Street Literature Review: Volume 2 by Street Literature Review

Volume 2

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UNCF helps thousands of deserving students. But we have to turn away thousands more. So please give to the United Negro College Fund. Your donation will make a difference. Visit uncf.org or call 1-800-332-8623. Volume 2

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Volume 2

FEATURES Ghostwriting Anthony Whyte sheds light on the shady side of the game. Hip Hop fictionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top ghostwriters share tales of perils and fame.

Lit Legends SLR presents Zora Neale Hurston. Her deeds live on. Blaine Martin exposes her contribution to the writing game.

Spot Light 20 SLR shines the light on author, Philly home-grown, Anna J. Make way for the new queen of Hip Hop literature. SLR presents Brooklyn's own, her royal highness Caroline McGill. Street Banger SLR previews the hottest novels causing the most spark in the streets, and soon to be burning down stores.

Around The Corner Azarel, author, publisher and CEO of Life Changing Books, talks about her walk to fame with SLR. Latin sensation Vanessa Martir sits down with Erick S. Gray for a brief encounter.

From Behind Bars Having done the crime and making use of her time, Wahida Clark explores all that's wrong and right about writing from behind bars.

Last Stop Vanessa Martir examines the effect Latina writers have on the game, and what may propel them over the top.

DEPARTMENTS A Day In The Life Author/publisher, Crystal Lacey Winslow, shares secrets of the writing game with SLR. Kashamba Williams understands the book game thoroughly. She sat down to talk with Poet extraordinaire Joy Leftow.

Layin' Tracks 34 Nakea Murray has all the goods and shows why experience counts. She answers questions about the writing game. Tiah Short, visionary, publicist and radio show host, explains why she is living her dream while helping others to achieve their own.

Volume 2

Getting a better deal Kiniesha Gayle drops jewels on how to nail that book contract using the model of the job hunt.

Less Bling and more substance Marva Allen of Hue-Man Bookstore gives the science behind the responsibility of the literary community.

Gadgets and Gizmos SLR unleashes stuff that makes our lives less complicated while entertaining our minds.

3 Thug Mice

Volume 2

CREDITS FOUNDERS:

Jason Claiborne, Anthony Whyte

The word on the street is…Street Lit Review is back featuring the

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

ladies of literature. Hip Hop Literature is here to stay and the sec-

Blaine Martin

ond issue from the voice of the genre is proof. The ladies of lit-

CREATIVE DIRECTOR:

Jason Claiborne

erature are featured in a blazing example of independent spirit and

MANAGING EDITOR:

devotion to the passion of writing. For those who have been under

Anthony Whyte

a rock, the young genre has seen the rise and fall of many stars. Imi-

EXECUTIVE EDITOR:

tators have been exposed and true talented writers have risen to the

Vanessa Mártir

top of their games. The revelation given in the first issue was aptly

WRITERS:

Shannon Holmes, Blaine Martin, Anthony Whyte, Erick S Gray, Vanessa Martir, Joy Leftow

received. Thanks to all the authors and readers who gave us great

PRODUCTION EDITORS:

took place in the world of publishing, partly due to the dealings of

food for thought. SLR has swallowed and digested. Big changes

Erick S. Gray

dishonest publishers and authors. Players are fouling out for push-

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:

William Alicea, Tamiko Maldonado

ing works that are not their own. Get the low-down read, Ghost-

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:

writing, the article sheds light on the shady side of the game. Street

Erick S. Gray, Lydia Hyatt, Joy Leftow

Lit Review magazine’s winter issue comes loaded with the ladies of

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS:

the genre. Latin sensation, Vanessa Martir, pops bottles with other

Jason Claiborne, William Alicea, Milo Stone (Spicy Magazine)

Latinas writing fiction. Your favorite authors, Anna J, Azarel, Wa-

ILLUSTRATORS:

Kel 1st, Venus

hida Clark, Caroline McGill, Crystal Lacey Winslow and KaShamba

ADVERTISING

Williams grace our pages. Kiniesha Gayle drops jewels on the game.

New York Office: (212) 942 9792

Prominence is given to Lit legend, the late-great Zora Neale Hur-

MARKETING DIRECTOR:

ston. Movers and shakers:Nakea Murray and Tiah Short break us

Jason Claiborne

off with understanding. Ms. Marva Allen brings the truth about

SPECIAL THANKS:

censorship. These ladies have lent their unbending spirits, souls and

Brett Wright and Omar Rubio

talents in a celebration: The growth of a new genre in American ddress all editorial, business A and production correspondence to:

Literature. Open the pages of Volume 2, release the warmth of Street Literature Review and read on.

Street Literature Review 33 Indian Road, Suite 3K, New York, NY 10034 Ad Sales inquiries: adsales@streetlitreview.com

Let SLR know how you feel.

General Inquiries contact: info@streetlitreview.com

from the founders.

One love,

Editorial Inquiries contact: editorial@streetlitreview.com Visit us online streetlitreview.com

Volume 2

FEEDBACK IS THE ULTIMATE COMPLIMENT.

READERS L E T T E R S

It’s great that you give people on lockdown a voice in the reading community. I’ve been on both sides of the law, and take it from me – people on the inside need to be heard. Biggups for opening a whole new lane for people on the inside. Leon Martin Rochester, NY

Congrats on your new magazine. Ya’ll are pretty brave for coming out with it, especially with magazine sales at almost an all-time low. Keep it coming. Cindy Johnson Bronx, NY

Nice first issue. I still think there’s plenty of room for more chicks. Oh yeah-and they gotta have pretty feet, too. I can’t have no hammer-toe girls on my ceiling, feel me? Cedrick Wallace Teaneck, NJ

Congratulations on a really good first issue. Us ladies would like to see a few more female writers and a little more eye candy, too. Is that too much to ask? Keep up the good work.

Rachel Williams Harlem, NY

I think it’s cools that you let people behind bars speak out. My cousin is a great writer that just got locked up. Hopefully we can chat and get him in one of your upcoming issues. Later. Brian Simmons Chicago, IL

Peace! Congrats on the launching of your new mag. Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Money Boy Montana. We spoke briefly on the evening of your magazine review premier. About your magazine, three big things stood out. No Latin love whatsoever. Not a single article by a Latino contributing writer, no mention of a Latino author, no Latin exposure, no Latin sponsors, no Latin nothing…except for Vanessa Martir. But she’s your executive editor, clever on your part, very clever. Suggestion, I know it’s your mag but keep s_ _t funky! You were a little too biased. You put your book in the top ten, allowed your homie, Shannon, to talk shit to the masses and self-promoted yourself a whole lot. That’s all good, but the streets see through all that. Cater to your audience. The streets will make you or break you. The streets want what’s real, not phony hype. Historical note, the Source magazine owned by Benzino. He always self-promoted himself and people without being honest, what happened? Bankruptcy! Give props to those who deserve it…show love to those who don’t have the opportunity to voice their opinion. The streets will recognize, applaud and respect you for that. You got to get some Hispanic love. The power of the Latino dollar is serious, not only will your circulation increase but you’ll be hitting two markets at once. Look at what Reggaeton has done. Enough said. All factors considered, your first issue was decent. The potential your mag has to blow is there. I can see you put a lot into your work. Just holla if I can help in any capacity. I’ll let you go. I took enough of your time. I just wanted to holla at you right quick. Send me some mags. I can probably get you about 30 to 50 subscribers. That’s real talk! I’m very strong and influential up in this piece. If I could help you eat, I will. That’s how Money Boy gives it up. God bless and stay up. Never give up on your dreams…sky’s the limit, baby bro. It gets greater—later. I wish you the absolute best in your future endeavors. Uno Da King Pen, Money Boy Montana Eastern Correctional Facility Peace Money Boy, SLR digs your swagger. You mention Benzino this isn’t that type of hype. I’ll say to you in regards to the challenge you put out to Mr. Holmes, remember Cannibus. ‘Nuff said. Hopefully, we both learn and are able to make paper together. Stay ‘bout your business. One love.

Volume 2

GET AT ME

Ghost written or not?

Have you heard the conversations going on whether your favorite author writes or doesn’t. I’m sure you have heard the arguments. Well your girl, Empress at Street Lit Review asked several people around Harlem. And here are couple views on ghostwriting, the authors taking credit, glory and recognition for others’ work. Is it a shame or not?

Ghostwriting…? It’s not a shame. It’s a disgrace to the art of writing and literature. I’ve heard that authors have been doing that for years. The ‘real’ artist isn’t getting the credit, recognition and glory for their sweat and tears. It a real shame! It appears that in most cases, ghostwriting is done to make a quick buck. As an artist myself, I take pride in my works and would never allow someone else to put their name on my hard work. Authors have to be careful in this genre as there are always people out there prying and waiting to capitalize on naiveté. Tina, Harlem…2nd year Art student, NYU

for it. The book, its content and story are still yours as the writer. Ghostwriting is similar to the music game. I’m a producer of music and I have ghostwritten for several known artist that are playing on the radio. You got cats like 50, Jay Z and Ne-Yo writing for dudes and making hits. As long as I get my cut of the dough I ain’t mad. As a producer, I like to stay out of the limelight. I’m just concerned with getting mines; the public recognition. Rakim A., Bed-Sty…Producer…

Black people are always finding ways to cheat. They see some new sh_ _ going down and they ready to jump on the bandwagon. It used to be rapping and everybody out here was a rapper. Now it’s writing and it’s still the same ol’ game. Marcia, 145th Street and Broadway… Street Vendor On the flipside…

I could care less! It’s about the money girl. One hundred! Money makes the world go ‘round. You got too many people out there with lots of dollars and they looking to be celebrities I’ll write some sh_ _ and facilitate them. You gotta live and making that cheddar is part of it so I’m gonna keep doing that. I want that paper…f_ _ _ the fame. Tech of Young N’ Famous Independent rapper…from Uptown

I ain’t hatin’! As I see it, you write a dope story and have someone who is going to be able to sell, promote and get the most recognition

Questions or comments, suggestions… Holla at ya girl… Empress@streetlirteview.com

Volume 2

LE BOyoOurKnamTe IT here

GHOST G N I T I R W When free RIDE crosses

the bottom LINE…

By ANTHONY WHYTE

Read a good book lately? Then checked out the author and found it wasn’t the person you thought it was? Don’t be disappointed. Many people, like athletes, celebrities and rich socialites, have fearlessly used ghostwriting techniques to tell their life stories or experiences. The writers themselves are sometimes acknowledged, example Wendy Williams acknowledgement of Karen Hunter for her stories and Teri Woods acknowledged the stories by Dutch written by... Mostly ghostwriters remain anonymous allowing the person who commissioned the work to receive full credit for the work. It is the business of ghost writing and money spurs it on. The bottom line rules and if you got that paper some author will rent you their talent. But then the story becomes hotter than July and burns up the charts. What happens to the ghostwriter because the person representing the work receives all the accolades, riches and fame? Depending on the terms of the contract the ghostwriter could be on the outskirts looking on. Again the bottom line is nothing but business as usual. If there is an agreement the ghostwriter should stick to the point of attaching his or her name to the work. This allows the celebrated named individual to use their status to positively influence book sales. Ghostwriters should negotiate for a percentage of the royalty and not sign over completely the entire kitty to the celebrity. A reasonable amount is in the ten to fifteen percentage range, the current going rate. This is usually augmented with an upfront fee sometimes referred to as the kill-fee. Who hasn’t heard the story of some of Teri Woods’ tales and woes? This takes us back to doing business.

I tentatively agreed to convert a screenplay to a novel as a ghostwriter without the signed agreement. I released a copy to the person who had commissioned me to do the work. Without any further ado, this person who will remain nameless went on to reproduce the rough draft as a novel. Whenever readers asked him about the spelling and typo (Did I say it was a rough draft, oh please pardon me, it was.) He complained that I gave him a bad copy. He never signed the agreement and he never received the official copy of the work. I never received any payments. So he printed the rough draft of my work. I learned my lesson. When you walk up to me discussing your ideas for a story – save it. If you haven’t got at least ten large then keep it moving, I write for Augustus Publishing and need no more work. I spoke to other writers and authors about what they thought of ghost writing and was surprised to learn that two of the most prolific writers of the game, Kwan Foye and Erick S. Gray are ghostwriters for some of your favorite novels, the title does not bear their tags but the stories do. Kwame Teague and Shannon, the Don, have either rewritten or been the ghost writer for some of your favorite stories. As in business sometimes, all doesn’t go well and the ghostwriter gets screwed. The end result isn’t beneficial to either party but the ghost writer put in work. The stalemate occurs because the follow-up novel is not as good or doesn’t have the voice of the previous novel. Ask the authors why, and they’ll smile because they know that the bottom-line rules.

“A lot of people want to be authors and I get paid to help them,”

Volume 2

In this era of keeping it real, the writing game is one of the few that 12

“It was about the money”

don’t know. At the end of the day I want to consult with the individual from time to time, when I’m working on their project,” Mr. Holmes says. The author is on tour and his new release, Bad Girlz 4 Life hits stores in Spring 08 “You can’t worry about whether or not you gave up your best work. I see ghost writing as a challenge so you should give your best all the time. Writing a good story can be viewed as a boxing match where if you don’t do it right, you can be knocked out by anyone. You always give your best,” Shannon Holmes says. For publishing magnate, Azarel it’s strictly business. “I run a consultant group and offer complete service to aspiring authors. I keep it strictly business,” says the CEO and author of Life Changing Books. Author/ publisher, Kiniesha Gayle wonders about the overall effect on the writing industry. “People easily misrepresent themselves,” says the author of King Of Spades and her new title Queen Of Hearts.

goes far away from the grain until the distance blurs owner and creator. It is one of the few industries where the owner of the product gets to shine as the creator. Oftentimes the person is not but they get to ride on the bus of writing immortality for free. You’re captured and locked in a cell and feel compelled to craft your personal bio from start to finish. You set it free to the world of readers, only to have a famous name move in craftily and steal the shine belonging to you. What do you do? Well you better have an ironclad agreement, then go get yours. The credit and the money should be divided and shared but you need a regulator, a contract because in the end it is still business. We must learn that. Therefore as a rule of business we should draft a contract based on agreement between the parties. This agreement should state all credits and props given to the writer. It should state clearly how the money will be divided and how all assets pertaining to the work are to be split. Both parties should sign the agreement and notarize it. The upfront fee can be divided into payments based on completion of pages, lets say, half of story gets half the money and completion begets the complete draft. But writers should make sure the check is cleared before turning anything over. There’s always someone trying to beat you out of what’s yours.

