Saturday, December 29, 2012

Chatting with Author & Publisher - Clive West




Today I'm very pleased to have not only an author, but a Publisher with us today. Clive West is the author of The Road, a Crime novel of greed and mystery, and Hobson's Choice, a collection of twisted tales.

Welcome Clive!

BK: Please tell us a little about yourself...
I live in Italy. I'm married to another writer and we have 3 dogs. I've worked in a printer's, as a Civil Engineering estimator, as a Math tutor and as the director of an employment agency. I've been writing one way or another all my life and it comes fairly easily to me.

BK: Please tell us a little about your book....
It's a long book – a bit of a blockbuster – but it's well focused. At its heart is the construction of a road – not even a very necessary road - which gives an opportunity to greedy and unscrupulous people to take advantage of others particularly in the form of white collar crimes. It weaves together the fortunes of various individuals and families, working its way towards a cynical and pessimistic conclusion, though not a tragic one. It's supreme strength is its realism, which is the product of my own experience.

BK: What inspired you to pen this particular novel?
Since childhood, I've always had a desire to support the cause of the underdog. My novel presents in fictional form the injustices surrounding construction and inherent in society generally. I also thought the subject matter would make a really good story.

BK: When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I had my first (unpaid) writing job when I was at primary school and the headmaster gave me the task of writing plays for my class so as to channel my rebellious spirit – I was finding it all too 'childish'!

BK: How do you keep your story flowing?
I plan well and make sure I've plotted the end before I start. That way I'm infilling rather than lost out in the open.

BK: Do you ever run into writer's block, and if so, what do you do to get past it?
It isn't really something I suffer from for 2 main reasons. Firstly because I practice the 'infill' method I've just described, and secondly because I've spent so many years doing commercial as opposed to creative writing and I just had to get on with it!

BK: What is your writing process like? Do you have any quirks, or must-haves to write?
Like I say, I plan scrupulously although allowing room for 'discovery'. I have the strange ability – not unique by any means but fairly rare, I believe – of being able to exercise a certain amount of control over my dreams. I can direct them to provide me with material and resolve problems.

BK: Where do you hope your books/writing will be in the future?
I'm bubbling over with ideas but I have to keep the lid on them because my wife and I are trying to get an indie publishing firm off the ground and that's taking a lot of my time. I hope that some day I'll be able to devote all of my time to writing.

BK: What do you hope readers will take away from your books?
I mean them to be entertained by situations, characters and above all dialogue. I want them to feel indignation about the injustices I portray. If they've suffered such injustices themselves, I'd like them not to feel alone. Every crime has a victim, so there are a great many victims.

BK: What is one piece of advice you received that you carry with you in your writing?
It's not exactly advice, but if my wife can't understand a technical passage or a twist of the plot, then I look at it again.

BK: What is one piece of advice you would give to new and aspiring writers?
It sounds very stuffy, but I'd tell them either to make sure their grammar and spelling are up to scratch, or engage an editor. Maybe I belong to the old school because I find a proliferation of errors very irritating.

BK: Are you currently working on any new projects? What can we expect from you in the future?
I'm afraid that my new projects – and there's more than one – are still in my head. But once I'm producing again, I expect my subject matter will be fairly dark – studying what makes a serial killer, for example.

BK: Where can readers find you?
Readers can approach me through our website www.anysubject.com or our facebook page www.facebook.com/anysubject

Thank you so much for taking time to chat with me today. It's been a pleasure having you and I wish you much success in the future.


Every crime has its victim.

  • The Giddings family - enjoying their rural idyll until events start to spiral out of their control turning paradise into hell.
  • Henry - trapped in a loveless marriage who sees a chance to climb on board the gravy train for a one-way ticket out of misery but doesn't want to know about the consequences of his actions.
  • Sandra - frustrated by a system where the rich get richer and the poor pay to get a ringside seat.
  • John - a shrewd developer who knows all the tricks and is the guy flicking the switch when the smelly stuff hits the fan.
  • The parasites and hangers on, too numerous to mention, who abuse their positions of trust to feather their own nests but who are outraged when those lower down the pecking order try to do the same.

