PHOTOS 2015 | author-pat-simmons

March 2015

Romance Slam Jam 2015 Hanging out with fellow authors and readers at Slam Jam in Dallas.	Romancing Family Feud game I was waiting for the first question.
The plot thickens Fellow authors, Ann Clay, Piper Hughely, and me host 'MAKE THE BEST MAN WIN' game. Each group had to come up with a story line.	Christian authors unite! Ann Clay, Piper Hughely and me.
The story is coming together The breakout workshop where readers and authors create their own man of their dreams.	Bookmanics They were 32 members strong, resembling at SlamJam.
Fans and friends Family of Shavon Johnson who came with her books	Faithful reader Jackie Roberts Somehow, we meet up in Dallas and we both live in Missouri--KC and STL
Kerry and me We arrive for the Emma Awards	Emma Award banner No Easy Catch was up for an award as best inspirational romance.
Ms. Emma Rodgers The award is named in her honor as she was the driving force behind many of the authors' success.	Piper walked away with two awards Debut author and best cover. Yay.
Mom and daugher Our debut in our first selfie.	Cousins Helen and me are two sisters daughters and we look like our mothers too.
Author Kimberley Kaye Terry How awesome that we ran into each other in Texas.	Simmons in the house We both married into a Simmons household, but we're not related.
Divas in the industry Editor Latoya C. Smith and author Sheila Goss.	The Millers Kerry and I ended our road trip by worshipping with Tony and Angella "AJ" Miller in Dallas.

May 2015

Happy Mother's Day! I walked through the door and thought they were from hubby. Nope, my baby girl sent them.	Bishop Johnson Ice Sculpture One of the centerpieces at Bishop Johnson's celebration as pastor of Bethesda Temple Church for 65 years.
Perfect pose I thought this would be a great back drop for a picture since Bishop Johnson married us.	Preach Bishop One presentation at the party.
Cousins at the celebration The Simmons and Taylors hanging out at Bishop Johnson's celebration.	Me and Kim Potts High school friends, now church sisters.
Kerry and me with the Butlers First lady Butler was the soloist at our wedding more than 30 years ago.	Simmons and McMullens Friends for more than 50 years, attending the 65th pastoral anniversary.
Bishop Johnson at his party Unfortunately, this was the last time most of the church members saw him alive.	Another sermon Even through a video, we could feel the power of the Holy Ghost.
It's crazy at the RT Booklovers Con More than 5,000 books in boxes to be opened, sorted and then given away.	Bags for treats and books!
Steampunk decorations Some of them were amazing.	Just some of the registration bags There were so many tote bags with books to take home.
The RT Publicity Team Me, Lisa Watson and Lissa Woodson	Me and author Tina deSalvo A breast cancer survivor, Tina gives back to every city where RT goes.
Me and author Sandra Brown She has made a name for herself as a NYT bestselling author.	LaToya!!
Favorite RT picture So proud of Latoya Smith	Outside the awards ceremony LaToya and me at the awards gala event.
Diane!!! A selfie.	Having fun Another selfie
Am I wearing a crown? Angela and me in front of a Paris tower replica in the grag as many books as you can party.	Award winner Rebekah Weatherspoon
Kathryn Falk The founder of the RT Bookreviews Magazine and my boss with Kate and my Australia friend.	Another diva author But I forgot her name. It could be Kathy Reichs, the bones TV show creator.
A family affair On their way to the steampunk party.	Okay Which party was this? Anyway, it had food.
Touching lives I met this author at a book singing in San Antonio. I told him about the conference and he drove to Dallas to meet with agents and editors. Yay.	Librarian Ollie Ready for the Steampunk party
Character costumes It wouldn't be RT without costumes.	It's not what you think A self-defense workshop for your characters. Hmm-mmm
Clowning around Yeah, sometimes I have fun at the convention.	Cover model Charles Paz Some things never change. Charles is not one of them. Every RT his getup gets stranger and stranger.
I remember when Charles Paz was clean cut. Who is this bearded man?	Mom and daughter Simi and me Sunday at the RT Roundup book fair.
Me and my friend "AJ" She's catching up again. She held my hand when I first started writing. God knows I needed a friend to encourage me along the way.	donna and me in banner.JPG
Rolling with the big dogs I'm always in awe of these diva authors who has arrived and don't act like it.	Let the book signing start 800 + authors in the house??
The bones lady Author Kathy Reichs	Me and author Lisa Wingate I signed between two power house authors. Lisa and Francine Rivers.
My signing table On inspirational lane	Award-winning author Francine Rivers
Christian author Tamera Alexander Right before the book signing	Authors before their TV interview Heather Graham and Sylvia Day.
WFAA TV interviews On set with the big dogs	TV interview on site Reporter interviewing St. Martins Press editor Monique Patterson.
Jubilation that RT coming to an end They gave Kerry an applause for his volunteer work during the conference.	Sponsor of new Gospel radio station This was at 99.5 FM Inaugural pastoral brunch.
IMG_0788.JPG	Me and legendary KMOV assignment editor Ann Holmes.JPG Great to see her.
Me and Pat Washington Longtime colleague in journalism and the former St. Louis American reporter.	Tyrone Simmons and his twin Clara
Blended family The Simmons family and friends	The city salutes you Bishop Bethesda Temple's loss was felt not only at our church, but throughout the world.
The Bethesda Temple Heritage Choir The music was anointed at Bishop Johnson's home going.	Sing Donna "Safety" was one of Bishop's favorite songs.
Clips of Bishop's sermon This was part of the home going service. Tidbits of some of his sermons about God, holiness and heaven.	At the repast Elder RubenJohnson with Mellody Andersen (my twin), Brother Frank and Deacon Jeans.
IMG_0808.JPG	First Lady Juana Johnson She had been a blessing to our pastor.
The fallen soldier We salute the soldier of the Cross. Bishop Johnson lived what he preached. Without holiness, no man shall see God.	The void Bishop Johnson fought the good fight. Ephesians 6:17 says for the saints to take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. Amen.

