My Marketing Research Plan for Bret & Susie's 30th Anniversary

To quote my best friend Big Chris: "You can't make this stuff up!"

On Saturday, May 15, 2010, I decided to follow through with my plan, which was to begin working on my second venue for my next book signing. I decided that I would make my next book signing a double event; not only would I sell and sign copies of Simply Bret, but I would also celebrate the 30th wedding anniversary of the main characters, Bret & Susie Douglas.

In order to fully follow through with this plan, I acted as though I was Bret (this is the mark of a true author). I found myself ring shopping-- not for any reason in particular other than for marketing research. The first jewelry store I stopped by, I perused around until I saw the ladies' rings; they all looked sparkly. "Susie would love a ring like this," I thought to myself. At that moment, one of the employees of this particular jewelry story asked if I needed help. I told her that I was in the process of writing my second book, and that one of the chapters was dedicated to Bret and Susie. As I spoke, I noticed how this woman looked at me as though I was crazy, yet she continued to listen to me. Once I explained that I was feeling the role of Bret as he went ring shopping for his wife of 30 years, the woman looked at me and said, "Oh... well, good luck with that."

I simply thanked her and left for another jewelry store.

I started to check out the rings in JC Penney when I noticed a second jewelry store-- Kevin Jewelers. Once I entered said store, I was greeted warmly and asked for whom I was shopping for. Much like I did at the first store, I explained that I was an author who was in the process of writing a story about Bret and Susie's 30th anniversary...

Now, this is the part where we come around in full circle.

Earlier on in this blog, I quoted my best friend Big Chris: "You can't make this stuff up!" Well, just as sure as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the employees at Kevin Jewelers asked me if I had a picture of Bret and Susie. Naturally, I did, and I presented the drawing of the 30-year couple. After complimenting how cute Bret and Susie looked, the employees asked me questions as though they were speaking to Bret. In the midst of the conversation, the employees mentioned how they thought Susie adored diamonds... which is ironic, because she does. Well, after my experience at Kevin Jewelers, the employees thanked me for choosing them for doing my research at their store, and wished me well in my second book.

Now, all I have to do, is draw a picture of Susie's anniversary diamond ring, which will be debuted at the 30th wedding anniversary/book signing. Until next time, take care and God Bless.

From Dream To Reality: My First Book Signing

The apostle Paul reminds us in II Timothy 1:6 that we “stir up the gift of God” that is within us. Well, I must be adhering to this particular scripture, because ever since Simply Bret was published, I’ve noticed how The Lord is helping me get closer and closer to my dream. Since enrolling in graduate school at the University of Phoenix, my dream to become a producer has seemingly sparked something in my creativity.


As many of you know, my very first book signing took place on Saturday, April 10, 2010 at my church home, True Vine Baptist Church in Inglewood, California, where Dr. Austin F. Williams is my pastor. I would once again like to thank Pastor Williams and my True Vine family for their love, support, encouragement, and prayers. I also would like to thank my mom, who I affectionately have nicknamed "Momillennium." I stated to her publicly that her present was well on its way. "It's gonna take a little time getting there, but trust me, Mom-- it's on its way," I said as she smiled.


Of course, I know two other individuals who would've looooooooooooooved to have been there in attendance... but then again, they were there in spirit.

Aunt Tea & Uncle Cecil-- this was for you: I LOVE YOU!!!

In Memory of Clark Kenneth Jones

In today's blog, I would like to talk about the very first character that I created when I was nine years old--Clark Kenneth Jones. I hope that you enjoy his story.

THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF CLARK KENNETH JONES

Clark Kenneth Jones was born August 13, 1934 in Memphis, Tennessee to Harold and Patricia Jones. He was the fourth of six children, and even at such a young age, he dreamt of becoming a teacher, as he himself was a big kid at heart, and younger children seemed to gravitate toward him.

Clark was an active member in church, dating all the way to when he was four years old. He was quoted as saying: "And when I say active, I mean cotton-pickin' active!" Clark was a member of the choir, on both the junior and senior Usher Board, and was even chosen to be put on trial as a deacon—the latter of which did not work out so well. "Oh, well—two out of three ain't bad," Clark joked.

After high school, Clark attended Fisk University, where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Education. He worked as a substitute Fourth Grade teacher in his hometown of Memphis, until he moved to Los Angeles, California three years later and met Vivian Jewel Coleman. The two wed in 1962 and raised five children.

Clark ultimately found a job as a Kindergarten teacher at Wiley L. Sapp Elementary School in 1977. He admitted that he was apprehensive on his first day at work, but after a great approval rating from his "little kiddies," Clark knew that he had indeed fulfilled his true calling. Often known as one of the pillars of Sapp Elementary, Clark founded the school's motto: "Shaping the kids of today for tomorrow." Clark continued to teach at Sapp Elementary until his retirement in June, 1993; he was succeeded by next door neighbor and best friend Bret Douglas.

Clark was such a joy to be around, be it at school, or at home. He loved and lived life, up to the fullest and beyond. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, and he was a huge wrestling fan. Clark also loved to host Christmas parties, costume parties, and Fourth of July celebrations. It should be well documented that Clark just loved people—period. If he liked you, he would give you a nickname... and sometimes he would mispronounce names on purpose.

On August 31, 1996, Heaven dispatched its angels to take Clark on up a little higher, and at the age of 62, Clark accepted. His parents, one brother, and one sister preceded him.

Clark leaves to cherish his memory: His loving wife of 34 years, Vivian; three sons, Anthony Thomas, Ronald Louis, and Steven Joseph; two daughters, Cheryl Yvette and Danielle Renee; two brothers, Louis Ulysses and Franklin Virgil; two sisters Donna Nicole and Tanya Michelle; two son-in-laws, William LaBon and Philip Turner; three daughter-in-laws, Stephanie Brianne, Brenda Louise, and Monica Chantel; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

And of course, Mr. Jones is mentioned in Simply Bret.

Bret & Susie-- 30 Years in the Making

As we prepare for Bret and Susie's 30th wedding anniversary-- which will be July 12, 2010-- I decided to make this blog a pictorial montage, simply entitled "Bret & Susie-- 30 Years in the Making."

These photos are also in my book Simply Bret.

If Bret Can Write A Book, Then So Can I, Baby!

I guess that old adage rings true: "Give the people what they want." Having said that, allow me to introduce to you-- Vivian Jewel Jones.

Hi, Y’all. My name is Vivian Jewel Jones, but everyone calls me “Ms. Viv,” although those who know me very well know me as Jewel.

I don’t really consider myself as a writer—some of y’all might can do it, but not Ms. Viv… well, such was the case until now.

As many of you know, Bret wrote a book on his life, called Simply Bret. He came up with the idea to write his autobiography sometime after his 50th birthday. One Saturday afternoon, I went over to deliver some food to him, and there he was, at the dining room table, deep in thought, just a-typin’ away.

“Whatcha doin, Bret—writin’ a book?” I asked him jokingly.

“Matter of fact, Viv, I am,” he said as he looked up at me, then looked back at his computer to save his current work.

That was the start of something big. Bret’s book was released in January, 2010, and I was the first person that he called… well, spoke to. He tried to get a hold of Susie, but she was in a meeting.

“We done did it, Viv!” Bret shouted. “We got published!”

“Oh my word,” I declared. “Bret-Baby, I’m so proud-a-you. You sho’ did do it!”

So, to repeat what I said earlier: If Bret can write a book, then so can I, Baby!

This is just a little sample of what to expect in my second book, which will be out sometime in 2012. Until next time, take care and God Bless.