 The AMB Ovation Awards provide honors and recognition of authors’ outstanding achievements in the multicultural romance literary profession in the following categories:
Book Club of the Year Award: Recognizes outstanding achievement for an innovative Book Club that support the AA/IR/Multicultural romance field.
Author Awards (Distinguished Author Award): Recognizes published romance authors who addressed a challenge, problem, or issue facing AA/IR/Multicultural couples today in their romance novels. (Six Categories for Outstanding Author in: AA, IR, Multicultural, Paranormal, Urban Lit, GLBT)
Visionary Award: Recognizes an AA/IR/Multicultural romance author who, through foresight and unlimited effort, has helped add value to the profession by encouraging development, promotion, and networking of authors in their genre.
Academy of AA/IR/Multicultural Fellows Award: Recognizes authors who have contributed to the profession through the advancement of knowledge, leadership, or excellence in professional practice. The recipient is recognized for making a tangible contribution to the marketing of their genre that significantly improved public opinion. (Four recipients per year)
Debut Author Awards: Recognize an AA/IR/Multicultural romance author who has demonstrated strong literary potential and contributions to the genre. The award is designed to both recognize and further the recipient’s professional development activities. (Six Categories for an Outstanding Debut Author in: AA, IR, Multicultural, Paranormal, Urban Lit, GLBT)
 Guidelines:May 24, 2013 – Contest opens to submissions. July 20, 2013 – Email Postmark deadline for all submissions by 11:59PM. August 22, 2013 – Finalists announced on the AMB website. December 13, 2013 – Winners Announced via youTube AMB Novels Channel Readers, Publishers, and authors can make nominations and submissions for all of the categories. Published Kindle entry submissions must be copyrighted between 2011-2013. You can submit a Kindle version of your novel to amb.novels@yahoo.com The AMB staff reserves the right to limit entries to the first twenty-five books or authors received in each category. - Entries shall consist of a Kindle e-book copy of a romance novel published with a copyright date between 2011 -2013 NOTE: Independent published, small press, and E-published only books are also accepted )
- The e-book will be judged by (3) different judges consisting of booksellers, reviewers, librarians, or readers. One e-book submission is a gift to professional guest judges and will not be returned.
- Highest average score denotes winner in each category. The winning entry from each category will advance to the final round. There will be five finalists in the final round. Entry with highest score will be declared winner.
- Mail entries and kindle e-book to the email address listed on the Entry Form.
- Each e-book entry may only be entered in one category novel. However, you may enter different entries/different categories, with a maximum of THREE entries per entrant, per category. Each entry must have a separate entry form filled out.
With respect to our professional judges, their identities will remain confidential.
 Every relationship that you hold in your life acts as a mirror through which you can see yourself, be it your relationship with your parents, siblings, friends, colleagues or your intimate partner. For most people, their relationship with their companion is usually the most challenging because it becomes a “strong” mirror where you will see every facet of yourself reflecting back at you.
A relationship is supposed to be a “celebration” of life, a highly rewarding and fulfilling experience, and it’s up to you to give unselfishly to your mate. Now, there’s a huge difference between really giving to another and giving so you can get something back in return. When we are secretly waiting for reciprocity, it’s nothing more than manipulation. On the other hand, joy is based upon true giving. When we learn to give sincerely, it is almost impossible to be upset or sad. The giving itself is its own return.
 True giving means generosity with no strings attached. It's giving your partner something that he would like, not something that pleases you. It means taking time to know the person and being willing to meet his needs. Some people fear giving, feeling that they will be drained or stripped bare. But the opposite is true. The more we give, the more we have. Giving brings a sense of fullness and kindness, the basis for the development of joy. We should take the time to do things that require effort, planning and a little bit of sacrifice. It will show you’re putting the other person first.
Researchers call this "compassionate love"—recognizing a partner's needs and concerns and putting them ahead of your own. It's not just making people feel good; it’s a way of communicating to the other person that you understand what their needs and that you appreciate them.
Small selfless acts between spouses aren't just nice—they ARE necessary. When acts of kindness and caregiving disappear, it is a BIG indication the relationship needs help. And when you’re compassionate to your partner, it increases your own happiness at least as much as the other person's. People who discover ways to regularly show their spouses and partners this kind of love are happier in their relationships.
Think of a loving way to give to your better half today.
 BOOK RECOMMENDATION: Dr. Phil McGraw says it’s time to learn how the world really works, not how you wish it worked, not how it should work, but how it really works. If you’ve been doing everything “by the book,” and your life still isn’t where you want it be, you’ve been reading the wrong book. Life Code: The New Rules for Winning in the Real World will empower you to become a leader of your own life, and just as importantly, protect yourself and those you love. “Life is a game — and you will either be a player or be the one played,” explains Dr. Phil. “Yesterday’s rules and expectations about relationships, emotions and interacting just simply don’t apply any more, not like they used to … and those who figure that out and adapt to the current world will have an incredible edge.” This book will create an urgent awareness within readers, and help them become street-smart and savvy.