Caleb Alexander, author of Eastside and Two Thin Dimes both released under Strebor Books in his own name, paints the ugly picture of deception in his ghostwriting experiences. Mr. Alexander submitted his Deadly Reigns I, II and III manuscripts to Teri Woods Publishing, only to be surprised a year later when he saw the first novel, Deadly Reigns being advertised with Teri Woods as the author. Eventually he was able to resolve the situation but was surprised again when he did not receive payments for True To The Game II and III. “It was about the money,” says Mr. Alexander. “I have my family to feed and bills to pay. So I continued working with Teri Woods hoping to get my money.” The situation has taken a legal turn headed for lawsuit but it shows that you cannot just take word of mouth or promises. Everything about the agreement should be spelled out and legally approved by both parties.

In music, how do listeners know Ne-Yo wrote all those songs? He was appropriately given writers credit. Producers are given producers credit and so on. In the movie world the same applies except when it comes to writing. Non-writers want to hog the credit lines and eventually by legal maneuvering, takeover of the bottom-line. Erick S. Gray, author of some of the hottest titles in the game, including Crave All… Lose All, Booty Call *69 and Nasty Girls, Ghetto Heaven and Money Power and Respect, says ghostwriting is about getting money. However the young, prolific author often contemplates the consequence of giving up his best work of art, under someone else’s moniker. “Yeah, I wonder ‘what if ’ sometimes,” says the author whose next project, Crave All… Lose All, has built such a huge demand, he’s considering raising the price. “It is at a point where that’s what I have to do,” Gray says.

“I don’t see a problem, per se. It’s a service that has been around forever and it’s necessary. Shoot, most editors nowadays end up being ghostwriters because a lot of writers don’t respect the craft and turn in nonsense once they are signed to a publisher. The editor ends up doing triple bypass surgery on a manuscript. To me that’s ghostwriting… Authors being on deadlines or those that just can’t seem to construct the story have made it a big business and it’s not just AfAm authors it’s across the board,” says Nakea Murray, publicist, radio personality and avid reader.

Kwan, author of such street bangers as Gangster, Street Dreams, Hood Rat, and Still Hood, also thinks ghostwriting is about making paper. “At the end of the day that’s what is. A lot of people want to be authors and I get paid to help them,” says one of the busiest authors in the biz. He’s currently on tour, and working on getting more paper.

It is easy to see that novel writing is not only art, it is also business. Whether you’re writing anonymously or not, before signing the deal, remember that if it doesn’t affect all parties positively then it’s not a good agreement. Whether or not you keep it real is up to the individual author. Go to Streetlitreview.com and tell us what you think. Read more about the perils of ghostwriting in the follow up: Pitfalls of Ghostwriting, in the next issue of SLR.

Shannon Holmes reported that clarity between both parties should be first instituted by an agreement jointly signed by both parties. Although Mr. Holmes admits that the relationship with the other party is just as important. “I’ve done it practically for nothing,” says the Don of classic Hip Hop Fiction bestsellers such as: B’More Careful, Bad Girlz, Never Go Home Again and Dirty Game. “If a friend asks you to do something then it’s a different thing than say someone you

-Anthony Whyte

Volume 2

THE 4(%รก2/,%รก/&รก52"!.รก&)#4)/.รก).รก",!#+รก#/--5.)4)%3 รก ROLE OF URBAN FICTION IN BLACK COMMUNITIES:

HAS (!3รก4/รก"%รก-/2%รก4(!.รก TO BE MORE THAN

BLING ",).' By "9รก-!26!รก!,,%.รก Marva Allen

author AUTHORรกANDรกCO OWNERรกOFรกTHEรกWORLDยซSรกLARGESTรกINDEPENDENTรกBOOKSTORE รกรก and co-owner of the worldโ s largest independent bookstore.

In In 1994, 1994, not not that that long long ago ago in in the the scheme scheme of of things, things, Terry Terry McMilMcMillianโ s lianโ s Waiting Waiting to to Exhale Exhale raced raced up up the the charts charts selling selling thousands thousands upon upon thousands thousands of of copies. copies. The The book book publishing publishing industry industry had had aa eureka eureka momoment. ment. Black Black people people actually actually read. read. Still, Still, eighteen eighteen years years later later II am am alalways ways saddened saddened when when from from the the mouths mouths of of Black Black folks folks themselves themselves that that we we donโ t donโ t read. read. Poppycock. Poppycock. This This parroting parroting of of aa majority majority cultureโ s cultureโ s observation observation of of Blacks Blacks isis straight straight up up nonsense nonsense and and aa misnomer. misnomer. So So for for Christโ s Christโ s sake, sake, let let us us stop stop spouting spouting this this subliminal subliminal nonsense nonsense based based on on truths truths that that are are not not even even ours. ours. If If we we did did not not read read will will somebody somebody please please tell tell me me why why major major houses houses spent spent all all that that money money to to create create or or acquire acquire black black imprints? imprints? Why Why would would lily lily white white Harlequin Harlequin buy buy BET BET books books and and why why would would aa conservative conservative publisher publisher like like Hay Hay House House give give Tavis Tavis Smiley Smiley an an imprint? imprint? Trust Trust me, me, we we read, read, and and YES YES INDEED INDEED we we are are aa relevant, relevant, viable viable market market that that isis exponentially exponentially growing. growing.

Volume 6/,5-%รก 2

The questions that Hue-Man asks when it decides whether to support or not support an urban genre book are: Even if reality based, does this book have a moral to the story? Does this book help to break the chains on our minds, steer us to true liberty and economic empowerment, or help us see choices that take us from the streets to the courtroom, not as a prisoners, but as lawyers and judges? Is this work reflective and does it have any educational value to our readers? Will this book be around in thirty, forty, fifty years?

As the largest and most well know Black bookstore in America and arguably the world, Hue-Man has a special responsibility in making sure that this hard won battle at the publishing houses does not slip away into irrelevance, and that our readers are presented with every genre that might satisfy their reading preference, from seminal works to urban fiction. These days, however, it seems that Black Publishing has been reduced to the genre of urban fiction. Geared to younger audiences whose influences are TV, music videos and hip-hop culture, there is a disturbing trend in black publishing. If we haven’t learned over the past thirty years about the many dead bodies of Hip Hop music then Hip-Hop authors should quickly do so. Be cautious as you sprint down the slippery road to Hip-Hop literature because all that glitters is not gold.

Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim whose gritty depictions of street life and shady characters catapulted them to international fame are still very much brisk sellers at the bookstore. Much like today’s urban fiction that glorify the world of hustlers, pimps, thugs, chickenheads, blinged-out rappers or ‘round-the-way baby mamas, Goines’s world was a seedy side of life. But Goines was not only a fabulous writer his stories still pass the Hue-Man litmus test.

Words are powerful. The pen is mightier than the sword. I’m sure you’ve heard the expressions. That’s why Hip Hop authors need to be careful and thoughtful about what they write in their novels. Using reading and writing, the basic building blocks of literacy, as a destructive tool would be the straw that could finally lead to the total destruction of the Black race, most certainly Black Literature in America. Yep. Willie Lynch would have won!

If the role of new urban fiction is to dumb down customer’s intellectually, morally and spiritually then the less new readers the better. We don’t have the luxury to go with the flow, we must still wonder aloud and make our voices heard when things are askew. With education at an all time low (50% high school dropouts) and progress in urban communities dismal at best, outside of illegal activities, as an urban fiction writer (remember the pen is mightier than the sword), what else do you stand for with this writing? I believe you of all people have a compelling responsibility to deliver, through your authentic voice and hard-knock-life experiences empowering works to your communities: Works of redemption, the healing of black pain and education should be high on your list. Do bookstores such as Hue-Man have the right to censor? Simply answered, hell-to-the-yes. When what is happening in Black Lit is more than meets the eye and promises to rip the core of what black folks have survived on, and the education of our people is threatened, then we absolutely do. Remember the Black Panthers? Think long and hard on your actions and your results.

The role of Hue-Man Bookstore & Café is to be more than a bookstore. Because we act as historians and Griots we have a social responsibility to create a place where our folks can be empowered by their history, motivated by their present and be hopeful for their future. Living up to this charge means we are laser focused on the kinds of literature we stack our shelves. No matter what genre books belong to, Hue-man staff tends to favor literature that liberates the hearts and minds of our people who have been burdened under years of misrepresentation and oppression. I personally believe that the difference between the genius minds of Melvin Tolson and Frank Lucas is education and perspective. 15

Volume 2

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Ms. Hurston’s largest royalty was $943.75. She died on Jan. 28, 1960, Ms. Ms. Hurston’s Hurston’s largest largest royalty royalty was was $943.75. $943.75. She She died died on on Jan. Jan. 28, 28, 1960, 1960, at the age of 69, never receiving the financial rewards she deserved. at at the the age age of of 69, 69, never never receiving receiving the the financial financial rewards rewards she she deserved. deserved. Neighbors in Fort Pierce, Florida took up collections for her February Neighbors Neighbors in in Fort Fort Pierce, Pierce, Florida Florida took took up up collections collections for for her her February February 7th funeral. There was enough funds to pay a headstone. 7th 7th funeral. funeral. There There was was not notnot enough enough funds funds to to pay pay for forfor aa headstone. headstone. Ms. Ms.Ms. Hurston was buried in a grave that remained unmarked until 1973. Hurston Hurston was was buried buried in in aa grave grave that that remained remained unmarked unmarked until until 1973. 1973. That summer, Alice Walker went to Fort Pierce and placed a marker That That summer, summer, Alice Alice Walker Walker went went to to Fort Fort Pierce Pierce and and placed placed aa marker marker on the grave of the author who inspired her. Walker helped to resuscion on the the grave grave of of the the author author who who inspired inspired her. her. Walker Walker helped helped to to resusciresuscitate interest in Zora Neale Hurston’s writings in the ‘70’s. Today, Born Jan. 7, 1891, in Notasulga, Alabama, she moved with her famtate interest interest in in Zora Zora Neale Neale Hurston’s Hurston’s writings writings in in the the ‘70’s. ‘70’s. Today, Today, Ms. Ms.Ms. Born Born Jan. Jan. 7, 7, 1891, 1891, in in Notasulga, Notasulga, Alabama, Alabama, she she moved moved with with her her famfam- tate Hurston’s novels and poetry are studied in literature classes, women’s ily to Eatonville, Florida as an infant. Zora had a happy childhood Hurston’s novels novels and and poetry poetry are are studied studied in in literature literature classes, classes, women’s women’s ily ily to to Eatonville, Eatonville, Florida Florida as as an an infant. infant. Zora Zora had had aa happy happy childhood childhood Hurston’s and black studies. -Blaine Martin despite frequent frequentclashes clasheswith withher herpreacher-father. preacher-father.She Shewas was13 years and and black black studies. studies. -Blaine -Blaine Martin Martin despite despite frequent clashes with her preacher-father. She was 1313years years oldwhen whenher hermother, mother,who whomotivated motivatedher herand andher herseven sevensiblings, siblings, died old old when her mother, who motivated her and her seven siblings, died died in 1904. Her father remarried quickly but the quick-tempered Zora in in 1904. 1904. Her Her father father remarried remarried quickly quickly but but the the quick-tempered quick-tempered Zora Zora almostkilled killedhis hisnew newyoung youngwife wifein fistfight.She Shestruggled struggled finish almost almost killed his new young wife ininaaafistfight. fistfight. She struggled to toto finish finish her schooling schoolingand andeventually eventuallyshe shejoined joinedaa aGilbert Gilbert& Sullivantraveltravelher her schooling and eventually she joined Gilbert &&Sullivan Sullivan traveling troupe as a maid to the lead singer. In 1917 at 26 year old, Ms. ing ing troupe troupe as as aa maid maid to to the the lead lead singer. singer. In In 1917 1917 at at 26 26 year year old, old, Ms. Ms. Hurston was residing in Baltimore and still had no high school Hurston Hurston was was residing residing in in Baltimore Baltimore and and still still had had no no high high school school didi-diploma.In Inorder orderto toqualify qualifyfor forfree freepublic publicschooling, schooling,Zora Zorapresented presented ploma. ploma. In order to qualify for free public schooling, Zora presented herselfas asaaateenager teenagerby bygiving givingher heryear yearof herbirth birthas 1901.She She was herself herself as teenager by giving her year ofofher her birth asas1901. 1901. She was was a handsome, big-boned woman with playful eyes, high cheekbones, a handsome, handsome, big-boned big-boned woman woman with with playful playful eyes, eyes, high high cheekbones, cheekbones, andwas wassomehow somehowable ableto topull pullitititoff. off.Zora Zorawas wasaa afiery fieryintellect intellect with and and was somehow able to pull off. Zora was fiery intellect with with an anan infectioussense senseof ofhumor. humor. infectious infectious sense of humor. Zora Neale Hurston knew how to make an entrance. On May 1, Zora Zora Neale Neale Hurston Hurston knew knew how how to to make make an an entrance. entrance. On On May May 1, 1, 1925, at a literary awards dinner sponsored by Opportunity maga1925, 1925, at at aa literary literary awards awards dinner dinner sponsored sponsored by by Opportunity Opportunity magamagazine, the thecharismatic charismaticauthor authorturned turnedheads headsand andraised raisedeyebrows eyebrowsasas she zine, zine, the charismatic author turned heads and raised eyebrows as she she claimedfour fourawards: awards:aaasecond-place second-placefiction fictionprize prizefor forher hershort shortstory story claimed claimed four awards: second-place fiction prize for her short story “Spunk,” a second-place award in drama for her play Color Struck, “Spunk,” “Spunk,” aa second-place second-place award award in in drama drama for for her her play play Color Color Struck, Struck, andtwo twohonorable honorablementions. mentions. and and two honorable mentions.

