AUTHOR PAT SIMMONS NEWSLETTER

December 2009 newsletter

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:59:00 +0000

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.

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:59:00 +0000

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.
Subscribe to the Author Pat Simmons mailing list.

November Newsletter

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:00:00 +0000

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

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

September 2009..Breaking News!!

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 13:25:00 +0000

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

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 13:54:00 +0000

June 2009 e-newsletter

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:15:00 +0000

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
***********************************************************************
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

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 12:26:00 +0000

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

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:17:00 +0000

May 2009 e-newsletter

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Sun, 03 May 2009 02:18:00 +0000

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.

I'm back from Orlando and busy. More about my trip in this e-newsletter.

The response from fans who wanted a free mug last month was phenomenal. Shouts go out to readers in California, Michigan, Texas, Maryland, Wisconsin, Illinois, and several areas throughout Missouri. Enjoy your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Just so you don't think I'm slacking off, I'm less than 100 pages from finishing Still Guilty, Book III of the Guilty series. The drama continues. My characters: Rainey, Cheney, Parke, Kami, Malcolm, Hallison, Josephine, and of course, Grandma BB, are like kids on a playground and everybody wants the swing.
I've been asked to write the foreword in an upcoming, exciting, and "hold your breath" book, The Power of Secrets, written by a good friend and my former Sunday school teacher Pastor Ron Stephens. God truly has given him a gift of teaching, story telling, and ministering. I'm honored at the request and hope to share my thoughts with you soon.
For the latest on my book events, always visit my website at http://www.patsimmons.net/ and click on tours. I'm constantly adding more dates to my schedule weekly.
So far, I have two signings in May: Half Price Books in Springfield, MO. Next, I'm one of nineteen authors invited to the African American Literacy Expo in Tulsa, OK. This event is sponsored by Sisters Sippin Tea, Real Page Turners, The Tulsa Library Trust and the African-American Resource Center. If you live nearby or have friends in the Ozarks and Tulsa areas, please ask them to come out and support me. Check my website for date, location, and times.
Please bless your mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother this month. Happy Mother's Day!

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:

Five months until Not Guilty of Love is released.
May's excerpt: patsimmonsexcerpts.blogspot.com Don't forget you can save $$ by pre-ordering copies of Not Guilty of Love at www.amazon.com.
Be the first to get your copy! You have finished Book I: Guilty of Love, right?

I had a great time at the 26-th annual RT BOOKLOVERS Convention in Orlando. It's a reunion between authors and readers. 900 readers had a chance to mingle with 400 of their favorite and bestselling authors from around the world: Canada, Australia, Egypt, England, and at least twenty other countries.
There is no other place where almost every genre is represented. I was a panelist for a advance writer's workshop sponsored yearly by national bestselling author Bobbi Smith. One participate was so glad I represented the Christian fiction genre.
I had a chance to fellowship with authors LA Banks, Brenda Jackson, Robin Carr; RT staffers: Brandy, Crystal, Laurie, and of course, JoCarol; friends: Nicole, Terri and so many more. New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham had me accept an award for her...like five minutes before it was presented. Once I walked on stage, the audience knew it wasn't Heather in costume. That was so much fun even if I was ambushed.
Good friend and another top dog bestselling author, Christina Skye, is determined to construct my writing empire, and I'm taking notes. Christina is your hair sticking up yet?
Pictures are worth a thousand words. I took more than 100, but here are a few. photos.patsimmons.net
Check out Florida's news coverage. www.cfnew13.com. Click on entertainment.

Author's Row is one of the many attractions for readers who attend the RT BOOKLOVERS Convention. It's where they can load up on goodies donated by their favorite authors, including pens, pad,s perfume, bookmarks, etc. This year, in addition to mugs, my Guilty Series T-shirts disappeared within fifteen minutes. I couldn't believe the demand. Some were disappointed, so I had to take orders. 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, www.patsimmons.net
If you would like a T-shirt, send me an e-mail with your size. The cost is $8, which includes shipping. patLsimmons@yahoo.com.
*******"He Sent Me Flowers Poem" A MUST READ!***** patsimmons.blog.com

If you've enjoyed this newsletter, share it with a friend. Here's Deborah Neff, bookseller with Barnes & Noble and her pet in the puppy purse.
Subscribe to the Author Pat Simmons mailing list.

April 2009 Newsletter

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 01:15:00 +0000

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

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 04:38:00 +0000

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

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 04:39:00 +0000

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

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 02:21:00 +0000

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

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:43:00 +0000

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.

December 2, 2008

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:43:00 +0000

On November, 4, 2008, the nation made history. I had anticipated a long night, but President-elect Obama's victory was swift. I'm prayerful that Mr. Obama will finish the course God has called him to do.
I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving filled with food, fellowship, and love. As an author, I am blessed to have the support my bookclub, Glory Girls St. Louis.
They were present at my first 2008 St. Louis signing and the romance party. If only every author had this type of encouragement.
Also during November, Talk to Me hit two bestseller's categories on amazon for a day: African-American and Christian romance. The excitement was short-lived, but I'll take it. Yahoo!!I enjoyed four interviews in November.
**The Renee Bobb show. Since I had mixed up my interview date, I was at a noisy, public location---the YMCA--for a book event. Kudos to the host, Renee Bobb, who went on with the show despite the distraction. Listeners could hear cover model, Fred Williams, in the background, barking out orders like a drill sergrant while instructing his kick-boxing class. Shake your head and listen on The Renee Bobb Show.
**Next, I was a guest on Minister Celeste Kelley 's Write the Vision Show on WHPR 88.1 FM in Highland Park, Michigan. She has been in my corner since Guilty of Love was released last year. www.blogtalkradio.com/write-the-vision.
**I enjoyed a tele-conference call with Missy and the Reader's Paradise Bookclub from Chicago. It was enlightening and encouraging to hear what readers interpret from my characters and stories.
**I finished up the month with an interview with Tyora "Ty" Moody. Besides my writing career, we talked about my favorite subject--genealogy.
Visit www.writtenvoicespodcast.com.Or go to my website WWW.PATSIMMONS.NET.INTERVIEWS_REVIEWS.HTML

