Authors Comment on Their Recent Visit with Conversations, June 2008

Conversations Book Club is pleased to share some of the comments from authors who recently spend time with us and other book lovers during June 2008. Bestselling author Electa Rome Parks, Diane, Dorce, Jean Holloway and V. L. Green were among a total of six authors who came together for our Book Club Meet & Greet on Saturday June 28, 2008. A modest group gathered to hear them talk about their experiences in the literary industry and how book clubs have affected their careers. Afterwards, Parks, Dorce' and Holloway all shared a historic experience for them all: their first booksigning in a Wal-Mart! (Thanks to our literary partners the Richard Wright Library and Wal-Mart Supercenter on HWY 18 in Jackson, MS for their making each of these events possible.)

Here is what they had to say about their visit:

"Authors, book clubs and books. . . three of my favorite things. I enjoyed my recent visit with Cyrus Webb of Conversations Book Club in Jackson, MS. Did I mention the southern hospitality that was extended?. . . I applaud Cyrus for the wonderful work he is masterfully doing by supporting authors, spreading the word and bringing authors and readers together."

Electa Rome Parks
author of Ladies' Night Out, These Are My Confessions, Loose Ends, Almost Doesn't Count, Loose Ends and The Ties That Bind
www.electaromeparks.com
www.myspace.com/author_chick.com


"Spending time with Conversations Bookclub is like spending time with family. They are the greatest. We have the most in depth conversations about writing and the publishing business that i always leave there with more ideas and inspiration. They welcome you with open arms, and treat you royalty! If you haven't visited Conversations, you are missing out! Thank you Conversations, Cyrus Webb for your continued support."

Diane Dorce', author of Devil in the Mist, 52 Broad Street
http://www.dianedorce.com


"My publisher, Diane Dorcé, owner and CEO of Firefly Publishing and Entertainment & I had the pleasure of traveling to MS for the Conversations Book Club. It was one of the best experiences of my book tour. Not only did I get to meet other authors (strangely two more were from GA and we met in MS for the 1st time), but I got a chance to meet several book club members. I also had my first Wal-Mart experience, which has been a goal of mine. It was a blast!"
Thank you, Mr. Webb. It was WELL worth the trip and I look forward to seeing you in Atlanta August 31st(Book Lovers Day in Atlanta, GA)."

Heartfully Yours,
Jean Holloway
www.deckofcardz.com


"It is a well known fact that books bridge gaps. That was never more evident than on June 28, 2007 when people of different backgrounds came together to discuss their love of books. There were no generational gaps; no gender gaps; no social gaps. It's always wonderful when friends get together. It's even better when strangers can come together and converse as friends. Such was the case with us. Many of us came as strangers, but we left with a smile on our lips and a warm feeling in our hearts. Keep up the good work!"

V. L. Green, author of REFLECTIONS and WHEN DESTINIES MEET

Conversations Book Club thanks all who made these events possible. As with any event, you never know who will be there, however, these authors saw firsthand that the important thing is that WE were there, books were sold and those with a genuine interest were able to get their literary fix.

Enjoy your day. Enjoy your life. Enjoy your world. Enjoy books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info

CONVERSATIONS LIVE! talks with MY LIFE IN PORN author, Thurs. July 10, 2008

"Conversations LIVE!" on Blog Talk Radio has already received recognition from book lovers and authors alike for its lively discussions and "conversational" feel. We are pleased to announce that we will have a series of exclusive interviews coming this week---and you don't want to miss any of them. Talk show host C. A. Webb will be talking with some of the biggest names in print and film--- beginning with Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 7:30p.m. CST with retired porn star Bobby Blake.

THURSDAY, JULY 10, 2008 @ 7:30P.M CST
This is one you don't want to miss! At 7:30p.m. CST you should be logged on to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive for this one. Conversations talks with retired porn star Bobby Blake talk about his life, his faith and his memoir MY LIFE IN PORN. You have the interview he did with Conversations, now you can hear id directly from the source! (see link below to read the interview Blake did with Webb)

http://authorstaketen.blogspot.com/2008/06/conversations-exclusive-our-interview.html

Believe us: this is one of those conversations you want to hear live, and Webb will be in the chatroom during the interview taking your questions for our guests? Want to ask your questions directly? Then listen for the call-in number to be given and talk with Bobby Blake live!