Drawn by by the theHarlem HarlemRenaissance, Renaissance,she shemoved movedto NewYork YorkCity City Drawn Drawn by the Harlem Renaissance, she moved totoNew New York City in 1925. 1925.ItItItwas wasthere therethat thatshe shebegan beganwriting writingfiction. fiction.She Shebefriended befriended in in 1925. was there that she began writing fiction. She befriended luminariessuch suchas poetLangston LangstonHughes Hughesand andpopular popularsinger/actress singer/actress luminaries luminaries such asaspoet poet Langston Hughes and popular singer/actress EthelWaters. Waters.Ms. Ms.Hurston Hurstongraduated graduatedfrom fromBarnard BarnardCollege Collegein 1928 Ethel Ethel Waters. Ms. Hurston graduated from Barnard College inin 1928 1928 and soon soon became becamethe themost mostsignificant significantblack blackwoman womanwriter writerof the and and soon became the most significant black woman writer ofofthe the first half halfof ofthe the20th 20thcentury. century.She Shewas wasprolific prolificwriter writerand andin thelate late first first half of the 20th century. She was prolific writer and ininthe the late 30’s 30’s and early 40’s, Ms. Hurston published four novels, the first was 30’sand andearly early40’s, 40’s,Ms. Ms.Hurston Hurstonpublished publishedfour fournovels, novels,the thefirst firstwas was Jonah’s Jonah’s Gourd Gourd Vine. Vine. Mules Mules and and Men Men was was the the first first of of two two books books of of black black Jonah’s Gourd Vine. Mules and Men was the first of two books of black Southern Southern folklore, an autobiography; Dust Tracks ononaa aRoad, Road, numerSouthernfolklore, folklore,an anautobiography; autobiography;Dust DustTracks Trackson Road,numernumerous ous short stories, several essays, and plays. Her masterwork, Their Their Eyes Eyes ousshort shortstories, stories,several severalessays, essays,and andplays. plays.Her Hermasterwork, masterwork, Their Eyes Were Were Watching God, was published inin1937. 1937. Tell My Horse inin1938; 1938; WereWatching WatchingGod, God,was waspublished publishedin 1937.Tell TellMy MyHorse Horsein 1938; and and another masterful novel, Moses, Man ofofthe the Mountain, in inin 1939. 1939. In InIn andanother anothermasterful masterfulnovel, novel,Moses, Moses,Man Manof theMountain, Mountain, 1939. 1942 1942 Ms. Hurston was profiled ininWho’s Who’s Who ininAmerica, America, Current 1942Ms. Ms.Hurston Hurstonwas wasprofiled profiledin Who’sWho Whoin America,Current Current Biography Biography and Twentieth Century Authors. Ms. Hurston went on onon to toto Biographyand andTwentieth TwentiethCentury CenturyAuthors. Authors.Ms. Ms.Hurston Hurstonwent went publish publish another another novel, novel, Seraph Seraph on on the the Suwanee, Suwanee, in in 1948. 1948. publish another novel, Seraph on the Suwanee, in 1948.

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CAROLINE McGILL

Make Way for the Real Queen Her path took her down many narrow roads. Readers beware, her majesty has arrived. Her highness, Caroline McGill has been putting it down lyrically and poetically since she was five years old. Now all grown up, she continues her creative endeavors by penning three top selling novels, A Dollar Outta Fifteen Cent (Synergy Publications ‘05), The Grudge (Synergy Publications ‘06), and A Dollar Outta Fifteen Cent Part II: Money Talks Bullsh*t Walks(Synergy Publications ‘07).

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Ms. McGill is the head of her own independent publishing house, Synergy Publications. She does her own writing and editing. McGill promotes, markets, ships, and does everything else needed to keep her company afloat. She is the company’s premier author, but will be signing other authors in the coming months. Caroline McGill rules the nest. With boundless energy, she is motivated to do her absolute best. She’s from Bed-Stuy, the capital of Brooklyn, NY, and has done just about every hustle there is. Amongst others, McGill has transported and distributed narcotics along the east coast, and ran an escort service. In the past, she definitely got hers the fast way.

McGill became wise to the game. She realized that there were only two ways out. Anxious to hone her God-given skills, and determined to obtain legitimate success with longevity, she wound up going back to school and later earn a degree in business administration. This single move helped enhance her natural abilities. McGill feels the knowledge enabled, as she puts it; “run a company without depending on people.” Determination and independence shines in this effervescent Virgo’s eyes. Caroline McGill had seen it all, and lived a life you could write many books on. Her own experiences inspired her to do just that. She released her first novel, A Dollar Outta Fifteen Cent, in ’05. The five-star rated novel touches on some very crucial, adult issues, which are cleverly woven into the storyline. The release of her debut novel coincided with the formation of her AIDS Awareness foundation, S.O.S. (Saving Our Selves). S.O.S. is dedicated to help raise the awareness level in young people. “I did it to help us. Black women, and guys too, because I care. S.O.S. was formed to help save lives”, says the busy entrepreneur. Caroline McGill is so real in the world of fake writers and pretenders that she even edits her own works. “It’s not that I don’t trust anyone to do it, it’s just that I want the best job done, and I feel I can do it,” she said with a soft smile that would tame a pit bull. Her novels and characters are based on what she lived and witnessed. She came up hard, but acquired a world of experience she now deploys in her writing. The author is currently working on part 3 of her A Dollar Outta Fifteen Cent trilogy, titled A Dollar Outta Fifteen Cent Part III: Mo’ Money…Mo’ Problems. McGill’s novels are so engrossing and entertaining, she has been dubbed by her readers as “the real queen of Hip Hop Fiction.” Her ascent to the throne is the best thing Caroline McGill has accomplished yet. All she needed was foresight, and utilization of her natural talent. While ruling, she continues to save lives by sharing experiences that will help young readers grow wiser, and still manages, “to entertain the hell out of you.” All readers hail the queen. Brooklyn, stand up! - SLR

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ANNA from Philly to the world

She’s from southewst Philly. Anna J is the hot new author who has been putting it down in the hip hop fiction. Since the debut of her slamming novel, My Woman - His Wife, Anna J has been moving books. SLR spent a few minutes with your favorite bestselling author. SLR: Anna, tell us a little about yourself. AJ: I’m a Philly woman, born and raised in the Southwest side, in Bartram Village Housing Projects. The woman I am now at 30 is nothing like the child and teenager I was when I lived there, but it molded me and I’m thankful. I’m real laid back, and most people that know me know that about me, but everyone has that side of them that comes out every so often, so in a nut shell that’s who I am. Anna J. The quiet, sometimes shy, loud, aggressive chick from Philly. Hate it or love it. SLR: How long have you been writing and what has the experience been like? AJ: I’ve been writing for as long as I knew how to write. I still have some of my children’s stories and poems from when I was young. So far, I’ve had nothing but good experiences in my writing career. I’ve learned a lot along the way so I was able to avoid a lot of mishaps. SLR: What inspired your first book? AJ: My Woman - His Wife was just something I’d been thinking about writing for a while. I like to take situations and turn them in an entirely different direction that a lot of people may not have seen from that angle. At the time that MWHW was released there were tons of books out about having threesomes, and in everyone’s book the mistress always ended up with the man, so I thought it would be fun to take that same story and flip the script. SLR: Are your storylines based on past experiences? AJ: Not entirely. I will take a situation I may have been in though and run with it. Some of the stories I tell are from the pages of my friends lives or someone in my family. It could have been something I heard in a song or something I saw happen on the way home from work. I have a very active imagination and I juice it for all it’s worth.

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SLR: How do you feel about this genre, the upcoming authors, and where you think it’s going? AJ: I’m glad to be a part of something so wonderful. Who would have known years ago that black folks being creative would be in such high demand? Back in the day books by African Americans were scarce, but now we hold court in every space, genre, and style available. I’m honored, and grateful that God saw fit to bless me with a talent that keeps on giving. It’s off the chain right now, so could you imagine ten years from now where we will be? It’s incredible. SLR: Out of the many titles you’ve penned, which one do you hold closest and why? AJ: My Woman - His Wife, simply because it was my first full novel, and it was my breakthrough into the writing business even though I didn’t know it at the time. SLR: What goals do you have for yourself? AJ: In the next few years I hope to have made the New York Times Best Sellers List for sure. I have a lot of things in motion.

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From borough to borough and city to city, these titles been flying off bookshelves and street tables.

Crave All Lose All Erick S Gray Since the days of Run DMC and Krush Groovin, Vincent, Spoon, and Tyriq have been coming up in South Jamaica, Queens. Vincent heard his father’s teachings and heeded his mother’s guidance. He was on the road to success through higher learning when tragedy strikes his household. Dropping out of school he loses his job post 9/11. To keep his head above water, he joins his long time friend, Tyriq in the drug trade. But Spoon counsels him against dealing—knowing the game is not a game. But Vincent is lured by the prospect of quick cash, and as he makes more and more easy money, Vincent becomes addicted to the life of expensive cars, jewelry, and fast women. He eventually gets caught up in a deadly war where the only way to survive is to murder and lose yourself in a ruthless world that claimed so many lives already. If Vincent doesn’t find a way out, the life of money and glamour may prove to be his downfall. In the end, he must learn that when your soul is corrupt with lust for anything, you yearn for it—it changes you. Augustus Publishing

Hustle Hard Blaine Martin Boundless determination and hard work made Jaden the most celebrated athlete in the Northeast. Anyone who watched a Lincoln football game knew he was a budding star. With an ailing mother and bills to pay, a pro career seemed like a logical way out, but when jealousy eats at his best friend, Devlin, the latter derails all his hopes for living the high life, and the feud of a lifetime kicks off. Lacking job training and patience for a 9-to-5, Jaden teams up with his thug cohorts to live the illegal life, robberies and pushing the stuff that sells itself. With tons of help, J gets by, but his family comes apart at the seams and the love of his life grows distant as his morals decay. Will he make it or will the evils of the drug world tear him apart? Find out for yourself in Hustle Hard, a Harlem story. Augustus Publishing

A Boogie Down Story Keisha Seignious Up in the Bronx where the people are fresh, da Boogie Down was the favorite hangout for b-boys and girls. As the culture grows, so does the bond between four friends. Dawn, Keya, Forster, and Cash. Dawn juggles real love with her parents’ self centered dreams. Keya is from a decent family, but her life transforms as she struggles with being a single teen parent. Forster and Cash are die-hard friends, not even dough can separate them. Starting young in the street game, their pockets grow along with their attitudes. Envy and jealousy threaten these friendships until tragedy occurs. Forster has known Dawn since their teenage days and certainly never considered her a potential wife…until an unexpected heated kiss that brings hope and changes for all. Will they make it down the altar? Or must Forster pay with his life for Cash’s beef? Augustus Publishing

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Spot Rushers Brandon McCalla They call themselves the Fatal Four. They are spot rushers. Using sexual prowess and bewildering charm, they have the ability to get next to any drug dealer’s trust. It’s on after the victim’s confidence has been compromised. Once inside, the dealer’s assets and worth are assessed. After finding where the secret stash of jewelry and money are hidden, the group moves in with guns and do the damn thing the ski mask-way. Sabrina, Rayne, Bernadette and Dora Dean have successfully robbed dozens of drug dealers over the years. One night a spot rush goes bad. One of the girls gets murdered. Their lives are never the same afterwards. The remaining three are forced to pick up the pieces. It used to be all about the streets and getting ready for another rush. Now there was nothing but the uncertainty of living regular lives. They had known nothing but the streets. Now each surviving girl is left at the crossroads pondering where their life will turn… Augustus Publishing

Daddy’s House Azarel A life filled with fast money and violence lands twenty-three year old Candice Holmes in a witness protection program designed to keep witnesses safe. When Candice finds out that no one is capable of saving her from the wrath of the ruthless family she is scheduled to testify against, she finds herself on the run. With nowhere to hide, she ends up fleeing to New York City where she is introduced to Daddy who owns a house where little girls are doing big things. Candice soon realizes that the street life she left behind is nothing compared to what goes on at Daddy’s House. Between doing what it takes to survive and hiding her identity, Candice conquers one pitfall after another. Soon, all things come to an end when she goes toe-to-toe with the vicious woman who has the ability to put her six feet under, or sell her to the highest bidder. Life Changing Books

Talk of the Town Tonya Ridley Diamond and Mya are best friends, who grew up in the one of the worst hoods in ATL. Both are determined to have it all, and soon become two of the dirty south’s most notorious women. Getting money is their top priority, by robbing every hustler that crosses their path; but both women have different goals. Mya wants to be the next ghetto superstar. She results to sex and violence to reach her goal as she stalks every man with swollen pockets. Nothing will stand in her way of becoming the girl who runs ATL. Diamond has dreams of owning her own hair salon, so she becomes Mya’s partner in crime, and makes the transition from stylist to thief; but their friendship will be put to the test when Diamond meets Scottie, a wealthy white boy, who becomes her next score. Diamond soon finds herself in a life of fast money and a world that takes no prisoners. Life Changing Books

Kissed by the Devil Dashawn Taylor Weak women will never survive in this world of cold-hearted men! That’s the first lesson that Heidi aka “High” learns after a deadly domestic dispute that leaves her in the hospital and her fiancé Jayson dead. Now, just one short year later, Heidi finds herself trying to replace the pieces of her shattered life. Armed with a frozen heart and a cynical soul, Heidi’s jaded ways seem to backfire on her as she quickly finds herself fighting for her life and the lives of her family. KISSED BY THE DEVIL is a fast paced tale of lies and deception from the outset. It will keep you holding your breath until the very end...TRUST NO ONE! Next Level Publishing

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Life After Wifey Kiki Swinson Nikki, is in possession of a lot of chilling information that could not only shed light on some unanswered questions, but could also put a lot of dangerous people behind bars for life -- including her new boyfriend, Syncere, from New Jersey. Well aware that she is sleeping with the enemy, Nikki knows she must step up her game and take some precautionary measures to protect herself if she plans to seek out Kira shooter. What better place to start on her journey than with the man she shares her bed with? In Life After Wifey, Nikki is going to put herself in some very compromising situations but through it all, she knows that she must never implicate herself and Kira in the plans that ended Ricky and Russell’s lives. Nikki must suit up with everything Kira has ever taught her about the streets and then prepare for the worst. Melodrama Publishing

