Running Sideways, the bio of two-time Olympic Gold Champion and Golden Girl Pauline Davis of The Bahamas, took top place in the biography category of the International Book Awards announced in Los Angeles in June. Written with TR Todd, she takes her place alongside authors like Pope Francis, Amy Tan, Vanessa Williams and Julie Andrews.

Pauline Davis presents a copy of her biography, Running Sideways, The Olympic Champion Who Made Track and Field History, to Prime Minister Philip Davis.

The inspiring story of a girl who grew up in one of the poorest communities in The Bahamas and rose to capture a country’s heart along with two Olympic gold medals took first place in biography category in the International Book Awards, it was revealed today.

Running Sideways: The Olympic Champion Who Made Track and Field History by Pauline Davis with T.R. Todd, published by Rowman and Littlefield and written with TR (Jeff) Todd, beat out competition including Escape from Mariupol: A Survivor's True Story by Adoriana Marik, as told to author Anne K. Howard, and the controversial Juror #11: A Memoir of Rising From A Broken Justice System and The Trials of Life by Katrina Robertson.

Davis, who won Silver in Sweden in the 400m, was one of the Golden Girls who won Silver in the Atlantis Olympics in 1996, Gold in the IAAF World Championship in Seville, Spain in 1999, shocking the world when they defeated Jamaica in the 4x100 and making the podium again the next year in the Australia Olympics.

She said she was stunned by the news her bio was the judges’ favourite.

“This was one race I did not even know I had entered,” she chided when told she won. “I was so shocked and surprised, I just could not believe it, but maybe other people identified with a girl from Bain Town who started running sideways to look over my shoulder and stay

ahead of the boys who would try to catch me and bother me while I was juggling two big pails of water from the public pump. I knew if I slowed down, the boys would get me and if I spilled the water, my mother would let me have it when I got home so I just devised a way to stay safe from both and I kept on running.”

Throughout the book, Davis credits supporters – mentors like Neville Wisdom, former Sports Minister, who always believed in her, and emotional supporters including former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham. She is related to the current Prime Minister Philip Davis, the late PM Sir Lynden Pindling and his family, all of whom she said helped give her the confidence she needed when she doubted herself.

Today Davis is Chairwoman of World Relays Bahamas 2024 and a World Athletics Lifetime Council Member of World Athletics whose immediate past Chairman Lord Sebastian Coe wrote the forward to the book. Running Sideways was co-author TR Todd’s second biography and fourth book. He is completing his fifth now on another Bahamian woman.

Running Sideways is available in some bookstores, but Davis prefers to personalize signed copies at the Farmers’ Market on Gladstone Road, Nassau, where she can be found most Saturdays.

Below is the press release distributed by International Book Awards:

LOS ANGELES, JUNE 2023 – American Book Fest announced the winners and finalists of THE 2023 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS (IBA), one of the world’s largest international book award programs for mainstream, indie, and self-published titles. Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 100 categories. Awards were presented for titles published in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of American Book Fest, said this year’s contest yielded thousands of entries from authors and publishers around the world, which were then narrowed down to the final results.

Keen says of the awards, "Over our 15-year history, thousands of self-published and indie authors have leveraged the promotional power of their International Book Award to increase online recognition, enhance their title’s credibility, and garner more attention in the crowded book buying marketplace."

Full results for the 14th Annual International Book Awards can be found at: http://internationalbookawards.com/2023awardannouncement.html

Winners and finalists of this year’s contest join a prestigious group of past laureates, including Pope Francis, Amy Tan, Anne Lamott, George Sanders, Julie Andrews, Clive Barker, Vanessa Williams, Shark Tank’s Daymon John, Brad Thor, Kitty Kelley, and many others. Visit the Award Laureate page for an expanded list: http://internationalbookawards.com/awardlaureates.html

American Book Fest covers books from all sections of the publishing industry—mainstream, independent, & self-published. A 20-year timeline and award archives can be found at http://americanbookfest.com/aboutuscontactus.html

