The Rape of Innocence Rewrite

I've been working on the rewrite of my book, which will actually be more like a part 2 to The Rape of Innocence. I'm thinking of titling it The Rape of Innocence Revisited. I want to include some of the testimonies I've received over the years along with some of the reviews I've gotten for the first book. I will definitely keep everyone posted as I get closer to completion.

A Goodreads Review of THE RAPE OF INNOCENCE

Check out what Karen Tims wrote about my book on Goodreads. It's reviews like this that keep me writing and motivating others to tell their stories to set people free, to give voice to their pain.

The Rape of Innocence is a hard book, written from a upfront and in-your-face POV. It lays out a lifestyle that most of society are happy to forget exists.

Mrs. Hayes, minister and activist, put her very career on the line by writing in this style, yet somehow it worked well for the composition of the book. The book begins with Lacresha's struggles as a child without a parent and ends with her victory over sexual assault by a traveling minister. In the in-between, she marries three times, nearly kills her first husband, commits adultery, turns to Christ and away again, and all that before finally coming to terms with who she was created to be.

I have to say, while I fully support this book and the message, it was so graphic that you have to prepare yourself before reading. I didn't do that because I had no idea what I would be in for. If you try to jump right into this book like a novel, the descriptive language will disturb you emotionally. In fact, this is the most haunting book I've ever read!

Find more reviews on Amazon.com and at Goodreads by following the links. This book is for sale in the sidebar. Your purchases and word-of-mouth are appreciated and help to get the message out to those who need healing. Thank you.

Sound Off, I'm Listening!

I've been thinking on some things concerning THE RAPE OF INNOCENCE book and blog. There's been so many testimonies to come out of this book that I feel it's time I step it up a notch. I've considered doing a free website for now and maybe converting to a paid website later. I want to keep making quality posts and information on sexual abuse available on a larger scale.

While no decisions have been made yet, I am interested to know what you, my readers, think about me expanding my reach for this book. It's been about four years on the market now and the sales are still steady, the testimonials powerful and the attention and publicity is increasing. I'd love to have your input since it is YOU who have made this book an overwhelming success. Sound off. I'm listening!

The Rape of Innocence Has Been Reviewed Again

I'd like to invite everyone over to Literary Pizazz to read the review of THE RAPE OF INNOCENCE. Please use the provided link.

Growing in Recognition

I would have never thought that this little lady from Warren, Arkansas would ever grow up from projects to fans and friends all over the world. I never would have imagined having a bestselling book or two. That goes to show you that you never know how much better your life can be when you live for God. I give Him the glory.


I'm asking my readers to connect with me. I love hearing from you and I love your feedback which is causing me to grow. Below are some links to the sites I'm most active on.


I'm also asking you all to help me spread the word about my books. Sometimes, we don't have what we want because we won't ask for it. Not I. I would love if you guys would link back to my website and this blog, ask your friends to follow me here and subscribe to my feed, join my fan page over on Facebook and keep up with my updates on Twitter. That would be greatly appreciated. If you don't have any of my books yet, you can get them on Amazon, and leave a review there or email it to me at lacresha@lacreshahayes.com or lacresha.hayes@gmail.com so that I can credit you and brag on you wonderful people even more. I love you all and thank you, thank you, thank you for supporting me in my career.


Blogs:
Truth and Intimacy- The Classified Files
Always the Bride
Pretty, Prosperous and Powerful (Blog P3)
Write It! Publish It! Market It!

MOVIE DEAL~ YAY!!!

After one delay and then another, finally I have the contract in my hand for THE RAPE OF INNOCENCE to be made into a movie and am currently in talks about doing a documentary about sexual abuse. So, of course this blog will be hopping for awhile. I'll post all my book updates here and keep you refreshed with links and more.

I appreciate all your support in purchasing, reading and talking about the book. It is because of you that I have attained this success. I am praising GOD that He made room for my book to touch the lives of silent victims. Let's keep standing together and crying out against sexual abuse and domestic violence.

Sharing My Secret~ How I Feel About My Book

Today is one of those days when I feel like being transparent. So here's the truth. I love my book, and all the success it has brought my way. I love helping other people, but it seems no matter how many other books I write and what else I do, The Rape of Innocence is consuming my life. People don't see me as an entrepreneur, or ordained minister, or teacher. Most people see me as a spokesperson for victims of abuse and sometimes, especially when I'm battling my own issues with my past, I want to be anything but that.

I guess you could say I'm starting to have a love/hate relationship with the book. Sometimes, I want to rewrite it and take out some of the details, because being home I'm attacked about it so often. Other times, I feel like just pulling it off the shelves altogether, but just when I tire of it most, someone writes me and tells me how it changed their lives, how they cried all the way through the book, how they chose life again, how they were pulled back from the brink of depression. I read those letters and emails, take a deep breath and say "SO BE IT" to myself.

Don't ever think this is easy for me. I don't always like to answer questions about my horrific past, but I ALWAYS love to make a difference in the lives of others. So, pray for me. I need the strength of the Lord because the weight of sexual abuse and domestic violence can get heavy sometimes.

The Rape of Innocence is Becoming a Film

I'm so delighted to tell all my Rape blog readers that this book, the one most of you tell me have helped change your life, is now going to be made into a film. It still seems unbelievable, but God is a good God and He keeps His word at all times.

I'm asking all my blog readers who have not purchased a book to get one now by ordering from the sidebar. If you have one already and have read it, please leave me a review at Amazon.com, or on Goodreads. Tell everyone you know about it and stay tuned in here.

I'm currently working on a rewrite for this book, giving it a more professional layout and having it professionally edited. I'll keep everyone posted. For more info, see my blog post at http://learntofeelpretty.blogspot.com

My 3 Hour $3 Sale

From 8:30 am until 11:30 am, you can purchase my bestselling book, The Rape of Innocence, for $3 plus shipping and handling. My closet is overflowing with books now that I've gotten copies of my latest book. Help me make some room and save money on a GREAT book! Use the buy now button in the column to your right.

Staying for the Wrong Reasons

Growing up, I used to promise myself I would be nothing like my mother and grandmother who seemed to find nothing but abusive relationships. From the outside looking in, I felt that leaving should be the most logical solution when a relationship is verbally or physically abusive.

After going through a couple of abusive relationships myself, I now know the excuses we make for staying in bad relationships. We think perhaps our constant forgiveness, our kindness, or our support may change our abusive partners. We believe that our love has the power to change a person when many times they do not want to change.

Don't allow fear of being alone, fear of failure, or fear of the unknown make you stay somewhere you're not celebrated. Marriage and relationships are about love, mutual respect, understanding and companionship. Why lie down with someone you fear? Why live where you'll never feel comfortable? Sure, love has the power to change people. But love is not taking abuse. Love means standing against abuse, even if it costs you everything.

Lastly, there is one excuse I've found to be the worst of the bunch - children. I hate when women tell me they are staying in an abusive relationship for the children. That even sounds dumb, not to offend anyone. But, why would you try to raise children in a violent and/or verbally abusive home? How can that possibly be good for them? What could they possibly learn from seeing mom and dad fight and argue all the time? Don't do this to your children. It WILL cripple them!

For more information, visit Stop Family Violence. Pick up your copy of my book, The Rape of Innocence, today!