Introducing Conversations Book Club's newest project: BREAKFAST WITH BOOKS

(Conversations Book Club Founder C. A. Webb seen here discussing his career and future plans with the Clarion Ledger Newspaper in Mississippi.)

There is nothing like the power of the written word. It has been known to spark discussion, debate, alliances and deep thought. Since November 2006 Conversations Book Club has been harnessing that power by hosting book signings and events that serve to introduce authors to Alabama and Mississippi.

Today, we are pleased to announce a new phase of our mission to combat illiteracy and apathy towards reading: BREAKFAST WITH BOOKS.

Thanks to a partnership with For The People Productions and Medgar Evers Public Library, Conversations Book Club will be hosting this event on select Saturday mornings to jumpstart the day with a positive message, good conversation and networking. A major difference to this program from the Conversations Book Club is that the author being discussed will be IN PERSON at each meeting. This means you can bring your copies of their books to get signed or purchase copies during the breakfast.

This project will begin on Saturday, April 21, 2007 with author CORNELIA GAIL being our first guest.


BREAKFAST WITH BOOKS even has its own website so its events can be easily found and marked on your calendars. Simply visit www.breakfastwithbooks.com. When you go to the website you can click on the author's name to be directed to their personal webpages. This will help you to find out what books they have written so you can be prepared before the meetings.

All of the details concerning times and dates can be found at that website, so make sure to share it with other book lovers.

We would like to thank our partnerships with the Ferguson Literary Group, For The People Productions, Tricom Publicity and the authors involved for making this program possible.

This is just the beginning of our movement to encourage reading. Look for our "JOIN THE ADDICTION: GET HOOKED ON BOOKS" bumper stickers and tote bags around town!

Already a week of activity and success for Conversations Book Club and its authors!

We are in the middle of a very busy week for Conversations Book Club and its partner, For The People Productions, but we wanted to go ahead and begin the recap of what we have had going on!

First we have to say a big THANK YOU to National Bestselling author Andrew Neiderman for joining Conversations Book Club via conference call on Tuesday, March 13, 2007. He is a man who doesn't have to go above and beyond like that, but he was gracious and shared a wealth of information with the group. On that note, make sure that you look out for his release coming later this year: UNHOLY BIRTH. It centers around a great deal of social issues that I know will keep your attention throughout!

Next I have to report that we began our three-day series of events with National Bestselling author Reshonda Tate Billingsley today--- and what a day it was! For those who met us along the way, all we can say is that we appreciate your support. So much was accomplished in the seven hours we are together today! Our journey began with a continental breakfast at the Medgar Evers Library and moved on to an interview on Clearchannel's 95.5 FM (Thanks Faye Myles and Lance Fuller for making that happen for us). After the interview we found ourselves meeting Alice Tisdale (Publisher of the Jackson Advocate Newspaper), visiting the Clarion Ledger offices and then signing books at the Wal-Mart Supercenter on HWY 18! From there we visited and signed books at the Margaret Walker Alexander Library and the Northside Library before calling it day.

In true "Conversations" fashion, you know we took lots of pictures, so look for the album by the end of the week--- and we have TWO MORE DAYS LEFT!!!

If you haven't printed out your own copy of our schedule, you will find it on the right of this site by clicking on the appropriate link.

We hope you will join us before she leaves us on Friday.

JUST IN: Candice Dow Brings "A Hire Love" to Mississippi (Dec. 14-16, 2007)

We are glad to announce that our December author of the month, Candice Dow, will be visiting Mississippi December 14-16, 2007.

Look for other details to be released soon! Thanks to Candice Dow and her team for making this possible! And visit her website at www.candicedow.com.
Read Conversations' exclusive interview with her by copying and pasting this link: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewarticle.asp?AuthorID=21877&id=23544

JUST IN: Author Darden North Joins CONVERSATIONS BOOK CLUB for discussion/book signing

We are pleased to announce that Darden North is also a Mississippi author: the only one to be reviewed by Conversations Book Club in 2007! Find out more about North and his books by visiting www.dardennorth.com.