American Book Fest sponsors four separate award programs throughout the year. Each program has its own judging panel and announcement timeline. Many authors and publishers enter one or more contests, depending on their publication and marketing timeline. The 2023/2024 Submission Schedule can be found at: http://americanlegacyawards.com/bookawardplanner.html

American Book Fest has an active social media presence, with over 132,000 current Facebook fans. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBookFest Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmerBookFest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanbookfest/

Running Sideways, the bio of two-time Olympic Gold Champion and Golden Girl Pauline Davis of The Bahamas, took top place in the biography category of the International Book Awards announced in Los Angeles in June. Written with TR Todd, she takes her place alongside authors like Pope Francis, Amy Tan, Vanessa Williams and Julie Andrews. Pauline Davis presents a copy of her biography, Running Sideways, The Olympic Champion Who Made Track and Field History, to Prime Minister Philip Davis. The inspiring story of a girl who grew up in one of the poorest communities in The Bahamas and rose to capture a country’s heart along with two Olympic gold medals took first place in biography category in the International Book Awards, it was revealed today. Running Sideways: The Olympic Champion Who Made Track and Field History by Pauline Davis with T.R. Todd, published by Rowman and Littlefield and written with TR (Jeff) Todd, beat out competition including Escape from Mariupol: A Survivor's True Story by Adoriana Marik, as told to author Anne K. Howard, and the controversial Juror #11: A Memoir of Rising From A Broken Justice System and The Trials of Life by Katrina Robertson. Davis, who won Silver in Sweden in the 400m, was one of the Golden Girls who won Silver in the Atlantis Olympics in 1996, Gold in the IAAF World Championship in Seville, Spain in 1999, shocking the world when they defeated Jamaica in the 4x100 and making the podium again the next year in the Australia Olympics. She said she was stunned by the news her bio was the judges’ favourite. “This was one race I did not even know I had entered,” she chided when told she won. “I was so shocked and surprised, I just could not believe it, but maybe other people identified with a girl from Bain Town who started running sideways to look over my shoulder and stay ahead of the boys who would try to catch me and bother me while I was juggling two big pails of water from the public pump. I knew if I slowed down, the boys would get me and if I spilled the water, my mother would let me have it when I got home so I just devised a way to stay safe from both and I kept on running.” Throughout the book, Davis credits supporters – mentors like Neville Wisdom, former Sports Minister, who always believed in her, and emotional supporters including former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham. She is related to the current Prime Minister Philip Davis, the late PM Sir Lynden Pindling and his family, all of whom she said helped give her the confidence she needed when she doubted herself. Today Davis is Chairwoman of World Relays Bahamas 2024 and a World Athletics Lifetime Council Member of World Athletics whose immediate past Chairman Lord Sebastian Coe wrote the forward to the book. Running Sideways was co-author TR Todd’s second biography and fourth book. He is completing his fifth now on another Bahamian woman. Running Sideways is available in some bookstores, but Davis prefers to personalize signed copies at the Farmers’ Market on Gladstone Road, Nassau, where she can be found most Saturdays. Below is the press release distributed by International Book Awards: LOS ANGELES, JUNE 2023 – American Book Fest announced the winners and finalists of THE 2023 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARDS (IBA), one of the world’s largest international book award programs for mainstream, indie, and self-published titles. Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 100 categories. Awards were presented for titles published in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of American Book Fest, said this year’s contest yielded thousands of entries from authors and publishers around the world, which were then narrowed down to the final results. Keen says of the awards, "Over our 15-year history, thousands of self-published and indie authors have leveraged the promotional power of their International Book Award to increase online recognition, enhance their title’s credibility, and garner more attention in the crowded book buying marketplace." Full results for the 14th Annual International Book Awards can be found at: http://internationalbookawards.com/2023awardannouncement.html Winners and finalists of this year’s contest join a prestigious group of past laureates, including Pope Francis, Amy Tan, Anne Lamott, George Sanders, Julie Andrews, Clive Barker, Vanessa Williams, Shark Tank’s Daymon John, Brad Thor, Kitty Kelley, and many others. Visit the Award Laureate page for an expanded list: http://internationalbookawards.com/awardlaureates.html American Book Fest covers books from all sections of the publishing industry—mainstream, independent, & self-published. A 20-year timeline and award archives can be found at http://americanbookfest.com/aboutuscontactus.html American Book Fest sponsors four separate award programs throughout the year. Each program has its own judging panel and announcement timeline. Many authors and publishers enter one or more contests, depending on their publication and marketing timeline. The 2023/2024 Submission Schedule can be found at: http://americanlegacyawards.com/bookawardplanner.html American Book Fest has an active social media presence, with over 132,000 current Facebook fans. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanBookFest Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmerBookFest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanbookfest/

