SAT. OCT. 24, 2009: Watch the 2nd Online Episode of The Write Stuff here!

This week's episode of The Write Stuff is brought to you from the office of Shadow Play Entertainment where host Cyrus Webb also broadcasts his radio show Conversations LIVE!. He shares part of his discussions with bestselling authors Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes while also discussing with author Gary Myers the importance of encouraging people of different interests to use it in encouraging reading. In the profile segment we let you hear from CBS National Correspondent Byron Pitts as he talks about his new book STEP OUT ON NOTHING. Want to know what nationally known recording star will be on the show to end the month of October? You have to catch the entire show for that!

PART ONE: Bestselling authors Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes talk success

PART TWO: Bestselling author Wahida Clark talks about her amazing career

PART THREE: Cyrus Webb talks about the book club designed for sports lovers and introduces books designed with them in mind. He also begins his conversation with author Gary Myers about the events that inspired the book THE CATCH

PART FOUR: The continuation of Webb's discussion with author Gary Myers

PART FIVE: Our literary profile features CBS National Correspondent Byron Pitts

PART SIX: Find out what is coming up next for The Write Stuff and how you can become more involved in our literacy campaign.

Watch The Debut Episode of The Write Stuff Here

In the debut episode of The Write Stuff, host Cyrus Webb makes a trip to his literary partner Wal-Mart to talk about the importance of reading and introduce this week's guests. Bestselling authors John Saul, Erica Spindler and Emanuel Rosen talk about their incredible journey to literary success. Webb also talks about how watching Oprah inspired author Stacey Kannenberg to begin her publishing career. Author Jeff Rivera talks about the importance of an Author Platform, and finally Webb tells authors why they want to get to know author/book reviewer Joey Pinkney.  (Note: Due to the high traffic in the Wal-Mart store we were unable to use the boom mic so there is background noise.)

Music for this episode was provided by Dj Down South (The Write Stuff theme song, "I Will Still Shine" and "Get Your Read On"), Tray Chaney ("Watch, Learn and Listen), K. D. Brosia ("Love A Woman Right") and Herschel Dixon (wrote "Get Your Read On").

Creator/Executive Producer/Host Cyrus Webb wishes to thank our literary sponsors and supporters for a successful launch. We also thank Asst. Producers Stanley Clark, Herschel Dixon, Mark Eller and Jeff Rivera.

The Write Stuff Prepares For Online Debut Sat. Oct. 17, 2009

THE WRITE STUFF PREPARES FOR ONLINE DEBUT SAT. OCT. 17, 2009

It has been one busy year for Mississippi native Cyrus Webb. The 34 year old has been hosting 10 live radio shows a week, moderating 8 monthly chapters of the book club he created in 2006, taking care of the clients of his publicity department, writing book reviews and still finding time to work on his own novel. However, with all that he has on his plate in 2009, nothing has been the focus of his attention like The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign.

"The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign has already made a big difference when it comes to talking about the importance of reading," says Webb. He along with many of his literary supporters spent the summer holding events across the country explaining how reading is a privilege that we have to take seriously. A major part of the campaign is the creation of America's first literary reality show, The Write Stuff, that will debut online at www.thewritestufftv.com on Sat. Oct. 17, 2009.

Part conversation and part competition, The Write Stuff gives advice and encouragement from those who have made it in the literary world and showcases how others can do the same. Below you will find additional information about the project:

The online edition of The Write Stuff debuts Sat. Oct. 17, 2009,
http://www.youtube.com/thewritestufftv#p/a/u/2/rRgETuO38YY

Cyrus Webb introduces you to The Write Stuff,
http://www.youtube.com/thewritestufftv#p/a/u/0/DyTwdV6a-IY

The Write Stuff Creator Cyrus Webb answers questions about The Write Stuff, http://www.youtube.com/thewritestufftv#p/a/u/1/Xbu1vndKX-Q

To keep posted on the events taking place with The Write Stuff, visit www.thewritestufftv.com and the official blog at http://thewritestufftvofficialblog.blogspot.com. Cyrus Webb can be contacted at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

 

The Literary Community Unites To Promote A National Day of Reading In Each State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Literary Community Unites To Promote A National Day of Reading In Each State

Contact: Cyrus A. Webb, Founder of The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign

cawebb4@juno.com / 601.896.5616



Earlier this year, ABC News reported that over 30 million Americans ages 16 and up were unable to read or write well. This proves what many have said for some time: Illiteracy is an epidemic that is spreading daily, claiming victims of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds.

Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club, The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign and their literary partners are excited to announce a historic event geared towards sharing the gift of reading and books across the United States under a show of united support in each state. On Saturday, November 21, 2009 between the hours of 10-6p.m., The Write Stuff founder and host Cyrus A. Webb is working with others in scheduling Reading Parties (see http://tinyurl.com/readingparties ) throughout the country geared towards 1) speaking in one voice in support of encouraging reading, 2) supporting local authors and their books and 3) providing a positive outlet that is sometimes overlooked with all the chaos going on in the world around us.

Each Reading Party will be designed for that particular area by that particular area. Webb and his supporters will only act as a means to promote the event and help strategize where their is a need for assistance. During the time frame selected by each Reading Party, there will be booksignings, book discussions or whatever seems appropriate to that host. The events are part of the Art, Books & Beats movement (www.artbooksandbeats.com) which combines the power of visual/literary art, books and music. Those participating will be listed online at www.thewritestufftv.com identified by their state along with what type of event they are hosting as well as the time of their event. All Reading Parties are free to the public.

If you are in a position to do so, The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign is asking that you bring a new or used book to the event you attend. Book donations will benefit CityKids Foundation, Common Ground Foundation, Everybody Wins, Reading Tree, Adele's Literacy Library and NEA's "Read Across America".

Have questions about this National Day of Reading? Are you an author, book lover, book club or entertainer that would like to coordinate an event in connection with our historic literary event? Contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

Conversations Presents Its Literary Legends of 2009

Conversations Presents Its "Literary Legends 2009"

For years the world has enjoyed the work of authors of various genres who not only entertain but create dialogue through their books. They have given so much to readers, and now those readers are able to give something back.

Conversations Book Club and its supporters are pleased to announce one of its most historic recognitions of those making an impact in publishing today. Introducing "Literary Legends" Class of 2009:
 

• 1. V. C. Andrews
• 2. Maya Angelou
• 3. Steven Barnes
• 4. Reshonda Tate Billingsley
• 5. Wahida Clark
• 6. Jackie Collins
• 7. Tananarive Due
• 8. Roy Glenn
• 9. Father Andrew Greeley
• 10. John Grisham
• 11. James Earl Hardy
• 12. Jerry B. Jenkins
• 13. Deja King/Joy King
• 14. Stephen King
• 15. Dean R. Koontz
• 16. Judith Krantz
• 17. Tony Lindsay
• 18. Mary Monroe
• 19. Andrew Neiderman
• 20. Francis Ray
• 21. J. K. Rowling
• 22. John Saul
• 23. Sidney Sheldon
• 24. Erica Spindler
• 25. Stuart Woods

This is one of the first times that such a culturally diverse list has been compiled, a fact that is not lost on Conversations Book Club Founder and President Cyrus A. Webb (www.cyruswebb.com). "Something like this is well overdue," says Webb, 34. His literary organization has made history since its inception in November 2006 by being one of the only book clubs that has members of both sexes meeting together to discuss books of all genres. To date there are 10 chapters of Conversations Book Club with a combined total of over 100 attendees to its meetings each year. "Beginning this year we are going to be selecting 25 authors who our groups feel as though have made a lasting impact on literacy and are encouraging aspiring authors as well."

 

Webb feels as though it is only appropriate that a book club as diverse as Conversations should be taking the lead in recognizing these authors and introducing them to a new audience as well. "Though the authors have been around for a while," Webb says, "some people still may not know them and what they have contributed to the world. I feel as though this is a win-win for the authors and readers.

 

The website www.literarylegends2009.com has been created to share not only information about the authors being recognized but interviews that Webb has done with them either on his radio show or though his website and Conversations Magazine.

 

This will be an annual listing that will be revealed in September of each year. For more information about the Conversations brand, contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

C. A. Webb Presents..."TAKE TEN: Author S. Dodson"

TAKE TEN: Author S. Dodson

Thinking about stepping out on your significant other? One read of the new book by author S. Dodson will give you something to think about before making what could be a costly mistake. The native of Arkansas has woven together a tale of love, lust and downright payback in CHEATING ON MY MISTRESS. What was inspired by a dream has come to life in a run read that book lovers will be easily drawn to. S. Dodson talked to Cyrus A. Webb of Conversations about the idea of the book, promoting it and what advice she has for aspiring writers.

