The Howard Sisters are Back and Feistier than Ever!

Crossing Sisters is the spin-off of Jessica Tilles's best-selling novel, In My Sisters' Corner, picking up where all the drama left off.

Although China’s life shattered into a million pieces when her husband of twenty years committed suicide, she continues to annoy Maya, criticizing and indulging in monumental arguments, and spewing her hateful venom. However, when ugly secrets are revealed, China and Maya begin to question their relationship and love for each other.

Free is madly in love with Sam, and is elated to accept his proposal of marriage, despite a devastating loss, and Jade is happily in love with Jon.

The sisters are still at each others’ throats, but will an unexpected trip to Montego Bay and a tragic accident change their lives, their love and their attitude toward each other?

Crossing Sisters is a highly entertaining page-turner from acclaimed author Jessica Tilles that explores the meaning of love and sisterhood through tragic life-changing events.

To purchase Crossing Sisters, and other XYP titles, visit www.xpressyourselfpublishing.com!

Celebrating 10 Wonderful Years!

Happy Spring!

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Xpress Yourself Publishing, and we're celebrating with a BANG with 7 new releases, 1 new author and 2 pieces of great news!

Xpress Yourself Publishing welcomes new author Toney Rowe into our literary family. Born a female, but living her life as a male was not an easy road for Toney. Read her fascinating story in her memoir, Trapped Inside A Female's Body.

Some of your favorite authors have returned and have truly written novels that will not disappoint! See them all under New Releases on this month's Newsletter.

Lastly, I am happy to announce that Cost of Our Affairs by Linda R. Herman and Loving Simone by Jessica Tilles was selected by Black Expressions Book Club and are now available in hardback! If you're not a member of Black Expressions Book Club, you can join up and get our books for only $0.50! Whomever heard of buying a hardback book for $0.50? I think it's fantabulous, and I couldn't resist and purchased both books for $1.00! I love a great buy, and I know you do, too. If you're a member of Black Expressions, you can get both books for $12.95 each—an excellent price for hardback, and cheaper than our prices for trade paperpback! :-)

That's it for now, but I'll leave you with words that were given to me at my 6th grade commencement by my 100-year-old aunt:

"Love many, trust few, learn to paddle your own canoe!" —Aunt Fena

Literally yours,
Jessica Tilles
Proud Publisher of Phenomenal Writers

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.

e-Lit Magazine is LIVE!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Xpress Yourself Publishing, LLC
Contact: Jessica Tilles
P.O. Box 1615
Upper Marlboro, MD 20773
Phone: (301) 390-3645
eMail: JTilles@aol.com

e-Lit Magazine is LIVE!

August 9, 2010, Upper Marlboro, Maryland—Jessica Tilles and Xpress Yourself Publishing announces the launch of its new online platform for authors and lovers of literature, e-Lit Magazine. August 8, 2010 marks the first monthly issue of e-Lit Magazine, which replaces the long-running Erotic Expressions, receiving well over 10,000 unique visitors per month.

“Erotic Expressions was too broad, and I wanted to offer a potpourri to lovers of literature. e-Lit Magazine is the perfect platform for authors to reach an additional 10,000 unique visitors per month. While the name changes, much of the content for Erotic Expressions will remain under e-Lit Magazine, as well as the readership. On e-Lit Magazine, there is something for everyone. With each month, the magazine will grow,” says Jessica Tilles, editor-in-chief, best-selling author of Anything Goes, In My Sisters’ Corner, Apple Tree, Sweet Revenge, Fatal Desire, Unfinished Business, Erogenous Zone: A Sexual Voyage and Loving Simone, award-winning publisher of Xpress Yourself Publishing, speaker and entrepreneur.

“I LOVE the site. You did a fantastic job!!!!,” says Lee MacDonald of The Renaissance Group, and Jessica Tilles concurs. “Readers and my family of authors have been very good to me, and I wanted to give them something. e-Lit Magazine is that something. In addition to authors, and what is going on in the literary industry, I want to feature book clubs, avid readers, industry insiders, writing tips and workshops, etc. The magazine has a ton of possibilities and great potential, and I’m simply going to have a good time with it!”

e-Lit Magazine offers author features, new releases, book reviews, stories, poetry, and so much more. For its premier issue, e-Lit Magazine is featuring authors Trice Hickman, James W. Lewis, JJ Michael, Earnell Brown, Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood, and Rhonda Joy McLean.

Read the premier issue, be featured or submit stories, by visiting www.elitmagazine.com.

# # #

A New Voice in Romance...

