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| Our Authors and Illustrators Meet the Sweetie's Books / Sensations Publishing Family
Kimberly Albritton
Kimberly is a native of Tarboro, North Carolina, but currently resides in Raleigh. Along with taking care of her young son, Kim is employed as a key account administrator and is pursuing a degree in Business Administration. Writing has been her passion since high school. Her first picture book, Better Than Me, will be released in 2010.
Dyahnne is native of North Carolina, currently residing in Silver Spring, Maryland. She has a background in business with degrees and certifications in business administration and information technology. She has written a series of children's books called Sweetie's Place. Her books include Sweeties Place - A Moving Adventure, exploring the emotional side of relocation, All About Aisha, helping children to understand the foster care system, and her newest books expected to be released this fall, Spencer's Big Break and Celebrations!. Dyahnne is available for readings and book signing throughout the country. James E. Alston
James was born in Franklin County, North Carolina; the oldest of three children. His family relocated to New York in 1957. Shortly after college, James started his career in the food and beverage industry where he was employed with the same company for thirty years. He has been recognized and awarded for his accommplishment during his employment tenure as well as his involvement with various youth and charity groups in the different states in which he resided. His first book, No More Mr. Nice Guy, has been recognized with several awards and outstanding reviews. He is currently working on his second business industry book which deals with customer service. A dynamic and knowledgeable presenter, James is available for workshops, readings, and book signings throughout the country
Ricardo (Riki) was born in Cuernavaca, Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 2001 and is currently deployed for the second time to Iraq. It was during his first deployment to Iraq that he began writing the Everland fantasy trilogy to pass what little free time he had. When he is not at work, Riki enjoys spending time with his wife and four daughters. Sweetie's Books / Sensations Publishing will release the first book of the Everland Trilogy, Everland Volume 1: Opal's Book of Winter, in May 2009. To learn more about Everland, visit www.everlandonline.com. 
Cee is a native of New Jersey, currently residing in Pennsylvania. Her sensational new novel, Her Best Friends Lover, is currently available and gaining critical appraise. Cee has a remarkable talent and is sure to become a superstar! Her second novel, Zoned, will hit the stands in late spring 2009. Cee is available for readings, book-signing, and other regional events. She is extremely personable and articulate.
Carroll Ayo Durodola was born in New York City to a Nigerian prince and her African American mother. Her paternal grandfather, Aina Owojaiye was the Oba (King) of Egbe, Nigeria! She is the mother of two grown children, and a proud grandmother of two. She is also the co-producer and host of Africa’s Vision Network, a cable TV show. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Ibadan, she taught English language and literature in Nigeria for six years before coming to the US in 1985. She obtained her Masters of Educatrion and Human Development from Washington Univeristy in Washington, DC. Princess Ayo currently resides in Maryland. A gifted storyteller, she has written 4 children's books including Tunde, the Little Nigerian Prince which is currently available. Princess Ayo is available for storytelling, reading, and book-signings throughout the country.
Mitchell is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. Following Hurricane Katrina, he relocated with his family to Landover, Maryland, where he currently resides. In New Orleans he has obtained many goals and was a part of many organizations such as the National Conference of Artists, Alpha Rho Tau (ART) Club at Southern University and the New Orleans Arts Council. An award winning artist, he has a degree in Fine Arts. His specialty is Oil Painting and Commercial Art. He is the owner and CEO of Allpha Illustrations. He is available for presentations and demonstrations throughout the region. Joel was born and raised in southern Ohio in a rural community, and currently resides in Dayton, Ohio. He is employed in the social service field and is a licensed social worker as well as a licensed drug and alcohol counselor. He has earned a masters degree in administration and is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in human resources. He has a passion for helping people and enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. His first book, PTSD: A Helper's Struggle, will be released in June 2009. He is available for readings and booksignings throughout the region.
Paris Francine Gibson was born Paris F. Brent in Chicago Illinois. She currently resides with her family in Zion, Illinois. After a career as a marketing coordinator, she now devotes her time to her family and her writing. A gifted writer, Paris began writing as a teen and has penned several children's books. Within the next few months, Sweetie's Books will release Lil' Miss Maya: Big Momma's Kitchen, a hilarious story of good intentions, and Jessie's Crowning, an inspirational story of one family's tradition, both of which are destined to become classics. Paris is available for book-signings and readings within the region. 
