Romance Meets Life

Still is a Book on Christianity, Suicide, Mental Illness and Alcoholism - Eniola Prentice [Guest Author]
Bride Gets Married Dragging Newborn By The Train As She Walks Down the Aisle
Charles Novia Makes Himself Moral Police On Top Tiwa Savage Music Video 'Wanted'
Lupita Nyong'o Options Film Rights For Americanah By Chimamanda Adichie
Things You Should Know Before You Fall in Love
Kim and Kanye Continue European Tour Honeymoon, Kanye Shows Off Wedding Ring

Still is a Book on Christianity, Suicide, Mental Illness and Alcoholism - Eniola Prentice [Guest Author]

Posted: 31 May 2014 04:12 PM PDT

Eniola Prentice was born in Lagos Nigeria where she began to pen her stories as early as nine years old, inspired by an eclectic group of writers. Her budding writing career was put in the back burner as she pursued her dream of becoming a medical doctor, completing her undergraduate degree in Chicago, Illinois and her medical degree in Washington, DC.

However in the third year of medical school inspired by the holy spirit or the voices in her head (she would prefer to blame God for this one) and the unique and inspiring stories of friends that became her family in medical school she began to write her debut novel and series, Still. She hopes that her writing compels challenges, inspires people and draws people to the Christian God's redeeming love. Please read her exclusive interview with RML below...

Q: When did you start to write?
I officially started to write about two to three years ago but I have been writing all my life.

Q: Is this your first book, can you tell us more about it?
Yes it is my first book. I began writing the novel in the third year of medical school. The stories of my friends in med school including my life story seemed to be playing out in med school. I thought it would be interesting to catalogue those stories and memories. My friends and I had a lot fun in medical school so Still is somewhat of a memorial of that time in my life. The novel is about four characters , their intertwining relationships, friendships in med school and med school itself.

Q: Why did you decide to write Still? What inspired it, and is the four part series already done?
I wanted to write Still because I felt it was important to tell my story because it had not been told me before. Honestly, writing this novel while in medical school was not easy but I did it by the grace of God. I would have to say God inspired it and kept the flames burning when I wanted to give up.

LOL. In my head the four part series is done. I will have to write the rest of the series. I broke it into four because I wanted to present a more realistic portrayal of medical school because medical school is four years in the States.

Q: Your book is set in medical school, is there any particular reason for this? Do you have personal experience of this?
Yes. I went to medical school and I am a doctor now. My personal experiences and the relationship I had with my friends in medical school was another driving force for the novel.

Q: Do tell us more about atheist Fadesola, are there many like her in Nigeria?
Fadesola is not a typical athest. She's someone that has been emotionally hurt and chooses not to believe that there is God. She makes that choice because she's angry with God and it is easier for her to believe that God doesn't exist than believe He exists and allowed all the horrible things she has experienced in life happen.

I don't know if they are many like her in Nigeria. I do know my own personal beliefs and know that in my walk with God I have held on to the same erroneous beliefs, I don't think her thought process is unique in that respect. It's very difficult to change thought patterns and I couldn't explain it to you in this one interview. It took accepting that God loved me by faith and understanding it for myself by studying the bible to break the thought process.

Q: How do you go about choosing the particular issues to tackle through your writing?
It came organically. I did not over think the plan for the novel during the initial stages. I tackle suicide, mental illness and alcoholism.

Q: Did you have to do a lot of research to situate your book in the appropriate place and time?
No, not really. Since I went to medical school it wasn't necessary.

Q: What was your publishing journey like?
It has been both interesting and challenging. I went into it being a little naïve and I lacked a lot of basic information. My advice for anyone would be –do your research first. Whether you are self publishing or publishing traditionally, both routes have their unique challenges.

Q: So you are self-published, what has the business side of writing been like for you?
The business side hasn't been as challenging as I thought it would be. I have tried to be prudent with choosing what I wanted to invest in. The bulk of my investment with money went into editing. I thought it was necessary because a badly edited book affects the reader's experience the most. Having tech savvy website wasn't as important to me and since it did not directly involve the readers experience I did not invest as much money into that.

