Home The Author/The Writer  The Books  Excerpts Interviews Photos
Appearances Reviews A Few of My Favorite Things Contact the Author  Press kit  

 

Share |

Press Kit

  Author

Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant

 January 2010

presskitsample.jpg

Biography

        A native of Colorado, Mrs. Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant, currently resides in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina, with her husband, poet Gregory W. Bryant Sr.

        Mrs. Johnson-Bryant obtained her degree in computer sciences from Denver Technical College in 1988. She is currently enrolled in the BSIT program at the University of Phoenix and Guilford Technical Community College and plans on transferring to the University of North Carolina Greensboro in the fall of 2010, where plans on majoring in the literary sciences.

        This author is currently a freelance writer, novelist, editor, ghostwriter and a literary and entrepreneurial advocate. She is the founder and owner of Literary Wonders! and Bryant Consulting. She is acting editor for AMAG For the Conscious Professional magazine, and part-time columnist for RAW Sistaz Literary Services and the Examiner.com.

        To date, this author has three titles published; My Daughter’s Keeper (2005, out of print), Circumstances (2006) and Crimes of Passion: The Anthology (2006).

        Although her background is computer science, she is a jack of all trades. Her skills range from nursing to being a private investigator; from being a stock broker to administrative support. Mrs. Johnson-Bryant’s passion for writing began at an early age. She started writing poetry at an early age and then moved on to writing songs for a group she formed with high school friends called “The Purple Passionates”. In mid 1998, Mrs. Johnson-Bryant entered and won a short story contest sponsored by Playboy Magazine and Fastweb.com. She started her first novel project in 1998, which birthed several projects; My Daughter’s Keeper being the first of her completed projects.

        My Daughter’s Keeper, the author’s debut novel, was launched December 4, 2004 at Black Images Bizaar in Dallas, Texas. She re-worked, re-published and re-titled it Circumstances.

        Yolanda’s literary network, Literary Wonders! was formed in 1995 and presents to bring literary awareness and responsibility to minorities. The organization conducts an annual anthology project which features new and established author. The first published is Crimes of Passion: The Anthology which was released June 2006. Mrs. Johnson-Bryant co-authored the anthology which includes short stories by Rhonda M. Lawson, Belinda Williams, John A. Wooden, L.J. Wilson, Sydney Molare, Vincent Alexandria, Gregory Townes, Jana Jay, T.L. Gardner, Deanna Smith and Cherry Hampton.

        The author is currently working on five projects to include the sequel to Circumstances, Second Time Around: The Anthology, which includes shorts stories from Vanessa A. Johnson, Harold L. Turley II, Rhonda M. Lawson, L.M. Tatum, Rowena Winfrey and Kim Robinson. She also is working on joint venture with John A. Wooden and Gregory Townes. She plans on launching a children and teen series in early 2011.

        Mrs. Johnson-Bryant is a member of The Nussbaum Entrepreneurial Center for Women, Women of Leadership and Learning (WELL Women) and conducts workshops and classes on writing and entrepreneurship. She is a member of several reading and writing groups.

 

 

 

 

 

PRESS RELEASES

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

C&B Book Industry News - Phil Andrews

Yolanda M. Johnson Author of new book Circumstances set for release January 2006

 

Lewisville, TX – Yolanda M. Johnson Author of new book Circumstances set for release January 2006

Lewisville, TX – Yolanda M. Johnson Author of new book Circumstances set for release January 2006. Circumstances is the highly anticipated book from eclectic writer, Yolanda M. Johnson. Ms. Johnson brings us the passionate story of Renee Matthews, who desperately searches for inner peace and her rightful place in life. 

A mentally abusive, self-proclaimed, spiritual mother, Barbara Jean Jackson, daunts her. Barbara Jean keeps her daughter torn between her personal insecurities and her desire to love and be loved. Renee succumbs to fear as she turns down the proposal of long time friend and confidant, Charlie Thatcher, in fear of his racist mother; and hers. 

