For Immediate Release: Latrese N. Carter’s Summer Sizzler,”Liar, Liar” is Heating up the Literary World!

DISILGOLDSOUL MAGAZINE PRESENTS THE GET PERSOULNAL INTERVIEW WITH LATRESE N. CARTER, AUTHOR OF LIAR, LIAR!

Interviewed by Heather “The Literary HEAT” Covington
www.Disilgold.com
Author:  Latrese N. Carter
Title: Liar, Liar
Web site: www.latresencarter.com
Email: latrese@latresencarter.com

Disilgold: What can you tell the Disilgold community about yourself that will explain why Disilgold has sought you for a perSOULnalized interview? 

Latrese: I am a debut novelist and my novel, Liar, Liar was released on June 5, 2007 with Q-Boro Books.

Disilgold: What is your latest book about?

Latrese: Liar, Liar is the story of a young woman, Stormy Knight, who has endured many hardships in previous relationships, but just as she is about to give up on love, she is reacquainted with a childhood friend, Camden Brooks.

After months of dating, Camden proposes to Stormy, but just as they are about to wed, Stormy is hit with the revelation that Camden lives an alternative lifestyle.

Months after the wedding is called off, Stormy is informed that Camden has been delivered from the demons that made him unfit for marriage. Believing in Camden’s transformation, Stormy marries him hoping to start a wonderful, married life.

What Stormy later learns is that Camden hasn’t changed at all and to add fuel to the fire, he has a scorned ex-lover who isn’t willing to let Camden go.

Disilgold: OH MY! Now that is one hot story plot. How long did it take you to complete your book?

Latrese: Three months.

Disilgold: What were the happiest moments you have experienced while writing your latest book?

Latrese: The positive feedback I received from those who read the early versions of Liar, Liar.  Initially, I doubted myself as a writer, but the feedback encouraged me to keep writing.

Disilgold: Describe your writing style?

Latrese:I usually describe myself as a meticulous planner because I plan the whole plot of a story or novel from the beginning to the end.

Disilgold: How did you develop your writing style?

Latrese: This is the style I’ve always used—since high school.  I have no idea where it came from, but it has stuck with me.

Disilgold: Do you have a favorite author of all time or someone who inspired you to achieve your goals as a writer?

Latrese:I have always enjoyed writing, but was inspired to pen my first novel by Author Candice Dow, a high school and college mate.

Disilgold: Where do you see yourself as a writer ten years from now?

Latrese: It is my prayer that I’ll be an early retired special education teacher writing full-time. 

Disilgold: What marketing tips can you provide to new authors?

Latrese: Marketing is an on-going process. Authors should spend time daily promoting their work.

Disilgold: What other projects are you working on?

Latrese: My sophomore novel will be released in June 2008 with Q-Boro Books.  I am currently working on my third novel.

Disilgold: What are your top ten favorite books right now?

Latrese:A Piece of Cake, The Audacity of Hope, The Purpose Driven Church, The Preacher’s Son, Let the Church Say Amen, The Womanizers, Fly on the Wall, Afterburn, The Coldest Winter Ever, and True to the Game.

Disilgold: Great selections Latrese. The Audacity of Hope won the Book of the Year Award at the African American Pavilion Awards. When do you write and for how long?
Latrese:I try to write daily during the summer months and my goal is to complete one chapter a day.  So, I usually don’t stop writing until the chapter is completed.

Disilgold: Do you have a favorite location for writing?

Latrese:I usually write in my living room.

Disilgold: What method did you use to write or organize your book?

Latrese:I’m what some call a “plotter” which means I outline everything beforehand, therefore; I know what I need to accomplish in my chapters as I write.
 
Disilgold: What three words best describe your writing style?

Latrese:Contemporary, drama-filled and there’s some type of spiritually based message. (So much for three words, huh?)

Disilgold:Yeah! What other hobbies do you pursue when you aren’t writing?

Latrese:I am officially obsessed with technology and learning new computer applications.

Disilgold: Are there any hidden jewels or talents that you possess that many of your readers may not know?

Latrese:(Laughs)  Not that I am aware of.

