Author Ornitha Danielle

Hey, Ya’ll! It’s that time of year again. Author Spotlights are back! This month we have a great showcase of amazingly talented writers for you. I say that each year. LOL. It’s true! But I'm biased because I respect and admire my fellow authors with sincere zeal. Putting yourself out there to be judged and critiqued isn’t easy. These individuals know and understand firsthand what I’m referring to. Supporting each other is essential in this industry because let’s face it, there is more than enough to go around. Anyone who says differently is a selfish ass****. (You can quote me on that)

But don’t get it twisted... As writers, we have to know, study, and better our craft to be taken seriously. I take that to heart and apply it daily in my writing. Practice makes perfect, and perfection definitely doesn’t come over night. When you know better, you do better! Having and maintaining a healthy work ethic goes hand in hand with success in the writing industry. And you most certainly need to have a thick layer or two, of tough skin.

Enjoy getting to know new artists and their craft. Hopefully, by month’s end, you will have several names added to your wish list to heighten your reading pleasure. Tell a friend. Share on social media. Reading is relevant—Books are beautiful— Literacy leads to learning something new daily. Pass it on.

Welcome to Kickin' It With KeKe!! 

Author Ornitha Danielle

Today, we have a lady I met in Memphis, a few years ago. Her spirit was warm and inviting as she interviewed me at the BWABC (Black Writers and Book Club) Book Festival, and we kind of clicked. There is nothing like coming in contact with kindred spirits. Let’s give her a big “Kickin’ It With KeKe” welcome!

KC: Thanks for being a part of my platform Ornitha. It is a pleasure to have you. Tell us a little bit about myself.

 

OD: About me…. I am a Wife, Mother of 3,  Mimi to my grandson, aunt, niece, cousin and friend to many. I believe in God, and I am a SCRIBE!!

KC: Explain exactly what a SCRIBE is to anyone who may not know.

OD: I am His Scribal Prophet. I have the BIGGEST heart known on this side of the planet. I write from the heart of God. When I am called to the pen...I scribe what God would have me to share. It's of great urgency to release His heart for this generation that will come after me. To be His Scribal Prophet...I am compelled to share the love of God through my writings and teachings.

KC: Thank you for clarifying. As a Christian, I can certainly appreciate that. What else do you like to do in your spare time?

OD: I love to just have fun and be myself. 

KC: So tell us, how long have you been writing?

OD: Where do I start? I have been writing since I was a kid…. This was the one way that I could explain myself without being interrupted (LOL). The question would be when did I not write? I kept a diary as a teenager. I even wrote letters to people when they made me upset. So I would say writing has been in me, as far as I can remember.

KC: What genre do you write or prefer writing?

OD: Inspirational, educational, Christian, and poetry… Whichever and however God wants to use me -- that I am open to. I do believe that the way He would desire would ALWAYS bring HIM Glory. 

KC: How did you know you wanted to become an author/writer?

OD: I don’t believe there was ever a time that I wasn’t a writer or an author.

KC: What inspires you to write?

OD: There’s no one thing that inspires me, sometimes it can be what’s happening in the news, or just ideas, and most importantly, God himself.

KC: What message do you want readers to take away from your work?

OD: I want people that encounter my books to walk away with a sense of hope, joy, and truly find the love of God in the midst of what I write.

KC: How would you describe your writing style?

OD: My style can vary depending on what I am writing, I have really learned to not over think it too much, but as long as my message is being conveyed.

KC: Who are some of your favorite authors?

OD: LOL… I think I would take a vow to be silence. There are way too many to just consider some of my favorite authors. *wink, wink* since I can’t pick myself. I am really kidding of course. There are some talented authors out there…. So to only have some…. Too many.

KC: I totally agree with you on that one, Ornitha.  Although I do have a list, I add to it daily. Books are an addiction I have no desire to quit. #norehab. LOL.

KC: What are some of your favorite books?

OD: Now this… I can share!! The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah,  Tryin’ To Sleep In a Bed Already Made by Deberry and Grant and Chocolate Star by Shelia Copeland.

KC: See, now I already have a few to add to my list. And, The Coldest Winter Ever is on my favorite books list too.

KC: What is your formula when working on a new project? (Do you listen to music, use an outline, meditate, or simply start typing?)

OD: I pray…. Then I start typing, even this can vary as well.

