It’s been 5 months since my first book “Always & Forever, Love” was published. Fortunately, it continues to be well received. As self-publishing goes, it takes time to get your title(s) out to the buying public, and at times it can be overwhelming and frustrating, but when good things are continually being said about your book it gives you the determination to stick with the marketing and promotional efforts.

In the beginning of this journey towards self-publishing. I had no idea the subject matter would garner the attention it has since it’s release. I’ve found I’m not the only one that has questions regarding what it takes to have and sustain a long lasting, successful, happy marriage.

This month here in the Image Gallery I’m sharing the thoughts and feelings that have moved a few of the people that have purchased my book to share with me, on Amazon.com and my website: Always & Forever, Love . There were also those people that were not inclined to write their feelings because they felt they could better communicate verbally.

Always & Forever, Love is now available as a Kindle download, $9.99

I’m including  images of a few couples from the book.

Praises for Always & Forever, Love

I liked your book very much, especially the photography. In some way that I can’t quite describe, you capture what seems to be the essence of each couple. Although the shots are posed, there is no artifice about them, and the subjects seem to be comfortable with themselves and with each other. Partly that is no doubt a result of their long and happy marriages. I know that such naturalness in the subjects is possible only when the photographer, by both his personality and his techniques, puts them at ease. Very good work.
Dean Koontz–author of suspense thrillers, New York Times Best seller 14 times

“Occasionally a book comes along that has the unique ability to inspire, empower and encourage you…and the book Always And Forever Love is one of those books! Success secrets about creating lasting marriages from people across America of different backgrounds, ethnicities and ages. This is a fantastic book! Even though my wife and I have been married for over twenty years, we too are inspired by this outstanding book! And I am sure you will be inspired as well This is a book you will want to share with friends and family so get a few copies today!” Willie Jolley – Award Winning Speaker and Media Personality and Best Selling
Author of A Setback Is A Setup For A Comeback and An Attitude of Excellence!

“Always and Forever shows the best side of love and marriage, from the inside out, as couples in long-standing marriages share their personal, intimate stories. Otis Sanders offers beautiful examples of love in motion over the long haul. You will be moved and touched.” Leonard Szymczak, MSW, LCSW, psychotherapist and author of The Roadmap
Home: Your GPS to Inner Peace

This is indeed a wonderful book!
Just the other day I was discussing with some friends that divorce seems to be trending and one of us pointed out that a lot of marriages are still going strong despite the stats. This book is a perfect example of this, and it is quite encouraging to know that these are real people like me, living everyday lives. All the stories and the marriage lessons from each couple are well perfectly distilled, and I loved the photography too. One thing about this book, I would often open it up to one couple or the other, the oldest couple are so cute! I will definitely be buying more as gifts for other people I know. Myne Whitman, Author of A Heart To Mend & A Love Rekindled

A must read for those considering marriage.
This is a lovely and inspiring book. It should be required reading for those who are considering marriage and, perhaps even more, for those who might be wary of it. “Always and Forever, Love” is beautifully crafted–both in the photos and the write-ups. If displayed on the coffee table, others won’t be able to resist picking it up and looking through it. Verla Saylor

A beautiful and refreshing reminder love is real and still exists!!!!
This is more than just a coffee table book or a book with pretty pictures that you look at once then toss in the corner. This book is a reminder to all of us singles AND those who are married, but may have lost their “spark”….that love IS real and it still exists! As a 42 year old woman, I often find myself wondering “if it’ll ever happen for me”, but after reading the extremely well-written and touching stories in this book, I have no doubt it will! If you’re thinking this is a book filled with cookie cutter romance stories of people who knew they were going to marry the other person the moment they saw them….you’re almost right! There are stories like that, but what I found most interesting were the stories of the couples who weren’t immediately attracted to each other and took years to realize how deeply they felt for the other person. Equally interesting were the stories of those couples who truly became friends before deepening their relationships or those who fell in love with and married other people before their paths crossed again, eventually leading to them falling in love and marrying. I found myself looking at every couple, smiling and imagining myself on those pages years from now. I recommend this book to anyone who needs to be reminded not to give up on love, but to patiently wait for the person who is right for you and vice versa. There is no magic wand to wave or a potion that we can all drink to make the “perfect” person magically appear. So, just rest in the comfort of knowing that it can and will happen to you, when and only when it’s meant to happen. But, when it does, be sure to share your experiences (both bad and good) with someone else who is where you may have already been.
Kudos to you, Otis Sanders, for creating such an awesome masterpiece! Always & ForEver, Love……the title itself is enough. – Kay T.