Attention: I need your help in setting up my 2009 tour schedule for January/February. It's a toss up between the Houston/Dallas area and Birmingham/Mobile/Montgomery area. If anybody has e-mail addresses for bookclubs in those cities, please pass it on. Their support would determine a successful signing at their local bookstores.Email at patLsimmons@yahoo.com. In the subject line, type Texas or Alabama.

SPECIAL THANKS TO "TEAM SIMMONS"This is a group of special people who diligently travel and assist me at my book signings. They are responsible for making sure my sales are the best they can be: Kerry Simmons, Fred Williams, A.J., and Mr. & Mrs. Sturdivant.May God bless them for all they do!Check out the pictures from the November's events, including the four in Chicago at photos.patsimmons.net
Another review on Talk to Me: A very good read with an atypical leading man, November 20, 2008 Mackenzie and Noel's story is largely satisfying with the many twists and turns you expect of a good story. This is a pleasing Christian fiction novel with a fair balance of scripture, romance and story telling. I like the fact that parts are told from Noel's perspective and parts from Mackenzie's voice. I don't think you'll be disappointed at all with this story that has intriguingly different aspects from a run of the mill story - starting with an atypical, yet highly inviting male lead. Reviewed by BMAR.Read more at www.patsimmons.net/INTERVIEWS_Reviews/html
December Book signings
Monday, December 15, 4-6 pm
Ferguson Municipal Public Library
(Home of characters Parke & Cheney)
35 N. Florissant, Rd, Ferguson, MO
314-521-4820
Saturday, December 13, 2-4 pm
Books-a-Million
St. Louis Mills
Hazelwood, MO
314-227-5263
Friday, December 19, 6-8 pm
Main Street Books
307 South Main Street
In historic St. Charles, MO
636-949-0105

What do you get when you mix chocolate-covered strawberries and a saxophonist?
Pat's Christian Romance Party!
Check out the pictures from Not Just A Bookstore at photos.patsimmons.net.
Also meet Mary L. Wilson, Author of "Ghetto Luv, & Still Ghetto...S
aturday December 6, 2008 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m at Not Just A Bookstore.
For other events, contact Richard or Connie 314-361-9955 or visitwww.notjustabookstore.net.

This month's inspirational poem was a personal letter to God.Submitted by Melissa Hubbard, one of my bookclub members. The author is unknown.
Thank you God.
If you enjoyed this e-newsletter, please share it with friends or tell them to visit my site www.patsimmons.net and sign up.

Until Next time, Be Blessed Always

A letter to God

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:26:00 +0000

DEAR GOD:
I want to thank You for what you have already done.
I am not going to wait until I see results or receive rewards; I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until I feel better or things look better; I am thanking you right now. I am not going to wait until people say they are sorry or until they stop talking about me; I am thanking you right now.. I am not going to wait until the pain in my body disappears ; I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until my financial situation improves; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until the children are asleep and the house is quiet; I am going to thank you right now.
I am not going to wait until I get promoted at work or until I get the job; I am going to thank you right now. I am not going to wait until I understand every experience in my life that has caused me pain or grief; I am thanking you right now.
I am not going to wait until the journey gets easier or the challenges are removed; I am thanking you right now. I am thanking you because I am alive. I am thanking you because I made it through the day's difficulties.
I am thanking you because I have walked around the obstacles. I am thanking you because I have the ability and the opportunity to do more and do better. I'm thanking you because FATHER, YOU haven't given up on me

November 1, 2008 Newsletter

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 02:37:00 +0000

Welcome to the first day of November!
Don't forget to get out and vote on Tuesday.
Please don't let the weather or long lines keep you away.
Please note a misleading flyer is circulating across the country and reported by CBS Evening News.
It states because of the expected record turnout Republicans should vote on the 4th and Democrats should vote on Wednesday, Nov. 5th--DON'T BE FOOLED....GO OUT AND VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4TH.
You may want to go online and download a copy of the ballot issues to save time.Talk to Me had an early release the week of October 22, 2008.
I started off my book tour in Knoxville, TN. The next day, my husband and I drove to Greensboro, NC.
Later that same day, I sign copies of my books at Ideas Coffee Shop. More on that trip below.
***Harris Communications is considering Talk to Me for its catalog geared for Deaf and hearing impaired customers. I'll keep you posted.
RSVP FOR MY ROMANCE PARTY... fun, food, prizes, refreshments, and romance with a Christian theme...no erotica in the building. If you can't come, send a spy.

