Single Moms' Care Package

Single Moms' Care Package A blog providing encouragement, insight, & hope for Christian single Moms http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new <![CDATA[Upcoming Book Signings & Discussions]]> http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=29030 FREE author events. Cherise will be at each to chat with guests and sign books.

America Remembered Book Signing & Discussion
Who's Invited: Everyone! Bring a friend. (Appropriate for all ages.)
What: Meet the authors of America Remembered (including Cherise Bopape) as they read from/discuss their new anthology. From our heritage to our hopes for the future, enjoy stories of community, devotion, memories, and tributes to the enduring qualities of life in America.
Featured Authors: Members of the Christian Authors Guild (including Cherise Bopape)
Where: Borders Books, 605 Ernest Barrett Pkwy, Kennesaw, GA
When: Entertaining readings from 12-4 p.m.; panel discussion starts at 2:00 p.m.

**********

Lessons From the Littlest Book signing & Discussion
Who's Invited: Everyone! Bring a friend. (Appropriate for all ages.)
What: Meet Cherise Bopape and several other local authors for an exciting event at FoxTale Book Shoppe. Each of the authors will give a brief talk about their respective books. Come ready to chat with these hometown celebrities, purchase their work, and browse the beautiful FoxTale Book Shoppe.
Featured Authors: Several authors from the Atlanta Metropolitan area (including Cherise Bopape)
Where: FoxTale Book Shoppe (Woodstock, GA)
When: August 6, 2010, 6:00 p.m.

**********

Authors Galore! - Book signings & Author Chats
Who's Invited: Everyone! Bring a friend. (Appropriate for all ages.)
What: Meet Cherise Bopape and several other local Christian authors for book signings and friendly chats. Christian Authors Guild members will sign their newest anthology, America Remembered, and will have copies of their other works on hand for signing/purchase.
Featured Authors: Lynn B. Pugh, Cynthia L. Simmons, Judith Becker, Michael Anderson, Diana J. Baker, Marcus Beavers, Cherise Bopape, Sue Schultz, Joanie Spicer, Polly Balint, and June Parks
Where: Yawn's Books & More, Inc.
When: August 21, 2010, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

]]> Sat, 31 Jul 2010 07:28:38 PST http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=29030 <![CDATA[News Release]]> http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=25390 Author Cherise Bopape Signs, Reads, and Discusses Book for Moms, Lessons From the Littlest

Just in time for Mother’s Day, moms are invited to meet Cherise Bopape for an author event on May 1, 2010, 3:00 p.m., at The Emerald Earth Coffee Shop in Acworth, GA.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Acworth, GA, USA (Free-Press-Release.com) April 28, 2010 – Lessons from the Littlest: A Devotional for Mothers of Young Children, the 31-day devotional book by Cherise Bopape, offers valuable insight for moms, showing them how to be cognizant of God at work in their lives as they interact with their young children.

“I tend to make things complicated,” Cherise Bopape says. “By mimicking the innocence and faith of a child, we please God. Through spilled milk, poop-filled diapers, and a slew of Little League games or cheerleading practices we can still praise God, be thankful, and give service with a smile. I had to learn this the hard way.” Many moms would nod in agreement. However, Cherise Bopape uses these everyday scenarios to inspire today’s busy mothers.

During a 3:00 p.m. book signing on May 1, 2010, at The Emerald Earth—a coffee shop nestled inside the Acworth Bookstore (4857 N. Main Street, Acworth, Georgia 30101)—parents will meet two authors, Cherise Bopape and Mayor Tommy Allegood. They will be reading excerpts from their respective works and conducting a question and answer session.

Moms will enjoy this opportunity to be inspired, gain parenting insight, and hear stories on child rearing. A door prize will be offered. Admission is free. However, donations ($5 to $10) are suggested. Coffee, tea, chai, and pastries will be available for purchase.

Cherise Bopape is an author, freelance writer, blogger, and speaker. She encourages single moms, inspires mothers with young children, offers tips for women who struggle with work-life balance, and provides hope for victims of domestic violence. She volunteers on the advisory board for Dream Again, Inc., a non-profit organization that serves single mothers. Having been a guest on various television and radio programs, Cherise Bopape has also written articles for The Lookout Magazine, MustardSeedMinistries.org, and various newsletters for non-profit organizations.
]]> Fri, 30 Apr 2010 10:22:43 PST http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=25390 <![CDATA[Single Moms: Unsung Heroes or Disrespected Damsels?]]> http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=23381 Most Americans Don’t Respect Single Moms,” posted on Elearners.com. According to a survey conducted by this dot com, “only 44% of those surveyed would classify single moms as ‘respectable.’” Reading a bit further, my reactions went from gasps to disgust as I glimpsed at American’s poor perception of single mothers.