 

There is good news coming from the Over the Hill community, but far too often, it is not documented.  Hence, for a few years, former News Reporter, Hadassah Deleveaux (née Hall) tapped into the large pool of positive people in this community and has made her conversations with them more permanent by publishing a book.

The book, Over the Hill...The Other Side is a compilation of factual short stories. Some of the persons featured have moved away from the community, but still have businesses there, family, attend church or they were born and still reside there. 

"I had no idea that my few years of blogging was really content creation for this book - all that time. Some stories didn't make it to the book for various reasons, but I am pleased with the final cut. I firmly believe books outlive blogs," said the new author.

"I'm not turning a blind eye to the social ills that exist, however, it's not the whole story," said the author who herself grew up Over the Hill and still has deep roots there.

Each of the book's stories stand on its own, has its own narrative footing, but what in a sense threads these stories together is that good came from Over the Hill and still resides there.

"I take readers on a journey beginning with my cobbler at Sidney and Son on Market Street to K. L. M. Designs, owned by a college graduate in Big Pond who is one of the most creative hat and fascinator designers locally, to two coffee shops - one in Englerston and one off East Street. This book is about community - a few untold stories of the Over the Hill community," said Ms. Deleveaux. 

"I hope readers come away with a fresh understanding and appreciation of the people Over the Hill and how their experiences have shaped them personally and how they have contributed to their communities," she said.

Ms. Deleveaux, who spent 10 years in news - inclusive of print and broadcast media - recalled when the idea of writing a book came to mind. 

"I started with a blog but in December 2021 while in a kitchen, out of nowhere, I got the word to turn my blog into a book. It just dropped in my spirit," recalled Ms. Deleveaux. 

"The writing of my book was tightly guarded. It was one of those, 'Move in silence until it's time to say checkmate' situations, but once the Holy Spirit spoke, I started planning. I have a responsibility to use my God-given talent for good," she added.

In the book, Ms. Deleveaux wrote about Stephen McPhee who grew up in Black Village and went on to become a school principal and is today, a union leader. She also chronicles the story of former leader of the Border Boys gang, Valentino 'Scrooge' Brown, who is now a community activist and has a radio show called, Over the Hill. Further, she took a personal tour and behind the scenes look at Saint Martin Monastery on Nassau Street. 

Ms. Deleveaux mentioned that during the interview process, she got to pull back the curtain on fascinating lives, while in some cases, deepening her understanding of history. 

"One of my favourite stories was of Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore, Raymond King, who grew up in Big Pond, sold newspapers to pay for lunch, uniforms and exams, who slept on the floor with his grandmother, but who has such an indomitable spirit, rising to become the Commander of this national institution" said Ms. Deleveaux.

"I had unfettered access to this very high-ranking individual, who was surprisingly so candid. He is an excellent example to our youth," she emphasized.

Additionally, the author noted that conversations with Arlene Nash-Ferguson, who is a cultural enthusiast; Rosalie Fawkes, daughter of Father of the Labour Movement, Sir Randall Fawkes; Rosemary Hanna, a preserver of Bahamian history and Assistant Anglican Bishop, Gilbert Thompson were illuminating, adding that she felt she was in a history class.

"They are reservoirs of Bahamian history. By the way, Ms. Hanna is one of those individuals who I know to have been deliberate in exposing what is good and positive about Over the Hill through her own book and a documentary. She is in a special class of her own," added Ms. Deleveaux. 

