December 2009 newsletter

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Mark 6:41
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus looked up to heaven and blessed them. When God sends His blessings, it's always more than enough.



Greetings this holiday season!

November was an exciting month. First, I have a praise report. While attending a sister church in Chicago during one of my book events, I was blessed to have my nephew and his friend accompany me to service. The result was DeShawn Ellis repented, was baptized in Jesus name, and received the Holy Ghost with God's evidence. Please continue to keep him and all our young men in your prayers. The devil is out to destroy their lives, BUT God has other plans.

Also, this month, I was a guest on two blog radio shows:
www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-author-network on Black Books Motivational Monday and www.blogtalkradio.com/i-just-finished.

As I was preparing this newsletter, I thought about some hilarious situations, courtesy of my hairdresser. I've seen her create hair from a bird's nest (well, not exactly), but the girl is better than the inventor of Rogaine. Since I'm an advocate of the old adage, truth is stranger than fiction, I'm convinced Alicia and her husband, Henry, should have their own reality TV show. I can't wait to weave some of Alicia's unbelievable scenarios into tall tales with Grandma BB in the starring role. Hint: One involves Alicia mingling with the wrong family for more than an hour; the other was Henry telling her to sleep with her glasses on.

Second, I'm excited about my cousin's upcoming St. Louis visit. She's not here yet, but already my husband and I are playing a game of tug and war about who she's kin to. Darlene is a descendant of the Wades (my folks, which makes her blood), but she's married to a Simmons (Do you know how many Simmons there are in the world? Exactly). I'm taking her to a major tourist attraction--not the gateway Arch--the actual neighborhood in Old Ferguson where my fictional characters: Parke, Cheney, and Grandma BB live. Darlene can't wait.

I've updated my website with the Christmas music. Visit http://www.patsimmons.net/and enjoy while you work.

I've been invited to write an article for fellow author Rhonda McKnight's blog entitled "What I'm Grateful for This Christmas." She will post my article between December 6-22 (after I finish writing--okay I have to start it first, but my characters are talking to me again--Karyn Wallace and Levi Tolliver in Crowning Glory are going out on their first date and EVERYTHING has to be right).
http://www.rhondamcknight.com/and click on her blog.

As always, check out pictures from my November events at photos.patsimmons.net

Until 2010, be kind to a stranger, hug someone's mother, and bless those who bless you.

If you've enjoyed Not Guilty of Love, why not give a copy to a friend?
Get an autograph copy of my book(s), Guilty of Love, Not Guilty of Love, Talk to Me, for $20, which includes shipping.
Guaranteed Christmas delivery if I receive your order by December 18, 2009.
Money orders, PayPal, and credit/debit cards are accepted. Email me for more details.


Here's your first sneak at Book III: Still Guilty, coming the end of March 2010.
No cheating. If you haven't read Not Guilty of Love--STOP! Do not click on the following link: patsimmonsexcerpts.blogspot.com

December's inspirational poem is about Counting Our Blessings: anythinginspirational.blogspot.com


The annual RT BOOKLOVERS Convention is taking place in Columbus, OH, April 28-May 1, 2009. Don't miss it. With me are authors Kimberly Kaye Terry and Brenda Jackson.
For more info, visit www.rtconvention.com.

If you've enjoyed this newsletter, then please forward it to a friend.
Subscribe to the Author Pat Simmons mailing list.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Mark 6:41
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus looked up to heaven and blessed them. When God sends His blessings, it's always more than enough.


Hello all and happy November,

#1. I have exciting news...
My eldest child, Jared also called "the boy" by my husband despite him turning 25 years old last week, has an apartment! Hallelujah.
The day we received "the call", I cleared my schedule, so that we could help him move that day. That was last week. Ah, he's still at home, but not for long. We should have all his stuff moved out by Friday. Until then, I guess we can hang in there a few more days.
I may tap dance throughout the house. We'll have a guest room again; we don't have to feed him...Free at last!
Wait a minute. Jared will be only fifteen minutes away.

#2 Exciting news...
Not Guilty of Love, released in September (two months ago), has gone into its second printing. What a blessing!
This means you are really supporting me at the bookstores and online. Don't stop, please. It's not too early to pick up extra copies for gifts.
If you've enjoyed Not Guilty of Love, please post your review on Amazon.
Check out pictures from my October events.