After seeing results like this, it’s important to show the “lemonade” that can come out of the “lemon-laden” life many single moms experience. Obviously, America needs to be reminded of successful people like movie industry mogul Robert Townsend; Olympic medalist Michael Phelps; actor and producer, Tom Cruise; award-winning neurosurgeon, Dr. Benjamin Carson; and even U. S. President Barack Obama—all who were raised in single parent homes.

During my interview with Robert Townsend last week, I was happy to find that he’s using the arts to educate the masses on single parenthood and offer solutions. He does this through a web-based series he produces and directs, Diary of a Single Mom. Townsend stated, “Being raised in the ghetto of Chicago … how my mother did it, I have no idea. We grew up in the roughest neighborhood. I think they praise NBA stars and athletes … and the unsung heroes are single moms.”

Despite appalling survey results and bashes from the public, continue to press on, ladies. God loves you, sees your struggle, and desires to empower you to an awesome finish. Letting Him guide your steps, build your faith, and provide all you need to excel, you’ll soon realize that you really can be someone’s hero.
]]> Thu, 4 Mar 2010 12:12:30 PST http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=23381 <![CDATA[Interview with Cheryl L. West - Screenwriter for Diary of a Single Mom]]> http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=23122 Seemingly, Cheryl L. West does it all. A film and TV writer and an award-winning playwright, she is an absolute inspiration. Did I mention that this mastermind is also a single mother? Whew!

Her recent web-based original series, Diary of a Single Mom, is in its second season. Cheryl’s credits don’t stop here, though. She has worked on projects at HBO, MTV, CBS, Disney, and several other well-known corporations.

Diary of a Single Mom can be seen on the Public Internet Channel (PIC.tv), a Web site featuring free media to help encourage viewers to take steps to improve their lives.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of talking with Cheryl to discover why her newest series has so many women—including me—gushing. Expect a dousing of encouragement and insight as you follow our conversation.

Cherise: Raised by a single mother, the show’s producer and director, Robert Townsend obviously has a passion for sharing the single mother’s plight. What piqued your interest?

West: I’m also a single mom and I was raised by single mom.

Cherise: I assumed you had either done some incredible research or had actually lived the message you portray in Diary of a Single Mom. You do it well.

West: [Chuckle] Thank you.

Cherise: You’ve lived through the struggles and triumphs of a single mother. You effectively relate that to others. Excellent job!

West: Thank you so much. I think when I became a writer one of the things that I wanted to do was validate working class black people’s lives and identify with them in some way. … The more specific your characters are, the more universal they become; and then, the audience can relate. [They] may be Jewish, [they] may be Hispanic, Afghanistan … but you can see it’s about them. It’s about love it’s about protection, it’s about encouragement, it’s about fear. [These things are] universal … human, too.

Cherise: There is something in this series for everyone. I love the way you’ve pulled in different ethnicities and age brackets to demonstrate each mother’s unique journey into single motherhood.

West: When One Economy [a global non-profit organization that launched PIC.tv] envisioned this, one of their goals as a company was to reach out to single mothers and the entire working class—women and men. Robert [Townsend] and me wanted to have different ethnicities in this piece. I remember having to fight for an older white woman.

You know, we’ve got an entire generation of grandmothers and grandfathers raising children now with support of communities. [I included] one who was very well off and had everything done for her. Now she has to—in her mind—fall from grace and be in the poverty line. [She] also has to sort of learn how much grace she actually has and then raise her grandchild. That’s quite a fascinating dynamic; and yet, she needs [the assistance of] these other two women. She brings an offer to the table [to] actually help tutor Ocean [the protagonist] to help get her GED. So, I think that … we all have these strengths but sometimes it takes other people to reveal them.

Cherise: Exactly. How do you keep your material realistic for unwed moms today?