The author, who is currently a communications professional, said she could not write a book about Over the Hill without including a few iconic spots such as the house through Lewis Street, where the late American Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stayed while on a visit to The Bahamas. Also, there is a feature on the Lillian G. Weir-Coakley Public Library, formerly known as the Southern Public Library and a shorter feature is dedicated to the 232-year legacy of Bethel Baptist Church on Meeting Street.

"The book is really a compact package of Over the Hill. I consider the features carefully written gems. In fact, there's also a personal piece from me regarding how hurt I was when my former primary school, Mable Walker, was about to be closed.  My love of reading was ignited there. I played on those grounds, skipped through those gates and was groomed as a speaker and future News Reporter.  I felt that closure. I was sad, believe it or not.  I had to dig beyond what was shared via the media and discover what's in the school's future. My source gave me good info," said Ms. Deleveaux. 

Additionally, the writer spoke to what makes her proud of the book. 

"I am pleased that some of these stories have already been used in English classes at the tertiary level. I know of two instructors at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), who in the past incorporated them in lessons. I was invited to one of those classes as a presenter.  A professor at the University of The Bahamas (UB), whom I greatly respect, also shared that her class had read and discussed one of the pieces. It's truly an honour," said Ms. Deleveaux.

"I am also particularly pleased that as a two-time graduate of the College of The Bahamas - now UB - the book is now sitting in its bookstore. It's a good feeling and God deserves the glory, " she added. 

Meanwhile, Ms. Deleveaux considers her book unique as she does not see people writing extensively about Over the Hill and when there are stories told, they are often negative.

"In my book, blood baths, drug busts and poverty, violence and brokenness have been pushed aside in favour of stories that bring to light positive vibes from the heart of Over the Hill," she stated.

"The journalist in me will never die. I am a writer for life.  It is my professional foundation. I am a storyteller and felt compelled to share a few stories of Over the Hill people. There is another side to this community that is rarely told, so this is my small way of presenting a different narrative," she said.

 

