TAKE TEN: Author Tracy L. Bell

She is by far one of the most out-spoken, passionate individuals that Conversations has featured, however, Tracy L. Bell is true to who she is and doesn't mind letting you know what she thinks. As the author of the book CONVERSATIONS OF A SISTAH, she uses it as a way to give advice to friends as well as let us into her own life. In this revised interview, she talks with us about her personality, what we will find in her book and what she hopes readers get from it.

(NOTE: On Wed. Jan. 20, 2010, Tracy appeared on Conversations LIVE! Radio to catch us up on what she has been doing. You can listen to the discussion here Click here to read Cyrus Webb's review of the book.)

Here is our conversation.

Tracy, thank you for talking with Conversations. Before we get into your book CONVERSATIONS OF A SISTAH, tell our readers a little about yourself.

I'm stubborn but reliable, faithful, confident, dedicated, determined and spiritually intuitive. A hard worker and homebody, I religiously tune in to watch "I love Lucy"; I'm a sucker for old movies and love stories. I'm a stone cold vegetarian with a weakness for pizza and decaffeinated green teas. I know there is a God, and I believe in happy endings. I'm best when I'm busy and happy when I'm helpful. I love eating out, entertaining and spending time with my family.

This is your first book to be published, but I'm sure it isn't your first thing to write. What did you experiment with in your writing growing up?

Yes, Conversations Of A SISTAH – The Truth And The Myth About Praying For A Mate is my first book but surprisingly as a youngster I delved more into poetry.Poetry is carefree writing to me; it's an inner gift and talent that comes from deep within.

What made you decide to go from writing for yourself to wanting to share it with other people in book form?

Wow great question…I wanted to expose my experiences, therefore writing became a strong antidote for pain; it was my outlet and my therapy. We all respond to anger, hurt and disappointment differently; I just learned to redirect this energy through a keyboard. I would write letters everyday to a girlfriend of mine who lived in Baltimore, MD and in these letters we talked about most of the trifling things that were happening in the church, that were happening in relationships; and that had happened to me. My letters were raw with emotion and sharp with hostility. My girlfriend thought my letters were so moving; she constantly encouraged me to put these letters and experiences in book form. I couldn't fathom her vision, until one evening I was sitting in a church service, when a Prophet of God (the speaker) looked at me and said, "Did you know that your misery is your ministry?" "That your misery will deliver and save someone else the heartache". At that moment, as the prophet elaborated on his message, I realized it was only a confirmation of God's plan for me. So after that message, that night, my letters and my correspondence filled with misery but wrapped up in all of God's splendor, gave birth to the book; "Conversations Of A SISTAH" The Truth And The Myth About Praying For A Mate.

How did your personal beliefs shape the way you approached the writing of the book?

I'm a little tearful as I think about your question here, because God will only use us, when we can truly be ourselves. My biggest challenge was the language I used in the book, the curse words. Nothing justifies cursing but I thought about how God said,  "He knew me before I even knew myself, how He had formed me when I was yet in my mother's womb" (Jeremiah 1:5). I thought about the book of Psalm chapter 139, when God said, "He knows me and is acquainted with all of my ways; and how I could never flee from his presence". I knew God was there throughout my pain, inspired my thoughts and was already aware of what came out of my mouth. Although I'm a believer, I'm also human, one who could never pretend. I'd rather have women read my emotions raw, than be phony and pompous and not genuine about my emotions; anything less would be fake, which is, so not me. That is why I love that line in the Color Purple when Sophia said to Celey (after being beaten by Harpo) "You better Knock the hell out of mister and think about heaven later".

One of the fascinating things about you is your desire to stand up for your principles. Tell our readers about what you did in the 1990s to address the issue of condoms being available in public schools.

Because teenage pregnancy and the HIV virus was at an all-time high throughout Passaic High School, the Passaic Board of Education felt, the solution to this issue was to have condoms available through the nurses office. This solution and intent was publicized in the local newspaper. Well, I was not only insulted and appalled but knew I had to speak out against this issue, especially since the majority of my Sunday school students attended Passaic High School. I wrote an in-depth letter to the superintendent of schools, denouncing the school board's plan and expressed my strong beliefs for abstinence instead. I felt their (the board of education's) intent; compromised my teaching and contradicted God's Word. I was adamant about such actions; and had a strong passion concerning the moral degradation of our young people. As a result, I was chosen to serve on the Superintendent's committee to support abstinence instead.

