Mark-Anthony Hines is a former Assistant Speech Communication Professor at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. In 1996 he started his own company, “KreAtive Inergy & Associates, Inc.”, as a vehicle for showcasing the talents of everyday people who are normally shunned by traditional publishing houses. The company’s services are: Motivational Speaking; Desktop Publishing; Theatrical Design & Direction; and Professional Workshops and Seminars. Hines has published three poetry books, directed two stage plays, and plans on writing, producing, and directing a stage play based on his novel. He resides in North Carolina with his two ‘Bichon Frises’, Torri and Caesar.