KC: If you could collaborate with any of your peers, who would it be and why?

OD: Never really thought about it…. But that is something I will have to give  some thought.

KC: You should. I dream of working with Tananarive Due and Stephen King. LA Banks would have been another person I would have loved to work with. God rest her soul. But, I firmly believe Eric Jerome Dickey and I could create magic together. Hey! It could happen. The sky is not the limit when there are footprints on the moon. LOL

KC: What advice would you give aspiring authors?

OD: The advice I would share is, to be honest with yourself about why you want to be an author, and whose life you want to impact for the better and not for the worst.  Be mindful of the things that we release into the minds and eyes of God’s people. Looking back at your work 10 years from now, and should your grandchildren happen to read it, what impression would they have about that book and how would they feel after reading it? Be kind to people, handle business with integrity!

KC: Great words of wisdom, Ornitha.

KC: What are you reading currently?

OD: The book of Esther….

KC: I am reading the book of Jeremiah. Esther is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. It’s amazing how one encounter can change a life forever.

KC: How can readers find you?

OD: Facebook, Linkedin Twitter, YouTube,  Google hangout and IG

KC: As an author, do you think using social media is a great source for gaining new readers/supporters?

OD: ABSOLUTELY!!!!

KC: Tell us about your latest work?

OD: My soon to be released book is titled “God’s Butterfly” Redefined for Purpose… It’s filled with poetry and essays addressing many different issues that we face on a day to day basis. 

 KC: Sounds magnificent and inspiring. I will absolutely get my copy.

KC: What’s next for you?

OD: All of what God has for me.

KC: Amen…

KC: Do you believe networking is crucial to being successful in the writing industry?Why or why not?

OD: To a degree… but with the types of mindsets many have, it makes that difficult at times. It’s like I can help scratch your back, but when the shoe is on the other foot… the situation shifts. However, it is always great to work with like-minded people.

KC: Where do you see yourself in five years?

OD: Better than where I am now, mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally on levels to being a better person.

KC: Awesome answer! I love when people strive to be better tomorrow than they are today or was yesterday. Having a great attitude is essential in our altitude.

KC: Where do you want to be with your writing in five years?

OD: I believe I will have grown as a writer… I want to be able to make a difference in writing but mentoring others as well.

KC: Well, I can see you doing both. Your spirit is humble. People will want to be in your presence. Blessings to you!

KC: Tell us something that you live by daily, that we can carry with us that should inspire and motivate us to pursue our purpose?

OD: Keeping God first and foremost, treat others the way you want to be treated…. Because one thing is certain, God is ALWAYS WATCHING!!

 KC: I like to incorporate fun and excitement into my blog interviews during the author spotlight segment. This gives readers insight as to who you are as a person. Fun facts are my way of doing so, plus, I get to learn something about you too.

          LETS GO…

Fun facts:

KC: What is your favorite color?

OD: You mean to say I can only have one, lol? It would be purple, then pink, but you did say color, not colors.

KC: What is your favorite food?

OD: Cereal… again another one of those one answer type of questions lol.

KC: What is your favorite pastime?

OD: I love to just chill… relax and do nothing.

KC: Football or basketball?

OD: BOXING!!! Okay, I will do right. Well if only I can combine them both if I really watch these… as a basketball player in my high school days… however, I do love football movies!!

KC: Michael Jordan or Lebron James?

OD: MJ ALL DAY!!!

KC: Thanksgiving or Christmas?

OD: My Birthday!!! I do like Thanksgiving.

KC: Books or movies? This is a no brainer….

OD: LOL Netflix and chill!! Nothing wrong with a great book too!

KC: Winter, spring, summer, or fall?

OD: Winter is too cold, spring you have bugs, summer is too hot, and fall hasn’t decided if it wants to be cold or hot…. I love the in between weather.

KC: If you were allowed only one thing with you during the day, what would be the thing you pick?

OD: My cell phone with access to the internet!

KC: Breakfast or Lunch?

OD: Brunch, this can be eaten at any time for me….. lol

KC: If there is something I didn’t ask that you want readers to know about you, please include it at this time. The more information you provide, the more people you can engage that can possibly turn into new readers. Share away!

OD: I am really big on Social Media!!! So Catch me in Social Media traffic, don’t be a stranger, you can ask anything…

KC: Please list your website so the audience can stay connected with you.