Kindle edition

Amazon UK | Amaon US

Excerpt 

Caroline and Stuart Giddings knocked on the door, and hearing a vague ‘Come in’ sound from beyond, opened it and entered. Sitting behind a large ancient desk was their member of parliament, Charles Milton, a tall, wiry-haired man of indeterminate age although probably in his mid to late forties. Stuart immediately thought that he looked the sort of person whom you could drop head first into a pile of manure and who would come out absolutely devoid of any trace of the substance while you and anyone around you would be completely plastered in the stuff. Still, he wasn’t there to befriend them, he was there to listen to their grievances and act on them.
Stuart had suggested that before Caroline get too involved with RIM, the two of them pay a visit to their MP and see if he had any power or urge to champion their cause. Deep down, Stuart was sceptical but he was pleased that Caroline had definitely brightened up when he had made the suggestion a few days prior. The children were at school and Stuart had arranged for a colleague to cover two of his lessons. This was important.
At their MP’s gesture, they seated themselves in two upholstered office chairs. Caroline crossed her legs which made her side-slit pencil skirt ride up. She didn’t seem the slightest bit self-conscious of the amount of leg she was showing but Stuart’s bum squirmed uneasily on its cushion.
“Thank you for seeing us at short notice. My name is Caroline Giddings and this is my husband, Stuart,” Caroline offered by way of introduction.
“My pleasure, my pleasure. Nice to meet you both. What can I do for you good people?” Stuart noticed that Milton’s eyes had addressed the question to his wife’s legs rather than to their faces. The man had a predatory look about him.
“We’d like to talk about this new road and the effect it will have on us,” Caroline continued. Stuart had decided he would let her do the majority of the talking – it might help her get some of it off her chest and at least if nothing came of it, she couldn’t say he hadn’t asked the right questions. Women could do that – sit beside you while you chatted away, not saying anything themselves. Then, when it was too late, they were perfectly capable of criticising you for not having said something important.
“Fire away,” Milton’s eyes had travelled up Caroline’s torso and he was now staring at her bust. Stuart already despised the man. Still, beggars couldn’t be choosers. He bit his tongue.
Caroline seemed oblivious – she was very clearly caught up with the matter at hand or perhaps she just enjoyed her figure being admired. “Well, we’ve just discovered that not only are we about to lose all of our trees, they are going to build houses right up close to our home.”
“Mmm, yes. I’m afraid there are always casualties when a new development of this size goes through.” Milton paused and reflected while they waited patiently for whatever pearls of wisdom he could lay at their feet. “I don’t mean to be negative but have you considered putting your house up for sale?” he eventually asked.
“Yes, and the estate agent told us that because of the high number of new houses that will be flooding the market and also because our house will be losing its view, we will struggle to sell it. He also said we will have loads of – what is it called Stuart?” Caroline turned to him.
“Negative equity,” Stuart chipped in.
“Mmm, yes. I see the dilemma. Perhaps you should try other estate agents – see if they view the picture differently.” Stuart noticed that his body language had changed. When they had first arrived it had been expansive and, supposedly, welcoming. Now Milton’s arms had folded across his chest and he was making outward movements with his hands. ‘Go away – it’s not my problem,’ in other words.


Clive West was born in the West Country of England in the early 60's. He was educated at a traditional English public school before going on to university to study civil engineering. Over the years, he has worked as a civil engineer, tutor of maths and science, schools quiz-master, employment agency boss, and writer.

His work includes a collection of short stories with twists called Hobson's Choice (also available in print), a full-length novel called 'The Road' about the consequences of corruption on ordinary people and an accessible job hunting interview guide (based on his years of experience as the boss of an employment agency).

He has also written a book about lymphedema. This is a disfiguring, life-threatening and incurable disease he now suffers from and which his experience shows that most fellow patients have (like him) been abandoned by their respective health services.

Clive now lives in a rebuilt farmhouse in the Umbrian region of Italy along with Damaris, his writer wife of 22 years and their three rescue dogs. Apart from his fictional work, Clive also writes commercial non-fiction on a variety of topics but especially relating to business and employment. He and Damaris run an indie publishers called Any Subject Books Ltd – www.anysubject.com

You can also follow Any Subject Books on Facebook – www.facebook.com/anysubject
Clive is now disabled but, aside from his writing, he also enjoys playing the keyboard, listening to music and reading.

