EDC1Creations's Blog

ntimate Conversation with VegasClarke 
Hosted by Ella Curry, Black Pearls Magazine

Authors, VegasClarke demonstrate that opposites attract.  VEGAS entered a life of crime beginning at the age of thirteen.  Selling drugs was all he came to know which finally landed him a 78-month sentence in the Federal Prison System. During his incarceration, he was able to cope with his time and mature through writing. He put his heart into manifesting urban tales, poetry, and songs. He is currently pursuing his degree in Business Administration and working on the sequel to Snitch. Vegas believes that it is never too late to change his life. On the other hand, in order to change, one has to be willing to change he often tells his fan base.

CLARKE developed a passion for writing while becoming an avid reader of all kinds of fiction. Once Vegas and Clarke were reunited, they were able to combine Vegas' street smarts and Clarke's school smarts, creating literary magic while focusing on real-life realities. Clarke graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Communications Studies with a minor in Pan-African Studies. Since then she has changed fields and works in Corporate America, where she is working on a Masters in Business Administration. 

VegasClarke spend time working on future novels while residing in Cleveland, Ohio with their two children. Visit their website for more details and event listings: www.vegasclarke.com. 

Listen to the 2011 LCB Book Launch Party, here: http://bit.ly/h4Z3KJ

BPM: Finish this sentence-  “Our writing offers the following legacy to future readers...”
Our writing offers the following legacy to future readers...because it is a tale of history repeating itself.  There will be many more Drapes, Shorty’s, and Dionas in the future. Our writing offers a sense of realism with street credibility. Being though we are a writing duo, readers can anticipate always getting the female and male perspective of things.

BPM: What specific situation prompted you to write your book, SNITCH?
Vegas- Quentin Carter and I were cell mates in prison so while watching him write his book, Hoodwinked it inspired me. I also wanted to write about things that people could relate to in my community.

Clarke- I wanted to write about things that women could relate to and raise awareness about the issues that women go through. While dealing with certain situations, women have to maintain their dignity and strength at all times.

Check out the SNITCH video book introduction, here:  http://bit.ly/exeRWB

BPM: Introduce us to your book, SNITCH, and the main characters. 
Our novel, appropriately titled SNITCH  discusses what goes on in the real world when many people are caught up and their backs are against the wall. Some of us have to make a decision on whether to snitch or not. Many times, people snitch on their closest friends, even family. 

SNITCH is a sexy urban tale that will make you think twice about who you can trust. It all begins with César Lopez aka Drape, a savvy street hustler who thinks he’s on top of the world. He has no plans of relinquishing his crown as King Pen of the Streets; but the love of his life Diona has a different agenda. 

The drug game becomes a gamble when fast money, sex, and violence all collide and the chips fall hard. In comes Shorty, a gangsta chick with a bodacious body ready to betray anyone who threatens her livelihood. Love, trust, and loyalty are tested in this wild tale of sex and deception. Eventually, Drape’s back is against the wall and classified information gets exposed. Soon, no one know what side they’re on …but best believe they’ll pay a hefty price; jail time or death. Who will be this hustler’s downfall? 

The main characters are Drape, Shorty, and Diona. Drape is a guy who is from the streets and heads a crew called the Scrilla Boys. Drape is attractive, has money, cars, but he lets the streets get the best of him. 

Shorty is Drape’s ride or die chick, which has been in love with him for years. She is willing to do anything for Drape; however she can’t understand why he won’t make a commitment to her. Of course in real life, there’s always a woman lurking somewhere just waiting to scoop your man up! 

Diona, Drape’s main lady aka “wifey,” comes from the suburbs and happens to fall in love with a “bad boy,” going against the wishes of her family. She endures many lonely nights, cheating and being left alone with a baby. Even though she is not from the streets, she deals with much drama because of the streets.

BPM: Are your characters in SNITCH from the portrayal of real people?
They were based on a conglomeration of different people, except Drape. We took different people and meshed them all together to create three dimensional characters. It’s kind of like taking four people and creating the one perfect mate (smile).