Many of you have read Not Guilty of Love in two days and are waiting impatiently for Book III: Still Guilty at the end of March 2010.
As soon as I receive my final rewrites from Urban Christian, I’ll begin to post excerpts. You can read them at my blog or wait until my monthly newsletters:patsimmonsexcerpts.blogspot.com


#3 Exciting news...
Rhonda McKnight has been in the wings for almost two years, waiting for the release of her debut Christian novel Secret and Lies. In the interim, she has been a blessing to EVERY Christian fiction author with her blog and website promotions and interviews. She has shared the latest industry news with us, and she has been our biggest cheerleader. Many of you have emailed me, asking for a recommendation.
Here it is, Secret and Lies will be released just in time for Thanksgiving. Pick up a copy and bless her because she has blessed me. Visit Rhonda at www.rhondamcknight.net.


St. Louis area friends,
If your company hosts vendor days for their employees to purchase items for the holidays, I would love to participate and sign copies of my books. Please email me with a contact name and number at patLsimmons@yahoo.com.

This video was in the news last month...praying bandit. If the link doesn't work, go to youtube.com and type in praying robber.
I'm really interested in reading your thoughts. Post your comments on my blog: anythinginspirational.blogspot.com.
While you're there, you've got to read the poem of the month, "Your Day in Court."

This note is from fellow author Denise Jeffries in Virginia:
"I heard on the radio this morning that a 10 year old in WV is asking for a little gift. She is dying of cancer and when asked what would she wish for, she said, she would like to receive 1000 get well cards. Her is her info. Please forward to all you know and please send a card or two. Lets show her just how special she is."
Danielle Bartley
260 Country Club Rd.
Richwood, West Va 26261

I love and appreciate all of you.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

If you've enjoyed my newsletter, please share it with a friend.
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November Newsletter

Happy October everybody,

Some of you have been reading my newsletters for almost two years. Others have been on board for a few months. I've shared blessings in my life, funny moments, or heart-wrenching events (such as my grandma's dying months or my son's horrific car accident last year). Despite the remnants of the crash scene, he has recovered and is wearing God's tattoo on his arm to prove he survived.
A while back, I remember saying, "Lord, I want to see a miracle." When I reflected on my request, I thought uh oh. Basically, I asked God for a testimony that is the result of a test or a miracle: a healing, a blessing, or saving our lives. Since we are big mouthed people by nature, we've got to tell somebody about something that happened. Hint.
Here's what I've got to tell:

Three important reminders:
Not Guilty of Love is now available through Black Expressions Bookclub.
Their books come in hard copy editions.

Have you posted your review of Not Guilty of Love on Amazon yet? It only takes a few minutes. A big thank you! On Saturday (today), Not Guilty of Love was #100 on Amazon's popular Christian fiction list.


Selected (key word "select")Barnes & Noble stores across the country are featuring Not Guilty of Love on encaps. This is for a limited time until November 5th. This is an honor, so I am most thankful and blessed.

Remember, the first three months are crucial for authors' sales. One month down, two more to go.
September was a busy month. I wrapped up 17 events last month, some with author Lisa Watson with her debut novel Watch Your Back. To see pictures visit photos.patsimmons.net.
**My website is constantly updated with new book events, so check back often. www.patsimmons.net

I'm giving away customized notebooks for a October contest. Choose your choice of any cover in the Guilty series or Talk to Me. Valued at $10.00, free to the first 10 readers who answer this question: What surprised Hali?
The answer is found on page 212.
E-mail me at patLsimmons@yahoo.com








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September 2009..Breaking News!!

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Mark 6:41
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus looked up to heaven and blessed them. When God sends His blessings, it's always more than enough.
******************************************************************************
Hi friends,
I want to praise God for His riches and blessings. The Lord has truly opened the windows of heaven and pulled me out a blessing that I don't have room to receive, and I give God the glory for His favor. Please share in my joy, and know that it is not my intention to come across as boasting.
At the end of this newsletter, please take the time to read my personal testimony about a disturbing event that happened to me.


My August events included attending my husband's family reunion party in Mississippi and my book release party for Not Guilty of Love in St. Louis. Check out my pictures at photos.patsimmons.net.