Disilgold: Where can folks buy your latest book?

Latrese:My book is available in bookstores nationwide and online at Amazon.com, and Barnesnandnoble.com.

Disilgold: Where can folks meet you?

Latrese:I’ll be out and about this summer doing the Liar, Liar book tour. Readers can find my schedule on my website @ www.latresencarter.com/tour.htm

Disilgold: What have been some of your toughest obstacles as a writer?

Latrese: Staying focused on writing and trying not to allow people, circumstances and issues cause me to suffer writer’s block.
 
 
Disilgold: This section of our interview requires brief responses. Are you ready to” Get PerSOULnal” Interview?
The “Get PerSOULnal” Interview

Disilgold: What time do you awake normally every morning?

Latrese: During workdays, I am up at 5:50AM every morning.  On the weekend, I sleep a little longer.

Disilgold: What is your writing fuel in the morning?

Latrese: There is no fuel to write in the morning.  I only write at night. I’m a night owl. 

Disilgold: What early morning rituals have followed for many years?

Latrese:I wake up, pray, shower and leave for work.  I eat breakfast when I get to work.

Disilgold: What are your favorite foods to snack on while writing?

Latrese:I don’t snack while writing.  I’ve got to say focused.

Disilgold: Do you watch television or listen to the radio when you’re writing, and if so, what do you watch or listen too mostly?

Latrese: Television and radio are distracting. The only time the television can be on and not distract me as I write, is when my husband is watching baseball. I am so not interested in baseball.

Disilgold: What is your favorite book of all time?

Latrese:Besides, the Bible, I love The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah.  What a contrast?

Disilgold: What is your favorite magazine of all time?

Latrese:I enjoy reading Sister2Sister Magazine and CBS Soaps Magazine.

Disilgold: Do you have an exercise regimen to suggest for busy writers?

Latrese:I do everything at night.  If I could sleep all day and stay up all night, I would.  I really don’t have an exercise regimen, but I do I enjoy walking, so I walk in the evenings (during the spring and summer months) after the sun has gone down, but before dark.

Disilgold: What is your everyday outfit?

Latrese:I don’t have one.
 
Disilgold: What is your pet peeve?

Latrese:Hmmmm…can’t think of any at this time.

Disilgold: If you could inspire a child, what would you say?

Latrese:Trust in the Lord, believe in yourself, and follow your dreams!

Disilgold: What is your favorite motto?

Latrese:I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.

Disilgold: What is your favorite time to put your writing pen down and rest?
 
Latrese:Between 3-6PM daily.

Disilgold: Have you traveled anywhere besides your hometown and if so, where? 

Latrese:Yes, I’ve traveled to Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, and South Korea.

Disilgold: Where is your dream vacation?

Latrese:A week long cruise to anywhere. lol

Disilgold: What do you particularly like about the literary world today?

Latrese:I am honored with the number of African American authors who are in the industry today.  I also like so many great people such as authors whose books I have been reading for years. 

Disilgold: If you could leave one word of advice to people in general, what would it be?
Latrese:“Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.”
– RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Reflections from Founder: This Literary Diva is going places, focused and a very talented writer who will be around for a long time. LIAR, LIAR is the Next DisilgoldSOUL HIT! Buy it!

©Copyright 2001-2007. Disilgold. All Rights Reserved. 
Email- Disilgold@aol.com
 
Latrese N. Carter
Author of Liar, Liar –In Stores Now!!
www.latresencarter.com
www.myspace.com/latresencarter
www.qborobooks.com

 

DISILGOLDSOUL MAGAZINE PRESENTS THE YGA AWARDS 2007
HOSTED BY THE LITERARY LEGENDS BALL ONLINE
WWW.DISILGOLD.COM

“The YOUnity Guild of America was established in 2003 by Disilgold “Publishing, Publicity, Media & Awards,” Home of the Disilgold Literary Network Association since 1999; to scout, induct,award, recognize, honor and celebrate the “best of the best” in over YGA 250 award categories.