Conversations Book Club Releases Upcoming Events (Click on each poster for larger image)

CONVERSATIONS BOOK CLUB HONORS BESTSELLING AUTHOR TRAVIS HUNTER

Since his literary debut, THE HEARTS OF MEN, National Bestselling author Travis Hunter set a new standard for the way that men were portrayed in relationships and everyday life. With each novel he has managed to educate, entertain and provide thought-provoking dialogue. Through his work he has found a way to honor us...
Now we have decided to return the favor!


Conversations Book Club, in connection with For The People Productions and the Read My Lips Literary Project, is pleased to announce the recipient of the 1ST ANNUAL LITERARY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD is none other than National Bestselling author Travis Hunter!



The award will be presented during this year's literary dinner that will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at the Canton-Madison Multipurpose Complex in Canton, MS. The event begins at 6p.m. with the red carpet, with dinner (catered by Real Roots Bar and Grill) beginning at 7p.m. Come enjoy live entertainment and good conversation as well as a fitting tribute to those who are making a difference through the written word.

(Travis Hunter seen here with bestselling author Jihad)

Confirmed special guests include National bestselling author Alisha Yvonne and radio personality/author Trent Jackson(see below).




Tickets are $35 in advance online and $50.00 if purchased after July 1, 2007.

This is a semi-formal event. For more details, visit www.thebestbookclub.info or contact Stanley Clark (President, For The People Productions) at 773.344.7220.

"Know Thyself" Month grows with new authors, new events

The month of February 2007 has been pegged by Conversations Book Club as "Know Thyself Month", simply because it was decided to use the 28 days to showcase people who have made a difference through taking a second look at their lives.

We are now pleased to announce that yet another author has been added to the lineup of events scheduled for the month: It is author Recha G. Peay (seen here).


She will be joining the book club in a series of events on Wednesday, February 14,2 007, beginning with breakfast at the Medgar Evers Library in Jackson, MS at 9a.m. and culminating with a meet and greet held at the offices of For The People Productions during their grand opening at 6p.m.


Make sure to visit this site often to find out what will be taking place in between. If you have any questions or need additional information, feel free to contact Stanley Clark at 773.344.7220 or via email at forthepeopleproductions@yahoo.com

CONVERSATIONS BOOK CLUB Welcomes Bestselling author ALISHA YVONNE to Mississippi

She is the bestselling author of such titles as LOVIN' YOU IS WRONG, AROUND THE WAY GIRLS 3, I DON'T WANNA BE RIGHT and the upcoming NAUGHTY GIRLS--- and she is making her way to Mississippi in FEBRUARY 2007 for a series of special events!

Conversations Book Club is pleased to announce that Alisha Yvonne will be in Mississippi for ONE DAY ONLY--- Saturday, February 24, 2007--- to celebrate the Grand Reopening of REAL ROOTS BAR AND GRILL in Pickens, MS.

On Saturday, February 24th she will own the day beginning with breakfast with the book club and her fans at 9a.m. (Medgar Evers Library) and then heading to Pickens for the ribbon-cutting at Real Roots (11a.m.). During the festivities at the restaurant, you will be able to purchase all of her titles and get them personally signed.

Following the Pickens event, Ms. Yvonne will then attend a booksigning at Waldenbooks inside the Metrocenter Mall (Jackson, MS) beginning at 4:30p.m.

The day will conclude with a meet and greet at Real Root Bar and Grill beginning at 7:30p.m.

This event is brought to you in association with For The People Productions and Real Roots Productions. Look for more details to be arriving soon, however, you can contact Stanley Clark (President, For The People Productions) at 773.344.7220 with any questions you might have or email us at forthepeopleproductions@yahoo.com.

To find out more about author Alisha Yvonne, visit www.alishayvonne.com

CONVERSATIONS BOOK CLUB Presents the Scrapbook from the Carl Weber visit--- Tuesday, January 23, 2007

Conversations Book Club Presents Carl Weber,012307

On behalf of For The People Productions and Conversations Book Club, we humbly thank everyone who came out and showed support for the Carl Weber visit. On Tuesday, January 23, 2007 the two organizations made history by hosting the author in Mississippi and were greeted by appreciative fans at each and every stop. Our thanks goes out to the Medgar Evers Library, Waldenbooks, the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Pearl, the Brandon Public Library and the Richard Wright Library. All of you made the day just that much better with your open arms and support. For all of the fans who showed up at each location, all we can say is this couldn't have happened without you. Feel free to click on the image above (or below) to access the scrapbook of the trip.