To view pictures from another event I attended in Chicago, go directly to www.daviselegantevents.com

There has been a change of plans in regard to the last book in the Guilty Series: Free from Guilt. God intervened and told me not so fast. The bad boys from Boston are coming to town and they're nothing like their Jamieson cousins. Can Parke and Malcolm whip them into shape? Find out in Guilty by Association and meet Ace and Kidd Jamieson.

So here's the new schedule:
Guilty of Love, 2007
Talk to Me, 2008
Not Guilty of Love, 2009 (available now)
Still Guilty (April 2010)
Crowning Glory (October 2011)**
Guilty by Association (2012)**
**That's the plan, but I'm not responsible if the Lord comes back, then I'm out of here!

BREAKING NEWS...

Black Expressions Book club, a book of the month mail order club, has picked up Not Guilty of Love as the September selection. Black Expressions Bookclub is similar to Double Day or Crossings, but primarily offers African-American books.
Not only is this an honor for any author, but it guarantees months of national exposure. So if you are a member, please get your copy. FYI, all books purchased through Black Expressions are in a hard copy edition.

Not Guilty of Love's first review.
4 STARS from RT Bookreviews magazine:
"This follow-up to Guilty of Love will speak to anyone whose friends and love ones do not understand their faith. The characters are well drawn, and Simmons has a real ear for dialogue. A great read!!"
Dee Y. Stewart

Thanks everyone who came out to my book release party and made it a success. 44 books were SOLD!

Not Guilty of Love is #22 on OOSA Online Bookclub's Know What's on Our Shelf to read list.
When is the last time you visited my site www.patsimmons.net? I have book signings scheduled in Kansas City, the St. Louis and Illinois area, Chicagoland, Houston/Dallas. Check them out and come out and support me. A big Thanks in advance.

Beginning September 30th-November 5th, Barnes & Noble will feature Not Guilty of Love on endcaps in the aisles of selected bookstores across the country. Remember that blessing I mentioned earlier about God pulling out? I don't have room to receive it, but as my husband always says, "I'm going to give it my best shot."

Youtube video of the month. It's not what you expect when you go to court. Insert divorce dance.
The divorce dance

The inspirational poem for August is "Reap What You Sow."
anythinginspirational.blogspot.com.

Not Just A Bookstore's
September event:
Keisha Ervin signs copies of her new novel Gunz & Roses and Girls in Da Hood 5.
Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, 3-7 pm.
314-361-6699.

If you've enjoyed this newsletter, pass it on.
Subscribe to the Author Pat Simmons mailing list.

MY TESTIMONY

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Mark 6:41
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus looked up to heaven and blessed them. When God sends His blessings, it's always more than enough.


July was busy with book events and a family reunion.
I'm trying to catch my breath and I'm off again.
In August, I have stops in Memphis, TN, Chicago, IL, and my book release party in St. Louis, MO. Please make sure you check my tour dates at www.patsimmons.net.

I'm thankful for God's safety and protection over my family while we were on the road. God is awesome.

The Guilty Series, 2007-2010
Talk to Me, 2008
Crowning Glory, Coming 2011
*****************************************************************************
It was the 31st Cole Family Reunion...well sorta, for me I've only attended twice because I never knew I had so many cousins.
Believe it or not, the names on this T-shirt are only from one of my grandfather's many siblings.
I commend my cousin Sally Porter who began a family genealogy quilt years ago and diligently update it with new births and deaths. photos.patsimmons.net.
I like to share some old pictures and encourage you to dig through old photo albums and boxes of sympathy cards and get started on your own family tree.
Log onto talkgenealogy.blogspot.com and post your oldest picture and an usual thing about that ancestor.


This is your August and final excerpt from Book II: Not Guilty of Love.
patsimmonsexcerpt.blogspot.com.
Look for copies on book store shelves beginning August 20th.
If you live in the following cities, please consider patronizing these stores for they report my sales to Essence Magazine. A few even report sales to The New York Times.

Again, the sales the first three months are key. Some publishers are dropping author because of low sales.

