New teen release! House of Cars by Shelia E. Lipsey.

 

     

Fourteen year old high school freshman Nyl Person is the boy every freshman girl at Fairley High would like to call boyfriend. He is popular, cute and one of the leading players on the high school varsity basketball team. Sierra James with her thick locks of natural hair and the captain of the Fairley High cheerleading squad, is pretty, smart and the most popular girl in ninth grade, and she has a mission to make Nyl her boyfriend. Nyl likes her too and would jump at the chance to have Sierra as his girlfriend. But it isn't so easy for Nyl because he has a secret that no one at Fairley knows about which is Nyl, his little sister and his father have practically been living in the family Yukon since the death of his mom. What will happen if his secret comes out? What will he do? What about the girl he wants to make his girlfriend, Sierra James. Can she fall for a homeless boy when she practically lives in the lap of luxury?

Andrea: What gave you the idea to write House of Cars?

Shelia: I have wanted to write a teen book for some time now. I love children and I have always wanted to be a mentor to them in some way. I also wanted the story that I wrote to have some relevance, and not be another wild, crazy, nonsense type of story.

Andrea: Was it difficult transitioning to the teen genre?

Shelia: I must say it was indeed a challenge to transition to the teen genre. It tested my talent and intellect in an entirely different way. Writing House of Cars stretched me and my writing ability. I am definitely a better writer for having written it, at least that is my take on it. 

Andrea: What ages would this book be appropriate for?

Shelia: The target market for House of Cars is ages 12-16, although adult

beta readers also found it to be an enjoyable read. The protagnoist, Nyl Person, is fourteen years old in the story. I think it is a story that is an easy read but it has a powerful message because it addresses issues such as homelessness, bullying, peer pressure, just to touch on a few.

Andrea: Is the book meant to entertain or teach?

Shelia: I believe House of Cars delivers both. It is quite entertaining, yet it has a powerful message that teaches acceptance and brings realism to many social issues that people in general may find themselves part of.

Andrea: What is your writing process?

Shelia: My writing process? I simply write. I prefer writing at night, but that is not always the case. I can only tell you that I write day in and day out. I live and breathe writing, so I wouldn't say that I have a definitive time.

 

 The House of Cars is now available through online retailers, including Amazon.com.

http://www.amazon.com/House-Cars-Shelia-E-Lipsey/dp/0983893543/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375999962&sr=8-1&keywords=House+of+Cars+by+shelia

Interview with R. Kayeen Thomas, winner of Phillis Wheatley Book Award for "Antebellum."

    R. Kayeen Thomas

R. Kayeen Thomas is based in Washington, D.C. His fiction titles include Antebellum, The Seven Days, and Light: Stories of Urban Resurrection. The Seven Days was released on April 16, 2013.

 

Synopsis: The Seven Days is a prequel to my first novel, Antebellum.  Antebellum is about a rapper who is transported back into the antebellum slavery period, and The Seven Days is about two men who both share a bloodline that allows them to be possessed with the spirits of dead slaves.

 

Andrea: I would like to congratulate you on receiving a prestigious award. Please share what it is called, the purpose of it, when you received it, and the book that earned this honor.

 

Thomas:  I recently won the Phillis Wheatley Book Award in the category of First Fiction for my novel, Antebellum.  Earlier this year, Antebellum was also nominated for a 2013 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Debut Author.

 

 

Andrea: The premise of Antebellum is unusual but thought provoking. How did you come up with the idea for the plot?

 

Thomas:  The plot for Antebellum was inspired by both my love for the African-American community and culture, and my love of hip-hop music and culture.  I wanted to write a book that could potentially bridge the gap between the older civil rights generations that don't understand hip-hop, and the hip-hop generations that don't understand and feel completely detached from the civil rights era.  I believe Antebellum provides a window for both sides to see each other more clearly. 

 

Andrea: Many aspiring authors today may feel pressure to write a manuscript that fits in comfortably with mainstream books. Your originality stands out. What would you tell anyone who wants to pen something different, but he or she is afraid the book wouldn't sell?

 

Thomas:  Originality is what sets you apart from other authors, so I would tell anyone and everyone to embrace your uniqueness and be true to yourself no matter what.  Cookie cutter stories will only get you so far. The books may sell, but as an author you have to ask yourself if you want your books to survive after you're dead and gone.  Only the unique stories outlive the storytellers.