BPM: What specific issues do you address in this book?
The tactics used by police officials to catch criminals are horrific, but they’re real. From reading this book you’ll be able to spot sneaky cops a mile away. We’ll collect our tip money later (smile). In addition, the betrayal vs. loyalty factor is huge. It addresses and relates to different types of relationships; husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, best friends, and the list goes on.

BPM: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book?
We want more than anything for readers to gain awareness about true friendship as well as being entertained and fulfilled at the end of the book. We want the readers to think about our characters as if they’re real and wonder what will happen next.

BPM: What makes SNITCH different from others on the same subject?
Well, I don’t really know personally the other authors who have written novels about this topic, however what can be said is this I have lived in the gutter my whole life and have committed many crimes. So I know one thing for sure,  I have been snitched on and my credibility is rather high for the nature of content for this book (Vegas). 

Even though it is fiction, this book is also different because many other authors are out of touch with what really goes on in the streets and the reality. In order to raise awareness, people want to be able to relate in some type of way, no matter how big or small.

BPM: How can our readers reach you both online? 
Readers can contact us on facebook/vegasclarkeauthors,&n bsp;  twitter/vegsclarke,  our website at: www.vegasclarke.com  and our email is:  vegasclarke@vegasclarke.com  or vegasclarke@rocketmail.com.   

Order SNITCH  by VegasClarke  Today!
ISBN-10: 1934230766 
ISBN-13: 978-1934230763
http://www.amazon.com/Snitch-VegasClarke/dp/1934230766 

Intimate Conversation with Kendall Banks
Hosted by Ella Curry, Black Pearls Magazine

Kendall Banks, author of bestselling author of Rich Girls (2009) and the soon to be released One Night Stand (March, 2011), is offering the reader a glimpse at the consequences of cheating. In addition, after reading One Night Stand you’ll realize that sleeping with someone you don’t really know can have a life changing effect. Check out excerpts from her books on the publisher's website at: www.lifechangingbooks.net.  

BPM: Kendall tell us about your passion for writing. What impact do you want your book, One Night Stand,  to make on the readers?  
My passion is simple. Telling it like it is. I’m such a realist. I yearn to write about things that are really happening in life; especially in relationships. I’ve had enough crazy relationships to be an expert at this point. Okay, I had to stop and laugh. Laughing makes the pain go away. But seriously, I just want my readers to learn from my writing. Let the do’s and don’ts of relationships, marriage, and commitment meditate in your heart. Take what I write as a warning because Lord knows if you run across one of my characters in real life…you’d better take off sprinting! 

Listen to the 2011 LCB Book Launch Party, here: http://bit.ly/h4Z3KJ

Check out the Video Introduction for  One Night Stand by Kendall Banks, here: http://bit.ly/e1Uu8W

BPM: Finish this sentence- “My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...”
My writing offers the following legacy to future readers and youth headed toward adulthood….my writing is on the wall…literary…le arn to stay monogamous. We as parents, authors, and society as a whole are helping to raise our youth. They will someday read- One Night Stand and think…what? Is this real! Could this really happen! Would my husband do that? Will I be tempted to cheat? The answer is yes. Now, what will you do about it?

BPM: Give us a peek inside your latest novel, One Night Stand. 
This book is like no other, so I’ve been told. One Night Stand explores both the male and female after effect of a One Night Stand. In fairy tale land both parties have great sex and go home to peace. In this book the gritty truth is revealed. From smashing up cars, to court dates, to kidnapping, to border-line divorce; are all implications that one night of pleasure can lead to a lifetime of misery. 

BPM: Introduce us to the main characters in One Night Stand.
The main characters are Zaria (lonely woman in her thirties with mental issues) and Gerald Hardy (male womanizer who’s married and thought to be untouchable) (Milan), Zaria’s room-mate who’s beautiful and desperately trying to flee from Zaria and her over the top ways. (Dana) Hardy’s wife who doesn’t believe nothing he says. However, doesn’t realize she’s in danger. 