Jokae’s African-American Books & Custom Framing (Dallas), 800-749-7725
Kana CDs & Books (Columbus, Ohio), 614-306-1843; 796 Bulen Ave, 43205
Truth Bookstore (Southfield, Michigan), 248-557-4824
Pyramid Books (Boynton Beach, Florida), 561-731-4422
Precious Memories Reading and Collectibles (Richmond), 804-726-8501
MochaReaders (Dayton), 937-361-7657
Not Just a Bookstore (St. Louis), 877-361-9955
Underground Books (Sacramento, California), 916-737-3333.

Remember, the first three readers who post reviews on amazon win a Guilty series tote bag, so read FAST!

Two great inspirational poems this month.
Read and laugh.
anythinginspirational.blogspot.com
What A Woman wants in a Man
A Religious Dog.

Not Just A Bookstore's schedule for August wasn't completed, but this event is confirmed: August 7,2009, Open Mic Night/Poet Stompping Ground Hosted By SG Mag.
Doors Open at 8 p.m.
Admission: $6 PER PERSON.

If you've enjoyed this newsletter, pass it on.
Subscribe to the Author Pat Simmons mailing list.

June 2009 e-newsletter

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Mark 6:41
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus looked up to heaven and blessed them. When God sends His blessings, it's always more than enough.

On June 4, my husband, Kerry, and I celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. Of course, we had to eat at a restaurant, Brio, that I mentioned in one of my novels. I call it research.Where did the time fly? My marriage reminds me of a song:
Everyday with Jesus is sweeter than the day before. Everyday with Jesus I love Him more and more...
***********************************************************************
My prayers are with the family of Michael Jackson, especially his children. My favorite song was "Man in the Mirror." Have you actually listened to the words? "Take a look at yourself and make a change."
***********************************************************************
In a few weeks I'll kick off my Guilty Series tour, beginning at the Indiana Black Expo. If you have friends in the greater Indianapolis area, please ask them to stop by my booth for a chance at two raffle prizes and bargains on my books. Then I'm off to Alabama for three book events. In September, I'll team up with friend and debut author, Lisa Watson, for a Texas tour, so spread the word.
***********************************************************************
There are two ways to keep up with my tour schedule: www.patsimmons.net or http://www.booktour.com/author/pat_simmons
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HAPPY JULY 4TH. I'm looking forward to seeing a cousin, Camille Wade Combs, whom I haven't seen I was a child.
The Guilty Series
Talk to Me
Crowning Glory, coming 2011
***********************************************************************
You'll never believe who sent me an email.
No not my great-grandfather, William Wilkerson (Wilkinson). He was born in 1866, one year after the Emancipation Proclamation, and died sometime in the 1940s.
He and his younger brother Samuel Wilkerson (who later moved up north and changed his name) and their mother, Charlotte Jamieson Wilkerson, once lived with fellow widower, Martha Leopard and her two children.
Martha's descendant Heather shared information about her ancestor. How cool is that?
Read more about my notes regarding my genealogy on my blog: talkgenealogy.blogspot.com.
Here's the link Heather shared with me about Martha: http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Galaxy/5497/page2e.html
******************************************************************
Can you believe Parke and Cheney's story hit the bookstores almost two years ago?
Since that time, God has truly blessed me when I made the decision to put aside my other writing projects to pursue Cheney's story.
Under God's guidance and thanks to you, Guilty of Love has been turned into a four or five part series.
******************************************************************
Here's the July excerpt of Book II: Not Guilty of Love.Next month will be your last excerpt. The novel will be in book stores before the end of August. Be the first three readers to post a review on amazon and receive a free Guilty Series tote bag.
Also, your review could be published in my next book, Still Guilty, due April 2010.
******************************************************************
Guilty of Love is Cheney's story. Still Guilty (Book III) is her twin, Rainey's story. The rough draft is finished and has been sent to my editor.
For those of you who have attended the annual RT BOOKLOVERS Convention, Mr. Romance First Runner-up, Fred Williams, is sporting a T-shirt, and we're all holding matching mugs.
T-shirts are still available for $8, including shipping.
Some of you already received your free Guilty of Love mug.
******************************************************************
Not Just A Bookstore July Events

Thursday, July 9, 2009, 6 pm-9 pm
Entertainment Business Workshop
Sponsored by Vanita Applebaum Entertainment
Saturday July 11, 2009, 2 pm-5 pm
St. Louis Author James Booker signs copies of his new book, B.D.S.M
Saturday July 18, 2009, 2:30 pm-5:30 pm
St. Louis Author Pamela K. Dillon signs copies of her new book, The Greater Yes
Saturday July 18, 2009
St. Louis Author Vanetta Clark signs copies of her new book, Truth, The Moment of Change
For more information contact Connie or Richard at www.notjustabookstore.net

If you've enjoyed this newsletter, tell somebody. Visit www.patsimmons.net and subscribe to the Author Pat Simmons mailing list.

