Intimate Conversation with author Cairo

Cairo divides his time between Jersey and California, and is the author of The Man Handler and The Kat Trap. His many travels to Egypt are what inspired his pen name.

BPM:  What makes you powerful as a person and a writer? Where do you find your inspiration? 
My ability to write in both male/female voice, to mentally seduce, and create erotic images in my reader's minds through words that leave a lasting impression are what make me a powerful writer. My inspiration comes from the universe.


BPM:  Introduce us to your book, Daddy Long Stroke, and the main characters. 
Daddy Long Stroke is a voyeuristic look into the mind of a womanizer who manipulates and seduces women by using what he's got--good looks, chiseled physique, charisma, and sexual prowess--to get what he wants without remorse, or regret. The main character in Daddy Long Stroke is the sexy Alexander Maples a.k.a Daddy Long Stroke. Arrogant and self-indulged, he is what every woman secretly craves in the bedroom--rough, rugged, and ravenous. And he is always happy to deliver. When it comes to pleasing a woman, he knows no boundaries, leaving no area untouched, not even her heart--or her wallet. But love is the last thing on his mind. Getting paid, and whetting his sexual appetite are the only things that motivate this salacious gigolo. And any woman trying to claim him finds herself on the receiving of heartache, tears, and drama. 

Dramatic, bold and racy, Daddy Long Stroke uncovers the shocking and painful reality of some men's belief systems about women and sex. Written in raw, graphic language, Daddy Long Stroke is a cautionary tale of one man's insatiable thirst for sex and his quest to bed down as many women he possibly can—no matter the costs, and no matter who gets hurt in the process.

BPM:  Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
Although Daddy Long Stroke is a fictitious character, I'm sure many of us know of someone who is like (or similar to) the main character in this book.

BPM:  What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write your book? 
Daddy Long Stroke was written for all the women who crave thick chocolate, and the bad boys who serve it.

BPM:  Who do you want to reach with your book and the message within? 
I want to reach the sexually liberated and open-minded. The message in Daddy Long Stroke is don't get emotionally attached to someone who is only looking for no-strings attached sex. Bottom line, everyone who makes good love to you isn't always gonna be good for you.

BPM:  What do you think makes your book different from others on the same subject? 
Besides the fact that the sex scenes are on fire, what makes my book different from others on the same subject is that I give it to readers rough and raw. It's blunt, graphic, in your face dialogue. Period. 

BPM:  Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book? 
Aside from great sex tips and a toe-curling, stimulating read, I want readers to gain insight into their own sexual behaviors. For them to indulge their sexualities respectfully. And to enjoy the sexual revolution responsibly! 

BPM:  Share with us your upcoming book releases. How can our readers reach you online?
My next book, Deep Throat Diva, releases March 2011.  I am currently in the process of developing a website, but, in the meantime, I can be reached online at www.facebook.com/cairoblack,  www.myspace.com/cairo2u,  www.blackplanet.com/cairo2u,  or by email at: Cairo2u@verizon.net

 Purchase your copy today from Amazon

Intimate Conversation with Deondriea Cantrice

Deondriea Cantrice started writing to improve her penmanship. It quickly advanced into a passion and expression of her active imagination and inner thoughts. Deondriea aspires to engage, entertain, educate, and inspire her readers with tales of true life. She aims to have a positive impact on everyone she encounters through effective communication, veracity, and affirmative interaction. Deondriea believes, “with direction and discipline, accomplishment is attainable.” 

Ella:  Deondriea, introduce us to to your new book, Rhythm Can’t Keep Time.
After experiencing betrayal after betrayal, Sterling put his heart under lock and key. Will he be willing to grant Sheridyn access to the one place no one can enter? Or, will he be afraid of another disappointment? After Sheridyn's first love left her broken hearted; she vowed to never love again. Can Sterling convince her the give love a second chance? Or, will her song remain a solo? When Sterling and Sheridyn's worlds collide, will they be able to control the passion between them? Or will their harmonic rhythm laced in humor and vicarious personas cause this seductive dance to burn up in flames? Sheridyn poised herself for a place in Sterling’s life and in his heart, but settled for a place in his bed. Will his bed become the gateway to his heart? Just when Sheridyn thought she was gaining ground with Sterling , he would disappear from her life, each time resurfacing in synch. Their on again off again song lasted 10 years. Just when you think the rhythm and time are in synch, Sheridyn realizes songs are timeless, melodies may be the same, but dances never last forever. 

Ella:  What issue, person or thing inspired you to write this story, Rhythm Can’t Keep Time? 
In addition to needing healing from an unhealthy relationship of my own, I have met so many women that have made not just poor decisions but life-altering decisions based upon great sex. I wanted to write a story that was challenging but not confrontational to inspire readers to establish healthy romantic relationships. 

Ella:  Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp and share? 
More than anything I would like for readers to grasp the meaning of true love. Love is a verb not an adjective. Love requires work. The subtitle of my book is Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough, which means love without commitment, loyalty, support, understanding, trust, and communication is not enough to sustain a healthy relationship. Before one can give or receive love, they first must love themselves. 

Ella:  What sets your book apart from other books in your genre? 
I believe what sets Rhythm Can’t Keep Time from other erotic books is that it distinguishes the difference between love and sex. My book explores how passion can divert your attention away from your needs and cause you to chase a feeling. There are only four or five sex scenes in the book, and they are HOT. But the scenes support the storyline of how a feeling can dull the other senses by causing a person to become deaf and blind to the obvious. I also took a non gender-biased approach to writing the book so it would appeal to both men and women. 