Interested in advertising with Conversations Live!, being a guest or want more information about Conversations Book Club, Conversations LIVE! or any of its partners, reach Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com.

 

Bookmark http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive and join us often.

Enjoy your day. Enjoy your life. Enjoy your world... And most importantly, enjoy books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info

EXCLUSIVE: Hiphop & Books Founder Interviewed about Street-Lit Controversy

Do Hip-Hop Lovers Read? The Street-Lit Controversy Inside-Out

 by Terra Little (author of Running from Mercy & Where There's Smoke)

http://terralittle.blogspot.com

I'm woman enough to admit that I'm ambivalent where Urban Fiction/Street-lit is concerned, so I'm not about to get into my thoughts on the topic. What I do take issue with, though, is the slightly generalized assertion that most, though certainly not all, Black folks are eating up whatever the genre produces faster than writers can crank it out. There is no new overall craze for Urban Fiction and I believe the sudden jump in Black book sales is due to the fact that the genre attracts people who hadn't previously included reading for pleasure as part of their list of hobbies. Not that these people couldn't read, they just, for whatever reason, weren't. Perhaps, the long-awaited ability to identify with characters' life circumstances was what sparked interest, who knows? Whatever the reason(s), there's this big jump in sales and I think that's because of additional book buyers, not existing ones who've switched preferences.

There are books out there to suit all tastes and preferences, and I just hope that continues to be the case. Hint, hint.

"At least they're reading," is what a lot of folks say when the topic of Urban Fiction comes up, and there just may be some merit to this viewpoint. After all, it's, to some extent, a viewpoint that is shared by Conversations Book Club Founder, Cyrus A. Webb.

Not only do Webb's book club interests span four states, but the chapters often host successful author book signings and facilitate meetings of the minds between readers and writers from all over. However, if you know Webb, you know he's very modest about the club's success and far-reaching effects. But get him to talking about the Hip-Hop Lovers Read initiative and some of the modesty slips away and, understandably, excitement takes over.

I recently had occasion to have a meeting of the minds with Webb regarding the Hip-Hop Lovers Read initiative and, being the "Rhona Barrett of the Blog-Zine Scene", you know I had to put it out there for you. Specifically, I wanted to compare some of the information I've come across about Urban Fiction/Street-lit to his vision for Hip-Hop Lovers Read.

Here's what Webb had to say...

Read the interview here: http://terralittle.blogspot.com/2008/07/do-hip-hop-lovers-read-street-lit.html

Join us for CONVERSATIONS LIVE! on Blog Talk Radio: Tues. July 8, 2008

Conversations LIVE! with C. A. Webb returns this week with exclusive interviews and discussions that you don't want to miss? Courtesy of Blog Talk Radio, on Tuesday, July 8, 2008, you will get three opportunities to listen from authors that are blazing amazing trails in the literary world. Visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive and enjoy!

TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2008 @ 12P.M. CST

Join our conversation with Bestselling author Monica Carter Tagore. Many know her from her Christian Fiction novel SACRICICE THE ONE. Now you can hear her talk about her new project: ZOOM POWER.

TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2008 @ 12:30P.M CST

This is one you don't want to miss! Conversations talks with retired porn star Bobby Blake talk about his life, his faith and his memoir MY LIFE IN PORN. You have the interview he did with Conversations. Now you can hear it directly from the source!

TUESDAY, JULY 8, 2008 @ 7P.M. CST

(Seen here with authors Voncele Savage, Electa Rome Parks and V. L. Green)
Ready for the perfect literary nightcap for your Tuesday evening? Conversations has you covered. Join Bestselling authors Diane Dorce (DEVIL IN THE MIST and 52 BROADSTREET) , Jean Holloway (ACE OF HEARTS) and Supreme (HOW TO HUSTLE AND WIN) talk about their journey as authors, the business and politics of the literary game and what separates them from other authors out there.