Dubbed as “the Black Pulitzer”with a Top Advisory Board of 100+ volunteer members who refer, vote and share insight of “Legend Infusionaries” on the rise based on notable reviews, once all entries are in by December 1st annually, the DLNA polls open for voting. Winners in categories such as BOOK, AUTHOR, BUSINESS, MEDIA & ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR are announced on New Year’s Eve online and more winners ongoing on the www.Disilgold.com .

To register, please visit www.HeatherCovington.net for details or write to:

Heather Covington Publicity
P.O. BOX 652
Baychester Station
Bronx, NY 10469
1.718.547.0499

 

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DisilgoldSOUL Magazine BET AWARDS 2007 PREDICTION METER OF WINNERS « Daily LiteraryDish News

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 by The Literary Heat

The Viewers Choice Award will definately go to either Beyonce’ or NE-YO. These are the folks people want to see perform.

The Best New Artist Award will go to MIMS despite the controversial lyrics. My goodness, even Vivica A. Fox is toting this song on her site!

The Best Collaboration Award will go to Mary J.Blige & Ludacris. Runaway Love is “OFF THE METER” and like a modern day Marvin Gaye Anthem. Listen to the lyrics.

The Best Female Singer Award will go to Mary J. Blige or Jennifer Hudson because they can really “SANG.” Let’s be real here.

The best video is Ciara’s “Like a Boy”. She lost mad weight, got fit, worked REAL DANCE MOVES, not silly fluff moves like some artists trying to get over and she deserves it.

Results: Beyonce’ won for Irreplaceable!

The Best Actor Award hands up is Will Smith for his role as Chris Gardner in “The Pursuit of Happyness.”  That was a REAL ROLE, a lot of substance, not just aggressive jump into character roles black people can play very easily. Forest Whittaker is the man, but I could have played his role. (Giggles).

The Best Actress Award winner  should be Jennifer Hudson. I think her reign is fizzling quickly. Too much emphasis on her being an underdog and now she’s losing weight, doesn’t look the same and our heavy divas no longer have a role model. She needs a hit song badly….

Best Group is that Pretty Ricky team or Three 6 Mafia.

Results: Gnarles Barkley snatched this award!

Best Gospel Singer is Kirk Franklin or Fred Hammond. He started the  Gospel craze. Give him the award. Like Mary Mary too.

The BET Cool Like Dat Award should go to Musiq for I guess paying all of that money to advertise his song on MYSPACE. RIP Gerald Levert.  I think its poor taste to include you in any award among live nominees. That is tacky…Rather a special honorarium should be given to his father, Eddie Levert Sr.

 The Hip Hop Award should go to no other than JAY Z or Lil Wayne.

 Personally, I am digging this new phase of male writers and not much into the entertainment phase anymore. I know Usher is performing, but I am so over that strutting nonsense on stage. Just stand still and sing. Somebody bring back Luther Vandross.

So that is my new motto for singers….”Stand still and sing!”

Now who can hold the audience’s attention… That’s real talent when the world is captivated by your voice and not the videos or the way the artist looks.

Well, it’s 5am in the morn and I am ready for the last official full day of spending time with my kindergarten students.

Their favorite song is “Lip Gloss” and they can sing Beyonce’s “Irreplaceable” without skipping a word. Catch me singing this song fully in Spanish at my next book signing.

Copyright 2007.Disilgold. Disilgold@aol.com.

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by Heather Covington

President of the YOUnity Reviewers Guild of America

www.Disilgold.com

Troy Johnson is the CEO and founder of AALBC.com, known as the African American Literature Book Club.  He founded the website  in 1997 to help promote authors on the web.

Today, Troy Johnson’s AALBC.com features an extensive listing of Author Profiles, variety of reviews from literary and music to  plays and movies, plus a Discussion Board frequented by booklovers and authors.

AALBC.com partnered with Mosaic Books.com  and Harlem World where he serves as the senior editor of the publication. Kam Williams and Thumper diligently contribute reviews to the site as well as independent reviewers.

As the web designer  of AALBC.com, the site is noted as the most popular site for African American Literature.