West: Writers read; writers listen. I am always reading The NY Times ... different newspapers … The Washington Post. You read and you see stories. You see human life stories. So you’re not always pulling from people you know because that would be very small in the scope of writing and you have to be expansive. So, you read and you listen. You think, hmm … What if I take this situation and marry it to … hmm … something even more unusual that I could imagine? Let me see what I could come up with. I think that is the craft of the writer.

Cherise: Why release the series on PIC.tv and not the big screen or a major television network?

West: I think that it’s certainly under consideration at this point. I think that you [grow] where you’re planted and this is where we started. I’m certainly not sure what the future may hold. This is a question that has been brought to us and I’m sure at some point they’ll be exploring that as an option.

Cherise: Whose big idea was this series, anyway?

West: Ray Ramsey who’s the director of One Economy. I think this was their idea as a cinematic approach to the work that they were already doing. Then he talked to Robert [Townsend], found some money, and then, Robert came to me as a writer. [Ray wants] to use the tools that they have for women to get more information—or men, or whomever—to help change their lives. Then we dramatically create stories that encourage people to think about something differently and to want to take some different actions.

Cherise: This is wonderful. When you find something that matches your passion, it’s hard to keep quiet about it. I’ve told so many people about the series and PIC.tv. You guys didn’t stop at making a good film; you provided valuable links concerning topics in the episodes.

West: [Chuckle] I appreciate that, too. We appreciate that. Well, One Economy [provides] the resources. I was, years ago, a social worker and a full time writer.

You know, it’s one thing to give people a notion, but to have it readily available now by a click and a link…it’s amazing. When the social worker leaves you some pamphlets, that’s not the same thing as being able to click on [a link] and see [an answer] right now, [instead of], "I forgot where I put that paper." I think that is so helpful because sometimes, we need a fix immediately. We need … one little sign … someone to call … some information … another way we can talk to the landlord … another way at looking at your resume. This can make all the difference in someone’s life.

Cherise: Briefly tell me how your journey started and progressed as a screenwriter.

West: I always wrote, even as a kid, but it was my secret—my way of making sense of the world. But I had a mother who said, “Always have something to fall back on.” So, I always had a “B” plan. Plan "A", for me, was to help people as a social worker. I have a degree in criminal justice, a masters in rehabilitation administration and another masters in journalism.

Cherise: You’ve been pretty busy, huh? [Chuckle]

West: [Chuckle] Yeah, but at some point I said that I’m going to give myself five years [to become] a writer. I set [my goals] and I worked two and three jobs. Then I went for it. I was able to do it in four. I kept working the other jobs and then I could support myself as a writer

Cherise: In the beginning, how did you stay encouraged when you started out in journalism, screenwriting, and film writing?

West: It’s a basis of ups and downs. That was the first acceptance I had to finally come to. [Chuckle] It is a business of that.

And the first thing I always tell people: Get to a circle—a safety circle. A circle of people who love you whether you’re published, produced—whatever. Circle and wrap them around you. ‘Cause there are gonna be times when you’re going to need someone to say, “Keep moving, keep going, and, what do those people know”. That has served me so well throughout my career. That circle of friends … family who believe in me first as a person, as a woman, then as a creative artist out here.

Robert [Townsend] has been one of those people. And it was interesting because I was having a real dip in my career. I just called Robert out of the blue and said, “Hey, you see anything...send it my way.” (I work in theater primarily and there can be long stretches sometimes before you see any financial [returns].) About … hmm … maybe a month later, he called and said, “Hey you think you wanna rock and roll with me on this project [Diary of a Single Mom]?”

[Laughter] So you never know when the blessing is going to come to pass. You have to work at your craft constantly. Put out there constantly that I’m willing and able to work. And you have to sort of generate that in the universe through contacts that you make along the way. People forget about sending thank you notes; they’re invaluable.

You have something to say that no one else will have because no one else has your DNA. That’s your experience. No one else has your drive. We have something to offer the world that is unique. If you are committed, if you don’t give up, then eventually, you’ll arrive some place where your words can get out there into the world. Sometimes it starts with you self-promoting, self-publishing.

When I first started in theater I was working a couple jobs. I had a group of friends. I wrote some stuff. They said "Okay, we’ll [help put on the show]." I used my credit cards to rent the van, then we started taking it to little towns in Illinois. That’s how it started.

Cherise: Humble beginnings. ... Oftentimes, verbal abuse is not rebuked in the media. How do you plan to address verbal bashes against your protagonist from her husband who suddenly appears after a long jail term? Women tend to cover their hurts, and this leads to stress-borne illness.