Trying to take control of her life, Renee falls in love with Stuart Humphries, a smooth Internet playboy. Within Stuart’s past lies a secret that even he has yet to learn while Renee’s past, a secret lies in wait for its resurrection and hopes of destroying everyone, including Renee.

Circumstances is an engaging tale of a daughter’s quest to find inner peace while dealing with a dysfunctional relationship with her mother. Yolanda Johnson touches on issues that may shock you: however you won’t be able to pull yourself away from the pages.”

--Shelia M. Goss, Essence Magazine’s Best Selling Author of My Invisible Husband and Dallas Morning News Best Selling Author of Roses are Thorns, Violet’s are True.


Yolanda Johnson is a powerful new voice in the literary world. Circumstances leaves you wanting more!

--Sylvia Willis Lett, author of I Wish I Had Waited, Dallas Morning News #1 Best Seller


Format: Trade Paperback, 212 pages, 6x9
Publisher: Literary Wonders!
Published: October 2005
Release Date: January 20, 2006
ISBN: 0-9770403-0-5
Price: $14.95 US
Scheduled Online Availability: www.literarywonders.com, www.yolandamjohnson.com, www.Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com.
Scheduled Distribution: Ingram Book Company, Baker & Taylor and Amazon.com


Author is available for book signings, interviews and speaking engagements.
www.literarywonders.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

circumstances21small.jpg

Fact Sheet

 

Title:                          Circumstances

Author:                       Yolanda M. Johnson

Publisher:                   Literary Wonders! October 2005

Pages:                        212

Retail:                        $14.95

ISBN 10:                           0977040305

ISBN 13:                           978-0977040308

Availability:                Amazon.com, Borders.com/Barnes and Noble.com, www.literarywonders.com and www.yolandamjohnson.com

Distribution:               Baker and Taylor, Ingram, Amazon

Language:                  English

E-Book:                      No

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

      

 

Yolanda M. Johnson brings us the passionate story of Renee Matthews, who desperately searches for inner peace and her rightful place in life. She is daunted by a mentally abusive, self-proclaimed spiritual mother; Barbara Jean Jackson.

       Barbara Jean keeps her daughter torn between her personal insecurities and her desire to love and to be loved. Renee succumbs to fear as she turns down the proposal of long time friend and confidant, Charlie Thatcher for fear of his racist mother.

       Trying to reclaim her life, Renee falls in love with Stuart Humphries, a man whom she met over the Internet. Within Stuart’s past lies a secret that even he has yet to learn while within Renee’s past, a secret lies in wait for its resurrection with hopes of destroying everyone; including Renee.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews

 

Date:         February 1, 2006

Review:     Monique Bruner – Delta Reviewers Real Page Turners

Contact:    deltareviewer@yahoo.com

Rating:      4 Stars

 

We all know that the experiences of your childhood can color the way that you view life. You can clearly see Renee's childhood issues as she strives to find peace and happiness. Renee's mother, Barbara Jean, was emotionally abusive and neglectful throughout her life. Despite this fact she managed to educate herself and succeed in her field of expertise. It wasn't until Renee searched for love to warm her heart that the wall of defense was erected to protect her soul. 

Renee worked hard to rid herself of toxic relationships but found herself surrounded by users. Her best friend, Marlene, continually asked for money and belittled Renee's every move. Renee simply tolerated her brother as he never did anything to help or encourage her. She had been sexually abused and emotionally ostracized from and by other family members. Meanwhile, she had one constant in her life, Charlie. The only issue was that his mother could not stand to look at Renee which made marrying Charlie virtually impossible. As Renee grew closer to God, her options begin to open and her heart experienced joy with a man she met over the Internet, Stuart. But Stuart has a past that would intertwine their lives in more then one way. Will Renee be able to live happily ever after? 

