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!!

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