Zaria, who’s always looking for love falls head over heels for Hardy, a man she met only once. His routine is to sleep with women, then forget he ever met them. Problem…Zaria refused to be played. In addition, Hardy never took the time to explore Zaria’s background. 

BPM: Who were your favorites? Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
My favorite character was Hardy. Since I’m a woman, so it was fun to write his parts from a male perspective. He’s off the chain and will give women some insight as to what men are thinking. This is beyond info put into Steve Harvey’s book. This is straight talk with no chaser. Many men were questioned to assist with material to write his parts. 

The aspects of realism come from too many parts of the book. I’ve been sworn to secrecy, so can’t say. The only thing I can tell you is that a lot of Hardy’s behaviors are real and the consequence has been changed to protect the innocent. Go ahead, “say, ahhhh.” Drool at the mouth and then go to Amazon to order your copy. 

BPM: Were there things from "your world" incorporated into this storyline? 
Absolutely, I’ve been hurt so many times in life. But one relationship put the icing on the cake. I was lied to, pounced on, and treated like less than a human being. It was hard to walk the other way, so yes, a little payback was needed. Some of the crazy things I did over the years make me want to cringe now. I’m a little older, more mature so I choose to let things go. However, I wouldn’t suggest that a brotha try this mess with me in 2011.

BPM: What specific revelation prompted you to write One Night Stand?
The revelation that the world would be a better place if cheaters were exposed gave me inspiration. What about a database like we have for sex offenders? LOL! I’ve already begun working on a handbook titled, “Rules for One Night Stands”.

BPM: What are two juicy events taking place? 
One initial event that lets you know that Zaria is a sick puppy is when Zaria goes to a club and sees that an attractive man has eyes for her. She instantly speeds of the relationship and assumes they will be a couple. Instantly, she digs her claws into him, claiming him as her own. He doesn’t realize she’s more than needy. She has emotional issues and eventually shows out at the club claiming that some woman wants her man. 

Another event is when Hardy , the man Zaria has one of her One Night Stands with realizes he can’t just have a good time for one night and get away with it. His family is threatened and things spiral out of control all too quick. Even with the police involved, no one can stop Zaria after feeling like she’s been hurt one time too many. 

BPM: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message within?
I would like to reach men and women, of all ages. It’s important to know who you’re dealing with sexually. If he or she is married, turn the other way It only leads to the break-up of families and sometimes…someone&rsquo ;s bones

BPM: How will reading your book shape the reader's life? 
If I am discussing them in any way, hopefully they will see themselves. The whole One Night Stand situation can’t be good on any level. Think about it, you’ll have one night of good sex…maybe! Then what? Let this be a lesson. ..Good things in life come from hard work. Spend time with a person, before sex. Try to figure out if they are a good match for you just in case you get married later and have children. 

BPM: What was the most powerful chapter for you to write?
The chapter where Zaria realizes that Hardy really doesn’t want her. It was like she was in super duper denial. Why can’t we as women see when a man doesn’t want us?

BPM: What makes your book different from others on the same subject?
Mine is different because it brings the truth out. I don’t sugar coat anything. It’s raw at times but also entertaining. It hasn’t even officially been released yet has people talking everywhere. I’m sure it’ll be a Urban Lit classic. 

BPM: Share with us your latest news or upcoming book releases.
My book will be released on March 5, 2011. I’m looking forward to sell-outs everywhere. So pleaseeeee pre-order now. In the meantime, check out my first book- Rich Girls written in 2009 at www.lifechangingbooks.net   

BPM: How can our readers reach you online? 
Readers can reach me on FaceBook (Kendall Banks). I don’t have my website yet…but for now check me out on: www.Lifechangingbooks.net.  I’m hoping readers will contribute comments and suggestions to my handbook on , Rules for One Night Stands.