In My Hood 2 Endy You thought there would be no one left in the hood after the horrible chain of murders that occurred in In My Hood. But the hood don t stop living; the saga only continues with a new breed of street dwellers to take their place. Nettie is back to wreak havoc on the city of Newark by targeting the HNIC, Leroy Big Roy Jenkins. But she is not alone. She recruits Ishmael’s old squad, along with a few people of her own and takes getting money by any means necessary to a new level. But there s a new cat on the block and his name is Wild. The name is self-explanatory and he has the same vision in sight: to conquer and destroy Leroy. Nettie and Wild join forces to create the illest crew Essex County has seen in decades. Greed and jealousy rear their ugly heads among the crew, causing a turmoil of destruction that reveals Nettie’s ultimate secret. Will Nettie trade in the blade she sucked on for years for a gun? Or will the hood take her out first? Melodrama Publishing

Flower's Bed 2: Black Roses Antoine "Inch" Thomas In Black Roses, Rose is a tortured youngster and victim of a molester and psychotic foster parent. Flower, the career veteran and mentor of abuse makes contact with Black Rose and attempts to save the kid’s premature life. When things seem like they are headed in the right direction, disaster strikes in the form of curiosity and a bad choice. Suddenly Black Rose is forced to deal with past Demons with the hope of overcoming an internal struggle of mental and emotional control. Black Rose is more graphic, more profound and more sexually charged than the original. Clearly, Black Rose is unlike anything put together since Flower’s Bed part 1. Amiaya Entertainment

A Girl’s Gotta Eat Michelle Valentine A slick talking, cunning sex siren, Remmi comes from humble beginnings and a tragic past, but is determined to make it in the male-dominated, dog-eat-dog world of Hollywood—using any and every one to make her dreams a reality. Only associating with those who can assist her climb up the success ladder, Remmi encounters a slew of suitors, each who in some way, have a hand in helping her. Remmi takes L.A. by storm, quickly joining the ranks of Hollywood’s elite and becoming one of its most sought after new talents. But as she navigates through the Hollywood scene, she leaves a trail of deception in her path. The film world embraces her but all is not necessarily forgotten. History eventually catches up to Remmi, threatening to snatch everything she’s worked so hard to get away from her. In an effort to save her career, her image and ultimately her own skin, Remmi is willing to get down, dirty and scandalous. After all, a girl’s gotta eat… St. Martin’s Griffin

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Ol’Timer Arlene Brathwaite Brian Moore is nineteen years old, and has only six months in on a fifty to life prison sentence. But that’s the least of his problems. The Inmates in The Department of Corrections call it the Department of Corruption. Imagine criminal minds from all over New York State being shipped and warehoused in various facilities up north and being left to their own devices. In this overcrowded world of misery, oppression, addiction and violence, Brian must buy into the insanity in order to remain sane. And if by some miracle he regains his freedom, Jennifer will stop at nothing to punish him for her sister’s murder. Brathwaite Publishing

Thug Matrimony Wahida Clark In Wahida Clark phenomenal, gritty new novel Angel is getting ready to marry the man of her dreams - but his past isn’t about to let go… Angel, Jaz, Tasha and Kyra are four girlfriends pulling themselves out of the ghetto-and trying to bring their hearts up to higher ground with them. Now Angel has started her own law practice and new life with Kaylin. But when an unwamted guest crashes their wedding, all the rage and bloodlust from the hood comes bustin’ out - and Angel’s gonna need every prayer in heaven to make it to the altar alive... Dafina

Queen of New York Visa Rollack Growing up as a kingpins daughter, Nina Nunez was spoiled by the finer things in life. But it wasn’t until both of her parents were killed that, Nina Nunez despised anybody who was a drug dealer, however, growing up in the infamous, Marcy Projects, in Brooklyn, New York, it was inevitable for Nina to lose more of her loved ones to the drug game. And the day that another one of her loved ones was gunned down, and killed in broad day light, Nina felt that the game owed her something. She felt that the game owed her wealth, and by any means necessary, she became determine to get it. Sure enough, after a massive amount of manipulation, murder, and sacrifice, Nina Nunez finally received what she whole heartedly felt that the game owed her; wealth! And with the amount of wealth that she acquired, Nina Nunez earned a reputation as being The Queen of New York. Street Knowledge Publishing

Mind Games KaShamba Williams Imagine being 25 year old Serenity Wells. She’s trying to raise two children while living in the basement of her mother’s house with her ‘has been’ husband Kyron, who’s finally home from a 3-year prison bid. When it comes to beauty Serenity ups pageant standards. Ironically, when it comes to insecurity and lack of trust, Kyron tops them all. Their lives wouldn’t be that bad if Serenity hadn’t cheated on him and to make matters worse, had a baby on him! Serenity’s tired and so is Kyron trying to make this young marriage work. However, when both of them invite extra curricular activities in, the love returns. Or, does it? Will love overrule betrayal, or have they been playing Mind Games with each other? Precioustymes Entertainment

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The BULLDOG Crew Miz Who would’ve thought after being sentenced to 25 years to life, The Bulldog Crew would be released from jail on an appeal. Now they are back on the streets and worse than ever. Will The Bulldog Crew continue their murdering rampage? Will The Bulldog Crew be able to pull Bishop back into the streets? Delve into each exciting page to find out... Pen Cushion Publishing

Too Many Secrets Too Many Lies Sonya Sparks Ashland’s mother, Bianca, fights hard to suppress the truth from her daughter because she doesn’t want her to marry Jordan, who’s the grandson of an ex-lover she loathes. Jordan’s return to Ashland’s life causes Bianca’s world to fall apart. Ashland’s marriage to Jordan will only last over Bianca’s dead body. Ashland soon finds out how cruel and vengeful her mother can be. There’s a price to pay for redemption and Bianca will go to any length to get it. In this web of deception, author Sonya Sparks unravels a story that is sure to keep you on a roller coaster ride through to the end. RJ Publications

Extreme Circumstances Cereka Cook What happens when a devoted woman is betrayed? Come take a ride with Chanel as she takes her boyfriend, Donnell, to circumstances beyond belief after he betrays her trust with his endless infidelities. How long can Chanel’s friend, Janai, use her looks to get what she wants from men before it catches up to her? Find out as Janai’s gold-digging ways catch up with her and she has to face the consequences of her extreme actions. RJ Publications

The Bedroom Bandit Richard Jeanty It may not be Histeria Lane, but these desperate housewives are fed up with their neglecting husbands. Their sexual needs take precedence over the millions of dollars their husbands bring home every year to keep them happy in their affluent neighborhood. While their husbands claim to be hard at work, these wives are doing a little work of their own with the bedroom bandit. Is the bandit swift enough to evade these angry husbands? RJ Publications

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A Street Girl Named Desire Treasure E. Blue Desire was born on the streets of Harlem, literally. Her mom, a crack-addicted prostitute, delivered her on a bitter winter’s night after turning a trick and being brutally beaten by the john. Taken from her mother by the state, Desire grows up in unwelcoming foster homes, until a local Good Samaritan takes her in. With Miss Hattie Mae’s love and Christian guidance, Desire gains confidence, joins the church choir, and discovers that she’s got a set of pipes, which soon attract the attention of hip-hop’s biggest exec. But the road to superstardom is paved with dangers and temptations: drugged-out, violent rappers, untrustworthy pro athletes promising romance, and vicious drugs. Despite her phenomenal success and Miss Hattie Mae’s kindness, Desire seems destined for a fall from the top that will slam her back onto the pavement where her mama left her until an unexpected angel picks her back up. . . Augustus Publishing

Paper Doll Nicolette As a young girl, Karen Whitaker dreamed of becoming rich and famous, promising to buy her mother that huge house on the hill with a Rolls Royce parked in the driveway. Her desire for material things turns into a grown woman’s obession with money, power and sex. Now of age, Karen possesses the brains of a scholar, beauty of a diamond, and a body that a Coca-Cola bottle would envy. She knows how to get what she wants even if it means taking advantage of those who trust her most. Greed and passion for tantalizing sex throttles her into compromising situations that may destroy her career and crumble her picture perfect relationship with a multi-millionaire. Take a journey into her intriguing story as demons from her past strike to unravel her fairytale life thread by thread. In the end, will she escape her dark clouds or be exposed as one money-hungry, conniving vixen? Ebony Eyes Publications

Still Hood K’wan Only the strong survive on the streets of Brooklyn. And while Dena Jones definitely has what it takes not only to survive but to succeed, she wants out. And she’s determined to make it out of Crooklyn. She’s determined to make it out of Crooklyn by any means necessary, and doesn’t have a problem manipulating men to get what she wants. Just ask her boyfriend Lance or his girlfriend Michelle.True has finally made it. His debut album has the streets going crazy and is threatening to spill over into the mainstream. After the murder of his group, his jump off and almost his dreams, True’s life is finally starting to look up, until karma catches up with him. Somebody wants him dead and he doesn’t know why, or does he? Jah and Yoshi’s was supposed to be a romance straight out of a story but there are no such things as fairy tails in the ghetto. Her position as a stylist keeps her in the mix and in the company of some industry heavyweights. Jah tries to be understanding but he can’t help but wonder just how much he can trust his girlfriend. He had promised to love her regardless of her past. St. Martin’s Griffin

Dirty Game Shannon Holmes Kenny ‘Ken-Ken’ Greene left his days as a hustler behind him when his wife was killed during a scam gone bad, leaving him with a baby daughter. Now he’s a cab driver doing what he can to put food on the table and give his daughter, Destiny, everything she needs. In spite of his past or because of it, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep Destiny off the streets. But when he is shot and paralyzed during a robbery while on the job, Destiny knows that she has to step up to the plate to take care of the father who has provided for her. Allowing herself to learn from one of the fiercest street hustlers, Destiny becomes his lover and soon her skills rival his. But the longer she stays in the game, the deeper into the game she falls. St. Martin’s Griffin

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VANESSA AZAREL MARTIR MISSTEPS ARE FoDDER FoR My wRITING.

Woman’s Cry Daddy’s House (Llanto de la mujer)

LIFE CHANGING BOOKS

Mother, daughter, author and visionary, Vanessa Martir has lifted her She is publisher and co-founder of Power Play Media, as well as CEO game up a couple of notches. The sensational new author took time of Life Changing Books. The company publishes and assists aspirout from her hectic work shedule to answer a few questions. ing authors of all genres in the self-publishing process with a variety of services, ranging from editorial, layout, and distribution. Azarel SLR: What does writing mean to you? resides in the D.C. metropolitan area. She attended the University of VMar: Writing is the air I breathe. I can’t imagine not writing. I also Maryland, Eastern Shore, and received a Masters from Bowie State love to read and learn. I could be a lifetime student but the realities University. She taught at Prince George County School system beof life do not permit that right now. fore penning her first novel, A Life to Remember. In the summer of ‘05 she released Bruised, and followed up with the Essence Best Seller SLR: How long have you been writing and what has the experiBruised 2 and her new release Daddy’s House. She has published other ence been like for you? authors, including a teen fiction series called Teenage Bluez. VMar: I honestly don’t remember not writing. I have journals from So who is this busy person? SLR caught up to the busy Azarel. We the age of ten years old. However, the writer’s life is a difficult one. don’t have a photo of her but here’s a glimpse at what was discussed. I graduated from a prestigious boarding school and then went on to Columbia University, an Ivy League. I was made to believe that after SLR: Are you currently using a penname? such an elite education, one goes into business, law, medicine, but Azarel: Yes, Azarel never the arts. There’s simply little stability in that world. I roamed SLR: What is your real name? corporate America for several years searching my place but one did Azarel: Tressa, are you with the FBI? not exist for me. I sought refuge, even redemption, in my writing. It SLR: Did you write your books? was then that I began to appreciate and embrace the gift with which I Azarel: That’s funny. I sure did. have been endowed. Finally, realizing how natural it has always come SLR: What got you interested in the art of writing? to me and the reality that writing is me. Slowly but surely I conAzarel: It happened out of the blue. It was sort of a challenge to mystructed my vision. That’s why when I had my daughter, I had the self. I needed to prove to myself that I could write. courage to quit corporate America and threw myself into motherSLR: Do you remember your first composition? hood and writing. Azarel: No, not at all, I’ve written so many. SLR: What motivated you to write your first novel? SLR: What inspired your first book A Azarel: A correctional officer shared some wild stories about activities Woman’s Cry? that went down frequently at her institution. I grabbed a note pad, VMar: My life, the lives of others. India, the listened intently, and penned my first novel. You won’t believe what main character, is molded around me. She goes on behind bars? most certainly has my survivor personality. SLR: What was the title of your first novel? Still, I didn’t endure half the things she did. Azarel: A Life To Remember, released in 2003. I was in love with a drug dealer while a stuSLR: Did you self-publish? dent. That was my reality. I took my life Azarel: Yes, I successfully self-published that project, which was the and exaggerated it tenfold. And I included first title under Life Changing Books. snippets of stories I’d heard and/or imagined. SLR: How many titles and authors has the company produced? All the characters are inspired by real life Azarel: Currently, I have 21 titles, with 10 more hits slated for 2008. people. Like Fabian is a combination of my drug dealer ex and every hustler I’ve encountered in my years. And James Morales is an oleo of 6/,5-%á Volume 2