Mr. Johnson holds an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business, an MS in Information System Engineering from Polytechnic University, a BS in Electrical Engineering from Syracuse University and has completed Stanford University’s Publishing on the Web course. His site can be visited at www.AALBC.com.

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The  African-American literary community craves content beyond the bookcover these days since so many covers have beautiful depictions of black characters and great covers are simply the norm, but very often  reeaders want to know more about the author behind the pen.

 Authors can create an air of mystique and intrigue by developing an unique style that invite readers to delve further to find out more about them by visiting their website, and what better way than by presenting oneself as a fashionable literary diva who’s on the rise.

 Now more than ever, female authors have to step up their game  to keep readers wanting more. An author photo on a book cover alone or back cover can lure readers to buy  future books.

 We decided to pay homage to those authors at the top of their literary  careers and setting trends that are simply turning heads and getting reluctant readers out to bookstores who normally would not buy a book to read period. Our polls prove this fact.

When you read about these  top female authors, don’t be surprised if you happen to pay a trip to the bookstore and purchase a book from a featured author and of course, go shopping. Enjoy this special article. Most of all, treat yourself to our pick of the finest literature on the market this month. The fashion world meets the literary world with fan fare long overdo.

 Look on for newly added Literary Divas every week.

Here’s what a rising author had to say about Martha Tucker in regard to our poll survey “Who are the Top Fashionable Literary Divas?”

Dear Heather,

 Martha  “Marti” Tucker, author of The Mayor’s Wife Wore
Sapphires, is a Fashionable  Literary Diva if I’ve ever seen one. She is mature and styled to the nine.
Her niche hairstyle is classic lines layered with a bit of
bold  ummmph! One has to wonder what makes her so currently  stylish.

Well, I figured it out. She’s a fine fabric, couture cut diva.  When she wears a dress or suit, you can
be sure that she will adorn it with  jewels that are simple but classic. This Fashionable Literary Diva’s passion is shopping and finding bargains wherever
they are.

In  all of that, she never looks over dressed, but always classy-chic.

I  think her smile and loving attitude are the most elegant garments and  jewels she wears, and I constantly admire her with acute attention,  which
often borders on imitation.
All of these things have  molded Martha Tucker into the woman, and may I also add author, that she is  today.

I completely understand how she was nominated and indeed won the  Cush City Best new Author Award for The Mayor’s Wife Wore  Sapphires.
 
Now that I know her and understand the history of
her book, I understand why her main character, Indigo,
is such a regal,  and out right exquisite dresser. Her
creator is much like her. I’m awed by  her simple
sense of style and fashion. She makes inexpensive bits
and pieces look like a million dollars. And she’ll laugh
and tell you  it’s cheap. But of course, we never
believe her.
With her trademark  little glitter jacket, jeans and
fabulous dual bags (one for her diva side,  the other
for her author side) Martha is one of a  kind.

Spiritually Connected,
Sheilah M. Brooks

Keep on  the look out for my exciting new book
entitled “Beneath the  Ashes.”

Reply from Heather:

Sister girl Sheilah, thank you for that fine response of support for long time YGA Award member Marti. Marti is not only classy, but just simply one of the best writers on the market we can attest to. She is going to love your comment, and of course, DisilgoldSOUL wishes you literary success with your new book. Marti is in great company over at www.Marthatucker.com. Her book is no.1!

More Fashionable Literary Divas on the way.

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His name is Kevin M. Weeks. He’s the author of The Street Life Series over at www.thestreetlifeseries.com. He’s defied all obstables and come out a winner against all odds. Read this exclusive press release and look for Kevin M. Weeks! Author has gone Certified Disilgold!

http://www.newyorkbookfestival.com/event/details.asp?event_id=9

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 Edited story available soon and tons of photos at www.Disilgold.com .

THE BEA STORY 2007: Heather Covington’s Reflections of the African American Pavilion@ BookExpo 2007 as retold by “The Literary HEAT”

Editor-in-Chief of DisilgoldSOUL Magazine

www.Disilgold.com

PART 1: CANDID REFLECTIONS OF THE 2007 AFRICAN AMERICAN PAVILION @ BOOKEXPO AMERICA (BEA) -JACOB JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER

Did the 2007 African American Pavilion @ BookExpo America(BEA) historically catapult the rise and rebirth of the Neo-Black Literary Renaissance of the Millennium’s First Decadium along with the greatest literary industry professionals of this era?