Q: Tell us more about your own life, where are you originally from and how does that affect your writing?
I am originally from Nigeria. I spent all my life in Nigeria before I moved to the States for college then for medical school. A lot of my identity revolves around being Nigerian so it affects my writing because I tend to infuse my culture into my writing. The novel is also somewhat autobiographical in a way, so my life experiences affect my writing.

Q: What's up next for you?
In terms of writing, book two of the Still series. I would also like to get more involved in indie publishing by helping other likeminded authors publish their work.

Q: What do you do in addition to writing? Where can readers find you online?
I am a medical doctor. I am starting residency next month and I am excited about that. They can find me at eniolaprenticewrites.blogspot.com

Q: Please tell us where we can find the book for purchase.
You can find the book on Amazon. It will also appear on smash words and other retailers including Barnes and Noble and Apple store.

About the book

A broken soul,
an alcoholic,
a certifiable genius,
a Christian man
and a secret that will destroy the bonds of their friendship.

When self-proclaimed atheist Fadesola, gets into medical school she believes that it's a fresh start of sorts for her. Until she discovers her class mate is charming and handsome Tayo Smith, a man she encountered in a violent moment years ago. This revelation shatters Fadesola's already fragile emotional state but hope comes where she least expects it. A seemingly innocent friendship with Tayo's friend, Ladi, slowly develops into a smoldering relationship with both afraid to acknowledge their mutual feelings.

Things get even more complicated when Nikky, Fadesola's classmate and friend, ignores her desperate warnings and decides that Tayo is the man she is meant to be with. However, within the complexities of this friendship these flawed individuals will experience God's redemptive grace in a setting each believed his love would never find them. Still, the first book of a four part series is a coming of age story about navigating through medical school in the first year, complete with hilarious hook ups and breaks ups, legendary parties and incessant studying, and experiencing the triumph of success and disappointment of failure.

Social Media

1. Readers can follow Still and the rest of the books in the series on facebook here.

2. They can also follow the #stillbyEniolaPrentice hashtag on twitter to follow the author and the bloggers to keep up to date with the reviews.

To keep up with Eniola Prentice and the Still book series, readers can sign up on her blog here, on Twitter and on Google+

Giveaway

One person will win a signed paperback copy of the novel and a 40 dollar gift card. The winner will be announced on the last day of the tour, June 17th on Eniola'smblog and the winner will be notified by email. The giveaway is only open to residents in the United States and Canada. You can also go to the Author's blog to register.

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Bride Gets Married Dragging Newborn By The Train As She Walks Down the Aisle

Posted: 31 May 2014 04:33 PM PDT

Tennessee couple Shona Carter and Jonathan Brooks got married last weekend, and the couple, who had also just welcomed a newborn daughter, wanted the baby to be a part of the wedding in a creative way. Shona finally had the one-month-old infant attached to the train of her wedding dress as you can see above.

A photo from the wedding that showed the baby wrapped in the material that formed the train of the mother's wedding dress quickly went viral on social media. A lot of people were amazed at the bride's decision to literally drag her newborn down the aisle. Some wondered what if something had happened to the baby. I was among those that shook my head, couldn't she have just carried the baby?

Anyway, the new bride took to Facebook yesterday to tell us all that her baby girl is perfectly fine. She wrote;

"People questioning what we do, commenting all negative, and just doing the most. We good though we covered by the Blood which never loose its power. So to the media, radio, news, and whomever else wanting to talk about what WE do here you go: Media Media I see how it works regardless the situation or purpose people gone have something negative to say! The answer is we do what we want when we want long as Jesus on our side everything worked out fine and gone continue to be fine. Our 1 month old was awake and well secured on my train. Most important while yall got ya feelings in us we had our hearts in Christ which covers all!! So keep ya mouths running for it was just that Exclusive and Epic enough we made top blog way from small town Ripley, TN and the social media doing what they do, TALK!!!!"

