Worldreader Demos A Heart to Mend in new Book App

Worldreader is a charity whose mission is to make digital books available to all in the developing world, enabling millions of people to improve their lives. First focusing on distributing Kindle e-readers to rural schools in some African countries, Worldreader is now moving into providing reading content to feature phones through the BiNu phone app.

Worldreader also partners with authors to make international books available to those who use their apps and readers and that is where I work with them. I have accepted to make my books accessible to the Worldreader audience for free. In the video above, Elizabeth is demoing the BiNu app, and you can see how A Heart to Mend appears on it. I hope those who read it enjoy!

To be Fair - The Other Side of the Ogochukwu Story

I was one of the people who commented on the Onuchukwu's story on my blog and I feel it is only fair to also bring the other side. This counter story is written by a named lawyer and so can be said to be more trustworthy than the other which was written by an anonymous confidante. From this new perspective, the initial story may have come because Ogochukwu's family have some issues with her husband.

The rebuttal was written by Barr. Mrs Nnenna Okafor (PHD). Is she saying the truth? I do not know. She says she lived with the couple for four years and was closer to both than the original writer. Read and make up your own mind.

Charity Hopping Around the World Giveaway - PROJECTALERT

Most of my regular readers must have guessed that I am quite passionate about women's rights, and so the charity I will be talking about is PROJECTALERT. Project Alert is a charity set up in Nigeria to promote and protect the rights of young girls and women. hey "seek to influence society by actively advocating for zero tolerance for all forms of violence against women and young girls".

This hop hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer, Reading Away the Days and Reading a Little Bit of Everything) and my giveaway is an eBook of A Heart to Mend, which slightly deals with the topic.

Dear Myne - My Parents Rejected Him because of Tribe

Hi Myne, I met the BF online, not online per say because we share a mutual friend. He saw my picture on this mutual’ friend of ours profile on facebook who happens to be my best friend and also his own best friend’s GF. He asked of my number and she gave him. We started talking, instant messaging, skyping and all that. He never asked me out until we became so close and I couldn’t say no. He was so sweet, loving and caring. This happened when he was still in turkey for his masters, that was in 2010.

I can’t remember him asking me out properly but I know we just clicked and before I could know it he confessed his love for me. Anyway he completed his masters and went back home January 2011, we made plans on meeting coz I thot I was going to be home by then, unfortunately I didn’t make it to naija that period, so we couldn’t meet until last December when I went back.

For Trayvon Martin - When will his Killer be Arrested?

This picture was taken on Atala's birthday in February. It had been a running joke between us that he didn't own any hoodies, so I bought him one and as he smoldered around the room modeling it for me, I snapped off a couple of shots on my BB. Now with the whole Trayvon Martin case, I wonder if I should have bought it? Maybe I should make sure he never wears it again?

Obama poignantly said, "If I had a son, he'd look like Trayvon." I shudder to say, many of our loved ones do. Since I first heard about the murder on Lady Ngo's blog, I've been waiting to hear of a follow-up arrest. Yet, with all the protests and the hot air in the press, Zimmerman walks free. Race or not, I do not buy the self-defence or stand-your-ground argument. When will Trayvon Martin get justice?

I Won $1000 to promote the Naijastories Anthology

Who remembers this post about World of Betters? Yes, the Naija Stories idea won $1000!

Naijastories.com is the leading community for Nigerian writers and book lovers, combining elements of a writing critique website and a social networking site. Of Tears and Kisses, Heroes and Villains is Volume 1 of the 'Best of NaijaStories' series. The 30 stories featured in the anthology were all originally published on the website between March 2010 and March 2011.

Read on NAIJASTORIES.COM

Buy Paperback from the NaijaStories Createspace Store

Buy in Kindle format and Print from Amazon.com

Buy the NOOK version from Barnes&Noble online

Buy various eBook formats from Smashwords.com

**If you live in Nigeria and want the ebook delivered as a PDF file to your email inbox, please contact admin@naijastories.com for payment details (via Zenith Bank and GTBank).

Can we please accept that Divorce is an Option?