my best friends at Columbia U. As for Ruben, I took what I see as the As far as authors, I’ve got the best! 10 to be exact. Our top sellers inbest traits of all the men I’ve loved and created Ruben … I’m not sure clude Essence Magazine best selling authors Tiphani, author of Milif such an incredible man exists but it’s my hope that he does. lionaire Mistress, and Still a Mistress. J Tremble, Essence Magazine best selling author of Secrets of a Housewife, and More Secrets More Lies, SLR: The character India Maldonado, is she strictly a work of Ericka Williams, Essence Magazine bestselling author of All That fiction? Can you relate to the character yourself? Glitters, and myself Azarel, Essence Magazine best selling author of VMar: Yes I can relate to India on so many levels. I am an intellect. Bruised 2. At least 12 of our titles have appeared at the top of Karibu No matter what I went through in my relationship with the drug Books Best Sellers List and others nationwide. dealer, I never forgot about school. I think in an odd way, school SLR: How do you see the book game in ten years? helped me stay sane in that insane relationship. She also has my warAzarel: I see it getting larger and larger, and only the strong will surrior spirit. No matter what I’ve been through, I won’t let it get me vive in these rough waters called the urban book world. Hats off to down. I realize now in hindsight that all my experiences, even my the companies that have survived. I’ve seen so many come and go. I missteps, are fodder for my writing. am blessed that I have proper distribution in place so that helps a lot with availability and it allows our authors to get off to a great start. SLR: Being a Latina, do you thinks it’s harder for a woman such SLR: Where were you born? as yourself to come up in this genre, and what’s it’s been like for Azarel: North Carolina at a party. Can you believe that? you since your book was published? SLR: What is the most important thing in your life? VMar: I don’t see it like that at all. I’m a writer who happens to be Azarel: My family. I’m grateful to have such a supportive husband Latina. I’m from the hood. I grew up in Bushwick, Brooklyn in the who’s willing to roll with me in whatever I do. In addition, I’ve got 80s when crack was destroying our neighborhoods. I was with a drug two little ones who I adore and mean the world to me. My staff is also dealer for 7 years. I know the streets, I lived it. I’ve received a great ride or die. If it wasn’t for Nakea and Leslie, I wouldn’t have had time deal of positive feedback on the book from both men and women. to stop and do this interview. It’s that rough in the book world! Women relate to India on many levels – being involved in an abusive relationship, falling for the bad boy. They are inspired by her ability to get up and out. A lot of men love the grittiness of the story but also enjoy reading the female’s perspective. And I’ve heard more than once that they felt bad for James because no matter how much she tried, India couldn’t make herself love him. But that’s the reality of life – the heart wants what it wants. Some people have gotten caught up in the provocative nature of the book. I included sex scenes because we’re sexual beings by nature and I embrace that reality. As a writer I think you have to write without inhibitions. That’s why there’s also some homosexual content in the story. India was experimenting with her sexuality as many women do. That’s real! SLR: What do you like best about being a writer? VMar: It’s all about creation. You can live another life in a story and that’s amazing.

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VANESSA MARTIR VANESSA MARTIR MISSTEPS ARE FoDDER FoR My wRITING.

Woman’s Cry Woman’s Cry (Llanto de la mujer) (Llanto de la mujer)

Missteps are fodder for my writing.

Mother, daughter, author and visionary, Vanessa Martir has lifted her my best friends at Columbia U. As for Ruben, I took what I see as the Mother, daughter, author and visionary, Vanessa Martir has lifted her my best friends at Columbia U. As for Ruben, I took what I see as the game up a couple of notches. The sensational new author took time best traits of all the men I’ve loved and created Ruben … I’m not sure game up a couple of notches. The sensational new author took time best traits of all the men I’ve loved and created Ruben … I’m not sure if such an incredible man exists but it’s my hope that he does. out from her hectic work shedule to answer a few questions. if such an incredible man exists but it’s my hope that he does. out from her hectic work shedule to answer a few questions. SLR: The character India Maldonado, is she strictly a work of SLR: What does writing mean to you? SLR: The character India Maldonado, is she strictly a work of SLR: What does writing mean to you? VMar: Writing is the air I breathe. I can’t imagine not writing. I also fiction? Can you relate to the character yourself? VMar: Writing is the air I breathe. I can’t imagine not writing. I also fiction? Can you relate to the character yourself? love to read and learn. I could be a lifetime student but the realities VMar: Yes I can relate to India on so many levels. I am an intellect. love to read and learn. I could be a lifetime student but the realities VMar: Yes I can relate to India on so many levels. I am an intellect. No matter what I went through in my relationship with the drug of life do not permit that right now. No matter what I went through in my relationship with the drug of life do not permit that right now. dealer, I never forgot about school. I think in an odd way, school dealer, I never forgot about school. I think in an odd way, school SLR: How long have you been writing and what has the experi- helped me stay sane in that insane relationship. She also has my warSLR: How long have you been writing and what has the experi- helped me stay sane in that insane relationship. She also has my warrior spirit. No matter what I’ve been through, I won’t let it get me ence been like for you? rior spirit. No matter what I’ve been through, I won’t let it get me ence been like for you? VMar: I honestly don’t remember not writing. I have journals from down. I realize now in hindsight that all my experiences, even my VMar: I honestly don’t remember not writing. I have journals from down. I realize now in hindsight that all my experiences, even my the age of ten years old. However, the writer’s life is a difficult one. missteps, are fodder for my writing. the age of ten years old. However, the writer’s life is a difficult one. missteps, are fodder for my writing. I graduated from a prestigious boarding school and then went on to I graduated from a prestigious boarding school and then went on to Columbia University, an Ivy League. I was made to believe that after SLR: Being a Latina, do you thinks it’s harder for a woman such Columbia University, an Ivy League. I was made to believe that after SLR: Being a Latina, do you thinks it’s harder for a woman such such an elite education, one goes into business, law, medicine, but as yourself to come up in this genre, and what’s it’s been like for such an elite education, one goes into business, law, medicine, but as yourself to come up in this genre, and what’s it’s been like for never the arts. There’s simply little stability in that world. I roamed you since your book was published? never the arts. There’s simply little stability in that world. I roamed you since your book was published? corporate America for several years searching my place but one did VMar: I don’t see it like that at all. I’m a writer who happens to be corporate America for several years searching my place but one did VMar: I don’t see it like that at all. I’m a writer who happens to be not exist for me. I sought refuge, even redemption, in my writing. It Latina. I’m from the hood. I grew up in Bushwick, Brooklyn in the not exist for me. I sought refuge, even redemption, in my writing. It Latina. I’m from the hood. I grew up in Bushwick, Brooklyn in the was then that I began to appreciate and embrace the gift with which I 80s when crack was destroying our neighborhoods. I was with a drug was then that I began to appreciate and embrace the gift with which I 80s when crack was destroying our neighborhoods. I was with a drug have been endowed. Finally, realizing how natural it has always come dealer for 7 years. I know the streets, I lived it. I’ve received a great have been endowed. Finally, realizing how natural it has always come dealer for 7 years. I know the streets, I lived it. I’ve received a great to me and the reality that writing is me. Slowly but surely I con- deal of positive feedback on the book from both men and women. to me and the reality that writing is me. Slowly but surely I con- deal of positive feedback on the book from both men and women. structed my vision. That’s why when I had my daughter, I had the Women relate to India on many levels – being involved in an abusive structed my vision. That’s why when I had my daughter, I had the Women relate to India on many levels – being involved in an abusive courage to quit corporate America and threw myself into mother- relationship, falling for the bad boy. They are inspired by her ability courage to quit corporate America and threw myself into mother- relationship, falling for the bad boy. They are inspired by her ability to get up and out. A lot of men love the grittiness of the story but also hood and writing. to get up and out. A lot of men love the grittiness of the story but also hood and writing. enjoy reading the female’s perspective. And I’ve heard more than once enjoy reading the female’s perspective. And I’ve heard more than once SLR: What inspired your first book A that they felt bad for James because no matter how much she tried, SLR: What inspired your first book A that they felt bad for James because no matter how much she tried, India couldn’t make herself love him. But that’s the reality of life – the Woman’s Cry? India couldn’t make herself love him. But that’s the reality of life – the Woman’s Cry? VMar: My life, the lives of others. India, the heart wants what it wants. Some people have gotten caught up in the VMar: My life, the lives of others. India, the heart wants what it wants. Some people have gotten caught up in the main character, is molded around me. She provocative nature of the book. I included sex scenes because we’re main character, is molded around me. She provocative nature of the book. I included sex scenes because we’re most certainly has my survivor personality. sexual beings by nature and I embrace that reality. As a writer I think most certainly has my survivor personality. sexual beings by nature and I embrace that reality. As a writer I think Still, I didn’t endure half the things she did. you have to write without inhibitions. That’s why there’s also some Still, I didn’t endure half the things she did. you have to write without inhibitions. That’s why there’s also some I was in love with a drug dealer while a stu- homosexual content in the story. India was experimenting with her I was in love with a drug dealer while a stu- homosexual content in the story. India was experimenting with her dent. That was my reality. I took my life sexuality as many women do. That’s real! dent. That was my reality. I took my life sexuality as many women do. That’s real! and exaggerated it tenfold. And I included and exaggerated it tenfold. And I included snippets of stories I’d heard and/or imagined. SLR: What do you like best about being a writer? snippets of stories I’d heard and/or imagined. SLR: What do you like best about being a writer? All the characters are inspired by real life VMar: It’s all about creation. You can live another life in a story and All the characters are inspired by real life VMar: It’s all about creation. You can live another life in a story and people. Like Fabian is a combination of my drug dealer ex and every that’s amazing. people. Like Fabian is a combination of my drug dealer ex and every that’s amazing. hustler I’ve encountered in my years. And James Morales is an oleo of hustler I’ve encountered in my years. And James Morales is an oleo of 6/,5-%á Volume 2

Volume 2

LAYIN' TRACKS

NEKEA MURRAY

TURNING PASSION INTO PROFIT... Nakea Murray owns and operates a full service consulting and publicity firm, The Literary Consultant Group, based in Philadelphia, PA. Her many years of being an avid reader of African American literature and a bookseller have allowed her to turn her passion into profit. Soon after making her mark on the book-selling end, her love for reading challenged her to find others in her community that loved reading as much as she did. As The Page Turns Book Club was formed in the summer of ‘01. This Philadelphia based discussion group is still going strong and has since founded As The Page Turns Chapter II in the MD/DC area and One Page At A Time, a 47 member group also based in Philadelphia. The groups celebrate, promote and discuss African American fiction. Murray utilizes these book clubs to promote both mainstream and self-published authors. The works of some of today’s national best selling authors have been showcased on the groups’ forums. Ms. Murray is also the founder of W.O.R.D (Women Organized For Reading & Development), a nonprofit organization that donates books to underprivileged children and provides literary assistance to local libraries and schools in the Tri-State area. W.O.R.D is currently in the process of organizing a book club for at risk teenage girls and feels confident that it will be successful. Nakea Murray is a highly sought after publicist, by authors and publishers alike. Her genuine love for literature enables her to show compassion towards her clients. This allows them to see that she has their best interest at heart. She truly enjoys her job. SLR caught up with the busy Ms. Nakea Murray to get the scoop on the hottest genre in fiction.

through a typical day? NM: I’m usually up and ready for work about 8:30 in the morning. Unfortunately my phone usually begins ringing about 7:30 am. My office space is in my home but I treat it like I’m going to a job. Some mornings are more difficult than others depending on the tasks I have to complete that day. A few months back I hired an intern to help out and he is a godsend. Emails are first up. Morning check-ins I have to do with my clients are next. Scheduling normally follows. I use a call sheet for each client and list the stores and states we need to tackle with touring. In between I am uploading new titles to book store and distributor systems, making sales calls, creating marketing plans, talking with photographers, consulting on book covers and putting out fires. Lil Wayne ain’t got nothing on me. SLR: What is the most important thing to Nakea Murray? NM: My children. I feel so blessed that I now have the opportunity to work from home and watch them achieve things I used to miss being in the office all day. My son is now off in college and my 10year old daughter is blossoming right before me. We have been thru many trials and tribulations but we came out on top and their support means the world to me. SLR: What are some of your upcoming projects? NM: Flexin & Sexin Volume 2! We set it off last summer with this sexy street anthology featuring K’wan, Erick S Gray, Anna J and others. My new radio Show “3 Chicks On Lit” is blowing up. Everyone can tune in and listen to me and my co-hosts Tu-Shonda L Whitaker and Tiffany Colvin every Wednesday at 7:00 pm (EST) on www.blogtalkradio.com/chicksonlit. -SLR

SLR: How long have you been in the book game? NM: I came in at the end of ‘99 coming into the 2000’s. My first venture was a home-based book vending business. I used to conduct home book parties, like Tupperware parties, do outdoor vending events and sold books at my job. Folks used to look at me like I was crazy, and asked why I just don’t sell Avon. When I was toting crates of books around, Hip Hop fiction was really taking off. I used to sell a lot of independent stuff. SLR: What is the most important aspect of your game? NM: Commitment to my clients, independent and mainstream publishers. I treat them equally. SLR: What is a day like in the life of Nakea Murray? Take readers

Volume 2

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re back in effect. But can they reconnect?

All-new episodes Mondays at 10/9c Starting February 11 saltnpepa.vh1.com 33

Volume 2

LAYIN' TRACKS

TIAH SHORT

LIVING HER DREAM Tiah Short is a CEO, host of a radio show and an entrepreneur. This Washington DC native was producing fashion shows in both junior high and high school. She went on to earn a degree in Business Administration and Management from Strayer University. Short credits her grandparents for motivating and guiding her with constant reminders like “Create Your Own Job.” She has worked with The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington, The Metropolitan Police Department, Friendship Edison Public Charter Schools and Cardozo High School, conducting classes in Fashion Development, Business, Fine Dining and Tea Party Etiquette. In the summer of 2005, Short and Carvelas Sellers AKA DC Bookman (ho has been grinding for 12 years strong in the book biz, but that’s another story), together started A Unique Book Experience comprised of on-location book events, staffing, and promotions. The main focus of the activities is to increase exposure for both self-published authors and small publishing houses. Today, DC Bookman’s primary goal is to increase literacy appreciation in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area and beyond. With the assistance of Martin Pratt (Kulturefirst), Short has helped form Urban Literary Review to provide a media outlet for urban authors to educate and promote their works. Forums such as ‘The State of African Literature Panel and Discussion’ consist of a three-part panel that allows authors, industry professionals, and book lovers the opportunity to have discussions. “There’s room at the table for all of us to eat, we have to break down the barriers and become crusaders to secure our own future for our families and our culture. We must recognize the current state that we are in as a race, and start to support each other as a community,” Short states. She has just signed her first author and is excited about moving into the role of publisher later this year. Best believe she will be great at that as well. -SLR-

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For events, check online at www.dcbookman.com www.myvoicedc.com and www.urbanliteraryreview.com.

