International Bestselling Author Danielle Steel Writes Conversations Book Club President

International Bestselling Author Danielle Steel Writes Conversations Book Club President
by Cyrus Webb


(Mon. June 14, 2010) One of the great things about what I do professionally is the opportunity to meet fascinating individuals who I in turn can introduce to my readers, listeners and viewers. Sometimes it is someone in the public eye but Conversations has also brought attention to ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things.

When it comes to writers, it is no secret to many who know me that I have a "Wish List" of authors who I would love to talk to about their journey and success. At the top of the list of those I haven't yet interviewed are Stephen King, Judith Krantz, Jackie Collins, Dean R. Koontz and Danielle Steel. Each of them have influenced the literary community in so many ways and thrilled millions of readers for years.

Recently I sent an email through Danielle Steel's website highlighting my feelings towards her books and what I feel as though she has done for individuals like myself who have traveled the world through her characters. I have read over 30 of her titles, and own 28 in my book collection (see below). Though I knew she is not quick to do interviews, I asked for what I believe is the third time for the opportunity to talk with her on my radio program. It was a long shot, but I am never afraid of a challenge.


Well, imagine my surprise when today I was opening my email and got the following from Ms. Steel herself:

Dear Mr. Webb,

Thank you so very much for your lovely letter about my books, which has
just been forwarded to me. I was very touched to hear how you have been
reading them for twenty years and what they have meant to you. It's a real honor
to hear that you run a book club and my work produces so many interesting
discussions. I write the stories with caring and heart, and I like to think
my readers enjoy them in the same spirit.

I'm sorry that I almost never do interviews or public appearances, although
I do appreciate your kind invitation. Thank you again for sharing your
good words with me. I appreciate hearing from a reader like you, and I send
your book club my warm regards.

With best wishes,

Danielle Steel

I can't really tell you what this email meant to me, but it really illustrates why I do what I do. You never know what you can accomplish with a little hard work. True, I still don't have my interview with Ms. Steel (not yet, at least), but my perseverence is definitely paying off. This is a lesson that I hope others will recognize in their own lives as well.

(Tues. June 15, 2010) Conversations Presents "YEARNING FOR CONTROL: The Andre Johnson Story"

On Tuesday, June 15, 2010 beginning at 6p.m., Conversations Book Club welcomes you to the Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) for "YEARNING FOR CONTROL: The Andre Johnson Story". (Click on the flyer below to enlarge for details)

Join host and moderator Cyrus Webb as he talks with Andre Johnson, author of YEARNING FOR CONTROL, about living with bipolar disorder, the effects of mental illness on the entire and beyond as well as what he wants us to understand about what he is living with. Johnson will also answer questions and sign copies of his book on-site.

Admission is free to this event, and all the public is invited. For more information, contact Andre Johnson at 601.813.4383 or Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com. www.thebestbookclub.info

Conversations Announces Its Top 25 Summer Reads of 2010!

One of the main reasons Conversations Book Club is widely respected across the world is because it looks for books that satisfy all reading appetites and makes them available to the literary community, whether they are traditionally published books or those independently released. This year's summer reading list is a perfect mixture of both non-fiction and fiction titles that are sure to keep you entertained and enlightened this summer, and give you something to talk about long after you finish them.

Book club Founder and President Cyrus Webb has read each title and feels like there is truly something for everyone. "We will make book lovers proud with this list," he says. Ready to find out if that's true? Below are this year's selections:

NON-FICTION TITLES (Listed in no particular order)
1. Didn't I Feed You Yesterday by Laura Bennett (Ballantine Books)
2. The Reluctant Spy by John Kiriakou (Bantam Books)
3. Wake Up! by Michelle Pearl
4. Living Oprah by Robyn Okrant (Hatchette Book Group)
5. The Skinny On Success by Jim Randel (Rand Publishing)
6. New From The Inside Out by Kim Vazquez
7. A Life On The Run by Dr. John Telford (Harmonie Park Press)
8. Pharoah by DaPharoah69 (TKOE Publications)
9. Broken Birds by Jeanette Katzier
10. Young Professional's Guide To Success by Ryan Kohnen (Emerald Book Co.)
11. Writing For The Soul by Jerry B. Jenkins (Writer's Digest Books)
12. Tough Choices by Carly Fiorina (Penguin Group)

FICTION TITLES (Listed in no particular order)
1. Excess Baggage by Sean Gardner (Everlast Publishing)
2. Don't Hate the Game by Michael T. Owens and others (Montage Publishing)
3. A Wish After Midnight by Zetta Elliott (Amazon Encore)
4. Diary of a Stalker by Electa Rome Parks (Urban Renaissance)
5. Holy Rollers by Reshonda Tate Billingsley (Simon & Schuster)
6. Get Lucky by Katherine Center (Ballantine Books)
7. The Language of Secrets by Dianne Dixon (Doubleday)
8. Guardian Angel by Andrew Neiderman (Dorchester Pub)
9. Sweet Deception by Patricia Sargeant (Kensington Books)
10. White Tombs by Christopher Valen (Conquill Press)
11. Nick, Dontae, Gus & Jack by Nigel Barto (I Universe)
12. 2 In The Hat by Raffi Yessayan (Ballantine Books)
13. Spooky Little Girl by Laurie Notaro (Villard Books)

To see what books have been recognized in the past, visit www.thebestbookclub.info. Have books you want to suggest to Webb and Conversations Book Club? Email him at cawebb4@juno.com.

