pulling her chair away from the bar. “I need me another drink ‘cuz you talkin out 'yo mind now.”
“I'm sorry...” Loraine laughed. “I just wanted to know what's going on, that's all.”
Irutha looked across the room and pointed. “You see that man over there sittin in that corner with that hat on?”
“Yeah...?”
“She fixed him for me. Yeah, she fixed him real good... been eatin my pussy ever since!” they cackled.
“O-o-ooh... Irutha you sumthin else, say she did?” Loraine asked, leaning over trying to get a closer look. “He ain't a bad lookin man either.” she said blowing a puff of smoke into the air.
“I know... and that's what I'm talkin 'bout. If you want Stigg back all you got to do is talk to this woman, and she'll take care of it for you now believe what I'm saying to 'ya.”
“What's her name Irutha?”
“I'll give you her name and her phone number wait a minute.” She propped her foot up on the bar stool, as she rumbled through her purse pulling out a leather wallet.
“I keep her number right in here with me all the time, ‘cuz I never know when I might need to call her myself. Here it is... here copy this down Loraine; that's Effie Braudmore.” she said, as she continued reading the number.
“This woman sho got a funny name. I don't believe all this goan even fit on my napkin.” she frowned. “Now what kinda stuff does this woman do?”
“Just call 'er and tell her I sent you to her ok? She'll get everything straight for 'ya.” Irutha said, turning looking across the room.
“Well we goan see. Any way child, I'd better get up from here and go on home.” she yawned.
“You leaving already Loraine? Honey the music just now gettin good.” she said, swaying from side to side.
“I know, but I done sat up here and got drunk. I got to call me a cab and get on outta here so I can check on Augie, it's late anyway.”
“You ain't gotta take no cab. Let me go over there and ask my friend to drop you off, and don't you worry 'yo self none honey, ‘cuz I'm goan be in that car right with you.” She assured her, giving a sideways glance.
“So what're you trying to say... honey I don't want 'yo man!”
“And I never said you did... I'm just makin sure for myself.”
“Alright then, but I'm ready to go on and go now though Irutha.”
“Ok hold on and let me run over there and tell 'em.” she said, knocking back the rest of her drink.
* In Theatres Soon!*


"Give me the Strength" Is all about taking back control of your life. Last year my husband was on his way home from work and had a stroke behind the wheel in the middle of rush hour traffic. He was paralyzed and couldn't walk or talk or anything. I never allowed him to stop believing that he could, he never lost hope and he never gave up. God is good, and today he is a walking talking miracle before my eyes and I thank the heavens above. My husband (my Tony "bologna" as I like to call 'em) inspired this story.

Reviews for Give Me the Strength:
A True Commitment... 9/14/2008
I just finished reading your book. I must say I really enjoyed your first book Give Me the Strength. You really showed what a true wife is and what your marriage vows really
mean. You stood by Tony from day one. I know it was a trying time for you but God gave you the strength to go on daily. You had to put a lot of people in their place I think you
handled it well. Some people have a lot of nerve. You have a very determined husband and with a wife like you there's nothing he will not accomplish. I respect the bond the two of you have together and don't ever let anyone come in between that. The family members
sound like they're jealous of the relationship the two of you have. God will only continue to bless both of you. All I can say is, "You go girl". You made it through the jungle and
there's nothing ahead except a great big fat blessing for both of you. Keep your head up and don't let nothing turn you around. Always remember what God has! For you is for you. Tony I must say you are a trooper. After reading this book I realize nothing in life is impossible. I admire you and Dena.
Take care!
~LW

Moving and inspiring... 5/20/2008
Reviewer: Ken
I was pulled in from the first page and just kept on going. This book relays the story in a manner that everyone can understand. Kudos!

Excerpt from "Give Me the Strength"

