Our Conversation With Terry E. Hill, author of INSIDE THE FALL

He has been called my some the next E. Lynn Harris, but the path for Terry E. Hill to superstar status as an author has been slow in coming. The power he has for the craft, however, could not be stronger. His debut novel INSIDE THE FALL has been repackaged, and now may be just the thing he needed to blaze his own trail on the bestseller's list.

TERRY, THANK YOU FOR TAKING OUT THE TIME TO TALK WITH CONVERSATIONS. THERE IS SO MUCH I WANT TO LET OUR READERS KNOW ABOUT YOUR BOOK INSIDE THE FALL, BUT I WANT TO FIRST INTRODUCE THEM TO YOU. TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF.
There's really not much to tell. I, by design, live a very simple and uncomplicated life. I'm 46 years old and a native of Southern California. For the last 10 years I've lived in Oakland California. I am recently separated from my partner of 15 years who is still my best friend. We co-parent our two dogs Parker and AJ. I have worked in the social services industry for over 15 years as a director of homeless programs and as an advisor to the Mayor of San Francisco on homelessness and poverty issues. I attend the theater as much as possible. The last play I saw was Gem of the Ocean. Loved it but fell asleep and missed half of the second act. I'll watch any Woody Allen until the grooves rub off the DVD and, I might be the only person in the country who loved Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct 2.

THE BOOK WE ARE FOCUSING ON IN THIS INTERVIEW IS ACTUALLY YOUR FIRST NOVEL. WHEN DID YOU REALIZE THAT YOU WERE EVEN INTERESTED IN WRITING? AND TAKING THAT INTEREST INTO ACTUALLY WRITING A NOVEL? HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT? I discovered writing relatively late in my life. I wrote Inside The Fall when I turned 40. One Sunday morning my partner and I were in Church waiting for the service to start. While waiting I mentioned something that happened at work. He thought it was interesting and suggested that I write it down. The following Monday morning I naively sat down at the computer and began to write what I thought would be a short story. Three months later I had the first draft of Inside The Fall.

BEING A FORMER POLICY ADVISOR TO THE MAYOR OF SAN FRANCISCO DEFINITELY GAVE YOU ALOT OF BACKGROUND INTO WHAT WOULD EVENTUALLY BECOME A FIRST NOVEL. WERE YOU AFRAID OF PEOPLE WHO KNEW YOU OR KNEW OF YOU TRYING TO FIND WHAT TRUTH THERE MIGHT BE IN YOUR FICTIONALIZED ACCOUNT?
Never. As you said, it is a work of fiction. Even though I had access to situations that gave me the opportunity to observe politicians in action, none of that ended up in the book. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I have a pretty vivid imagination. Once I had formed the personality of a character in my mind, they took on a life of their own. The characters become independent of my experience which allowed me to passively observe how they behaved in a given situation. For example, Elijah Farrow, the Mayor of San Francisco, is the most dominant character in the book. His personality is a composite of powerful men I've known, including my father. I had a clear picture of who Elijah was before I wrote the first word. His personality dictated his behavior. I became a voyeur. Some of the things Elijah did even shocked me.

WHAT ABOUT THOSE CLOSE TO YOU, TERRY. WHEN YOU SHARED WITH MAYBE FAMILY AND FRIENDS YOUR PLANS TO WRITE A BOOK, WHAT WERE THEIR THOUGHTS?
Let's start with my Mother. I didn't tell her about the book until it was actually published. I sent her a copy and the first question she asked was "Is this book about you?" To her relief I said no. While writing the manuscript I had two friends read it as I progressed. My hidden motive in having them read it was to get them to say "Poor delusional Terry. Why are you wasting you time on this?" so I could pack up my lap top and get on with my life. Neither of them said it though. Instead they pushed me to write more. So I was stuck. Chained to the computer by their seemingly insatiable need to find out how the story would end.

AFTER YOU HAD FINISHED WRITING INSIDE THE FALL, HOW DID YOU DECIDE WHAT PATH YOU WOULD TAKE AS FAR AS PRESENTING IT TO THE WORLD?
Writing the book was the easy part. It took me a year to find an agent and another six months for her to find a publisher. Then there was another six month wait for the book to come out. Since then I've had two great publicist who got exposure for the book.