 Life Code offers readers a rare glimpse inside the minds of “bad guys” we all have in our lives, in the form of a “Secret Playbook,” that spells out exactly how the users, abusers and exploiters think and act. But it goes so much further, revealing the “Sweet 16” powerful tools that the world’s most successful people know and use on a daily basis to get what they want and keep it. Read the first part of Dr. Phil's Life Code, including his personal reflections on what this book means to him and what it can do for you. Below Dr. Phil states there are 16 new rules for winning in the real world—and they hold the secret to creating the life you want. Watch as Dr. Phil runs through the "Sweet 16," with Oprah and find out why it's so important to get to know your true self.
 In 1999, the Oklahoma town was hit with a tornado that clocked the highest winds ever on Earth—and it followed an eerily similar path to the massive May 20th twister. Early images of the City of Moore on Monday showed horrifying scenes: blocks of flattened homes and debris, demolished hospitals and elementary schools, and burning buildings. The twister was recorded as a F4 tornado, the second-highest intensity on the Fujita scale. It’s impossible to know how well past preparations have paid off because on May 8, 2003, Moore was rocked by another intense tornado that destroyed over 300 homes and businesses. 145 people injured, although no one was killed. And on May 10, 2010, Moore experienced another one. With dozens dead and many more injured on May 20th, I ask you to please take moment to pray for the families in Moore, Oklahoma affected by the latest tornado. And check Moore, Oklahoma’s Facebook page and Twitter feed to see how you can help or to send your thoughts.
 Dear Father, I ask you in the name of your son, Jesus Christ to bless all the people who have suffered the devastating effects of the tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma and the surrounding areas.
Heal those who are injured, recover those who are lost, and give courage to all that need to rebuild their lives.
Ease their fears of the unknown, comfort the survivors that will bury their loved ones, and hasten the aid to their communities. In the Bible you showed us many times that even when things seem unbearable, you will be “our refuge and strength”. In times like this, faith seems hard to come by, but encourage us to muster unwavering faith in Your power and charity toward our fellowman.
Tonight, and every night from now, give the people of Moore, Oklahoma peace of mind, courage in spirit, and strength when fatigued.
In Jesus’ name, I along with my family and friends pray. Amen.
 Today’s society encourages everyone to be overly analytical and competitive to get ahead and to make their dreams come true. And let me be the first to point out that I’ve also cheered people on to attain their goals with gusto but today I want us to take a look at another personal characteristic: Sensitivity. I’ve been told that I’m oversensitive so much by a certain loved one that I’ve coined my own witty response, “I’m not oversensitive, I’m introspective. I take a step back before I respond.” Cute, huh? Well, anyone that knows that I started my life as a preemie wouldn’t be surprised that I scored 12 out of 25 on the ‘ Are You Highly Sensitive?’ test. (That’s right, like Lady Gaga would say, I was Born This Way.) But being more sensitive in such a fast paced world isn’t a negative. It can make you very aware of others needs so here’s what you need to know to make the best of it.
 Psychologist Elaine Aron wrote a book called The Highly Sensitive Person and her research shows about 15 - 20 percent of the population can be characterized as highly-sensitive people (HSP) and 30 percent of people are moderately sensitive. So you probably are related to, dated, work with, are friends with, or are married to an HSP. Being highly-sensitive (HSP) doesn’t mean you’re emotionally immature, self-centered, have unstable emotions, or that you are over-dependent and demand attention for others constantly. It just means you have a highly-developed human characteristic. (If it makes you feel formidable, you can call it a gift or a superpower.) Here are some of the characteristics of highly-sensitive people. They: 1. Have great imagination 2. Have great intellectual abilities 3. Are creative 4. Have a curious mind 5. Are hard workers 6. Are good problem solvers 7. Are extremely conscious and compassionate 8. Are intuitive, caring and spiritual 9. Have a strong sense of aesthetic awareness 10. Respect nature, art and music greatly 11. Have profound and intense sensations 12. Can access important information from the unconscious mind 13. Have a depth of understanding and feelings 14. Are objective and can see the bigger picture
 If these individuals don't learn to handle their high sensitivity, they may suffer greatly. People with a "highly empathic temperament" need to learn to get their own needs met first before serving others. Here are some ways that can help HS people manage their abilities: 1. Emotionally, highly-sensitive individuals are easily overstimulated up to a point where they may experience great pain. They can have a combination of introvert and extrovert personality traits. Cognitive modification (or Thought stopping) can be helpful. 2. Physically, highly-sensitive people need time and space to be alone to process the amount of input absorbed. They have more body awareness and can feel quickly when their body is not comfortable in an environment. (Think of skin breakouts after brief stressful episodes.) Therefore, nutritionally they have to stick to simple foods that are full of nutrients and have a healthy balance. And regular exercise and relaxation helps them to calm themselves down and recharge after the over stimulation. 3. Socially, HSPs need to learn to connect while having clear boundaries as to when to say no and how far to go with something and someone. In addition, HSPs need to have regular "me" times. They have to learn when they love someone they have to have a balance point because self-sacrifice for them can lead to unhealthy emotional deprivation. Overall, many of writers, creators, inventors, and pioneers may fall in the category of highly sensitive so let’s encourage highly-sensitive people to unleash their potential. And to the person that loved me enough to hold up a looking glass so I could see myself clearly. Thank you. Please watch the video below and let me know your thoughts. Sources:1. Aron, Elaine. The highly sensitive person.