Contact details: books@anysubject.com


Follow Clive's Virtual Book Tour

December 2 - Introduction at VBT Cafe' Blog
December 3 - Book Feature & Excerpt at The Official Blog-Zine of Terra Little
December 4 - Guest Blogging at Books, Books, The Magical Fruit
December 7 - Featured at BK Walker Books Etc.
December 11 - Interviewed at Reviews & Interviews
December 13 - Book Feature & Excerpt at The Writing World
December 15 - Guest Blogging at Lori's Reading Corner
December 17 - Book Feature & Excerpt at I Know That Book
December 19 - Reviewed at Books, Books, and More Books
December 21 - Guest Blogging at Wise Words
December 28 - Guest Blogging BellaOnline Fiction Writing
January 2 - Review & Guest Blogging at A Book Lover's Library
January 4 - Interviewed at Philosbooks
January 5 - Interviewed at BK Walker's Blog
January 7 - Interviewed at Angels & Warriors Radio


December 2 - Introduction at VBT Cafe' Blog
December 7 - Book Feature & Excerpt at The News In BooksDecember 9 - Review & Interview at Honest Variety Books
December 17 -  Reviewed at Thrice The Mischief, 3 Times The Love
December 17 - Book Feature & Excerpt at The Writing World
December 22 - Book Feature & Excerpt at Lori's Reading Corner
January 4 - Review & Guest Blogging at A Book Lover's Library
January 7 - Reviewed at Books, Books, and More Books
January 9 - Guest Blogging at The Official Blog-Zine of Terra Little
January 10 - Interviewed at Books and Tales
January 13 - Interviewed at Books, Books, The Magical Fruit
January 16 - Review & Interview at BellaOnline Fiction Writing

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Day #5 of Knowing Malachi! Interview Part Two - Malachi Stewart




BK Walker Books Etc. Interview Part 2

Welcome back Malachi. Yesterday was a bit on the emotional side of your book and writing. Today I thought it should be more on the fun side of things.



BK: What do you like to do when you're not writing?
MS: When I am not writing I love to go to a good restaurant and enjoy a great conversation and amazing meal. I also enjoy visiting art galleries and watching well produced movies. Most importantly, I enjoy watching the sunrise on the beach and watching the stars on a late summer night.

BK: What's your favorite restaurant?
MS: I am a huge fan of authentic Mexican food so I would have to say my favorite place to eat is a little place called Guadalajara’s on Virginia Beach’s boardwalk.

BK: Are you active in sports? If so, which is your favorite?
MS: No I am not really into sports at all. However, I enjoy running and probably would have enjoyed running track.

BK: What is the last thing you've read?
MS: A book called “Papa’s Corner”, which I happened to write the foreword to and also happened to be written by the woman who wrote the foreword to my book, Yolanda Powell.

BK: How would your friends and family describe you?
MS: Energetic and intense! I am extremely passionate and intensely focused on my goals and beliefs.

BK: Who have been inspirations to your writing?
MS: Youths are my major inspirations. I always consider what young people would think if they were reading my writings. My most honored book reviews came from those who were under the age of 18.

BK: Favorite Movie of all time?
MS: The Color Purple…I have seen this move more times than is considered healthy 

BK: Favorite Bible verse?
MS: 1 John 3:8b “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work.” (NIV)

BK: What are your views on Politics?
MS: I am not very much into politics. I find they do more to divide than to bring together. I prefer to come together and celebrate the things we all agree on.

BK: I've personally not read the book of Revelations, I think I'm scared to see it. My grandmother is always telling me time is close for the return. Do you think we are living the reality of that book right now?
MS: My views on the Book of Revelations are vast and too complex to explain with brevity. A book that thoroughly explains and demystifies this book is “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” by Dr. Lynn Hiles. I recommend this for all having trouble understanding the Book of Revelations. The book by Dr. Hiles is appropriately named after the first five words found in Revelations. With that I will say, I believe that Revelations is more about revealing a person than revealing a place in time or set of events. To understand what I mean you would have to read the book!

BK: What would you say to someone that was unsure if they were ready for the Worlds End?
MS: I would encourage them to dig deep and educate themselves on what it means scripturally for the world to “end”. There are a lot of beliefs and perspectives out there, so before one becomes afraid they must be sure they have a clear interpretation of scripture. Again, the book “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” would be the perfect book for them. In short, my message to them would be this: “"Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom” Luke 12:32 (NIV)

BK: Tell us one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
MS: People would be surprised to know that I am very sensitive. I come across as a very strong personality, which is accurate but I am also an extremely sensitive and sentimental guy.