West: Women deal with anger different than men in that many women tend to have seething anger that we feel is not always ladylike to express. Sometimes I think holding on to that anger, … [it ends up] being medically manifested. So, Ocean is certainly one of those people who goes within. Then she acts out.

You can have the other extreme of people who are blurting all over the place at people and every time they get a pinch, they’re going to hit somebody back. I think you have the two extremes and the two sort of moderate your life and the ups and downs. Then, faith comes in again and that circle of friends and family that I talked about.

Cherise: Cheryl, what’s the most rewarding part of your work?

West: Creating a new world that surprises me, and then certainly, the external validation when someone says, “This is my life that she wrote about,” and they feel validated because of that.

Cherise: There is purpose behind our work. We may not know who’s affected, but when we get those little comments, it’s confirmation that we’re doing the right thing.

West: It certainly does help. ‘Cause if you don’t get criticism you’re not doing your job as a writer. You get an ample amount of that. You really must look at that as part of doing your job well.

Cherise: Is there anything else you’d like to share that I haven’t asked already?

West: As Ocean does in this series, persevere. You have something to offer the world. I believe every human being put here is a teacher to someone else so it’s our obligation, our responsibility, our gift to the world to be the best that we can be.

Check out the latest episode of Diary of a Single Mom at http://www.pic.tv/singlemom.
]]> Thu, 25 Feb 2010 11:21:54 PST http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=23122 <![CDATA[See Cherise at LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE...A Luncheon for Ladies ]]> http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22989

WHAT: First Annual Ladies Luncheon hosted by C&C Creative Parties and Events

WHO: Ladies 18 & older

WHEN: March 13, 2010, 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

WHERE: Holiday Inn Express, 2485 George Busbee Parkway, Kennesaw, GA

COST: $5.00 early pricing through March 10, $7 at the door

DETAILS:

Lunch included
Two speakers (Cherise Bopape & Charlotte Bailey)
Open panel discussion
Door prizes
Vendors

]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:02:31 PST http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22989 <![CDATA[Film Series Depicts Lives of Single Moms – A Must See!]]> http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22849 What were director/producer Robert Townsend and screenwriter Cheryl West thinking when they launched Diary of a Single Mom?

Perhaps they considered the 12.2 million single parents in the United States. Maybe they heard about the 683 thousand unmarried grandparents responsible for rearing their grandchildren. It’s possible they stumbled upon 2002 statistics revealing 33% of all U.S. births being to unmarried women.

With their obvious passion for helping single mothers, Townsend and West have concocted realistic stories of three single mothers’ lives through Diary of a Single Mom. This web-based original series exposes unwed mothers’ unique journeys and struggles. It stresses the importance of education, hard work, community, transparency, forgiveness, mentoring, and resourcefulness. Viewers will connect with the stories of comeuppance, restoration, and perseverance. Crossing ethnic and generational lines, the film catapults its message of hope into homes abroad.

Each commercial-free episode is less than fifteen minutes in length and is ideal for today’s busy families. Because its themes are obviously well researched and its cast members are accomplished actors, the show boasts a quality tantamount to a major TV network series. Broadcasted through the Public Internet Channel (PIC.tv), Diary of a Single Mom is accompanied by educational resources on relatable topics in an effort to improve viewers’ quality of life.

Debuting in 2009, the show is now in its second season and has received the 2009 Best Indie Soap and Guest Actor awards. With glowing reviews, it is a mix between a daytime soap opera, Lifetime movie, and PBS documentary. View new episodes weekly at www.pic.tv/singlemom. Watch them at home, use them for discussion in singles’ ministry, or with help from a local non-profit organization, show them to generate awareness in your community. You’ll be glad you did.

(Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov, and www.factfinder.census.gov)
]]> Thu, 18 Feb 2010 11:19:36 PST http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22849 <![CDATA[COMING SOON- Inspiration for America During Tough Times ]]> http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22471

COMING IN SPRING 2010 … America Remembered—an inspirational book by members of the Christian Authors Guild. Including stories of hope, faith, and community, this book offers heartwarming accounts of everyday life in America. Its thirty-four authors (including me) have shared timeless, relatable stories. Although America Remembered is not a patriotic tribute to the United States, it can easily serve as a morale booster to those burdened with our country’s current struggles. Make plans to check it out this spring.]]> Mon, 8 Feb 2010 13:55:47 PST http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=22471 <![CDATA[How to Make Good Choices In Men]]> http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=21925
If you’ve ever asked yourself these questions, you’ll want to read what Deborah Dunn has to say. During an interview with Vonda Skelton, Deborah answers these and other tough questions. Deborah is an author, speaker, and licensed family and marriage therapist who has some great advice.