 

Andrea:  You self-published once, but currently are traditionally published by Zane's company, Strebor Books and Simon & Schuster.  Some people assume that being traditionally published requires less work. What are a few things that you've had to do to promote yourself and your work in both scenarios?

 

Thomas:  I actually had that same assumption when I signed my first book deal - that the publishers would take care of everything and I could just sit back and collect a check.  I got my rude awakening pretty quickly.  In my experience, the publishers make your book available to a wider audience, and they jump start the marketing process when the book is released, but after that (especially if you're a first-time author) you'd be well advised to continue acting as if you're self-published.  You have the option of sitting back and doing nothing, but finding your own venues, pushing and promoting your own books, and networking in different circles is essential for building your brand and increasing your own sales.  Even though the publishers have already picked up your work, they'll only put big money behind it if the sales numbers suggest that an investment like that is worth it.  And unless you're already famous, those initial sales will be a direct result of your own hustling.  The authors I've met who have this process mastered have managed to build their own team of people focused specifically on their work.  I'm actually in the process of trying to do the same thing.

 

Andrea: When you penned Antebellum, who did you envision your target audience would be, and what demographic seems to relate to it most now?

 

When I first wrote Antebellum, I thought it would only appeal to the hip-hop generation. I knew that it had a multi-generational message, but I thought it would be a while before the word spread and the core audience expanded.  In reality, it was just the opposite.  The first book club meeting I attended was all women between the ages of 35 and 65, and they all loved it.  The majority of the people who reach out to me on Facebook or Twitter are over 40.  More times than not, they've read the book, and then passed it down to their sons and/or daughters, and its sparked a significant discussion.  So at this point, I can't really pinpoint the demographic that it most relates to, because its reach has been so wide.  Every time I think there's a group that the book won't reach, someone contacts me and proves me wrong.

 

Andrea: I write because...

 

Thomas:  I write because I have to.  Really, I don't have a choice.  If I go too long without putting some words down the world starts to lose its color.  I write the kind of stories that I write to try and creatively bring about change in my community, but the general act of writing for me is what keeps my pulse going and my blood warm.  

 

 

Andrea: Thank you for stopping by. I wish you continued success.

 

 

This year, R. Kayeen Thomas was also nominated for a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Debut Author. Antebellum can be purchased anywhere books are sold. You may keep up with the talented author on Twitter @RKayeenThomas or on Facebook under R.Kayeen Thomas.

Helping youth to make power moves. Author interview with Dashawn Taylor.

Dashawn Taylor is the author of From Poverty to Power Moves. He is located in Newark, New Jersey. I interviewed him about a powerful project called W.I.N. 

 

 

  

DASHAWN TAYLOR  & A W.I.N. PARTICIPANT

Andrea: What is W.I.N.? Who started it and why?

Dashawn: The W.I.N.-Writing Is Necessary was created by Next Level Publishing, which is a publishing company I own.  Both I and my business partner Aleasha Arthur started WIN in 2011 as a spin off from the 100K Power movement. The goal was to get 100,000 youth excited about reading and writing.  As a result, I created the WIN “Writing is Necessary” program.

 

 

Andrea: Please share any successes with the program. Where have you been with it?

Dashawn: The project has reached new heights, we have been touring various city’s promoting this new initiative, from Washington, DC, Greenbelt, Maryland, Camden, NJ and East Orange, NJ.

 

Our biggest WIN workshop was in May of 2013; we hosted the WIN Workshop to over 100 students at the Cicely Tyson School for Performing Arts, East Orange, NJ. The Principal and staff not only supported the program, they were able to see the potential WIN could do for its students.  We were asked to come back for the 2013-2014 school year.

 

Andrea: How does it work?

Dashawn: The W.I.N “Writing is Necessary” Project, is uniquely designed to motivate students and introduce them to an effective method of approaching different writing techniques. Our workshops assist students with assignments, essays, term papers, letters and standardized tests.

 

Andrea: Why did you decide to try crowd funding? Please share how the community at large can help, where, and what funds will be used for.