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Volume 2

Treating 4REATINGรก the Search THEรก3EARCHรก for Publishers FORรก0UBLISHERSรก like you do Job LIKEรกYOUรกDOรก*OBรก Interviews... )NTERVIEWS

So you think your manuscript is finished and ready for submission, huh? Did you go over your checklist?

The idea is to treat your search for a publishing company like a job interview. Here are eight little things 3OรกYOUรกTHINKรกYOURรกMANUSCRIPTรกISรกFINISHEDรกANDรกREADYรกFORรกSUBMISSION รกHUH รก$IDรกYOUรกGOรกOVERรกYOURรกCHECKLIST รก you can do before mailing out your work. By Kiniesha Gayle 4HEรกIDEAรกISรกTOรกTREATรกYOURรกSEARCHรกFORรกAรกPUBLISHINGรกCOMPANYรกLIKEรกAรกJOBรกINTERVIEW รก(EREรกAREรกEIGHTรกLITTLEรกTHINGSรก

YOUรกCANรกDOรกBEFOREรกMAILINGรกOUTรกYOURรกWORK รก"Yรก+INIESHAรก'AYLE

1 Editing: Publishers receive manuscripts on a daily basis. In order to make your work stand out, you must ensure that the รก%DITING รกPublishers receive ontossed a dailyinbasis. In best draft is seen, or risk yourmanuscripts book getting the garbage.toSimilar a job interview, theyou applicant wants that to make order make to your work stand out, must ensure the suredraft the resume Any errors couldtossed be costly, hire best is seen, isorperfect. risk your book getting in thesogaryourself an editor. The cost varies depending on the editor. You bage. Similar to a job interview, the applicant wants to make havethe to resume spend money to make Donโ t be be costly, cheap! so The resure is perfect. Any money. errors could hire ward will come back. yourself an editor. The cost varies depending on the editor. You

have to spend money to make money. Donโ t be cheap! The re2 Book Genre: Do you know what genre your book falls in? If ward will come back.

you donโ t, you need to ask yourself what audience youโ re trying to reach. Most people donโ t apply for a job they are not familiar รกรก"OOKรก'ENRE รกDo you know what genre your book falls in? If with. Not everyone will cater to your particular genre. Therefore you donโ t, you need to ask yourself what audience youโ re trying you have to know what genre your book falls in so you can retosearch reach.the Most people donโ t apply for a job they are not familiar appropriate publishing house.

an exposed author cannot go to a major without an agent. Start small and work your way to big things.

an exposed author cannot go to a major without an agent. Start 4 The is complete: small andsearch work your way to big Before things. going for a job interview you should research the company in case the interviewer asks about the company. This also applies to for publishing houses. รกรก4HEรกSEARCHรกISรกCOMPLETE รกBefore going a job interview Research the company, ask people that are established the you should research the company in case the interviewerinasks business the company. willtoshypublishing away fromhouses. certain about theabout company. This alsoMost applies topics, but if you search hard enough there is always someone Research the company, ask people that are established in the willing. The to research is you to be from carefulcertain where business aboutflip theside company. Most will have shy away the information is coming from. Some authors are bitter based topics, but if you search hard enough there is always someone on their experience, but not all experiences are the same so donโ t willing. The flip side to research is you have to be careful where just take one personโ s word. the information is coming from. Some authors are bitter based on their experience, but not all experiences are the same so donโ t 5 Making the right choice: Once youโ re sure about the comjust take personโ syou word. pany or one companies want to go with, send them a copy of

with. Not everyone will cater to your particular genre. Therefore you haveright to know what genre book fallsyour in soskills, you just can re3 The company: Notyour all jobs need like your synopsis, a biography of yourself and the first three to four youโ re sure the are com-all search appropriate publishing house. chapters of your manuscript. Remember theseabout people not allthe publishing companies want your style of writing, espe- รกรก-AKINGรกTHEรกRIGHTรกCHOICE รกOnce or companies you get want to go about with, send them a resumes. copy of strangers. Interviewers to know you through cially if youโ re a first time author. Get on the internet and find pany your synopsis, a biography of yourself and the first three to four รกรก4HEรกRIGHTรกCOMPANY รกNot all jobs needtoyour skills, justgenre. like Likewise, a publisher gets to know you and your work through out if the companies that youโ re applying accept your of bio your Remember these people are all the blurb, andmanuscript. sample chapters. not all publishing wantcontinue your style of search. writing,Majors espe- chapters If they do, great. companies If they donโ t, your usually donโ t take first timeauthor. authorsGet dueontothe unexposure, andfind even strangers. Interviewers get to know about you through resumes. cially if youโ re a first time internet and out if the companies that youโ re applying to accept your genre. Likewise, a publisher gets to know you and your work through If they do, great. If they donโ t, continue your search. Majors the blurb, bio and sample chapters. usually donโ t take first time authors due to unexposure, and even 36

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4REATINGá THEá3EARCHá FORá0UBLISHERSá LIKEáYOUáDOá*OBá

6 The company shows interest: An email arrives telling you that the company is interested in the author’s work, and would like to see the rest of the manuscript. Put the brake on your excitement and don’t make rash decisions. Write down a few questions you would like to ask the publisher. In an interview, the interviewer gives you an opportunity to ask questions, as should the publisher. Writing is a career just like social work and teaching, so treat it like one. In case you’re wondering what kind of questions to ask, I listed three that you may use as a guide: 1) How are the authors on your label marketed? 2) If we both agree on your company publishing my book, what are your plans for the book? 3) Where do you see your company going in five years? Sounds like an interview? It is. They want your book so let them answer your questions. If they refuse, start your search over. If your questions are answered then make a good judgment from there. If you’re unsure, tell them you need time to think. Don’t be pressured into signing contracts. If they want your book, they will wait. Notice that in sample question two, I said “we both.” Getting your book published should not only fall on the publisher, it should be an agreement between both parties. Also in sample question three I asked, “Where is the company going in five years?” Most companies that go bankrupt leave the authors stuck, sign over the company to a different publisher, or join forces with another. Now authors have to deal with a new publisher. So youwant to know the company’s plan before agreeing on anything. 7 Time to sign the contract: Was the contract read in its entirety? When accepting a job, the employees don’t just say yes, without knowing the salary and terms of agreement. The same applies to publishing as an author. You must read the clause. In order to assist you with this, hire a lawyer. I can’t stress this enough. Stop being cheap. It will come back to haunt you. Too many authors are eager to sign based on what publishers tell them. Don’t just use the publisher’s word. Half the language is not understandable. Hire an attorney who specializes in publishing to assist you. The publisher already calculated how much is going to be made from your book, so you need to calculate how much you will make. 8 Once the contract is signed: Save your copy and go out and celebrate. But remember, while the search is over, the real work has just begun. Kiniesha Gayle is the bestselling author of “Queen Of Hearts” and “King Of Spades.” Her story, “Greed”, appears in the bestselling all ladies anthology, “Lipstick Diaries.” She is the CEO of her own independent publishing company, KG Books.

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Ebony Eyes Publications

IN STORES NOW 39

Volume 2

FROM BEHIND BARS WAHIDA CLARK best selling Author

Wahida Clark was born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey and is no stranger to the hard work or sacrifices that breeds success. She owned and operated multiple businesses in Trenton, NJ and Decatur, GA. She was working in the library while incarcerated at a women’s federal prison camp in Lexington, Kentucky. Wahida Clark was trying to figure out what she could do to provide for her family and herself when she finished her 10 and half year prison bid. She was thumbing through XXL magazine and came across an article about Shannon Holmes. He wrote B-More Careful while incarcerated. “That’s what I’m going to do,” she told herself. Wahida Clark’s career as street fiction writer begun.

That didn’t stop her books from blowing up. Whenever there is talk about Street Lit, Wahida Clark is at the top. She has completed the follow-up to Payback is a Mutha, titled, Payback With Ya Life and is currently working on Thug Luvin, part 4 of her Thug Series. Ms. Wahida Clark doesnt’t stop there, she is the Vice President of a Non-Profit Organization based out of East Orange, New Jersey, Prodigal Sons and Daughters is a Re-Entry program for prisoners and support group for at-risk youth, convicts and ex-convicts.

Clarke reported that her style of writing has been so influential that Triple Crown Author Keisha Erving copied her style, words and even used her characters’ names. She encourages non-believers to check, gorillaconvict.com and urbanbooksource.com for more about this. Her Essence bestselling novels are convincing and leave you thinking that you know the characters; or you want to know the characters or you are one of the characters. Her novels include, Thugs and The Women Who Love Them and Every Thug Needs A lady, Payback Is A Mutha and her latest blockbuster, the highly anticipated Thug Matrimony. All published by Kensington/ Dafina Books. “I’m the first Hip Hop / Street Lit author to land multiple publishing deals with two major publishers while serving a federal prison sentence,” says Ms. Clark. “It wasn’t easy.” Her writing career while in prison brought her trouble twice. The first time she was smacked with an eight-month stint in the hole, and the second time, she loss phone, e-mail, regular mail privileges and her cube.

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Wahida Clark is free you can pick up her novels anywhere books are sold and visit her at myspace.com/wahidaclark wahidaclark.org or write at PO Box 8520, Newark, NJ 07018.

Volume 2

A DAY IN THE LIFE

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CRYSTAL LACEY WINSLOW

4HEĂĄ-ELODRAMATICĂĄ"RAT

7HENĂĄ)ÂŤMĂĄNOTĂĄWORKING ĂĄ)ĂĄFEELĂĄGUILTY "When Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not working, I feel guilty." Melodrama publisher and CEO, Crystal Lacey Winslow is about the Melodrama publisher and CEO, Crystal Lacey Winslow is about the business. She has an eye for talent and continues to work to uplift business. She has an eye for talent and continues to work to uplift herself and her authors. This Brooklyn born author began writing herself and her authors. This Brooklyn born author began writing at a very early age. The success of her unique storytelling skills and at a very early age. The success of her unique storytelling skills and character driven stories allowed her to form Melodrama in 2001. character driven stories allowed her to form Melodrama in 2001. With bestsellers such as Life Love and Loneliness, The Criss Cross, Wifey With bestsellers such as Life Love and Loneliness, The Criss Cross, Wifey and Still Wifey, she has been making tracks. SLR caught up with Ms. and Still Wifey, she has been making tracks. SLR caught up with Ms. Winslow for some shoptalk. Winslow for some shoptalk.

SLR: What are your personal goals? SLR: What are your personal goals? CLW: Everything in my personal life revolves around my niece. I CLW: Everything in my personal life revolves around my niece. I want her to have the best of everything and yet stay grounded. Other want her to have the best of everything and yet stay grounded. Other than that my personal goals are all business oriented. Bottom line is than that my personal goals are all business oriented. Bottom line is that I do not have a personal life. that I do not have a personal life. SLR: What are the goals for your company? SLR: What are the goals for your company? CLW: I want my company to be afforded the same opportunities as a CLW: I want my company to be afforded the same opportunities as a major publishing house as far as placement on bookshelves, distribumajor publishing house as far as placement on bookshelves, distribution, book clubs, and foreign rights, Wal-Mart, Costco. The list goes tion, book clubs, and foreign rights, Wal-Mart, Costco. The list goes on. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made great feats in this business but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much room on. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made great feats in this business but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much room for expansion. I eat and sleep publishing! for expansion. I eat and sleep publishing! SLR: Give a break down of your dayâ&#x20AC;Ś SLR: Give a break down of your dayâ&#x20AC;Ś CLW: Monday to Sunday and all hours in between--Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m working for CLW: Monday to Sunday and all hours in between--Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m working for Melodrama. In fact, when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not working I feel guilty. Melodrama. In fact, when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not working I feel guilty. SLR: SLR:How Howdo doyou youfeel feelabout about your your style? style? CLW: As a writer I feel that I have a CLW: As a writer I feel that I have a unique unique style, style, but but doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t everyeveryone? I know that my books have influenced others some one? I know that my books have influenced others - some authors authors give giveme memy myprops props--some some donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Either Either way way itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-good. all-good. In In 2004, 2004, II was called â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Quentin Tarintino of the book industry.â&#x20AC;? If was called â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Quentin Tarintino of the book industry.â&#x20AC;? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re familiar with his movies and his style of directing, I think that tagline familiar with his movies and his style of directing, I think that tagline sums sumsup upCrystal CrystalLacey LaceyWinslow. Winslow. SLR: Do you borrow SLR: Do you borrowfrom fromothers, others, ifif so so how how much? much? CLW: CLW:I Idonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tâ&#x20AC;&#x153;borrowâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;borrowâ&#x20AC;?from fromothers. others.That That would would be be plagiarism. plagiarism. SLR: What advise do you have for new authors? SLR: What advice do you have for new authors? CLW: evCLW:Do Dothis thisbecause becauseyou you love love this this and and believe believe in in yourself. yourself. Not Not everyone you eryonewill willfeel feelyour yourwriting writingstyle style or or be be there there to to continually continually give give you that thatpraise praiseand andsupport. support. SLR: SLR:What Whatmotivates motivatesyou? you? CLW: CLW:My Mypast. past.