Yes, I am saying it again. Divorce is an option, is an option, is an option. Why do we women do this to ourselves? Some stories you read just break your heart. Marriage is good but only if you are happy and fulfilled with your partner. When the relationship is unhealthy, and your physical and emotional well-being is threatened, PLEASE GET OUT.

Seek help, accept support, do whatever you have to, but please LEAVE that toxic environment. If you're dating unhappily and waiting for a wedding to console you, marriage is more than a ring. If you're married and miserable, waiting for children to wipe your tears, there are no guarantees. If you live in a fractured home waiting for your children to grow and take you away, you may never make it.

Wicked Evolution: BURN - Romance Meets Music

When I first heard about Jada Pinkett's song, my initial thoughts were, is she a musician too? I decided to watch the video to it this weekend, and I think she acquitted herself quite well. Her vocals, the emotion, and most of all, the lyrics, I loved it.

It is a steamy (read, baby-making) song and she dedicates it in Spanish to Will Smith as follows;

This song that I’m about to sing is very important to me because it’s the beginning of a new love for my husband. After 17 years, I never thought I could love him even more. This is for him.

Cute, eh? Check out the lyrics after the break, and hope you had a great weekend. See you soon.

Wings of Hope - Hillary Peak (Guest Author)

Hillary Peak calls herself a recovering idealist. She became a lawyer to change the world and is still somewhat shocked that didn't occur. Now, her goal is to retire from practicing law and write novels that people love.

She is currently a practicing attorney in the District of Columbia. She lives with her family in Alexandria, Virginia. Below she writes about what led her to write her new book, Wings of Hope.

E Don Happen, Na Wetin I go Talk?

Do you remember the story of a househelp, her madam's white trousers, and a naked oga in the master bathroom? This is the sequel...

As I turn face madam, na plenty tings jus enter my head, wetin I wan tell madam? Which kain lie I go take lie wey my punishment go reduce? As I don dey used to this place, e no go too sweet to return go back to the place wey my papa and mama dey stay. I no talk say I no like my papa and mama o, before una turn to dey curse me but I don big pass the place wey dem dey stay and no be mouth. A girl suppose aim for the skies na, abi no be so? As madam wan open mouth shout again na im I jus fall for ground dey roll.

Michelle Obama Rocking Natural Afro Hairdo

What do you think of Michelle Obama's afro hairstyle? I looks great if you ask me, and coming from Nigeria where we love changing our hairstyles every other week, the new hairstyle makes a lot of sense.

Some people are wondering how the majority of Americans will take it. We all know some parts of black America are obsessed with natural versus straightened hair, and some parts of white America are obsessed with how "really" American President Obama and Michelle are.

Kick-Butt Characters Giveaway Hop

Hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer, this hop features the best Kick-Butt Characters in Young Adult Books. Several bloggers are taking part in this giveaway and featuring amazing books with fantastic characters. Check out the list of participants.

My giveaway is Cynthia's Attic: The Missing Locket by Mary Cunningham which features two friends, time travel, a family mystery, and lots of escapades.

Knowing When to Walk Away by Eddie Steeze

I’m not a bad person. I’ve done bad things, but I’m not a bad person. My life has been pretty straightforward: I see what I like, I position and strategize myself, I go in for the kill and I win. I always win. In academics, business, money, relationships, romance…

Romance…

I had a good rapport with females. I had lots of them coming at me in droves. And why not? I was young, funny, charming and generous (excuse me for sounding immodest). However, I never dated any of them. I did the occasional friends with benefits thing and nothing more. My friends thought I was weird. Just pick one, they would say. I tried explaining my reason for holding back, but none of them seemed to understand. So I bowed to pressure and dated a girl called Morenike. Worst mistake I ever made in the dating department.

I believe I can Fly - Jarno Smeets and Human BirdWings

Do you believe someone could fly just by flapping their arms attached to wing-like material? Well, Jarno Smeets claims he did in the video below. There is some controversy on Gizmodo and The Register regarding whether it is real or CGI, but it makes for an interesting watch anyway.

What do you say, true or false? Can humans hope to fly like birds one day?

