↓
 

Aspiring Author and Entrepreneur LaShaunda Hoffman & Shades of Romance

booksbylyncote.com Posted on by

 

I discovered Shades of Romance in 2002 when the website was touted by Writers Digest Magazine as One of the 101 Best Websites for Writers 2002.

And that’s when I connected with LaShauanda Hoffman. LaShaunda is a former member of our armed forces and the happily married mother of three. While she works on her own writing career, she offers to help other aspiring authors, and helps readers find new authors and their books through her website and blog. Here’s LaShaunda:

“Twelve years ago while on maternity leave for my second child, I created SORMAG.  I’d always wanted to start a magazine but I didn’t have the finances to create a print one.  After a lot research I decided to start one online. 

I learned html and created the first issue of SORMAG. I prayed for visitors.  Visitors meant someone was stopping by the site.  The Lord answered my prayers and sent visitors.  We became #1 in the google search for online magazines.  My ultimate goal for SORMAG was to introduce readers to writers and their books.  I believe I reached that goal and more.

I won’t say it has been an easy journey because it hasn’t.  Some days I asked myself why are you driving yourself, then I’d receive a letter from a reader and I knew all the hard work was worth it.

I’ve met some wonderful writers who have shared their writing experiences and taught me so much about the business and the craft of writing.  I’ve read so many books, I’ve lost count.

I think the best part about the magazine are the friends I’ve made because of it.  My life has been blessed by these friendships.  My personal life has had some ups and downs and these online friends have prayed me through.  I can pop online and get encouragement, have a conversation, share a tip or learn about a new book and my day is complete.

As I go into the 12th year for SORMAG I will start a new journey.  We are going digital.  In October I will introduce the digital magazine.  It will feature interviews, articles and a short story.  The tablet is the future and we want to be a part of this new future.  For those who like the feel of a magazine in their hands they will have the option to purchase a print copy.

I invite you to be a part of our new journey by joining our SORMAG community.  As a member you will receive a copy of the digital edition and weekly eblasts promoting the latest in multi-cultural fiction.  If you are an author, I have a few perks for you too.  Join today and find out.

http://ping.fm/sMUi1

***For those reading this post, I’d like to offer you a chance to win a SORMAG Goody Bag or a Book Teaser Ad.  Leave a comment or question below and I’ll stop by and select a few winners.***

Thank you to Lyn for having me today.  She is one of the friends I met because of SORMAG.  She has supported the magazine and I’ll always make it my business to support her.  I’ve learned a lot about the Christian market from her and I appreciate our friendship.

Have a great day and remember to enjoy a good book.”–LaShaunda C. Hoffman

sormag@yahoo.com

Twitter: lashaundaH

Facebook: LaShaunda Hoffman

LaShaunda is an advocate for authors, always ready to go the extra mile to encourage and help.

Click here for her blog: http://sormag.blogspot.com/

A complete listing of Shades of Romance’s Resources.

Visit it and see if you don’t find something there that interests you.

Through Shades of Romance I’ve discovered many new authors, such as

Sheila Lipsey– and her post here Little Copper Reminders

Patricia Simmons– and her post here What Has God Brought You Through

Rhonda McKnight– and her post here Perfection?

I love LaShaunda’s Shades of Romance because it brings me in contact with authors I wouldn’t run into usually.

I don’t like the fact that our society remains divided in many ways. And Shades of Romance, a truly multicultural website, bridges a literary separation. Thanks, LaShaunda, a lady I’m proud to call my friend!–Lyn

Now for the Question for comment: Who do you know in your life who has put a long-held desire into reality? Or have you ever visited Shades of Romance? Do you think you’ll subscribe to the new digital magazine?

PS-Kimberly and her guide dog Abby won Suzanne Woods Fisher’s Amish The Haven from last week. Congrats, Kimberly! (Hope Abby enjoys it too!  🙂

 

Share

Comments

Aspiring Author and Entrepreneur LaShaunda Hoffman & Shades of Romance — 16 Comments

  2. Oh my!!! I believe LaShaunda was one of my first followers when I started my blog! I’m amazed at what she’s accomplished So cool to see her highlighted here today!

  4. Hi LaShaunda, Great to hear your story and thanks for your willingness to help other authors. I’m going to share this link with a new author who writes multicultural.

  5. Very interesting. I hadn’t heard of SORMAG before. I’m looking forward to seeing what it is all about.

  7. Great interview!

    I’ve watched a lot of people pull their desires into reality. For example, Jeff Gerke, who felt Christian fiction needed more avenues for speculative books. He began Marcher Lord Press and right out of the box his authors began winning awards. He’s a great example of what can be done if you’re willing to take a chance.

    I haven read SORMAG, but I’m going there now to sign up!

    Nancy Mehl

  8. Hello Ladies,

    Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my interview. I’m truly excited to know many of you are readers of SORMAG. That really made my day. I’m so excited that if you have a book to promote I want to help you do that. Send the following info to me:

    Title, genre and I will feature it in my Book Teaser Newsletter.

    If you’re a reader send me your mailing address and I’ll send you out a goody bag – sormag@yahoo.com

    Thanks again Lyn for the feature. It’s nice to know my work isn’t in vain. Here’s to 12 more years.

  9. Great interview, LaShaunda! I can remember when you were first getting Shades of Romance together… I thought, “She’s going to make a break out publication even bigger than RT someday.” And look–she has! 🙂

  10. Thanks Lyn! Abby may not enjoy the story the way you think, but she sure does love to snuggle up with me while I read. 🙂

  12. Thank you, Piper! I think every woman has a story or several to tell. I love reading them too.

  13. LaShaunda, how incredible and inspiring that you started this enterprise 12 years ago. What an innovation for the time. Glad it has stood the test and is still evolving. This is my first intro to your magazine, so I’m glad you blogged with Lyn today!
    I did put a long-held desire to the test and brought it to life. Mine was 18 years ago. I established a Chinese adoption program which is still in operation today. I have a wonderful 18yr.old reminder of those days, who just started her freshman year of college.
    Going to go check out your website today!

  14. Thank you for this wonderful interview with LaShaunda. LaShaunda, your mission is an important one and I appreciate that you are doing it. I have been reading SORMAG for a few years now and I am excited to hear about he digital change that is coming up–good news!

    Lyn, I also want to take this opportunity to say thank you for your mission with your strong women brand. There are strong women of many cultures and their stories should be told as well. I enjoy your work and I am excited to see that there is a new LIH next month.

    Piper

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

HTML tags allowed in your comment: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

↑