Xpress Yourself Publishing announces the debut release of Secrets on Lake Drive by new romance author and Charlotte, North Carolina native Tina Martin.

Will he ever care enough to tell her?
(ISBN: 978-0-9845273-0-4, $14.95)

Monica and Sean clash at a parent-teacher conference when Monica accuses Sean of being too occupied with making money and chasing women to take a real interest in his son’s life. But Sean is no pushover. He knows how to hold his own and deal with Monica, but after the incident at school, he’s also come to realize that he can use Monica’s devotion to his advantage. He propositions her to move into his home to babysit five-year-old Roman for the three months of summer break, offering her a substantial amount of money, hoping that she’ll accept. But is babysitting the only reason he’s so anxious to get her into his mansion?

Monica accepts his offer against her better judgment, knowing the rumors of Sean and his womanizing ways. She tells herself that she’s doing this for Roman – that she can avoid her new, sexy, summer boss – his chiseled chest, pretty green eyes and charm that just won’t quit. But after only a few weeks, Monica finds it a struggle to keep her eyes off of Sean. Can she handle staying focused on her babysitting gig for three months without being swept off of her feet by Milwaukee’s finest? Or is Sean’s game too much for the young, conservative teacher to handle?

Having been heartbroken in the past, Monica is reluctant to play this dangerous game with a confirmed heartbreaker. But it’s what she doesn’t know about Sean that she should be concerned about. Sean knows her well – too well, and it’s those secrets that have the potential to make her love him or hate him.

Secrets On Lake Drive is an emotional story about a woman looking to correct wrongs in her life that could easily be solved by the secrets Sean quietly carries with him. The question is, will he ever care enough to tell her?

Fresh, real and exciting, Tina Martin is making her mark on the literary scene and is striding to take her seat next to some of the industry’s great Romance writers, with her debut novel, Secrets on Lake Drive.

* * *

Jessica Tilles, best-selling author and award-winning publisher of Xpress Yourself Publishing, chats candidly with Tina Martin.

Jessica: So, Tina, tell us about your passion for writing. What drives you? What impact do you want your book to make on the readers?

Tina: My passion for writing stems from my vivid imagination and an insatiable desire to have others see life through my creativity. I have a philosophy that I write to create my own world, and it’s my goal as a writer to take the reader out of their world and into mine.

I want readers to be entertained by stories of love & relationships, hope, failures and successes.

Jessica: Introduce us to your book, Secrets on Lake Drive.

Tina: Secrets On Lake Drive is a story of two people, Monica and Sean, who both have had failed relationships. She’s his son’s teacher. He’s a single father. They clash over what Monica considers to be child neglect, but after the matter is settled, they get to know each other on a personal level, finding out slowly that nothing is what it seems in any circumstance. It is an emotional, suspenseful romance about a woman looking to correct wrongs in her life that could easily be solved by the secrets Sean quietly carries with him.

Jessica: What inspired you to write this story?

Tina: I wrote this story because appearances are not always what they seem. Monica seems to have her life together, but she doesn’t by any means. Sean is rumored to be a womanizer and a dog just because he’s handsome (and single) with a lot of money. I think it’s important for people to not judge one another and find deeper meaning in friendships and relationships.

Jessica: Why a romance novel?

Tina: Why do we breathe? Why do we live? Why do we wake up in the morning? In some way or another, we all want to be loved, and my novels epitomize the desire within us all to love, to be in love and to be loved.

Jessica: On a personal note, what are your hobbies when you’re not weaving great stories?

Tina: I enjoy writing, bike riding, relaxing at the beach, writing poetry and spending time with family.


TINA MARTIN was born in Ahoskie, North Carolina. She took an interest in writing in high school. After graduating she wrote her first poem A Love So Extraordinary, and from that point forward, she used writing as an outlet to express all the drama going on in her life during that time.

It wasn’t until enrolling in college that she decided to explore fiction writing. In a Creative Writing course, she gained more knowledge on how to be creative and expressive through words. She cruised through the course with a perfect grade and from that point forward, she knew she had found her calling.

Tina has always been very talented and comes from a rich background of learning – Creative Writing, Arts, Acting, Desktop Publishing and Web Design. Graduating from college with a degree in Computer Technology and a certification in Accounting, her professors urged her to keep going to school to pursue even more technical knowledge, but Tina had other plans.

In 2007, Tina self-published her collection of poetry called Love Like Yours. Friends and family praise her for deep thoughts and expressions in her work which motivates her to continue doing what she loves.

Tina resides with her husband and son in Charlotte, North Carolina where she finished her novel, Secrets On Lake Drive, which is available in bookstores everywhere and at your favorite online retailer.

