I would like to thank each of you who visited our websites, read one of our books or allowed our newsletters into your home. An author is nothing without the readers. We thank you for all your support and for making our dreams of publishing come true. This is the month to spread and show love for your fellow being. I truly believe, however, that we should do this every day. Prioritybooks Publications, its authors and staff thank you for your generous and kind support. Again, thank you for allowing us into your lives, and may all your dreams continue to come true.

Finally, as we move forward into the year, remember the African American book stores. It is said that African Americans are reading more than ever before and spending millions and millions of dollars a year on books. However, our stores are closing all across the country. In East St. Louis, Illinois, Topaz Books has decreased its store hours, while UJAMMA has closed one of its stores in St. Louis. Several other stores are considering closing. This should not be happening. If we are spending the amount of dollars reportedly being spent on books, then some of those dollars should be spent in African American stores. Please, readers, I beg you to purchase books in our stores to keep them viable. When they are self- supporting, they can hire neighborhood people and keep the tax dollars in our communities. Let's come together and support our authors. Since this is Black History Month, go and buy at least two books at an African American store. If we don't help ourselves, who will?

I�ve heard people ask this question a lot. I�ve asked many authors and writers to respond and this is what they said.

• To share their story
• To leave a legacy of family information
• To relieve stress
• To please their souls

I met Ann Clay, my sorority sister, at an East St. Louis Alumnae Delta Sigma Theta meeting. At that time, I didn�t know that she was a storyteller and writer. I just knew that she was a very nice sister. The sorority announced that she had received a two-book deal from Genesis Press, and we were excited about that. Little did I know that she would soon release a book from Prioritybooks Publications.

Ann Clay is a great writer. Our editors love her style. She has released three books through us. This month Ann will release two books, A Fresh Encounter and Cupid�s Connections. When I present workshops, the most asked question is why self-publish. My response is always this: to control your own destiny. Even though Ann writes for Genesis Press, she still gets to feed her soul and produce books when the story in her is ready to be told. Prioritybooks Publications, a small publisher, has enjoyed working with Ann and our other authors. Pick up a copy of Ann�s books. I promise you, you will not be disappointed.