"Be first, be daring, be different." Ray Kroc

E. Lynn Harris
Having lived a life less ordinary, E. Lynn Harris brought us his unique style and immense gift by way of his first novel Invisible Life.

Picture this, March 23, 1996, the peak--valley is more like it--of my impoverished obscurity. A small book store in Miami, Florida. I’m standing in the ‘African American’ section--because there is no ‘Spanish American’ section--looking for something to take me away from reality. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot of good stuff in the ‘Translated’ section, but it’s not about my world; it’s either Drama--and there’s too much of that in my life already--or tragedy--and thank God there’s none of that in my life, but I don’t like reading it. As I search for the latest Terry McMillan--the only one I could rely on at the time--I'm invited to join the reading for a young new author, E. Lynn Harris. That's all it took. That, and my conversation with him. My life was forever changed. He was the reason I finished college, he influenced me to put my thoughts down on paper. He spoke to me as if he knew me! E. Lynn was taken from us to soon. I am forever grateful.

Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say
"Founded in 1998, Nuestra Palabra: Latino Writers Having Their Say has gone from the party hall of Chapultepec Restaurant to Exhibit Hall F of the George R. Brown Convention Center. When we began, we were told that there was not an audience for Latino literature. We are thrilled to say that today the largest book events in Houston are Latino events. We are proud to bring you Houston's contribution to the Latino Literary Renaissance." Nuestra Palabra.org

Robert Rodriguez

Lynda Sandoval.com
October 2000, I stand transfixed, memorized by the name on the book. It looks like . . . no . . .yes . . .a Latina name . . .it is! This book is for me! And so, I do believe, I do believe, there is no place like home. People are interested in what we think and what we have to say. Bravo Lynda!

Paula Deen 
Anything I say about Ms. Deen could never do justice to someone who is the very sun in the sky. She is an Angel sent to care for us. Role models like Ms. Deen are rare. Her gift is not just cooking it's her vivacious personality, contagious spirit, humorous style and inspirational appeal. She shares the warmth of her kitchen and genuine Southern hospitality. No journey in life could ever be complete without having known her. Mother, author, entrepreneur, TV personality (Paula's Home Cooking ). Thank you Ms. Deen.

Celia Cruz
"¡Azúcar!" Without another word said you'd know exactly who it was. "La Reina de la Salsa" Celia Cruz, not the voice of a generation, but the heart and soul of my exiled people. I miss her terribly.

Jeff Rivera.com
Author of "Forever My Lady". Jeff Rivera is an author and inspirational media personality. He has appeared on national television, radio and print in such outlets as Forbes.com, The Boston Globe, Publishers Weekly, Right On! Magazine, Rotarian Magazine, TMZ, WABC, WNBC, WCBS, SITV, American Latino and NPR. He also writes or has written for Entertainment Weekly, Mediabistro, GalleyCat, Publishing Perspectives, Digital Book World, Examiner, American Chronicle, School Library Journal and the Huffington Post and has been invited to speak and inspire groups all over the world from South Carolina to Nigeria. He has been on panel discussions for The Library Journal, Authors Guild, the Harlem Book Fair and many others. He is known to have broken the news that Seth Godin was ditching traditional publishing which lead to mentions on hundreds of blogs and media outlets including The LA Times, Fast Company, and New York Observer. His news break that Jackie Collins would be self-publishing the US-version of her eBook lead to mentions in The Bookseller, The Guardian, USA Today and hundreds of other outlets. His humble beginnings of living in American poverty on welfare and food stamps as the child of a single mother, to his days living in his car and final rise to becoming a published author, journalist and media personality have inspired many. Rivera created a massive online following before the eBook revolution even existed. He was able to land an agent and a book deal with Warner Books (now known as Grand Central Publishing) within 7 days. He has used the knowledge he gained from this experience to help coach his clients on social media campaigns and has helped over 100 clients take the first step in landing an agent too.

MLB
Baseball is the I Ching of all living things, the true sport of life. Though I can be found watching just about any sport, baseball is what I live for. Having been oppressed for years by a non sports loving individual, I am free at last.

Teams of preference are: Marlins, Boston--I grew up in New Hampshire, Mets--I've lived in New York, and the Dodgers--Brad Penny and Hee-Seop Choi were traded there last season. (Pavano was #1 in my heart until . . . he did not choose wizely.)

2005: My picks for this season: Well of course the Marlins. I believe the Chicago White Sox will go to the World Series this year and that the Nationals will make a great showing.  I'm usually not wrong, I picked the Marlins in 2003 and the Sox in 2004--little secret, I've picked the Sox every year since '86.

Well, I did pick it again this year, well forget about my Nationals prediction. White Sox! 

2006: You know that I've always gone for the underdog! Who I'm looking forward to seeing in the World Series this year--if the Marlins don't get there--are the Dodgers and Tigers.

2007: That's the way to do it! Red Sox Nation lives!!!!!!! 2013: Every little thing is gonna be alright!

FloridaMarlins.com
I love baseball, I live in Miami, you do the math.

Metallica.com
A true fan needs no explanation.

Aaron Lewis
Aaron Lewis. Any questions? I thought not!

Stevie Ray Vaughn
Only a true legend can do what he did.  He came, he played, he conquered.
His music will live forever.

MyFlorida.com
What the future holds, no one knows, but staying informed is an important part of getting there. Stop, look, listen, most importantly speak up!

BlackAmericaWeb.com
What did I say before? Stay informed.


HGTV.com
Foodnetwork.com
TheForce.net

Timothy Zahn
Customarily confessions can be painful, mine is excruciatingly so, which is why I will never share it.  Know this, Tim Zahn not only forever altered my arduous path, but cultivated my son's love for reading and learning.  I am forever grateful.

My favorite Zahn quote:
"Luck is merely an illusion, trusted by the ignorant and chased by the foolish."
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/t/timothy_zahn.html

AaronAllston.com
This best selling author of multiple novels has recently shot the low-budget horror movie Deadbacks which he also wrote. http://www.deadbacks.com/
In 2005, was inducted into The Academy of Adventure Gaming Arts and Design for his outstanding contributions to the game industry.

Allston's well formed analytical intellect is the impetus for the sharp, meticulous details he skillfully brings to life. His thought provoking, adventurous, writing style, complimented by his natural witty repartee, captivates readers.  But I remember him most--in keeping with his trademark humor-- as the first person to notice any trace of an accent in my voice. . . as if! Your work will live on forever! It was an honor to have known you.

My favorite Allston declaration:
"When I assume control of this planet, all products will be repackaged to do harm to people who don't read the instructions.  So be ready." http://www.catharton.net/authors/readarticle.php?article_id=406

My favorite Allston quote:
"When all else fails, complicate matters." (I like it because it goes along with my mantra, "If you can't baffle them with brilliance, dazzle them with bullshit." Of course over the years its gotten so much more difficult since bullshit is now so prevalent.) More information at http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Aaron_Allston