I was honored to receive my first review of Talk to Me from a reader, Leslie Hudson, in Baltimore, MD:Leslie Hudson said: October 22nd, 2008 8:17 pm.Hi Pat, I just read Talk to Me! What an awesome story. You had me laughing out loud. You are definitely gifted to write! And the end - to funny! Blessings to you & thanks again.

If you're near, stop by the following signing. Cover model, Fred Williams, will make an appearance and also sign copies of MY book, although Fred thinks the novel is about him:

Wednesday, October 29, 2008Featured author on http://www.rhondamcknight.blogspot.com/

Saturday, November 1, 2008, 1-3 pm(EST)
Moments with Mary Radio interview & book signinghttp://www.umslradio.com/
Sunday, November 2, 2008, 1-3 pm
Barnes & Noble
13995 New Halls Ferry Rd
Florissant, MO 63033
(314) 830-355040 BOOKS ORDERED
Friday, November 7, 2008, 6-8 pm
R.S.V.P for my ROMANCE PARTY/Book Release. You don't want to miss it!!
Not Just A Bookstore
5892 Delmar Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63112
314-361-9955
Saturday, November 8, 2008, 2-5 pm
Books-A-MillionSt. Louis Mills
Hazelwood, MO 63042314-227-5263
Sunday, November 9, 2008, about 1:30 pm
Bethesda Temple Church
5401 Bishop James A Johnson Rd
Normandy, MO
Signing after service.
Monday, November10, 4:30 -8 pm, 1 of 2 signings
Monsanto YMCA
5555 Page Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63112
314-367-4646
Tuesday, November 11, 2008, 8 pm (EST)
Guest on the Renee Bobb Radio show
www.BlogtalkRadio.com/TheReneeBobbShow
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 4:30 -8 pm, 2nd signing
Monsanto YMCA
5555 Page Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63112
314-367-4646
Friday, November 14, 2008, 4:30 pm
Oh Yes! Hair Designs Salon
1745 Hickory Street
Waukegan, IL 60085
Call Towania 847-623-1659
Saturday, November 15, Noon-2 pm
B. Dalton Booksellers
7501 West Cermak
North Riverside Park Mall
North Riverside, IL 60546
call Andre 708-442-9816
50 copies of Talk to Me and 20 copies of Guilty of Love ordered
COME OUT & BRING A COUPLE OF FRIENDS!!!
Saturday, November 15, 2008, 4-6 pm
WaldenBooks
River Oaks Mall
Calumet City, IL 60409
708-868-2755
30 Books ordered!
Sunday, November 16, 2008, 2-4 pm
Azizi Bookstore
134 Lincoln Mall Drive
Matteson, IL 60443
708-283-9850
Monday, November 17, 2008, 5:30 pm(EST)
Write the Vision BroadcastWHPR 88.1 FM
www.tv3whpr.com
Minister Celeste Kelley
Listen live at 5:30 pm (EST)
Friday, November 21, 2008, 10 am-6 pm
Scott AFB/ASSES Services
207 W. Winters Ave
Scott AFB, IL 62225
Closed to the public
Friday, November 21, 2008, 7-8 pm
Teleconference with Readers' Paradise Bookclub
Saturday, November 22, 2008, 10 am- 1pm
Scott AFB/ASSES Services
207 W. Winters Ave
Scott AFB, IL 62225
Closed to the public
Monday, November 24, 2008
Interview with www.WrittenVoicesPodcast.com
Tyora "Ty" Moody w/Tywebbin Creations
Sunday, November 30th after service
Greater New Mt. Moriah M.B. Church
Detroit, MI
Pastor Kenny Flowers host

I'm really excited about this month's events at Not Just A Bookstore. Not merely because the store is hosting my Romance/Book Release Party, but because they have some other exciting authors who are appearing. First, fellow church member Karen Spencer has an amazing testimony of healing and redeemption, And God said Just Walk.
Friday, November 7th, 6-8 pm.
Award Winning & National Best Selling Author Pat Simmons will be signing her new book.Come out to the Romance Party/Book Release of Talk To Me.
R.S.V.P. Required...contact Not Just A Bookstore @ 314-361-9955 or notjustabookstore@att.net
Saturday, November 8, 2008 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
St.Louis' newest Author Christi Fingal Griffin will be signing her new book, 21 Days to Joy, a Daily Devotional to Finding Joy.
For more information contact Not Just A Bookstore @ 314-361-9955 21DaysToJoy@g.mail.com
Saturday, November 15th, 11 am-1 p.m.
Motivational Speaker Karen A.Spencer, Christian author of And God Said Just Walk will be signing her book from 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
Sponsored by Daughter's of The Dust Bookclub for more information contact Pat Green at pgreen1600@sbcglobal.net.
Saturday, November 15th, 2-4 p.m.
Hustlin' Between the 2 by two local authors who go by the pen name, KST.
Wednesday, November 19th, 4-6 p.m.
Chasing Diana, the husband and wife team, Robin & Jack Firestone.
The couple were in the tunnel the night Princess Di was killed.
They will also be guests on Fox 2 in the morning.
www.myFoxstl.com.

The trip to North Carolina was not without disappointment. The organizer of the Christian Author Expo canceled a day before the event. One big casuality was the bookseller who purchased more than $3,000 worth of authors' books.
I'm asking anyone who would like an autograph copy of Talk to Me and Guilty of Love, to please contact the store and purchase a few copies.
They would appreciate it since they agreed Not to return my books. I would be grateful, too.
Ideas Coffee House
5607 Hwy 55
Durham, NC 27713
919-405-4140
www.ideascoffeehouse.com
email: djkraze@ideascoffeehouse.com
They accept phone orders, paypal, and checks via snail mail.
These were the only pictures taken while on tour.
Visit photos.patsimmons.net
Please help me and DJ and Dennis reduce their stock of Talk to Me and Guilty of Love.