The African-American literary community and some of the most renowned and rising literary industry professionals celebrated at the African American Pavilion @ BookExpo 2007 in New York’s Jacob Javits Center; spearheaded by Tony Rose (ACGI), Niani Colom (Genesis Press), Adrienne Ingrum (Adrienne Ingrum, LLC). If you are a literary artist, it is important that you read THE BEA STORY 2007!

What you are about to witness is a written documentary of major events and several more pre-award show events that took place before the African American Pavilion Awards Reception @ BookExpo America which was held on (June 1^st) and African American Pavilion Awards held on (June 2^nd), plus a bonus preview of my reflections of just some of my favorite YOUnity Guild Award Winning authors who joined me at DisilgoldSOUL Booth #223. This is where I committed major literary infractions as a Top 5 Literary & Media Mogul, and reported on everyone who was brave enough to stop by. Rumors have circulated that I am the literary paparazzi, and it’s all true!

It will take you approximately 24 minutes to read all 5 parts of “THE BEA STORY 2007″ to be syndicated to millions on the famous AALBC.com (CEO/ Troy Johnson), so sit back, and treat yourself to some lemonade or ice tea, because I’m bringing “The Literary HEAT,” without apology. This one is a scorcher for booklovers that is power packed with name dropping, literary celebrity filled moments and GOOD gossip! Get Ready! If you are an aspiring author, don’t be surprised if you are an exhibitor at the BookExpo 2008 in L.A. It’s the event that makes it happen!

Now on with the show…

The turn out of celebrated guests was an amazing success and historical journey I will treasure forever as well as many visitors who witnessed the largest publishing industry event of the year that brought out over 25,000 industry professionals like Jeff Burns, Associate Editor of Ebony magazine; Harriette Cole (Bestselling Author of VOWS & Creative Director of Ebony magazine), Pat Schroeder (President/CEO of the Association of American Publishers), Haki Madhubuti (Publisher of Third World Press, and bestselling book, the “Covenant with Black America”, Dante Lee (CEO of Diversity City Media who was issued the Business of the Year Award by Black Enterprise), Terrie Williams (CEO of the Terrie Williams Agency) and author of the heavily anticipated upcoming book, Black Pain, Carol Mackey (Editor on Chief of Double Day Entertainment’s Black Expressions Book Club with over 400,000 members), Ann Burns (Library Journal),and Kevin Wayne Johnson (Outstanding author of the Give God to Glory book series) which recently gained international rights and many more guests as you will read about in THE BEA STORY 2007.

As a kindergarten teacher, I was not going to attend the BEA until June 2^nd on a Saturday, for I did not want to miss 2 days with my students who are getting ready to graduate and will be singing a new song I wrote and produced for the third year in a row, but this time entitled, “When I Think of Summer.” However, upon finding out that the African American Pavilion Advisory Board had selected me as a Toni Trent Parker of the Year Award Recipient on behalf of a lady who spent her life dedicating her work to children, I could not resist accepting this award to take back to my students and further inspire them to become young authors. All of my students know the authors in Literary Divas: The Top 100+ Most Admired African American Women in Literature. The Literary Divas collectively earned a NAACP Nomination among literary heavyweights like Tavis Smiley, Barack Obama, Chris Gardener and Hill Harper. Visit my site at www. LiteraryDiva.com for more Literary Divas I have been blessed to meet.

Relentless Aaron (Bestselling author and visionary), whom also shared a Toni Trent Parker of the Year Award shared the same convictions for supporting youth literacy, and I couldn’t be prouder, for he humbly revealed my part as a witness to his rise to success as a best selling author on the streets of New York that I was never going to reveal, so hats of to the humble literary mogul and giant who has surpassed my goals as an author, but we are one with our dedication to the youth which is equivocal, and enough said!