Conversations Book Club Presents Carl Weber,012307

This event was brought to you in part by Tricom Publicity Inc. and the Read My Lips Literacy Project.

Conversations Book Club Announces Upcoming Events for 2007! (Click on each poster below for larger image.)

Over 12 months 29 authors from 13 states will speak live to 1 bookclub: CONVERSATIONS BOOK CLUB IN MISSISSIPPI!

NEW YORK
Carl Weber
Hickson
Derrick L. Briggs

TEXAS
Francis Ray
Reshonda Tate Billingsley
M. W. Moore
Derek Jackson

NEVADA
Theresa Gonsalves

OHIO
Bakari Kitwana
Keith L. Johnson
Tiffany L. Warren
C. Kelly Robinson

CALIFORNIA
Mary B. Morrison
Andrew Neiderman
Victoria Christopher Murray
Terry E. Hill

PENNSYLVANIA
Gloria Mallette

GEORGIA
Brandon Massey
Jihad
Travis Hunter

OREGON
Roz Bailey
Lisa Jackson
Nancy Bush

NORTH CAROLINA
K-Elliott

LOUISIANA
C-Murder
Clarence Nero

VIRGINIA
La Jill Hunt

ILLINOIS
Trista Russell

MARYLAND
Candice Dow

We are bringing you only the best. Only one book club in the state of Mississippi brings you the authors you love and the books that you can't do without! Visit our site often for all the details--- and find out how you can get signed copies of the books we feature FREE each month!

BREAKING NEWS: National Bestselling author Francis Ray visits Mississippi---October 2007!

This is a literary event that you don't want to miss! Conversations Book Club is pleased to inform you that national bestselling author Francis Ray will be visiting Mississippi on Saturday, October 27, 2007. Ray, the author who has brought us such titles as ANY RICH MAN WILL DO, DREAMING OF YOU, SOMEONE TO LOVE ME AND YOU AND NO OTHER will be spending the day with the book club as part of its "Read My Lips Literacy Project" will begin the day with breakfast at the Medgar Evers Library and conclude with dinner at Real Roots Bar and Grill in Pickens, MS.

Conversations Book Club appreciates Francis Ray for her willingness to share herself with the state of Mississippi. To find out more about her, visit www.francisray.com. You can also read an interview with Francis Ray conducted by Conversations Magazine by visiting the link to the right of this site.

A CONVERSATIONS EXCLUSIVE: Meet Kristine Mills-Noble, Creative Director for Kensington Books

This is an interview you will find nowhere else...Her work has graced the covers of books by some of the most celebrated authors such as Brandon Massey, Evie Rhodes, Victor McGlothin, Janine A. Morris, Roz Bailey, Anita Bunkley, Gwynne Forster, Faye Snowden, Candice Dow and countless others. Meet Kristine Mills-Noble, a creative director for Kensington Books. You might not know her name, however, the contribution she has given to the literary community through her work is undeniable.

How did she begin on her journey? When did she discover her desire to create? Conversations explores this and more with the woman behind the designs.

Kristine, thank you for taking out the time to talk with us. I have to tell you that to have this opportunity to converse with the woman who has graced so many book covers with her work is an incredible honor. Do you remember what it felt like when you first saw your work on a finished product?
I remember it very well. It was about 20 years ago and a young lady was sitting across from me on the New York City subway reading a book, I looked up and it was one of my covers. So I walked over to her and asked her how was the book. We started a conversation about the author and why she chose that book. To my surprise I was amazed to hear that she almost always buy a book based on the cover. At that point I began to realize how important cover design was to the success of a book. Most people still judge a book by its cover.

Where did it all start for you? At what age did you know that you were creative and wanted to pursue that path?
I guess it really started for me when I graduated from college. I did not study art in undergraduate because it was something that I never thought about. I had no idea what a graphic artist did. You see I grow up in a traditional hard working family. My parents always encouraged us to be a doctor, lawyer or something that you could get a "Good Job" doing. Art was never introduced to us as a way to make money or have a career. So after receiving a degree in Bio-chemistry I took a job in a lab doing research. I thought that I was going to DIE. I had a friend who saw that I was unhappy and knew that I was a closet artist and told me about a job in the art department at a publishing house who would pay for me to go to art school, 20 years later I am still at it.