What are friends for? To forward good stuff like my monthly newsletter of course.
Or visit www.patsimmons.net to sign up.

Did you know that October 2008 marked the 25th anniversary of Michael Jackson's Thriller Video?On www.youtube.com, type in thriller.
You will come up with several re-enactments at wedding receptions.
The most unusaul scene was 1500 inmates at a prison in Cebu, Phillippines.
Type in THRILLER PRISONERS.
The funniest, hands down, was the mayor from Austin, TX.
This is my favorate video pick of the month.
Type in AUSTIN MAYOR THRILLER.
Happy Thanksgiving in advance.
I would like to share this poem my friends, Richard and Connie, sent to me through an email. Print it out an keep it nearby. What Happens In Heaven.

What Happens in heaven poem

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:34:00 +0000

The author is unknown, but it was sent to me from a friend...

I dreamt that I went to Heaven and an angel was showing me around. We walked side-by-side inside a large workroom filled with angels.
My angel guide stopped in front of the first section and said, "This is the Receiving Section. Here, all petitions to God said in prayer are received."
I looked around in this area, and it was terribly busy with so many angels sorting out petitions written on voluminous paper sheets and scraps from people all over the world. Then we moved on down a long corridor until we reached the second section.
The angel said, "This is the Packaging and Delivery Section. Here,the graces and blessings the people asked for are processed and delivered to the living persons who asked for them."
I noticed again how busy it was there. There were many angels working hard at that station, since so many blessings had been requested and were being packaged for delivery to Earth.
Finally at the farthest end of the long corridor we stopped at the door of every small station. To my great surprise, only one angel was seated there, idly doing nothing.
"This is the Acknowledgment Section,"my angel friend quietly admitted to me. He seemed embarrassed
"How is it that there is no work going on here?" I asked.
"So sad," the angel sighed. "After people receive the blessings that they asked for, very few send back acknowledgments .''
"How does one acknowledge God's blessings?" I asked.
"Simple," the angel answered. "Just say, 'Thank you, Lord.'
"What blessings should they acknowledge?"
**If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of this world.
**If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish, you are among the top 8% of the worlds wealthy, and if you get this on your own computer, you are part of the 1% in the world who has that opportunity.
**If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the many who will not even survive this day.
**If you have never experienced the fear in battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation ... you are ahead of 700 million people in the world.
**If you can attend a church without the fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death you are envied by, and more blessed than, three billion people in the world.
**If your parents are still alive and still married ...you are very rare.
**If you can hold your head up and smile, you are not the norm, you're unique to all those in doubt and despair."
Okay, everybody, run to your prayer room!!

October 1, 2008

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:31:00 +0000

It's an exciting time for me again with the release of my second Christian romance fiction, Talk to Me....yay.I want to thank my family, friends, church members, readers, bookclubs, bookstores, fans, and every person who have supported me by purchasing Guilty of Love.

Watch for its sequel, Not Guilty of Love, September 2009.
**If you haven't pre-ordered your copy of Talk to Me, you still have time to get free shipping when you buy three copies of Talk to Me on amazon. Remember to pick up 3 copies: one for you and two for your friends. Remember me, and pick up 3 copies of Talk to Me. Otherwise, in stores by October 20, 2008. For those of you who would like to re-read excerpts, go to http://www.talktomebook.blogspot.com/
**I'm featured in the November issue of the Romantic Times BOOKreviews Magazine...another yay. Page 34 to be exact. Also, check out my first Talk to Me review on page 75. Three stars.
**I'm working on a book treasure hunt in St. Louis for the first week in November to coincide with Talk to Me. Keep checking my website for more details or in my November newsletter.
**Finally, what happens when you put an author in a room with 75 students? Check out my pictures at photos.patsimmons.net and see for yourself. I had everyone's complete attention, well except for Ryan, but you'll see his punishment on the pictures. One minute the students were laughing then I've never seen a crowd scatter when the bell rang. I had a great time! Teenagers are so much fun...especially when they don't live in my house..

FYI,This was emailed to me, but I haven't had a chance to check the validity of this information about the November 4th election:
PLEASE ADVISE EVERYONE YOU KNOW THAT THEY ABSOLUTELY CANNOT GO TO THE POLLS WEARING ANY MCCAIN OR OBAMA SHIRTS, PINS OR HATS, IT IS AGAINST THE LAW AND WILL BE GROUNDS TO HAVE THE POLLING OFFICIALS TURN YOU AWAY.THAT IS CONSIDERED CAMPAIGNING AND NO ONE CAN CAMPAIGN WITHIN A CERTAIN NUMBER OF FEET OF THE POLLS. THIS LONG STANDING LAW THAT MAY BE ENFORCED THIS YEAR.