REVIEW: Expressions From Within by W. T. Cole

In EXPRESSIONS FROM WITHIN, author/poet W. T. Cole takes the reader on a literary journey of not just his life, but the events of the day as well. Addressing issues as important and controversial as interracial marriage, Liberalism, drugs, peace and more, there is no subject that seems to be off limits. The interesting addition to Cole's thoughts are the scriptures he uses to accompany them. I don't know if everyone will agree with everything he says or feels, but I do believe that it will be undeniable the passion in which he does so.

EXPRESSIONS FROM WITHIN is definitely a book you should read, think over and discuss with a friend. I think the conversation that follows will be enlightening.

Find out more about Cole and the book at www.expressionsbycole.com




Reviewed by Cyrus Webb www.cyruswebb.com

Book Club Founder Launches National Campaign To Compete In Oprah TV Competition

For political pundits, "Super Tuesday" in November 2010 is the date they are watching to see what change will come to America, however, Mississippi native and multi-media personality Cyrus Webb is more interested in Saturday, July 3, 2010. That is the final day of voting in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity being offered by media mogul Oprah Winfrey. The reward? Five individuals who have the most votes on that date will be finalists in her competition to find the next big tv star. Winfrey has partnered with the celebrated producer of Survivor and The Apprentice to create a competition for her new network,the Oprah Winfrey Network or OWN, and 34-year old Webb believes he has a shot.

"It's not so much about thinking I am better than anyone," says Webb, who has been active in the arts and education-related projects for over a decade. "I just believe that I have been blessed with the ability to help others find and share their voices as well as encourage others to do the same."

In 2003 Webb became the host of his own radio show Conversations with C. A. Webb (now called Conversations LIVE). Since 2003 he has interviewed over 800 guests including some of the biggest names in the arts, entertainment and world of literature and those on the rise, as well as brought attention to issues that matter to everyday individuals. In 2005 Webb followed the radio show with the launch of his local tv show Conversations with C. A. Webb on the ABC affilliate in Mississippi. In 2006 Webb launched what is now the largest co-ed book club in the country: Conversations Book Club. The book club covers all genres and has garnered national attention. Webb has also contributed articles and interviews to over a dozen online and print publications including Mississippi's own Clarion Ledger, Jackson Advocate and The Mississippi Link.

When Webb heard about the competition Oprah was hosting, he knew that it was something he had to do. The contest was announced on Friday, May 14, 2010 and by the 19th Webb had submitted his audition video and was asking for votes.

To help Webb in his endeavor to be one of the 5 finalists on Sat. July 3rd, he is rolling out a national campaign with individuals across the country to make sure the word gets out. He has also launched www.themaleoprah.com to allow people a place to learn about him, vote and also do something else: vote for others, too!

"We can't make it in this world alone," Webb explains. "Yes, it is a competition, but I want to help others as they pursue their dreams as well. This is an opportunity for all of us to bring attention to what matters most to us." Because of this, friends of Webb who have entered the competition are also linked on www.themaleoprah.com so visitors can vote for them.

Webb is using social networking sites to get the word out and will also be leading an offline campaign complete with t-shirts and posters to remind people to vote all the way to the deadline. "It's all about consistancy," he says. "It's not about how strong you start. It's the finish that matters."

(Mon. May 17, 2010) News From Shadow Play Entertainment

Since January 2010, clients of Shadow Play Entertainment have appeared in over 50 stories online and in print as well as on radio an tv programs. With Spring here and Summertime approaching, Shadow Play President Cyrus Webb is excited about what is in the works for the rest of the year as well as things yet to come. In this newsletter you will get a snapshot of current activities and ongoing projects.


* Shadow Play Enertainment's pride and joy, Conversations LIVE! Radio, is gearing up for it's 7th year of interviews and discussions in July 2010. To prepare, the program is taking a hiatus beginning Monday, June 7, 2010 until Friday, June 25, 2010. When the program returns it will continue to host Chef Bruce Tretter's "Quick and Easy Cooking", Herschel Dixon's "Weekly Sports Wrap-Up" and Gail Ambeau's "Fashion Forward". New to the line-up will be an exciting new program called "Inspirational Conversations" with Cyrus Webb and co-host Mary Gilder, author of A MISREPRESENTATION OF MYSELF. It will air live on Sunday mornings at 10:30a.m. EST (9:30a.m. CST/7:30a.m. PT) and include an musical selection, words of inspiration for the week by Gilder and either a guest or book selection from Webb. Look for more details soon at www.conversationsliveradio.com.