Ella:  What was the most powerful chapter or scene in the book for you? 
Chapter 11 is my favorite chapter. Sheridyn is confronted by Sterling ’s mate Victoria. Victoria admits to Sheridyn that she takes comfort in knowing that Sterling is loyal to her despite his love for Sheridyn. Victoria knows Sterling is a dog, but “he comes home every night.” Sheridyn walks away from the confrontation feeling good knowing that Sterling still loves her. Sheridyn shares the confrontation with her best friend Madison and Madison tells Sheridyn that she would not want to be Victoria and wake up next to a man for the rest her life knowing she was his second choice, that love was in fact better than loyalty. This is my favorite chapter because it invokes thought and causes the reader to examine his or her thoughts about love. All three women had their own perception of what was good, although good, none of their thoughts were healthy. 

Ella:  What does your family think of your writing? 
My family is extremely supportive of me being an author. My children offer the greatest amount of support by marketing and attending my books signings as professional staff. In fact, my 22 year old son is waiting for me to “get rich” so he can come work for me fulltime. Yes, he would make an awesome manager/publicist. However, my family was extremely shocked that I wrote erotica. Most of them didn’t even know I knew some of the words in my book. 

Ella:  What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author? 
Writing is easy, being an author is work! The best advice that I can give any aspiring authors is, first and foremost know and understand your craft. Simply put, read books by other authors, understand the publishing process, connect with a mentor and/or other authors, and learn industry standards and expectations. Secondly, I would advise him/her to be prepared to invest in themselves. Which means have a website, purchase promotional material, seek marketing opportunities, blog, join social networks, and most importantly SOW. Support the vision of others by sowing time, supporting other’s events, and treat others how you want to be treated. Finally, be prepared to accept feedback. Some people will love you and others will hate you, so don’t take reviews/feedback as a personal attack. Evaluate the information and use it to challenge your ability and sharpen your skills. 

Ella:  Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. 
Before the end of 2009, I will be releasing the Rhythm Can’t Keep Time Companion Book, which is a guided journal to help you define your expectations of your relationship. Although the companion book compliments Rhythm Can’t Keep Time, it can be used even if you have never read the book. Look for my second book entitled When Emotions Lie in February 2010. (Sorry it is not erotica, it is drama) To learn more about me, purchase a copy of my book, or view my schedule of events visit me at www.rhythmcantkeeptime.com  or www.deondriea.com  You can find me with screen name Deondriea on Facebook, Ning sites, or on other major social networks. 
Website: www.rhythmcantkeeptime.com

Rhythm Can’t Keep Time by Deondriea Cantrice

Intimate Conversation with A. Life

‘Author-preneur’, A. Life’s love for writing goes beyond just putting pen to paper. It’s a part of her life’s make-up. And having gone through life's many struggles, she chooses to display in her work, characters of triumph. She considers her works not to be ones that push Christianity but words that flow from the mouth of a Christian author’s pen. 

Secret Wounds and Hidden Pain by: A. Life... is a novel about four women; Charlene; a church-going woman who is married to an adulterous preacher, Denise; an exotic dancer who eventually finds out her ‘best customer’ holds the title of her rapist, Michelle; the wife of an abusive, jobless, porn addict, and Katrina; a successful businesswoman who secretly has abortions to maintain her status. All of them lead totally different lives while unknowingly wearing the same mask. Each woman believes no one else can see or feel what she is going through, but will individually find out that the painful wounds she is experiencing are deep enough to be seen and felt by the world. 

Ella:  Tell us a little about your main characters. Who was your favorite? 
Charlene Brown is a wife of a minister and a mother of 2, who takes care of not only her actual family but her church family as well. She is also a successful businesswoman who ironically, failed to take care of the business of keeping track of her husband’s infidelity. She hides behind the false sense of security that her life’s many jobs give.

Denise McLeod is a single mother of five who is also an exotic dancer. Her life’s downward spiral began at the age of 13 when she was raped. She hides behind the mask of false strength because after all, she has to do so for her children. My favorite character is Denise. Although I can relate, in one sense or another, to all of the women; she has gone through individually what the others have experienced collectively and has triumphed though all odds were stacked against her.

Michelle Baker is a newlywed who married an abusive man because she didn’t want to be lonely and because she thought ‘a piece of paper’ would change his ways. Her decision to marry such stems from a painful childhood and she hides behind the pain of abusive love that repeatedly says, “I’m sorry.” 

Katrina Dangerfield is a young woman who has it all together. She has taken care of herself financially without the help of a man. Yet, because her childhood too was painful, she didn’t and wouldn’t allow anyone to get close to her; to the point of having one abortion after another, just so she could continue to hide behind her fear of failure. 

Ella:  Are your characters from the portrayal of real people? 
All of my characters portray real people; not dead on; but I may use characteristics from five different people to create one character in the novel. I believe when and if you can make the character more life-like; it makes not only the character more believable to the point of relating to the reader; but it also makes the book as a whole; a better read.

Ella:  Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp and share?
Depending on the book, I try or I will always try to indirectly relay a message. In the case of Secret Wounds and Hidden Pain; the message I think I want the readers to grasp is the fact that we all at one point in time, wear and have worn masks of fear to cover our ‘open wounds’ brought on by life. But in order to be healed we must be willing to remove the mask-like band-aid, so the air of life can act as a healer and  ‘SWAHP’ (swap) the wounds for scars of remembrance, so one maybe able to give God praise for all he’s done.

Ella:  What was the most powerful chapter or scene in the book for you?
I honestly believe there is more than one powerful scene in the book but one of the most powerful scenes to me is the ‘SWAHP SUMMIT’;  when all of the lead characters colorfully describe the different ways that lead them to the putting on of the ‘masks’, why they wore them for so long, and how with the help of God; they were able to remove them. 

