Online Chat

It’s been a minute since I’ve posted a blog post. Although I’m under the weather and have been for the last five days, I'm thankful to God for all that He has done for me and my family. My book, “A Date with Jesus” is getting great reviews and I’m very grateful for that. Speaking of my book “A Date with Jesus,” I’m excited to be having a chat on Thursday, December 3 (tomorrow) from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (EST), so please come and join me. I would also like to thank Calvin and Linda for extending the invitation. Below is information about the chat:

Are you lost under work deadlines and "to do" lists? RSVP to Join
us for A Date With Jesus Chat featuring Carla Curtis on December 3, 2009 @ 9pm EST. Sign Up to RSVP for the Reminder at: http://www.thepluralthing.com.

Until next time, peace.

Carla

Just Sharing My Thoughts

Whew! This is the word that best describes my life for the last few months. There’s been so much going on -- both good and not so good -- that sometimes when I lay my head down on the pillow at night to go to sleep it only takes a matter of minutes for me to fall into a deep sleep because I’ve simply been worn out. I’m just being honest. I’ve had the desire to write, but writer’s block decided or should I say I let it set in.

Although I’ve been in a wilderness experience of some sort, I can honestly say that God is still good because in spite of it all, I’m truly blessed and recognize this fact daily. I’ve got a roof over my head, car to drive, job, food to eat, daughter, grandkids, other close family members, and friends, etc. You get the picture. In addition, my newest book, “A Date with Jesus: A Woman’s Guide to a Closer Relationship with the Lord” has hit the shelves and is getting great reviews. In fact, a local church recently selected it for their women’s group for reading and discussion. This was exciting to hear. I was also blessed and honored to be one of the guest speaker’s for my church’s women’s conference in May. The conference was a blessing. God showed up and showed out.

Speaking of my book, I had my first book signing at a major bookstore on July 9, 2009. The book signing was at Borders in St. Charles, Illinois. Although I’ve had other book signings over the years at independently owned bookstores, it was really exciting and felt great to have a book signing at a Borders. On the day of the book signing, I must admit that I was sick and running low on energy, but pressed on any how and was truly blessed. I had a great turn out and sold all of the books that the store ordered. I was able to dialogue with some friends, my sister and even met some new friends in the process. All in all, this was a life-changing and memorable experience for me. God truly blessed this book signing and I am forever grateful.

Below are some pictures from this event. As you can see, we were all having a great time. I’d like to thank Ernie Pureza (in the green shirt) for having his digital camera and taking some great pictures. In addition to Ernie, I’d like to thank everyone else for coming out to support me. You all made my day! I'd like to say a special thank you to the staff at Borders. Everyone made me feel so welcomed and were all very nice.

Well, let me go now because it’s about 2:00 a.m. and I only have a few more hours before I have to get up and get ready for a full day’s work in corporate America. Writing this blog post has reminded me that I better get back to doing what I love on a more regular basis and that is WRITING! Oh – if there are some spelling errors, please forgive me. This sistah is tired and getting ready to fall out!!!

Until next time,

Peace

Carla

A Great Interview

Please give me some background – just who is Sharon “Shaye” Gray?

First, on behalf of Style-ology Magazine, I would like to extend my gratitude to you for requesting this interview. I am a huge fan of your work.

You are very welcome. Thanks so much for your support of my work. I really appreciate it. Okay, let’s get back to the interview. Just who is Sharon “Shaye” Gray?

My name is Sharon Stinson Gray (my nickname is Shaye) and I have a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. I’ve been editing/proofreading for 15 years. I served as the Editor-in-Chief of both of my universities’ Newspapers and Literary Magazines. I took several journalism classes and first started editing professionally with an online magazine entitled Bahiyah Woman Magazine, which was very successful for five years. I love to write so I co-founded an online writing group called Essentially Woman Writing Group, which has been thriving wonderfully for more than five years.

I am co owner of EVE’S LITERARY SERVICES with novelist, Lorraine Elzia. With Eve’s Literary Services, we have been able to work more on an individual basis with the writer.

One of my fondest accomplishments includes working on the editorial staff for the GUMBO FOR THE SOUL Anthologies (http://www.gumboforthesoul.com/).

Since you’ve indicated your involvement in other creative endeavors, what intrigued you about Style-ology Magazine to become Editor-in-Chief?

I love to edit. I love to write. I do work full time as administrator and English Instructor, but I have passion for both jobs so I do not truly see them as ‘jobs’ per say but rather strong hobbies.

This has been one of my goals for a very long time ever since I was the editor of my graduate school’s literary magazine. I feel so blessed that the Creative Director, Michelle Washington reached out to me and offered me this position. Michelle Washington is a terrific and professional woman so I am glad I’m on her team.

As Editor-in-Chief, I realize the intoxicating impression of visuals—that is why I am so proud of Style-ology Magazine. This magazine continues to present unique, creative images and style as well as engaging commentaries and enlightening human-interest stories. We are ‘intelligent fashion’.