For America to say it is "One nation under God", does it surprise you at how much we have compromised on moral issues in this country?

Not at all, America's compromise regarding moral issues were written and predestined long ago. There are generational curses constantly being repeated, when many are not aware of how to break these cycles. It's about right and wrong, this is why future generations suffer; the choices you make today, will affect you tomorrow.

Did you have a certain market in mind when you finished it?

I thought my book would compel to the Christian circuit and church folk (I'm laughing), but not so much. I discovered that SOME church folk have a problem with the truth. In my very first book discussions and interviews, I drew more non-believers than believers. I had a lot of young women and teenage girls telling me how my book changed their lives. So I stopped concentrating on the market and focused more on the message.

A lot of authors talk to me about loving the writing process but dreading the business side of the industry. What about you?

This is definitely not the case with me; I'm a full fledged business entity. It's all about a professional presentation in every aspect of my production. I want to be taken seriously therefore I present myself proficiently on every side. Books tell a story but business builds alliances.

What has been the response from readers, and how has the internet helped you to get the word out about the book and issues you are passionate about?

Some of the response from readers can be found on my webpage "The Talk" located at www.truthandmyth.com. The internet is a great source but with strong force, I have two websites and make that known throughout my travels in doing seminars, workshops and speaking engagements however, not everyone have access to the internet. My passions and issues are expressed in my bi-annual newsletter, which my goal is, to transform into a magazine. These are sources I us to publicize the books and future endeavors.

How can readers find out more about you and the book?

Your readers can visit my websites at www.readywriterproductioncompany.com and www.truthandmyth.com

TAKE TEN: Author Anthony Littlefield

We all have a past, whether we are aware of it or not. Some make the decision not to pursue knowing about it, but others make it a goal or a pursuit to find out all that they can. Author Anthony Littlefield chose the latter. He chronicles his journey and those with him in the book BITTERSWEET JOURNEY. He talks with Cyrus Webb about the experience, the hard work that goes into marketing and promoting a book and his advice for aspiring writers.


Anthony, thanks for taking out the time to talk with us. Before we get into your book BITTERSWEET JOURNEY, why don't you tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in Los Angeles, California in 1954. My father is from Columbus and my mother is from Jackson, MS. Unfortunately, my parents were divorced when I was five years old. After my parent's divorce, my younger brother Ron and I were sent to live with my father's mother, Juanita in Columbus. I attended Columbus public schools and attended classes at Franklin University. During my formative years I developed a passion for history, especially, black history here in America. I just completed my 37th year with my employer. Thankfully, with the publishing of Bittersweet Journey, I'm at the beginning of a second career.

If I had grown up with you, would your journey to being a published author be a surprised to me?
Yes, by that I mean I never really talked about becoming a writer or even thought that I had a talent for writing, especially since English was one of my more difficult subjects in school.

When did you know that you had a book that you felt like needed to be written?
When we first began our journey of discovery, my intention was to keep a small journal. But after our first initial visit to Black Mountain, it occurred to me that we had a fascinating story about our family and the incredibly beautiful land they called home. I think this was because we knew so little about our family that every discovery of relatives and the events surrounding their lives meant more and more to us.


Tony, your book BITTERSWEET JOURNEY is about your trek to find out more about your family, but it is about a journey to better know you as well. What was the most surprising element that came from the journey for you?
If I had to pick one thing it would be that I learned how much my family's past really has meant to me personally. Learning how some of them adapted to life after slavery and becoming prosperous and leaders of their communities despite incredible odds. That has sustained many times when I ran into 'brick walls' along the way, keeping me going when there were times when it became difficult or I wanted to quit. Whenever those situations arose, I thought of the obstacles my ancestors overcame. And my journey has given me an opportunity to see up close and personal how race relations still matter in how we sometimes see each other.