June 2015

Like Momma, like daughter I get my crazy personality honestly from this chick. :)	Write That Book Seminar I was one of the guest speakers at New Life Christian Church who participated in a program to take aspiring writers from unpublished to published authors.
My testimony I always want to encourage people that they can do anything if they put God first. I received a rejection letter for Guilty of Love the same day it it the bookshelves.	My oldest son Jay stopped by to visit. Who would have thought he was a preemie baby.
James Simmons III He's my husband's third cousin and one of the groomsmen in his sister's wedding.	Third cousins Apart many say James and Jared Simmons resemble. Up close, you call it.
Simmons men What a sight to behold, four generations of Simmonses in the family. I love it! Kerry with his first cousins, Uncle Jim, then his second and third cousin--I think that's the number.	One happy groom Dwight Johnson wasn't shy about his happiness as he and his bride, the former Renoda Johnson, processioned back into the banquet room.
Dwight re-entered the room in a danc I guess he was happy to have his wife.	Awwww The dress! whew. Love it. No words to describe its elegance.
Kerry and I at wedding #1 This was my first time attending a wedding where the ceremony and reception was in the same place. It was nice.	Kerry and I with his second cousin The former Renoda Simmons. She was a beautiful bride.
Flower girls--the second wedding Flower girls are always a big hit, couple that with the ring bearer, and it was a memorable sight.	Best wedding photo Well, besides the bride and groom--adorable dresses on the bride's granddaughters.
Finally, they made it to the altar It was a beautiful ceremony.	I just love the JESUS sign A marriage to honor God. Sigh, a husband and wife can't go wrong.
The ceremony is over And the special guests on chilling while others go through the receiving line.	I like the look of love and promise Gary wasn't shy about reciting his vows and professing his love.
It's official The new Mr. and Mrs. Gary Riley	The Mixing of the Sands This was the first time I've seen this done during the ceremony and it was beautiful.
Cake cutting I had two cupcakes. I love the display.	Guests of Honor table At the reception
Momma Simmons w/ her oldest daughter Family celebration at the wedding of Angie and Gary.	Kerry and Deacon Meeks They were chatting it up at Angi and Gary's reception.
Some of Bethesda Temple's Deacons Plus my Hubby at the end. Deacons Meek, Coleman and Crossley. Kerry's grandfather was a deacon at Bethesda Temple.	Kerry and me got in a picture We seem to show up at everybody's weddings.

