автор: Ricky Hill

Luella Thomas, author of the book Flirting with the Truth, was inspired by the children she currently teaches, mentors, and tutors to write the book From Minnows to Men. The motivation came through a dream. Ms. Thomas states, “One night while sleeping, the phrase ‘from minnows to men’ appeared before me in big bold letters. I awakened the next morning and immediately wrote those words on a sheet of paper, and I laid it aside for quite some time. I had no clue of what it meant, but I knew that it had a purpose. It was approximately six months later when a light bulb popped on inside my head, and it became very clear that it would be the title for my next book. I quickly searched and found the piece of paper that I had scribbled the words on, and when I read the words again, the content of the book slowly unraveled itself inside my mind, and that is when I started to write it. However, after two months into writing, I decided that I wanted to include a qualified male’s perspective, ideas, and opinions. So I approached longtime friend, and now coauthor, Ricky Hill, whom I work with and have known for many years, and asked him if he would join me in writing this book. He humbly accepted my invitation, and not long afterward, though challenging, From Minnows to Men was completed.” As a stepmother of two, a godmother, mentor, and teacher of several teenage children, Ms. Thomas shares her experiences, ideas, and opinions on raising and working with children of all ages and from all walks of life. She believes that in order to save our children and to prepare them for the future, it will take a collective effort on everyone’s part; and by providing discipline, structure, and guidance in the home, along with a whole lot of love and support, we can help today’s children transition from minnows to men. Ricky George Hill, coauthor of the book From Minnows to Men, was born and raised in southwest Michigan, in a small town ninety miles east of Chicago, Illinois. He is a father of six fully grown children and was married for thirty years to first wife, the mother of his children, who passed away in 2006 due to cancer. He has since remarried and has been with his current wife for eight years. He received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and currently works with children. Hill’s other accomplishments include being city commissioner, a 4-H basketball coach, a photographer, and an active leader in his community. He’s a man of integrity and loyalty, with true care and concern for all children and people. Though well educated, his down-to-earth approach toward people is priceless. “To my mother, whom I love dearly, and my wife (my better half), I thank you both for loving me. I am proud to say that this book, From Minnows to Men, is my first book. I hope and pray that it will help, inspire, and motivate everyone who reads it. I also, with much love, truly thank Ms. Luella Thomas for choosing me to help her write this much-needed and wonderful book. Ms. Thomas, you are the best writer I know, and again, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to voice my experiences, ideas, and opinions. For your wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and patience, I sincerely appreciate you. Real talk! For more information about Ms. Thomas or Mr. Hill and the books From Minnows to Men and Flirting with the Truth, please visit http://www.t-ellacreations.com. To contact Ms. Thomas and Mr. Hill for a book signing, speaking engagement, fund-raiser, or special event, they can be reached at: T-ELLA Creations 717 St. Joseph Dr., Suite #138 St. Joseph, Michigan 49085-2428 E-mail: [email protected]