You really made it a family affair. Do you think it would have meant as much if you didn't have them with you along the way?
I can't even imagine traveling down this road alone. Having various family members with me along the way at different times has brought us closer together as a family with our experiences as we have struggles to put the pieces together of our history. The relationship that I have appreciated the most is my relationship with my father. I hope that readers see a lot of the story through his eyes based on his life's experiences as a black man in a world that has changed for the better over a period of time.

For individuals who believe the past should be left in the past, why would you tell them that maybe they should rethink that ideal?
I think it goes without saying that "to know where you are going you have to know you have been." So much of who and what we are today is a result of our shared past. I can understand why some do not want to remember the mistakes and hurt of the past. But I think we owe it to our ancestors to remember them for what they overcame to make life better for us today. I believe that we can draw strength from the triumphs of the past.

Putting on your marketing hat for a moment, Anthony, did it surprise you as to how much work it took to let others know about your book?
Not really. With thousand of books on the market at any given time, I knew getting my story out would be a monumental challenge-and it has been just that. Working with a small ad budget, and this being a first-time experience for me, identifying and reaching the audience I wish to has been difficult. Thankfully, with the explosion of the internet I have the ability to reach out to readers around the world.

You and I spoke recently, and you told me that some have wondered aloud who outside your family would be interested in your journey. Tell us about that conversation and what happened to you that let you know that others were benefiting.
Several months ago I had the good fortune of being contacted by family members in the South that I was unaware of, but they knew about my book. We began sharing information, and I was later told that another relative had recently published a 'picture book' about another branch of the family tree, with the intentions of distributing her book to family members only. Her reasoning for family only was that she felt that the general public would not be interested in reading or seeing our family history. I took the opposite approach because I knew that millions of people around the world are devoted to preserving cultural and family history. I think that nothing garners attention more than literature about country, home and family, and that is what Bittersweet Journey is about, country, home and family. Whenever I'm contacted by perfect strangers who are either intrigued by the subject matter, or have read the book and found my story a great read and inspirational, I'm simply thrilled.

Anthony, for those who might be aspiring writers out there, and are wanting to make 2010 the year they get something done, what advice would you give them?
My advice to potential writers is that every book begins with the first page. You haven't done anything until you actually write the first words. And when contemplating what to write about, keep in mind, does the story have a hook, and is it worth a book? Look for a writer's group in your city, sharing your thoughts with others pursuing the same goals as you is invaluable.

Thanks again for your time, Anthony. If our readers want to find out more information about you, where can they find you online?The pleasure has been mine. Readers can learn more about me at my website, www.anthonylittlefield.com

TAKE TEN: Author Ricky Spann

Of all of the books Conversations Book Club President Cyrus Webb has read in 2009, few had the power to affect him personally like MAN-UP by Ricky Spann. A native of Michigan, Spann now calls Stone Mountain, GA home and has put a lot of thought into his first printed work. His book was chosen as one of Conversations Book Club's Top 100 Books of 2009, but why? What was his objective in writing this book about the roles of black men in America and how all races have to work together? Webb and Spann discuss this and more. Here is their conversation...

Rick, thanks for talking with Conversations for our Take Ten segment. Before we get into your book MAN-UP I want to say it has been great having you on the radio show in 2009 to address some of the issues of the day. Have you always found it easy or in your nature to express yourself the way you do?

First of all Cyrus it is good to be on your show and I definitely appreciated the opportunity to come and share my views.  It's always been easy to express myself, especially in a small setting and regarding what I am most passionate about – the social, political and economic issues as they relate to the black community.  I enjoy discussions surrounding black leadership past and present, and where we have failed our community as black Americans.  I also find it very easy to talk on a spiritual basis, which is a theme for another book idea that I am drafting.

When did you realize that you had a book you wanted to write, and was there any fear about the subject matter?

Since I was in high school I have always had something to say and wanted to put it down on paper.  I remember English literature and all the classes where you have to do interpretive reading; and I always admired how the people were able to take what was near and dear to them and put it in the written word.  From that time on I've always wanted to write.  I've always had certain fear and reservations because in my mind only great grammarians and English majors could write.  Then I realized that it's about those who have something to say…that what a writer is someone who can take their ideals and thoughts and put them on paper.  Once you put them on paper there was always the fear that the subject matter might be too hard for the day.  At a time for political correctness, I thought my word might be too hard because the topic would cause black people to look at the truth of our responsibility of ourselves.   I believe that this is  something that we haven't quite dealt with historically and I think we have a tendency to blame others for our plight…though others are truly at fault to some degree.  My message places a large responsibility on the black people to understand the root causes and solve our own issues.  I didn't think that message would go over real well and so I was a bit apprehensive and uncertain as to how it would go over in the black community.