July 2015

I'm the reporter's top story This was a twist. My longtime friend and former colleague at KMOV Julian Grace wanted to take a picture of me with one of my books. It was great seeing him. I coi;dn't get enough hugs!	His expression is comical Julian looks painful as he's about to pay my husband for his copy of Still Guilty.
Julian and his wife I was so glad to see them at the Expo	Happy Reader Stacy Campbell showed up at the expo to get her signed copy of IN DEFENSE OF LOVE.
A BLAST FROM THE PAST Former grade school classmate Diane (Dice) Turner. Boy, do we go way way back. The coincidence is we share two mutual friends. One is from high school and the other friend I met when our children were small.	Helping a fellow author out Here is my sister-in-law at the Indy Black Expo manning the booth for author Vanessa Miller who is still recovering from an auto crash.
Another supporter Carol showed up at my booth to bless me with a purchase of IN DEFENSE OF LOVE, a hot seller at the expo.

August 2015

This is the best selfie yet! Our niece Ashlee thought she was taking a selfie, but she didn't know her uncle got in on the fun. Haha	Simmons group picture in Cleveland Where is everybody?
The folks just kept coming So many kinfolks joined in that we couldn't get them in on the photo.	The Simmons Family Reunion Yep, this is our cousin Sammy on the dance floor. Shaking my head.
St. Louis in the house While our other cousins were on the dance floor at the Simmons reunion, Kerry and I were posing for pictures.	Author signing Of course, what family reunion would be complete without an author? Family love.
An author is born chat in Columbus Ms. Joylynn Jossel Ross opened the door for me in the book industry. She is the one who blessed me to bless the world with my Jamieson men and Grandma BB.	First Fan Leslie Hudson has been an extra special person in my life since Guilty of Love was released. She posted my first review and twice, she has driven across town to see me at a book event. Praise God for friends!
New fan She just wandered into the library and became nosy. In the end result was a friendship and fan.	Fabulous Fan Krystal has been with me since book one. She came out to the Langston Hughes Library in Cleveland and presented me with a beautiful candle teacup set.
Malcolm and Christina in Baltimore Weddings are a family affair. Congrats to our nephew and our new niece.	Uncle of the groom I remember when my son was little, and Trey, Malcolm and Trey were inseparable. Times flies.
The receiving line after saying I do I think Malcolm and Christina are in their own world.	Blushing bride, happy groom
Family affair Five of my mother-in-law's children, three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter grace this picture.	Mother and grandmother of the groom Dr. Collins and Moma Simmons
The rehearsal dinner Kerry with his mom, sister and brother.	Siblings A mini reunion with six siblings together.
Laura Gilbert and James Beautiful mother and second camera ready.	Melissa! The sister of the groom. I think this is such a beautiful picture of my niece. Gorgeous!!!
Picture perfect First cousins!	John John John John My nephew from California and his son who is the third John in the Gilbert family.
The flower girls Nothing like two little princesses in the house.	Can we say GQ Check out my nephew's shoes. I asked him if they were Stacy Adams like Grandma BB's.
Kerry and Me chillin' The wedding was like a family reunion. Celebrate good times.	The night before the big day My sister-in-law, Joyce, with her great niece, Caden, the flower girl.
Chillin'	The Gilberts in D.C. This was one traveling family.
Little James on the dance floor My great nephew doesn't need a dance partner like his Aunt Bunnie.	Party over here A celebration wouldn't be complete without my sister-in-law, Aunt Bunnie, on the dance floor. She is too funny.
Clear the tables The D.J. kept the floor packed. I never knew there were so many dance steps.	Saints in the House in Baltimore I enjoyed the message at Emmanuel Temple Church of the Apostolic Faith, Inc., members. Shout out to First Lady Elaine Jefferson who hosted my signing.
Baltimore bring up the rear It's always wonderful to see sisters from my home church away from home. Tina!