All Best!
Kendall, The One Night Stand Specialist

Order One Night Stand by Kendall Banks
ISBN: 193423026X
http://www.amazon.com/One-Nigh t-Stand-Kendall-Banks/dp/19342 3026X

Intimate Conversation with Author Carla S. Pennington
Hosted by Ella Curry, Black Pearls Magazine

Author Carla S. Pennington was born and raised in Prichard, Alabama where she continues to reside with her family. In 1995, she graduated from Mattie T. Blount High School, an all black school. She became a teen mother in 1992 and was advised that she couldn’t return to school for an entire semester after giving birth. This devastated Carla, but she refused to be held back. Her dedication and hard work paid off. She ranked number five in her graduating class and received an advanced diploma with honors.

In 1996, Carla was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Over the years, the disease has halted her, but she refuses to let it stop her. She is currently working on a number of other projects that she plans to have published in the near future.

In 2002, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a concentration in journalism from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. After graduation, Carla decided not to pursue her career in journalism. Her heart and mind were elsewhere. She wanted to write fiction novels and short stories, something that she had been doing since she was a young girl.

In 2005, Carla published her first novel, Fling and from there several short stories which appeared in anthologies across the country. Finally, she landed a book deal with Life Changing Books which released the wildly anticipated novel, the Available Wife in January 2011.  Readers can reach author Carla S. Pennington on FaceBook and Twitter as: carlapennington.   Email address:  carlapennington@hotmail.com

Listen to the 2011 LCB Book Launch Party, here: http://bit.ly/h4Z3KJ

BPM: Carla, tell us about your passion for writing. What impact do you want your book, The Available Wife, to make?
Carla: My passion for writing began when I was in elementary school. Once I started reading, I became fascinated with words. At first, I was into poetry and that turned into short stories and that turned into full length books. I write because it feels good. Writing is a de-stressor for me, my escape from reality. It’s my drug of choice. What drives me to write is the fact that I can write what I want. It’s my choice to do a love story, an erotic piece, an abusive relationship, etc. The impact that I want my book to make on readers is: “I want to read more books by this author. She is fire!”

BPM: Finish this sentence- “My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...”
Carla: My writing offers the following legacy to future readers and authors: to the readers, read with your eyes AND mind open. To the authors, be you at all times. If you can imagine or think it, you should write it. You should never be afraid of your imagination and thoughts. That is what makes you stand out from the rest.

BPM: Introduce us to The Available Wife and Niquole Wright.
Carla: Niquole Wright seems to have it all; a loyal and devoted husband, two children and a rising record label that she dedicates more time to than her family. Everything is perfect except for one thing...her husband Germaine. She has run her course with him and he needs to be replaced. When the handsome and seductive Kingston enters her life, he becomes the perfect substitute. Clueless to his wife's plan, Germaine continues to be a loving naive husband while Niquole's full blown affair quickly becomes her obsession.

Desperate to start a new life with her new man, Niquole does everything in her power to push Germaine out of the picture. However, little does she know Kingston plans are different from hers. Sit back and see what happens when a wife learns that the price of betrayal can have a shattering toll.

With this book, I am offering the reader a chance to explore the side of a selfish adulterer, an emotionally abused husband, a dysfunctional mother/daughter relationship. The list goes on.

BPM: Take us inside the book. What are two major events taking place?
Carla: Two major events that take place are when the Germaine finally decides to leave after years of emotional abuse and when Kingston, the lover, reveals his ulterior motives to Niquole. This is a shocker especially since Niquole didn’t care what his motives were. She still wants to be with him.

BPM: Who are your main characters? Give us a little bit of the back story in The Available Wife.
Carla: The main characters are Niquole (the record label owner and adulteress), Kingston (Niquole’s lover), Germaine (Niquole’s husband), Meagan (Niquole’s assistant) and Jalisa (Niquole’s best friend).

Niquole is unhappy with her spouse. She falls head over heels for Kingston who doesn’t possess the same feelings that she has for him. Niquole comes from a once happy home and blames her mother for making it unhappy by kicking her father out when she was a teen. She’s looking for love, but going about it in the wrong way.