I HAVE TO TELL YOU, TERRY, THAT I TRY TO DO AS MUCH RESEARCH AS I CAN ABOUT THE PEOPLE I INTERVIEW BEFORE I TALK TO THEM SO I HAVE A MORE COMPLETE PICTURE OF THEM. IN YOUR CASE IT SEEMS AS THOUGH YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STAY UNDER THE RADAR, SO TO SPEAK. WAS THAT SOMETHING CALCULATED THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN MUCH WRITTEN ABOUT YOU? Calculated? I've done everything short of standing naked in front of the White House with a lit sparkler sticking out of every hole in my body to get on the radar. It seems you have to be very rich or very famous to become very rich and very famous. I've had luck with local publication and television interviews that have helped get the word out. Word of mouth has been great. I've probably sold more books just from readers recommending it to friends.





LET'S GET INTO INSIDE THE FALL. FOR ME THE BOOK WAS AN INTRICATE SERIES OF EVENTS THAT WAS STILL AN EASY READ. I WANT TO BEGIN BY TALKING ABOUT THE PRINCIPAL ANTAGONIST, CAMILLE FARROW. DID YOU KNOW WHEN YOU WERE CONTRUCTING THE STORY THAT SHE WOULD HAVE THE QUALITIES THAT WE DISCOVERED ABOUT HER?
Not completely. Camille, the mayor's wife, evolved with the story. You know when you first meet her that she is capable of stooping pretty low to get what she wants. But as the story progresses you begin to wonder if she even has a soul. She's not someone you'd want to run into in a dark alley. She was a fun surprise for me. You either love her or hate her. There's no in-between.

WHAT ABOUT HOW IT SEEMS AS THOUGH IN THE END SHE HAD A CHANGE OF HEART?
Without question, my favorite character is Camille Farrow. She's manipulative, power-hungry and conniving but there are hints throughout the book that she has another side; a side that cares deeply about the plight of disenfranchised people; a side that loves her man even though she outed him and inadvertently contributed to his suicide. She's also vulnerable, lonely and afraid. One has to admire, and in this case, fear a woman who believes so passionately in her goals that she is willing to go to such great lengths to achieve them. I believe she strikes a chord with the book's readers. They feel it socially correct to hate her but I suspect most secretly relate to and are intrigued by her.

THE BACK OF THE BOOK GIVES AWAY THE CRITICAL ELEMENT OF THE STORY WHICH IS THAT THE MAYOR HAS A MALE LOVER. WHAT I FIND INTRIGUING ABOUT IT IS WOULD IT HAVE BEEN HANDLED DIFFERENTLY BY THOSE ON HIS STAFF IF HE HAD A DIFFERENT DEMEANOR?
I think the only way the situation would have been handled differently by staff is if they had found out before the media. The mayor could have been a serial killer who specialized in nuns, but if the media didn't know about it the staff would have simply scheduled his appointments around his killing sprees.

AND DORIAN SINCLAIR? HOW ARE WE TO SEE HIM IN LIGHT OF THE FACT THAT HE BECAME A WILLING PARTICIPANT IN AN AFFAIR, REGARDLESS WHETHER IT WAS WITH A MAN OR WOMAN?
People are complex and Dorian, like all characters in the book has a flaw or flaws. The good in Dorian definitely outweighs the bad. Even though he is a willing participant you can't help but feel a little sorry for him.

CYNTHIA FULTON AND SANDRA KELLY ARE ALSO PIVOTAL CHARACTERS IN MY OPINION. THEY BOTH REPRESENT EXTREME LOYALTY, YET THE HUMAN DESIRE TO WANT TO EXCEL. IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, DO FIND THAT WE NORMALLY FALL IN THE SAME CATEGORIES AS THEY DO WHEN IT'S SOMETHING WE BELIEVE IN?
I made every attempt to construct each character as a multifaceted, multi-dimensional entity. No one is all good or all bad in real like and I tried to do the same in the book. Loyalty and ambition on the surface appear paradoxical. But as you have observed they can, and often times do, exist in the same person. What we see in the book is the internal struggle between these two very powerful forces.

I NOTICED IN THE DEDICATION YOU MENTIONED THOSE WHO "HAVE DEDICATED THEIR LIVES, RESOURCES, CAREERS AND PASSIONS TO SERVING PEOPLE LESS FORTUNATE THAN THEMSELVES." IN INSIDE THE FALL, DO YOU THINK THE REAL VICTIMS WERE THE CHARACTERS WE GOT TO KNOW, OR THE HOMELESS PEOPLE AND PROGRAMS THAT ARE AT THEIR MERCY?
In my opinion everyone in the book, is to some extent, a victim and victimizer.