As the Editor-in-Chief of DisilgoldSOUL Magazine over at ww.Disilgold.com, I decided to debut as a first time exhibitor with a publishing company re-launching December 2007, along with several of my YOUnity Guild Award winning authors at Booth #223 like Dorothy Goins ( overwhelming voted as YGA Author of the Year), Harrine Freeman, Dena Silver, Kenda Bell, Jewelene Banks, Yvonne Bridges, Tichaona Chunyelu, Nissa S. Showell, Diane Dorce, Saadia Ali Asheman, Joe James, Rel Dowdell, Francis Ray, Keston Karter, Dream Relations YGA Award winning authors, Venesha, Misha and Michele A. Fletcher. These artists are excelling in multi-genres from Financial, Drama Fiction and Urban Fiction to Screenplays, Poetry, Calendar & Gifts and Mystery and Young Adult novels.

I got tons of calls and e-mails for exhibiting requests, but my heart went out to new award winning authors whom I had the opportunity to recently read and review their books, and from that moment my mission, purpose and goals for attending the BEA were set in literary stone! I e-mailed all of my literary peers, top publishers, bookstores, media and booklovers to let the world know…. BookExpo America here comes Disilgold, of course abridged for “Diamonds, Silver & Gold.” Make no mistake about it, all of the people you read about here are shining like Gold!

When I was asked to emcee of the African American Pavilion Reception & Awards program by the Amber Communications Group, Inc. Family, and the Black Pack Publisher’s BEA pre-show event hosted by AALBC.com’s Troy Johnson, Mosaic Books.com Ron Kavanaugh and Harlem World Magazine’s Daniel Tinsdale on (May 31^st), it gave me the esteemed pleasure to report on these events of the BookExpo, interview celebrated guests with videography provided courtesy of ACGI (Amber Books), and take over 500 snapshots to historically document this great event. Unlike some exhibitors who never bothered to visit the African American Pavilion, I graciously toted my camera over to other mainstream and small press publishing houses to share that African-American literary hospitality.

Troy Johnson and Tony Rose also assisted with taking numerous candid photos that while won’t win a fashion show contest for anyone featured including myself, are historical because who would ever dare to imagine a place and event as grand as the BookExpo affording African American authors an opportunity to showcase their literary works with such grandeur and celebration for all? I hold back a tear because if it drops, there will be a flood on this ocean of success.

It was a pleasure to step back and take account of my personal behind the scene reflections of the BEA, that while minuscule to those who may not have ever read a book by an African-American author are relevant for those who do love the literature that resonates from the heart, mind and souls of people who count in this world. Instead of couples quarreling, one may be reading an AA book. Instead of teens going outside and looking for trouble, one may be nestled indoors while getting cozy with a good book. Instead of one giving up on their dreams, one may read an AA book and write their first novel that becomes their meal ticket out of the hood.

Perhaps, THE BEA STORY 2007 will encourage more readers to delve into African-American literature for its historical place in time. Everyone should savor TIME. For time is our friend and all we’ve got as we share in the grinding hustle and bustle of everyday living. Reading a book slows down life and makes life more sweeter. Reading a book allows each and every one of us to filter into the minds of AUTHORS we treasure with permission.

I must have walked 50 miles each day of the BEA in stilettos, but I cheated by putting on these tacky flat shoes sold in the Bronx and changing into jeans which I believe only a few best selling authors like Shannon Holmes (Dirty Game) and Tee C. Royal (Rawsistaz Bookclub President) caught, and maybe my mother (NAACP Teacher of the Year ), so I was safe from the paparazzi. It feels good to do what I do and remain unscathed like a sacred angel everyone protects.

I also, passed out for just a moment in the arms of bestselling Strebor author, Rique Johnson who visited Disilgold SOUL booth 223 and received fan fare from guests. Thank goodness he was there to catch me from falling. I guess I was overwhelmed with joy and had missed eating enough energy-fueled breakfast foods Authors are guilty of writing and working to maximum capacity, but forgetting to eat at events.