BPM: Who were your favorites? Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
Carla: My favorite characters were Niquole and Meagan. Although I didn’t agree with the way Niquole went about getting what she wanted, I did admire her will to go get it. I guess I can say some of Niquole is some of me but not the crazy stuff though.

Meagan is one of my favorites because she played Niquole ‘til the very end. Niquole is supposed to be this sharp chic who was screwed over by her assistant. It’s always fun to see someone like Niquole, a villain, get screwed over.

BPM: Were there people or experiences from "your world" incorporated into this storyline?
Carla: I originally wanted this to be a love story with a not so happy ending as I’ve seen happen on a number of occasions. As I dug deeper into the writing, my direction changed. I began thinking about a few dysfunctional relationships that some of my girl and guy friends as well as I have had where we thought we were in love and vice versa. Some of the crazy thoughts we shared amongst each other over the years swarmed my head so the entire concept of the book was changed. So, I guess you can say that some of my world was incorporated into the storyline.

BPM: Who do you want to reach with The Available Wife ?
Carla: I would like to reach men and women, young or old. Don’t lie! Don’t keep secrets! Someone will always get hurt if you do. If you’re on a relationship where you’re being abused, Get out! If you’re in a relationship that you don’t want to be in, Get out!

BPM: What are some of the specific issues addressed in The Available Wife?
Carla: Adultery, lack of communication in marriages, betrayal, collective lies, family secrets are all discussed in the book. You can’t make someone love you and you have to love yourself first before you can love another.

BPM: What was the most powerful chapter for you to write?
Carla: I’m not sure which chapter it is now because of the formatting but the most powerful chapter for me to write was the one when Germaine uses reverse psychology on Niquole to make her reveal a huge secret. Later that night, she tries to seduce him hoping her actions will keep him from revealing her secret to others. He lets her know that he knows what she is doing. Her plan backfires and he makes he go through with her original plan. She hates it. He regains control.

BPM: What makes your book different from others on the same subject?
Carla: I think what makes my book unique is that I haven’t come across many that deal with domestic abuse toward men. Women are always perceived as the victims when it comes to domestic abuse, but men are being abused as well. For men, abuse is a current problem but a hidden crime.

BPM: How can our readers reach you online?
Readers can reach me on FaceBook and Twitter as: carlapennington. Email address: carlapennington@hotmail.com

Thanks Ella and Black Pearls Magazine for the wonderful interview segment!
Carla S. Pennington, author of The Available Wife

Order The Available Wife today!
ISBN-10: 1934230170 
ISBN-13: 978-1934230176
Life Changing Books - www.lifechangingbooks.net
 

Available today on Amazon Online
http://www.amazon.com/Availabl e-Wife-Carla-Pennington/dp/193 4230170

Inside a Writer's World - Meet Author Danette Majette
Hosted by Ella Curry, of Black Pearls Magazine

Danette Majette was born in Long Branch, New Jersey, and moved to Norfolk, Virginia when she was five. After graduating from high school and going into the U.S. Marine Corps, Danette's love for fashion led her to Nordstrom where she worked as a manager. It was there that she was advised be a friend and co-worker to write her first novel "I Shoulda Seen It Comin' which debuted in 2005. She followed this success two years later with her second novel 'Deep" which successfully made the Essence Magazine bestseller list in 2008. She released her third novel “Good Girl Gone Bad’ in April 2010.

After living in the Washington D.C. area for ten years, Danette moved to the Raleigh, N.C. area with her two children, Bryan Majette and Marketa Salley. Marketa is a featured author in LCB’S Teenage Bluez. A series of urban short stories written for and by teens. Her fourth novel 'Bitter' is set to be released in February 2011.

Listen to the 2011 LCB Book Launch Party, here: http://bit.ly/h4Z3KJ

BPM:    Finish this sentence: I am Powerful because...
I am Powerful because...I have proven that you can take negative experiences in life and turn them into positive ones.

BPM:   How has your experience been as a female author writing Urban Literature?
It has been great. I’ve learned a lot, experienced a great deal, and continue to grind everyday.

BPM:   What is the most surprising thing you have learned while publishing books?
I think a lot of people come into this business as I did thinking it's a piece of cake but it really isn't. From the creative aspect to the revising and marketing of the book requires dedication and perseverance. It's even difficult at times. Of course, at the end of the day it's worth it.

BPM:   What would you say has been your most significant achievement as a writer?
My second book "Deep" made the Essence Magazine Best Seller List in March 2008. It was a great honor.

BPM:   Danette please introduce us to your new book, Bitter.
Reese Kennedy, is a controversial radio talk-show host who was on top of the world when she was married and living the glamorous life. That is until her husband Eric, a former NBA player, leaves for her for a much younger woman. After a nasty divorce, Reese takes her frustration out on every man by bashing them on her show and soon becomes the most hated woman in Dallas. Just when Reese thinks she s completely fed up with men, a handsome and charismatic investor named Xavier walks into her life. Trying her best to adjust to love again, Reese finally puts her guards down until she suddenly finds herself on death s door. The phrase keep your enemies close will take on a new meaning when an awful truth is revealed and Reese quickly learns that she s not the only one who s bitter.

BPM:   Danette what are some of the topics that you focused on in Bitter?
1. Baby Momma Drama:  A lot of people go through this. There are women who just refuse to let go of an ex-husband or spouse they have a child with. Especially if they’ve moved on with someone else and the person is the reason for the break-up with the ex. They seem to become even more enraged if the child likes the other woman. In an effort to get back at the men, some women use the child as a bargaining chip, show up at the ex’s house screaming and cussing, and often start fights with the other woman and all for what. Its ridiculous but it’s very common. How do you deal with this? And how does it affect the child?
 
2. Stalkers: There are a lot of sick people in the world. Stalkers are in that group. There are many reasons why people stalk someone but in my book Reese is being stalked by someone who has a vendetta against her. The person is resentful and gets even more motivated to stalk her when he or she sees how frighten and stressed Reese becomes.

3. Putting your trust in the wrong person:  It so hard to know who you should trust and who you shouldn’t trust these days. People come off so sweet and loving but you soon find out that the person is the total opposite of what you thought they were. Let’s face it…some people are good actors. Then throw in the mix you trusted someone who caused irreparable damage to you or your family members. You feel betrayed because you trusted someone who you later find out isn’t who or what they said they were and in some accounts turned out to be the devil in disguise. You then feel guilty for allowing this person into your circle because you not only put yourself at risk you also put your family and friends in harms way.

BPM:   What makes your books stand out and would entice a reader pick it up?
I think my covers and the title of the books will peak the reader's curiosity and entice them to pick my book up. Society has shown us that drama sells, therefore everyone wants to know the story behind what made these good women turn bad. Believe me…it’s a crazy ride!

BPM:   Should every Urban Lit book be a "cautionary" tale of sorts? Should they have a moral or message?
Not necessarily…it depends on the author’s intent.  I can’t speak for other authors, but I like to send a message in my books. I want to not only entertain my readers but give them information that may help them if they’re in the same situation as one of my characters. Although we read novels for enjoyment there are many teachable moments.

BPM:   Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your books?
I’d like for my readers to walk away with a sense of compassion for another woman’s issues. So many of us like to judge, yet we don’t realize we could be the one in that situation. In addition, use Good Girl Gone Bad as a precautionary tale. These ladies found a solution to their problem…just not a legal one. Beware and most definitely…do not follow in their footsteps.

BPM:    What advice would you give a new writer?
Start by taking some creative writing classes. Also they should read different styles of writing from other authors then craft their own style.

BPM:   What would you change about the publishing business and why?
I would increase the amount shelf space for African-American titles. There are so many books out there that when your book hits the shelves it’s got to sell like crazy or be replaced within a month or two by the next hot, new book.

BPM:   How may our fans contact you for book signings or speaking engagements?
Danette Majette
Email: dcmajette@gmail.com

Purchase Bitter  by Danette Majette
ISBN-10: 1934230278
http://www.amazon.com/Bitter-D anette-Majette/dp/1934230278