WA Romance Authors on why YOU should read Romance Novels

Recently, One+TheOne called me out in her blog series about The Journey to THE ONE when she wrote; "Romance books can damage your sense of reality: Now, I am not against romantic novels or literature (Myne Whitman, I believe, I believe :-) but I would say that it is very necessary to not get lost in fiction and forget how to live in real life!"

I agree with her that readers should take fiction for what it is - someone's imagination. However I think it is wrong to blame romance novels for damaging a reader's sense of reality. In my opinion, the outcome of reading a romance novel depends on what lessons the personality of the reader leads them to choose from their fiction. I read thousands of romance novels from when I was like ten, and believe me, it only made me more choosy and perceptive. Well, apart from my own experience, I've gone further to get some reinforcements from my fellow Romance Writers of West Africa.

Spring into Books Hop - What does Spring mean to you?

Welcome to the Spring into Books Hop hosted by eReading on the Cheap and Beck Valley Books. The hop lasts from March 20 - March 31st at 11:59 PM EST. Each blog participating has at least a $10 book related Prize. There will be two winners here,

Spring Cleaning - Clearing Your Shelf Giveaway Hop

This giveaway hop is hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer. Spring is upon us and some people usually take this time to clean out their space. Several bloggers are using this opportunity to pass on books on their shelf to new homes. My giveaway is OTHER by Karen Kincy

Dear Myne: He goes 3 weeks without talking to me?

Yes, I decided to call this the Dear Myne column. I'm no psychologist, but maybe some of you out there are, and there is definitely wisdom among many. Thanks for your comments.

Please Myne I need ur advice on this. I’m so sorry about the long read. I just couldn’t pour my heart out to anyone like I just did now. Sorry for any errors I can’t even proof read. I’m so sad right now. Thanks.

Well, BF and I are having some issues. My BF is the weirdest person I’ve met so far in my life. Yea he’s just so weird. Since the early days of our relationship he just disappears from time to time. The first time, I didn’t hear from him for a month and I didn’t check on him either coz I knew nothing happened between us, I just kept wondering what the hell is wrong with him. Anyway when we finally started talking I asked what happened and all he could say was he wanted to know how long he could stay away from me. Seriously? Who does that??? Sigh.

Adele: Chasing Pavements - Romance Meets Music

Beautiful of Pieces of Me (I prefer, Megababeextra) is back, and she says I make love look so sweet. I do love the sweet easy going love, but from my books, you'll realize that I know the road to happy-ever-after is usually rough and tumble. I also know that if you do meet the right person when the stars align, the bumps are smoothed out by the end.

However, it can be hit-and-miss at the beginning. Maybe someone likes you but you can't reciprocate, or you crush on someone and he is unavailable, just like Adele sings in Chasing Pavements.

Have a great day all, and Happy Mothering Sunday to those in Nigeria.

When a relationship breaks down - Don Jazzy and Dbanj

Don Jazzy, the guy who produced that song which got me rocking the dance floor on my wedding day tweeted  earlier todayabout the rumours of his split with Dbanj. I shook my head of course. I didn't miss the splash made in the media of Dbanj's gaffe in an interview. And because I watched the full clip of his interview with Sahara Reporters some weeks prior, I won't be surprised if he had actually misyarned. The guy is not all that. He's just an entertainer, like he said.

Now I don't also know Don Jazzy except when people I do follow retweet him or the rags carry his tweets, so I'm not taking sides. I read the following tweets first thing this morning from one of my BB contacts.

Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway - What's your Lucky Day?

The Lucky Leprechaun giveaway hop is hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer and several blogs are taking part, with lots of amazing gifts, Check the full list of participants. There will be two winners here,

Ashley Judd in Missing - The ABC TV Show

Who watched Missing - the ABC series with Ashley Judd yesterday? After seeing trailers ads on almost every other website including the large one here on my blog, I decided to give it a go yesterday. I didn't last more than 30 mins and I think that told me all I needed to know. I feel they rushed into the story, with the husband blown up in their first five minutes, and Ashley Judd fighting the baddies within 15 minutes. A slow build-up of both the character and story suspense would have worked better for me. As it is, I haven't really connected with the main character and I'm supposed to be cheering her on?