Rick, many say that in order to be a good writer you have to be a good reader. What role has books played in your life over the years?

Well books have had a very important role in my life.  I can remember one of my first experiences with realizing that I enjoyed reading was when I was transferred from the 3^rd to the 4^th grade and my homeroom teacher happened to be the librarian, Ms. Henderson.  She noticed that I always liked to read the titles of the books and open up books and read passages, and would always volunteer to stand up and read out loud in class.  So Ms. Henderson really encouraged me.  Unfortunately, being a new student in that school I would often get laughed at and picked on for always wanting to stand up and read before the class.  As a young man new to the school, my tendency was to succumb to the peer pressure and not volunteer to read and let anyone know that I really enjoyed reading.   Once Ms. Henderson detected my phobia, she took me aside and said don't let the other boys influence you and cause you to stop reading or reading in class.  She explained to me that reading is a gift and more people should do more of it, and that reading would truly lead to greater understanding and greater wisdom.  She explained that most of your great readers where avid readers such as Malcom X, Martin Luther King and Gaundi, etc.

We are living in a new time in America right now with the country electing its first black President. How has that changed your perception of the work that blacks have ahead of them if at all?

Personally, it hasn't changed my perception at all.  In fact, I think the fact that America has elected a black president can actually be a setback to the challenges that face the black community.  What I mean by that is that so often blacks tend to get emotionally involved in issues without understanding why or being not deeply emerged enough into issues to prevent them.  Actually I think that electing a black president has given black people a sense of arrival, and that is not the case.  I think that black people have a tendency to become complacent once an emotional hurdle has been achieved and they take their eyes off the larger issues of future political, social, economic and spiritual parody with all of mankind.  So I think that blacks don't want to hear the message that electing a black president at the wrong time is tantamount to racial demise.  By that I mean the entire black community's future seems to rest on whether or not the current president can solve everyone's problems.  The favor that a white president would get, President Obama will not get; and consequently his failures will be failures of the black community.  An analogy that I use is that in sports, such as the NFL, the argument is that black athletes do not make great quarterbacks, when in reality as black athletes become more and more comfortable playing the position of quarterback from little league to the pros, then their performance of quarterback will be as great as any other race. 

Do you think that some minorities will take success for granted since there is a man of color in the White House?

I don't think they'll take it for granted.  In  a broader since I don't think most minorities understand what success is.  Black America tends to think that success is getting a good paying job or a descent business and making a lot of money from an individual standpoint.  They fail to realize that success on such a small scale as an individual form of achievement is short-lived and serves no purpose in perpetuating the successful survivability of the race.  So the message that blacks get having a black president is that we as black individuals can achieve great heights is such a shallow message, and vastly overrated and misunderstood.

Rick for those who haven't read the book, tell us what Man-Up is about.

Man-Up is about mankind, and specifically black americans' position in the scheme of creation.  It's not about racial divide or prejudice.  It's about all men are created equal and all men's responsibility is to do the best they can do the greater good of all mankind.  It gives a spiritual road map for the healing that must occur and the forgiveness that must occur before blacks as a people can transcend a carnal existence to the spiritual existence, and become true cohabitants of this world and worlds to come.

If you had to decide on a particular group of people that your book is most targeted towards, who would it be and why?

First and foremost it is targeted toward the black community.  It's a how-to self-help book of developing strategies and subsequent plans to solve the social, political, economic and spiritual problems that are currently inhibiting the advancement of the black race, and fulfilling our God-giveen purpose.

Have you been surprised at the response you have gotten so far? 

No.  I expected the responses to be mixed and they have.  Some blacks, even prominent blacks think that the book is too harsh on black people.  Other blacks think that it's about time someone gives a how-to as oppose to a what's wrong with us approach to addressing the political, social, economic and spiritual ills of the black community.

What message do you hope readers get from the book overall, and how do you hope they can apply what you share?