If you’re looking for inspiring stories about love, relationships and marriage plus breathtaking photography, grab this book! It’s definitely laid out with an artistic eye and written in a way that lets the story of each couple shine. If you’re concerned about this being a “so sweet it gives you a toothache” piece of romantic fluff, don’t worry one bit because the author has done an excellent job of capturing the truth behind what makes marriages last and, as you may have guessed, perfection isn’t part of the equation!:-) Shelby B.

Captivating and Inspiring
As someone who has witnessed many of her peers give up on the idea of romance in their TWENTIES, this well-written and visually impressive book gives me immense hope that love can last and is not a myth gone the way of the unicorn! A must-read for everyone: the romantically jaded, who need reminding that love still exists, & the starry-eyed lovers, who need reminding that marriages and relationships require work as well as passion to make it last.
Ajah Y.

Author Otis G. Sanders has made a remarkable testimony to the universal commitment of LOVE! In his newly released photographic exposition, couples from all walks of life share their true stories of love, trust, faith, and happiness. “Always & Forever, Love” has an international reach to embrace and be a witness to those newly in love, seasoned couples, and the mature 50 plus year marriages. Love never, ever, ever, dies! You must have a copy of this book! Y. Diamond Walker, Entrepreneur

Hi Otis,
I had to tell you just how much I enjoyed reading Always & Forever Love. I was very excited when the book arrived, because I wanted to look at the photographs, since you are such a terrific Photographer. However, I soon found out that the content was just as impressive as the images. I couldn’t put it down! I have been married 18 yrs. myself, and found the stories of the couples, both inspiring and very real. You did an excellent job of communicating each couples’ story. I am so proud of you and proud to know you. I can’t wait to see what your next endeavor will be! Sharon

Always and Forever Love Love over generations and time. Kindness, honesty, understanding, endurance and trust are a few of the many wonderful lessons described in the book Always and Forever Love written by Otis G Sanders. Stories of amazing love and strength coupled with differences are what make marriages work. This book is wonderful to read at every level in life. The stories flow very well and the photographs really capture the happiness of the couples in the essence of marriage. I had an opportunity to speak with the author and I continue to smile at his statement…Marriage works when you marry the right person for you. This book describes magnificent lessons about love forever, love for always, love and marriage.Trutina Maria Sowell PsyD Educational Psychologist

Thank you to all of you that were moved enough by what you read and saw in the book to take the time and effort and let me know by way of writing a review.

I’ve learned that …if I had known what it really takes to get a table-top book from the idea stage to holding a physical book in my hands I probably would not have attempted such a project.

…the process of completing a book is an ongoing test of your mental fortitude, patience, perseverance and sanity.

… you must see the project finished each and every day you’re working on it.

…there will be days when you don’t want to interview, write, or photograph anyone that has anything to do with the book.

…things always come up to slow you down, discourage you, or test your dedication.

…there is no time for ANYTHING else!

…you must think about the book each and everyday before during and after it’s completed.

…I was a control freak, wanting to control each and every aspect of the process because everything mattered.

…there will be things you realize you could have and will do differently next time.

…real friends are always there to help and say something (when you start to lose it).

…kids are great at reminding you that you haven’t finished yet by asking, (are you finished with your book yet??? Why does it take soooo loooong?)

…people will think it’s a great idea (because you’re doing it, not them)

…you must brainwash yourself to think that as soon as you finish everyone will want to have a least 5 copies of your book (even though we know better).