OD: (www.ornithasbooks.info) Which is being revamped at this time.  My SM (social media)  name is  Ornitha Danielle…on all platforms.

KC: It has been a pleasure having you with me today! I pray you continuing growth and success in your craft. I look forward to seeing you this year in Memphis. God bless you…

Until next time Be Inspired, Be Encouraged & Be YOU!

 Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel

Godly Role Models

The Survival of the Black Make in An Ever-Changing World

This past Sunday, I was the Speaker at Venable Chapel A.M.E. Church in my hometown for their Evening In White program. It is the best thing I have done in a while. The energy in the church warmed my spirit, penetrating me with boldness. The people who came didn't appear hostile when I peered out into the crowd. They were attentive, responsive, and seemed to grasp on to my every word. It feels good to know my words resonated with them. 

I want to share my speech with you. Hopefully, it will inspire, encourage, and uplift you. This world is a shady place. Know that there is always hope because God is always there/here for us all.

My Speech: 

We, as women, wear many hats. Yes, man’s job in the eyes of God should be the head of the household, but as women, we are its’ foundation. We build it up and hold it together. But once we discover our purpose, we can move mountains. I love being a woman. We are blessed to give life. What better gift than that. Men folk wouldn’t be able to endure such a task. My husband gets a headache and acts like the world is coming to an end. (I love my husband. Sorry, Bae!)

As I received the call from Sister Sharon about speaking tonight, I laughed to myself. I laughed because God moves swiftly, especially when we operate in His will. When you ask God for something and are specific and sincere in your asking, you have to be prepared when He answers. I prayed for elevation and boldness. It’s funny because this time last year, I would have been too afraid or concerned about what people would say to stand before you this evening. But when you know God, and have a relationship with Him…

When I found out about the topic for today’s event “Survival of the black male in an ever-changing world,” my spirit jumped. I immediately thought about an incident involving two young, black males I love dearly. How one saw the other doing something senseless and fell into the trap that the enemy tried to set for them both. Thank you for prayer warriors. The situation could have gone an entirely different way, BUT GOD!

1 Corinthians 15:33

“Do not be misled: “Bad Company corrupts good character.”

In today’s society, we find this statement to be true more times than not. Why? Because our young men buy into the whole “the white man, don’t want to see us doing well” mentality, or what the world has taught them instead of what we as parents have. Oh, what a copout. 

The cycle continues from one generation to the next. Why? Our minds haven’t been transformed. How many of you are familiar with Darwin’s Theory of Evolution? Survival of the fittest. We adapt to our environment.  If you want change, change the environment/situation.

The young men of this world today, especially our people, already have it bad due to the color of their skin. They can’t even walk down the street with a hoodie over their head without being harassed or murdered like an animal. And not just black men. Ya’ll remember Sandra Bland and countless others who have perished for having melanin in their skin. It’s sad when we have to teach our children to keep their head down so they can make it home to us in peace.

It’s time to wake up and step into our purpose to protect ourselves and our children. When they don’t walk in their purpose, the enemy moves in like a thief in the night, robbing them of good character. Their self-respect, self-worth, integrity, and loyalty is tested which ultimately leads them down a path of destruction. We, as women, the backbone of our nation, should walk in purpose to help our children discover theirs.  

Mark 8:36 states: What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

Nowadays, young men think it’s cool to be followers instead of leaders. Many of them are born leaders but haven’t tapped into their full potential because they don’t see God in their homes. Society teaches them that not having both parents in the home causes behavior problems or learning issues. 

Society tries to sabotage our children before they are pushed out of the womb. Just because you are a single parent, that doesn’t mean God isn’t or can't be in your house. I’d rather teach my son how to be a gentleman than allow him to be raised by a man who doesn't know Jesus. But I do thank God for my husband.

We need Godly Role Models for our children. A boy is prone to listen when knowledge is spoken by another man. Whether it’s good or bad is the question we should ask ourselves. Be careful who you have around your children. If you want him to be respectful, respect yourself. Don’t let anyone disrespect you in front of him. If you do, you are setting the tone for the relationship you and he will have. Boys love their mothers. But allowing anyone to call you out of your name, use you as a punching bag, take from, talk down to, he will eventually do the same thing in his own relationship. 