That whether we succeed or whether we fail, we have to take responsibility for our own success and survival and also we have to realize that we are only a part of  God's plan and not the totality.  As such, we have a duty and obligation to seek our role in the universe as it relates to other races and other creatures that God has created.  I think that we cheat ourselves when we denigrate God's creation along racial divide.

Now that you have one book under your belt, what's next for you?

The goal is to write 10 books with various themes around the spiritual, social, economic development of the black community.  Each book will give a more finite plan, milestones and phased approach to becoming self sufficient and globally relevant and justifiably equal to all mankind.

Rick, thanks again for talking with us. Continued success to you. How can our readers keep up with you online and through the social networks?

I'm on FB and also have a webpage at www.rickyspann.com  and my twitter site.  You can email me directly via my webpage.  You can also order my Man-Up: A Plan for the Organization and Spiritual Retooling of Black America at www.iuniverse.com or www.amazon.com

 

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TAKE TEN: Author T. C. Alexander

(Listen to author T. C. Alexander's interview with Conversations LIVE! Radio here.)

There are many authors who are trying to make their mark and let readers know they are on the scene, but one of the authors that got the attention of Conversations in 2009 was T. C. Alexander. The 36 year old Dade City, FL native got involved with words at a young age, and that love has now grown into her releasing the novel CONSEQUENCES OF ADULTERY. Cyrus Webb of Conversations talked with her about her beginnings, how she transitions between writing and marketing herself, and what she would tell aspiring writers about the lessons she has learned.

Here is their conversation...


T. C., thank you for taking out time out of your schedule to talk with Conversations. We have a lot to cover, but I want to start by asking when did you realize that you loved to read?
Thank you, Cyrus, for letting me share my story. To answer your question, though, I fell in love with words when I was a very small child.

What did books do for you, and what keeps you reading today?
Well, I love words and I love imagination. I love to imagine being in that particular scene, situation or just being that particular character

Writing is something that many authors pick up on at an early age. Is that true of you as well?
Very true. I wrote this book at 35 and my 12th grade English teacher told me to pursue a writing career in high school and she was also an accomplished author.

Your first book is called CONSEQUENCES OF ADULTERY. Tell us about it.
In life we must all come to the realization that to every action there's an equal and opposite reaction and we shape our lives based on our decision and if you make good decisions then good things will arise. If we make not so good decisions then we have to deal with that. We have to deal with the consequences, and in this situation, in the book this wonderful man; husband, father and hard worker made a poor decision, but it was based on his wife's bitterness from past indiscretions and not being the wife that he deserved and him just crying out for help. This book will hit every end of the spectrum in dealing with adulterous relationships, friendships and how divorce effects the children.

Although, the title makes the book seem a bit more religious than it is, I also included some spiritual knowledge in it as well with a bit of a twist at the end.

Readers will wonder how much of yourself is in the book. What would you say about that?
Wow!! Probably 50%. I have had similar situations in my life in dealing with marriage, kids and friendship. Although, some of the situations, I would have handled a lot differently.

What do you hope that people get from the book?
I really hope that the women whom are married will come to the realization that when a man goes out and cheats it's not always just his fault and a lot of times we wives do play a role in that, whether that means not being submissive sexually and meeting his needs or not supporting him emotionally, psychologically, financially and physically.

Writing a book is one thing. Promoting it is another. Have you been surprised at the amount of work that goes into letting people know about your book?
Very. I am still astounded. I thought that once I finished the book and got it published everything would be golden from there. Well, I got a wake up call. As far as selling it locally hand-to-hand or word of mouth I did wonderful, but when it comes to actually marketing it for the world to see, that's another story. It's almost like, where do you start, because books are not like CD's or other forms of entertainment, you have to target a specific audience that enjoys fictional reading and mine has such a unique genre.

What has been the biggest reward for you as an author?
Accomplishment. That is the biggest reward. I feel that if I can write and publish a book and actually sell it, I can do anything.

Aspiring writers will look to you as an example of what they can do. What advice would you give those who feel like they have a book inside of them?
First of all, you need to decide what type of writer you are going to be and if writing is your niche. When people read my book, they always ask, how do you know that. Well, it's all about imagination and creativity if you're aspiring to be a fictional writer. I have both inside me; fictional and non-fictional because the book that I am currently writing is a self-improvement book from within and you have to also consider what type of book it will be, meaning how will you write it, in storybook type format or character type expression format.