Book II: Not Guilty of Love release

It's countdown time...
Not Guilty of Love will be released mid-August. Pre-order your copies today and be the first to post a review on amazon and win a THE GUILTY SERIES tote bag.
Visit www.patsimmons.net

June 2009 e-newsletter

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Mark 6:41
Taking the five loaves and the two fish, Jesus looked up to heaven and blessed them. When God sends His blessings, it's always more than enough.

God is blessing us,
A few days ago I saw something I hadn't seen in a long time--several motorists driving new cars. My head snapped. What? That's an encouraging sign.
In St. Louis, our Ford Motors plant was shut down years ago. Recently, two Chrysler plants will face the same fate, so we're slowly bouncing back even if there are people ahead of us in the line of blessings.

When is the last time you visited www.patsimmons.net? Well, check it out, because my site has a new look. Let me know what you think.

Congrats to graduates, including Hilary Morgan and my niece Amber Cole who graduated from eighth grade. Of course, I have pictures of me with my brother, niece, and mother.

Guilty of Love (Book I), September 2007
Not Guilty of Love (Book II), September 2009
Still Guilty (Book III), April 2010
Free from Guilt (Book IV)
Talk to Me, November 2008
Watch out for the Carmen Sisters series:

Four months away until Not Guilty of Love is released.
Here's the June excerpt: patsimmonsexcerpts.blogspot.com.
Save $$ by pre-ordering copies of Not Guilty of Love at www.amazon.com.

HATS OFF TO MONIQUE BRUNER WITH DELTA REVIEWERS.
She along with Sisters Sippin' Tea of Tulsa and two other bookclubs hosted the African-American Literacy Expo. To see photos, click on Tulsa, OK.

Monique is also participating in the MrsOklahomaplusamerica2009.blog.com.
She will advance to the next level in Louisiana. Check out the pageant and see how you can help her.

Can you believe gasoline for $.25 on Route 66? You have to see this Click Route 66.

Get your Guilty Series T-shirt. Check out my two models: Simi and Kerry are wearing black cotton T-shirts with white lettering that says, Not Guilty, Guilty, Still Guilty, Of Love.
The cost is $8, which includes shipping. E-mail me: patLsimmons@yahoo.com.

I've posted three items on my blog for June from my e-mails:
Schools
Electronically locking cars
Fact or Fiction: Man murders wife & buries family alive.
patsimmons.blog.com.

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If you are that friend, click on the link below to receive your copy every month:
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April 2009 Newsletter

Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed them. God can do a whole lot of damage with the little we have!
Last week, the Lord steered me in a different direction for the April newsletter. Regardless of my woes earlier this month, only share good news. Okay, here I go!
Good news!
I'm looking forward to seeing 400 fellow authors and 800 readers at the 26th annual RT BOOKLOVERS CONVENTION in Orlando later this month. I'll take plenty of pictures. Visit www.rtconvention.com.
Good news!
If you're in St. Louis, pick up free copies of St. Louis Woman Magazine at newsstands inside local grocery stores. I'm featured on page 43.
Good news!
I'm doing my part to stimulate the economy by giving away 20 Guilty of Love ceramic mugs. To get your gift, e-mail me at patLsimmons@yahoo.com with your address, and I'll pay the cost of shipping. Limit one mug per person please.
Good news!Libraries are swamped with readers checking out books. Usage has tripled while sales at major book stores have plummeted across the country. During April, take a friend to the library. When you check out copies of Talk to Me and Guilty of Love, and e-mail me a copy of the library receipt, I'll enter you into a drawing to receive one of ten free autograph copy of my upcoming novel, Not Guilty of Love, August 2009.
Good news?
How often does a victim of identity theft have an opportunity to pull up the alleged criminal's address on the internet using Google Earth? I did. My alter ego lives in a non-descriptive, brick two family flat. A public trash receptacle in front on the corner serves as a landmark. The building is mingled with other one family and four family flats on a tree-lined street. Worn bed sheets are bad imitations of window treatments.
My impersonator opened a cell phone account at Sprint for Christmas Eve--the family plan of course--and a Walmart charge to start off the new year. So far, I sigh because haven't received a bill as they occupants enjoy hundred channels of programming on their satellite TV Dish Network. The good news is I haven't gotten a bill for that.
Good News!You don't have to wait for my monthly newsletter to get my latest updates. Follow me on twitter.com/patsimmons.
GREAT NEWS!JESUS rose from the dead.
Happy Resurrection Day, enjoy your Easter, and Be Blessed always.
Guilty of Love (Book I), September 2007
Not Guilty of Love (Book II), September 2009
Still Guilty (Book III), April 2010
Free from Guilt (Book IV)
Talk to Me, November 2008
Watch out for the Carmen Sisters series, coming soon
Good news!Book II: Not Guilty of Love cover.
April's excerpt: patsimmonsexcerpts.blogspot.com
Save $$ and pre-order copies of Not Guilty of Love at www.amazon.com
Good News!I received an e-mail from a reader in the Netherlands, saying how much she enjoyed Talk to Me.
If you liked Mackenzie and Noel's story, please post a review on amazon. I need 10 more reviews.
Thanks in advance!
Good News!You can share this newsletter with a friend. I'm joined by two fellow St. Louis authors, Rich and Essence bestselling author Brenda Hampton.
Visit www.patsimmons.net

March 2009 Newsletter

3 John 1:2: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Yep, it's official. Not March Madness, but my eligibility for an AARP card. Yikes!
Many thanks for the birthday wishes and the singing telegrams.
Actually, they were from my family and close friends. My husband and I had planned to enroll in a ballroom dancing class to celebrate, but for some reason, the instructor never called us back. Maybe the word got out that I used to be--past tense--a dancing machine as a teenager.
Moving on, I'm praying that God is meeting your needs according to His riches in glory. God has an abundance of blessings, just ask Him.
Hats off to Oklahoma. Monique Brunner outdid herself with this year's "Urban League Young Professionals' Celebration of African-American Authors". Monique set up TV interviews for the authors with the BJ Williams, host, of Read About It with the Metropolitan Public Library System. As soon as I get that video, I'll post it on youtube or my website. Check out the pictures at photos.patsimmons.net.
With twenty authors participating, Monique had several spots set up throughout a spacious independent bookstore. The event brought in $1500 in book sales and 150 visitors! There were so many genres for readers to chose, but how about a Black Western series? You heard right. Meet author Sean Chandler. And to answer the question that I know one of my church members, Terry Green, is asking, no, I don't have any cousins in Oklahoma---yet.
Here's three SCAMS you must know about.
Visit patsimmons.blog.com.
Guilty of Love (Book I), September 2007
Not Guilty of Love (Book II), September 2009
Still Guilty (Book III), April 2010
Free from Guilt (Book IV)
Talk to Me, November 2008
Watch for the Carmen Sisters series, coming soon
Since I don't have the cover yet for Not Guilty of Love (September 2009), here's a grade school picture of me instead. Read the March excerpt of Not Guilty of Love. It's Book II of the Guilty series.
If you haven't read the February excerpt, you better catch up.

Please vote for Talk to Me as the best Christian Fiction of 2008, the best book cover of 2008, and yours truly as the best author of 2008.It's the Reader's Choice Award.

Connie and Richard, the owners of Not Just A Bookstore, are like Dairy Queen. They treat you right. Here's two of their March events at the store:
Saturday, March 7, 2009, 2:00-4:00 p.m.St. Louis author, Brian Irons, will sign his book "I Did Not Know." It's based on a true story about his life, and how he became confined to a wheel chair due to the mistakes he made along the way in his sports career.