You can read more about Tina Martin at http://www.tinamartinbooks.com/

For more information, to order book, or to schedule an interview or appearance, please call (301) 390-3645 or email info@xpressyourselfpublishing.org.

Xpress Yourself Publishing, LLC
P.O. Box 1615, Upper Marlboro, MD 20773

Ph. 301-390-3645
www.xpressyourselfpublishing.com

Proof is in the Mail!

Hello Everyone!

A sincere THANK YOU to The Pantheon Collective for acknowledging me and The Writer's Assistant in their daily blog! I'm elated to have another satisfied client!

Read the blog: Proof is in the Mail! — The Pantheon Collective (TPC)

Also, I ENJOYED getting a sneak peek at SELLOUT by James A. Lewis. Once this book has been released, I urge you all to pick up your copy. Believe me, it is an excellent read. James is a dynamite storyteller; reminds me of Eric Jerome Dickey.

The Writer's Assistant is offering a 20% discount on all services to ALL CURRENT EDC-Creations clients. If you're working with Ella Curry, I would love to work with you, too!

For more information on The Writer's Assistant, visit www.TheWritersAssistant.com or email me directly at JTilles@aol.com. We've added great new services, so check them out!

All the best,

Jessica Tilles
Award-winning Publisher, Xpress Yourself Publishing
www.xpressyourselfpublishing.com

Founder, The Writer's Assistant
www.TheWritersAssistant.com

"It is much easier to walk as a winning woman, amongst winning people who encourage you to pursue your winning destiny." — Tanya White, author of Girl, You Can Win!

Touched by Mama

Touched by Mama
by Brenda Anderson

ISBN: 978-0-9845273-3-5
Retail: $9.95
Available June 1, 2010

Have you ever been exposed to the wondrous miracle of death? Better yet, what is death? For many people, death is accompanied by deep sorrow, silent fear, tremendous pain and hollow emptiness. So, one might ask, “How in the world can anyone associate death with a miracle?”



Touched by Mama was written from our family to yours about what we experienced and learned about the beauty of life and death. Before we can attempt to comprehend the mysteries of death, we must first explore the aspects of life. The process of death is the same for all of us; however, the depth of our experience with death, like childbirth, is as different as we are unique. It is our prayer that everyone who reads this book will first be blessed and filled by the Glory of God and secondly understands that death is a miraculous process, just like the amazing metamorphosis of a butterfly.

"Brenda Anderson writes with unflinching honesty and and clear-eyed compassion.
I was brought to tears, and was touched by Mama, too."

— Jessica Tilles, Award-Winning Publisher and
Best-Selling Author of Loving Simone.

Read more about Touched by Mama and Brenda Anderson at www.xpressyourselfpublishing.com!

The kind of book that wives will love to read and husbands love to hate...

Some wives have wondered why their husband won’t listen to them. And some have resigned to themselves that he never will. Maybe with some understanding there is hope:

—A husband tends to use only half of his brain while listening; a wife tends to use both sides of her brain.

—Men tend not to be emotional. They also tend not to talk as much as a woman. So they don’t provide women with the kind of feedback that they desire.

—There is a tendency in some people to resist while listening to others.

—The Bible exhorts husbands to love their wives and dwell with them with understanding. There are also examples of husbands who listened to their wives for their benefit or their own peril.

Using real-life and personal examples, a famous model of communication, and Bible references, popular Internet talk show host S.B. Redd offers a practical approach to improving marriage by encouraging husbands to listen to their wives.

Husbands, Listen to Your Wives (ISBN: 978-0-9845273-2-8, Xpress Yourself Publishing) is the kind of book that wives will love to read and husbands love to hate. But, on June 17, 2010, if a husband dares to read S.B. Redd’s eye opener, he just might learn a trick or two in avoiding the doghouse.

XYP Author Chosen as Relationship Expert on Urban Singles Connection

Greetings, Book Lovers!

Congratulations are in order for Xpress Yourself Publishing author Tinisha Nicole Johnson! Tinisha has earned the honor of being the relationship expert for Urban Singles Connection. Click to read more: http://wwww.xpressyourselfpublishing.com/promo_usctnj.htm.

To browse Xpress Yourself Publishing titles or to sign up for our newsletter, please visit http://www.xpressyourselfpublishing.com/.

Regards,

Jessica Tilles
Publisher

--------------------------------

We also recommend visiting:

The Writer's Assistant for all of your book production needs
http://www.thewritersassistant.com/

Erotic Expressions, an online eZine
http://www.eroticexpressions.net/

Live Your Best Life!