How can readers find out more about you online?
I am on Twitter (www.twitter.com/talex0815) and my email is talex0815@aol.com. I also have a website at http://tcalexander.webs.com

TAKE TEN: Author Cheryl Pillsbury

Author and Publisher Cheryl Pillsbury has been a friend of the Conversations Brand and more specifically The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign for over a year. What she has accomplished as a wife, mother, author and publisher is a testament to what can be done with hard work and the desire to make a difference.

In this interview she shares what caused her to start her publishing company AG Press, what she hopes it does for aspiring writers, how she is surviving inspite of the tough economic times and what's next for her.

Here is our conversation:


What got you interest in books?
My mother made sure we had all worlds growing up. School, television, outside playing and reading.

Did you always think you would be a published writer?
No, I studied Engineering and Computer Design; I have an Associate Degree in the subject. Writing and publishing found me and the rest is history. I love telling stories.

What titles have you currently released yourself?
Several. Angus Grady, The Beginning, Amie and The Purple Butterfly, Bradley & Farley; 33rd District Case Files One & Two, Peleport, and more coming.

Tell us about AG Press. What made you decide to form your own publishing company?
I published my first book in May of 2005 with a traditional publisher. BIG MISTAKE. They never edited my book, didn’t create the cover I wanted and did nothing in the marketing department, plus the cost of the book was way too high. I published book 2 with a POD and they didn’t edit, I supplied the cover. They never marketed it and hidden fees on my own book. I got angry knowing what they were doing to me but mostly others, so I developed a simple POD, with prices reasonable and things they don’t do that we do.

What separates you from some of the other independent publishers out there?
One, we truly care what the author wants for their dream. We have them work one on one with their team to create the book or project they want. We fully market each book every day as well the author showing off their project. They talk to people as well as emails.

How many authors have you currently published?
We have had the honor of working with 20 authors releasing their dreams and new dreamers come in about 2 a month or so.

What is your greatest reward as a writer and publisher?
Money is very important to pay bills, food and whatever else. As a writer, for me, when a person comes to me and says 'great story', they tell me what they experience and ask if there will be more.
As a publisher, it's hearing and seeing the smiles of dreamer's dreams coming true and they become storytellers. My payment is 2 words: THANK YOU.

What do you think is the greatest misconceptions of the publishing business?
Authors do pay us for their books, but that pays for the supplies, printing, ink, etc. But working as a team with them to advertise and display their dream for everyone to enjoy, no price for that. Most publishers see the dollar signs. I see and hear a dream of a story that is aching to be told and shared. The others don’t see that or can’t.

Everyone is dealing with challenges now because of the economy. What advice would you give to aspiring writers as to why they should still pursue their dreams inspite of the hard times?
The recession/depression hit us hard and we’re still trying to climb out. We seem to be still here, and plus I am not a quitter.
Be kind and work together as a team. Some things may run slow, but never surrender your dream. You may be the one to inspire someone, give smiles to a child that’s sad, etc. Dreams should never fade, but given a boost of energy. Work with the publisher to help.

AG Press has 3 payment plans because of this, assist the writer to finish their dream and someday they will remember you and return, also tell friends that want to do the same. Many of our authors are returning with new books, bigger and better, including myself.

Cheryl, what’s next for you?
Finish my vampire books for releasing, plus other books. I am writing a romance novel with a close friend and we’ll have that next year and publish new dreams for others.

AG Press has joined the cause for Desert Swap to support our troops. Authors can go to www.operationdesertswap.webs.com join in on the cause and you will be assigned a soldier to write to and send books to them to read and share with the others.
Also, Tuck-In with Sprout Online, for children who need pajamas and they receive a children’s book for bedtime. Wonderful cause and a personal one for me.
Organizations that support Autism is also a priority of mine. My daughter is Autistic. It is now 1 in 91 and growing very fast. My book, ‘Amie and the Purple Butterfly,’ and the series is a fundraiser book for research and programs for Autism.