Ella:  Do you write full time? Describe your writing schedule for our readers.
I do not write full time but because my time is so full I write all the time, sporadically! I wear so many hats that I am grateful for spell check because without it, I probably would misspell the word ‘time.’ (LOL)

Ella:  What do you like to do when you're not writing? 
I am a salon owner/operator, a product designer, and a fitness trainer, but more importantly, I have two reasons to get up every morning! Being a mother of daughters is a task in itself but it keeps me doing what I do!

Ella:   What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
Just write but be authentic! Be truthful to who you are as an author and don’t try to mimic others because when it’s all said and done, the truth will come out in the wash!

Contact: A. Life...  contact: www.eborya.com  ; aisha@eborya.com  ; gantaisha@yahoo.com  

Q.B. Wells is the author of Blackface and Doughboy. Currently he is the editor of Urbania Magazine and the C.E.O of Art Official Media LLC. He resides in Baltimore where he enjoys meeting readers, discussing life and spending time with family.

Ella: Tell us a little about your main characters. Who was your favorite? 
Blackface is a coming of age story that involves four young males. Two of the central four characters are “Black” and “Face”. Face was my favorite character because while all the characters are frustrated and angry because of their plight in life, Face is the only one of the characters that has a plan and puts forth an effort to see it through. The problem is his plan is anger driven, vengeful and murderous. He  is my version of Bigger Thomas.


Ella: Urban lit. should present a "cautionary tale." What issues do you bring to the reader's attention?
Issues explored in Blackface are self-hatred, gang culture, racism and police brutality. Blackface is a different type of “cautionary tale” because at its core it is about being a young black male in America and the anger that exist due to a multitude of reasons.

Anger is natural. Everybody gets angry. However, it is not natural to shoot someone, punch them in the mouth or use violence because you disagree. Blackface involves a sect of young people who have not learned or had the positive resources to redirect their anger or dreams. They believe you can settle disputes with fist and guns. They learn from each other. And they have enumerable opportunities to do negative acts for quick profit. They don’t think about paying consequences for their acts. The caution is to the world. If the world doesn’t embrace the young culture, there will be a problem. For black culture and the world.

Ella:  What inspired you to write this story?
I had very few stories that I had read in middle/ high school that had African American teenage boys as main characters. As a result I was uninterested in the majority of school readings.

I gravitated to movies until I learned that most movies I liked were based on books. Then, I learned to write a book. I thought it would give at-risk youth, specifically black males the confidence to complete the read and enjoy experiencing a black male protagonists that were stereotypical but unique. Then they would read more books.


Ella:  Do you write full time? Describe your writing schedule for our readers.
Write full-time? I wish! I’m involved with literature all day. I teach writing classes and publish / market other authors in the genre. I write about an hour or two a day. Whenever and whatever I can squeeze in.

Ella:  What do you like to do when you're not writing?
When I’m not writing I like to watch films, especially indy films. My goal is to shoot films so I watch a lot.

Ella:  What does your family think of your writing?
They love it. My family remembers my life before books and thank God I’m still here. To better the situation, I’ve found something positive that I enjoy and won’t land me in jail.

Ella:  What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
Build a readership and platform BEFORE you decide the method to publish your book. Keep writing for yourself and your audience.

Ella:  Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
I have a new release Doughboy that will be published in October 2010 and One Hundred Miles and Running, the sequel to Blackface will be released in late December 2010 as a Digital Download for mobile reading devices.

More information can be found on online.
www.ArtOfficialMedia.com    
www.UrbaniaMag.com  
www.Urbanbooksandmedia.blogspot.com 
www.twitter.com/qbwells
www.facebook.com/qbwells

Intimate Conversation with Missy Jackson

Author Tennette “Missy” Jackson hails from Somerset , New Jersey . She has two daughters and three grandchildren. Missy began writing at a very young age and knew it was her passion. After years of drug abuse and numerous prison stints, Missy found an outlet in writing. Cheetah, her debut novel, was written in the state prison. Missy currently lives in Bound Brook , New Jersey while working on her second novel.

Spotlight on Cheetah by Missy Jackson
Born and raised on the mean streets of Newark , New Jersey , Yanika Johnson aka Cheetah is far from your average female. A true thug in every sense of the word, Cheetah has the ego and persona to prove it all. After she and her best friend Naj take Newark drug trade by storm, the haters begin to do just what they do best...HATE. Can the tough streets of this brick city accept being ran by two women, or will their budding empire come tumbling down?

Cheetah is a young woman with a heart of gold and steel. Follow her journey through a year of murder and madness. In this book, you will see how a true friendship is supposed to be. You will become engrossed in the "Hood Happenings" as you ride the wave of real street life. Cheetah will make you cry, laugh, and truly understand how things work in the ghetto.

Ella:  Missy, please tell us a little about your main characters. Who was your favorite?
A) My favorite has to be Cheetah, since she was designed from my past. Her gritty, no nonsense attitude, and love for her family made her my favorite. Actually all four of the main characters Nissan, Qua Naj, and Cheetah are mirrored after my life. I took a piece of me and structured each one.

Ella:  What inspired you to write this story,  CHEETAH? 
(A) I was in prison and the urban novels were the hot commodity. I read a book a day and knew that if I could write one myself. My bunkie doubted me, so I wrote CHEETAH.

Ella:  What issues in today's society have you addressed in  CHEETAH? 
(A) CHEETAH touched on issues close to home for me. Here are a few of them: how some young people feel as if the only way to make it is to either sell drugs or rob. It touches on how you can even be educated, headed in the right direction; yet allow the lure of the street and the lifestyle to suck you in. My main issue is how most families in society deal with either having a drug dealer, gang banger, or drug user in the household.