Were there others around you that shared similar interests? Did they encourage you and what advice did they give when those close to you saw that you were serious about your work?
Growing up, I did not have people around me that had similar interest. My encouragement has always come from my mom. She did not understand how I was going to make a living doing this, but she told me to go for it. I have also been blessed in coming across some incredible art directors early in my career who pushed me and made me think outside of the limitations of a book cover.

I'm sure you would agree that human beings are extremely visual creatures. As a visual artist myself, Kristine, I dare say that your work has been instrumental in elevating the book sales---and thus careers---of a great number of authors through your eye-catching designs. Can you tell us what type of planning goes into deciding what will work with a particular book?
Lots and lots of planning goes into a book cover. The first step is to work with the editor to get a sense of the story and voice of the author. I often times will read the manuscript to get some ideas. I will then decide if this should be a photographic package or illustrated one. This will be determined after I get input from the author, the editor, the publisher, the sales team, the marketing team, and the buyer. So you see its not as easy as designing a cover that looks good, I have to keep everyone’s input in mind. I have to sit down and come up with something that is dramatic, eye-catching and meets its targeting audience in 5 seconds. That is all the time i have to make an impact. when a consumer is in a bookstore they are scanning the shelves for something that catches their eye.

Readers are quick to remember the author's name and not so familiar with the illustrators and cover designers. Have you gotten any feedback from the authors as to what their readers are saying about the covers.
You are right, the average person do not know who I am or remember my name. My kudos come when I see an author’s career began to take off. I get many thank you notes from authors and agents saying that they were very happy with the covers. I also know that I am doing something right when I see other publishing houses picking up my designs.

One author I have had the pleasure to interview several times is award-winning horror writer Brandon Massey. His covers, which you have designed since his second book DARK CORNER, are quite darker than your work for author Anita Bunkley's novel SILENT WAGER. Does it help you to know a great deal about each storyline before beginning your plans for the design?
It’s crucial to a package’s success that I have a “feel” for the story. Brandon and Anita are very different types of writers, so I would never package them similarly.

When you look back at the body of work you have acquired, why do you think you have become one of the memorable cover designers that are linked to contemporary fiction?
Once again, I think having the opportunity to work with some incredible talents who have always forced me never to take the easy way out, but to think of each project separate and apart from the rest. I could look back over my work and see so many different looks and styles. There are covers that I am very close to because they were more difficult to package then others. Making me really dig deep for the solution to the problem. An art director told me very early in my career that cover designers are problem solvers. Always come up with the most creative way to solve the problems.

Kristine, before I interview someone I try to do as much research as I can about that individual so I can be more knowledgeable about their past and accomplishments. I have to say, though, that it was hard to find any other interviews that you have done. Have you purposely tried to stay in the background, away from the limelight?
I enjoy working behind the scenes. My joy is in conceiving and creating a look for authors. As you mentioned earlier most people don’t remember the book designer. However in the book design world i have won many awards and have been interviewed by many trade people.

More than ever, young people are looking to graphic design as the vehicle they want to use as a career. What advice do you have for those who might be reading this and they are looking for guidance?
I would encourage young African Americans to consider going into graphic arts in publishing. Our numbers are quite small and we shouldn’t limit ourselves. Although people say “Don’t judge a book by its cover” that isn’t always true. The cover of a book is a huge selling tool and a signal to readers of what to expect. I would love to see more of us in the creative departments of book publishing.

Has there been a time that you thought this was not going to be the career for you? What motivated you not to give up?
As with anything there are going to be difficult times. Mines usually come when i have non art people telling art people how to create. What makes me not give up is that although there are times when I don’t always agree with the politics or policies of a corporation I love what I do. I love creating, and book covers are the best way to do that. Each story is different, each voice is different allowing me to challenge myself every day. The authors always help me not give up. They allow me to take that journey with them as they follow their own dreams.

Again, thank you for your hard work and positive example, Kristine. Any last words you have for our readers?
This is my mantra: ALWAYS GO THROUGH LIFE LOVING WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU ARE DOING.