There is good news coming from the Over the Hill community, but far too often, it is not documented.  Hence, for a few years, former News Reporter, Hadassah Deleveaux (née Hall) tapped into the large pool of positive people in this community and has made her conversations with them more permanent by publishing a book. The book, Over the Hill...The Other Side is a compilation of factual short stories. Some of the persons featured have moved away from the community, but still have businesses there, family, attend church or they were born and still reside there.  "I had no idea that my few years of blogging was really content creation for this book - all that time. Some stories didn't make it to the book for various reasons, but I am pleased with the final cut. I firmly believe books outlive blogs," said the new author. "I'm not turning a blind eye to the social ills that exist, however, it's not the whole story," said the author who herself grew up Over the Hill and still has deep roots there. Each of the book's stories stand on its own, has its own narrative footing, but what in a sense threads these stories together is that good came from Over the Hill and still resides there. "I take readers on a journey beginning with my cobbler at Sidney and Son on Market Street to K. L. M. Designs, owned by a college graduate in Big Pond who is one of the most creative hat and fascinator designers locally, to two coffee shops - one in Englerston and one off East Street. This book is about community - a few untold stories of the Over the Hill community," said Ms. Deleveaux.  "I hope readers come away with a fresh understanding and appreciation of the people Over the Hill and how their experiences have shaped them personally and how they have contributed to their communities," she said. Ms. Deleveaux, who spent 10 years in news - inclusive of print and broadcast media - recalled when the idea of writing a book came to mind.  "I started with a blog but in December 2021 while in a kitchen, out of nowhere, I got the word to turn my blog into a book. It just dropped in my spirit," recalled Ms. Deleveaux.  "The writing of my book was tightly guarded. It was one of those, 'Move in silence until it's time to say checkmate' situations, but once the Holy Spirit spoke, I started planning. I have a responsibility to use my God-given talent for good," she added. In the book, Ms. Deleveaux wrote about Stephen McPhee who grew up in Black Village and went on to become a school principal and is today, a union leader. She also chronicles the story of former leader of the Border Boys gang, Valentino 'Scrooge' Brown, who is now a community activist and has a radio show called, Over the Hill. Further, she took a personal tour and behind the scenes look at Saint Martin Monastery on Nassau Street.  Ms. Deleveaux mentioned that during the interview process, she got to pull back the curtain on fascinating lives, while in some cases, deepening her understanding of history.  "One of my favourite stories was of Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore, Raymond King, who grew up in Big Pond, sold newspapers to pay for lunch, uniforms and exams, who slept on the floor with his grandmother, but who has such an indomitable spirit, rising to become the Commander of this national institution" said Ms. Deleveaux. "I had unfettered access to this very high-ranking individual, who was surprisingly so candid. He is an excellent example to our youth," she emphasized. Additionally, the author noted that conversations with Arlene Nash-Ferguson, who is a cultural enthusiast; Rosalie Fawkes, daughter of Father of the Labour Movement, Sir Randall Fawkes; Rosemary Hanna, a preserver of Bahamian history and Assistant Anglican Bishop, Gilbert Thompson were illuminating, adding that she felt she was in a history class. "They are reservoirs of Bahamian history. By the way, Ms. Hanna is one of those individuals who I know to have been deliberate in exposing what is good and positive about Over the Hill through her own book and a documentary. She is in a special class of her own," added Ms. Deleveaux.  The author, who is currently a communications professional, said she could not write a book about Over the Hill without including a few iconic spots such as the house through Lewis Street, where the late American Civil Rights Leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stayed while on a visit to The Bahamas. Also, there is a feature on the Lillian G. Weir-Coakley Public Library, formerly known as the Southern Public Library and a shorter feature is dedicated to the 232-year legacy of Bethel Baptist Church on Meeting Street. "The book is really a compact package of Over the Hill. I consider the features carefully written gems. In fact, there's also a personal piece from me regarding how hurt I was when my former primary school, Mable Walker, was about to be closed.  My love of reading was ignited there. I played on those grounds, skipped through those gates and was groomed as a speaker and future News Reporter.  I felt that closure. I was sad, believe it or not.  I had to dig beyond what was shared via the media and discover what's in the school's future. My source gave me good info," said Ms. Deleveaux.  Additionally, the writer spoke to what makes her proud of the book.  "I am pleased that some of these stories have already been used in English classes at the tertiary level. I know of two instructors at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI), who in the past incorporated them in lessons. I was invited to one of those classes as a presenter.  A professor at the University of The Bahamas (UB), whom I greatly respect, also shared that her class had read and discussed one of the pieces. It's truly an honour," said Ms. Deleveaux. "I am also particularly pleased that as a two-time graduate of the College of The Bahamas - now UB - the book is now sitting in its bookstore. It's a good feeling and God deserves the glory, " she added.  Meanwhile, Ms. Deleveaux considers her book unique as she does not see people writing extensively about Over the Hill and when there are stories told, they are often negative. "In my book, blood baths, drug busts and poverty, violence and brokenness have been pushed aside in favour of stories that bring to light positive vibes from the heart of Over the Hill," she stated. "The journalist in me will never die. I am a writer for life.  It is my professional foundation. I am a storyteller and felt compelled to share a few stories of Over the Hill people. There is another side to this community that is rarely told, so this is my small way of presenting a different narrative," she said.

Author Deta O. Miller shares ten powerful testimonies of God’s work in her life in The Sweet Adventures of Faith, Vol. 1 ($17.99, paperback, 9781662861536; $6.99, e-book, 9781662861543).

Miller has been involved in active ministry for almost 40 years, and she has testimonies to spare!  For this volume, she has chosen ten particularly inspiring stories of God’s work in her life, hoping they will encourage others that God is ready and willing to work in their marriages, finances, and lives.

“Since my life is all about giving/getting God the most glory that I can, once I realized the impact my testimonies had on individuals whenever I shared them, I felt that putting my testimonies under a single umbrella, The Sweet Adventures of Faith, would bring my heavenly Father even more glory and from a wider audience,” said Miller.