Ella:  What sets you apart from other books in your genre?
(A) The fact that I write from the lesbian point of view, sets me apart from many. When you read about drug dealers, gangs, clique, or a pack of robbers it is usually guys or a mixture of guys and girls. My story shows the struggle of not only the women in the hood, but also the lesbian women. The stereotyping and the differences they face due to life in an alternative lifestyle are prominent.

Ella:  If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?  
A)  No, I would leave the story as is. Though this is not a true story, it is very dear and personal. I feel that CHEETAH is one of the realest books out there. It portrays the everyday hustle and grind that's going on in every hood. The corner boy/girl hustler, the one who don't see the mansions and millions, and also the brutal end results that most encounter.

Ella:  Missy what's next for you? Are there any new books on the horizon?
My upcoming novel "THE JUMPOFF" is sure to catch the same buzz. Be on the lookout for it summer 2010.

Book Club Reviews for Cheetah

5 Stars by Readers in Motion Book Club
Can't Knock Her Hustle

Meet Yanika Johnson a.k.a. Cheetah, a female thug with more swagger than any male thug on the block. Born and raised in Brick City , life has been a struggle for her and those she loves. Her ultimate goal is to become financially stable and get out the game. With her best friend, Naj, covering her front and back, nothing is impossible. That is until she runs into a few stick up dudes, who obviously didn't know who they were messing with. Revenge soon becomes added to Cheetah list of goals.

With the love of her life, Naj, and other loyal members of the crew, Cheetah locks down the drug game in Newark . Will she survive being the backbone to her family and loved ones, since her gangsta will be tested time and time again? ---Reviewed by: Minah, for Readers in Motion Book Club

 

4 Stars by  The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
What Goes Around, Comes Around

Cheetah, born Yanika Johnson, is far from the cuddly name presented here. She is a street hustler from Newark , NJ and she is no one to mess with. She gives new meaning to the word "thug". Circumstances make her even more ruthless and she sets about the streets of Newark on a reign of terror. Eventually what goes around comes around, and unfortunately for Cheetah, it comes around in the worst way.  

CHEETAH was a very powerful read. I could not put this book down. Missy Jackson gives the reader some insight on what could be happening in the streets where you live. This book fits the bill when we read about or hear about street violence in newspapers and on television everyday, but it hits home once you read it. The reader gets a glimpse as to what really goes down between street hustlers and crime. It also shines some light on females living in "the life"...the life of lesbianism. Despite the hard core persona Cheetah portrays, she has a soft heart when it comes to the people she loves. An excellent read!  --- Reviewed by Cheryl Dublin, for RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

 
Peek inside the book
ISBN-10: 0981854559

Intimate Conversation with Mike Sanders

Spotlight on Thirsty by Mike Sanders 
Thirsty takes place on the mean streets of Charlotte , N.C. where you either hustle hard or stay home. 

Meet Justice, a half-black, half-Filipino goddess whose appetite for a quick dollar is insatiable. Having moved from Chi-town to Charlotte, North Carolina, at an early age, Justice and her younger brother, Monk, decides to take the streets of the Queen City by storm. Justice and Monk, the two main characters are a team of sheisty individuals definitely hustle hard. 

Justice uses her exotic looks to get next to dope boys, then sets them up for Monk and his crew to rob. All is well and their hustle is fruitful until Justice ex-boyfriend Carlos (a vicious drug dealer) is robbed and all fingers are pointed towards Justice and Monk. Subsequently, a war ensues between Monk and Carlos clique of dealers and killers. No one is exempt from the bloodbath!

Justice life begins to spiral out of control. She has sworn off hustlers and is determined to find a guy with a legitimate job to settle down with. She meets J.T., a handsome business man who becomes her every fantasy in human form. J.T. rescues Justice from a deadly and cruel world. Justice thinks she has moved into a safe haven, only to find out that she has actually landed in a snake pit! She decides that her only escape is to leave Charlotte behind altogether. However, this may leave Monk with no one to watch his back.

Justice refuses to leave without punishing all those that caused her harm, but her past soon catches up with her. She is confronted with a bare truth that explodes her world into a million tiny pieces. As her thirst for money grows, so does her appetite for revenge. However, she soon realizes that some thirsts can NEVER be quenched! 

Ella:  Mike, tell us a little about you. How did you start writing?
I am the author of "Hustlin' Backwards",  "Snitch",  "Thirsty" and the soon-to-be released  "Thirsty 2". I was born and raised on the grimy streets of Charlotte, N.C. which inspired my writing. My writing journey began in 2001 when I penned my first novel and subsequently published it in 2004. I am now with Wahida Clark Presents and I'm currently in the process of penning my fourth novel.

Ella:  What was the most powerful chapter or scene in the book for you?
To me, the most powerful chapter in the book was the last chapter. In this chapter, Justice found out that not only had her brother Monk been murdered but also the guy she had been sleeping with and ultimately murdered was also her brother! That chapter shows how lost alot of us are as far as "family" is concerned. In too many African-American household, the father is not present. Therefore, there is always the possibility of siblings outside of the original household.

In a lot of cases like that, siblings don't even know one another. I've got a sister 18 months younger than me who I met for the first time in 1995!  We'd been living in the same city all of our lives and never knew the other existed. The situation with my sister was one of the reasons I wrote the storyline of this book the way I did. I sat back and thought about how screwed up it would've been if we had met under different circumstances. It happens!  

Ella:  Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp and share?
The message I want readers to grasp is the fact that there are ALWAYS consequences for the actions we choose to take. And without a doubt, KARMA is a bitch!  What goes around definitely comes back to stare you in the face. Most times, it's when you least expect it and it's way more severe than what you dished out!