Dashawn: We found that, while trying to increase our reach, many schools had limited funding, yet- the schools wanted WIN in their classrooms. We found printing the materials and putting the efforts to make this a successful workshop was costing the company a lot of money. At some schools we volunteered our services.  We hope through crowd funding we can eliminate this barrier. Crowd funding will allow us to give scholarships to schools and various school programs thought-out the country.

 

Andrea: Why are you so passionate about literacy? Who is helping with this cause?  

Dashawn: As young kid, I was always interested in writing.  I started out writing rap songs. As I got older I moved to writing articles and online blogs for a magazine called Real-hiphop.com. In 2005, I decided to stop procrastinating and put out a book I had been contemplating for years. I decided to publish my first book "From Poverty To Power Moves." I’m now a National Best Selling Author and I owe it all to my love for writing.  

I have a team of college students who intern with us. This young energy has helped us promote WIN through social media networks. (Facebook, school boards, Twitter, blogs, events, ect.)  

 

Andrea: Please share any relevant statistics that you learned about illiteracy, while putting together your presentation for W.I.N.

Dashawn: Before launching the project, an intensive research was conducted. Our sources of information ranged from:

•

42 million Americans can’t read. (source: National Right to Read Foundation)

•

60% of juvenile inmates are functionally illiterate. (source: DoSomething.org)

•

Every 19 seconds a child is arrested. (source: Child Defense Fund)

 

Andrea: When is the deadline for your online campaign?

Dashawn: While the efforts of the W.I.N. project is on-going, the date for our most current campaign is September 7, 2013.

 

Andrea: What kind of response have you received?

Dashawn: The responses have been very positive.  We are finding that the more we keep promoting the WIN-Writing is Necessary project, the bigger it will become.

 

Andrea: How can readers reach you and/or donate?

Dashawn: The link for our contribution campaign is       http://igg.me/at/win/x/4070771

The donation link can also be accessed on our website : www.WritingIsNecessary.com

Stay in touch via  Facebook:  www.facebook.com/WritingIsNecessary

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TheWinProject

Youtube: www.youtube.com/NextLevelPub

 This cause is very important. I encourage everyone who wants to help to do whatever they can to help spread the word about W.I.N. and the online campaign. 

Thank you,

 --Andrea

A Tribute To My Mother. Learning Lessons Through Grief & Loss.

My mother's birthday is in a few days. Almost nine years ago, I lost her to a blood disease and cancer called multiple myeloma. Although it didn't happen a few years ago, the pain cuts no less deep. There are days when I pick up my phone, eager to share something with her. Then,  I quickly remember that our daily phone time can be shared no more.  A mother and daughter shopping is a normal thing to see on a sunny day. For me, I often lock eyes, wishing that I could laugh and talk with the woman who birthed me again. I can't count the times that my feet have been planted in a place, not allowing me to move, due to a memory. 

When I was growing up, my mother was the first person to pull out a camera to chronicle a moment. I hated how it felt to have my space invaded by a nosey device. Now, I appreciate it. I also cherish  little treasures that mother left behind. 

Grief is a challenge to manage. Most humans may never make peace with it. As a motherless child, I've only learned to tolerate it, while learning some priceless lessons. 

1. Stop worrying about what you can't control. Problems are a part of life. Feeling badly does not solve them. It only depletes your energy to deal with them. You may not always get the outcome that you feel that you deserve. If you don't, try not to internalize it. Chalk it up to something called life. 

2. Every moment of every day is a gift. Use time to the best of your ability. Never take it for granted. Never squander or mock it. Try to make a powerful impact in the world. Discover what matters most to you. You are here for a reason, a mission, a purpose to fulfill. You are golden, and so is time. 

3. Realize that the world is not an easy place. Not everyone will empathize with you. Not everyone will identify with your experiences and feelings. Bond with those who share your outlook. Never force yourself to be accepted any place. Anyone or any place that makes you feel bad is toxic. 

4. Identity what you love about your life and what you don't. Fix imbalances. Peace can come faster if you do. Know what you deserve, and what is acceptable to you. Stand up for yourself gracefully.  

