A “Shameless” Debut for Local Author West Philadelphia Native Releases Debut Novel of Love and Faith  

NEW CASTLE, DE June 1, 2005. Family, friends, colleagues and students anxiously await the debut of Shameless, the first novel by high school teacher and Philadelphia native, Vonetta C. Pierce, due for release next month by Q-Boro books.  

"Vonetta Pierce tells a story that all women need to read,” says Daaimah S. Poole, Essence Magazine bestselling author of What's Real and Got A Man. “Shameless is delivered with spice, drama and lots of laughs, while teaching a lesson in faith, heartache and the realness of HIV."

After being inspired to write by Poole’s book, Pierce began writing her story in the summer of 2004. Shameless was also inspired by Pierce’s students. She felt they needed a story that addressed the consequences of reckless behavior while also providing hope for a way out. Pierce also targeted young people who were very much like herself – growing up in the church, but also highly influenced by the hip hop culture.  

“I have always enjoyed reading African-American fiction and for a long time I wanted to write a novel, but as a high school teacher I rarely found the time to do so,” said Pierce. “Once I got going, my book began to flow.”  

Pierce met Mark Anthony of Q-Boro at Unity Day in Philadelphia. Over the next several months, she worked diligently on her manuscript, mailing queries off to several agents. Remembering what Anthony had told her about trusting her talent and ability, she did not let five solid rejections deter her.  

“I received five rejections within a two-week period, but because I had several people in my corner, including my students, I did not let that deter me. After all, I teach my own students about not giving up,” Pierce said. “One student, Sade Thomas-Clarke, who had been my biggest supporter encouraged me almost daily. On March 8, Sade’s 18th birthday, I received an offer from Q-Boro. I accepted it and the rest, as they say, is history.”  

Pierce soon received an offer from Q-Boro. She is a firm believer that with God anything is possible and that dreams really do come true. This is evidenced by the fact that she became inspired to write, finished a novel and is being published - all in less than a year – a rare time frame within the literary industry.  

Pierce received her BA in Spanish from the University of Maryland Baltimore County, her M.Ed. from Temple University. She is currently at work on her M.Ed. in School Counseling. She is a high school Spanish teacher in Wilmington, Delaware and has one daughter.  

Book synopsis:
They say that your college years are your most unforgettable. They can definitely rock your world in more ways than one. Who said the lessons you learn in school are just inside the classroom?

Kyle is sexy, single, and smart... Jasmyn is a hot and sassy drama queen…. These two complete opposites find love - or something real close to it - while away at Marshall State University. Jasmyn is busy wreaking havoc on every man she meets. Kyle on the other hand, is trying to walk the line between his faith and all the guilty pleasures being thrown his way, one of which is Jasmyn. But when the partying college days end and Jasmyn tests HIV positive, reality sets in. Now, Jasmyn must decide whether or not to tell the men from her past, including the one she never got over. It doesn't help that he's moved on to someone else...someone who Jasmyn knows very well. You'll laugh and you'll cry as you witness Kyle and Jasmyn deal with the demons of their past and the hard-core reality of their present. Sometimes, love has consequences. Especially when the things you do are just downright…Shameless  

Pierce has not put down the pen. She is currently working on poetry and a second novel entitled Love TKO.