Click here to read Deborah’s interview and find out about her book, Stupid About Men: 10 Rules for Getting Romance Right. Here’s a link to the interview on Vonda Skelton’s blog: http://vondaskelton.com/Blog.htm?blog_id=237.
]]> Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:29:31 PST http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=21925 <![CDATA[Book Review: Sherri Shepherd's PERMISSION SLIPS]]> http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=21897 What kind of effect will Sherri Shepherd’s Permission Slips have on women? Is it a compilation of tips for mothers? A memoir? A self-help book? Will there be specific take-aways for single moms? Can it be as zany as Sherri’s stand-up comedy? Is it worth my time? The answer ... drum roll, please …is yes!

At page five I was nodding in agreement, smiling by page eleven, and with foot-stomping laughter leading up to page thirty-two, I wished another sister were nearby to share a high-five.

Permission Slips tells Sherri’s survival tips through motherhood, divorce, diabetes, bouts with religion, dating, poor choices, sex, and work-life balance. The pithy statements (i.e. permission slips) she gives often tell how she managed to get over herself, her mistakes, and overwhelming situations by simply realizing she’s human, she’s a work in progress, and that she has a very patient, forgiving Lord and Savior.

Although this ex-Jehovah’s Witness turned Pentecostal Christian uses foul language sparsely throughout the book, she usually manages to garner a laugh in the process. At other times, she marries tasteful, vivid descriptors to form a union that’s uniquely and hilariously Sherri.

Women will appreciate Sherri’s transparency and candidness. Her readers will realize they’re not alone in their “mess”; others have indeed gone before them. The good thing is, women like Sherri share their trials to educate and build up others.

Hard to put down, Permission Slips validates and reassures women. What a great pick-me-up for the hurting woman, a sense of hope for females in dark places, and a source of laughter for the downhearted.

Although this book isn’t written specifically for single moms, I recommend it to them specifically. Read it and weep—with joy—for the sheer hilarity it provides.
]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:50:36 PST http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=21897 <![CDATA[Tips from One Single Mom to Another]]> http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=18278 Today, several other media professionals and I had the opportunity to ask Sherri Shepherd some questions during her live interview on blogtalkradio.com’s Grand Central Publishing channel. The 42-year-old, single mom, comedienne, actress, and author shared some insights while discussing her new book, Permission Slips: Every Woman’s Guide to Giving Herself a Break.

I chimed in about 23 minutes into the interview with questions on single motherhood. Sherri’s advice was simple, “...let friends know what’s going on and rely on their help”. She learned to give herself permission to get over the feeling of being a burden to her girlfriends. She also revealed that she prays for men of integrity to enter her son’s life to help him with things only a man would know or experience firsthand. I couldn’t agree more.

Since research shows that very few single parents regularly attend church, I asked Sherri to share her thoughts on this harrowing fact. She told me that single moms are just tired; they don’t have anyone to help them in church when their child requires discipline or assistance. She jokingly mentioned that when her little Jeffrey (age four) is in Sunday school, his assigned number will often flash on the digital monitor in the middle of prayer—a signal that she’s needed ASAP. Unlike her married counterparts, Sherri simply can’t tag team with anyone during the service. This can be taxing.

Overall, I enjoyed listening to Sherri tell about her life, struggles, and the “permission slips” she’s given herself. To listen to a recording of the interview and treat yourself to a few laughs click here.

Please visit the links below to take two surveys that I’ve designed for single moms. (I’ve listed one question per survey; this won’t be time consuming.) Once you answer the question, you’ll immediately be able to see how your answer compares to others’ responses.

Surveys for Single Moms
To take surveys designed specifically for single moms, visit my page, "Polls & Surveys for single Moms." You'll be able to see your results immediately and compare them to others who've also answered.
]]> Thu, 29 Oct 2009 18:03:00 PST http://www.cherisebopape.authorweblog.com/default.asp?date=new&permid=18278