When it comes to storytelling, Carla Pennington has a natural knack for the craft. Carla found pleasure in reading at a very early age. Stories intrigued her and the writing bug eventually stung her. She began journaling to escape life's obstacles and challenges. Wanting to change events in her life, she began writing poems that turned into short stories that turned into full blown novels. She's often been told that her novels read as though the reader is watching a movie. When she is not pleasing her readers, Carla is spending time with her three children whom she cherishes dearly. Reading, writing and family time keeps her going. These three joys help to keep her health under control as well. At the age of 19, Carla was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It has been a slight struggle having the disease as an unwanted companion, but Carla delves through it. Always a fighter, she refuses to allow the disease to halt her progress in life. Carla published her first novel, Fling, in 2005. That was just the beginning of her blossoming career. Carla contributed one of her short stories, Cruisin', to the 2008 African American Literary Award Winning Erotic Anthology Mocha Chocolate: Taste a Piece of Ecstasy (Nayberry Publications). She also contributed her short story, Point and Click Lover,to the anthology's follow-up in 2010, Mocha Chocolate Remix: Escapades of Passion (Nayberry Publications). Soaring on a wave of short story success, Carla contributed another story, Deceitful Love, to Chocolat Historie D'Amour (LadyElle Publishing). Not wanting to limit her love of writing to short stories only, in 2010, Carla joined forces with one of the most booming independent publishing companies, LifeChangingBooks (LCB) where she released her anticipated novel, The Available Wife and in 2011, its sequel, The Available Wife part 2. Carla released her third novel, My Counterfeit Husband, with LCB in August 2013. Also, in 2013, Carla continued t add to her short story, anthology roster: Savor (Nayberry Publications), Pillow Talk Duets: In the Heat of the Night (Peace in the Storm Publishing) and Chocolate Flava 4: Busy Bodies (Zane/Strebor Books). Stepping out on faith, Carla self-published an erotic e-short "The Escort." Readers flocked to it causing Carla to supply the demand of its sequel. Carla is currently working on a host of other projects. "In order to succeed in life, you have to get out of your own way. You can be your own worst enemy and critic at times. Close your eyes, breathe then tell yourself that today is a good day to be YOU." -----Carla Pennington