Already, from the promos on TV, I knew it was along the same plot lines as Taken, a movie with Liam Neeson where his daughter was kidnapped for sex trafficking in France. It turns out he's a CIA operative and he goes into action to rescue her. Missing is basically the same, except here, it is the mother that is an Ex-CIA agent and going to save her son in Italy. I have been wondering if such a movie-like story can be told in series and I don't have a positive answer at this stage. I will give it another try next week, but I don't know.

Re: Christianity and Sex - What's a young Lady to do?

This is the response from the young lady who sent in that request.

Good morning, Myne. I just have to say this - thank you for posting my letter on your blog. The comments have been so realistic and helpful, and as anticipated, I did have a lot of fun. The personal experiences mentioned have taught me so much, and will be a guide in my next relationship. The comments from the males, Gbemisoke and a few others really blew my mind.

I spoke to the dear "Spirit-filled" brother who visited about how uncomfortable I was about what happened, and how we should have talked about stuff like that before he visited, and though he apologised, he called a few days later, saying he feels he's taking another man's wife. So, we are officially over. *smiling*

What Men Notice About Women - Atala Writes

Funke Akindele covers YNaija!

The question of what men notice immediately about women is one of those questions that keeps on popping up again and again in conversation. And no wonder... a person wants to know what everyone else is thinking so that he or she can take advantage of them... erm, I mean, have a better relationship with them. So it stands to reason that if women know what thing men notice first, then (assuming they want to attract men), they can flaunt that thing to the max, if it’s available to flaunt.

Life Lessons from Marriage and Motherhood by Chinyere Obi-Obasi

Today is my birthday and being in my middle 40s, since you are not near enough to partake in the rice and stew very plenty I will give you better RSVP, the lessons I have learnt. I have decided to devote this article  to share with you the lessons I have learnt all these years which did not come on a platter of gold. I am not sharing this as a writer but as a mother, wife and an elderly auntie.

I want to start by thanking God specifically for His love and blessings. I want to thank God for blessing me with a WONDERFUL LOVING HUSBAND, CHARLES, who is an epitome of responsibility. I thank God for the beautiful, sweet and well behaved children; potential leaders in their own right.

Two Weeks After Bouri Weight Loss - Holding Steady

Some of you may have followed my weight loss with the Bouari Advantage Spray and support from the Bellevue Clinic. Well, it was a 30 days programme and ended around February 25. Since then, I have tried to make sure that I did not gain back the 14 or so pounds I lost during that period. So far so good, I have actually lost a couple more pounds in the last two weeks. This is what I have been doing that seems to help;

Launching African High Street - A Dynamic Online Shopping Experience

Omosede, the founder of African High Street, contacted me sometime last year to inform me about her upcoming website and ask to stock my books. Of course, I was happy to do that, and it was with pleasure that I got her news that the website is now operational. This is her description of the site;

The First Things Ladies Notice about Men?

So I was reading Bombchell.com the other day and she had some pictures from the Arise Fashion Week in Lagos on her blog. She ran into the model from Rihanna's music video, We found Love, and she was describing how she was mesmerized by the guy's eyes. That got me thinking about what I notice first when I meet a guy, and generally what I've had friends and other ladies say they notice about guys. I also get drawn to eyes, and I can see how this guy's eyes would be a hit with the ladies.

India Arie: Brown Skin - Romance Meets Music

India Arie is one of my favorite American musicians among those who are at the edges of traditional R&B/Soul. I'm not gonna say much about this video except that I love the song and lyrics even more. It reminds me of a poem I wrote some time ago titled "You are my Poem"

Blog Awards Time is Appreciation Time - You are tagged

I don't know about others but Blog Awards always bring a smile to my face. It makes me feel good to be appreciated, yes o :) So recently, I got two awards from fellow bloggers to show they like both my blog posts and my comments on their blogs. Thank you to Rhapsody Phoenix and Destiny-Yankeenaijachic, I love you guys, your posts and your comments over here too. I remain loyal.

