Nine Voices: A Collection of Prose And Fiction About Life And Love by African American Writers

About the Authors Ronell Lucas, Author of Sonny’s Song The last of four daughters born to Mr. James (deceased) & Mrs. Hattie Harris, Ronell was born under the sign of Scorpio. She has a determination and flair that keeps her humbled enough to reach her goals.She is the wife of Norman A. Lucas, mother of Emily L. Laing, mother-in-law of Edwin A. Laing, and grandmother of James A. Laing, sister, friend, and spiritual confidante of far too many to name. After completing her undergraduate studies in Psychology and Communications, Ronell has worked for her Pastor as the church Administrator, and continues to take care of her family. She is a strong woman of faith and it is Ronell’s faith that is a constant factor in her success over the years.Damion Sanders, Author of Veronica Andrews Is 26-year-old Brooklyn born writer, performing artist and actor residing in Flatbush. He is currently in the production of a hip-hop driven/spoken word cd with Producer Secotine Bodi. In the past he has frequented open mics and slams at such venues as the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe., Tavaru, Nightingales, Bowery Poetry Club and the Rush Arts Gallery. He has also co-wrote and acted with director Larry Floyd in "Detox" an ongoing, off-Broadway theater production.Daberal Castillo, Author of Whispers of My Life Writing has always been my safe haven in the maelstrom of emotions we call life. As a child I turned to writing when navigating my way through problems and solutions were totally uncertain. Happily the rainbow of words that exploded unto pages before me resulted in who I am today. Now at the tender age of forty-one I have my family who readily keeps me grounded. Hopefully, you and I, can not only embark upon a journey worth taking but we can whether the storms successfully.Janis R. McClain, Author of I Wasn’t Looking This author was born Janis Regina McClain, in a native of NY State. Born in Port Chester, and raised in the town of Greenburgh of White Plains, NY. She now resides in Mount Vernon, NY. Fourth of five siblings, she has always been naturally inclined towards the arts, her first love being singing. She also loves and enjoys the written word, and has various talents, skills, and interests; refusing to be limited or pigeon-holed in to thinking she has to restrict herself to choose just one area of concentration and fulfillment.She has college credits for course studies done in English Composition Writing, Audio/Midi Music Technology, Business Accounting, Modern Dance and Jewelry Making from Westchester Community College. In addition, Janis has had extensive training and experience in African, Caribbean and Modern Dance, songwriting and has sung in numerous talented bands and played as a lead vocalists. Additionally she holds the copyrights to a catalog of original song compositions, jewelry designs, a play and now this short story. Janis has taken piano, plays by ear and has attended workshops/seminars in acting, personal growth and development, communication, secretarial/office practices, and has done a lot of applied studies in the areas of spiritual and self growth.Gary Batson, Author of an Imperfect Love Writer/editor/Publisher (An Imperfect Love), B.A., MA., Ed.M., is President of Batson Communications & Entertainment Company and co-Publisher of Batson-Jones-Rea Publishing Company. He earned his B.A. from Fordham University, his M.A. and Ed.M from Columbia University with a specialization in Communications. His articles and PR placements were published in The New York Times, Daily News, New Jersey Star Ledger, Billboard and The Amsterdam News. His plays have been produced at Samuel French and Strawberry One Act Festivals, The Paul Robeson Theater, Michael Carson Studios, The Negro Ensemble Company and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. His fiction and poetry were published in City University Magazine, Fordham University literary Magazine, Thirst for Fire (a California based literary magazine) and several anthologies. Mr. Batson received a Fellowships from The Lee Strasberg Theater Institute for acting, The Mayor’s Scholarship and the Model Cities Writing Award.Walter Jones, Author of Naomi Writer/Publisher is a native of Fayetteville, NC. After graduratiing from Anne Chestnut High School. Mr Jones moved to NYC, where he attended Circle In The Square Theatre School studying acting/playwriting. He spent five years as writer/actor in residence at Joe Papp's Public Theatre, where several of his plays were produced after he moved to Ellen Stewart’s Cafe LaMa’s, where he’s currently in residence. Mr. Jones also spent time in Hollywood with Norman Lear/Bud Yorkin Toy Production as a term writer for the Sitcom."What’s Happenin’" Tonya Daniels, Author of Come What May Is a resident of Brooklyn, New York and completing her novel of the same name. She will graduate from The College of New Rochelle May 2006.K. D. Sims, Author of The Club Keon Darrelle Sims was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York but has traveled extensively throughout the United States. As a former student of The College of New Rochelle, Brooklyn Campus, he particpated in Professor Batson's creative writing class. The Club is a result of the workshop. Keon is an amateur photographer and his pictures have appeared in the Brooklyn Free Press.Robbin Simon, Author of Undercover Girlfriends was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She is currently employed as the Program Coordinator of a transitional housing program for adults with substance abuse and mental illness. At the age of 45, Robbin returned to college and will be a proud member of the class of 2006; The College of New Rochelle receiving her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She plans to obtain her MSW and continue her work with underserved populations. Robbin is the mother of three daughters Aquena, Rayna and Kiara and the grandmother of Troix and Trey Williams.