2. Huffington Post.com
 David Foster Wallace’s 2005 commencement address to Kenyon College, called “ This is Water,” is cited as one of Time’s list of best graduation speeches. This speech as now the most-watched, thanks to a short film interpretation that’s been going viral. Enjoy and congratulation to the Class of 2013.
 Research has proved that men are generally good with numbers and reading but I believe when a guy is in love, he'll also be good at being observant about his mate.
Some men might not talk much but they can surprise their woman by pointing out the minutest change in her appearance. They might compliment her on a new hair style when their best friend might not have noticed it. So any slight change in their lady's appearance or even behavior will hardly go unnoticed.
Now let’s test this theory by doing a little experiment, for five days make one change a day to see how observant your man is about you.
 FOR EXAMPLE: Day One – Change your hair. Put it up, if you normally wear it down. Straighten it, if you normal wear it curly. Or put a small braid or a small clip of fake hair in it. Day Two – Change your signature scent. If you have a favorite soap, lotion, or perfume, change it for the day. It doesn’t matter if he loves or hates it. You just want to take note that he noticed it. Day Three – Change your routine. Go to bed early, watch a different TV show at prime-time, or even reorganize a medicine cabinet or kitchen counter. Day Four – Wear some different jewelry or makeup. The rage right now is to paint the ring finger of both hands a different shade than the others. Give it a try. You can even put his initial on the nail of your ring finger. You can put in a fake nose ring or wear an ankle bracelet if painting your nails isn’t your cup of tea. And if you love makeup, try a new lipstick or eye shadow. Day Five – Wear a sexier, playful, or more conservative outfit for the day. Choose clothes that are different from your normal appearance but displays another part of your personality.
 You can mix these choices up or add different ones like changing your eye color, rearranging the furniture, or putting a fake tattoo on your body for the day. Each day should be one different thing so if you put your hair up on Day One, then you should put it back to normal on Day Two before you put on a new perfume.
It will be interesting to see how observant your man is but keep in mind, if you have young children at home he may be too distracted to notice most of the changes. Little ones have been known to distract many adults and take them off of their normal observation patterns.
Try the experiment and let me know if your man makes the grade. I know you’ll be surprised to learn how attentive your man really is. :)
 Over his many years of working with the Great ones, a seven-time New York Times Best-selling author and longtime Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated, Don Yaeger has compiled these sixteen characteristics that every winner that exhibits. I think my fellow writers can apply these points to our own literary endeavors.
 HOW THEY THINK
1. It's Personal
They hate to lose more than they love to win.
2. Rubbing Elbows
They understand the value of association.
3. Believe
They have faith in a higher power.
4. Contagious Enthusiasm
They are positive thinkers... They are enthusiastic... and that enthusiasm rubs off.
HOW THEY PREPARE
5. Hope For the Best, But...
They prepare for all possibilities before they step on the field.
6. What Off-Season?
They are always working towards the next game...
7. Visualize Victory
They see victory before the game begins.
8. Inner Fire
They use adversity as fuel.
 HOW THEY WORK
9. Ice In Their Veins
They are risk-takers and don't fear making a mistake.
10. When All Else Fails
They know how - and when - to adjust their game plan.
11. Ultimate Teammate
They will assume whatever role is necessary for the team to win.
12. Not Just About the Benjamins
They don't play just for the money.
HOW THEY LIVE
13. Do unto Others
They know character is defined by how they treat those who cannot help them.
14. When No One Is Watching
They are comfortable in the mirror... they live their life with integrity.
15. When Everyone Is Watching
They embrace the idea of being a role model.
16. Records Are Made to Be Broken
They know their legacy isn't what they did on the field. They are well-rounded.