It's been great getting to know you over the past year, Cheryl. Continued success to you and your organization. How can readers find out more about you and AG Press?
The website for AG Press is www.agpress.8m.net. It has all of our information, but if they need more I can always be reached at 978-300-5178.

TAKE TEN: Author G-Starr

When it comes to being open and honest with self and growing into your own skin, there are few examples as pure as author G-Starr of Urban L Publishing. Cyrus Webb of the Conversations brand was introduced to the talented author/co-owner of Urban L through Dawn Michelle of Dream Relations, Inc., and it led to the reading of her debut novel PULLING ME BACK. What we found through the book and the author is a woman who knows how to tell a story and get her point across in a way that everyone could understand and appreciate.

In October 2009 G-Starr appeared on Conversations LIVE! Radio and shared her story with the world ( see http://tobtr.com/s/746628 ). In November 2009 it was announced that her book PULLING ME BACK was chosen as one of Conversations Book Club's Top 100 Books of 2009. One read and you will see that this author and her savy business sense aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

Here is our conversation:

 

Thank you, GStarr, for talking with us. You are involved in a lot of new endeavors including not just a debut novel but a publishing company as well. Is this a world you saw for yourself growing up?

I didn't see myself as a publisher back then, but YES, I always said I was going to write a book in my lifetime.

When did you realize that you had a love affair with words?

It sucks to say this but I knew I had a way with words when I realized I got people to believe anything I said…when I was tween, I was good at not telling the truth.

The book PULLING ME BACK chronicles the challenges that many people face when it comes to sexuality and how people deal with relationships in general. I guess the obvious question would be to ask how much of the characters can you identify with?

Honestly, all the characters are pieces of my personality. For instance Kenya is the "homegirl" in me. The one you can talk to when you're feeling down. Bre is the vulnerable woman in me and Sean is the "jerk" side of me. Sometimes I can be unkind; it's a flaw… we all have it. All the characters make up most of who I am.

Talking about sexuality, even though in entertainment gay and lesbian themes seem more acceptable, that is not always the case when it comes to real life, especially in the black community. What do you hope books like yours do to encourage dialog about the subject of same-gender-loving individuals?

My main objective is that readers will understand that same sex relationships are the same as heterosexual ones. We get cheated on, fall in and out of love and we want to start a family like anyone else.

Tell our readers about the storyline of the book.

Pulling Me Back is about two female friends who discover intimate love in the midst of their own personal issues of live. Beginning a lesbian affair, each women is risking the fate of their friendships, family acceptance and careers—if and when outed. In the end they will discover if they ruined a perfectly good friendship or found true love.

One of the things I got from the book personally is how on the surface it would appear that the message is that all relationships---whether they are gay or straight---come with their highs and lows. Was that something you wanted to convey?

Absolutely, but I also wanted to touch the subject of friends becoming lovers. Many friends have crossed that line or thought about it. Pulling Me Back shows one of many possible outcomes.

Put on your publishing hat for a moment. Do you think there is a larger market for books like PULLING ME BACK outside of the gay community and how are you going about reaching them?

Pulling Me Back does not only focus on gay relationships. It also touches issues that some families have, married couples, problems at work, and money issues, anyone can relate to this book— gay or straight. I'm promoting my book to avid book readers of urban, contemporary and chick-lit. If you love relationship drama type novels you will enjoy my book.

Has it been difficult for you, GStarr to balance the marketing and promoting of the book and your love of just the craft of writing?

I feel its one of the most difficult parts. Aside from being a full time mom, I'm also trying to establish a successful business and on top of that complete my next novel. Marketing and promoting requires a huge amount of attention and not just anyone can promote your work. You need someone who is as passionate about your work as you. They have to know the business as well.  Finding that person is rare. Sometimes you have to wear four hats to get the ball rolling.

What advice would you give for others who are taking their writing careers into their own hands like you did?

If you are looking for instant gratification, then you should choose a different route. This business requires a lot of patience and knowledge of the field. You will definitely put out money before you reap the benefits of self-publishing.

Thank you for your time and continued success to you. Let our readers know where they can keep up with you and your company on line.

Thank you for this opportunity. All upcoming events and new releases can be viewed on my website www.UrbanLPublishing.com and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/urbanlpublish.