The YOUnity Guild Authors and Phil from AmberBooks.com fed me expensive wrap sandwiches, lemonade and chips. I was pampered and fanned like a literary movie star and I just loved the attention so, I was humbled and grateful for having such beautiful folks around me like the African American Pavilion family, and my dear friends like Carol Hoenig (BookExpo Foreword Magazine’s Author of the Year of “Without Grace”) and Greg Godek (Author of Romantic Questions: 264 Outrageous, Sweet and Profound Questions) who was introduced to me by Tim Brown; Small Press Center Writer’s Roundtable Conference™ founder Hopefully, noone caught these little wardrobe malfunctions and deviations on the hottest, sweltering and must humid week in New York’s history!

Surprising revelations…

I thought that many people had only remembered me as the 2005 and 2006 Publicity Director of Harlem Book Fair, NY, but was surprised to find out how many fans of the Literary Living television show on the Black Family Channel (now available on Comcast Digital Satellite) recognized me as the host of the show.

It was humbling to sign autographs on postcards and author’s books. It was great interviewing publisher’s like Cheryl & Wade Hudson(Just Us Books), Strebor Books International Executive Publisher (Zane) and authors William Frederick Cooper, Che, and Rodney Lofton (Author of heavily anticipated book, “The Day I Stopped Being Pretty”.

I also, interviewed DisilgoldSOUL YOUnity Guild Award winning authors Diane Dorce, Harrine Freeman, Kenda Bell, Dorothy Goins, Dena Silver, Dream Relations Publicity President Dawn Murray, Black Classic Press Publisher Paul W. Coates, Africa World Press Founder Kassahun Checole and many more guests made possible by Tony Rose Executive Producer of the Literary Living Television Show. All I can say to readers of THE BEA STORY 2007, to carefully watch the people mentioned here. They are collectively worth a billion in literary sales!

The Urban Book Source camera crew was very gracious to interview high profile guests as they appeared onto the BookExpo’s “Literary Red Carpet” with recommendation by the DisilgoldSOUL fam, and as newcomers to literary promotion doing an exemplary job discovering the who’s who in publishing. Just some of the “Literary Red Carpet” Guests who were interviewed were Miasha (Author of Mommy’s Angel), Carol Mackey (Founder of Black Expressions Book Club), and a rare appearance by Zane (co-producer with Sylvia Rhone of new movie, Addicted), one of the top grossing books of all time from Zane’s Strebor Books line. The Urban Book Source Documentary is on the way!

So I am convinced this year that like the men, the ladies are ruling the literary market this spring…The ladies of self-publishing who made an impressive debut over at the DisilgoldSOUL Booth#223 were YOUnity Guild Award winning authors, Saadia Ali Asheman (Luscious Lies),Kenda Bell(For Every Love, There is Always a Reason), Nisaa S. Showell (Eternal Souls Clashin’), Tichaona Chinyelu (In the Whirlwind), Harrine Freeman (How to Get Out of Debt), Yvonne Bridges (Everyone Gets Tired), Jewelene Banks (Spider Web), Diane Dorce (Devil in the Mist), Dorothy Goins ( A Woman Scorn’d), Dena Silver (Turning to Prayer) and The Dream Relations PR family of top authors like Miasha (Secret Society, Diary of a Mistress, and Mommy’s Angel; Simon & Schuster), Venesha (Mistress Me;Polka Dotz & Stripez Publishing), Michelle A. Fletcher (Charge it to the Game).

These top ladies in literature attracted over 260 librarians from around the country, signed all of their books, and due to their extreme professionalism, great award winning works, presentation, confidence and overall preparation for the event as marketing savvy entrepreneurs were celebrated with the most renowned and celebrated figures in the literary industry who were very impressed with DisilgoldSOUL signing guests like Ron Kavanaugh (Mosaic Books.com founder), Max Rodriguez (Harlem Book Fair Founder, Publisher of QBR: Black Book Review)), Tony Rose (CEO of Amber Books), Yvonne Rose(Associate Publisher and Editor of Amber Books), Ken Smikley (Publisher of Black Issues Book Review), Terry Nathan (Publishers Marketing Association), Pat Schroeder (Former Congressman Woman and best selling hit author of (24 Years of Housework and this Place is Still a Mess), Carol Hoenig (Book Expo’s Foreword Magazine’s Book of the Year Award Recipient) who has moderated panels at Small Press Center featuring Good Day producers and DisilgoldSOUL side by side with a packed media attended seminar and is also, a top nationwide journalist.