SLR: Tell us about your first writing memory. SLR: Tell us about your first writing memory. CLW: Public school, writing essays for school contests. I won first CLW: Public school, writing essays for school contests. I won first place and made mymy grandmother place and made grandmothertake takenotice noticethat thatI Iwas wastalented. talented.She She continued to encourage me and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d dream about my growing up continued to encourage me and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d dream about my growing up and being successful inin thethe literary and being successful literaryindustry. industry.Unfortunately Unfortunatelyshe shepassed passed away before I published my first book. I dedicated it to her memory. away before I published my first book. I dedicated it to her memory. MyMy grandmother hashasalways grandmother alwaysbeen beenand andwill willalways alwayscontinue continuetotobebemy my inspiration. A clear memory is her cutting out an article in Essence inspiration. A clear memory is her cutting out an article in Essence Magazine about authors Magazine about authorsand andpublishers publishersroyalty royaltyrates. rates.That Thatconversaconversation is what catapulted me into becoming my own publisher. tion is what catapulted me into becoming my own publisher. SLR: How dodo you seeseeyourself SLR: How you yourselfgrowing? growing? CLW: I see myself growing into so CLW: I see myself growing into somany manydirections. directions.I Ifeel feelasasthough though Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a multifaceted person. I want to continue to grow a multifaceted person. I want to continue to growasasananauthor author and publisher but also and publisher but alsoasasa fashion a fashiondesigner designerand andscreenwriter. screenwriter.GrowGrowinging as as a person and inin mymy spirituality a person and spiritualityis isfirst firstand andforemost foremostininmy mylife. life.I I know my shortcomings and continue to work on them day by day. know my shortcomings and continue to work on them day by day. SLR: What areare the principles SLR: What the principlesyou youlive livebybyand andwho whoare areyour yourinfluinfluences? ences? CLW: I live byby treating others, CLW: I live treating others,asasI would I wouldwant wanttotobebetreated. treated.AAlot lotofof -SLR-SLRpeople put on â&#x20AC;&#x153;airsâ&#x20AC;? once theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve hit a certain level. That is so-o-o-o people put on â&#x20AC;&#x153;airsâ&#x20AC;? once theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve hit a certain level. That is so-o-o-o annoying. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;mIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m nono nonsense annoying. nonsenseininmy myapproach. approach.

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Volume 2

A DAY IN ThE LIFE

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KAShAMBA WILLIAMS BYĂĄ*OYĂĄ,EFTOW ĂĄWRITERĂĄ ĂĄPOETĂĄEXTRAORDINAIRE Â¨)ĂĄCALLĂĄITĂĄEMPERTAINMENT ĂĄ â&#x20AC;&#x153;I call it empertainment, AĂĄCOMBOĂĄOFĂĄEMPOWERMENTĂĄ a combo of empowerment ANDĂĄENTERTAINMENT ÂŠ and entertainment.â&#x20AC;? KaShamba Williams hashasdistinguished KaShamba Williams distinguishedherself herselffrom fromthe theslew slewofofurban urban writers with her exciting and direct speech in the language writers with her exciting and direct speech in the languageofoftodayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s young urban woman. young urban woman.Her Heroutlook outlookand andgenuine genuineconcern concernwill willsmack smack you back with her lyrical thrust. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s My Mothaf_ _kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n you back with her lyrical thrust. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s My Mothaf_ _kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nName?â&#x20AC;? Name?â&#x20AC;? titles thethe first chapter ofof her latest titles first chapter her latestnovel, novel,Mind MindGames, Games,where whereshe shespits spits outout thethe history of her name, Serenity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My name is Serenity and history of her name, Serenity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My name is Serenity andIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m anan addict to hood life. Bi_ _hes most definitely be hatinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; too mad addict to hood life. Bi_ _hes most definitely be hatinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; too - mad that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a fly-ass that they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a fly-assname namelike likemine.â&#x20AC;? mine.â&#x20AC;?She Shecontinues continuesher hernarnarrative intro, â&#x20AC;&#x153;F_ _k ni_ _as, get money!â&#x20AC;? Williams spits her rative intro, â&#x20AC;&#x153;F_ _k ni_ _as, get money!â&#x20AC;? Williams spits herwords words likelike poetry. poetry.â&#x20AC;&#x153;I â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iamamthethedaughter daughteryou youregret regrethaving. having.The Thekind kindofofgirl girl your grandmother warned you about.â&#x20AC;? your grandmother warned you about.â&#x20AC;? SoSo begins thethe narrative begins narrativeofofSerenity SerenityininMind MindGames. Games.Serenity Serenitytells tellsusus sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thethe kind ofofwoman sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kind womanwhoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sbeen beenaround aroundthe thehood hoodand andalthough although sheshe seeks stability, gets seeks stability, getscaught caughtupupininthe thegames gamesofofthe thehood hoodlife lifecomcombined with thethe games bined with gamesofofher herman, man,and andthe thegames gamesthat thatshe shedecides decidestoto play to to either getget even ororgetgether play either even herown! own! Her sexsex descriptions Her descriptionsareareexquisite exquisiteand andvivid; vivid;they theymake makeyou youfeel feelthe the heat. Beneath the inside title page is a short explanation of the term heat. Beneath the inside title page is a short explanation of the term mind games mind gamesexplained explainedsuccinctly, succinctly,â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śfilled â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śfilledwith withsecrets, secrets,deceit, deceit,evil evil thoughts and wrongdoings.â&#x20AC;? thoughts and wrongdoings.â&#x20AC;? KaShambastands standsas asa aliterary literaryexample; example;inin2003 2003she sheself-published self-published KaShamba firstnovel, novel,If IfOnly OnlyEyes EyesKnew, Knew,and andwithin withinthree threemonths monthsa arisrisherherfirst African Americanindependent independentpublishing publishinghouse, house,Triple TripleCrown, Crown, inging African American signed her. Her first novel wasre-released re-releasedunder underthe thetitle titleBlinded. Blinded.She She signed her. Her first novel was goneonontotopen penGrimey Grimey- The - TheSequel, Sequel,Driven Drivenand andAtAtthe theCourts Courts hashas gone Mercy.Her Hershort shortstories storieshave havebeen beenincluded includedininfour fouranthologies: anthologies: Mercy.

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Around the Way Girls 2, Girls From Da Hood 2, Girls From Da Hood Around the Way Girls 2, Girls From Da Hood 2, Girls From Da Hood 3 and Dialing For Pain. Her latest novel, Mind Games, was released 3 and Dialing For Pain. Her latest novel, Mind Games, was released in 2007. She has also ventured to pen stories for The Platinum Teen in 2007. She has also ventured to pen stories for The Platinum Teen Series, Series,for forthe theyounger youngerurban urbancrowd crowd -- 10-15 10-15 year year olds. olds. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s currently currently hard Mind hardatatwork workfinishing finishingup up2008 2008 novel novel releases, releases, Juicy Juicy Brown Brown and and Mind Games 2: Let the Games Begin. Yes, she surely has been busy! Games 2: Let the Games Begin. Yes, she surely has been busy! When WhenI Iasked askedher herhow how all all this this happened, happened, KaShamba KaShamba said, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Timing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Timing isiseverything. I met Kwan on BlackPlanet.com and Kwan, who was everything. I met Kwan on BlackPlanet.com and Kwan, who was getting published by Triple Crown, told me I should submit to them. getting published by Triple Crown, told me I should submit to them. I Iwas wasvery veryskeptical skepticalsince sinceatatthe the time, time, this this wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t aa known known publishing publishing company. However, I submitted anyway and I thank did. company. However, I submitted anyway and I thank God God that that II did. The Eyes TheCEO, CEO,Ms. Ms.Vickie Vickie Stringer, Stringer, passed passed out out 55 copies copies of of If If Only Only Eyes Knew to valued readers. Nikki Turner happened to be one of them. Knew to valued readers. Nikki Turner happened to be one of them. At was Atthe thetime, time,her hernovel novelAAHustlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hustlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sWife Wife had had just just been been released released and and was climbing back climbingup upthe thebestseller bestsellercharts. charts. When When favorable favorable reviews reviews came came back totoVickie, it was on from there. They loved it so they offered me Vickie, it was on from there. They loved it so they offered me aa two-book two-bookdeal! deal!That Thatwas wasmy mygateway gateway into into the the urban urban lit lit world. world. KaShamba KaShambaWilliams Williamshas hasan an alter-ego, alter-ego, Precioustymes, Precioustymes, which doubles asasthe name of her company Precioustymes the name of her company Precioustymes Entertainment Entertainment and her email emailname. name.Since Sinceour our communication communication for for this this interview was based solely solelyon onemail email and and telephone telephone calls, calls, II noted noted each each email was signed Precioustymes, Precioustymes,after afterwhich whichfollowed followed this this sentence: sentence: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Remember times are areprecious, precious,never neverwaste wasteititon onnegativity.â&#x20AC;? negativity.â&#x20AC;?This This isis a show of where she stands standson onpositive positiveenergy. energy.With Withthese these words words she she also also symbolically asks herreader readertotoleave leavetheir theirnegative negative thoughts thoughts at at the the door. This sentence her eachletter letterpiqued piquedmy mycuriosity. curiosity. II was was revved revved to to hear more. inineach WhenI Iasked askedMs. Ms.Williams Williamswhat what she she wanted wanted to to communicate in her When writing,her heranswer answerwas wasvery veryspecific, specific,â&#x20AC;&#x153;I â&#x20AC;&#x153;I call call itit empertainment, empertainment, a comwriting, boofofempowerment empowerment and and entertainment.â&#x20AC;? entertainment.â&#x20AC;? Her Her bio bio explains further, bo â&#x20AC;&#x153;Essencebestselling bestselling author, author, motivational motivational speaker, speaker, mentor, entrepreâ&#x20AC;&#x153;Essence neurand andadvocate advocate for for youth youth with with potential, potential, Kashamba Kashamba Williams is neur

seriously dedicated dedicated to to her her cause. cause. She She holds holds aa Bachelors Bachelors Degree Degree seriously of Science Science in in Human Human Services Services with with aa concentration concentration in in CrimiCrimiof nal Justice. Justice. She She has has made made guest guest appearances appearances in in community community nal centers, prisons, prisons, challenge challenge programs, programs, group group homes, homes, denterendenterencenters, tion centers, centers, drug drug & & alcohol alcohol programs, programs, and and the the list list goes goes on.” on.” tion Ms. Williams Williams isis also also the the CEO/Publisher CEO/Publisher of of Precioustymes Precioustymes Ms. Entertainment, awarding awarding first first time time authors authors aa chance chance to to get get Entertainment, published. To To date, date, she’s she’s published 13 books under PTE, inpublished. cluding authors: authors: Lenaise Lenaise Meyeil, Meyeil, Unique Unique J.J. Shannon, Shannon, G. G. Rell, Rell, cluding Brittney Davis, Davis, BP BP Love, Love, Tony Tony Trusell, Trusell, Precious, Precious, Juwell, Juwell, Tracy Tracy Brittney Gray, Joel Joel Rhodes, Rhodes, Latifa Latifa Sanchez, Sanchez, N’Tyse, N’Tyse, Nykia Nykia Robinson, Robinson, Gray, and Caramel. Caramel. and Williams first first book, book, Blinded, Blinded, isis about about Mona, Mona, aa young young lady lady 18 18 Williams years of of age age trying trying to to get get herself herself together. together. Williams Williams describes describes years the outline outline for for us: us: “The “The circumstances circumstances she she lives lives in in intensify intensify the the difficulties; difficulties; her her brother brother isis involved involved in in street street life, life, her her mom mom the an addict addict and and her her grandma, grandma, who who brought brought her her up, up, isis an an alcoalcoisis an holic. She She makes makes her her come-uppance come-uppance by by getting getting together together with with holic. hustler. “The “The reason reason the the book book isis called called Blinded Blinded isis because because we we aa hustler. don’t know know ifif this this character character is going going to to be be able able to to get get past past her her don’t perceptions and and be be able able to to see see her her situation situation clearly. clearly. Perhaps Perhaps perceptions she’ll be be able able to to see see or or maybe maybe she she won’t. won’t. That’s That’s the the question question she’ll when people people have have skewed skewed perceptions. perceptions. II use use my my writing writing and and when skills to to make make aa difference difference in in the the world world and and to to show show people people skills that they they have have more more possibilities possibilities than than they they think. think. II bring bring the the that characters to to life; life; they they talk talk to to me me about about their their positive positive or or neganegacharacters tive outlook outlook and and II allow allow the the world world to to see see through through their their eyes. eyes. tive And truly, truly, no no matter matter how how educated educated II am, am, my my life life experience experience And has always always been been my my greatest greatest teacher. teacher. It’s It’s the the same same for for my my charcharhas acters. II am am getting getting the the message message out out about about what what itit isis to to be be acters. young person person lost lost and and trying trying to to find find their their way. way. We We all all go go aa young through similar similar situations.” situations.” through

You may may visit visit KaShamba KaShamba at at www.precioustymes.com www.precioustymes.com or or email email her her at at kashamba@ kashamba@ You precioustymes.com. You You may may also also send send mail mail to: to: Precioustymes Precioustymes Entertainment, Entertainment, 229 229 precioustymes.com. Governors Place, Place, #138, #138, Bear, Bear, DE DE 19701. 19701. Governors

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No More Drama: Nine Simple Steps to Transforming a Breakdown Into a Breakthrough In this compelling book, empowerment specialist Sil Lai Abrams shows how she was able to transform a devastating emotional breakdown into a profound spiritual breakthrough by using the nine basic principles of the Self Empowerment Principles In Action process (or SEPIA for short). SEPIA is a revolutionary new way of thinking that will enable you to stop surviving from crisis to crisis and start living a drama-free and purpose-driven life. Using nothing more than a pen and a piece of paper, SEPIA’s simple method of self-inquiry empowers you to radically change your perspective on life, yourself, and others one clear step at a time.

Graffiti Planet: The Best Graffiti from Around the World Graffiti or “street art” has been a significant art form for more than 20 years, altering and shaping the urban landscape from Tokyo to Paris, Los Angeles to Sydney, Belfast to Berlin. Ever-changing and evolving, its anonymous, transient nature means it literally can appear one day and disappear the next. Yet out of this shifting mass of spray paint, some true stars have emerged—artists such as Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Banksy—as well as countless unsung heroes who have taken the form to new heights. This book is a celebration of the endless creativity of the medium, featuring 100 glossy photos of groundbreaking graffiti from around the world, and including an introduction by the editor, Ket. It is a perfect introduction to the subject for anyone excited by this most vibrant and democratic of art forms.

In Ya Grill: The Faces of Hip Hop Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls, Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill, Luther Campbell, Trina, Public Enemy, LL Cool. J, Eric B and Rakim, EPMD, KRS-One, Salt ‘N Pepa, Sean Combs, Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie, Das EFX, Grandmaster Flash, and many others are here--performing, recording, relaxing and playing at clubs, parties, and on the streets. Captions by distinguished writer Bill Adler tell the story in words, exploring hip-hop’s dynamic melding of fashion, consumerism, and excess. With its never-before-seen photos and insightful text, In Ya Grill depicts and defines the music that has changed the American cultural landscape forever.