BK: Craziest thing you've ever done?
MS: I once dined and dashed at a pretty posh restaurant in downtown Philadelphia. Technically I didn’t dine as I only ate the appetizers. I ordered ceviche and didn’t realize it would be raw fish so when the order came my friend and I were so embarrassed we just ran out of the restaurant. It was so crazy, especially because my friend fell down the steps as we made our escape. If your reading this, don’t do that! 

BK: Tomorrow we will be wrapping up your week with us here, in one sentence sell us your book.
MS: Journey to Malachi, an open letter written with YOU in mind.

Thank you so much for sharing with us today. It's been fun and you've definitely given some great answers - a bit of food for thought. It's been wonderful getting to know you so much better, putting a personality behind the book. I wish you so much success for you in the future and God Bless you.

Let's take another look at the book. You can enter to win using the Rafflecopter below, and if by chance you don't win and want to read the book, it is available now at Amazon.com. Come back tomorrow with questions as we do a Knowing Malachi Wrap-up Q&A.

Genre: Biographical
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing

Blurb:

When we face turbulent times, hardships and calamity there is much solace in companionship. We all want to know that someone has been where we are and have gotten through the same difficulties we face. When I wrote Journey to Malachi, I began to visualize myself as a little boy being abused and recalled all of the feelings that flooded my heart at that time. My writing literally became a journey in my mind through my life’s darkest hours and through my writings, I became my own companion.

As I wrote, I took several pauses to minister the words of hope, grace and freedom that I needed.I went deep into my inner sanctum to find the little boy who was afraid to tell his secret, who needed more than anything to be loved and accepted and wanted more than anything to be protected and valued. As the writings progressed, he grew older and how the bitterness grew inside him and birthed inner ‘demons’ of self-hatred, insecurity, un-forgiveness, hopelessness, distrust, suicide, anger, resentment and so much more. I remembered the confusion the sexual abuse caused concerning his sexual identity and the long-terms effects it had on his mental health. I recalled the embarrassment and isolation all of the deep pain that lied beneath a warm smile. He laughed and often made others laugh but inside there was a fiery hell that tormented him and yet this was only something he knew. He was so invisible in many ways and so I begin to tell his story and share the shameful secrets of his reality.In the midst of the journey, I interjected to share biblical truths that would later free him (me). Even though his journey seemed to grow darker and more hopeless, I had experienced the ending and so I was encouraged to continue to write and get to the expected end.

Journey to Malachi, is my journey from becoming a powerless victim to a victorious over-comer! As a reader I invite you to share this intimate journey with me embark to discover how I became a messenger of light, liberty and love. Whether you have been through the same things that I have or simply understand hard times, I plan to grab your hand and become YOUR companion as well journey together to find the divine purpose & ultimate overcoming victory that is wrought from our utmost pains.



November 27 - Introduction at VBT Cafe' Blog
November 30 - Interviewed at BK Walker's Blog
December 2 - Guest Blogging at Books, Books, The Magical Fruit
December 6 - Review & Interview at Central Bargains and Giveaways
December 10 - Guest Blogging at Lori's Reading Corner
December 12 - Interviewed at Reviews & Interviews
December 14 - Review & Guest Blogging at A Book Lover's Library
December 17 - Interviewed at Mass Musings
December 19 - Guest Blogging at The Official Blog-Zine of Terra Little
December 21 - Book Feature & Excerpt at The Stuff of Success


Giveaway – Signed Paperback + Free 5 Blog Stop Tour at Virtual Book Tour CafĂ©



Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Day #4 - Knowing Malachi! Interview Part One & #Giveaway


Welcome back Malachi. I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas, as well as our Readers! Did everyone get what they most wished for? I know I did. I love photography, and received a new Canon camera that just takes beautiful pictures.

We're finishing out the week with Malachi in a two part interview, so be sure to come back tomorrow for Malachi's last day with us a interview more on the fun side of things. You can enter to win a copy of Knowing Malachi by using the Rafflecopter below, and the winner will be drawn at the end of his virtual book tour at the Virtual Book Tour Cafe'.

BK: Malachi, please tell us a little bit about yourself that wasn't included in the biography above.
MS: Well I am a speaker for RAIIN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network) and I am extremely passionate about bringing healing and wholeness to people’s lives in every aspect. I am completely fascinated by the power ‘words’ have in framing our realities so I consider them, both written and oral, to be my greatest weapon against the perils that bind mankind. With that in mind, I also host a radio show on blog talk radio called “Survivors Radio”.