Guests who attracted even more guests just by stopping by their DisilgoldSOUL family were the one and only Haki Madhubuti (Third World Press publisher of The Covenant with Black America edited by Tavis Smiley) and Walter Mosley (Author of “This is the Year You Write Your Novel”) and already at the top of best selling charts.

Haki Madhubuti shared one of his most famous poems entitled, “Fear” at the next day’s African American Pavilion Awards made possible by Tony Rose (Publisher / CEO of Amber Communications Group, Inc.), Adrienne Ingrum (Adrienne Ingrum, LLC), Niani Colom(Associate Publisher of Genesis Press and whom received a standing ovation. I know the work that goes into planning an event of this magnitude as the lady who spearheaded the Literary Pavilion at Circle of Sisters w/ Tony & Yvonne Rose’s guidance. To have Haki share one of his greatest poems is historic.

Tony Rose, a PR guru himself who produced the New Kids on the Block years ago to superstardom before they grew up and went their separate ways, undoubtedly reached many celebrities while promoting the BookExpo. Just one of my favorites I had to stop to greet and an inspiration to me since childhood was Bern Nadette Stanis, outstanding actress on the long time running “Good Times”.

Bern Nadette Stanis showed the DisilgoldSOUL fam much love and was received by an entourage of guest photographers who could not wait to support her latest relationship advice book from The Worthingham Group entitled, “Situations 101″. The teenage heartthrob of men across America, and role model to young girls of yesteryear, who is still as beautiful today with millions of fans, brought along her independently promoted title. Bern Nadette’s book is more than a relationship book, it’s advice from the lady America watched on air for years and may be able to help many couples today. Look for Bern Nadette on tour. The relationship guress is born.

There were several dozen more celebrated visitors who walked down the “The Literary Red Carpet.” Some African-American authors who had busy signing schedules with their big house publishers in other locations of the Book Expo were visited by many exhibitors of the AA Pavilion like rap pioneer and legend, LL Cool J who signed copies of his mega-platinum selling book, “The Platinum Workout.” We received word that he sent acknowledgment and a big hello to his DisilgoldSOUL fam. The no nonsense entertainment mogul is a professional role model for the literary community because he is showing artists how to really their work to its best potential.

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Mel Jackson is an accomplished  actor who has had starring roles in very popular films  such as Soul Food, a Box office success, Zero Tolerance and Deliver Us From Eva among several dozen other roles.

Jackson has also made appearances on  television episodes such as The Parkers.

His distinct look, subtle delivery  of  menacing and calculating lines in his most devious roles to suspenseful detective roles makes him one of the most visible and highly respected actors in Hollywood whose charm, compassion for his craft and versatility are  memorable.

He returns in 2007 with a new book entitled “Keeping the Kitty,” a guide on relationships and tips as shared by his father and just in time for Father’s Day.

 No stranger to marketing savvy, his former title for “Keeping the Kitty” is “Keeping the P—,” which raised eyebrows in the literary arena when the debut version appeared in 2006, but  once you read the book, you’ll see that the Hollywood star may very well have the makings of a book that will be beneficial for men and women on understanding one another.

In 2007, he stars in the movie, “The Black Man’s Guide to Understanding the Black Woman” which is currently still in production, and  in 2008, “A Good Man is Hard to Find,” both highly anticipated movies.

Jackson is also starring in Motives 2, so this is a very big year for Mel who is prepared to take both Hollywood and the literary world by storm. If you want to find out more about Disilgold Signature Magazine Award Cover June Spotlight winner over at www.Disilgold.com, and requested by popular demand, visit the actor’s site.

His latest book can be ordered directly from www.MelJackson.com.

Feel free to leave your comments here for Mr. Mel Jackson and all celebrated guests on the Daily Literary Dish Syndicate.

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