Evelyn is a native to New York City, currently residing in New Jersey. She is passionate about the cultural diversity of our country as reflected in the neighborhood where she grew up, and it shines through in her writing. Her beautiful picture book, Brown Little Babies, is currently available. Her second book, Sweet, Sweet Carabee will be released this fall. Evelyn is a very warm and compassionate woman who loves children and deeply cares about educational and cultural development. She is available for readings and book-signing within the New York/ New Jersey area.  Berry Holly
Berry is a Native of Chester, South Carolina where he currently resides. He is a gifted artist and a successful children's book illustrator, with several books currently in print including Sweetie's Place: A Moving Adventure, and All About Aisha. He has authored and illustrated his first book, Kat's Red Ball, which will be released in September. In addition to his artistic talents, Berry is great with children and deeply committed to early childhood education. He is available for readings, illustration demonstrations and workshops, and booksigning within the region. You may contact Berry via email at: beeornot2bee2002@yahoo.com 
Kawanya Isom
Kawanya Isom is an educator who writes children’s books from the impoverished child’s perspective. Kawanya's stories are derived from her experiences growing up in the smallness and poverty of rural Southwest Georgia. She has worked in public education for 13 years and is currently an Assistant High School Principal. Her book, “Oh No! A ROACH,” a story about a young girl finding happiness within herself, is now available. Her next title, “Why I Bite My Nails," soon to be released by Sweetie’s Books, depicts the affects of domestic violence on young children. Although young readers will enjoy her work, her books are written to remind children and adults of the power we each have to negatively or positively influence another person’s life. Kawanya is available for Workshops, Readings, and Book Signings. You may contact Kawanya via email at: kawanyaisom@yahoo.com
Nadine is a native of Maryland who currently resides in South Carolina. She received her bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Shippensburg University and a Graphic Design certificate from the Maryland College of Art and Design. She has written the Last Night I Dreamt series of inspirational and educational books that encourage career exploration for young readers. Titles include Last Night I Dreamt I Was A Doctor, Last Night I Dreamt I Was A Musician, and Last Night I Dreamt I Was A Teacher. Nadine is an IT professional with a passion for inspiring children and parents to explore their possibilities. She is available for readings and book-signing within the region. Doris Landrum
Doris Landrum is a retired educator with over 30 years experience. Born in Newport, Arkansas, She has lived for the past 30 years in Forrest City, Arkansas, a small town just west of Memphis, Tennessee. Her first book Sundays at Mother Pearl's is a tribute not only to her greatgrandmother, but to all the strong women (aka "the big mamas") in her neighborhood. Doris developed a love for writng plays and short stories while enhancing her social studies curriculum. Two more books are presently being completed.- Braden and the First Day of School, a salute to teachers, and News About Colored People, a look back into a young teens' life growing up in a small town in the mid 60s. You may contact Miss Landrum via email at: gurtha682002@yahoo.com  London Ladd
London Ladd, a resident of Syracuse, New York, started drawing in his late teens and has developed a painting style that is reminiscent of traditional artist. Influenced by such great artists as N.C. and Andrew Wyeth, John Singer Sargeant, Burt Silverman, and Frank Schoonover, his art retains an intensity and emotion that is all his own. His illustrations have been features in children's books, book covers, magazine articles, album covers, murals and portraits, including the cover of Everland, Volume I: Opal's Book of Winter. His most recent children's books include March On: The Day My Brother Martin Changed the World and Oprah: The Little Speaker. London has also taught art to children in Syracuse and his goal is to one day open his own art academy for inner city children. Aveldia Muldrew Mays
Originally from Toledo, Ohio, Aveldia is a resident of Martinez, Georgia, where she resides with her two chldren. She has been writing for many years, even writing a newspaper column for the City Tribune called Ask Aveldia. She is the owner and creator of Aaronita's Chocolate Desires cookies and candies where each treat bears a creative name and a poetic verse. In addition, she makes African masks, handcrafted from natural, earthly elements. Aveldia first book, a middle-grade novel called Kado's Lucky Basketball, will be released in 2010. You may contact Aveldia via email at: aveldia_m@yahoo.com 
MaChere Minter
MaChere was born in Falmouth, Mass and raised between Wichita, Kansas and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Always outgoing, even today she has a very infectious personality. Machere now resides in Augusta, Georgia where she works as an Executive Assistant/Human Resource Manager. She is the single mother of two beautiful children, Symphoni and Jordan. “Healing ... When the Smoke Clears” is her first published literary work. The book of poetry and prose was originally used as a personal healing tool. She was encouraged to publish in hopes that her work might inspire others. She is available for readings and booksigning within the region. You may contact MaChere via email at: macheredenise@yahoo.com Alva McNeal
Growing up in Santa Monica, California Alva realized early from her Mother and teachers that she was artistically talented. Her Mother, encouraged her to simply paint what her eyes saw and her heart felt. Alva has nurtured and developed her passion of art and her fascination with unique depictions of strength, love and inspiration within the African American family into a wide range of multi-media artwork, which includes, greeting card and book illustrations, murals, sculptures and an array of creative paintings. Says the artist about her work, “ I am simply acknowledging the responsibility of my ‘gift’, my intention is to influence and comfort my brothers and my sisters, as well as, decorate the interior of their homes and offices with my images." Alva currently resides in Hiram, Georgia and is available for workshops and demonstrations throughout the region.  Michelle Ramsey
Michelle is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she currently resides with her daughter. Her first book, Happy Birthday, Kaylee, will be released in the spring of 2009. Her funny and imaginative story was originally written as a gift for her daughter. She is a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake College and is currently pursuing a BS in Social Work with a minor in English from Southern University. Michelle has a great love of literature and attributes her inspiration for writing her books to her daughter, nieces and nephews. Her second book, Dance Shoes for Jalana, a modern day fable about self-reliance and achieving ones goals, is currently available. She is available for readings and book-signings within the region. | |
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