BK: What message do you hope to get out there with Journey to Malachi?
MS: I really want people to know that there is healing for your hurt. Whatever your personal issues are there is hope for freedom and complete transformation. I also want to introduce the masses to a portrait of God that has not been popularized by most mass church media. Usually God is depicted as a hard taskmaster, judging and holding his ‘children’ to impossible standards. My life has been transformed radically by a God that just wanted to minister to my needs and be a balm to my deepest pain…and believe me the pain and brokenness was deep and at times unbearable.

BK: After reading your book, there are so many things that are signs of abuse. Can you tell us few signs that parents should be on the lookout for?
MS: Parents should be on the lookout for emotional and physical changes in their children. Children can display a wide range of symptoms from regressive behavior to sudden sexual interest. Most of the signs of abuse are subtle and easy to miss so it’s important to LISTEN to your children and WATCH their behavior closely. Keep dialogue about inappropriate touching open and frequent. Insure that your children know that your primary goal is to protect them and that you are capable of handling the things and people that may harm them.

BK: I know that you love working with kids, and I think this is so important, what would you tell a child that you suspected was being abused in any way, that would encourage them to come forward?
MS: I would tell they child that I have been in their position and I understand why they may fear coming forward. I would reveal to them the devastating effects keeping my abuse a secret had on my life and share how breaking the silence was the genesis of my journey to healing. I would also share with them how much support is out there and how much safety is available for victims.

BK: Tell us about Exousia...
MS: Exousia is a mid-Atlantic prayer-summit that gathers every ninety days in the southern region of Maryland. It was there that I met my spiritual leaders and mentors Pastor William and Apostle Yolanda Powell, who would later be instrumental in my fight for freedom. Exousia happened to also be the place where I launched my first book signing. I am happy to say that it was a success and I encourage all who are interested in experiencing a personal connection with God outside of the confines of traditionalism to visit www.exousia4life.com and plan to be at our next gathering!


BK: What was it like for you, the writing journey for this book?
MS: Writing Journey to Malachi was therapeutic yet difficult at times. The reality of my life’s experience was perpetually being visited and re-visited in the process of writing and editing. My inspiration was that someone somewhere would be touched deeply by my honesty. So now that I have done the hard part of compiling the story, I must market the experience and spread the healing and hope.

BK: I'm sure it was an emotional ride, what was the hardest part writing this book?
MS: The hardest part of writing this book was exposing how broken I was. People in my life saw me, but they didn’t see the ‘real me’. They saw the projection of myself I wanted them to see, but this book exposed the horrific pain that can be masked by a brilliant smile. Imagine this book as being like a beautiful model finally taking her make-up off and exposing her bare face to the world. Like that model, people had seen me in ministry as being strong and triumphant but I would fine that it was my vulnerability that would foster my true beauty.

BK: What made you decide to take your story down this path, writing the story and publishing it?
MS: I wrote the story with the intent to share it with the world. I spent many hours of many days counting the cost and analyzing the risk. I decided the ends justified the means and that the cost (emotionally, socially, financially, etc.) was worth it. Otherwise, my journey would be in vain.

BK: Now that your book is published, what kind of feedback have you received from friends and family?
MS: My friends and family had the benefit of reading the book before I sent it to the printers. I wanted to be sure that the story was universal so I invited people whose life experiences where completely different than mine as well as those who had very similar experiences. As you can see clearly from the reviews on Amazon I have not yet received a bad review. I appreciate that others are able to glean from my story.

BK: What are you doing now? Are you working on any new projects or anything you'd like to share with readers today?
MS: Currently I am working to market Journey to Malachi to the mass market. I am also trying to break into the college speaking circuit and really dedicate my life to helping others in a much bigger way than before. In addition I am taking the personal challenge to write 3 books before the end of 2013. Also, as I already mentioned, I am branching into blog radio so please take some time to check out my show on Blog Talk Radio, “Survivors Radio” and follow if you enjoy what you hear.



Genre: Biographical
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing



Blurb:

When we face turbulent times, hardships and calamity there is much solace in companionship. We all want to know that someone has been where we are and have gotten through the same difficulties we face. When I wrote Journey to Malachi, I began to visualize myself as a little boy being abused and recalled all of the feelings that flooded my heart at that time. My writing literally became a journey in my mind through my life’s darkest hours and through my writings, I became my own companion.