I FINISHED THE BOOK, TERRY, WITH THE THOUGHT THAT THEIR WERE REALLY SEVERAL "FALLS". WOULD YOU AGREE? You are correct. No one emerges unscathed. For me, "Inside The Fall" is about the demystification of high profile, very powerful American icons. Like many people, I am attracted to men and women who have the ability to accumulate power. It is an admirable skill to be able to convince the masses that you possess some special ability, insight, or absolute sense of what is right simply through the artful manipulation of words and force of your personality. "Inside the Fall" is my attempt to transform two bigger-than-life characters into multi-faceted, complex and vulnerable human beings who, behind closed doors, hurt, cry, hate, make mistakes, fall in love, and fail just like everyone else.

THE BLURB ON THE FRONT OF YOUR BOOK BY TERRIS MCMAHAN GRIMES CALLS YOU "THE NEXT E. LYNN HARRIS." THAT IS A HUGE HONOR AND GREAT PRAISE TO LIVE UP TO. HOW DOES SOMETHING LIKE THAT MAKE YOU FEEL AND WHAT HAS BEEN SOME OF THE OTHER THINGS YOU HAVE HEARD ABOUT YOUR BOOK?
It felt great when I saw the cover for the first time. I am a big fan of E. Lynn Harris's work. The best comment a reviewer made was that she skipped a concert because she didn't want to stop reading it. The worst thing said was that it was "clunky". I'm not sure what that means but I don't like the sound of anything "clunky". Considering the source it might have been a compliment.

FINDING A BOOK LIKE YOURS THAT IS BOTH ENTERTAINING AND THAT ADDRESSES SOCIAL ISSUES IS NOT AN EASY FIND ALL THE TIME. DO YOU THINK YOU HAVE SET A NEW STANDARD WITH YOUR TYPE OF WRITING?
I'm glad you found it to be an entertaining. And yes I did try to make a social statement; but, I would never see myself as a trend setter.

WHO ARE SOME OF THE AUTHORS YOU HAVE ENJOYED READING?
I don't like to read any writer whose sole mission is to remind me of all that is negative in the world. I'd don't need to read about it because I see in everyday. I also have grown weary of books that chronicle how tough it is to be anything that I am. Black, Baptist, gay, etc. Trust me I already know about it. I leave those type books to those folks who are White, straight and atheists and in need of enlightenment. I'm a big mystery fan. Chester Himes, P.D. James, Louis Edwards, Agatha Christie, and Eleanor Taylor Bland are some of my favorites.

AND YOUR NEXT BOOK? IS IT ALREADY IN THE WORKS? WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN WORKING ON?
Inside The Fall is the first book in a series of three about powerful African American men and the troubles they face in relationships. I've just finished the first draft of my next book Come Sunday Morning. It is the story of a wealthy and charismatic Pastor in Los Angeles whose wife has him assassinated so she can take over his church and television ministry.

I'M CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT CAMILLE FARROW WILL DO SINCE THINGS DIDN'T WORK OUT EXACTLY HOW SHE ORIGINALLY PLANNED. DO YOU THINK YOU WILL REVISIT HER AGAIN?
I didn't plan to write a sequel but at every book signing, someone wants to know what will be Camille's fate. Will she be the first female African American mayor of San Francisco? Will she suffer the tragic end they feel she deserves? Will she have an affair with Sandra? So there will be a sequel to Inside The Fall but it won't be released until the trilogy is complete.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER ASPIRING AUTHORS, TERRY?
First I would say to write about what you know. If you knit write about knitting. If you live in Dowagiac Michigan, then place your story in Dowagiac Michigan. If you've lost a spouse then write about the pain of losing a spouse. Also, don't delude yourself into thinking that because you have a good idea or story line that a publisher will overlook poor writing, because they won't. If you can't structure a sentence and clearly convey and idea you should take a course. And finally, edit your work as many times as possible. Then have someone else edit it again before you submit it to publishing houses and agents.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOUR TIME. HOW CAN OUR READERS FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BOOK INSIDE THE FALL?The book can be found at Barnes and Nobles. If it's not on the shelf just ask for it. It can also be purchased on Amazon.com.