Here's my tentative schedule for October. I have my Village People assisting me with events. You can always check my website for updates. Also, a great feature for book lovers. Sign up at http://www.booktour.com/ and receive notification when I or another author comes to town for a signing.
Thursday, October 9, 2008, 7:30 (EST)Radio interview on www.blogtalkradio.com/funkywriter. With host Rob Batista. Call in 347-843-4784.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 Radio interview with Rene Bobb-pending
Wednesday, October 22, 2008, 6-8 pmBooks-A-Million 8507 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919Contact Cheryl Gibson 865-691-2665
Thursday, October 23, 2008, Noon- 2 pmWaldenbooks4 Seasons Towns CenterGreensboro, NC 27407336-218-7103Call Leslie and let her know you're coming.Grab a sandwich and join me for lunch.
Ideas Coffee House5607 Hwy 55Durham, NC919-405-4140Event is pending for October 23rd or 24th
Saturday October 25, 2008, 9 am- 7 pmChristian Authors Expo & Literacy EventEvents@Newton Square230 Newton RoadRaleigh, NC 27615Call 919-247-1044 for more detailswww.tituspollardpublishing.com
Sunday, October 26, 2008, 4-6 pm Books-A-Million #5874300 Towne Center DriveLouisville, KY 40241502-426-2252
Monday, October 27, 2008B Dalton BookselelrsTimes Square MallMt. Vernon, IL618-244-4400Drive-by signing between 1-2 pm
Monday, October 27, 2008Interview with http://www.writtenvoicespodcast.com/.Host Tyora "Ty" Moody w/Tywebbin Creations
Wednesday, October 29, 2008Featured author on http://www.rhondamcknight.blogspot.com/

Not Just A Bookstore's October schedule of events:
Friday October 3rd & 10thCome out and hear some of the best in St.Louis for SPOKEN WORD
October 4th, 2008 from 11:00 - 2:00 p.m. Financial Planning Seminar with Edward Jones Investments. Hosted by Gary Brannemann. Learn how to invest your money and let it work for you!
Saturday October 11th from 3:00- 5:00 p.m. Book Signing Event featuring Author Loraine A. Daniels, signing her new book, Treasures In Earthen Vessels
Saturday October 11th from 12:00 noon - 3:00 p.mBook Signing Event featuring St.Louis' own, Author Keisha Ervin, signing her first Novella "Finding Forever"
Saturday October 18th from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Author Rosalyn B. Madden, signing Living Out Loud: "Cocooning", Loving, Forgiving, Believing
Saturday October 24th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Come out and hear and be a part of Voice of A Sister/Insight -Incite The newest compilation of interactive conversations on various subjects that interact with your daily lives Sponsored by BRXMedia Not Just A Bookstore 5892 Delmar BlvdSt. Louis, MO 63112314-361-9955Call Richard or Connie for September events. Visit http://www.notjustabookstore.net

What are friends for? To forward good stuff like my monthly newsletter or visit http://www.patsimmons.net/ to sign up.

September Newsletter

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 02:22:00 +0000

Hi everyone,
Finally, the summer of 2008 is coming to a close.Many of you have kept up with my son's medical progress through each e-newsletter after his horrific vehicle accident over Memorial Day weekend. I'm glad to report we were able to move Jared back into his apartment on campus. The only visible sign of the accident is a leg boot, which doctors hope will come off within the next few weeks.To see a current picture of Jared at my husband's family reunion, click on Sturdivant-Croft reunion

OTHER NEWS...I'm happy to say that I am now represented by Judy Mikalonis with the Andrea Hurst & Associates Literary Management Agency. This is such a blessing since securing an agent to represent your work is sometimes harder than getting published. LAST CALL...I need pictures of readers for my upcoming 2009 calendar. If your bookclub will pose with copies of Guilty of Love, I would like to showcase your group for a month.I have five spots I'm trying to fill. Please email me your jpeg as soon as possible at patLsimmons@yahoo.com.
MALCOLM & HALLISON...I have completed the rough draft for Not Guilty of Love, the sequel to Guilty of Love. It is in the hands of my sample reader as well as the editor. Then it's off to Urban Christian for approval. Once all the corrections have been made, I will include excerpts in upcoming newsletter. Thanks for the requests.BE BLESSED!!

Win a date with Talk to Me cover model Fred Williams.Visit www.patsimmonsauthor.blogspot.com for details and deadlines. Last excerpt before the October 28, 2008.TALKTOMEbook.blogspot.com

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPIES AT 32% OFF ON AMAZON
Tentative September schedule:**Speaking & signing at McCluer North High School (Reader's Row)**Speaking & signing at Apostolic Church Youth Ministry**Book signing at Barnes & Noble, Arlington Heights, IL/September 27, 2008.**Visit www.patsimmons.net for more information.

Not Just A Bookstore 5892 Delmar BlvdSt. Louis, MO 63112314-361-9955Call Richard or Connie for September events. Visit www.notjustabookstore.net
If a friend forwarded this email to you, Visit www.patsimmons.net to sign up.

August 2008 Newsletter

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 16:03:00 +0000

Happy August! It's the beginning of another school year and the end of summer.