As I wrote, I took several pauses to minister the words of hope, grace and freedom that I needed.I went deep into my inner sanctum to find the little boy who was afraid to tell his secret, who needed more than anything to be loved and accepted and wanted more than anything to be protected and valued. As the writings progressed, he grew older and how the bitterness grew inside him and birthed inner ‘demons’ of self-hatred, insecurity, un-forgiveness, hopelessness, distrust, suicide, anger, resentment and so much more. I remembered the confusion the sexual abuse caused concerning his sexual identity and the long-terms effects it had on his mental health. I recalled the embarrassment and isolation all of the deep pain that lied beneath a warm smile. He laughed and often made others laugh but inside there was a fiery hell that tormented him and yet this was only something he knew. He was so invisible in many ways and so I begin to tell his story and share the shameful secrets of his reality.In the midst of the journey, I interjected to share biblical truths that would later free him (me). Even though his journey seemed to grow darker and more hopeless, I had experienced the ending and so I was encouraged to continue to write and get to the expected end.

Journey to Malachi, is my journey from becoming a powerless victim to a victorious over-comer! As a reader I invite you to share this intimate journey with me embark to discover how I became a messenger of light, liberty and love. Whether you have been through the same things that I have or simply understand hard times, I plan to grab your hand and become YOUR companion as well journey together to find the divine purpose & ultimate overcoming victory that is wrought from our utmost pains.



Author.Speaker.Youth Specialist. Specialist in Rehabilitation from Sexual Abuse and Freedom from Sexual Bondage.

Malachi Jeremiah Stewart is an ancient vessel housed in a modern body. In 2011, he was entrusted to lead Prophetic Streams Ministries in Philadelphia, PA as a unique tributary of Kingdom life, by declaring the finished work of Christ and dispensing the ‘unforced rhythms of grace.’

Currently, Malachi is pursuing a degree in Religion and Christian Counseling at Liberty University and seeks to work in full time ministry, both at locally and globally. He serves as Youth Advisor & Trainer to Dominion’s Prophetic & Apostolic Coalition Trans-Continental (D'PACT), Youth L.E.A.D. and Youth in Ministry (YIM) organizations, training high school and college students in the areas of evangelism, spiritual devotion, biblical instruction, and Papa prayer. He leads IGNITE! a youth evangelistic outreach in the capitol region, including DC-Maryland-Virginia. As a visionary leader and prophetic flame, he has a strong desire for souls to be saved, families to be restored, and for nations to be reconciled with Christ.






Join us tomorrow for our last day with Malachi, and bring your questions for some answers!


Monday, December 24, 2012

For Your Eyes Only! Day #3 of Knowing Malachi



Welcome to Day 3 with Knowing Malachi! We're so glad you're hanging out with us this week, and today, Malachi is sharing with you His Story. You can enter to win a signed copy from Malachi to be won at the end of his virtual book tour, and you can get extra entries by following the tour and tweeting each day. Plus, we're throwing in a Free 5 Stop Blog Tour!

The floor is yours Malachi!


My Story: An Exclusive Excerpt


I wanted to share with you an exclusive excerpt of my book, “Journey to Malachi”. At this point I am an adolescent who is still confused about the sexual abuse I had encountered previously. My abuser, Mark has moved on to another victim and I discover that I may not be his only victim. Read below to see what happens and how I deal with the discovery:
More kids moved onto the block and I began making
new friends. Life was moving on and I had put everything
concerning the matter behind me. Well as much as you
can move on from such an issue without dealing with it.
Then one day a game of ‘Truth or Dare’ went terribly
wrong. There was a kid who lived on the block who
started dealing with Mark shortly after I stopped. I would
see him going in and out of the apartment, but he was
older than me. Although it was uncomfortable and a bit
disturbing to watch, I figured he would be alright. After
all I had been lead to believe that the abuse didn’t just
happen to me, but rather something in which I was an
active participant. It wasn’t like I thought Mark was just
running around doing this “wrong” to people. He picked
me because we were both gay. Right? As several of us
were playing ‘Truth or Dare’ somehow this kid slipped
up and admitted that Mark had “touched” him. The children
went into uproar. Sadly, I had asked him if anything
strange ever happened over there; and strangely he
admitted that it did! My first thought was to admit what
happened to me as well, but after I saw everyone’s reaction
I was glad I didn’t. Deep down, I felt bad for leaving
him out there alone, but I just couldn’t bear to deal with
it. I was excluded from everyone? At the
time it never occurred to me that the kid was in therapy
because what Mark did was wrong. We all thought it was
because something was wrong with him. This, of course,
was because of my youthful ignorance, but it added
another garment in my closet of shame.
already smaller than everyone and effeminate in
nature with a soft voice. I had enough personality traits
that associated me with that lifestyle and trying to play
hero” for him wasn’t going to help.
As life would have it, a cousin ended up telling the kids
parents what he admitted that day. I never really knew
what became of him. Suddenly I just remember that he
was hardly seen outside again and his cousin said he was
in therapy. Shortly after, Mark and his mother moved off
the block; I didn’t really understand what had taken
place; but I didn’t want it to happen to me. Who wanted
to be in therapy and be excluded from everyone? At the
time it never occurred to me that the kid was in therapy
because what Mark did was wrong. We all thought it was
because something was wrong with him. This, of course,
was because of my youthful ignorance, but it added
another garment in my closet of shame