Ella:  What does your family think of your writing career? 
My family is very supportive of my writing. They are beyond proud of the fact that I am finally doing something legitimate with my life now instead of taking penitentiary and graveyard chances. My daughters love the attention they get from teachers and classmates when they find out their father is a published author. My mother who recently passed away was by far my biggest fan...When I write now, I can still see her smiling face all over again just like when she found out my first novel had gotten published. She is my continued motivation.

Ella:  What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
Actually I have two key pieces of advice to offer aspiring authors. First and foremost, be mindful of who you are trusting with your material. Do your background check on your publisher and check their track record. Don't just sign a contract because you want to see your book on shelves. I guess I'm saying MAKE SURE YOUR BUSINESS IS 100!

Secondly, I advise anyone who is thinking about jumping into this game to come with something NEW. There are so many of the same books out there right now just with different titles. Bring something refreshing to the game. The game needs it!!

Ella:  Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases.
THIRSTY was nominated for a literary award at the African-American Literary Award show last September. It was #2 on Don Diva magazine best-sellers list in the July '09 issue. I am currently working on the sequel to Thirsty which will be out soon. I can be reached online for interviews and to buy books at: www.wclarkpublishing.com , www.amazon.com , www.myspace.com/queencitysbest , Facebook (Mike Sanders), and I can be emailed at: queencitysbest@yahoo.com
 

Book Review
From the excitement of the first page, THIRSTY moves like a no brakes runaway car that involves stickup boys, drug dealers, hit men, and shady ladies like Justice, who is introduced with a gun in hand in this unpredictable edge-of-the-seat thriller. There's mystery, suspense, gunplay, and a touch of erotica in this street novel that transcends the narrow confines of this genre and becomes a serious minded and entertaining story of sociopaths and the women who loves them. THIRSTY is a not to be missed novel with gritty realism and biting irony, and a must read page turner. 
---Terry B. author of Dancer's Paradise : An Erotic Journey, At Midnight: Choice Fowler's Story and
The E Collection: A New Definition of Erotica 


ISBN-10: 0981854540

Intimate Conversation with Tash Hawthorne

Tash Hawthorne comes out strong and does her thing with her freshman novel... Showing that Karma is definitely a mutha! --J.M. Benjamin, Essence Bestselling author of Ride or Die Chick and On The Run With Love

Tash Hawthorne, born in Summit , NJ and raised in the Valley section of Orange, NJ ,  cannot be viewed as the typical Jersey Girl. For the first 18 years of her life, Tash had the rare privilege of being raised by three generations of strong Black women; all who lived under the same roof. Having received such ingredients like fearlessness from her mother, compassion from her grandmother, and resilience from her great grandmother, Tash grew to be a product of her environment. One of pure love and unadulterated passion for the human condition. 

As a child, Tash dreamed of becoming an Olympic gold-medalist in track & field and an Alvin Ailey dancer, but her hopes to run and dance were soon deferred due to medical reasons. Writing evolved from that of her mother. Tash showed early signs of her gift of script at the age of 9; winning second place in a state-wide essay contest for students in grades 4-6. At age 14, she placed first in another essay contest which consisted of 1300 junior high school candidates along the East Coast. 

Despite her early accolades, Tash did not seriously begin writing until the age of 17, three months after the untimely passing of her best friend. Writing became a therapeutic way to escape the unpleasant realities of her surroundings. And it was in that time of salutary that her first screenplay, "The Jaded Edge" was born.

After graduating from high school, Tash went on to attend the first college of her choice, Hampton University , where she furthered her love for the arts, pursuing a degree in theatre. She would soon be faced with another tragedy. Just seven days into her studies at the university, Tash received a phone call from her mother stating that her great-grandmother had unexpectedly passed away. Tash's entire academic world came to a standstill. The woman she used to secretly meet in the middle of the night to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with had been taken away from her. It would take Tash the rest of her tenure at Hampton to fully recover from the sudden loss.

Having regrouped and accepted God's will, Tash turned her focus back to her studies. With the help of some of her professors and staff at Hampton, she went from being on academic probation to graduating on time with Honors. During her term, she was able to write a second screenplay entitled "Nu JeruSlum" and a stage play entitled "Mourning Glory."  After returning home to Orange, Tash began to write a third screenplay entitled "Karma." Throughout that year, she experienced unsettling thoughts about the format of the piece. It was not until a year later when she decided to turn it into a novel. “Karma,” like all of Tash's works, encompasses the reality of life as she sees it and knows it.

Ella: Tash, you've had a full life for one so young! Please tell us about your passion for writing. 
My passion for writing stems from life experiences (mine and others) and my love for the arts. I write because I believe the genre of urban literature is missing something…and that something is substance. My goal is to give readers an alternate view of the urban world. This goal is what drives me.

Ella: What legacy do you want your writing to leave future readers?
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers…A legacy of integrity. When I say that, I mean to say that I stood my ground in telling my characters’ stories. It was important to always tell the truth…their truths.

Ella: Introduce us to your new book, Karma with a Vengeance.
There is a time in a young woman’s life where the choices she makes will determine the outcome of her existence in the years (of uncertainty) to come. Those choices will lead to mistakes. The mistakes will lead to hard times. The hard times will lead to answers, searched for by that lost soul.

In the urban setting of Newark , NJ , we accompany Karma Alonso-Walker, who, on this journey, gains support from an unwanted, unlikely source through life's greatest troubles. At the age of 17, Karma becomes caught in the middle of her parents' deteriorating marriage. Due to the unexpected appearance of her father's one night-stand at the family's church on Easter Sunday, Karma's perception of men changes for the worst. With an opportunity to join the US Women's Track and Field team for the 2000 Summer Olympics in Australia , Karma is driven to achieve her dream of winning Olympic gold. But to her dismay, her mother is stricken with Ovarian Cancer. Karma is forced to choose between running professionally at her mother's request or running home to be at her mother's side. 