From the opening page to the dramatic ending, CIRCUMSTANCES is a powerful tale of love and forgiveness. Johnson pulls no punches as she vividly describes the mental, emotional and physical impact of abuse and not just to the victim. The character driven storyline also shows the psychological impact on those who love Renee and want to act on her behalf but feel helpless. However, there are several typographical errors and formatting issues that kept this tale from reaching the 5-star level. In spite of this, CIRCUMSTANCES is a page-turning drama that will keep you interested and wanting more. Hopefully we will see Renee back for more drama. 


 

Raves

 

 

Circumstances draws the reader in from the intriguing introduction. It is a passionate story that teleports the reader into the minds and lives of the characters. The dialog is conversational and as you read you hear the perspectives of the characters, their conflict, and their anguish. I believe author Yolanda Johnson has written an empathetically  real and unique story that is as easy to love as it is to read.--Bennie Patridge III "The MANual"

 

     Yolanda Johnson is a powerful new voice in the literary world. Circumstances leaves you wanting more! --Sylvia Willis Lett "I Wish I Had Waited" Dallas Morning  News #1 Best seller

 

    Circumstances is a story that will have you on the roller coaster ride that is Renee’s life.  Her mother harbors a lot of anger and resentment that she vents on her daughter.  Renee escapes her mom’s wrath and abuse by taking a job that doubles her status and finances on the other side of the world in beautiful San Diego, California where she finds love and engagement to the perfect man.  She is on the threshold of ‘Happily ever After,’  when her mother comes back into her life. This is a good book with a lot to say and will leave you with your mouth hanging open. --KimRobinson "The Roux In The Gumbo"  2005 Capa Nominee

 

 

     Highly emotional, these life-like characters will have you wanting more from this new author and waiting for a sequel to "Circumstances". --A.C. Henderson - Read In Color

 

 

INTERVIEWS

Black Men In America – www.blackmeninamerica.com

J.T.'s Corner at Black Men In America.com - Published on: 1/31/2006

 

    

Yolanda Johnson: Another Literary Wonder! 

At times overwhelming and expensive, yet rewarding, there's something to be said about publishing your own work. Independent publishers (aka self-publishers) are fruitful on the publishing industry's vine. Authors wish to retain control of all aspects of book development, as well as the financial fruits of their labor. A growing leaf on the vine, 
Yolanda M. Johnson, author, publisher and founder of Literary Wonders! says, "I decided that whether my book sold one copy or two million, I wanted control over my book." 

A busy mother of two teenagers (Nikki and Ty), in 1998, 
Yolanda put pen to paper and wrote her first manuscript titled, Keeper of My Soul, which birthed five book projects. From this literary birth, My Daughter's Keeper made its debut on December 4, 2004 at the Black Images Book Bazaar in Dallas, Texas. Since the title of her debut was similar to ReShonda Tate Billingsley's and Cydney Rax's novels, she would often times be mistaken for the notable authors.
...
Frustrated with rejection, 
Yolanda decided to become an independent publisher. "I sent two letters to agents. One was rejected and I never received a response from the other. "Yolanda began polishing her skills, trying to learn as much as she could before setting out to publish her work.  "I talked to several authors about their experiences, seeking their knowledge, as well being alert to what was happening in the literary arena." 

"You have a say in what you put out," 
she says of self-publishing.
...
Through 
Literary Wonders!, Yolanda is sponsoring the Literary Wonders!1st Annual Literary Scholarship Essay Contest.
...
Yolanda also wears the hat of editor of AMAG Online!, an online newsletter heightening people's awareness of black issues that really matter, as well as to reach a broader audience that the print version currently reaches. 

"Life prepared me for writing. Growing up I invited myself to several pity parties and thought that I was the only one that went through the trials and tribulations that God allowed us to endure or saved us from, only to find out that I wasn't the only one that had gone through what I had went through. But what I did find was that a lot of people, women especially, did not know how to deal with their issues. I made it through, and I feel anytime you make it through, it is a testimony and should be used as light to pull someone else through." 