When we embrace our purpose and walk in it, it doesn’t matter who is around us. We led by example. How many of you know that you can be a part of the world, but not of the world. There is a big difference. As women, mothers, sisters, aunts, grandmothers, we have to live in our purpose on purpose for the young men in our lives, our sons, grandsons, nephews.  

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come!  Simply put, when you know better, you do better.

This proves that you have power over your life because God gave you a brain, which works for your good if you use our mind, and uses it wisely.

Bad company can corrupt good character but a wise person, a person walking in the authority of God can transform himself with a renewed mind as well as those around him. Why? Because spirits are transferable and, people tend to do what they see opposed to what they are told.

Proverbs 19:21 states “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

We can make our plans and set out to see them accomplished, but if we don’t pray and seek God’s direction—we could find ourselves drifting in an ocean of problems without a sail. Everything we do should begin and end with God in mind first. 

Sure we may get to a certain level of our employment, education, gifts, etc. But without walking in the purpose that God has for our lives, we will become stagnant at some point or another. Being Godly role models for the young men of today works the same way. We can’t see them doing wrong and turn a blind eye. Don’t call Sister Sally to gossip about what you saw Sister Helen’s son doing. As Christians, God gave us dominion over all things. Correcting a child in his wrongdoing is what we should do. Ya’ll know God’s word, “Spare the rod, and spoil the child.”

I dislike the way some people use social media, posting videos of fights instead of breaking them up or calling for help. Those same individuals who have their phones out recording the chaos should be the ones who are sent to jail or made to pay a fine. I bet the cycle will break then. Or, you see parents embarrassing their children by beating them or cussing them out, for all the world to see. That’s not parenting in my opinion. Why embarrass what God blessed you to protect and love?

Yeah, we have all fallen short, but the rod of correction isn’t something to make a spectacle out of. I know you heard the story about a father who embarrassed his teenage daughter for being disobedient by beating her as someone recorded it and put it on the internet for the whole world to see. Well, that same young girl was so embarrassed and ridiculed at school by her peers that she jumped from a bridge to her death. My question to that parent is, was it worth it?

On the other hand, take the lady who caught her sons burglarizing someone’s home. She disciplined her children the way any parent should, but because of the nature of discipline she took was arrested and sent to jail. Would it have been okay if the owner had been home and shot and killed them? Would it have been okay if she had done nothing and years from now those same young men ended up in prison? 

Society doesn't want parents to teach values and instill morals to our children. They want government funded correctional institutions filled with young black men to cut off their lineage. How can you build a legacy behind bars? How can you raise a son behind bars? I'm not saying a man cannot parent, but the task becomes harder when someone else is telling him when to eat, sleep, and S&$$. Same goes for a woman who's led by the correctional system.

Ephesians 6:4 says, “And you, Fathers do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and reprimand of the Lord.”

We have to discipline in love. We have to chastise in love. Not of the ways of the world. If we don’t, we are setting our children up for the ways of the world and the enemy to take them out.

Colossians 3:21: “Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.”

As parents, we have to govern ourselves according. Don’t be hypocrites. Times have changed. What worked for our parents with us may not be the best approach for our own children. We sometimes have to get on their level to keep the line of communication open. 

And, not every child will receive the same way. I can’t talk to my seven-year-old the way I talk to my nineteen-year-old. I can’t take a belt to her as I do to him. I may have to use other tactics like a slap upside the head. No, I thank God for my children. I am blessed. My daughter and I are friends. My son, ya’ll ask me in a few years once he becomes a teenager if we still getting along. LOL…

I know how to handle them because I know how my God handles me. Aren’t you glad God is not like man? Some of us would be up the creek without a paddle. 

My Daddy only had to whip me once. And it was only one lick with his belt. I think my feelings were hurt more than anything. But Momma…Can ya’ll see the welts still on me? Shan, you still have yours? LOL

I thank God for my Momma. She taught me right from wrong, and even when I didn’t choose right, I knew that it was instilled in me. She used a belt, a switch, a shoe, or anything else she could get her hands on, but I thank God she didn’t spare the rod. I know I wouldn’t be standing here today.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

No matter how hard we try to raise young men of a certain character, if they don’t get to know God for themselves, there is nothing more we can do for them other than prayer. Having a personal relationship with God kept me from succumbing to evil. Having a personal relationship with God keeps me humble, compassionate toward others, and working hard each day to get it right so that I can one day have everlasting life. 