Ten years later, we follow Karma to her mother's home on her fifty-second birthday. Her parents have separated and found comfort in new partners. All the while, unbeknownst to Karma, her mother's boyfriend has made himself a permanent fixture in their life. While trying to protect her mother from her abusive lover, Karma finds herself distracted by the presence of her cousin's new police partner. As distraction and attraction become intertwined, Karma loses focus of her mother's safety. And on the very same celebratory day of her birth, Karma is forced to mourn her mother's death.

Driven by hatred and fury, Karma sets out to find her mother's boyfriend and avenge her death. Having severed her ties with God, been dismissed by her family and the Newark Police Department, Karma becomes a menace to society--and to herself.  This timeless chronicle about a young woman's unyielding loyalty to her mother will open your eyes to the way life can be, even when the glass looks half empty. As Karma’s life spirals out of control, her exploration leads her to self-preservation and true happiness…or does it? 

Ella: Who are your two main characters? And what do you like most about them?
My two main characters are Karma Alonso-Walker and Money Parks . What I like most about Karma is that she is a strong, independent woman who can adapt to any environment. I also admire Karma’s ability to be dependent on someone else when her burdens are too much for her to bear. What I like most about Money is that although he makes many mistakes (terrible ones at that) his intentions are good. 

Ella: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
I want readers to know that there are successful people of color in the inner city. Every woman is not materialistic or abusing the system or bedding multiple men for financial gain. Every man is not a drug dealer or a gangster or a male gigolo. For the most part, people are living their lives trying to do the right thing.
 

Ella: What advice would you give a new writer?
I would advise a new writer to not write pieces for the sole purpose of sales or what he/she thinks other people would want to read. I would encourage the writer to write what he/she feels people NEED to know. It is imperative to ALWAYS tell the truth. 

Ella: Name three things that it takes to make a successful author in your opinion.

1. A writer must have discipline. For instance, they must have the strength of mind and will to be able to shut the world out so they can immerse themselves in their work. 
   

2. A writer must be able to deal with adversity.  They must have tough skin and be able to take criticism, be it constructive or destructive.  They must have an open mind and be flexible in their approach to the art and craft of writing.  
   

3. A writer must be a consummate student. A successful author reads works written by other authors, not only for pleasure, but also to learn new ways to invent and deliver their own stories.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
You can expect the sequel to Karma: With A Vengeance (wink). Seriously, you can expect a continuation of my works in film and theatre in the future. I believe writers should be multi-dimensional. They should never cripple themselves by writing in only one facet of scribe. 

Ella: How may our readers connect with you online?

E-Mail Addresses: 
TJade424@aol.com
karmawithavengeance@gmail.com

Web Links:
www.twitter.com/tashhawthorne
www.myspace.com/jerseygirlost
www.facebook.com/people/Tash-Hawthorne/41003060
www.wclarkpublishing.com

ISBN-10: 0981854508   |  ISBN-13: 978-0981854502
Genre: Urban Fiction, Contemporary, Women, African-American, Cuban-American

Peek inside the book

Intimate Conversation with Andrelena Harris

Born in Long Beach, California and reared on Governor's Island, New York and New Orleans, Louisiana.  Andrelena's  focus is on the "empowerment" of women. Her passion to equip women to overcome challenges in life stems from her own life experiences. A single parent, a past victim of domestic violence, and living a life of destruction, Andrelena rose out of her circumstances to proclaim that she is  "Somebody".   At an early age, writing became her sanctuary. Writing the truth became her praise. After receiving a vision that launched her into her purpose, Andrelena sets out to inspire, motivate, and encourage women to live life to the fullest. Her love for broken women transpires in her poetry and her letters.

Andrelena Harris is a proud mother of three, a publisher, and published writer. She is a motivational speaker, and a visual artist. She speaks to inner city youth about self esteem, value, finding purpose, reaching goals and spends her leisure time making the world a better place one day at a time. 


Ella:  Allow me to introduce the readers to  Letters to the Sisterhood.
Letters to the Sisterhood  is a book of healing letters for the wounded woman's soul. With the many challenges women face today i.e, single parenting, abuse, low self-esteem, inner conflict, depression, and self discovery; there are few solutions that understands the woman's crying soul. This book tackles those deep rooted issues; written by a woman that has been through it all.  

Andrelena, by her experiences, is determined to reach women through her letters, to instill confidence, self esteem, self respect, love, wisdom and value into the hearts of wounded women. Written woman to woman and sister to sister, these letters will empower you. 

Letters to the Sisterhood  is a book that enlightens, inspires, motivates, teaches, and guides with real woman to woman talk, laughter, tears, and love.


Ella:   Andrelena, what led you to create this book now?
A. My compassion for broken women lead me to my purpose for creating this book and writing these letters. More and more women are becoming depressed and losing sight of God and themselves; even turning to drugs, alcohol, and all kinds of destructive behavior. Now, is the time for a message of hope and renewal for these women.


Ella:  Who should read this book and why?
A. Women that are faced with the many trials of life i.e. single parenting, abuse, low self esteem, depression, and self discovery because Letters to the Sisterhood speaks about those issues and offer hope and an answer. Even men can read this book. In fact, many men have read this book and saw the trials of a woman through a woman's perspective and their eyes were opened.



Ella:   What impact will this book have on the community?
A. It would have a major impact because Letters to the Sisterhood is about community and love. Loving God, loving self, and loving others. It's about functioning and prospering as one being to effect many others. It is about coming out of gutter living and striving for excellence.


Ella:  What inspired you to write these letters?
A.  God.  I had a vision that moved me into action and I will not stop until African American women know that they are important and they are loved beyond measure! Through my own life experiences, making bad choices, having low self esteem, being abused, being a single parent, and struggling to find my self; I want to let my sisters know that there is hope.