Thanks to everyone who has prayed for Jared since Memorial Day. His cast is off; replaced by a leg boot for the next month. He is able to walk without crutches for a few hours a day. I hope to have a current picture of Jared for next month's newsletter. He has loss about ten pounds of muscle fat due to non use so I have another month to fatten him up, but to see him is a testimony of God's power.BYW, Chris, the driver of the SUV, is up and recovering beyond belief. Here are kudos that I would like to share. It comes from the Executive Editor for Urban Christian Publishers, Joylynn Jossel:In part, this is in response to a post, questioning who are the readers of Christian fiction."When I first read it, to me, it confirmed an email I sent a couple weeks ago about why readers loved Dwan Abrams' books so well, and Pat Simmons, too. If I had to create a new category for these authors, I'd call it Contemporary Christian Fiction. They just have this cross over appeal without offending God in any way whatsoever. Their style of writing tends to reach both the church and the unchurched. It's not too much for the Christian who feels they are a Christian simply because they attend church, and yet it's just enough for the practicing Christian. I can't really describe it or explain it any better... All I know is that those books are truly doing God's will and Jesus Christ's ministry of evangelism. It's reaching out to those who may otherwise not deliberately care to know the goodness of God, while at the same time encouraging those who already know about His goodness."

Video of the month: PET LION VIDEO ON YOUTUBENeed an electronic Bible at your fingertips?When a woman needs a pick me up, Maya Angelou's PoemTo read both, visit http://www.patsimmonsnewsletters.blogspot.com/

Count down to October 28, 2008.Read the latest Talk to Me excerpt atTALKTOMEBOOK.blogspot.com
PRE-ORDER YOUR COPIES AT A DISCOUNT ON AMAZON!

Pat Simmons book events for August.August 11, 2008, 11 a.m. (CST). Listen to Pat read excerpts from her novels for ten minutes on Authors Read radio program: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/authorsreadAgape Time Ministries Inc., presents "Stir Up The Gift" SummitAugust 27-31, 2008Ressurection & Life Christian Center Pentecostal Saints TabernacleVisit http://www.agapetime.org/

Not Just A Bookstore presents on Saturday, August 2, 2008, from 11:00 - 1:00 p.m., author Stanley Pitchford will be signing his new book "Destruction via The Mirror Image" a unique and interesting science fiction novel of space exploration!If you're a Mary B. Morrison fan, then this is an event you don't want to miss Tea with Mary B. Morrison, on Wednesday August 6, 2008, at 1:00 p.m.Come meet and greet this New York Times & Essence bestselling Author as she signs copies of her new novel, "Who's Loving You!Saturday, August 9, 2008, from 11:00 - 1:00 p.m., author's Bolanle Amboniyse & Nia Nah Tumpe signing their books "Tapping Our Parental Power" & "More Than A Bowl Of Chili"...
Saturday, August 9, 2008, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., author David Rice will be signing his new book, "The Year Of Jubilee" sponsored by Key Mktg.
Saturday, August 16, 2008, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Author,"Mperor" Rap Artist/ Lecturer will be signing his new book, "Tribute To A Black Woman"
Saturday, August 23, 2008, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., Author Larry Toombs will be signing his book, "A Man Of My Columitor" a book of personal poems that reflect upon American society.
Not Just A Bookstore, 5892 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 314-361-9955. Visit http://www.notjustabookstore.net/

Visit http://www.patsimmons.net/ to sign up for my monthly e-newsletter.

Maya Angelou's Poem for Women

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:08:00 +0000

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...enough money within her control to move outand rent a place of her own,even if she never wants to or needs to... A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...something perfect to wear if the employer,or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...a youth she's content to leave behind....A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..a past juicy enough that she's looking forward toretelling it in her old age....A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a (item deleted) ...A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,and a recipe for a meal,that will make her guests feel honored...A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...a feeling of control over her destiny...EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...how to fall in love without losing herself..EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...how to quit a job,break up with a lover,and confront a friend without;ruining the friendship...EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...that she can't change the length of her calves,the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. ..whom she can trust,whom she can't,and why she shouldn't take it personally...EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...where to go...be it to her best friend's kitchen table..or a charming Inn in the woods...when her soul needs soothing...EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW..What she can and can't accomplish in a day...a month...and a year.... REMEMBER:GOOD FRIENDS ARE LIKE STARS.YOU DON'T ALWAYS SEE THEM,BUT YOU ALWAYS KNOW THEY ARE THERE!!!!!!
Be yourself... Everyone else is already taken.

Bible Look up at Your Fingertips

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:11:00 +0000

New International Version (NIV)
Books/Chapters
Genesis
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
Exodus
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Leviticus
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Numbers
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
Deuteronomy
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34
Joshua
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Judges
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Ruth
1 2 3 4
1 Samuel
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
2 Samuel
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
1 Kings
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
2 Kings
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
1 Chronicles
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29
2 Chronicles
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
Ezra
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Nehemiah
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Esther
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Job
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42
Psalm
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 7 4 75 76 77 78 79 80 8 1 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150
Proverbs
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Ecclesiastes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Song of Solomon
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Isaiah
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66
Jeremiah
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52
Lamentations
1 2 3 4 5
Ezekiel
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48
Daniel
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Hosea
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Joel
1 2 3
Amos
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Obadiah
1
Jonah
1 2 3 4
Micah
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Nahum
1 2 3
Habakkuk
1 2 3
Zephaniah
1 2 3
Haggai
1 2
Zechariah
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Malachi
1 2 3 4
Matthew
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Mark
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Luke
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
John
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
Acts
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
Romans
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
1 Corinthians
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
2 Corinthians
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Galatians
1 2 3 4 5 6
Ephesians
1 2 3 4 5 6
Philippians
1 2 3 4
Colossians
1 2 3 4
1 Thessalonians
1 2 3 4 5
2 Thessalonians
1 2 3
1 Timothy
1 2 3 4 5 6
2 Timothy
1 2 3 4
Titus
1 2 3
Philemon
1
Hebrews
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
James
1 2 3 4 5
1 Peter
1 2 3 4 5
2 Peter
1 2 3
1 John
1 2 3 4 5
2 John
1
3 John
1
Jude
1
Revelation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