Thanks for taking out a few minutes to talk with us. First of all, how does it feel to see your novel actually in print?
It feels great. I have a strong passion for writing. I enjoy the opportunity to share my works with the world.

What surprised you the most about the journey from having the idea, writing the story and the process to seeing it published?
I think I was must surprised with the time it takes to find a good book editor. Everything else flowed smoothly from beginning to end because I did some research about the book industry beforehand.

Have you gotten used to the promotional aspect yet?
Yes and No. Promoting your work is a job within itself. You have to stay on top of it or else your work will get lost in the pack.
Take us into the book CHEATING ON MY MISTRESS. It is a provacative title and an incredible read. Where did the idea come from?
The idea for Cheating On My Mistress came to me in a dream. The story is centered on the life of a retired NBA player named Carmelo Miller. He has the money, cars, wife and the home. He seems to have it all together, but doesn't have the courage to talk to his wife about their sex life. Instead, he steps outside of his marriage to fill this void. This results in him meeting and starting a relationship with two other women: Augustine and Monique.

 

Read the entire interview here: http://authorstaketen.blogspot.com/2009/09/take-ten-author-s-dodson.html

Bio about Executed Texas Inmate Uses Terror, Sadness to Teach Important Lessons

Bio about Executed Texas Inmate Uses Terror, Sadness to Teach Important Lessons

Contact: Cyrus A. Webb, Lead Publicist
cawebb4@juno.com/ 601.896.5616

In September 1992 a violent inmate named James Demouchette was executed in Texas for the shooting death of an assistant manager and another man at a Houston pizza restaurant on Oct. 17, 1976. Now in 2009, his youngest brother, Jermnine Demouchette, has released a book that not only chronicles his brother's life but offers hope for young people that might be prone to follow in his violent footsteps. James Demouchette vs. the State of Texas is a revealing look into the mind of a violent man whose reputation in and out of prison earned him the moniker of being "Texas' meanest death row inmate."

"There is no question that James was an evil man," says Jermnine. "The account I give in the book attempts to take the reader into the mind of this sociopath, recounting key events in his violent history. There is also a comprehensive section of documents that shed light on his existence in prison."

In addition to the 1976 murders, James Demouchette was convicted of fatally stabbing a fellow death row inmate in 1983 and was sentenced to 15 years. According to reports, he was disciplined for beating and raping other inmates, stabbing at least two other offenders, twice set fire to his cell and stabbed two guards searching his cell.

(National recording artist Slim Thug seen above with a copy of James Demouchette Vs. The State of Texas at a recent red carpet event.)

To help get the message of the book out to the public, Jermnine Demouchette enlisted the services of publicist Cyrus A. Webb. "I am pleased to help share the message that Jermnine has outlined in his bio about his brother," says Webb,34. "The story is so personal, but I know that there are many people across the country that will be able to relate to some part of it and pick up on the lessons it conveys." (Webb also serves as the Lead Publicist for authors Norma LaVonne Smith "Hope, Change & Obama", Mark Eller "Traitor", T. C. Alexander "Consequences of Adultery", Grandmaster Eric O'Neal "The Legend of Lionman", Sherry Hill "The Marquise Hill Story" as well as t.v. personalities Derrick Hargrove & Nikki Shallwani from MTV's 50 CENT: The Money & The Power, and author/recording artist/actor Tray Chaney from HBO's The Wire. Webb was also the lead publicist for Corey "C-Murder" Miller's book tour DEATH AROUND THE CORNER.)

Webb is quick to mention, however, that the book is in no way glorifying the life and actions of James Demouchette. Jermnine explains this way: "The book will show young kids this is not the way you want your life to be, using drugs and hurting people. You will end up in jail are on death row like my brother for the rest of your life. I hope that they will learn from my family's experience, take control of their lives and be productive young men and women."

Jermnine Demouchette is also speaking from personal experience. After having his own run-ins with the law he looked at his life and saw that he wanted something better for himself and those around him. He believes that by sharing his story others will be inspired to take a second look at themselves as well.

The book can be purchased on Amazon.com or ordered at your local bookstore. Demouchette will join Webb in an event called ART, BOOKS & BEATS at the Comfort Suites Near The Galleria (6221 Richmond Ave. * Houston, TX 77057) on Sat. September 12, 2009 beginning at 2p.m. Admission is free.)

To schedule interview, booksigning events or speaking events with Jermnine Demouchette, contact Cyrus A. Webb using the information above.