…being on the road and living out of the back of your truck (loaded with enough equipment to build a house and photograph it when done) can be a very lonely place.

… as you travel, snow storms don’t make exceptions for would be published authors!

…all printing is expensive, but in order to get it done right you gotta spend the money.

…there is never enough money to make the project happen!

…once the book is finished, the real work begins, now it has to be sold, and since no one knows who you are you; you’re totally on your own! Since you are an unknown author (a nobody) no distributor wants to take your book, and you only have 1 book to market.

…marketing and selling your book are constant thoughts after you get boxes and boxes of books in your garage.

… you always have to have (at least 5) copies of your book with you or very close by, for that sale you manage to talk someone into.

I set out to learn what it takes for couples to remain in a committed, lasting relationship, while happy and in love. (Oh, and publish a book also)

…at the end of the day, as I hold a completed book in my hands, I can say it was all worth it; and as a result; I’ve already began the torturous process all over again!

If you’d like to see the end result of these past three years of work visit: http://alwaysandforeverlove.org or go to Amazon.com

Nigerian born, best selling author, award winning blogger, columnist, and founder of naijastories.com Myne Whitman interviewed Otis G. Sanders to bring you the inside of story the book: “Always & Forever, Love” Subtitled: Success Stories of Marriages 20+ Years Strong for her blog site Romance Meets Life @ http://mynewhitmanwrites.com  Please click on the links below (it’s a 2-part interview) to read the story .

http://www.mynewhitmanwrites.com/2012/02/always-and-forever-love-otis-g-sanders.html

http://www.mynewhitmanwrites.com/2012/02/success-stories-of-marriages-20-years.html

http://alwaysandforeverlove.org

http://seventhson.org

http://seventhson.org/blog

Monday, came and went so quickly I would not have remembered it had it not been MLK’s Holiday and the fact that I was scheduled to be interviewed on KPFK 90.7 FM on “Inner Visions”.  Fortunately it was a holiday and the traffic was not quite as thick as it usually is.  That made the drive to the studios in North Hollywood much faster.  On the way there I was going through questions in my mind that I might be asked  in order to answer without sounding as if I didn’t know what I was talking about.

As it goes with interviews and such; I start out a little nervous for a few minutes until I get going.  As I get more involved in answering the questions I forget about being nervous.  I must have seemed a bit on edge as I sat in front of the mic before the show because Rev. Meri Ka Ra Richard Byrd said it would go by very quickly.

Along with the Rev. Sister Kamau and brother Yew were also part of the interview.  Between the three of them I didn’t have time to be nervous since they were throwing questions at me pretty quickly.  All in all I think it was a pretty good interview.  Of course after listening to the interview on CD later, I thought of all the other things I could’ve said when answering some of the questions I was asked.

With a few more interviews, speaking engagements and book signings where I talk about the book all be well and smooth.  It really helps that I was the one that conducted all the interviews of the 50 couples in the book and did all the writing. That helps a lot when you have to speak about the content of your book.  I really could have  used the help, but as things go, if it’s to be done then you have to do it yourself, at least until you have at least one book under your belt.   It also helps that this was a great project.  I really had a good time doing it.  It’s been one of the few projects I’ve done during my more than 20 years as a professional photographer where there was as much or more interest from the couples that I profiled as I had for doing the project.

Good times all around!!

Please click on the link below to listen to the interview from this past monday, Jan. 16, 20012.                                                                                    KPFK interview

Order your copy of “Always & Forever, Love”

(Photo Above) Floyd & Carla Williams of Atlanta, Ga. married 26 years. (Page 28 & 29) Always & Forever, Love Success Stories of Marriages 20+ Years Strong.

It’s a brand spanking New Year, filled with new opportunities!!

These are indeed difficult times for a lot of us, but as life goes, there will be difficult times. As we work our way past the difficult parts of our lives lets remember that much is required of us in the areas of understanding and communication.