“Let’s get one thing straight as we head back to his room. First of all, you will not push this bed so fast that you are running into the walls, you are going to push this bed like you have some sense.” she explained, starring Surrey straight in the eyes. She turned and noticed the radiologist trying to maneuver his cell with the one hand, and unsuccessfully trying to squeeze the oxygen mask with his other. Seeing this was enough taking her over the edge. “You must be kidding me?” she mused. “…aw I guess he think because he black everything’s ok right… that I would somehow spare his black ass from embarrassment?” she continued. “…excuse me, what’s your name?” Deela asked.
“Ajehwah.” he replied, holding his cell with the same hand he wore his sterile glove.
She brought the bed to a halt as the elevator door opened, reaching over pulling the front of his jacket towards her, leaning him closer to her face. “Have you lost your mind?” she whispered clinching her teeth, trying not to cause a scene in the hallway. He could feel her breath touching his face. “I want you to take that phone and shove it in your pocket and pray that my husband doesn’t get sick because you have compromised his health with that filthy glove you’re wearing.”
Surrey noticed a box of sterile gloves that were hanging at the end of the hallway and made leaps and bounds running towards that box taking a fresh pair. “Here you go…” he said, handing Ajehwah a fresh glove.
Deela cut her eyes towards the both of them in disgust. “I will not tolerate your ignorant misplaced behavior, nor will I be afraid to speak my mind for fear that this man lying here, someone that I have spent the last eighteen years of my life with will receive inferior treatment, because I addressed one of you. I won’t have that either. I am here every single day and night, and I will be watching so you can go back and tell who ever you need to and let them all know they had better not mess around when they come to room number five, Troy Anthony Savage, because his wife don’t play! Do I make myself clear to both of you? ”Surrey and Ajehwah nodded in agreement. “Now lets go.” she added.
Approaching the room, you could see Rob sitting behind the front desk flailing his arms in the air grinning as if he were meeting someone he hadn’t seen in a long time trying to get Surrey’s attention. Surrey made eye contact shaking his head indicating now was not a good time. Rob immediately picked up on his signal and toned it way down. He ran towards the room as they were wheeling Thadt’s bed inside. “Here let me help.” he said grabbing the side straps. “Are we ready to lift on one-two-three... Surrey what’s going on?” he whispered, concerned.
“You don’t want to know right now Rob, just go back to the front desk while I finish up here.”
Ajehwah reconnected the ventilator and apologized for his behavior. Feeling the tension in the room Rob immediately left and took his seat out front behind the desk waiting in anticipation. Surrey tried to make nice and made sure to change the bedding and even provided Deela with a heated blanket to sleep on for the rest of the night. He cleared his throat as he stepped towards her. “I would like to apologize for myself and also for the way things were handled this evening. I truly want you to know that I am sorry. Your husband will receive the best of care here; I will make sure of that. Please, please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you ok?” he pleaded, concerned with his earlier behavior.
“I appreciate that Surrey, and that’s all I have to say.” said Deela, preparing to
bed down for the next few hours.
She awoke to her normal ritual of four a.m. to make the drive home to let the
dogs out and feed them. As she traveled down the dimly lit two lane road, her eyes grew heavy. With only a few hours of sleep she was finding it quite difficult to determine her state of mind. She looked down to turn on the radio and her actions seemed to play back to her as if it were a dream. She made random gestures trying to convince herself that she was in fact awake. She pointed towards a traffic signal as she approached. “Ok… I see a stop light and that light is yellow.” she laughed, nodding her head. She peered over at both sides of the road. “I can’t believe there isn’t another car on this entire street!” she thought, struggling to stay in her lane. “What the hell kinda dream am I having…? I’m not even driving, wait am I driving this thing…? See if I was driving I would hear the motor running” she slurred. “I’m gonna sleep for five more minutes, then I’m gonna get up and check on Thadt.” Her head fell against the back of the seat and she was awakened just as the car hit a curb in the road. She awoke shakened, immediately taking hold of the steering wheel. She pulled to the side of the road and tried to recount what had just occurred. She got out and stood next to the car feeling a bit disoriented. “…ok what just happened here…? …am I--- am I dreaming or what ‘cuz that shit felt real.” She said holding her hands to her face. She walked along the side of the car looking for any damage but the scuff mark on the front tire wasn’t enough proof that she was actually awake still. She kneeled down from the side of the road and pulled up a hand full of grass and held the dirt up to her nose. . “Alright, so I guess this isn’t a dream. This is a road and I’m on the side of the road. I cannot believe I fell asleep like that. What is wrong with me? This never happens to me.” She spoke, disappointed with herself. “I’m halfway in the middle of nowhere and I just need to make it home. I can do this.” She nodded, opening the door. She pulled out her cell and called her friend Jaswant, they called him Jazz for short. “Hello Jazz…?” she said, relieved that he’d answered.
“…yeah,” he replied, clearing his throat. “What’s going on Deela?”
“Jazz, I know it’s early but I was trying to drive home to let the dogs out and I
need to talk to someone.”
“It’s ok…”
“Jazz I ran into the curb in the middle of the road. Can you believe that? I never do stuff like that.” she continued trying to stave off a panic attack now that things had become more apparent. “You know it was the weirdest thing. I couldn’t figure out if I was actually driving or if I was dreaming that I was driving. I just couldn’t figure it out.”
“Are you driving right now?”
“Yeah I’m still a little shaky but I had to call somebody Jazz I’m scared.”
“Well just try and get yourself together it’s ok now you’re talking to me.” he said, rising up sitting on the side of his bed. “Trust me I am not a dream. Honey I doubt I would be a part of anybody’s dream right now lookin like I’m lookin this early.” he laughed, trying to lighten the moment. He could hear her laughing on the other end of the phone. “You can’t go all week on just two or three hours of sleep honey. You just—you just can’t. Thadt’s gonna need you in one piece and so am I. You know how I feel about hospitals… I hate them so take care of yourself!”
“Yeah I know diva just calm down.” she replied. You could hear the smile in her
tone. “Well I guess I’m awake now huh?”
“Are you sure… ‘cuz uuh- ‘ya know I can’t be worrying about you ok?”
She paused for a moment reflecting on her situation. "Jazz, what’s happened to us?”
“Honey I’m here…” he interrupted.
“Not us silly, I’m talkin about me and Thadt. I miss him so much. There are so
many things I need to talk to him about and I need my best friend back ok...? It’s just hard and it hurts me so to see him this way. I just be talking to him and stuff and be trying so hard to sound upbeat and keep trying to encourage him. That’s why I don’t rest; I can’t rest right now because there is so much work to be done.” Her voice weakened as she continued to speak.
*In Theatres Soon!*