This is one day of conversations you don't want to miss---and nothing less than what you would expect from "the best book club". Join us on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive.

Interested in being a guest or more information about Conversations Book Club, Conversations LIVE! or any of its partners, reach Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com.

Conversations Presents Its "Top 20 Summer Reads" of 2008!

"Conversations Book Club (http://www.thebestbookclub.info) is pleased to announce its "Top 20 Summer Reads" of 2008. We read and review dozens of books each month, however, these stood out as books we thought would give you that refreshment you need from the regular run-of-the-mill read. During the months of July and August we challenge you to visit your favorite bookstore or online shop and purchase these books that range from nonfiction, self-help, mystery, suspense, erotica, engaging or just plain fun! Believe us: these are the books that we believe readers of any genre will appreciate because the authors have delivered us their best. See a title you have already enjoyed? Then make sure to tell at least 2 people about it and why they should give it a chance as well."

CONVERSATIONS' "TOP 20 SUMMER READS", 2008 (Arranged in no particular order)
1. "Bloggers' Delight, Volume 1 (Love & Redemption)" by Firefly Publishing & Entertainment
2. "One Dead Lawyer" by Tony Lindsay
3. "Final Fling," by Torrian Ferguson & Brian W. Smith
4. "A Street Girl Named Desire," by Treasure Blue
5. "No Place Safe" by Kim Reid
6. "Hiding in Hiphop" by Terrance Dean
7. "Electric Honey" by Sam Love
8. "The Prayer Chest" by August Gold & Joel Fontinos
9. "Gettin' Caught Up Wit' Nina," by P. Elaine Archie
10. "My Life in Porn," by Bobby Blake
11. "Do Travel Writers Go To Hell?" by Thomas Kohnstamm
12. "Pulpit Confessions," by Peron F. Long
13. "Rollin' With Dre," by Bruce Williams
14. "Grown & Gangsta," by Jacki-O
15. "The Enemy Between My Legs," by Stephanie Jones
16. "Obsessions," by Theresa J. Gonsalves
17. "Zoom Power," by Monica Carter Tagore
18. "How To Wow," by Frances Cole Jones
19. "My Soul Cries Out," by Sherri Lewis
20. "Destiny...Interrupted," by Erica N. Martin/Greg O. Jones

"Want to hear from these authors? Many of them will be featured through our website http://www.thebestbookclub.info this summer or our internet radio program at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive. We salute the authors and look forward to their next literary treasure." --- Cyrus A. Webb, Conversations Book Club President

JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info

THIS WEEK'S REVIEW: ZOOM POWER by Monica Carter Tagore

 

Conversations Book Club Founder and President, Cyrus A. Webb, is pleased to share with readers his review of author Monica Carter Tagore's book ZOOM POWER that appears today in the state of Mississippi's largest daily newspaper and online worldwide. (see below)

 

To read his review of Tagore's book click (or copy and paste) this link:

http://www.rankinledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080705/LIFE/807050313/1003

 

C'MON. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info

STATEWIDE BOOK CLUB MEET & GREET: Mission Accomplished

Conversations Book Club and its literary partners wish to thank those who made the 2nd Annual Statewide Book Club Meet & Greet a success on Saturday, June 28, 2008.

A special thanks goes out to our featured authors (l-r: Jean Holloway, Electa Rome Parks, Voncele Savage, V. L. Green, Supreme Understanding and Diane Dorce') who came to be with us for this special event. Holloway, Parks, Supreme and Dorce' were all from Atlanta and had never done an event together like this---all of that changed when they came to Mississippi, including they all did their first book signing at Wal-Mart during their visit!



Events like what took place on June 28th show that no matter what separates us, there are always so many things that unite us. In our case it is BOOKS.

Enjoy your day. Enjoy your life. Enjoy your world. Enjoy books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info