News from Yvelette Stines

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

This monthly newsletter is to serve as a marketing tool for my writing and to continue my efforts to stay on track with my life mission. My declared mission is to inspire, educate and entertain others through creativity and intellectualism. I developed my mission in 2006 when I started my journey as a writer. Victoria C. Rowan was very instrumental in helping me find the depth of my creativity and voice. I can't thank her enough.

Each month you will have an opportunity to read my monthly column and updates as well as profiles of inspirational individuals. I hope you enjoy this newsletter. If you have comments, suggestions or would like to be interviewed please contact me at ymstines@gmail.com.

Thinking about the month of June we are half way through 2008. I have accomplished a few of my goals and realized that I need to refocus on my health. I made some changes such as reducing my coffee to once a week, intensified regular my yoga practice and added Bikram Yoga and I am now eating about 50% raw foods. The raw has been a process I still eat cooked meals, but the transformation has been amazing.

As I continue to work on my other goals and improving my health, I hope you all are staying on track with what you want to accomplish. If you have lost track it is never too late to regain focus, remember little changes make big results.

This month I had the honor to interview award-winning writer Edwidge Danticat and CEO of ARPR Marketing Arian Reed.

Peace and Blessings,
~ Yvelette Stines ~

Q and A with Edwidge Danticat

Brother I'm Dying

For my first newsletter I had the honor and privilege to interview one of my favorite writers who is also a true inspiration. Award winning literary genius Edwidge Danticat took time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions.

YS: What does your writing process consist of?
ED: I mostly think of an idea, mull it over for while, then try to come up with a beginning and ending, and when I feel like I have the story wrapped in my mind, I begin to write in long hand and try to finish it that way. Then I type it on my computer and revise it until I feel satisfied with it.

YS: How do you deal with writers block?
ED: I refuse to acknowledge it. I think if you're blocked it's because you might need to put the story away for a while. I try not to believe that writer's block exists. When I'm stuck, I simply read or move on to another project.

YS: When did you know you were a writer?
ED: When I was about 9 years old and making comic books out of notebook pages with my brother and cousin.

YS: What motivates you?
ED: The desire to tell a story, the type of story I want to read. Also, I love writing. I love the process. I'm really a sad and miserable creature when I'm not writing.

YS: What is your advice for those who would like pursue writing as a career?
ED: I would say read as much as you can. Also look for all kinds of opportunities to write professionally. Sometimes you might have to start with writing articles for the newspaper or magazines or even public relations press releases. Use every opportunity you get to write and then read the kind of magazines and journals you'd like to be published in and try to submit ideas to them. Write everyday whether you're inspired or not. That's the difference between the professional writer and the others. The pro does not wait for inspiration. He or she tries to sit down to write everyday no matter or he or she feels.

YS: What life principle do you live by?
ED: "Live simply so that others can simply live." And also "Give thanks". Be grateful for what you have.

YS: Are you working on any new projects?
ED: I am working on a collection of stories right now plus a nonfiction book next. I try to keep myself busy.

Edwidge has written many of books such as Kirk Krak, Breath Eyes and Memory, The Dew Breaker and her recent release Brother I'm Dying, a compelling memoir about her father and uncle.

Grounded in Spirituality

Just four years ago ARPR Marketing opened their doors. As a public relations firm that specializes in movies, music and events APRP has worked on movies such as This Christmas, Stomp the Yard and First Sunday. CEO Arian Reed shares some of her secrets for success.

With the company headquartered in Los Angeles and offices in Atlanta and Detroit, Reed is between Detroit and LA. "I'm bi-costal and it is wonderful," she says. With a busy schedule Reed finds peace and calm through her strength in spirituality. "In Jesus I find peace, I also pray and read my bible every morning [to stay healthy] I work out twice a week and practice yoga." With so much success in four short years she considers her personal growth her biggest accomplishment. Reed's advice for those who want to start their own business, "be consistent and committed to that which you have stated." For more information visit www.arprmarketing.com.