Invisible Children KONY 2012 and Ugandan Journalists - My thoughts

With the forthcoming American elections and all, when you see the first part of my title, you would think that was someone running for office, right? Well, you would be wrong. You may already have seen the video below or not, it has just gone viral in the last couple of days and was trending on Twitter. But as much as I think I'm plugged in, I missed it until Atala called my attention to it this morning. Kony is a rebel leader in Northern Uganda with a guerilla group under the name the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) and has been operating for the past almost 30 years now. Of course I've heard about them, either in books, fiction, or snatches in the news. Somehow, the leader's name never stuck. Until now. Thanks to the video below.

Christianity and Sex - What is a Young Lady to Do?

I got this email recently from a reader, and she agreed for me to share. Please forgive the text speak.

Myne, good evening. I'm writing cos I need advice from you. I'm a doctor in my mid-twenties, doing my NYSC. I wanna get wedded like almost all my friends, but I'm having some issues. I wanna ask you, when you met Atala, before the wedding, did you kiss and cuddle and  touch all the time?

I had a very good relationship which ended about 3yrs ago, and  the touching was part of the reason it gave way. We did almost everything but penetration, andI felt so guilty after each time. He knew, and tried to hold back but the sparks btw us alwaiz flew, andwe'd stl touchn and doing stuff. Finally, I told him not to visit me anymore, gave a flimsy reason then of writing my exams, and didn't want to be disturbed.

South Africa has apologized over Nigerian Deportations

From the tone of the South African Minister and the said apology, it seems Nigeria got the upper hand, and SA is eating humble pie, according to this report - South Africa apologizes over Nigerian deportations, faults airport health officials - The Washington Post,

I do hope that even as the two countries have ended the impasse, the Nigerian government, especially our Ministry of Health will come away with some lessons, and use this opportunity to beef up our Health Systems as regards vaccination and reporting and information systems. Maybe in future, some of us would be more wary of cutting corners too.

Setting up an eBook Publishing Company for a Target Audience

I got an email recently that said, Dear Myne,

I need information from you viz eBooks publishing and marketing. I recently set up a Publishing house [traditional publishing + self publishing + eBooks] and we are preparing for our first releases, a novel and a collection of short stories which we are publishing traditionally.

Lunar Love Giveaway Hop (US) - Book #2: Wild Justice

AND THE WINNER IS ELIZABETH OF BOOK ATTICK. CONGRATS!

This giveaway hop is hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer. Why Lunar Love? Well, March 8th is a Full Moon. Don't you just love the moon? Affecting everything from the tides of oceans, to the moods of women, and the muses of writers and readers. So yeah, several blogs are taking part, with lots of amazing gifts to be won by book lovers. Check the full list of participants. Entries close March 13, winner announced here on the 14th, and I'll send them an email soon after.

To enter - Leave a comment about a werewolf book or movie you've read/seen, and your email address.

When Foreign Relations Break Down - Nigeria and South Africa

 Unity and Faith - VS - Diverse People Unite 

I saw some of the discussions on one of my BB groups yesterday with someone making an aside comment going something like "South Africa must go" with reference to the GMG most of us are more familiar with. I wasn't sure exactly what was going on but it seems that tensions escalated overnight with Nigeria practicing a reciprocal or tit for tat model of diplomacy.

I hear that the South African Government threw the first punch when they deported more than 100 Nigerians (all the passengers in an Arik Air to SA flight - including a Senator) for having “fake Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificates”. The Nigerian Government retaliated by sending back 25 South Africans on all the incoming flights yesterday, the number has increased to 44 so far.

Faith that Moves Mountains - Woman Prays away Tornado

I couldn't help the goosebumps I had while watching this video. Maybe I wouldn't have stood outside like that, but yeah, I believe in that kind of faith and prayer. My heart goes out to the people who have lost friends and family, or their homes and business, to the rage of tornadoes sweeping across the USA.

May those who have died, rest in peace. Hope blogger peeps are doing OK. Take care, everyone.

