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.

Our Conversations with Bestselling author Miasha

Over the past few years her name has graced some of the hottest titles published as urban lit. This bestselling author has already released six full-length novels and participated in an anthology with some of the biggest names in the industry. On top of all of her success as a writer, in 2009 she saw her first book SECRET SOCIETY brought to life as a stage play and her latest novel was the first of its kind to be featured in Elle Magazine. All of this, and she hasn't even celebrated her 30th birthday. With the respect she has garnered and the national recognition her work has received, she need go by only one name: Miasha.

We recently caught up with her to talk about her life, her success and how she is able to balance everything that she has going on from day to day.

Miasha, thank you for taking out time out of your busy schedule to talk with us. First of all, for our readers that may just now be learning about you, how would you describe who Miasha is?
Thank you for the interview. I'm the bestselling author of five novels, just released my sixth one (Chaster)...I'm a wife, mother... a little of everything.

You have experienced tremendous success over the past few years, and it seems like part of that success is that it is really a family affair for you. Is that true?I'm really blessed. I really couldn't ask for a better support system in my family. My husband has been great from the beginning, and my extended family has really been helpful when it comes to my boys. They are able to keep them for us which allow us to do what I need to do for the business.

When you look at what you have done already, is there any surprise for you?You know, since I was young I saw that I was going to be successful, but I didn't know it would come at this rate. Again, I am very thankful.

I have read and heard different interviews with you over your career, and you always seem to be very appreciative of what you have. What keeps you grounded?I'm definitely very much into God and family, and the two keep me grounded. I've always been a humble person, plus I come from humble beginnings so I think everything I've been through in life has shaped who I am today. Regardless of what comes in the future for the good or otherwise I'm always going to be who I am.

When someone reads a book or story by Miasha they can always expect to find a strong story and strong female characters. Is it important for you to portray women in a certain way?Women come in all different sizes, shapes and so on so there is no one way to portray a woman. You have stories for all kinds, regardless of if it is good or bad. For me personally what I write comes from my own experiences or what I've been around. I just write from my heart.

What do you hope your sons learn about the way women are to be treated?I'm really proud of the mother that I am. I didn't grow up with a mother, so I have to be the greatest role model. When they grow up I hope they will look at the way I am and the way their father treats me, and see that as a way they should see all women.

Congrats on all of your success including the release of your sixth novel CHASER and the screen play. If our readers want to find out more about you, where would you direct them?They can find out everything about me and what I'm up to by going to www.miasha.com.

TAKE TEN: Our Interview with Author Shelley Seale

TAKE TEN: Author Shelley Seale

Author Shelley Seale is using her love of travel to not only find enjoyment across the world but also bring attention to problems that she sees taking place along the way. A native of Dallas, Texas, she has written a powerful book called THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE (Invisible Children of India). Conversations Book Club chose the book as its Book of the Month for August 2009 (see www.thebestbookclub.info.) The author took out time from her busy schedule to talk with us about the project, the role of her family in her life and what she hopes you get from learning of her research.

Shelley, first of all, congrats on the release of your book THE WEIGHT OF SILENCE (Invisible Children of India). It is a powerful read. Before we get into the book and the message you send the world through it, I want to talk a little about you. When did you first realize you had a love of writing?
I have read since I can remember, and my love of stories and reading is what evolved naturally into my own desire to create stories. I loved writing since I was a kid – as a child I used to go to my grandmother's nursing home and listen to resident's stories, and then I would go home and make little books about their stories. Kind of dorky, but I really always loved to write.

When it comes to books, is that something your family was into as well or just yourself?
No one in my family is nearly as much of a bookworm as I am. But when I was little, I was the first child and also the first grandchild on both sides of the family. So I got a lot of undivided attention in my first few years, and my mom and both sets of grandparents read to me a LOT. So really, that was what created my love of reading. It was an incredible gift.

Since I mentioned your family, Shelley, I guess this is as good a place as any to ask about your soft spot for children, especially those who seem to be less fortunate. Why do you think you are interested in making a difference in their lives when so many would just turn the other way?
Yes, again I think that this originally stemmed from my family. When I was in junior high school my parents became foster parents, and we began taking babies into our home who were being put up for adoption. Through the years more than fifty children lived in our home. In fact, when I was a senior in high school my parents adopted my little sister Katie, who had been one of the foster children with us. So the knowledge that not all children had loving homes or parents was known to me from an early age, and I grew up being interested in children's rights and advocacy. Besides these children in India that the book is about, I have also volunteered here at home through the years with Child Protective Services, teen mentoring centers, and CASA which provides advocates for children removed from their homes due to abuse. And both of my sisters work today for non-profits as well; one for a foster agency and one for Planned Parenthood.

To read the entire interview, visit this link: http://tinyurl.com/lmgk8k. Shelley Seale will be our guest on Conversations LIVE! Radio this Friday (August 28, 2009) @ 12p.m. CST (1p.m. EST/10a.m. PT). Listen to the interview at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive.