A Tell All Book That Has Black Women Living A More Passionate and Fulfilling Life

Xpress Yourself Publishing announces the release of Lessons Learned: Loving Yourself As A Black Woman by Denver, Colorado author Tinisha Nicole Johnson.

Statistics for black women range from status in careers, single parenting, and negative relationships with black men, to name a few. They are the minority of the minority and are put into a stand-alone category, facing challenges that other races of women may never face. Lessons Learned: Loving Yourself As A Black Woman is a revolutionary book into the culture of Black women, revealing how to live a more passionate and fulfilling life, as well as addressing key issues such as self-worth, the definition of true happiness, and the five most common types of Black women.

Tanya White, empowerment speaker, life enhancement strategist, relationship coach, and author of Girl, You Can Win! says, “Lessons Learned serves as the medicine that heals the women stuck in their past failures, the motivation that encourages women to overcome their present fears and the inspiration women need to position themselves for a productive future.”

Tinisha is taking a stand by introducing to Black women a new way of thinking that has people talking and women everywhere viewing life in a different light.

Tinisha will appear at the All-Star Author Showcase hosted by The Black Academy of Arts and Letters being held on Saturday, February 13, 2010, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT, at the Dallas Convention Center Theater Complex, 650 South Griffin Street, Dallas, Texas 75202.

On Monday, February 22, 2010, Tinisha will speak at Page-Walker Arts & History Center, 119 Ambassador Loop, Cary, North Carolina 27512, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST.

Tinisha Nicole Johnson is an author of several published titles, freelance writer, poet and public speaker residing in Denver, Colorado. She holds an Associates Degree in Business Studies, a Paralegal Certificate and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. To learn more about Tinisha, visit http://www.tinishanicolejohnson.com/.

For more information, to schedule an interview or appearance, please call Jessica Tilles at (301) 390-3645 or email JTilles@aol.com.

FIRST GLIMPSE: Journey to Surrender

Xpress Yourself Publishing's FIRST GLIMPSE at
Journey to Surrender by Hazel Mills


Ahmad and Nikki Jacobs are the picture perfect couple. They began their love affair as college sweethearts. Now, they are married, live in the biggest and most beautiful home on their street, and drive the finest cars money can buy. Ahmad is the most successful attorney in the state and Nikki gave up her career as a teacher to become a stay at home mom; raising her daughters and lunching with her girlfriends several times a week.

But what appears to be picture perfect from the outside of this three- story brownstone is very different from the real drama that is happening on the inside.

Nikki's painful past and Ahmad's irresponsible behavior has led them down a road that has takes many tragic turns. Shannon, Nikki's younger sister, has her own plans for Ahmad. Lies, deception and murder all take their toll on this already struggling marriage.

Can this couple get to a loving and trusting place in their relationship or has the collateral damage ruined it for life?

ISBN-13: 978-0-9779398-9-3 Retail $14.95 Erotica

CLICK HERE TO READ THE EXCERPT (CONTAINS EXPLICIT LANGUAGE)

TO PURCHASE THIS BOOK, VISIT www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org/bookstore.html!

Copyright 2009 Xpress Yourself Publishing, LLC

We're Nominated, Please Vote!

Last year, my publishing company, Xpress Yourself Publishing, was nominated for and won the 2008 African American Literary Award for Independent Publisher of the Year and we've been nominated AGAIN this year. I have to admit, we REALLY want to win again this year! I, along with my talented authors, have worked very hard this year. Currently, we have over 60 titles in print and an author roster of 30 that is rapidly growing.

Just like last year, in order to win, we are asking you to cast your vote for Xpress Yourself Publishing and its authors. Last year, the turnout to vote for us was phenomenal, and we would like to have the same turnout. Could you please, if it's not too much to ask, forward to your friends and family and ask them to vote for us too?

PLEASE go to http://www.literaryawardshow.com/voting.html and cast your vote for the following:

Independent Publisher
Xpress Yourself Publishing

Romance
Victoria Wells, author of When Love Comes Around (and A Special Summer)

Short Stories/Anthologies
Somebody Prayed For Me by Linda Herman, Allyson Deese and Tinisha Nicole Johnson

Author of the Year (Female)
Linda Herman, author of Consequences

For authors, it is a wonderful feeling to have their body of work recognized and nominated for an award. It truly makes the long nights writing and the struggles with re-writing all worth it! As a publisher, it is equally rewarding to see my authors shine!

We are so very excited, and we congratulate all nominated artists, authors, and publishers.

