Reach one Teach One...

As a young girl at 17 you'd think the least of my worries should have been about
finding a secure place to live and more about my hair and what I should wear or the
big zit that appeared on my face from out of nowhere, a critical state of mind
wondering how much longer before it would disappear. That’s what teenagers do
right…? It’s considered our right of passage. A time to live and explore freely, having
the love and support of our mother and father, our family’s to secure us as we experience
some of life’s fragile insecurities.

Life is all about making choices but unfortunately I spent those years looking over my
shoulders in fear, hoping the nightmare of abuse would come to an end, and I would
finally be able to enjoy my life no longer locked in fear, after all hadn’t I gone
through enough in the years before? In the months my mother left I will always
remember this one day… I was 14 years old and thrown out on the streets of the west
side of Chicago by my own sister no less, with no place to go and no one to turn to. Yet
here I was now 17, and my abandon this time was to flee.

“Xceptance” is my story of trying to find a place in the world, and the abuse I suffered
in “Black Beans ‘N Rice” as I found the strength to walk away and the courage to let
go. I never knew the fruits of the reward in store for me would be finding real love for
the very first time at 25. In my journey I learned that I am worthy and so are each
and every one of you, and I hope that I am able to captivate, motivate, and inspire
you as well.

In addition to writing books I am also an Advocate for Stroke survivors, and the
creator of the Kuckabug Collection of African Dolls. I have released myself from
Corporate America and am pursuing my gift of writing.

What I crave... I love to write drama, and suspense stories that capture you from the
very first page and lock you in to a journey you won't soon forget, but will find yourself
laughing at the memories you recall. Are you ready...?

In addition to writing other novels, I am working in future developments bringing my
novels to film.

See you at the movies!
“Continue to Greatness”
Currently I live in Illinois with my husband and family.

Questions:

What people like most about me...?
My sense of humor, also the fact that I'm a country gurl and I keep it real!

What people find most interesting about me...?
I speak Spanish and I also speak "Polish!" (I know right?)

Lookin forward to learning and sharing, peace y'all!
Holla,Adios, do widzenia!

About my books:

"Xceptance" A mother uses her child as a pawn to get what she wants, then blames the child for everything bad happening in her life leaving her to face the world alone at 14 with no place to go and no one to turn to, simply because she was born.

Reviews for Xceptance:
Dena,
Based on your book trailer this book sounds like a winner!!! It speaks to and will inspire the soul of humanity. God Bless you on your endeavors.
~Kym Franklin
Spiritual Soul Goddess 2008
Aardvark Records

9-18-08
Dena I finished reading Xceptance on Monday. I must say your books really make a person think about some of the struggles one has had in life and how they overcome those
struggles. Your character Augie had to be in the hands of God from day one. For a young girl to be out on her own at a young age and over come her obstacles that was nothing but
God. She always seemed to keep a level head despite of everything going on in her life. I feel her family missed out on a wonderful relationship with Augie. She sounds like a very determined young lady. And if the sisters and mother would have opened their eyes, and heart , maybe she could have been a positive influence in their lives. But you know what that's their loss. I can't wait for the third book. Keep up the good work."Give me the Strength" Is all about taking back control of your life. Last year my husband was on his way home from work and had a stroke behind the wheel in the middle of rush hour traffic. He was paralyzed and couldn't walk or talk or anything. I never allowed him to stop believing that he could, he never lost hope and he never gave up. God is good, and today he is a walking talking miracle before my eyes and I thank the heavens above. My husband (my Tony "bologna" as I like to call 'em) inspired this story.

Reviews for Give Me the Strength:
A True Commitment... 9/14/2008
I just finished reading your book. I must say I really enjoyed your first book Give Me the Strength. You really showed what a true wife is and what your marriage vows really
mean. You stood by Tony from day one. I know it was a trying time for you but God gave you the strength to go on daily. You had to put a lot of people in their place I think you
handled it well. Some people have a lot of nerve. You have a very determined husband and with a wife like you there's nothing he will not accomplish. I respect the bond the two of you have together and don't ever let anyone come in between that. The family members
sound like they're jealous of the relationship the two of you have. God will only continue to bless both of you. All I can say is, "You go girl". You made it through the jungle and
there's nothing ahead except a great big fat blessing for both of you. Keep your head up and don't let nothing turn you around. Always remember what God has! For you is for you. Tony I must say you are a trooper. After reading this book I realize nothing in life is impossible. I admire you and Dena.
Take care!
~LW

Moving and inspiring... 5/20/2008
Reviewer: Ken
I was pulled in from the first page and just kept on going. This book relays the story in a manner that everyone can understand. Kudos!