September 2015

A winner's smile!! Look what I won from New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown at Romcon. It's a leather laptop case and a Kindle Fire. Do you hear me shouting Hallelujah?	It's mine I grabbed my prize and took off!
The prize Here's a closeup. To say I'm grateful is an understatement. Before now, I've never owned a Kindle. Yay for me.	The annual Romcon banner One winner went home with this banner signed by all the authors who attended. Unfortunately, you can't see my name. :) But I was there!
Romcon organizer Jennifer Zane This author knows how to throw a party.	Speed dating is not for the faint Sitting next to Allie Pleiter again in the speed dating author event, it was an non-stop flow of readers taking the chance to get to know us. Whew.
Sweet & Sassy Bingo There were 9 authors in charge of this game where the winner's choice of prizes came out of the sweet basket or the sassy. For fun, the chips were chocolate kisses and Starburst pieces.	Jodi Thomas What a heartwarming keynote speech to inspire authors to reach for their dreams.
The author husbands Kerry with Carolyn Brown's hubby Charles Brown from OKC at the book signing.	Best selling author Melody Anne This author is big time and down to earth.
She made me a winner. Sweetheart author Carolyn Brown. Boy, did she know how to give a gift.	Reader and fan Shannon Bostwick She's hanging in there with me at Romcon.
Author signing at Romcon I'm positioned between S.E. Smith and Jill Scott.	A family and friend affair Some Simmonses living in Denver. Authors Lisa Watson and Michelle Callahan brought up the rear.
Witnesses of my jubliation The author luncheon at Romcon	IMG_1314(2).JPG
Catch a Bunch of Authors I was a featured panelists at the Aurora Library. Here are two of my supporters Mary and Carolyn. You have to love folks that love you.	Sharing the author table Side by side with inspirational author Allie Pleiter in Aurora, IL
Congrats to my cousin Christine I'm so proud of her as the business owner/franchise.	More well wishers Christine and staff members at her grand opening.
Grand Opening Christine is the proud owner of D'Oliver Salon in Spring, TX.	Salute to our Soldiers Shout out to Kimberly who showed us some love.

October 2015

Give me flowers! I didn't expect to receive recognition.	Thank you The flowers were an act of kindness from friend and organizer for the 2015 Cavalcade of Authors 2015. Lissa Woodson.
Representing My New Release During the Cavalcade, I could set up fast enough before readers were stopping by my table. I didn't come home with many books.	Me and Radiah Radiah has reviewed many of my books throughout the year.
Melody Bartel-Vernon and Rene Melody has been faithful reading and posting reviews. Rene Daniel Flager is aka Nikki Night with Kimani romance. Happy for her.	Denise Jeffries and Beverly Cooley Two ladies in my corner. Denise is an author with an alter ego and Beverly was once a Guilty Captain for me,
Author Tanisha with Kerry & me	New fan from the Cavalcade
Carla, Baton Rouge in the house! It's always humbling meeting fans that I've never met before.	Having Fun Me with Tanishia Pearson-Jones and Shannan Harper. Great supporters and friends.
I look like my mother in this hat My admin assistant at the Glove & Tea party.	Tea Time What a time, what a time, what a time, The food, fellowship and ambiance was superb.
The Miss Evelyn Mosely Event planner extraordinaire. She was not only a lovely host, but a great ambassador for Christ and her church.	Tea time with Tina This is Evelyn's daughter and I'm so glad she could join us.
The hat ladies Although her hat is sharper than mine. She was responsible for me attending the first tea party at Faith Mission in Omaha.