* On Thursday, May 20, 2010, J. Nicole Spencer (author of SARAH'S SECRETS) will be an in-studio guest on The Angie Strader Show. Details are at www.tinyurl.com/theangiestradershow or www.wishuponahero.com

* Ladies, are you looking for something that visually expresses the beauty you feel about yourself on the inside? Then fashion designer Gail Ambeau has something for you. Introducing Ambeau's Affirmations, and the first t-shirt, I AM BEAUTIFUL, is now available. See the shirt and get details at www.tinyurl.com/gailambeau and purchase yours here: https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=twjfOo_yt393XKGheyldLi_9_vHyYR-sRQWrn7TB7w_pWutBS8VnPQQfI4i&dispatch=50a222a57771920b6a3d7b606239e4d529b525e0b7e69bf0224adecfb0124e9bd7371532d7fbae47438e81694aebe304157fd44efd47332c

* Throughout May 2010 and continuing throughout September 2010, a body of talented authors are "touring" the world with Shadow Play Entertainment through interviews, profiles and book discussions in what is called the Conference Call Conversations Tour. Visit www.conversationstour.com for all the details about how you can "book" any of them today. You can also purchase their book directly from the site through Amazon.com. Participating authors include Electa Rome Parks (DIARY OF A STALKER), Jermaine Demouchette (JAMES DEMOUCHETTE VS. THE STATE OF TEXAS), J. Nicole Spencer (SARAH'S SECRETS), Andre Johnson (YEARNING FOR CONTROL), Deborah Gary (TEENAGE MOTHER'S GUIDE TO SURVIVAL: Rising Above The Odds), D. D. Turner (CHRONICLES OF A HIP HOP LEGEND), Steve Hyppolite (A WARRIOR'S PASSAGE), Mary E. Gilder (A MISREPRESENTATION OF MYSELF), Mr. Mean Mug (TATTOO TEARS), Maria Stewart (LOOKING FOR CLOSURE), Mark Eller (TRAITOR), Gary Kaschak (LIFESTONE), Rita B. Davis (OVERWHELMED), Joseph Henderson (I DON'T WANT TO DIE ALL ALONE), Patricia A. Thomas (GOD REVEALS A MYSTERY), H. Michael Harvey (PAPER PUZZLE), T. C. Alexander (CONSEQUENCES OF ADULTERY), Dr. Diane Hassan (ANGELS AMONG US...EVEN IN IRAQ), DeLa Sandra McKnight (THE SPIRIT OF NEW ORLEANS) and Tray Chaney (THE TRUTH YOU CAN'T BETRAY).

* In May 2010 Cyrus Webb visited Mrs. Jacqueline Bolden's classes at Peeples Middle School in Jackson, MS to talk about who they are, how the world sees them and what their plans are for the future. The project was called "What Makes Me ME" and resulted in the students pouring out their hearts on paper for the world to see. Read their amazing stories here: http://cawebbonline.blogspot.com/2010/05/shadow-play-entertainment-presents-what.html

* Ever since USA Today profiled Cyrus Webb's forum on the Presidential election in 2008, his series "Cyrus Webb Presents..." has gotten national attention. Now with them being carried not only with in-person events but through his radio show Conversations LIVE!, people everywhere are paying attention and getting involved. See which conversations you missed and what's coming up at this link: http://cawebbonline.blogspot.com/2010/05/introducing-cyrus-webb-presents.html

For more information about any of the above, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. You can also find out additional information at www.shadowplayent.com or www.cyruswebb.com.

Conversations' May 2010 Book of the Month: A LIFE ON THE RUN by author John Telford

Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations Book Club are pleased to announce that their May 2010 Book of the Month is A LIFE ON THE RUN by author John Telford.


In Dec. 2009, Telford appeared as a guest on Conversations LIVE! Radio and talked about the book and what he hoped readers would take away from it. You can listen to the previous interview here. On Sunday, May 23, 2010 at 7p.m. EST (6p.m. CST/4p.m. PT), the author will return to Conversations to go over lessons from the book and to talk about what's next for him. (You can listen to the live interview at www.blogtalkradio.com/converationslive. )

For more information about the book or to order your copy, visit www.alifeontherun.com.

________________________________________________________________

REVIEW FOR A LIFE ON THE RUN (by Cyrus Webb for Conversations Book Club and Conversations Magazine)

It takes a great deal of courage and comfort with one's own self to write a memoir like that presented by Dr. John Telford in A LIFE ON THE RUN. While some might want to just focus on their achievements and what others believe make them great, Telford gives us the whole man, showing that imperfect, broken beings can be used to do things others just talk about but never accomplish.

The book is about action. Whether you are referring to his wide range of accolades, working on race relations and seeking change within the school system, one thing you can't say about the author is that he was just waiting on others to make a difference. He realized early on the importance of being the difference you wanted to see. The work may not ever be finished, but as long as there is a work in progress there is work to be done.

A LIFE ON THE RUN is a great book to reflect on in the New Year. With a life that spans many reincarnations, it seems one of the biggest lessons we can learn from John Telford is the importance of being true to yourself. If you are able to do that, maybe your life will be seen as a model for other imperfect individuals to learn from when it comes to making a difference.