Ella:  What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book?
A.  Letters to the Sisterhood addresses the issues of accepting abuse. Many African American women are dying at the hands of men that claim to love them. Many of our children are watching this demoralization process and are repeating the cycle. Many African American women are contracting HIV/AIDS and many other STD's because of their promiscuous lifestyles. 

Many of our children are launched into society that has given up on them. Many of us are living selfish lifestyles that will reflect in our children. Many African American women are living mediocre lives with past hurts that are crippling our societies. Many of us have no where to go or do not know how to get there. Many of us do no know where to go when the only way to go is with God. Letters to the Sisterhood addresses women on many issues because each of us have to make a change in order to change our society.


Ella:  Who did you write this book for? Why?
A.  I wrote this book for urban women, broken women, hurt women, because I call us the women that love forgot and I want every woman that feels as if no one cares; as if no one loves them; as if everyone has given up--God has not forgot! He just requires more from us and more is what I am hoping that these women can get out of life because there is so much more to get. 


Ella:  Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp and share?
A.  I want the readers of Letters to the Sisterhood to grasp the concept that they are valuable. I want them to share the fact that there is purpose in life and it has little to do with self. I want them to share love until it overflows to someone else.


Ella:   What sets your book apart from other books in your genre?
A. What sets my book apart is that I am speaking on a spiritual level, but I'm 'keepin' it real',  so to speak. My book is a book of personal letters written woman to woman and sister to sister. I am crying out from my soul and my letters are written as if I was writing them to someone very close to me. In which, I am writing them to my many sisters that will receive them and find themselves between the lines.


Ella:  What was the most important letter in the book for you?
A.  One letter I liked most or a verse in it was really neat and it was the one about women staying in abusive relationships with the hope that one day he, the abuser, would change and I stated that...

"Some storms were created to tear up everything in its path and that is what it does. We try to weather the kind of storms that we are supposed to be running away from! You know what a tornado does, you do not sit there and hope that it doesn't do what it is created to do!"    I liked that! I wish I was that wise, to know that, years ago when I was hoping for my abuser to change.


Ella:  Do you write full time? Describe your writing schedule for our readers.
A.  I am working on children's books (none published yet) and I'm writing a novel and I'm currently working on my next book 'Driving My Girls Home' and I'm writing poetry and plays. There's really no schedule. Whichever ones I feel like working on is what I work on. I multi task alot which keeps me pretty busy, but not full time. I enjoy staying up late at night when the house is quiet to write. I could be in the line at the grocery store and something comes to me and I write. While writing Letters to the Sisterhood, I would awake in the middle of the night to write because the words felt like fire in my bones and they had to come out.


Ella:   What do you like to do when you're not writing?
A.  I like to be around loved ones; laughing and having a good time. I have a funny family and they are like medicine to me. I also love painting. The power of creating does something spectacular to the soul and so I love creating things.


Ella:   What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
A.  Don't give up! If your mind can visualize it, then that is your book in publication already!


Ella:  Share with us your online contact information with our readers.
www.LoveAndrelena.com 
www.myspace.com/andrelena01 
www.twitter.com/loveandrelena  

You can purchase Letters to the Sisterhood at:  www.LoveAndrelena.com , Amazon.com, and Lulu.com.   Please visit www.LoveAndrelena.com  for more information.

Dee Sanderson was born in Queens, NY. She studied communications at the University of Virginia. After graduating in 1996, she began a successful career in the field of Computer Programming. For nearly a decade, she has worked in management for several fortune 500 companies. She lives in Southern California and is an occasional contributor to blogs and online publications. 

Ella: Why do you write? What drives you? 
I write because I love stories. I love storytelling and to share stories. My passion also comes from loving to read stories. I have a very rich imagination and I don't feel complete unless I've written down my thoughts and shared them. I really hope that this particular book ( How to Marry A Loser... ) will cause the reader to take a long look at themselves and then to try and do better. It's about making better choices in life. And I hope the reader gets a few good laughs too!


Ella: Introduce us to your book How to Marry a Loser Without Even Trying...
This book is about the choices that we sometimes make with our heart without thinking them through. It's about what happens when you settle for less than you deserve. I like to think of this book as journey into a relationship built on all the wrong ideals. The reader may be surprised to discover just how relative his or her journey is to someone else's. So it is my hope that the reader will experience a connection to my story. 

Ella: Why was this book so important to create?
Because I learned a very valuable life lesson that I think many people can benefit from...to value myself and to never settle for less than I deserve. It may sound cliché, but I can't tell you how true that statement is once you've been through the fire (laugh)! And it's okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.

Ella: How has this book changed or shaped your life?
It has opened me up...to invite more people into my life. Although, I finished writing this book pretty quickly, there were several times when I had to stop and take a breath because I was "reliving" it. So many people tell me that they can relate to my story and that has definitely opened me up more. 

Ella: Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful leader, in your opinion?
Perseverance, self-confidence, and the ability to listen.

Ella: What can we expect from you in the future?
Books, books, and more books! I have many stories to share. I also enjoy writing screenplays and I have written a couple, so I'm looking forward to the possibilities there. 

Ella: Given the subject matter of your book, would you consider yourself a relationship expert?
If not an expert, I am most definitely well-informed! I think it would be impossible, and to a certain extent irresponsible, to experience much of what I have and not be able to provide some sound advice. And I found that using humor to tell my story was very effective. People tell me that not only can they relate to my story, but they also enjoyed being able to laugh about some of those similarities.