Above are more pictures from the wedding and of the cute baby that was part of the drama. What do you think of the choice to attach the baby to the train of her wedding gown, and also the new mother's reaction to criticism?

Charles Novia Makes Himself Moral Police On Top Tiwa Savage Music Video 'Wanted'

Posted: 31 May 2014 04:36 PM PDT

When the furore arose on social media about what Tiwa Savage wore or did not wear as the case may be in her music video for Wanted, I was surprised but determined not to comment. I thought it would blow over when everyone has tweeted, Facebooked and instagrammed their hearts out.

It's interesting therefore that Charles Novia has expanded his tweets into a full post, all on top a woman's body matter? And accordig to him, he is the moral police and he is shouting most especially to protect a morally progressive Nigeria. Huh, say again?

It did not matter to me when I watched the video what Tiwa was wearing, and it should not, she is a performer. We have seen other performers do the same and maybe even more. Whether she was naked, wearing a body suit - as she was - should not be what Nigerians should fixate on, at her level, Tiwa is entertaining a global audience. Some say she is copying Beyonce, and I say, haven't we heard before that Beyonce is copying some other people?

Art is cyclical and each creative person is inspired by their environment and sometimes, specific work by some other creatives. Tiwa is no different, and we should not try to box her in, or other talents, from fully expressing herself, just because she is Nigerian and we are protecting an amorphous culture that has not moved our country forward in any way.

More than that, Tiwa is an adult and her body is her's and if anyone should have a say so, it is her husband, who in this instance, doubles as her manager. TeeBillz has come out to say he is fully behind his wife and they stand together in the professional direction they are taking her music.

May I also remind us of all the men who have shot videos half naked? How many thesis have been written on top their own head? None, eh? So men have no impact on the cultural sanctity of the country, abi?

On this final note, I say to the moral police brigade, take several seats!

PS - I did not post Tiwa Savage's Wanted earlier though I received the PR as soon as the video premiered on Youtube. I listened to the song but was not impressed by the excessive auto-tune nor the sparse lyrics. I prefer lyrically sound, and vocally performed ballads, and if the video has a love story, even better. Wanted was none of these and so I jump am pass.

Lupita Nyong'o Options Film Rights For Americanah By Chimamanda Adichie

Posted: 31 May 2014 04:01 AM PDT

The film rights for Americanah by Chimamanda Adichie has been optioned by actress and Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o. This was confirmed during a book session Chimamanda had with the Stylist magazine yesterday in London. It was earlier reported that Lupita was simply to play Ifemelu, but this is even bigger. Congrats to both amazing women. See the tweets below from the blogger who attended the event.

It's confirmed - Lupita has optioned Americanah and has the film rights to the book. Chimamanda said it! #stylistbookclub @StylistMagazine
— Bids in Graceland (@BidsInGraceland) May 29, 2014

"Strong women are not remarkable to me; they are normal" - Chimamanda Adichie @StylistMagazine #stylistbookclub
— Bids in Graceland (@BidsInGraceland) May 29, 2014

I am a big fan of Barack Obama but an even bigger fan of Michelle Obama - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie #stylistbookclub
— Stylist Magazine (@StylistMagazine) May 29, 2014

For those who are wondering what optioning a book's film rights means, it means that Lupita has reserved the rights for a limited period of time in order to make the film, and she is supposed to pay the author and/or publishing company a stipend based on those rights for that period. After the initial period expires, she may be able to option it for another period, or the option will become open to other interested parties.

Things You Should Know Before You Fall in Love

Posted: 31 May 2014 02:09 AM PDT

Ignorance of these things have often resulted to heartbreak. If you have more, you can share so that I will also learn (and add to my collections).

1. DO NOT FALL IN LOVE
'Fall' is a negative word. You hear people often say 'I fell in love'. Months later they are in agony of heartbreak. Its a simple explanation. They fell and broke their heart. Love at first sight will vanish if you take a second look. So you don't fall in love; you grow in love.

