The DeShawn Snow Foundation

I can't write a book like K My Name Is Kendra without also providing a list of resources to which I can direct my young readers. There are many such organizations, I'm finding in my research, and some of them were founded by celebrities. The Joyful Heart Foundation (founded by Law & Order: SVU's Mariska Hargitay) is one of my favorites. There are many others that I'll be adding to the Resources section at the back of the book when it's published, but one that most recently caught my attention is the DeShawn Snow Foundation, which I learned about in an Essence.com article profiling the cast members of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Say what you like about the ladies (I only know what I read because I don't watch the show), but anyone who uses their celebrity status to provide a safe haven for troubled teenage girls of color deserves a round of applause for such efforts.

Mary J. Blige's New Site

I know, it's been a lonnnnnnnnnnnng time since I last posted. I've been very busy. And lazy about blogging. Okay, more lazy than busy.

Just wanted to log in for a quick moment to say that I have exciting news: I'm joining the Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FAWN) as a blogger! Among other things, I'll be posting about self-esteem, family, and personal growth. All the things I love to write and talk about.

I'm excited about this opportunity! I believe in their mission and I'm grateful to be a part of the organization in its infancy stage.

So stop by the site every now and then and drop a comment to me and/or the other bloggers there. We always appreciate constructive feedback.

Make Me Over, Eb!

Found this online show today (archived at blogtalkradio.com). I'm hoping that I'll be able to chat with the hostess, Ebony Looney, on her next episode, which broadcasts live Sundays on WOIC AM 1230 (Columbia, SC) . I'm sure she'll have lots of great tips that will help me navigate this makeover project of mine. I'll let you know if I make contact with her.

If you're in makeover-mode too, then check out her personal website for tips that may help you in your own journey.

HOTGIRLS, Inc.

I love the work of this group: Helping Our Teen Girls In Real Life Situations. Founded by Dr. Carla Stokes, Ph.D., M.P.H., the purpose of this non-profit Atlanta group is to improve "the health and lives of black young women and girls by providing health education, youth development, media literacy, and technology programming".

I'm hoping to introduce my upcoming young adult novel K My Name Is Kendra to them personally.

Meanwhile, check them out here.

Teenage Girls Bill of Rights

Found this at the Joyful Heart Foundation site (mentioned below). Every girl should follow this code for their personal safety.

Diggin' This Site: Joyful Heart Foundation

I learned of this site when I was doing research for the Resources section of my upcoming book, K My Name Is Kendra. I decided to include the section when I reached the halfway point in writing the book. After all, how can I tell the fictional story of Kendra and dedicate it to real-world sexual abuse victims but not include information on where these survivors can go to heal?

So the Joyful Heart Foundation is one of the several organizations you'll see listed in the back of the book as well as at my site. Its President and Founder is none other than actress Mariska Hargitay of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit fame, who started the non-profit in 2002 with the goal of helping "survivors of sexual assault heal their minds, bodies and spirits and reclaim their lives." As I suspected before even reading the rest of her statement, she was moved to do so after beginning her role on the show. Emails and letters from real-life survivors touched her, and from this was born Joyful Heart.

Take a few moments to visit the site for yourself, or pass the link along to someone who needs the healing.

D.C. Is Chasing the Dream!

Just pitched an idea to myvoicedc.com to write a column called "D.C. Is Chasing the Dream!". Won't post any details just yet, but it'll be interesting to see how it all turns out.

Keep you posted...

Diggin' This Site: Telltalepress.com

This is the perfect little gift for writers. Tell Tale Press sells colorful stationery products that actually do, well, tell a tale. Each greeting card has the beginning of a story that you can then complete as part of a writing contest. Very creative writing prompt.

I purchased my set a couple of years ago, but I've never given one away. They're too cute!

Diggin' This Site: Meetup.com

Great place to search for and create in-person meetups with people who share your various interests.

Diggin' This Site: Encarta.com

I swear, there are days I feel that I'm just getting dumber and dumber.

Why, I don't know. I mean, I'm well-read. I write alot, so my mind is constantly active. I engage in stimulating conversation with friends, family and strangers.

Still, I feel downright stupid at times. So I've gotten into the habit of visiting the Encarta section of msn.com lately, and I take their little quizzes to test my knowledge of things taught to me way back in the day, as well as learn new things based on my current interests as an adult. It's not much, I know, but it helps. At least until I can afford to take some online courses I've had my eye on.

Try it!

Diggin' This Site: Shelfari.com

Have you joined Shelfari yet? If you're a booklover, then you'll want to check out this growing community of readers around the globe. Stop by there today, become a member, build your profile, add titles to your shelf, and start connecting to bookworms just like you!