Dancing on Broken Glass

Author R.F. Maldonado's memoir, Dancing on Broken Glass, is an enlightening and powerful read. Those who managed to survive addiction, the pain of loss due to death, teen gang life, drugs, and Latino culture in the 1950's will especially enjoy Mr. Maldonado's humorous tales- from  to hell and back.

Although his life is peppered with pain, racism, and violence, R.F. Maldonado creatively and beautifully shares story after amazing story of some of the fun times with clarity and humor; the true meaning of inner peace.

To those who had the opportunity to know him as young Bobby Fish, Dancing on Broken Glass will bring back wonderful memories of his life and times as a young man who embraced life and all it had to offer.

For everyone else, his stories will keep you turning the pages, longing for more of his tumultuous and intriguing life.

- Release Date: July 13, 2008

You are now invited inside the once dark world of Bobby Fish.. teen gang leader, twenty-five year heroin and cocaine addict, rock musician, survivor and hero of the mean streets of NYC's Spanish Harlem...

"Changing one's life is truly possible, but only if one becomes as equally committed to staying clean and sober as they once were to chasing after their drugs out there on the mean streets of despair...."
- R.F. Maldonado

According to Mr. Maldonado, he became sick and tired of being sick and tired. After years of incarceration, multiple hospitalizations, and several near-death experiences, Roberto decided to get clean once and for all.

"Having been clean and sober more than 21 years of my life at this writing, I firmly believe that it was all a part of God's grand plan for me to live while so many had to die... and possibly for two reasons.

I believe the first reason is for me to be able to pass on the message of hope to others still suffering from any addictions. Once I became capable of understanding that I wasn't just simply weak or crazy, but that I was in fact controlled by an unrelenting disease that wanted me dead, only then was I finally able to make the conscious decision to begin fighting back for my life.

The second reason - to allow me the much needed time to become better equipped, both mentally and spiritually, to finally begin writing about it all in this book. I guess I will never really know.

Trapped in My Pen

Inspirational Poet Melissa R. Martin, author of Trapped in My Pen, (released 2008, Candalyse Publishing) has released her second book entitled, Mountain Tops and Lighthouses.

Melissa R. Martin has a lot to be grateful for. Her strong faith and unwavering perseverance enabled her to escape a violent marriage and begin her life anew.

Her first book, Trapped in My Pen, has received worldwide acclaim and is empowering women to take a stand against domestic violence. Melissa had to leave her two young sons behind in order to save her own life. She has recently been reunited with her sons.

~Mountain Tops & Lighthouses~

When the storms of life are raging
In the midst of churning seas
When I’m going under for the third time
A voice whispers to me

Fear not my weary my little one
Be not troubled, nor be afraid
Trust in the One who only speaks
And the wind and seas obey

Skies may darken, winds may blow
Tough times, hard to get through
But mountain tops and light houses
Are always within view

The anchor holds you securely
Still holding, in spite of the storm
Morning is coming, I’m right here with you
And no one will cause you harm

Your boat may drift aimlessly
Take you treacherously from the shore
But abide in me, and I will see
You safely home once more

Storms of life, they come and go
The valleys are before you too
But mountain tops and light houses
Are always within view.

Copyright © 2008 by Melissa R. Martin
All rights reserved

TRAPPED in MY PEN

  Melissa R. Martin was born in Wise, Virginia, the fifth of six children to Albert and Christene Mullins. Many people were amazed whenever she would tell them that she truly was a "coal miner's daughter".

   Her mother was dedicated and devoted to raising six children when money was tight and times were hard. Her home was in a little town called Pound, Virginia.... a place where the population was a little over a thousand people. Mostly known for the historical "Red Fox Trail" which weaved a tale of the 'Killing Rock' and the ambush that brought murder to a small town, Melissa attended Pound High School.

   One of the greatest influences on her writing was her high school English teacher, Betty Carter who taught every student to be the best that she could be. After high school Melissa was married and had two wonderful children, Brad and David. They taught her so much about living and loving and became her greatest inspirations in life.

   Brad is almost 18 now and David will soon be 15. Now living in, Dodge City, Kansas with her new husband Kenneth. they own and operate The Martin Family Daycare. Melissa likes to think that they are making a difference in the lives of the children they take care of.

   As for her writing.... Melissa feels as if she has been doing it her whole life. She literally keeps a pen and pad by her bedside every night because she finds that inspiration can come at very odd hours. Melissa writes from the heart and from past experiences.

   "My writing is a gift from God and He has given me the strength to keep faith in the face of hardship."

- Melissa

Purchase this inspirational woman's book today or get a copy for someone who needs to know that escape is possible.

My Judge and Jury: Convicted for My Differences

"Sticks and stones could have broken my bones: But words nearly destroyed me! From elementary school to high school, during puberty, and my confusing teenage years I... just wanted a way to escape the pain.."

Jason A. Dingus, author of  My Judge and Jury:  Convicted For My Differences (Candalyse Publishing, 2008), is an inspiration to many. He possesses the strength of character that many, much older than he is, only wish they had.

Perhaps, it was the constant verbal and physical abuse suffered at the hands of small town folk who refused to accept his differences. Or, maybe his strength comes from his strong desire to show others that we are all the same in reality and we must accept those who appear different.

No matter how Jason obtained his inner strength, he draws from his life experiences to compile a powerful book of poetry that chronicles his life.

The Age Of Innocence