Cyrus Webb welcomes his new client author Jermnine Demouchette

In September 1992 a violent inmate named James Demouchette was executed in Texas for the shooting death of an assistant manager and another man at a Houston pizza restaurant on Oct. 17, 1976. Now in 2009, his youngest brother, Jermnine Demouchette, has released a book that not only chronicles his brother's life but offers hope for young people that might be prone to follow in his violent footsteps. James Demouchette vs. the State of Texas is a revealing look into the mind of a violent man whose reputation in and out of prison earned him the moniker of being "Texas' meanest death row inmate." Cyrus Webb is pleased to announce that he has come on board with Demouchette as the Lead Publicist on his marketing team.

"There is no question that James was an evil man," says Jermnine. "The account I give in the book attempts to take the reader into the mind of this sociopath, recounting key events in his violent history. There is also a comprehensive section of documents that shed light on his existence in prison."

In addition to the 1976 murders, James Demouchette was also convicted of fatally stabbing a fellow death row inmate in 1983 and was sentenced to 15 years. He also beat and raped another inmate, stabbed at least two others, twice set fire to his cell and stabbed two guards searching his cell, prison records show.

(International Recording Artist Slim Thug seen above with the powerful biography James Demouchette vs. the State of Texas .)

Why did Jermnine write this book and release it now? He answers this way: "I'm not glorifying the horrible things that my brother did or the life that he led. The book will show young kids this is not the way you want your life to be, using drugs and hurting people.You will end up in jail are on death row like my brother for the rest of your life. I hope that they will learn from my family's experience, take control of their lives and be productive young men and women."

Since its release, the book has already begun to spark discussion with over 20,000 copies sold to date through word of mouth and online. To find out more about Jermnine Demouchette, visit http://www.myspace.com/jamesdemouchette.

The book can be purchased on Amazon at this link: http://www.amazon.com/James-Demouchette-vs-State-Texas/dp/1604941626/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251143403&sr=8-1 or ordered at your local bookstore.

To schedule an interview, speaking engagement or booksigning with Jermnine Demouchette, contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

COMMENTARY: "Entrepreneurs Beware: The Crabs Are Coming!" by Cyrus A. Webb

"Entrepreneurs Beware: The Crabs Are Coming!" by Cyrus A. Webb*



Creative people have so many hurdles to overcome as they strive for success. Not only do they have to convince themselves that their idea and/or plan is worth pursuing, but they also have to deal with the negativity of those on the outside. Let’s face facts: When it comes to the unknown, the only known fact is that nothing is guaranteed. What might appear to be the next big thing today may end up forgotten tomorrow. Again, uncertainty is the only constant.

But let’s say that you have been blessed by the odds and come up with something truly remarkable. You have faith in it and know without a doubt that if it is given a chance, then success is inevitable.

If you reach your goals and see the fruit of your labor, for many the first thing you want to do is share with those who have been supporters along your journey. This could include close friends, relatives or even those who have been role models for you. Is there anything wrong with wanting to share the wealth? Not at all. However there may be dangers lurking around you that have to be identified and addressed.

I call them crabs.

The crab mentality is nothing new. It’s been around since the serpent’s conversation with Eve in the garden of Eden and has only worsened as time has gone by. What is this condition? Let’s first talk about the crab.

Most crabs, no matter where they are found in the world, are made the same way. They have a hard shell, four pairs of legs and a pair of pincers (or grasping claws). It is possible for them to exist together as equals for the most part, but don’t forget that they are hunters. There is not a day that goes by that they are not looking of r new ground to claim or food. It is at this time that their instinctive jealousy kicks in.

Crabs can become so envious of each other that they will do their best to hinder another that seems to be making strides ahead of them. It is impossible for them to know if those ahead will save some of the bounty for them. They can only look at the present, and if there appeared to be competition they just knew they had to stop it, or at least slow it down.

By this time you can probably see where this illustrates what happens in the world of entrepreneurs and other creative individuals. We are fortunate enough to have the ability to reason out situations, unlike crabs. The unfortunate fact is that at times the selfish, animalistic quality they display creeps into out own behavior.

You may have even experienced it yourself. Someone you were close to as you rose to the top of your profession or goal may have begun to “pull” at you. It could be that they tell others your success is changing you, claiming you have become arrogant and difficult to be around. Others may claim it was indeed their hard work and ideas that you took credit for that propelled you above them. Regardless what’s said, the remarks can be hurtful and potentially dangerous to your reputation or brand.