Saturday, March 14, 2009, 2:00-5:00 p.m.A new St. Louis author to the published industry, Danette Brown, will sign copies of "Emotions through Poetry".For more information, call 314-361-9955.
Forward this newsletter to a friend, or they can visit www.patsimmons.net and sign up on the contact page. Here's me with Pat, a Deaf Interpreter from Normal, Illinois.

Identity Thieves Love Gadgets

REPOSTED FROM
Identity Thieves Love Your Gadgets, Too!
How to Protect Your Personal Gadgets and Your Identity
By Jerri Ledford, About.com

Identity theft, like all crimes, grows and ebbs in cycles. And like all crimes, certain factors can influence the growth of or lack of growth of any crime. For identity theft, one of the factors currently contributing to the growth of the crime and the ease with which a criminal can commit identity theft is your gadgets.
Electronic gadgets have grown in popularity to the point that it seems like everyone ones more than one. Cell phones, iPods and MP3 players, and even GPS units can put you at risk. They’re everywhere. Everyone uses them—both criminals and victims.
Identity Thieves Use All Available Technology
Criminals can use gadgets, like a cell phone with picture of video capabilities to capture credit card numbers, bank card numbers and pins, and even to gather enough bits and pieces of your personal information to gain access to other information that’s needed to complete stealing your identity.
Think about it. A criminal with a camera phone can snap a shot of your license plate, and with a little research that criminal can have your name and address. That leads them to your mailbox where they can pick and choose the information they want to collect about you—bank statements, credit card statements, investment information, even purely personal communications.
But did you know that those same criminals can use your own gadgets against you? Think about the phone numbers you have programmed into your cell phone. Is “Home” one of them? Did you know that a phone number is enough for an identity thief to find out where you live. And that’s assuming you don’t have that programmed into your phone as well.
What about your spouse’s phone number? If it’s programmed into your phone as “Hubby” or “Sweetheart” you could be putting yourself at risk. All it takes is for a criminal to steal your purse while your cell phone is in it. Then they not only have your bank card, but they also have access to your spouse. It takes just seconds to compose a text message to your spouse claiming to have forgotten your pin number, and just a few seconds more to clear out your bank account when your spouse texts back the pin.
And here’s one more scenario for you. Do you have a GPS system in your car? If you do, you probably keep it mounted on the dash or stored in a glove compartment when you’re not in the car. Is your home address programmed into the GPS? Bad idea.
A criminal—either an identity thief or just a thief—can break into your car and steal your GPS system that will lead them straight to your house. If they do that while you’re in a movie or at a function that takes more than a few minutes, they can have the GPS system lead them to your house and steal whatever they want in the time you’re gone. Since they know where you are, and probably have a good idea of what you’re doing, they’ll know how much time they have to get in and out.
Protecting Your Gadgets and Yourself
So what are you to do? We’ve all become so reliant on our gadgets that we can’t imagine life without them. And if you’re not willing to give them up, then you need to learn some new habits. Here are five tips to help you keep your gadgets and your identity safe.
Stay Generic: When you’re programming names, numbers, and addresses into your gadget try to keep them generic as possible. Include only as much information as you must have, and never use monikers like “Hubby,” “Sweetheart,” “Best Friend,” or “Mom and Dad.”
Skip the Owner Information: Owner information on a gadget is a gold mine for identity thieves. And the truth is, it’s very rarely used to return a lost gadget. So, don’t use it. If you happen to be one of those people that just has to include the owner information, be sure you lock the device when it’s not in use and use a lock pin or combination that’s not easily guessed.
Carry Devices Separately: If you’re a woman and you carry your devices in your purse and your purse is stolen or lost, then whoever ends up with it not only has access to all the information in the purse, but they also have access to all the information on the devices that are there. In many cases, that could be a considerable amount of information—enough to steal your identity.
Educate Your Kids: Kids today have as many devices as their parents do. And those devices contain just as much information. Teach your kids about the dangers of identity theft. Remind them to limit the amount of personal information on the devices they carry, and to keep the devices on their persons at all times. Even high school kids can commit identity theft.
Remain Aware in Public Places: When you’re in public, always know what’s going on around you. At the bank, shield account and pin numbers from the view of nearby patrons. Avoid using your phone to pay bills or access accounts in public places, and never give out account or pin numbers over the phone if you’re in public. Remember there’s someone standing just off to the site waiting to picture or record the information that you’re sharing.

