Better Together Book Tour to feature BlackBelt Reports Editor

Blackbelt Reports Editor, Oniska Blevins has been chosen to be the featured author during the Better Together Book Tour.  

The Better Together Book Tour began as a signing event hosted by Ashley and Shatara to showcase their own work.  According to Clark, this sparked a conversation about how many authors publish their works but never actually showcase them or host a signing. 

Clark said they realized that this is a common issue across the United States. 

"Based on this insight, we decided to start the tour and invite authors from across the country to participate," she said.

Blevins hit the ground running with Brown Sugar Affirmations. Brown Sugar Affirmations is a book of affirmations for little brown girls. It encourages them to know their self worth and to believe positive things about themselves. Blevins was nominated for the tour and chosen to be a part of the tour.  

Ashley Monique is the author of the “Reconnecting My Brokenness: Tips to Renew Your Mind” series. This series, comprising four books including a planner, is a  collection where Ashley shares intimate details of her life story. Through personal anecdotes, practical advice, and scriptural references, she encourages readers to aspire for more and to overcome adversity.

Shatara has authored two solo books and co-authored three. Her first book, “Sturdy by 30,” is aimed at young adults and offers life lessons backed by scripture. Her second solo effort, “A Black Girl with Boundaries,” provides guidance on establishing and maintaining boundaries in various aspects of life, ensuring they are implemented effectively. Shatara’s co-authored projects include: 1. A memoir written with her mother, set in the 1950s, chronicling their family history. 2. An anthology on mending broken relationships with fathers. 3. An anthology focused on being single within the kingdom of God. 

"We plan each tour stop and feature the local author in their city. This is at no cost to the author; we only ask that they help secure a location and market the signing," Clark said.

The tour is not only to highlight Ashely and Shatara's body of work, but also a way to uplift and encourage other authors along their journey.

"This tour is special because it allows us to network, collaborate with numerous individuals, and bring their visions to life," she said. " We are dedicated to helping people, and this tour embodies that commitment."

According to Clark, being an author requires support and often the support given by fellow authors can be the push needed to keep going.

"Our main goal is to demonstrate to authors that signings are possible and that there is a genuine desire from people to support them," Clark said. "Sometimes, that boost of confidence can make a significant difference."

The Tuscaloosa, Al stop of the Better Together Tour will be 10 am Saturday, June 15th  at Heritage House Coffee and Tea Riverfront 2370 Jack Warner Pkwy Tuscaloosa, Al 35401.