The first thing you have to do to shake off the effect of the crabs is to make sure it’s obvious that what is being said isn’t true. We have many textbook cases of the right and wrong ways to handle this situation.

Look at the well publicized rise,fall and return of M. C. Hammer. There were those around him that believed in his talent as he progressed, yet there were those who were talented that didn’t share that belief. When he reached a level of fame, however, he did his best to bring as many of them along as he could—even to his own detriment. Did they appreciate his generosity? Some did, but the events that followed showed that not all did. When the star that was M.C. Hammer began to fade, then the murmuring began. As he was forced to cut back on his mammoth entourage, it became clear who had Hammer’s best interest at heart.

Another example is that of the R&B greatness that is Destiny’s Child. As a foursome, they broke into the industry as a wildfire, but as two of their original members were gone and replaced and then changes made again, the clawing began. You remember the rumors. They had been propelled into the stratosphere of fame, and it was an opportunity to attack them when trouble was apparent. The sobering thing is that the changes they were making didn’t require our permission and weren’t really our business. The only thing that should concern us is the music—and it has only gotten better over the years.

At times it seems that the public exalts individuals in various fields just to aid their fall from grace—or at least gloat about it. Then you have some underdogs that we rally around, wanting them to beat the odds.

Since we have explored the music industry thus far in this discussion, let’s continue it. Christina Aguilera was discovered to be talented at an early age to the surprise of some and the disappointment of others. Her mother and she have shared accounts of talent shows Christina would enter where she would either win or have girls back out of because of her. It became so vicious that girls would corner her at school and even threaten to slash her mother’s tires.

They finally had to leave town because of the abuse. Hard to believe, isn’t it? It should be. Once her album was released while she was still in high school, friends told an interviewer that at the senior prom that Christina attended they played her first single “Genie in a Bottle” and everyone left the dance floor.

Martha Stewart made her millions by believing she had a knack for turning everyday activities into a “good thing”. Whether it was cooking, decorating or outdoor projects, Martha seemed to offer unique techniques that were always fascinating to watch even if you had no intentions of doing them yourself. She was reviled in the press and lampooned regularly, but her empire was only expanding. Even she made fun of the image of her that was portrayed.

Donald Trump has been a man surround by intrigue and scandal for many years, due to his business dealings and personal decisions. Not even a painful and public divorce or bankruptcy could stop him from becoming one of the most powerful men in business. And who could ever forget The Apprentice?

All of the people I’ve mentioned were plagued with crabs, but they were able to overcome the pulls at their brand and keep going. You can do the same thing, it just takes the correct mindset. I don’t want you to take from this that adversity is completely bad. We all need to be refined, tested. The challenge will be how you come through it—if you make it through.

Hammer. Christina. Martha. Destiny’s Child. Trump. Each emerged bigger and better. How did they do it?

1) NO MAN IS AN ISLAND. I must admit to you that this is an everyday struggle for me. I have admitted before that I am a control freak. It’s hard for me to let others do something that I feel like I can do better, especially when it’s going to affect my brand. The problem is that this mentality only attracts the crabs. There comes a time when you have to be able to let go a bit and trust.

All five of the examples I cited have trusted individuals around them that have been with them for years. How this differs from what Hammer did is that they realized that not every person has their best interest at heart. May seem like a complicated distinction, but it’s really not. It is one thing to have people that supported you before the success hit and want to continue the alliance. It is another thing altogether to have people who weren’t part of your support system around you and you feel obligated to work with them. Any obligation should be mutual. They should want to see you excel, and you should want them to advance right along with you.

Trusting is always a gamble, but it is a must in a successful business. Will you make the wrong choices at times? Definitely. But learn from them.

2) DON’T LET THE INJURY PROVE TO BE FATAL. This is an obvious transition from the first point. Whether it’s because of a choice you made or because of outside forces, you will occasionally be pinched. When this happens you will be forced to make a decision. You can either get your bearings back and continue forward, or allow it to cause you to regress, becoming the target of other crabs until you’re either at the bottom or destroyed.

May seem like an easy choice but unfortunately it’s not as easy as it seems.

No setback is pleasant, but when it comes from an unlikely source it can be devastating. I’ve learned from personal experience that you have to accept it and quickly continue on your course. Dwelling on it will only make you vulnerable. And crabs will only sense the weakness and attempt to capitalize on it. Never admit defeat.