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Anieshea Dansby is the author of Nookie. She enjoys reading, writing, crocheting, doing puzzles and collecting movies and books. Her goal is to be a successful author, go back to school to earn a degree in business and open up a bookstore. Currently, Anieshea lives enjoys time with her family and is working on the sequel to Nookie.



Ella: Tell us a little about your main characters. Who was your favorite? Why?
One main character Joy is eighteen and in high school. She feels neglected and unloved by her parents. She’s in an abusive relationship with a high school boyfriend. Another main character is Kevin, who isa little older and owns his own business. My favorite character is Kevin because he has a good heart and he was
successful.

Ella: What issues in today's society have you addressed in the book, Nookie?
Issues discussed are abusive teen relationships, sexual abuse and mental Illness.

Ella: Who did you write this book for? Why?
I wrote the book for adults and young adults. I thought that the subject matter would appeal to both.

Ella:  Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp and share?
The message is you should love yourself before you worry about someone else loving you because when they do you wont recognize it.

Ella: What sets your book apart from other books in your genre?
What sets my book apart form others in the genre is that it doesn’t have the same story about growing up on the streets with drug addicted parents that a lot of other books with the same premise. It’s not really a street or romance. It has a little bit of everything.


Ella:  What was the most powerful chapter or scene in the book for you?
The most powerful scene in the book was when Joy accidentally shot Josh because it shows the readers the change beginning in Joy.

Ella:  What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
The best advice I can give is to never get discouraged or give up your dream.

Ella:  Share with us your latest news or upcoming book releases.
The sequel to Nookie titled Nookie’s Secret will be released July or August 2010. I will be doing a book signing tour for Nookie early 2010.  I can be contacted at Ndan924@aol.com  or www.myspace.com/AniesheaDansby 

Cynthia Banks is the owner and director of The Little Teapot Daycare Center, founded in Fort Worth, Texas in 1993; and is president of Banks Entertainment, LLC a Concert, Tour Booking and Management Company. She is also an Accreditation Validator for the National Association of Family Childcare and a board member of Agape, Kids, an organization that supports the needs and concerns of children of battered women.

One of the most rewarding organizations that Cynthia has the privilege of being a part of is the Stop Six Aids Leadership Project. S.S.A.L.P. was conceived out of the concern for the growing number of AIDS/HIV infected African Americans in the community. Cynthia hosts and participates in events and HIV/AIDS testing sites throughout Texas to encourage the public to “Know Your Status”.

Public speaking is no stranger to Cynthia Banks. She has spoken at the United Negro College Fund conference, has been interview by several radio stations, including The Bob Gorley Show in Los Angeles. She has had several book signings in Public Libraries, schools and colleges, churches and expos, including Book Expo America in New York. Banks has also appeared on CCTV Channel 31 in Fort Worth, Texas and WCTV in Tallahassee, Florida.

Ella:  Welcome Cynthia. Tell us about your passion for writing. 
I write to tell a story, a true story. What drives me about writing is having the truth unfold in such an unbelievable way that it’s completely fascinating. I love true stories and events. I want my readers to know that there is hope for anyone. If you trust and believe in God, He will send you the people and the 
resources you need to make it through any situation. 


Ella:  Introduce us to your book Drunk for 27 Years.
The road of Priscilla’s life was paved by the people that made choices for her. Through heartache, pain, trauma and tragedy, Priscilla’s experiences became stepping stones that forced her to make a choice that ultimately changed the outcome of her life. 

Drunk for 27 years, the compelling true story of Priscilla Gibson, mother of singer, actor and model Tyrese Gibson, suffered 27 years with alcoholism. The book reveals the unconditional love that her children had for their mother, who despite all they had experienced remained just the strength she needed to make it through. Suffering abuse at the hands of an alcoholic mother, Priscilla began drinking at a very young age, and continued into her adult years. Many factors manipulated the course of Priscilla’s life, causing her to make one bad choice after another until she finally made the choice to live and not die. 

Ella:  How did you start your writing journey? 
My first book, PRAYERS OF THE INNOCENT was about a scam that happened to my daughter during her freshman year in college. It was a scam that had been going on for over five years, in four states, on four different historically black college campuses, by a man that had over fifteen aliases. It was a story that had to be told and who better to tell the story than one of the victim’s mother. 

Ella:  Why was this book important to create? 
This is a powerful story of victory. A story of a women who lived 27 years with alcoholism, went through heartache, pain, trauma and tragedy, came out HIV negative and lived to tell about it. Her story had to be told. 

Ella:  How will your book impact community relationships? 
A celebrity’s mother is totally exposing her life and her addiction. People reading her story will know that there is someone out there worse off than they are. When they even think of complaining about how bad it is, they’ll remember Priscilla Gibson and how bad it could get. 

Ella:  What is the most surprising thing you have learned from the community? 
That no matter how much bickering goes on, when the rubber meets the road the community will come together to help each other. 

Ella:  How has this book changed or shaped your life? 
This book is so inspiring that I looked closer at my children and my family and loved on them even more. Life is simply too short. 

Ella:  Name 3 things that it takes to make a successful leader. 
Knowing how to follow. Understanding that if you are in charge of a department, a group of people, etc. you are responsible. Being able to see God in everything and having a sense of humor. 

Ella:  Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. 
My new book, M.A.C. Daddy to be release next summer and “Drunk” made the front page of Fort Worth Weekly newspaper. 

Contact Information for Author Cynthia Banks 
Banks Entertainment, Publisher 
P.O. Box 331291 
Fort Worth, Texas 76163 
www.thebanksentertainment.com 
www.thebanksentertainment@yahoo.com  

Drunk, for 27 Years: A Story of Victory - Her Choice to Live and Not Die
ISBN# 9781438993140 (hardback) 
ISBN# 9781438993133 (paperback) 
ISBN# 9781438993157 (ebook)