Yolanda holds down a full-time job, working eight to twelve hour days. When asked where she found the time to write, she stated, "Though I am tired when I get home, I still work for several hours on my many projects.  "She continues, "Most nights I am up until 5 am writing and then I get a couple hours of sleep and return to work at 8 am. Some nights I don't get to sleep. I end up writing all night until it's time to go to work the next day. "In addition, she extends her writing to weekends. 
...
Yolanda describes her style of writing as, "a combination of various writing styles that exemplify life.
...
Character development is important to 
Yolanda.
...
Yolanda owes her inspiration to write from Maya Angelou, Parry "Ebony Satin" Brown, Sheila M. Goss, Sylvia W. Lett, Vincent Alexandria, Iyanla Vanzant, Eric E. Pete, Terry McMillan, Walter Mosley, John Grisham and TD Jakes. 
...
What's the best part of being Yolanda Johnson? "The best thing about being 
Yolanda is that I have learned how to be and have become a strong, independent, black woman, with the spirit of McFadden and Whitehead "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now", or in the words of my buddy Eric Pete, "Can't Stop, Won't Stop, Believe That."
...
Yolanda Johnson is well on her to be a Literary Wonders! For more information on Yolanda visit www.literarywonders.com or www.yolandamjohnson.com.

 

crimesofpassion.jpg

Fact Sheet

 

Title:                          Crimes of Passion: The Anthology

Author:                       Presented by Literary Wonders!, edited by John A. Wooden, co-authors, Yolanda M. Johnson, Rhonda M. Lawson, Belinda Williams, John A. Wooden, L.J. Wilson, Sydney Molare, Vincent Alexandria, Gregory Townes, Jana Jay, T.L. Gardner, Deanna Smith and Cherry Hampton

 

Publisher:                   Literary Wonders! July 2006

Pages:                        240

Retail:                        $12.95

ISBN 10:                           0977040356

ISBN 13:                           978-0977040353

Availability:                Amazon.com, Borders.com/Barnes and Noble.com, www.literarywonders.com and www.yolandamjohnson.com

Distribution:               Baker and Taylor, Ingram, Amazon

Language:                  English

E-Book:                      No

Synopsis

 

       While reading the stories in Crimes of Passion, I could see myself nodding my head. Some of the wild and crazy things these characters were doing made me recall a time or two in my life where these situations would have fit my life perfectly. The book starts and ends with a bang. It’s an ensemble of twelve authors who know how to spin a story.

       As you read, you will see exactly how deep passion and lust will cause you to go and cause you to act temporarily crazy and push you over the edge. These stories will make you realize that love will truly make you do unexplainable things. It may even cause someone to go out of their way to keep their mate or make sure they don’t end up with someone else.

       This is your book! Claim it! Read it! I definitely would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read. From true love gone wrong to finding love on  two way street, realizing it really is a lonely highway, this book has something for everyone.

       I guarantee you will definitely want to check out Crimes of Passion. If love, passion, lust and suspense is your cup of tea, then sit back and enjoy the creative imagination of twelve talented authors.

                                                ~~John A. Wooden – Editor

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raves

 

Delta Reviewer gives “Crimes of Passion” 5 Stars. This anthology is a deep character study of relationships that uncover the thin line between love and hate…the stories flow easily with fast-paced action, suspense and steamy love scenes that turn this into a must read blockbuster of the summer! Kudos to all the authors featured in this work…

~~Monique Bruner, 2005 Marguerite Reviewer of the Year (www.realpagerturners.com)

 

A night of reading will never be the same after you pick up “Crimes of Passion”. Each story was intriguing and you’ll be sorry to see the stories end. I look forward to reading other words by the various authors.

~~Shelia M. Goss, Essence Bestselling author of My Invisible Husband

 

 

 

 

 Contact Sheet

 

 

Publisher:

Literary Wonders!

Post Office Box 13727

Greensboro, NC 27405-3727

(336)316-0071

inf@literarywonders.com

www.literarywonders.com

 

 

Author:

info@yolandamjohnson.com

www.yolandamjohnson.com

(336)316-0071

 

 

 

Yolanda M. Johnson-Bryant ©1996-2009 Copyright. All Rights Reserved.