February 2009

3 John 1:2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

Greetings and Happy Valentine's Day,
A special shoutout to Texas!Woww, what an author's delight to be treated to southern hospitality by book store managers and to have the help from family and friends to make each book signing a success.
My husband and I appreciate cousins Helen Forniss in Dallas and the Wades in Houston for feeding and housing us at their "B&B" To see pictures of them and other family and friends, visit photos.patsimmons.net.
***Congratulations Mr. President for making United States and world History. If you attended the D.C. inauguration, a local inauguration ball, or a private party, I want to see your pictures. Email me at patLsimmons@yahoo.com and I might post them on my web photo album.
Guilty of Love (Book I), September 2007
Not Guilty of Love (Book II), September 2009
Still Guilty (Book III), April 2010
Free from Guilt (Book IV)
Talk to Me, November 2008
Watch for the Carmen Sisters series, coming soon
The cover for Not Guilty of Love (September 2009) is coming soon.
It's Book II of the Guilty series.To read the first excerpt click here, and it's not too late to pick up copies of Book I: Guilty of Love.

Listen to my podcast as I read an excerpt from Talk to Me. sormaggoodies.blogspot.com
Harris Communications is adding Talk to Me to its spring catalog and online store.
This is the premiere catalog, featuring all types of products for Hearing-impaired, Deaf, and sign language enthusiasts.
Copies should be available online at their store in a few weeks. www.harriscomm.com

If you enjoy this e-newsletter, forward it to friends or have them sign up at www.patsimmons.net.

January 2009 e-Newsletter

3 John 1:2: Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

As I begin 2009, I'm so thankful for my spiritual and materialistic blessings. God has been good to me and my family. I'm especially thankful to have my son Jared. If you don't know Jared's story, click on the June newsletter.
A shout out to my cousins Cheryl & Thomas Strickland. Cheryl turned the holiday party to a book signing and her guests graciously supported me. Thank you Cheryl. I love you!! Check out my December pictures at photos.patsimmons.net.

Because of your support, Guilty of Love has developed into a four book series:
Guilty of Love (Book I), September 2007
Not Guilty of Love (Book II), September 2009
Still Guilty (Book III), April 2010
Free from Guilt (Book IV)
Talk to Me, November 2008

It's not too late to pick up copies of Guilty of Love; a favorite among teenagers, grandma, and men. Although I don't have a cover for the second book in the series, here's the synopsis:
Malcolm Jamieson and Hallison Dinkins have the charisma, the chemistry and the commitment of an everlasting love until God shatters their foundation.
Malcolm isn't the man who got away, but the one God instructs Hallison to give away if she’s serious about her walk with Him.
Malcolm becomes suspicious with his fiancée's sudden religious conversion. It doesn’t take long for him to find one hypocrite: gun-toting widow, Mrs. Beatrice Tilley Beacon aka Grandma BB.
She professes the same salvation on Sunday, but seeks revenge on Monday to settle an old score. Malcolm issues Hallison an ultimatum, “Fine, if we’re meant to be, we’ll find our way back to each other. If not, there is a stronger love that awaits us.”
Unbeknownst to him, God gives Malcolm exactly what he didn’t ask for—a woman not after God’s own heart, Lisa Nixon.
Talk about a tango with the devil’s cousin. God’s purpose isn’t always revealed upfront.

Talk to Me receives ...
Top ranking in the "Books That Change Lives 2008 Literary Hallmark."
I am humbled by this mention. Once again, thanks to everyone for your support. To see the list, click on the link http://www.edcmagazine.blogspot.com./
Special thanks to fellow author and friend, Linda Beed, who hosts an informative blog. She not only reviewed Talk to Me, but in lieu of interviewing me, she wrote her own thoughts about me. Bless you girl. Please visit her blog at LindaBeed.blogspot.com.
You may have seen this, but for those who haven't, enjoy.
Go to http://www.youtube.com./Type in fatherhood and cheerleader.

If you enjoyed this e-newsletter, please pass it on, or refer a friend to http://www.patsimmons.net/to sign up. Here's one of my friends, Connie Creek, co-owner of Not Just A Bookstore, 314-361-9955.