Wearing My Halo Tilted by Stephanie Perry Moore Page B

Tina had no problem getting him to sign off on giving me a two-book deal. He was kinda growing me up in the publishing world, telling me a lot of stuff that I needed to know. He was such a godly man, and with most white folks not even speaking or smiling in my direction, I couldn’t say the same for most so called Christians.
    Because it was a Christian company, I was limited in the drama I could put in my titles. Everyone sinned and fell short of the glory of God. Why couldn’t characters? But in order to stay in their game I had to conform and play by their rules. No profanity, no sex scenes, and no gay stuff.
    â€œThanks for all your compliments and getting my book in the right hands so that the powers that be could read it and give me a chance to win an award. I’m just so thankful,” I said, clasping my heart so he could see the sincerity. “And I should apologize to you guys for not getting my second book done yet. Believe me, my agent is on me so you’ll have it soon.”
    â€œWell, I did wanna impose upon you our deadlines, and we are working with your agent to secure all of that. But we just wanted to let you know how proud we were of you. We’ve had to let a couple of authors go this year. One was a pastor who was stealing money from the church, they let him go as pastor and we looked into it and the evidence was right. We had to release him from his contract as well. Our motto is, ‘A message you can stand by,’ and no one can stand by an author who publicly is out living their own way, yet telling a message to others on how they should walk the straight and narrow. We want our authors doing and writing the same thing. We are glad you are upholding His standards. I know you gotta get down there to the signing so I’ll let you go,” he said as he looked at his watch.
    We shook hands. I told him he would have the next manuscript soon. Thankfully, he told me an extension was acceptable. Then I was off to the ICRS floor.
    Another day at the conference was even more special. Strolling alone to the African-American booth, I was able to appreciate the small things. The beautiful royal purple carpet, ushering me down each of the aisles, reminded me of what heaven would be like. Hearing my people sing praises to the King convinced me. I wanted to be fully used for him.
    I had a line waiting on me. Tina was standing there along with the author relations person from the publishing company, ready to show me where to stand and start my line moving.
    Tina whispered in my ear, “Look at all these people ready to get your autograph. A much longer line than yesterday. Next year, you’ll be over there in a private booth. You’re doing great, Shari.”
    Grinning at her, I inwardly was okay that that wasn’t my lot this time. I was thankful the Lord had given me a larger crowd than the day before. I didn’t need to ask for me. I needed to be excited about what He’d given me.
    With a gracious attitude, I had a ball. I met all kinds of people. Some that had read the book and some that had not. People that were hurting and people that were healed through the message in my book. Positive words of encouragement were coming from every person I met.
    I had already done interviews the majority of the morning. Then had my meeting with Mr. Gayley, followed by my signing. It was now four o’clock and I didn’t have a clue where Bryce and I were going to meet. I didn’t have to figure it out either, because again he was the last person standing in my line.
    Tina gave me a fierce look as if to ask what’s up with this. I tried to hide my excitement but I couldn’t hold back the corners of my mouth from turning upward in a really big fashion. Boy did he look good in his black jacket, white shirt that was unbuttoned, brown slacks, and some cool Stacy Adams shiny, black shoes. Bryce didn’t have a stomach overlaying the belt area like my husband did.