Genre: Biographical
Publisher: Dog Ear Publishing

Blurb:

When we face turbulent times, hardships and calamity there is much solace in companionship. We all want to know that someone has been where we are and have gotten through the same difficulties we face. When I wrote Journey to Malachi, I began to visualize myself as a little boy being abused and recalled all of the feelings that flooded my heart at that time. My writing literally became a journey in my mind through my life’s darkest hours and through my writings, I became my own companion.

As I wrote, I took several pauses to minister the words of hope, grace and freedom that I needed.I went deep into my inner sanctum to find the little boy who was afraid to tell his secret, who needed more than anything to be loved and accepted and wanted more than anything to be protected and valued. As the writings progressed, he grew older and how the bitterness grew inside him and birthed inner ‘demons’ of self-hatred, insecurity, un-forgiveness, hopelessness, distrust, suicide, anger, resentment and so much more. I remembered the confusion the sexual abuse caused concerning his sexual identity and the long-terms effects it had on his mental health. I recalled the embarrassment and isolation all of the deep pain that lied beneath a warm smile. He laughed and often made others laugh but inside there was a fiery hell that tormented him and yet this was only something he knew. He was so invisible in many ways and so I begin to tell his story and share the shameful secrets of his reality.In the midst of the journey, I interjected to share biblical truths that would later free him (me). Even though his journey seemed to grow darker and more hopeless, I had experienced the ending and so I was encouraged to continue to write and get to the expected end.

Journey to Malachi, is my journey from becoming a powerless victim to a victorious over-comer! As a reader I invite you to share this intimate journey with me embark to discover how I became a messenger of light, liberty and love. Whether you have been through the same things that I have or simply understand hard times, I plan to grab your hand and become YOUR companion as well journey together to find the divine purpose & ultimate overcoming victory that is wrought from our utmost pains.




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Sunday, December 23, 2012

Knowing Malachi - Malachi's Passion & #Giveaway


Let's just take a moment of silence...


Welcome to Day 2 with Malachi Stewart. He's talking about his passion today.

A Passion for WORDS!

One of the most fascinating and often ignored aspects of the Bible is the powerful depiction of ‘words’. From the onset or ‘genesis’ of biblical text we are introduced to “The Word”. “In the beginning was the WORD…” it begins and then God is depicted framing and forming the world with mere words. He speaks concepts like ‘light’ and ‘man’ into existence and then later takes the time to delve into the details by specifying light giving sources like the sun and moon, or creating man from dirt. As a strong biblical believer I am amazed at the power word have and so words have become my passion!

Why words? In the text mentioned words literally built things and tore things down. It had the power to cause elements to separate and bring elements together. More interestingly, we see words hold that same power in very practical ways every day. Words have the ability to build relationships, self-esteem, alliances, and much more yet it can also tear down a person’s spirit and deeply wound one’s soul. Everyday words are constantly and perpetually changing and shifting our world. They are indeed man’s most powerful weapon and most prized tool.