To be absent from the body is to be present with God. But don’t get it twisted; there are many requirements to meet Jesus. Entering into the kingdom of heaven isn’t a hard task, but it’s not an easy one either. Just like everything else we desire in life, being consistent is key.

Life happens! No one is exempt. If there ever is a time you are, you are no longer amongst the land of the living.

Raising Godly young men requires great effort on our part. We have to walk in our purpose to help them discover and deploy their own. We have to lead by example and not live as hypocrites. We have to have a personal relationship with God so that our relationship with them isn’t destroyed by the enemy when it is threatened. And it will be! 

We have to teach them that not everyone they encounter is their friend, or has to be. Jesus rolled with twelve, and even some of them betrayed Him. Lastly, we have to teach them how to pray so that they can pray for themselves. 

In my closing, I will leave you with this. Leading a life pleasing to God is simple. We have to operate in His will. We have to know who we are and whose we are to teach anyone else. 

Discover your purpose by seeking God if you don’t already know what it is that you were put on earth to do.

Develop your purpose with intentions of God so you will obtain longevity in whatever it is that you do.

Deploy your purpose with integrity, dignity, and Christlike characteristics. The late great Dr. Maya Angelou said it best, “People will always remember the way you made them feel.” And word of mouth travels vastly whether good or bad. I challenge you all to live virtuously as Women of Purpose and see how God changes your life.

If you don’t have a young man in your life that you can sow into, I challenge you to find one and pour into him. It takes a village, and having a Godly role model is all someone might need to get in the will of God. You can very well change someone’s life for the better, and in return, that same young man can spark a new way of thinking in his environment. It’s all a cycle. And a bad cycle has to be broken to make it better. 

Thank you!

This was my speech. I hope you enjoyed it. 

Until next time, Be Inspired, Be Encouraged & Be YOU!!!

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel

King James

Heart of A Champion

 

Congratulations Cavs!

There will always be a winner and a loser in the sport of competition whether we want it to be or not. The way we handle the situation determines how people will define us. Lebron James AKA King James is the perfect example of a champion. Last night, when the Cleveland Cavaliers made history by winning their first championship, he displayed the attributes of what champions are made of.

He played his heart out as he always does. He remained cool, calm, and collected when faced with adversity, naysayers, and even “light-skinned” trash talking. Being down 3-1, he didn’t give up and pushed his team to press forward. He stepped up as the leader he is and got it done! He even hugged and thanked oh boy, David Blatt, who talked badly about him leaving Cleveland to play elsewhere. Many in the city turned their backs on him, burned his jersey, and booed him when he came to play with his new team. What did Lebron do? He returned to the city he loves which persecuted him and won them a championship. He didn’t hold grudges, retaliate, or bad mouth them. He remained humble, knowing his worth, and the purpose that God has for him. Forever, the heart of a champion. We can all take a lesson from Lebron and become better as human beings. 

I’m not saying he doesn’t have flaws, we all do, but he hasn’t shown that side to the public. He almost went there in game 6, though. LOL, I still wanna know what he said to Curry when he gave him the stank look, looking him up and down. Apparently, he was rubbed the wrong way.

Now, I like Steph Curry, but this NBA Finals has brought out a side in him that I wouldn’t fathom him possessing. I hate to lose just like anyone else but don’t become unsportsmanlike. I know him and Lebron are probably friends, but damn! Boy, stop… You can’t win them all. Be happy for your friend. 

(This cap, though, Lebron… petty much! LOL)

Like the real champion that he is, Lebron keeps smiling. Never allow anyone to throw you off course or push you out of character. Life is too short to dwell in animosity. Life’s too precious to live with regret, ignorance, and giving others power over you. Live! Laugh! Love! Enjoy the blessings God has given. Endear the failures, but press forward so you can appreciate the victories. They will come…

Remember, your attitude will determine your altitude no matter if you believe it or not. Someone is always watching. Dr. Maya Angelou said it best, “People will never forget the way you made them feel.”

Well done, Lebron! You are truly one of a kind with the heart of a champion. I salute you…

By the way, the first person he asked for was his wife. Rihanna, go sit yo ass down somewhere before Savannah takes her earrings off! 

Until next time Be Inspired, Be Encouraged, & BE YOU! 

Purple Hugs,

KeKe Chanel

Photo credits: google.com