2. COMPATIBILITY
Two people that must be in love must be compatible in at least these five places;

(A) spiritual compatibility
Ever wonder why some churches maintain that members MUST co-marry? Imagine Jehovah Witness man marrying Lord's chosen. Imagine Deeper life man marrying Christ Embassy (trowser freak) lady. They will always clash in religious matters.

(B) mental compatibility
Imagine a trader in main market getting married to a barrister lady. He can't speak good english and will always embarrass her among her colleagues. They are in two different realms mentally. U know what I mean.

(C) physical compatibility
Have you seen Aki's wife? Ever wondered why he had to go for a tall girl? If not, they will give birth to the world's shortest kids. If you are ugly, please marry a fine partner (to make the world a better place)

(D) intimate compatibility
The recent caption I saw on the news paper a week ago 'man sues wife over sex starvation'. This is the secret of infidelity in marriage. When the man cannot satisfy his wife and vice versa

(E)emotional compatibility
Some people are just emotionally dead. They care about you but they may never tell their wife how much they love them. They may never even praise their wives in public. Watch out for the signs

3. MATURITY
Imagine a year1 student in the university in love with another year1 student in the same department and they decide to get married. Here is where age comes in. Age and mental maturity. O yes! Age is not just a number! Age has a lot to do with experience and maturity. Marriage is not a bed of roses. You will hear your wife fart! Ugly, smelly fart and you will still love her! A man in love is incomplete until he has married. Then he's finished!

4. SECURITY
Can he take care of my bills? Does he live with his parents? Is he a mummy's pet? Does he have any source of income? Can he send my kids to school? Can he protect me? And most of all is he a man or a guy or a boy or a baby? Financial security!!! The ultimate!

5. FLAWS
We all have our flaws. Our partner must live with those of our flaws that we cannot change. Most people get angry easily. I dnt want to spend time here

6. TEMPERAMENT
If by now you don't know you temperament then you're a learner. You must know your temperament and its blend. Every human on earth must have an indepth study of any book on temperament.

7. MISSING RIB
There is no such thing as 'missing rib'. In this world, there are about 500men that have the qualities you want in a man. Anyone of these 500men can be your husband (talking to the ladies). Same with the guys. Don't limit your search to one man. Look out, don't be promiscuous.

Source
_________

Read More Posts;

How to Tighten the Vagina and Keep Away Bad Smells - http://www.romancemeetslife.com/2013/08/how-to-tighten-vagina-and-keep-away-any.html

My Confession on Dencia's Whitenicious - http://www.romancemeetslife.com/2014/01/my-confession-on-dencias-whitenicious.html

10 Personality Traits in Women That Men Want - http://www.romancemeetslife.com/2013/07/10-personality-traits-in-women-that-men.html

Non Verbal Ways to Tell If A Guy Actually Loves You - http://www.romancemeetslife.com/2013/05/non-verbal-ways-to-tell-if-guy-actually.html

Introduction to New Nollywood: 15 Must Watch Nigerian Movies - http://www.romancemeetslife.com/2013/12/introduction-to-new-nollywood-15.html

An Easy Way to Soften Naturally Kinky Hair - http://www.romancemeetslife.com/2013/04/an-easy-way-to-soften-naturally-kinky.html

What to Do When Your Man Needs Some Space - http://www.romancemeetslife.com/2013/10/what-to-do-when-your-man-needs-some.html

Short Story: Love Sex and Other Things - http://www.romancemeetslife.com/2013/07/short-story-love-sex-and-other-things.html

Kim and Kanye Continue European Tour Honeymoon, Kanye Shows Off Wedding Ring

Posted: 31 May 2014 04:38 PM PDT

Kim Kardashian West and Kanye West are currently in Prague, Czech Republic for their European honeymoon, continuing from their time in France and Italy. After their wedding in Florence, the couple were first spotted heading out of a cinema in Ireland where witnesses said they watched X-Men: Days Of Future Past. In Prague, Kim and Kanye were photographed going for dinner, and the new husband and rapper showed off his wedding ring. See more pics below...

On both occassions, they were dressed in identical black outfits. It seems they are keeping a low profile, and have left North West at home with grandma so as to best enjoy their time together. More love to them.