A new generation of black women will have the opportunity to learn from the experiences of others during the discussion of four novels.
Multicultural Affairs will present four authors today who will give advice to aspiring authors in honor of Black History month.
"We wanted to highlight black women that contributed to history and culture," said Linda Hall, coordinator in Multicultural Affairs.
Jae Henderson, Megan Mottley, LaDawna Byers and Summer Owens will discuss their novels from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the University Center Bluff Room.
"We wanted to get some people that have already been at The U of M that want to give to the students advice about life and culture," said Xavier Jones, co-chair of the black history month committee.
Henderson is the author of "Someday," the first book in a three-part series. She has also been a radio talk show host, freelance writer, marketing and media professional, and a voiceover artist.
"I love what I do. One will always find time for their passion as a author," Henderson said.
"Someday" is a Christian romance series geared toward single Christian women that are trying to build romantic relationships.
Henderson's books quote scriptures, meant to refer the reader back to the Bible, she said.
"I didn't want to preach, but I did want people to think about their decisions," Henderson said.
Mottley, author of the self-help book, "Glamour Girl: How to get the Ultimate Makeover," tells readers how to pull their inside self together in a beautiful way first, then work on the outside.
"There are a lot that women do to beautify themselves on the outside and I want women to understand the inside is important as well," Mottley said.
Owens, author of "Life After Birth: A Memoir of Survival and Success as a Teenage Mother," wrote her book about her own experiences.
Owens said her book details the struggles she had to deal with as a single mother and student.
"Most people think my book is just for teen mothers, but it is really for anyone that has challenges in their life," she said.
Owens started working on her book while attending The U of M and self-published it in 2010. She graduated in 2001 and now works as a senior marketing specialist for FedEx.
"I feel like I have found my purpose in life. I encourage young authors to keep writing and don't be discouraged," she said.
Byers, author of the novel "The Perfect Front," wrote her book about dilemmas like gender, race and spiritual lines.
"There are people walking around with a great idea, but it takes a special kind of initiative to nurture it as it grows and to see it all the way through," Byers said.