Emergency Telephone Numbers These are more effective than 911
When - You are sad, phone John 14
You have sinned, phone Psalm 51
You are facing danger, phone Psalm 91
People have failed you, phone Psalm 27
It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139
Your faith needs stimulation, phone Hebrews 11
You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23
You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34
You are hurt and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13
You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39
You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30
It feels as if the world is b bigger than God, phone Psalm 90
You need Christ like insurance, phone Romans 8:1-30
You are leaving home for a trip , phone Psalm 121
You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87
You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1
Inflation's and investments are hogging your thoughts, phone M ark 10:17-31
You are depressive, phone Psalm 27
Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37
You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13
It looks like people are unfriendly, phone John 15
You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126
You feel the world is small comp ared to you, phone Psalm 19
You want to carry fruit, phone John 15
Paul's secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17
With big opp ortunity/ discovery, phone Isaiah 55
To get along with other people, phone Romans 12
ALTERNATE NUMBERS For dealing with fear, call Psalm 47
For security, call Psalm 121:3
For assurance, call Mark 8:35
For reassurance, call Psalm 145:18

ALL THESE NUMBERS MAY BE PHONED DIRECTLY. NO OPERATOR ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY. ALL LINES TO HEAVEN ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY. FEED YOUR FAITH, AND DOUBT WILL STARVE TO DEATH

July 2008 Newsletter

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:47:00 +0000

I hope that everyone will have a safe and happy 4th of July. Enjoy the fireworks, but don't get burnt.I have to say I've had time to reflect the past month. One thing is for sure.I will never look at an ambulance or emergency vehicle the same way again. The sirens and flashing lights will always remind me of the one that rushed to the accident scene where my son and his friend laid injured.
Now, I pray when the paramedics arrive, they will find life and not death. Good News...Thanks everybody for your calls, visits, and emails concerning my son, Jared. He is recuperating and will undergo months of physical therapy.
He told me, "Mama, I never saw a miracle until now." To see a few pictures from the accident scene. Jared.
On June 4th...My husband and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. We thought about having a celebration party, but with the events of last month that is on hold, but the best anniversary gift was my son's life.
To see 25 pictures. Anniversary.

Three months until the release of my second novel, Talk to Me.Meet Rhoda Wilkerson. Read the latest excerpt at TALKTOMEBOOK.blogspot.com
YOU CAN PRE-ORDER YOUR COPIES AT A DISCOUNT NOW ON AMAZON!

Pat Simmons book signings for July.
Friday, July 11th, 5:30-7:30 pm
Shrine of the Black Madonna
13535 Livernois Ave
Detroit, MI (call and RSVP and tell friends to come & support me)
Saturday, July 12th, 1-4 pm
Barons & Noble
13955 New Halls Ferry Road
Florissant, MO (call and RSVP and tell friends to come & support me)
Saturday, July 19, 2008, Noon- 5 pm
The McLean County Urban League presents: Author Showcase
Illinois State University Student Center
Normal-Bloomington, IL 61790
Contact: Tony Jones 309-242-4049

I'm happy to announce that fellow friend and Christian author Michelle Larks is coming to St. Louis.
Keeping Misery Company is selling very well and I'm hoping St. Louis readers will come out and support her signing on Saturday, July 26, 2008 at Not Just a Bookstore, Delmar at Hamilton, just east of the U-City Loop.

June 2008 Newsletter

pat@patsimmons.net (Pat Simmons) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 03:35:00 +0000

The Sad News....
On Sunday morning, May 4th at 7:50, Ben Simmons, my father-in-law of almost 25 years, departed this world.For 81-years, Papa Simmons encouraged his sons to be responsible men, devoted husbands, and supportive fathers. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!My husband and I were in Chicago, attending the annual Romance Slam Jam Conference, when we received word that doctors were giving Papa Simmons two days to live. This is my brief tribute to the father of eight, grandfather of fifteen, and great-grandfather of four known as the "Family Man."photos.patsimmons.net.

The Bad News...
On Tuesday morning, May 13th, my husband, Kerry, had knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. He is at home recovering until the end of June.

