Have you ever been trapped?

In 1963, I was born a female.

In the late seventies, I found myself attracted to females.

In the late eighties, I changed my name to be more masculine.

It became a really dangerous journey, trying to hide the real me. Once rumors began to circulate that I was really a female, and someone threatened to kill me, I had to realize that it was time to find my true self.

Trapped Inside a Female's Body is not fiction. This is the true story of my life.

Introducing Another Man's Treasure

Can a man and woman be best friends without feelings getting in the way?

That's how the idea behind Another Man's Treasure, my new novel. In the story, Tiphani Water can openly admit to herself that she is in love with her best friend, Reggie Howard. The problem is, she doesn't have the guts to tell him how she really feels. So she remains his "best friend" while agonizingly watching other women date the man she loves...

There is a catch to all of this - Reggie has an idea how she feels about him, and uses her own emotions to control and manipulate her to his own advantage. He loves his friend and he selfishly wants her all to himself as a friend while he also has a girlfriend. He has the best of both worlds.

His world is suddenly turned upside down when Tiphani agrees to go on a blind date with Derrick Brooks. Derrick is a bit older, more mature and very well grounded. He and Tiphani hit it off, then suddenly, Reggie grows so jealous, he breaks up with his girlfriend to pursue Tiphani.

His actions has Tiphani thinking like Jennifer Lopez in her song, Ain't It Funny:

Ain't that funny

Baby that you want me, when you had me

Love is crazy, now I can smile and say

Ain't that funny...

But it's not funny. Though Tiphani is dating a hot, handsome gentleman, she still has feelings for Reggie which makes her situation that much more difficult. She has a lifelong history with Reggie. They grew up together. Their mothers are best friends. They have history. But is their history enough to pull her away from Derrick?

Yeah, it's definitely not funny. It's a little sad. Reggie had Tiphani at his side for years. It wasn't until another man stepped into the picture that made him realize that he wanted her. And now, it just may be too late.

Another Man's Treasure will be released March 15, 2011 and is available for pre-order now. Click here to find out more.

Read the excerpt and watch the book trailer at www.tinamartinbooks.com.

Book Signing - Author Tina Martin - Secrets On Lake Drive

Book Signing
Author Tina Martin will be signing copies of her novel, Secrets On Lake Drive January 8, 2011 at Borders. If you are in the Charlotte area, stop by to join the discussion and pick up an excerpt of her new release, Another Man's Treasure, coming March 15, 2011.

Location:
Borders - Northlake Mall
6801 Northlake Mall Drive, Charlotte, NC
1-3 p.m.

Tina Martin is the author of two novels including Secrets On Lake Drive and the forthcoming, Another Man's Treasure. You can find out more by visiting her website: www.tinamartinbooks.com

6 Tips for Women to start the New Year Out the Happy Way!

The New Year is approaching fast and fierce. In order for you to feel happy, you have to move and grow. Simply put, you have to take your life to a new level.

Example: Are you a good mom? Then what can you do to become a better mom. Are you a great dancer? Then what extra moves could you learn to become even greater? Are you doing really well in your career? Then what can you do to implement new business decisions or ideas to further your career?

Okay I think you get the picture. Whatever you think you are good at, or maybe not so good at, what exactly can you do to make it better?

What are you passionate about? What are your dreams and goals? Ladies, what do you want out of life? Be clear, specific, and write them down.

Here are 6 MUSTS to start out the New Year correct

1. Simply decide to be happy. To be happy is YOUR choice.

2. Be true to who you are. Be happy with who you are.

3. Be comfortable and creative in your own skin. Literally!

4. Remember and acknowledge strong and inspiring moments in your life and embrace them. These moments will help you create new moments in your life.

5. You have to take steps toward your goals. Every single step you take toward your goals will give you feedback on your direction. Whatever you do, keep moving. Movement is life. Movement is an element of happiness.

6. Remember: You are beautiful. Your worth as a woman is priceless. It’s the truth!

Have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year. Embrace life, embrace your beauty, love others, give, show gratitude, and love yourself. Celebrate all the magnificent things and people who are a part of your life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tinisha Nicole Johnson is an author, writer, and poet. Besides writing, she also hosts political and sports conferences. The tips above were based on her non-fiction book Lessons Learned: Loving Yourself as a Black Woman. To learn more, visit the author at her website: http://www.tinishanicolejohnson.com/

Congressional Black Caucus 2010 - Author Tinisha Nicole Johnson

I went to the Black Congressional Caucus in Washington DC in September 2010. It was a fantastic experience. I truly enjoyed it. I was invited along with my publisher of Xpress Yourself Publishing Jessica Tiles. It was my first trip to Washington DC. I mean I was pretty impressed with Washington DC in general. There are a lot of movers and shakers there. I got to network and meet other professional people.

Feel free to check out the photos of my trip on my Facebook page. A high school friend of mine lives there, so I was blessed to stay with her and also tour a bit of DC. I’ve been busy thus far this year I must say with a lot of different writing projects, including working on a screenplay. If you aren’t already signed up to my newsletter, please go to my website and sign up at the bottom on my home page: http://www.tinishanicolejohnson.com/