As a child there were so many words that wounded my soul. The most tragic experiences I faced in my life were not the physical torments such as early childhood sexual abuse or being raped as a teen. The most damaging experiences transpired at the utterances of deadly words being spewed into my life. Quickly those words, much like in the biblical text, framed my world. They shifted and reshaped my self-image and ripped my self-esteem to shreds. Words of condemnation made me feel small and words of judgment imprisoned me. There were days when I almost escaped their confinement but words never go away, so they would constantly echo in my mind and once again I would be back to the world framed by others words. Even worse I begin to agree with these words and whether or not I spoke them aloud they became my own worst enemy. In addition, as an abuse victim the words I couldn’t say (because of the secrecy of my abuse) acted as poison inside my mind. It slowly killed more and more of me each day I failed to have the courage to let the words and truth of my abuse escape my lips. To my surprise, the day that I would experience freedom it would be the power of words that tore down the prison walls and re-framed my world. The details of that can be found in my book, Journey to Malachi, but know that it was then that I learned to appreciate their power.

Now, my passion is to use my words, both orally and written, to spread healing & hope to a those who share my experiences or simply find themselves prisoners of hopelessness and despair. My passion is to use words to bring light and liberty to a world bound by negativity and steeped in darkness. Whether I am in the arena of ministry, in an intimate counseling session, imparting to youths, penning the words to my next book or typing a heartfelt blog I am always trying to find a way to use my words to tear down negative frames and lay a foundation for freedom to everyone plagued by captivity. My greatest passion is the greatest gift God has given man, words. 

Author.Speaker.Youth Specialist. Specialist in Rehabilitation from Sexual Abuse and Freedom from Sexual Bondage.
Malachi Jeremiah Stewart is an ancient vessel housed in a modern body. In 2011, he was entrusted to lead Prophetic Streams Ministries in Philadelphia, PA as a unique tributary of Kingdom life, by declaring the finished work of Christ and dispensing the ‘unforced rhythms of grace.’

Currently, Malachi is pursuing a degree in Religion and Christian Counseling at Liberty University and seeks to work in full time ministry, both at locally and globally. He serves as Youth Advisor & Trainer to Dominion’s Prophetic & Apostolic Coalition Trans-Continental (D'PACT), Youth L.E.A.D. and Youth in Ministry (YIM) organizations, training high school and college students in the areas of evangelism, spiritual devotion, biblical instruction, and Papa prayer. He leads IGNITE! a youth evangelistic outreach in the capitol region, including DC-Maryland-Virginia. As a visionary leader and prophetic flame, he has a strong desire for souls to be saved, families to be restored, and for nations to be reconciled with Christ.






When we face turbulent times, hardships and calamity there is much solace in companionship. We all want to know that someone has been where we are and have gotten through the same difficulties we face. When I wrote Journey to Malachi, I began to visualize myself as a little boy being abused and recalled all of the feelings that flooded my heart at that time. My writing literally became a journey in my mind through my life’s darkest hours and through my writings, I became my own companion.

As I wrote, I took several pauses to minister the words of hope, grace and freedom that I needed.I went deep into my inner sanctum to find the little boy who was afraid to tell his secret, who needed more than anything to be loved and accepted and wanted more than anything to be protected and valued. As the writings progressed, he grew older and how the bitterness grew inside him and birthed inner ‘demons’ of self-hatred, insecurity, un-forgiveness, hopelessness, distrust, suicide, anger, resentment and so much more. I remembered the confusion the sexual abuse caused concerning his sexual identity and the long-terms effects it had on his mental health. I recalled the embarrassment and isolation all of the deep pain that lied beneath a warm smile. He laughed and often made others laugh but inside there was a fiery hell that tormented him and yet this was only something he knew. He was so invisible in many ways and so I begin to tell his story and share the shameful secrets of his reality.In the midst of the journey, I interjected to share biblical truths that would later free him (me). Even though his journey seemed to grow darker and more hopeless, I had experienced the ending and so I was encouraged to continue to write and get to the expected end.

Journey to Malachi, is my journey from becoming a powerless victim to a victorious over-comer! As a reader I invite you to share this intimate journey with me embark to discover how I became a messenger of light, liberty and love. Whether you have been through the same things that I have or simply understand hard times, I plan to grab your hand and become YOUR companion as well journey together to find the divine purpose & ultimate overcoming victory that is wrought from our utmost pains.


Knowing Malachi - 1 Week 
Feature at BK Walker Books Etc.
December 22 - Introduction
December 23 - Malachi's Passion
December 24 - Sharing His Story
December 26 - Interview Part 1
December 27 - Interview Part 2
December 28 - Wrap-Up