5. Take care of your health spiritually, mentally and physically. All of these areas fuse together. 

6. Money will help you live a better quality of life, but happiness is a separate issue. Find pleasure in embracing your dreams and desires as money comes and goes. Stop worrying about anyone's approval. Craft a plan. If it makes sense to you, research your desire, then get to work. Failure is a sign of ambition. People who do nothing never fail or make mistakes. As you strive for succeed, be resilient enough to manage losses. Take lessons and build a more powerful effort. Never throw hard earned wisdom aside. 

7. People may judge others they don't really know. When and if people judge you, accept their outlook and move on. Don't waste time on unproductive situations. Stop waiting on apologies that may never come. Someone else would be glad to have you on their team, or in their life. Have confidence in yourself. If you need professional help to become stronger, seek it. 

8. Give back. Even if it's once a year, a small donation, a helping hand, a positive word--do something to encourage and inspire another human being. You may also give back in a loved one's name. Doing so can feel gratifying and help diminish thoughts of powerlessness. 

9. People grieve differently. Don't let anyone tell you what is the right or wrong way to do it. Try to eventually make grieving less loss focused, and more about acceptance. This takes time, but that's okay. Dealing with pain isn't easy. Not every day will be a good one. Not every day must feel bad either. 

10.  Find support in life. I do believe our loved ones also serve as guardian angels. Pray and meditate. Connect with them and God. They will direct you to your "helpers." Cherish your network of positivity. It is some place waiting for you, if you play close attention. 

The bright part of my mother's passing was writing my story about grief, the value of productivity, and pushing through difficultly to find a brighter place. I never expected my story, My Mother's Shoes, to make it into a Chicken Soup book. It did. Penning the story made me feel bigger than my grief. To me it paid homage to the power of sharing healing words. I hope that the story speaks to someone out there who is struggling to understand how to keep moving in difficult times while dealing with grief, or any difficulty at all. 

I wish you blessings of a wonderful week.  

Andrea

 

Bebop Babies by Edward Allan Faine. A cute children's introduction to instruments.

While on a hunt for fruits and veggies, met an author promoting his books a the farmer's market. One cute book that caught my eye, among many, was a title called "Bebop Babies." It's a sturdy, small book that's suitable for reading to infants and toddlers. It would also make a nice stocking stuffer or baby shower edition for craft lovers who make their own baskets. I also appreciated the multicultural appeal of the book. You may order from

Amazon. The website is www.bebopbabies.com. All of Mr. Faine's children's book range from $5.00-$10.00. This particular title is a nice consideration for your little music lover to be. 

Do agents care about your online presence? Read this.

In many cases, the answer is unequivocally yes! I just posted elsewhere that it's essential to post cautiously about disputes that may arise with others in the literary industry. Building a platform should also entail trying to use good judgement online, period. No one is perfect, but we all must remain aware that public information can help or hurt us.  

Now, on the the post:

bit.ly/1cs0d5d 

Andrea's August 1st literary news express round up!

Omar Tyree's Flyy Girl Trilogy is coming to the big screen, compliments of Lionsgate's Codeblack Films. 

http://m.deadline.com/2013/07/lionsgates-codeblack-films-acquires-rights-to-http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1451639694/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1375365691&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY190-tyrees-flyy-girl-trilogy/

Essence Magazine has a new editor-in-chief, Vanessa Bush.http://mobile.thegrio.com/thegrio/?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F#!/entry/51f927e0da27f5d9d002a684

Brenda Jackson's Canyon Westmoreland has arrived at a bookstore near you. http://t.co/ujZqq3JL1z

From Writer's Digest: "@WritersDigest: How To Structure a Killer Novel Ending "http://t.co/RvhlOyYqSg

Mary B. Morrison is having a virtual party tonight. "@marybmorrison: #MaryBNewBook Don't forget. Virtual Party. TONIGHT. 6pm. $750 MaryBasket winner & $300 winner will be announced." 

Reshonda Tate Billingsley's 28th book, A Family Affair, has been released. 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1451639694/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1375365691&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX110_SY190

Check out Shelia E. Lipsey titles Available now by clicking on this link. http://t.co/usc38Yree5

Her teen novel, House of Cars, is available for preorder. 

Are you looking for a job in publishing? Check out PW's Job Zone. http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/jobzone/index.html

Find me on Twitter:  @AndreaBlackston