The Horrible News...
Early last Saturday, on May 24th, at 5:30 a.m., I received “The call” that every parent dreads, "This is Barnes Jewish Hospital, and we have your son, Jared, who was involved in a terrible accident."
My husband, daughter, and I prayed quietly en route to the emergency room. Once in the parking garage, we couldn’t get out the car fast enough. After clearing the emergency room’s metal detectors, the desk nurse advised us that only two visitors were allowed at a time. Simi waited while Kerry and I journeyed through a maze to trauma room four.
There stretched on a gurney secured in a neck brace and twisted bloodied sheets, laid our only son. His roaming eyes were glossy and his forehead bruised. His tortured face recognized us.
Whew, he was alive, I thanked God.
Considering I didn’t know where my son had been or whom he was with, I began firing off questions and I didn’t care who answered.
Brooke, the emergency room nurse, said, “The only thing we know is he was in a terrible rollover accident. He was found in the back seat.”
I scrutinized Jared, again. This time I noticed his admission wrist band, identifying him as “John Doe.” I listened as Brooke recited details. “He came in about three. He had trouble breathing. He kept mentioning Chris, but no one else was found in the vehicle.”
My heart raced as I asked, “Jared, were you driving?”
Shaking his head that was still restrained by the neck brace, he answered, no.
I mentally created scenarios. Since he was in the backseat, there had to be two other occupants—the driver and the front passenger—I reasoned. It wasn’t unheard of for people to crash a vehicle and somehow have enough strength to flee the scene of the accident while an innocent person is injured.
“Can I see the police report,” I asked Brooke.
No such luck. She didn’t even see one. Okay, it was time to put my networking skills to work. Six-thirty in the morning, I started waking up people. While my husband phoned family, I called my good friend, AJ, first. Once I informed her that I was in the trauma unit, she was fully awake.
Because everything was sketchy, I asked if she could drive by Jared’s dorm to see if his car was there—it was. He wasn’t driving—I thought. My next call was to the police command post. As a member of the media, I routinely talk to officers to extract information they don’t want to release.
Unfortunately, the command post handles reports associated with fatalities. Still, I snooped for any tidbits about the non-fatal accident. Without a location, he couldn’t help me. I called my colleague at the television station. As assignment editors, we monitor more than 15 police and fire scanners around the metro area. “Brad, did you hear anything about a roll over accident overnight?”
“Let me check my notes,” he said, pausing. “Car crash happened at 2:45 at Broadway and E. Taylor . Person ejected, car exploded, and re-construction called.”
Thanking him, I hung up still not sure if this was the same accident. After all, Jared was alive.
Re-construction is NEVER called unless someone is dead, or death is eminent. I called command post back with the information. Finally, Officer Brown, who handled the scene, called me. What he told me had me thirty seconds away from speaking in tongues, thanking Jesus for sparing two lives. Oh yeah, it was another life besides Jared, but I’ll get to that later.
“Mrs. Simmons,” Officer Brown began. “I don’t know if you’re a religious person or not, but it was nothing but God who protected them. When I got on the scene, paramedics were working on your son. He was ejected from the vehicle and torpedoed 50 feet in the air before landing between two steel pillars without touching them. I knew he was dead. The only other young man had to be cut from the vehicle that split in two upon impact, spewing the motor yards away and landing near a highway. I knew he wouldn’t live with multiple fractures.” From the force of the impact, Jared and his friend were shot out of their shoes.
Officer Brown mentioned that the SUV was travelling at a high rate of speed before slamming into a concrete-based street light. After a day in the hospital, we clarified that the person ejected from the SUV was not my son, but his friend, Chris, who was rushed to another hospital in critical condition. Until word of the crash spread, Chris’ family and mine weren’t able to verify, that indeed, our sons were together.
After four days in the hospital, Jared was released. He had suffered fractured ribs, a bruise to his bowel, laceration to his kidney, a concussion, and a fractured foot. He will need months of recovery and physical therapy. Chris, on the other hand, remains hospitalized. He has a much longer recovery ahead. Both don’t remember anything from that night.
**Footnote: A few months ago when my heart was heavy about the direction my son’s life was going, God gave me Matthew 18:12-14: 12How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? 13And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. 14Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
I later found out that the other young man, Chris, like Jared, had been baptized in the name of Jesus and at one time, had also received the Holy Ghost. What are the odds that two lost sheep would be together on the road to a sure death (according to Officer Brown, in his 18 years of working a crash scene of that magnitude NO ONE has lived, BUT God reached out as the Shepherd and said, “I got’em.”
As soon as Jared can get into a wheelchair, he plans to testify about what God did for him.
Pictures of my son atJared.

The Blessed News...
Despite the storms in my life during the month, God still gave me a rainbow.I'm the first recipient of the Katherine D. Jones Award for humility and grace.

The Funny News...
This month, it's my turn to share a humorous YouTube video. There's a reason why I don't sing in a choir--I can't sing! This is my rendition of "I'll take you There with my version of the dreamgirls as my backup at this year's Romance Slam Jam: Pat Simmons singing in the choir

If you feel I deserve the recognition as your favorite Christian author, please cast your vote for me. The impressive APOOO Bookclub wants to know your favorite Christian titles by your favorite authors.The club president states, "You CANNOT nominate your own book. ;) If it's good, someone else should be able to nominate it." http://www.apooo.org/. One more request: If you are a member of the Black Expressions Bookclub, please drop them a note and ask them to add Guilty of Love to its list for readers. THANKS IN ADVANCE.
********************************************************
If you forward this e-newsletter to friends, please ask them to sign up for my monthly e-newsletters.

What's next:Talk to Me, November 2008.Not Guilty of Love (Book II, sequel to Guilty of Love), September 2009.Still Guilty (Book III, final book of the series), April 2010.
Five months until the release of my second novel, Talk to Me.Meet Nick Dixon. Read the latest excerpt at TALKTOMEBOOK.blogspot.com

YOU CAN PRE-ORDER YOUR COPIES AT A DISCOUNT NOW ON AMAZON!
CONTEST.
I'm working on my 2009 13-month color calendar, and I would like to feature readers and bookclubs who have enjoyed Guilty of Love. It's easy. Just email me a jpeg of your group holding their copies (bought or borrowed) of Guilty of Love.Remember, there's only room for 13, so send in your jpegs today. Each picture will go into a drawing. The winning group will receive free calendars($16.00 value).Deadline: September 1, 2008.