A lot of us are losing jobs and finding it difficult to find comparable employment, or employment at all. The lack of gainful employment is often a major contributor to problems within our relationships, whether the relationship was on shaky ground or sucsessful prior to financial problems.

During these and other difficult times lets make an effort to understand our husbands, wives, and significant others and keep the lines of communications open so that all involved are on the same page going forward in the NEW YEAR!!!

Please visit: http://seventhson.org/gallery.htm as we begin the NEW YEAR spreading the word of successful and happy marriages as it relates to the 50 couples profiled in the new book: “Always & Forever, Love” Success Stories of Marriages 20+ Years Strong. Order your copy today from Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/7xkob24

Please come out this year as I will be doing book signings and speaking on Happy, Healthy and lasting marriages and relationships. Below is a list of events thus far for January.

Jan 14th (THIS SATURDAY) I’ll be an assistant coach at Jewel “Diamond” Taylor– 26th Annual Super Goal Saturday. Location: Rogers Park Community Room 400 W Beach Ave. Inglewood, Ca 90302 11:00 – 12:00 Registration, refreshments, networking. http://dontgiveup.net/Jan14.htm

Jan. 16th—1:00 P.M. Radio interview “Inner Visions” KPFK 90.7 FM hosts: Rev. Meri Ka Ra Richard Byrd & Sister Kamau. Listen on-line @ http://kpfk.org The show will be archived for listening later. This is a live show, call in @ 818-985-KPFK

Jan. 20th— Book signing–6:30 P.M. KRST Unity Center 7825 S. Western Ave. Los Angeles, Ca 90047 (Corner of 78th st. and Western Ave. between Florence and Manchester)

I can breathe a sigh of relief now that after three years of scheduling, interviewing, photographing, writing, editing, editing more, looking at layouts, tweaking, and tweaking more, my book is finally done!!!

It is quite a relief, especially since I’ve not spent a day where I haven’t thought about some aspect of the book.

Over the course of the beginning, middle and end, I think I’ve developed a little patience. After this, I don’t think I can be phased by much when it comes to putting in the time to get to the end.

Last week when the printing started; I went to the printers so that I could be on hand to see it as it happened. I wanted to use a printer that was close in proximity so that I could see the whole process from design all the way to cutting the edges off the book. It was quite an experience.

I never knew so much went into turning a thought in ones mind to an actual product that can be held. I’ve always had a great deal of respect for anyone that has written a book, but now that I’ve gone through the whole process myself I have that much more respect for writers.

It’s been three years in the making and I’ve finally reached the finish line!! The book “Always & ForEver, Love” subtitled Success Stories of Marriages 20+ Years strong is done.
All the files are at the printers and I’m anxiously awaiting the moment I can hold the finished book in my hands! That’s not quite the end of it since we are preparing files to be loaded as an e-book so those that have e-readers, i-pads, nooks, Sonys, HP’s and what ever else will have the option of downloading the book to a device.

Stay tuned, I’ll keep you updated!

If you missed the Blog Talk Radio interview, from (July 8th, 20011) you can listen to it by clicking on or copying and pasting the following link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/gpc/2011/07/08/marriage-and-relationship-empowerment

Please visit: http://igg.me/p/30940?a=164467&i=shlk

to contribute to the table top book project highlighting successful, long standing, loving marriages.

Charles & Darlene Dickson ———- married 35 years.

Darlene interjects, “Being married to an artist is a challenge in itself. Anyone that has creativity flowing through them is not the 9 to 5 kinda person…………………………………..

To read more about Charles & Darlene Dickson and the 49 other couples as they give insights into what it’s taken them to have successful, loving, lasting and happy marriages, please visit: http://alwaysandforeverlove.org While there please purchase your copy of the soon to be released book: “Always & ForEver, Love” subtitled: “Success Stories of Marriages 20+ Year Strong” or to be a part of the team that helps make this project happen by making a contribution, please visit: http://igg.me/p/30940?a=164467&i=shlk

Please pass this blog address to those that would benefit from the information presented in this book.