Our Conversation with Booker T. Mattison, author of UNSIGNED HYPE

There are few people who have achieved the success of Booker T. Mattison and managed to remain as humble and appreciative as he is. He is the author of the novel UNSIGNED HYPE as well as a filmmaker who wrote the screenplay for and directed the film adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston's "The Gilded Six Bits," which aired on Showtime. His films have been screened at the Smithsonian Institute, the Library of Congress, the Directors Guild of America , and Harvard University . Music videos that he has written and directed have aired on BET, MTV Europe, and the Gospel Music Channel.

Mattison's novel UNSIGNED HYPE has been chosen as the Book of the Month for the Hip Hop and Books Club during September 2009. ( Listen to author Booker T. Mattison's recent interview with Conversations LIVE! Radio here.)

In this discussion he talks about the parallel's between himself and the main character Tory, how he views success in his own life and what he hopes his children remember about him and the work he has created.



Thank you, Booker T., for taking out the time to talk with us today. Before we talk about your debut novel UNSIGNED HYPE I want to talk about you. How would you describe who Booker T. Mattison is?
I am an author and filmmaker, but more importantly I am a professional husband and father.

You have been busy working in music and even film. What led you to writing the book?
Believe it or not, the opportunity to write this book kind of fell in my lap. A publisher friend of my literary agent asked her if she could find a story with a teenaged black male protagonist that wasn't all about sex, violence and drugs. My agent asked me if I could write it because all of her other writers are women. Even though we didn't wind up going with that publisher, once the story was birthed it was ready to find an audience.

Is reading something that you enjoyed growing up?
I have always enjoyed reading. I'm thankful that my mother and father emphasized the importance of reading, and education in general. It's difficult to develop an appreciation for books if you're not introduced to them at a young age.

You happened to weave together a story where the characters dealt with their own personal demons as well as external forces. What led to your writing this story?
Since I'm a former rapper, producer and ex-knuckle head, the story flowed out of many of my own personal experiences. I think that's why the characters in the book resonate with so many people. Essentially, each character in the book represents an aspect of my life or a particular part of my personality.

You talk about being a proud father. When we talked on Conversations LIVE! Radio not too long ago I didn't ask you about the legacy you wanted to leave for your children. When they read the book, what do you hope they think of when it comes to who wrote it?
I want them to remember that their father was a man of integrity, a man of character and a man who embraced truth no matter what the cost. I also want them to recognize the importance of using their God given talents to promote a point of view that is consistent with how God views the world.

Read the entire interview here: http://authorstaketen.blogspot.com/2009/08/take-ten-author-booker-t-mattison.html

Aug. 17-21, 2009: This week on Conversations LIVE! Radio

When movers and shakers of the arts and entertainment world have something to say to you, they say it to Conversations LIVE! Radio. For over six years, host Cyrus A. Webb has been talking to some of the biggest names and introducing rising stars that are on the brink of making it big. This week's interviews and discussions are no different. (Listen to any of the interviews live at show-time at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive or via podcast later at http://www.conversationsliveradio.com .)

MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2009 @ 12p.m. CST (1p.m. EST/10a.m PT) --- Members of the Award-winning R&B Group Day 26 discuss their new video album "FOREVER IN YOUR EYES"


MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2009 @ 7p.m. CST (8p.m. EST/5p.m. PT) --- Recording artists KPC make their first appearance to talk life, music and debut their new single "Wildin' Out"


TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2009 @ 12p.m. CST (1p.m. EST/10a.m. PT) --- Mogul/Activist Dante' Chestnut talks literacy and debut new music by Cellow ("College Chick")


TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2009 @ 7p.m. CST (8p.m. EST/5p.m. PT) --- The Real-Life Billie Jean" Theresa Gonsalves talks about Michael Jackson, her writing career and what's next for her


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2009 @ 8:30a.m. CST (9:30a.m. EST/6:30a.m. PT) --- Award-winning Journalist/Author Jack Ford discusses his novel THE OSIRIS ALLIANCE


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2009 @ 12p.m. CST (1p.m. EST/10a.m. PT) --- Author/Activist Mahonek discusses history and his book MR. PRESIDENT AFRICA AWAITS YOU


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2009 @ 7p.m. CST (8p.m. EST/5p.m. PT) --- Radio & Television show host/Author/Reality Show Star Abiola Abrams talks life, success and what's next for her


THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2009 @ 12p.m. CST (1p.m. EST/10a.m. PT) --- Actor/Author/Recording artist Tray Chaney (Poot from HBO's The Wire) discusses his career, literacy and his new music


THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2009 @ 7p.m. CST (8p.m. EST/5p.m. PT) --- PANEL DISCUSSION: C. A. Webb Presents "Racial Pride: A Thin Line Between Love & Hate" The group will discuss is there anything wrong with loving your own race, and when does such love cross over into something more divisive and dangerous. We will be taking your calls!



For more information about the above roster, contact Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. Know someone who should be a guest or if you have something you want to share, let him know! Past shows can be downloaded for free at www.conversationsliveradio.com.