Anita Richmond Bunkley is a novelist, motivational speaker, and workshop facilitator. She was born in Columbus, Ohio. Bunkley was researching the African American woman who inspired the song, "The Yellow Rose of Texas," when she decided instead to write a novel based on the woman's life. Bunkley self-published the book, Emily. Bunkley published other novels with Dutton/Signet including Wild Embers which was named by Publishers Weekly as one of the 10 best romances of 1995. Glamour magazine picked Starlight Passage as a favorite romance novel of the year. Bunkley has also been honored with the United Negro College Fund's Excellence in Achievement Award. She created a program based on her… story of determination and success in the face of overwhelming odds. Her book, Steppin' Out With Attitude, offers practical advice, emotional support, and step-by-step tips to help pave the way to success for the businesswoman, entrepreneur, or young person entering the job market. She tours throughout the country offering her workshops through the black women's empowerment venue African American Women on Tour.