Real Life Inspired my Books - Adauzo Uba (Guest Author)

Adauzo Ijeoma Uba is originally from Nigeria though born in London. When she remembers growing up in Enugu, she recalls lots of good memories. She schooled in the Eastern part of Nigeria where she comes from before moving with her husband to live in Lagos. She is currently in London studying to have her doctorate in counselling and psychology. She says she is a staunch Christian but tries not to discriminate against others. As much as possible she lives by the teachings of her faith which is unconditional love for all, and forgiveness. Adauzo has recently published three books to help in her counselling work and in this interview, she talks about the books and what inspires her.

She Was My First Love

Just like the queen of the night oozes its fragrance at night time, reminding it of a day that was beautiful and giving it hope of another beautiful tomorrow, so is this story of mine. A story of two young minds, finding a common understanding and appreciating the value of friendship, togetherness and love. Even though the forces of nature sometimes destroy the beauty of the world, we still appreciate the times that we were happy and thank God for giving us the good old memories to muse over and merry in.

The age was seven and the class was primary two. Significant things, difficult to forget happened that year. It was the first and only time I topped the class, it was the first and only time I won a prize and it was the first and only time I had an almost perfect friend and lost her.

Nollywood and Career Women - Married But Living Single

The promo for a new movie has started making the rounds and after watching the preview, I had to ask the question, is it so terrible for a woman to be ambitious in her career? Now, I know that career women everywhere face greater challenges in terms of work-life balance and probably the Nigerian career women is more of a new breed and this has made it even harder for her. However, I think our society has to begin to cut career women some slack, and actually start celebrating those who, though not perfect, are able to find a middle ground between work and family.

One of my problems with Nollywood is they're overly biased. And it galls me now that the so-called "New Nollywood" might not be much better. I don't know how many of you watch Nollywood, I do sometimes, and I can tell you that the preponderance of female roles are negative. From young prostitutes, to irresponsible mothers, to wicked mothers-in-Law, to old witches. Isn't art supposed to be a reflection of reality? New Nollywood may look good, but they have to stop this tradition of skewing the Nigerian reality if they intend to stay the course in standing out.

See the official trailer and Synopsis for Married but Living Single below.

More of Iconic Chicago - Cruising through the Fog

Is it obvious yet that I have Chicago on my mind? Or maybe it's just another vacation I'm hankering after. I'm thinking DC this time, but who know? Well, enjoy these pictures from our summer '09 in Chicago.

I Love You by Praiz - Romance Meets Music

This is another feature in the new series where I'll be sharing the music videos of love songs I'm feeling. Praiz, is an upcoming vocalist and musician, and while I think he's cute, I don't know about the beard. Maybe that's part of his allure for some people. I do love the smooth R&B vibe in this particular song, and the chemistry between Praiz and his lady is heart-warming. The video was shot in Johannesburg and that's probably one of the reasons the image/sound is so crisp and clear. Not saying such production is not possible in Nigeria, but.. Anyway, this song is now on my playlist, and I found the lyrics too, sweet :)

Ladies, Beware the Suitor Con - Guest Post by Chinwe Obi

This is indeed a tough one for me to comprehend as I still cannot fathom the extent to which a full grown healthy man can go to extract some good money out of an innocent, unsuspecting and most times desperate single lady. This is my story as it happened to me, hence the need to warn my fellow single ladies.

I attend one of the very popular and fast growing churches in the city of Lagos, been there for a very long time and have given up the hope of marrying from there as my thinking was that most of these guys have actually confirmed their insecurity because most of the single ladies in the same age brackets as these guys are better off financially, so they are afraid to even start up a conversation in most cases due to the fear of rejection. As a result of this, I decided to start visiting other churches and one of these churches won my heart by the way and manner they conduct things and I decided to stick with it for a while.

Can Women Propose to Men Without Saying the Words?

A couple of posts by fellow bloggers got me thinking about Leap day and that obscure Irish tradition where a lady can ask a man to marry her on this day that only occurs once every four years. Fragile Looks says she's feeling stressed, and what does the doctor order? Get Married! As if. As if it's so easy to get married, right?

I can just imagine a woman walking down the street with a placard around her neck saying, "Marry Me?", until a man stops her and takes her to the nearest priest or registry. Or, she'll barge into her neighborhood bar and pick up the first guy her eyes land on. I hope you're imagining this happening in Nigeria? What do you think will happen after that?