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NewswireTODAY - /newswire/ -
Oakland, CA, United States, 2008/01/23 - Advice columnist and dating expert Deborrah Cooper was recently awarded a spot on the prestigious "Best Black Books of 2007" list by syndicated critic Kam Williams for her entertaining guide to modern dating, Sucka Free Love!.
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The question and answer format book has received rave reviews from readers and critics alike, much to the delight of this first-time author and her fans. "Sucka Free Love: How to Avoid Dating The Dumb, The Deceitful, The Dastardly, The Dysfunctional & The Deranged!" was among the 23 titles listed, which included notable heavyweights Bill Cosby, Alvin F. Poussaint, M.D and Sonsyrea Tate.
Surprisingly, the fact that the book was published at all is, in Deborrah's words "a miracle!"
It all started simply enough. "I woke up one morning and decided this was the day to stop talking about writing a book and get busy DOING something about it." For months she devoted 5-10 hours per day to writing. "I didn't leave my computer much. Socializing was cut to a bare minimum. I ate, I wrote, I slept. I was absolutely determined! Or maybe crazy is a better word!" she laughs.
The effort required to organize material for and write a book was quite a shock. "We've all said 'oh, I have a lot of important things to tell the world… I should write a book!' Well, let me tell you, writing a book is more than a notion, and more work than I ever thought it would be."
Self-publishing was the chosen option. Most major book publishers use contracts which allow them to change covers, titles and content at will. "Once I found that out, I decided to publish the book myself. I didn't want anyone to change the book or chapter titles, or any of the content. Spiritually, I felt it important to put the book on the market exactly as envisioned. So that's what I did."
Creative tactics were employed to raise funds for printing and marketing. One popular strategy: home made sweet-potato pies. "I made so many pies… it was just ridiculous!" Cooper says with amusement. "My house smelled like a bakery for months and I gained at least 5 lbs! But it was wonderful to have so many people around who supported this venture and did everything they could to ensure my success."
SUCKA FREE LOVE! advises readers on complex dating situations such as friends with benefits, interracial relationships, dating people with addictions or other baggage, and the importance of establishing and maintaining boundaries. "These are the issues singles are unfortunately dealing with every day" explains Deborrah.
"The information I share is presented in a way readers can easily understand. Sometimes I give things a humorous twist, but I promise to always provide down to earth, thoughtful advice. The formula seems to be working, because here I am!"
Ms. Cooper and AskHeartBeat.Com have been featured in Black Enterprise magazine, Essence, Honey, Yahoo! Internet Life, and Downtown Oakland magazines, The Dallas Morning News, The Oakland Tribune, and countless other print and online media worldwide. She has also appeared as an on-air guest expert on American Urban Radio's "Bev Smith Show," on the nationally televised talk show “Men Are From Mars, Women are from Venus” with host Cybill Shepherd, and featured on BET Television’s “Oh Drama!
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