With many online magazines being created and published on a regular basis, what differentiates Style-ology Magazine from others?

Style-ology is an INTERNATIONAL high-fashion editorial DIGITAL magazine. A fashion feast for the eyes of fashion art and articles, with compelling content and exclusive interviews for sophisticated culturally aware readers; a showcase of artistic fashion at its best.

Style-ology Magazine is not an average fashion "fluff" publication. Style-ology appeals to both fashion artists and the readers' love of high-end fashion; while appealing to the intelligent desires of its readership. Style-ology also creates value for advertisers – high quality advertising to an average census of 10,000 online readers.

I recently read the April edition (http://issuu.com/styleologymagazine/docs/april09), and I must say that the layout and graphics are phenomenal. The articles also are intriguing. Was there a particular theme in mind when you put together this issue?

Thank you very much. I would like to give thanks to our Creative Director, Michelle Washington for her tireless work. Yes, the themes for the April Edition of Style-ology are flower power and the images of spring. Think of blue skies, bright colors and temperate weather.

Who is your intended audience for Style-ology Magazine? Why was this audience chosen?

The Style-ology Magazine audience is an intelligent readership captivated by high fashion; a desirable demographic of readers that are forward-thinking, vibrant, and design-conscious. Age range 20-30 year-old: agencies, business executives, designers, fashion industry entrepreneurs, high-income consumers, photographers, young professionals, and many more!

Our 10,000-plus readership demographics are as follows:

*Gender (Female: 60%) (Male: 40%)

*Residence (Outside the USA: 60%) (Within the USA: 40%)

*Education (College Degree: 80%) (Graduate Degree:20%)

*Occupation (Business & Fashion Professional:70%) (Owner/Partner:30%)

*Average Income ($80,000)

What do you want readers to walk away from after reading issues of Style-ology Magazine?

Our magazine is creating a venue for fashion industry professionals WORLDWIDE to showcase their fashion creativity, giving talented fashion artists high-end exposure, coupled with articles and interviews for an intelligent readership.

We strive to captivate our audience with high-fashion and in-depth articles covering topics such as: human interest, political, and social issues. Simply – Fashion with a Brain!

What are the long-term goals for Style-ology Magazine?

The future will bring more fashions, more titillating articles and sizzling interviews.

Where can you be reached if someone has questions about Style-ology Magazine?

General information/inquiries to: info@styleologymag.com

For more information, please visit:

www.styleologymag.com

www.myspace.com/styleologymagazine

Do you have content ideas for Style-ology Magazine?

Contact the Editor-in-Chief: editor@styleologymag.com

Submissions:

Photo Submissions: photosubmissions@styleologymag.com

Writing Samples: writtensubmissions@styleologymag.com

Advertise With Us!

Send all ad space inquires to: advertisement@styleologymag.com

Do you have any final comments that you would like to share?

Style-ology Magazine aims to capture the ‘style’ in all of us. We advocate creative expression, period. Images have positive impacts on society because they generate hope, desire, strength as well as admiration; style is a form of uniqueness.

I want to thank you Carla for this enchanting opportunity and I look forward to hearing from you all. Please visit Style-ology Magazine and remember style resides in all of us—express yourself, unconditionally and sensationally, every day.

It’s been a pleasure interviewing you. I look forward to reading all of the future issues of Style-ology Magazine on a regular basis. I truly wish you much success as Editor-in-Chief as well as in all of your future endeavors.

My New Book

It’s amazing because 2009 is almost half gone as June is vastly approaching. Within the last few months, I’ve been extremely busy. But, what else is new. I’m excited to announce that my latest book, “A Date with Jesus: A Woman’s Guide to a Closer Relationship with the Lord" is now available for purchase. Check out my Web site at http://www.carlajcurtis.com/ to find out more information. All in all, God is good and I am blessed and excited about my new book. Below is one of the blurbs that I received:

As we move forward in our daily lives with tasks that seem to overwhelm our minds and never go away, this book will give you a yearning to want to go out on an intimate date with the Love of Your Life. Carla Curtis simply teaches you how to use the tools you may already have in your home and set aside time for Jesus. Carla touches every area of your daily life in her book A Date with Jesus while renewing a thirst and desire in your life that you may have forgotten about. After reading this book, I was ready to make a phone call and set up valuable time to intimately meet with my Lord.

~ Pastor Ava Smith, Co-Pastor of His Cloud of Glory Christian Center, Elgin, IL

This weekend was my church’s women’s conference and I must say that it was indeed a blessing. Yesterday during the all-day event I was one of the four speakers. There were some phenomenal speakers in attendance and I thank God for the opportunity to be one of the speakers as well as to be blessed by listening to others. The whole weekend has been a blessing.

Well, I’ll be back within a few days to post – I promise.

Peace,

Carla