No matter what your brand may consist of, just know that it can survive the tests. In the end, regardless of what may come your way, know that success or failure will ultimately belong to you.

If that doesn’t empower you then nothing will.

* Cyrus A. Webb is the President of Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club, host of Conversations LIVE! Radio and the upcoming literary reality show The Write Stuff. He can be reached at cawebb4@juno.com.

Book Club President Vows To Continue The Dialogue Started by Platinum-Selling Recording Artist/Bestselling Author C-Murder

Book Club President Vows To Continue The Dialogue Started by Platinum-Selling Recording Artist/Bestselling Author C-Murder

On Friday, August 14, 2009 Platinum-selling recording artist/bestselling author Corey "C-Murder" Miller was sentenced to life without parole after being found guilty of murder earlier in the week. This is the second time that Miller, who maintains his innocence, has been found convicted of this crime; however, over the past few years he has begun a dialogue through his work that is not going to be stopped. Part of the movement to keep Miller's positive influence on the world alive will be led by Cyrus A. Webb, President of Shadow Play Entertainment/Conversations Book Club and the host of Conversations LIVE! Radio.

"Cee has managed to do something that few in Hip Hop have accomplished," says Webb,34. "He made it cool to read and to believe that no matter what you have done in your life, it's never too late for you to make a difference."

Webb first began corresponding with Miller in late 2006 after the release of his book DEATH AROUND THE CORNER. (Read the full story of how the two of them have worked together to push a literary revolution over the past three years here.

Though from two seemingly different worlds, both Miller and Webb found common ground in the story that was told in DEATH. "I was so impressed by how he shared parts of his life and the lessons he had learned in the book while also writing a book that people of all walks of life could appreciate," says Webb. DEATH (publshed as the first book on Vibe's Street Lit line and distributed by Kensington Publishing) sold tens of thousands of copy through C-Murder's Myspace page alone.

After holding one booksigning in New Orleans, Miller began working with Webb in 2007 in doing book discussions interviews about the book in order to get the world out. The two eventually got permission to tour with the book, selling hundreds of copies and getting others involved in the storyline and the messages that the novel brought to the light.

When asked about his support of Miller in spite of the controversy and legal woes surrounding him, Webb had this to say: "One of the things I have learned from Cee is that he has no problem taking responsibility for what he has done wrong in his life. He has never made excuses, and tries to use his skills as an artist and author to show a better way than what he chose at times. If he says he is not guilty of something he is accused of, I have no reason to doubt him."

To make sure that the work that Miller did is not forgotten or stopped, Webb is reaching out to his family as well as other authors and community leaders in New Orleans and to see how his organization (Shadow Play Entertainment) can continue to keep the light on issues that mattered to him. At the top of Webb's list are projects geared at promoting literacy and addressing violence.

"In April 2009 Cee held a press conference addressing the issue of senseless violence," says Webb. "In a statement read at the event, he said 'I stand before you today a new man that's ready, willing, able to do everything in my power to bring an end to these senseless murders. Get it right, this movement is not about Corey Miller, or anything other person. It's about our kids, our future, and our safety.' That is why I feel like it would be a great disservice to New Orleans and the world to let this go undone."

Another way Webb will be keeping Miller going and relevant is by allowing him to speak in his own voice to the world. Webb was able to be a part of exclusive discussions and interviews with the recording artist/author that he has been making available over the past year. "Because of a gag order, Cee wasn't able to speak much to the public, but in the videos and radio interviews we are sharing, you get to hear him talk about himself, his work and his convictions.

Miller was chosen as Conversations Book Club's Most Fascinating Author of 2008. Here is a radio interview done to mark the event. (Platinum-selling recording artist C-Murder speaks on literacy, his name, more here: http://bit.ly/KVb3H )

When Conversations began its book club chapter in New Orleans (in 2008), C-Murder was the first author discussed. Below are never-before-seen videos of that book club discussion where over 40 men and women came together for the meeting.





What does Webb hope all of this accomplishes? "I just want people to know the man that I got to know through these events and discussions," he says. "I know that sometimes the story told in the media might be exciting and intriguing, but it is not always the whole story. We have to be open to all sides, or we'll never be able to make an informed decision about anything. If I've learned nothing else from my time with C-Murder, that would be the biggest lesson."

For more information about Webb and his upcoming projects, email him at cawebb4@juno.com or visit www.cyruswebb.com. To see how he continues to promote the causes involving C-Murder, bookmark www.thebestbookclub.info.