 I had the genetic test for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes one year ago because my mother and two of my maternal aunt battle breast cancer in their lifetimes. I only told my mother because I didn’t want to alarm my daughters if the results were alarming. The wait was unbearable because if the testing showed I had a high risk of breast cancer, I would have to make some hard decisions. I don’t have the gene for breast or ovarian cancer but actress and director Angelina Jolie does and she decided to have preventive mastectomy for the sake of her children and her partner, Brad Pitt. "My mother fought cancer for almost a decade and died at 56," Jolie writes. "She held out long enough to meet the first of her grandchildren and to hold them in her arms. But my other children will never have the chance to know her and experience how loving and gracious she was."
 Jolie said she has kept the process private so far, but wrote about with hopes of helping other women. "I wanted to write this to tell other women that the decision to have a mastectomy was not easy," she writes. "But it is one I am very happy that I made. My chances of developing breast cancer have dropped from 87 percent to under 5 percent. I can tell my children that they don’t need to fear they will lose me to breast cancer." She is a very private person, yet she provided a step-by-step description of the procedures. She writes that between early February and late April she completed three months of surgical procedures to remove both breasts. "My doctors estimated that I had an 87 percent risk of breast cancer and a 50 percent risk of ovarian cancer, although the risk is different in each woman," she writes today in a New York Times op-ed. "Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimize the risk as much as I could."
 Based on John Gottman's, PhD, Relationship Research Adapted from his book "The Seven Principles for Making a Marriage Work" Dr. John Gottman can predict with 96% accuracy within the first three minutes of a couple having a conversation whether the relationship he is watching will survive over the long-haul or not. Dr. John Gottman, a psychologist at the University of Washington, studied more than 2,000 married couples over two decades. He discovered patterns about how partners relate to each other which can be used to predict – with 94% accuracy – which marriages will succeed and which will fail. Gottman says that each horseman paves the way for the next.
 The Four Horsemen are a metaphor depicting the end of times in the Old Testament. They describe conquest, war, hunger, and death respectively. Dr. Gottman uses this metaphor to describe communication styles that can predict the end of a relationship.
The first horseman in a relationship is criticism. Criticism is the act of finding fault or judging unfavorably. When you criticize your partner, you attack your partner’s personality or character, usually with the intent of making yourself right and your partner wrong. Criticism includes generalizations such as “you always…”, “you never…” and “you’re the type of person who …”
Example: "You never think about how your behavior is affecting other people. I don't believe you are that forgetful; you just don't think about me."
The second horseman is contempt. When we communicate from this state, we are being mean, treating others with disrespect by using sarcasm, ridicule, name-calling, and/or body language such as eye-rolling. The partner feels despised and worthless. Contempt is toxic and cannot be replaced with anything. It must be eliminated. Contempt is a feeling of disdain or scorn. Contempt attacks your partner’s sense of self with the intention to insult or psychologically abuse him/her.
Example: "I've been with the kids all day, running around like mad to keep this house going and you come home and just park yourself in front of the TV. You are just useless."
 The third horseman is defensiveness. This is an easy one to fall into. Defensiveness is seeing yourself as the victim and warding off a perceived attack. When partners are defensive they are not open to learning and are also not able to access the vulnerable feelings underneath. Some typical defensive responses are: - Making excuses (e.g., external circumstances beyond your control forced you to act in a certain way) “It’s not my fault…”, “I didn’t…” - Cross-complaining: meeting your partner’s complaint, or criticism with a complaint of your own, ignoring what your partner said. - Disagreeing and then cross-complaining “That’s not true, you’re the one who …” - Yes-butting: start off agreeing but end up disagreeing. - Repeating yourself without paying attention to what the other person is saying. - Whining “It’s not fair.” Example: Meredith: "Did you call Callie and Erica to let them know that we are not coming tonight as you said this morning you would?" Derek: "I was too busy today. As a matter of fact you knew how busy my schedule was. Why didn't you just do it?" He not only responds defensively but turns the table and makes it her fault. A non-defensive response would have been: "I forgot. I should have asked you this morning to do it because I knew my day would be packed. Let me call them right now." The fourth horseman is stonewalling. When we stonewall, we avoid conflict either because we are unconscious of our own feelings or because we are afraid. Rather than confronting the issues with our partner, we make evasive maneuvers and simply stop engaging in the business of relating to another person. Stonewalling is withdrawing from the relationship as a way to avoid conflict. Partners may think they are trying to be “neutral” but stonewalling conveys disapproval, icy distance, separation, disconnection, and/or smugness. Some typical stonewall responses are stony silence, monosyllabic mutterings, changing the subject and removing yourself physically. Stonewalling is considered to be the most “dangerous” of the four horsemen. Example: Christina leaving town and cutting off all communication with her husband, Owen. (See http://www.gottman.com/ for more information on Dr. John Gottman.)
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