Volume 2

GADGETS & GIZMOS

Alltel HTC ($400) Gotta stay connected to your work after you punch out? The Alltel HTC is the only thing you need. Packed with the full mobile version of Microsoft Office, you can create and edit Word and Excel documents without the format getting all misconstrued because you’re using a prehistoric phone. Add to it WiFi connectivity, and it’s worth every penny.

Motorola H12 Bluetooth Headrest ($130) Two microphones separate outside noise from your voice, plus it’s the smallest headset ever. Don’t buy it if you want that excuse that you can’t hear her/him in the club.

Sony Vaio TZ Laptop ($2,200) So what if your mortgage might be cheaper than Sony’s new technological marvel? This thing’s shell is 100% carbon fiber, so it’s ultralight-just 3 ounces heavier than the lightest laptop to date. Top that off with a 802.11g connection that’s five times faster than 802.11n. And you have the option of linking up with the Internet through your cell phone when no WiFi is available. This ia an award-winning laptop.

Onkyo HT-SR800 ($600) Onkyo’s latest combination of seven speakers and one sub simply can’t be beat in its price range.

Cobra ESD-7000 ($49.99) Have trouble following speed limits? The Cobra ESD-7000 radar detector is the answer. It responds to all types of radar currently in use and provides 360 degree detection of all types of laser guns. It’s immune to the VG-2 detector and the Spectre I detector. Basic support is included for the Safety Alert® system, too.

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MVP M A D

V E N D O R

P R O P S

Bronx VendOrs

Hustlers moving product from street corners to bookstores

Tolton Najee Smith Has been a street vendor since 1991and a book vendor for four years. He came into the book world because of the independence offered. Known on the streets as Najee, he first opened an account with the now defunct, Culture Plus in 2003 and made a $200 purchase. The Harlem native who also attends classes toward his nursing degree has not looked back since then. His bookstand is located at Fordham Road and Jerome Av. in the Boogie Down. “The book world has been growing and the stories from the hood are helping people who don’t live there to understand what goes on. My thing is education, getting people to read and understand. They can grow from the experiences of the stories,” Najee says. He is growing in his field and is now wholesaling. -SLR

Souleymane Porgo As in Solomon, is the book vendor locking down the streets. He hails from Burkina Faso located in the western part of the Motherland. You can catch him in the heart of the Hub, the southeast corner of 149th and 3rd Av in da Boogie Down. There he runs the book game selling your favorite paperbacks and hardcovers since ’03. “I wouldn’t do anything else,” he says. “I love selling books.” Souleymane lists Ghetto Girls 1,2 and 3 by Anthony Whyte along with Booty Call *69 by Erick S. Gray and Vanessa Martir’s, Woman’s Cry as some of the top-sellers on his table. “I’ve sold a lot of those books,” he quips with a knowing smile. - SLR

Nelson Nin and wife Jules Nin The ultimate hustler is gearing up to take over the book vending market. Known as the Bronx bookman, Nelson is gearing up to take it to the level of wholesale business. He is president of Nikko Publishings and husband to the company’s top author, Jules Nin. The Bronx native is about to do more. Check Nikko, his son, at the book-stand on White Plains Road, in the Bruckner Mall next to Old Navy. The Bronx Bookman is on his job all the time. “I’m trying to build a business for my family to live,” says Nelson Nin. Hit him myspace/nikkospublishing -SLR

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POETRY CORNER THE SUBWAY POEM I start my dark decent fleeing from sunlight running from the moon. I spiral downward into the gray and black abyss I see huddled masses clad in sadness silently awaiting a trains arrival A huddled mass of transit worshipers Slaves to her bone crashing steel Sometimes she grows hungrier long time worshipers are fed to her bloody rails crushing her victims daily engulfing them with her hot, dirty breath mouth open, she eats New Yorkers, swallows rush hour whole alas skyward a surfacing whale excreting through her many orifices holding them captive in her darkness hushing voices with her vociferous cries Snapping silver jaws at her prisoners’ backsides Daily her faithful pay gladly for more abuse Offering no more affection than being smothered in each others morning stench She waits silently hungrily her preys’ return to jostle their senses she runs when it pleases her and never slumbers guiding the blind in her steeped darkness when she chooses to sleep Her prisoners beg for mercy Enslave and offer themselves to her once again She receives and swallows them whole

in a chokehold, trying to detain my existence, and execute my death mentally and physically, causing my mind to seize and doubt any good will come for thee. My world shakes like an earthquake. My spirit darkened, like a moonless night over the sea— Living with so much hardship. Spreading like the vast deep- sea. I wanna take a deep breath and breathe again… I wanna fly, but feel rooted to the truth of reality. I wanna soar, see my dreams beneath me dive into them with full force saturate the pessimistic thought with inspiration dedication, overcome destitution with optimism, the spirit and faith that will surge throughout every negative and damaging point of me. Pinpoint my wrongs and make all of me healthy and strong, please make me loving and more understanding God. I wanna overwhelm myself with the thought of success Triumph over the adversity that forever eats away at me, And would love to see me on bended knees, And have me hateful to even my own needs. I refuse to relinquish the thought of determination and might, And take it one day at a time trying to be the best man I can be.

By Dubblex

By Erick S. Gray

Today I live

SURVIVAL INSTINCTS

Even though I found out that I will soon die. Diagnosed with a touch of negative in my system — Soon see my life flashing before my eyes. I wanna grip the stale air I inhale, and exhale creativity and belief, pour out prosperity and richness through my daily deeds. Today I breathe, even though life is putting me

I want to power the Mohave desert with miles and miles Of solar panels – enough to run the entire planet Power the world on solar energy I want to do this because I love mother earth, Worship her in her design, she is my creator The creator of the generations humans and time Creator of our earth bestows grace, productivity

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proclivity and life I want to power the Mohave desert with miles and miles of solar panels So the earth will survive So my children’s children and yours Will inherit the earth, so they Will have a planet on which to reside A planet that supports life Because as it stands now Mother Earth will survive while humanity will die out The ice age is coming… Mother Earth will survive … She will begin the cycle all over again Will have a planet on which to survive By Joy Leftow

Spot Of Bleach & Other Poems and Prose by Joy Leftow A collection of poetry and prose describing people and relationships, making connections based on insights by recognizing how we blame and learn to absolve ourselves, and most importantly, surviving through resiliency.

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Recognize Latina power!

Vanessa Martir EXPOSES THE LATIN INFLUENCE ON THE GENRE

As a writer and proud bibliophile, I’ve always been intrigued by the personal stories of other writers and what lured them to the pen. I’m especially interested in the tales of urban Latina writers. What is it that drives them to write and where do they receive their inspiration? In promoting my first novel and working to establish relationships with powerful women in the literary and artistic world, I’ve encountered a number of Latina writers with fascinating histories and lives.

Jules style and manner of expression screams Bronx but don’t mistake her for a hood rat. She’s an around the way female but has a no nonsense edge that distinguishes her from the rest. She was raised in the Patterson Projects of the South Bronx by a single mom who neglected giving her the attention she needed. She married at the tender age of eighteen, and twenty years later is still married and deeply in love with the same man, Nelson. That in itself is exceptional and they both deserve kudos for not letting themselves become statistics. Jules and Nel are also parents to two teenage children.

Jules Nin I was riding on the bus on my way home one day when I heard a group of young women speaking excitedly about the plot of Friends ‘til the End. After eavesdropping on their conversation for a while, I knew I had to meet the author, Jules Nin. I finally did at the Harlem Book Festival last summer. This article was just an idea but I ran it by her anyway and she jumped on board without hesitation.

When I asked her what prompted her to write, she confessed that she’s always released her feelings in her writing but never thought of herself as a writer nor contemplated writing a book until she saw her boy Shannon Holmes do it. “I thought, shit, if he can do it, I can too. And I got mad stories too so I told him one day, ‘Shan I wanna write a book.’ He told me to do me so I did.” And it was during the fatal illness of her mother that she began to write her first tale. Sadly, her mother didn’t get to see the final project but Jules is proud of herself for having done it. “I wrote about what I know. What I been through. I let go of a lot of sh__ in that book. You know, sh__ that I wanted to do that I knew I couldn’t in real life, I did in the book. Like get that bitch back for betraying me,” she says with a conspiring grin.

Though we were both anxious to meet and talk, we had some trouble adjusting our hectic schedules, being that we’re both mothers who work full time and still manage to write books. But we finally buckled down and decided on a date, time and spot. I was comforted by how open she was with her life and experiences, and admittedly a little thrown off by her in-your-face personality.

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She’s currently working on Part II of Friends ‘til the End. So don’t fret fans, you haven’t heard the last of Jules Nin.

LAST STOP Deborah Cardona I met Deborah Cardona on an unseasonably warm fall day in the South Bronx. I was doing street promos when my partner Anthony Whyte introduced us. I kept doing my thing while they chatted. A moment later a carload of guys started trying to get my attention in what I deemed a disrespectful manner. I brushed them off but Deb jumped on hustler mode. She grabbed one of my books and ran up to the car, which was stopped at a red light. “You like her. Buy her book!” To my surprise, the car pulled over and one of the guys jumped out of the car. He pulled out a wad of cash and purchased two books. As he walked away Deb winked at me and said, “That’s how you do it mama! You gotta hustle.” I thought, “Damn, this chick don’t play.” So I mentioned the article I was prepping to write and a while later we connected.

Alicia Anabel I don’t really remember how I was introduced to Alicia Anabel but I’m convinced we were meant to meet. She is the founder of a Latina Writers Group of which I am a member. Some time ago I found her on myspace and read her blogs. I knew immediately that I’d found a kindred soul, my hermana who shared my love/hate relationship with the pen. When we finally met, I was floored by her charisma. I was invited to her place for a potluck dinner for the Latina Writer’s Group. Alicia’s apartment is a microcosm of the creative soul – books and papers piled in corners, artwork on every wall (some so provocative that I had to stop and stare, and, yes, blush a little). A portion of one wall is lined with pictures of the Americas and historical facts pertinent to each country. This is her visual of the historical novel she is currently working on. “Girl, please,” she says with a big smile. “All these walls are gonna be full of papers by the time I finish this thing!”

She too was happy to share her stories. I was horrified to find that she was released from prison just short of a year earlier, after doing a bid of 5+ years on a drug charge. Deborah, also known as Sexy, was the only female drug dealer in Spanish Harlem in her time, and claims that to this day people know her name. Considering her no nonsense aura, I don’t doubt her words. She too began writing when she was just a young girl. The product of a single mother who doted on her, what lured her to the streets was the glamour of the game. It was in the dealings with a drug dealer boyfriend that she learned the ropes of the street hustle and became involved in it herself.

After the other members left, Alicia and I sipped wine and chatted while our children played. Alicia began writing seriously after 9/11. The tragic event that changed the landscape of the nation made her realize that she wanted her daughter to have an account of her life in case soething happened to her. One day soon thereafter, while writing, she said aloud, “Oh my God, I’m writing a book. I’m a writer.” Her daughter, then 9, rolled her eyes and responded matter of factly, “You didn’t know that?” And so Alicia’s life as a writer began.

It was during her third stint in prison that she recaptured her love for writing. While in solitary she began reading an urban fiction novel which she considered poorly written (despite my prodding she refused to give up the name). This prompted her to begin writing a tale which eventually became A Better Touch.

When I told Alicia that her story somehow reminded me of Isabel Allende’s Paola, the wrenching memoir Allende wrote while nursing her terminally ill daughter, I was filled with envy when she told me she had received a letter from Allende. I made a mental note to find out how she got that connect. For those who don’t know, Chilean novelist Isabel Allende is considered one of the first successful women novelists in Latin America. Her novels have been translated into 30 languages and sold more than 51 million copies. Yes, she’s a connect any writer would appreciate!

She’s gone on to write two more novels, Twofold and Chained, and launched her own publishing firm, Déjà vu Publications in 2007. She dreams of buying a bookstore in Spanish Harlem, “the first of its kind.” After the formal interview we walked together around her old hood where she showed me a couple of locations that she thinks may be a good site for a bookstore. I wouldn’t be surprised if she already copped the spot and is hard at work laying the groundwork for the project.

Common Threads What struck me most about the interviews was that despite our very different lives, traumatic experiences brought us to writing. I wrote my first book while coping with the death of my second mom and deterioration of the relationship with my daughter’s father. Jules wrote hers while enduring the prolonged illness and eventual death of her mother, Deb did so while serving a long prison sentence, and Alicia was reined in by the tragedy of 9/11. It was through writing

Deborah is undeniably a smart woman who has taken the skills she learned in the game and transferred them to the legitimate world of writing and publishing.

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LAST STOP that we grieved, shouted, and survived. I had mixed feelings with how enthusiastically Jules and Deborah embrace the label “urban fiction” writer. I grapple with the term for fear of being pigeon holed, and I understand that the genre does not yet have full credibility with literary purists. When I mention my gripe with the far-more-than-acceptable number of books that are riddled with spelling and grammatical errors, both Jules and Deborah brushed it off as unimportant. Deborah mentioned her own experience with that, arguing that her assistant sent the wrong manuscript of her first book to the printer. And while I find this unfortunate, it’s frustrating as a writer who is trying to help build the reputation of the genre, to find that too many of our books have errors on every other page. For this genre to have any hope of being taken seriously in the literary world, publishing companies, editors and authors are going to have to take onus for what’s being published. I do not doubt that we can do this, for as we all know, this genre is riding on the coattails of hip hop music. It is in its embryonic stage like hip hop was in the 80s and thus has the potential of becoming a world wide phenomenon, especially considering the current obsession with urban culture. Still, in order for this to pop off, we have to make some real changes.

Crave All

Whatever the case, like me, these women love being dubbed “Latina writers” for they know that both words when standing alone are powerful, when together, they are a force. We are a population that has been silenced and marginalized for far too long. We’re stomping on the age old machista establishments that claim that women shouldn’t strut, they should sashay; they shouldn’t shout, they should whisper. We’re here to give voice to the many Latinas before us who were beaten into submission, to the Latinas in the hood, on college campuses, and behind desks in corporate America. We’re here and we ain’t going nowhere. You better recognize!

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>ND

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