"CONVERSATIONS BOOK CLUB Spearheads Aggressive Fight Against Illiteracy in Mississippi"

"CONVERSATIONS BOOK CLUB Spearheads Aggressive Fight Against Illiteracy in Mississippi"

Contact: Stanley Clark, President
For The People Productions
forthepeopleproductions@yahoo.com
www.thebestbookclub.info
773.344.7220

After introducing itself in December 2006 with an exclusive interview with bestselling author Carl Weber via conference call at Medgar Evers Library, Conversations Book Club (aka CBC) let it be known that it was not going to be just another discussion group. Not only does it tackle books that are relevant to events of the day, but CBC also allows its members and visitors to talk directly to the author (either in person or via conference call) at each session, thus enhancing the conversation. Conversations Book Club teamed up with the Medgar Evers Library (Jackson, MS) to make this accessible to all who are 18 and up and interested in participating. The book club meets on Tuesdays and Fridays at the library, each day at 6p.m. (see website www.thebestbookclub.info for a complete schedule of events and authors.)

"It was important for CBC to be something anyone would want to attend," says Stanley Clark, 34, President of For The People Productions, the public relations firm that is working with the fledging book club. "Thanks to Ms. Turner at the (Medgar Evers) Library, it we have already had two successful book discussions with two bestselling authors." (The second one was on Tuesday, January 9, 2007 with author Nancy Bush, author of "Candy Apple Red" and "Electric Blue.")

The main goal of Conversations Book Club is to make reading interesting for young adults as well as those who have been longtime readers. "When you are reading a book how many of us have wanted to ask the author what they were thinking when they wrote something or created a character? With Conversations Book Club, book lovers can do just that. It has even partnered with Waldens Bookstore (Metrocenter) and Wal-Mart superstores in Hinds and Rankin County to bring these authors to the masses when they are in town.

According to published statistics Mississippi still ranks high in illiteracy cases. As the Conversations Book Club selects its authors that is kept in the forefront: to promote reading and the enjoyment that can come from books. Though most of the authors the book club discusses are joining the discussions via conference call, some are taking the extra step and actually visiting Mississippi to support the work of Conversations. Confirmed visitors to the state include bestselling authors Carl Weber (Tuesday, January 23, 2007), Keith Lee Johnson (Friday, March 9, 2007), Mary B. Morrison (Friday, April 4th and Saturday, April 21st, 2007), Clarence Nero (Friday, June 8th and Saturday, June 9th, 2007), Jihad (Friday, July 27th and Saturday, July 28th), Travis Hunter (Friday, August 10th and Saturday, August 11th) and Victoria Christopher Murray (Friday, September 7th and Saturday, September 8th).

"There is something for everyone," Clark explains. "We don't want to exclude anyone who enjoys books or wishes to learn more about the authors we are discussing." The book club is free to join, however, purchasing books are the responsibility of each member. Each discussion does include a book giveaway by that author. "At the end of the day, Conversations just wants to do its part in helping others enjoy the power of the written word."

Conversations will end the month of January 2007 will be on the 26th with an exclusive telephone interview with bestselling author Theresa Gonsalves, the real life "Billy Jean" of Michael Jackson's popular song. She will be discussing her book OBSESSIONS that chronicles her friendship with the pop star and her own obsession that nearly killed her.

During the month of February 2007, Conversations Book Club will use its influence with authors to highlight the importance of self-awareness. It is being heralded as "Know Thyself Month" for the book club. This will feature EXCLUSIVE interviews with authors HICKSON (whose book of poetry GHETTO HEAT has been featured on the hit series The Wire), Bakari Kitwana (whose book WHY WHITE KIDS LOVE HIPHOP has been highly praised on BET, CNN, Fox News and MSNBC), Mary B. Morrison (the erotic storyteller of SOMEBODY'S GOTTA BE ON TOP and co-wrote SHE AIN'T THE ONE with Carl Weber), Derrick L. Briggs (whose innovative Book Club "BOOKS ARE SEXY" has gained attention for targeting men, especially same-gender-loving-men, to read) and Gloria Mallette (the National bestselling author of WHAT'S DONE IN THE DARK and IF THERE BE PAIN.)

For more information about the book club and upcoming events, visit www.thebestbookclub.info or contact Stanley Clark at 773.344.7220.