JNoS PR client DeeSmuve and I decided to travel into Austin, TX this past weekend to experience the popular SXSW atmosphere.  From the moment that we arrived downtown near Red River and 6th Street, there was much excitement to see!

We hit the strip wearing our comfortable “Chucks” ready to explore all that we could see during our short day trip to the Texas State Capital.  6th Street has so much to offer from eateries, tourist attractions and bars.  The layout reminds me of New Orleans’ Bourbon Street.

We met several other talented musicians and professionals from all over the country. Many artists were raking in dough as they were charmingly posted on the sidewalks playing their music for the passing festival crowd.

We attended a day party at the Belmont with Houston’s 97.9 The Box DJ Hi C in the mix. Performances from Hip-Hop Artists such as Slim Thug, DIce Solo, VH1’s Love and Hip Hop star Mariah Lynn.

Our first peek at SXSW was very insightful and entertaining. We will definitely plan ahead for 2018 to explore more and to have DeeSmuve as one of the festival featured performers!

by JNo Simpson

JNoS PR Re-Blog

Written By: E’Vonne Gipson
GSU senior, Elizabeth Eddy’s dream of becoming a published author came true as she became a co-author of the book “Women of Faith: Their Untold Stories Revealed”, a book that she believes tells stories that will change many lives. The book is filled with devotionals written from the heart of everyday women who have found their highest potential and wanted to share that connection with others.

“It is a true source of encouragement to other women facing their own uphill battles,” Eddy said. “Every young woman has something that she can speak up about.” “You never know whose life you might save just by saying what’s on your heart, and becoming a co-author of “Women of Faith: Their Untold Stories” has helped me to see that.”

“Woman of Faith: Their Stories Revealed”, features New York Times best-selling author, Miss Kay Robertson, Star & Matriarch of A & E’s Duck Dynasty & Duck Commander and Rhonda Branch Yearby, President and CEO of Rhonda Branch Ministries, founder of Women of Faith, Grant Seekers and BY Publishing.  “Working with Miss Kay Robertson, was an absolute honor,” Eddy said. “She’s very pleasing to talk to because she is such a humble and encouraging woman.” “It was also a wonderful experience working with Rhonda Branch Yearby, the coaching calls and information provided for me while writing were exactly what I needed to succeed.”

The new co- author has been writing for ten years. She first began writing poetry and songs, and then came stories and speeches to empower youth and young adults.
Eddy says although writing her portion of the book was enjoyable, it was also extremely difficult to reveal things that she has never mentioned before in public.
“In this book I admit failure as well as triumph,” she said. “As I was writing, it was hard to keep the pages from getting messed up from tears.”

Eddy was inspired by one of her favorite quotes, “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller
Within her portion of the book she talks about the trials and tribulations she experienced and is experiencing on her journey to remain on the correct career path after graduating high school and entering college.

“So many times we make decisions based upon what other people are doing and what others want us to do and we wonder why we are not happy with our lives,” she said. “I wanted to write about something that my readers could relate to.”
The GSU student says from her writing, she wants to give people the strength and inspiration to make the changes they need to see in their lives, with faith, love and maybe a bit of humor.

It took her two weeks to write and edit her five pages of the book, but it took her nearly two months to decide on how to properly deliver the message to her audience.
“As I was writing I felt a lot of weight lifting off of my shoulders,” she explained. “I truly believe that writing is a form of healing and when I wrote my portion of this wonderful book I began to heal.”

The Ruston native, matriculating in the Chemistry and Theatre felt so deeply about finishing her portion of the book that she didn’t let anything get in the way. She finished writing during the last two weeks of the 2016 semester while working 3 part-time jobs.  At GSU, Eddy is also a member of the Student Government Association, Floyde L. Sandle Club, Stem Journal Research Club, Youth Worker, Pageants, Choir, and Drill Team.

“As a young woman attending Grambling State University, I have learned how to be a leader who is currently serving as the Student government Association Senior Class Senator 2016-2017,” she said. “The importance of networking and building healthy relationship has been developed with me.” “I am the voice for those who are afraid to speak.”

In 2017 you can expect Elizabeth Eddy to do multiple book signings along with speaking engagements. She is also currently working on another writing project.

What is a “women of faith” to Elizabeth Eddy?
“A “women of faith” is being a strong woman who puts complete trust in the plans that God has for her life no matter the circumstance.”

“Women of Faith: The Untold Stories Revealed” is now available for purchase from Amazon