Evangelist Deta O. Miller was licensed and ordained as an evangelist at the Transfiguration Baptist Church in Nassau, Bahamas and received certificates in Missions and Evangelism from the Rhema Bible Training Center.  She has organized crusades, facilitated conference workshops, ministered in churches, prisons, hospitals, schools/youth groups and led street evangelism as well as participated in and led mission teams in various countries. She also hosted her radio program, On Kingdom Business, which was aired throughout The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. She now resides in British Columbia, Canada as a missionary and serves at Word of Life Church as leader of evangelism.

 

Author Deta O. Miller shares ten powerful testimonies of God’s work in her life in The Sweet Adventures of Faith, Vol. 1 ($17.99, paperback, 9781662861536; $6.99, e-book, 9781662861543).   Miller has been involved in active ministry for almost 40 years, and she has testimonies to spare!  For this volume, she has chosen ten particularly inspiring stories of God’s work in her life, hoping they will encourage others that God is ready and willing to work in their marriages, finances, and lives.   “Since my life is all about giving/getting God the most glory that I can, once I realized the impact my testimonies had on individuals whenever I shared them, I felt that putting my testimonies under a single umbrella, The Sweet Adventures of Faith, would bring my heavenly Father even more glory and from a wider audience,” said Miller. Evangelist Deta O. Miller was licensed and ordained as an evangelist at the Transfiguration Baptist Church in Nassau, Bahamas and received certificates in Missions and Evangelism from the Rhema Bible Training Center.  She has organized crusades, facilitated conference workshops, ministered in churches, prisons, hospitals, schools/youth groups and led street evangelism as well as participated in and led mission teams in various countries. She also hosted her radio program, On Kingdom Business, which was aired throughout The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands. She now resides in British Columbia, Canada as a missionary and serves at Word of Life Church as leader of evangelism

When a religious tradition of blind trust propelled Sandy Robinson into a questionable relationship, she yielded to her grandmother’s haunting voice to obey her priest. But would this act of obedience derail a girl searching for meaning amid the swells of loneliness and rejection? In Teri M. Bethel’s latest novella, The Church Girl And The Priest (Inspire Publishing 2022), readers watch an all-too-common saga unfold where blind trust and misinformation take a young woman on a journey of a lifetime against her better judgment. Can her decision be reversed, and how would it affect her future?

The author of numerous fiction and non-fictional family-related books, Mrs. Bethel has penned yet another book that keeps readers glued to the pages while addressing common misconceptions that affect the misinformed. A mother of three and youth leader, Mrs. Lisa D. Bastian, said once she started reading The Church Girl And The Priest, she didn’t want to put it down. “I was completely drawn into the story,” she said. “This book was honest in capturing relatable characters, events, family, and church dynamics, and it brought clarity and understanding to a few areas I had questions about.” Ms. Colleen Aitken says she has read most books this author has written, and true to form, it is believable, relatable, and redemptive. “Teri Bethel has a way of addressing uncomfortable truths without being distasteful and presenting hope and redemption without sounding religious. I was unprepared for the shocking turn of events in this story. I didn’t see it coming from miles away!” Ms. Aitken said. Shelly-Ann Bain says she is an avid reader, but this was her first fiction book. Ms. Bain sat through the night reading the book with her bag of chips until completing the last page. “This book has made a fiction reader out of me,” she wrote, “I couldn’t put it down…I can’t wait for the sequel. There has to be a payback!”

A former youth, women’s, and marriage ministry leader, Mrs. Bethel believes the book will open eyes and help parents make wise decisions in being candid with both their male and female children about life and navigating through it successfully. Whether in the home, school, church, or workplace, children need to be informed so that they are not duped by people they are expected to trust. “As indicated in the storyline,” Mrs. Bethel states, “not all priests or pastors are morally corrupt, but there are some who slip through. The same applies to parents, teachers, and politicians; you can’t just put them all in one basket, but neither can we ignore the trail of broken lives left behind by those who are taking advantage of easy prey.” Mrs. Bethel believes her novels are another way to equip, inspire and entertain people in a wholesome manner.

The Church Girl And The Priest is available in Nassau at Logos Bookstore, in Eleuthera at Office General, and at The North Eleuthera Craft & Snack Place in paperback and on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle formats.