BREAKING NEWS: Cyrus Webb Arrested...

...for having a big heart!

This summer an arrest warrant was issued for Cyrus Webb and other caring individuals who wanted to use their connections and friendships to make a difference for a worthy cause.

They were ushered to the St. Jude Jail, given cell phones and asked to get pledges.

This was Webb's second "arrest", however, he is a proud supporter of other causes such as HIV/AIDS Awareness, organizations that work with those dealing with domestic and substance abuse as well as anything promoting literacy.

So don't be surprised if you get a call from Webb asking you to "bail" him out---or he might just "turn you in" for having a big heart as well.

Literary Soldiers Wage War Against Illiteracy

There's a powerful movement taking place across the world, and the battle that is ensuing involves everyone. It is a fight against illiteracy. One of the Generals in the war is Mississippi native 34 year-old multi-media personality Cyrus A. Webb (seen below with bestselling author Darden North at a book discussion in Waldenbooks).

"With so much going on in the world it's easy to forget how many lives are being affected by not being able to read and write well," says Webb, but he is determined to use the various platforms he is given to not only keep the awareness on literacy but bring others together to do the same.

In May 2009, ABC News reported that about 30 million Americans have trouble reading and writing. "There is no way I can reach all the people that need help," Webb admits, "but I am taking advantage of every opportunity to not only mention the problem but network with individuals who care about being a part of the solution."

Since 1999, Webb (seen below with a classroom and associates at Pearl High School in Mississippi) has been working in classrooms promoting visual and literary art and made his services available to non-profit organizations and others who wish to shine an all-important light on the subject and importance of reading. "Mississippi has had one of the highest rates for illiteracy, teenage pregnancy, obesity and high school drop-outs for a number of years," says Webb. "This is something that has to be addressed on a daily bases. Those who have been given a voice have to use it in order to make a difference and impact the lives of as many as they can."

Through his radio and television show, bi-monthly Conversations Magazine, the numerous chapters of the Conversations Book Club, his blog as well as articles and commentaries, he is introducing the world to authors of various genres and interests as well as discussing ways that those who are readers and non-readers can come together and join what Webb refers to as an "addiction to books."

He realizes that there is no one way to address the problem. "We all like different things," Webb says, "so it is our job as literary soldiers to find ways in order to reach those who are in need of help." Publications such as Crunk Magazine, Hype Magazine, S.T.I.L.L. Magazine and Nu South Magazines have also enlisted into the service to promote the importance of reading.


In order to tie all of his literary components together, Webb (seen above during a book discussion of Platinum-selling recording artist Corey "C-Murder" Miller's bestselling novel DEATH AROUND THE CORNER at Barnes & Noble) created the "Do The Write Thang" Campaign (see http://www.dothewritethang.com) Thus far Webb has joined with allies in over 30 states, including bestselling and up-and-coming authors, celebrities in tv and radio as well as recognizable names and faces in sports(including Tray Cheney of HBO's The Wire, Derrick Hargrove of MTV 50 CENT: The Money & The Power, Korto Momolu of Bravo's Project Runway, numerous cast members from VH1's I WANT TO WORK FOR DIDDY, Recording artists Nappy Roots and more). They are hosting and supporting what are called "Reading Parties" that provide networking for book lovers but also discussions as to how we can work together in order to help others. Webb is also hosting a series of town-hall style meetings in-person and through his radio show addressing issues that everyone are dealing with, offering solutions along the way.

One of the most popular tools that Webb is utilizing is a touring event called "Art, Books & Beats" (http://www.artbooksandbeats.com) During these events those involved in the various forms of the arts can come together with musicians and authors/booksellers to create an atmosphere that will attract a variety of groups that may not otherwise come together. Admission is free to these events. HunidRacks Energy Drink based out of California is the official energy drink of the literary campaign.

In order to cover travel, lodging and venue costs during this literary warfare, Webb is donating 50% of his artwork sales, 100% of his Hip Hop & Books compilation cd sales as well as 100% of his organization's newest Word Search book (available beginning Friday, August 7, 2009) to help take ocaer of the expenses. A website has also been setup using Give Forward in Chicago, IL (www.giveforward.org/thewritestuff).

For more information about the war Cyrus A. Webb and his associates are waging against illiteracy, contact Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. Also visit http://www.dothewritethang.com.