Thanks so much for your continued support of Xpress Yourself Publishing, and we look forward to showcasing our 2010 releases, and bringing you some of the best in the world literature!

Warm Regards,

Jessica Tilles
Publisher, Xpress Yourself Publishing
http://www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org/

P.O. Box 1615
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20773
Phone: 301.390.3645
Fax: 202.478.3447
Email: info@xpressyourselfpublishing.org

TOP 10 Bestsellers!

TOP 10 Bestsellers!

1. When Love Comes Around by Victoria Wells
2. Reflections of a Quiet Storm by Patricia A. Bridewell
3. A Special Summer by Victoria Wells
4. The Reunion by John R. Williams
5. Loving Simone by Jessica Tilles
6. The Food Temptress by Rekaya Gibson
7. The Hive by Chris Berman
8. Somebody Prayed For Me by Allyson M. Deese, Linda R. Herman & Tinisha Nicole Johnson
9. Temptation.com by S.B. Redd
10. Anything Goes by Jessica Tilles

Author Events Near You

The following is a list of author events in Philadelphia, Las Vegas and Maryland during the next two weeks.

If your town is not listed, there are no appearances slated within this period. See you next time!
Dates and times are subject to change. Please contact venue to confirm details.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Saturday, January 17, 2009 — 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Victoria Wells, will be promoting A Special Summer
Appears on/at: SIS FITNESS AND OPEN HOUSE
1320 Somerville Ave (2 blocks South of Broad & Olney)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Free gift with purchase of book (while supply last). Plus automatic entry into drawing for Spa Basket, Movie Tickets for Lovers, Ralph Lauren Handbag with mystery gift inside!Also enjoy the following activities: Group fitness class demo, discount membership packages, chair massages, complimentary refreshment, plus more!


Las Vegas, Nevada
Sunday, January 18, 2009 — 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Rekaya Gibson, will be promoting The Food Temptress
Appears on/at: BLACK BUSINESS WOMEN CONNECTION NETWORK
4602 Crimson Rock North Las Vegas, NV
Hosted by Debra Lewis and Janise Holmes

Monday, January 19, 2009 — 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Rekaya Gibson, will be promoting The Food Temptress
Appears on/at: PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT AND CASINO
3667 Las Vegas Boulevard, South Las Vegas, NV

Saturday, January 24, 2009 — 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Rekaya Gibson, will be promoting The Food Temptress
Appears on/at: REJAVANATE COFFEEHOUSE
3300 E. Flamingo Road, #23, Las Vegas, NV

Camp Springs, Maryland
Saturday, January 30–31, 2009 — 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Jessica Tilles, will be promoting All Titles
Appears on/at: ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE PX
With the Sweet Soul Sisters Book Club
Allentown Road, Camp Springs, Maryland

================================

Love reading? Visit http://www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org/ and explore our wide array of titles and genres—from classics to bestsellers; erotica to romance; sci-fi to mystery & suspense. Sign up to receive alerts about your favorite XYP authors.

Copyright © 2009 XpressYourselfPublishing.org

...release your inhibitions

Greetings, Everyone!

I love bringing you fantastic news! I've just launched my brand new web site, EroticExpressions.net. EE.net is a potpourri web site featuring relationships, romance, and other life-related lessons by some of the industries well-known experts!

At EE.net, you will find the EE.net bookstore, poetry, book news and reviews, feature spotlight, erotic stories, dating tips, relationship advice, romantic ideas and more. If you want to nurture that portion of your soul that seeks to stretch and grow, then throw caution to the wind, release that inhibition and visit EroticExpressions.net.

Attention Men: EE.net has something for you too. Enter The Gentlemen's Lounge, and play for a while.

We are currently seeking submissions to showcase aspiring, new and seasoned talents. Please review our Submissions and Rules of Engagement and then submit your stories, poetry, commentary, etc., to EroticExpress@aol.com.

All the best,

Jessica Tilles

http://www.jessicatilles.com/

Independent Publishing House of the Year!

Xpress Yourself Publishing (http://www.xpressyourselfpublishing.org/) is proud to announce ethat it has been nominated for Independent Publishing House of the Year for the 2008 African American Literary Awards.

Also nominated in the category of Erotica is XYP's Hazel Mills, author of Bare Necessities: Sensual Tales of Passion.


We are asking everyone to please go to http://www.createsurvey.com/c/70819-bwXj6C/ and place your vote for Xpress Yourself Publishing as Independent Publishing House of the Year and Hazel Mills under Erotica. Please pass on to all of your friends too!

Even if XYP does not win, to be nominated is truly a blessing!