Stand Up Speak Out

Alabama remains ground zero in the civil rights battle. Judge Callie Granade's January 2015 ruling finding Alabama's ban on same-sex marriage violated the equal protection and due process clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment carried on the tradition of strong female jurists in the state.

Being a female civil rights lawyer in Birmingham, I am proud to walk in the path cleared by so many courageous women, including Nina Miglionico.  She was was one of the first female lawyers in Alabama.  She fought tirelessly for segregation reform, equal rights for women, improvement of child labor conditions, and elimination of the poll tax.  Her story is truly an inspiration.

Jenna Bedsole, another Birmingham lawyer, is making a film to recognize Nina Miglionico's extraordinary story.  A recent al.com article discussed Jenna's efforts and need for funding to complete the project.  Nina's story needs to be heard so that it can inspire others to stand up and speak out for what is right. Please help Jenna make sure that Nina's story is remembered.

Stand Up, Speak Out - The Nina Miglionico Story from Ted Speaker on Vimeo.

Be Still, My Golden Heart

Depositions suck. Thursday morning, I prepared for a second day of depositions in a nasty sexual harassment case. Exhibits littered my desk. Room temperature coffee fueled my marginal functionality. I couldn't find the video I needed that showed the creepy old man manager busting in on my client in the restroom. Cranky. That was me.

My cell phone rang. The sound of a ringing phone, especially my cell, elicits a negative Pavlovian response. Assuming it was a client who wanted to bypass my assistant, my hello didn't embrace the Southern hospitality that it should've. 

And then my day went from combative to celebratory.  I found out I was a 2015 Golden Heart® finalist.

The Golden Heart is the big-mama of writing contests for unpublished authors.  Sponsored by the Romance Writers of America©, the contest accepts approximately 1,200 manuscripts in eight genre categories, and the final round is judged by acquiring editors from publishing houses.  To paraphrase Ron Burgundy, it is kind of a big deal.

Keep your fingers crossed.  Magic City, the manuscript that I entered, was the first book I wrote.  The first book I completed (well, much like the Winchester Mystery House, for about two years it was the source of constant tinkering). Since finishing it, I have worked on to two other manuscripts (a political thriller and another urban fantasy).  I am humbled that others found Magic City special enough to allow me the honor and privilege to join so many wonderful authors as a Golden Heart finalist (click here to see all the fantastic ladies who are finalists).  

Now enough of that seriousness.  Here is something fun: