Cyrus Webb and Conversations Reveal The "Top 100 Books of 2010"

 

Cyrus Webb and Conversations Magazine Reveal The "Top 100 Books of 2010"

 

Since 2008 Conversations' "Top 100 Books" has been recognized for being the largest list each year that fairly gathers the best titles released by traditional publishing houses, small presses and even self-published authors worldwide of all genres and gives them the due they deserve. Cyrus Webb, the founder of the Conversations brand, has been an avid reader all of his life and has worked hard to make sure that there is something on the list for everyone.

This year there were so many great books that Webb had a chance to enjoy that he decided to add two new features in 2010: a Children's/Young Adult category and a Honorable Mention category for both fiction and non-fiction. Webb also has included the publishing houses for each title to make it easier for you to identify.

Here are this year's honorees: http://conversationsmag.blogspot.com/2010/10/cyrus-webb-presents-conversations-top.html

(Sat. Oct. 23) Cyrus Webb and Conversations Book Club Uses Books To "Make A Difference"

On Saturday, October 23, 2010, Conversations Book Club Founder and President Cyrus Webb traveled to Appetizers Restaurant in Pearl, MS to give the gift of books for National Make A Difference Day. The day has been set aside to do something nice for someone, and for Webb books seemed like the perfect thing.


"Mississippi still ranks among the states with the highest rates of illiteracy," says Webb, 35. "Conversations Book Club has teamed up with authors from across the country to make sure that we begin changing that one book at a time."

Anyone who came by Appetizers Restaurant from 10-2p.m. were treated to as many books as they wanted. Barbara Worton, Linday Jenkins and Robert Brown of Great Little Books, LLC donated books for the event as well as Rapper/Author Jacki-O. Webb donated children's books for the event.



Webb reached out to Rhonda Teague, the owner of a 24-hour child care facility in Jackson, MS, inviting her to get books for her children as well as their parents.
Joseph Henderson, author of I DON'T WANT TO DIE ALL ALONE, also joined the event.


"It's a little thing," says Webb, "but it is the little things that really make a difference."

For more information about Great Little Books, visit www.greatlittlebooksllc.com. Additional information about Joseph and his book can be found at www.joseph-henderson.com. To see what's next for Conversations Book Club, visit www.thebestbookclub.info.

Cyrus Webb Talks with National Recording Artist Donell Jones

A CONVERSATIONS LIVE EXCLUSIVE
(Friday, October 22, 2010) Just hours after finishing a concert stop in North Carolina, Ntl Recording Artist Donell Jones talked with Cyrus Webb on Conversations LIVE about his music career, his new album LYRICS and introduced listeners to his new single "Love Like This." Listen to the interview here: http://tobtr.com/s/1332923

Cyrus Webb Talks With Radio Personality Ebony Steele of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show

On Thurs. Oct. 21, 2010 Cyrus Webb interviewed Ebony Steele, co-host of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show. She talked about her career, her personal fight with breast cancer and discussing it with the world as well as her upcoming event in Atlanta, GA on THurs. Oct. 28, 2010 to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer.

Listen to the interview here: http://www.esnips.com/web/EbonySteeleInterview

Cyrus Webb's Interview With G-Unit Riderz Featured On www.ThisIs50.com

On Friday, October 15, 2010 Cyrus Webb interviewed 50 Cent's friends B Jay and Moe of the G-Unit Riderz on Conversations LIVE. That interview is now being featured on www.ThisIs50.com!
http://www.thisis50.com/profiles/blogs/g-unit-riderz-interview-with

Entreprenuer Cyrus Webb Shares A Decade Of His Voice

On Thurs. September 30, 2010, Mississippi native Cyrus Webb hosted "MY VOICE: A Decade In The Arts" at the Pearl Public Library in Pearl,MS.


The public event was to highlight Webb's contribution to the arts from 1999 to 2009 and show the world what he is doing moving forward.

In the first corner of the exhibit Webb exhibited some of his artwork.



Next he had some of his poetry chapbooks on display as well as his spoken word cd MY CONTROVERSY that is now available on http://spokencontroversy.blogspot.com.

From there Webb highlighted his community involvment since 1999 with organizations like the Partnership for a Healthy, Mississippi, VSA of Mississippi as well as speaking about the importance of the arts at schools in Mississippi such as Pearl High School, Peeples Middle School, Calloway High School, Lake Elementary School, Pecan Park Elementary School, Hardy Middle School, Jim Hill High School and Forest Hill High School.


On the next phase of the journey, Webb showcased the publications that he has written for over the years, including The Clarion Ledger, Rankin Ledger, Mississippi Link, Jackson Advocate, Blagazine.com, Crunk Magazine (ATL).
In 2006 he became the publisher and Editor-In-Chief of his own magazine called Conversations. The next issue debuts in mid-November and is the Dec. 2010/Jan. 2011 issue.

What those who attended the event saw next is what has become the largest part of Webb's life: the radio and tv versions of the Conversations Brand. He played the first tv edition of Conversations which debuted in April 2004 on 16 WAPT (ABC affilliate) in Jackson, MS as well as had interviews from his radio show available to listen to.
To date, Cyrus Webb has interview over 1,000 individuals on Conversations LIVE, the radio show that began on WMPR 90. 1 FM in July 2003 which is now heard on the radio dial on affilliates as well as online.

Those in attendance also saw Webb's only acting performance thus far. He was a part of the cast for the short film BROKEN SILENCE that addresses the issues of HIV/AIDS. It debuted at Crossroads Film Festival and later showed at other festivals in Mississippi.

Just two years after debuting the radio show, Cyrus Webb began Conversations the book club. Started with 3 members in November 2006 in Jackson, MS, the co-ed, multi-cultural reading group now has chapters in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana and has been written about not only in the South but by the Chicago Tribune as well. To date, Conversations Book Club has hosted literary events with 90 authors and is the largest co-ed reading group in the United States.


What's next for Webb? During the event he worked on a new piece of art called "Walking On Egg Shells", a pieces that is a part of a new series where he takes figure of speech and brings them to life. He is also working on his latest literary project, a religious thriller called BLESSED.


For more information about Cyrus Webb visit www.cyruswebb.com, email him at cawebb4@juno.com or contact him at 601.825.5883.

BOOK REVIEW: "I Know What I Am and I Am Not What You Call Me" by Jonathan Spikes

by Cyrus Webb for Conversations Book Club/Conversations Magazine


At a time when men are accused of not letting their feelings be known or discussing what might be bothering them, author Jonathan Spikes gives the world Damon McBlessed. Damon is a young man who is growing into his own skin and having to learn who he is in a time that is full of confusion, anger and abuse. Like so many around us, he seems to represent so much of what is wrong with the world when it comes to those getting to know themselves and having to deal with the feelings of being betrayed by those around us.

The author addresses alot of issues in this book that really touches you in a variety of ways. First, the character Damon must decide if the feelings he has towards those of the same sex are wrong in the eyesight of God. Then there is the feeling of being in a lose-lose when it comes to his faith and what seems to be normal for him. Add to that the complex relationship Damon has with his mother, something that has made his life really unbearable for some time.

I think the wise thing for all of us to do is read I KNOW WHAT I AM AND I AM NOT WHAT YOU CALL ME is that there needs to be a real dialogue about sexuality, abuse of men and women as well as the importance of loving oneself. Love was something that Damon struggled with, and that spilled over into how he was living from day to day. No one should have to go through life feeling who they are is a mistake, however, I do believe that understanding what happens to us doesn't make us who we are is something that will help us deal with whatever situations we find ourselves in.

Personal, powerful and well-written, this is one that will be remembered and recommended for quite some time.

Cyrus Webb Announces The Return of Conversations Magazine's Print Edition in November 2010!

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to announce the return of Conversations Magazine's print edition.

Founded by Mississippi native Cyrus Webb,35, as the third component of the Conversations Brand (following Conversations the radio and tv shows), Conversations Magazine originally debuted in print in April 2006. Months later Webb and founding member Stanley Clark would begin Conversations the book club. Based solely on subscriptions at the time and sold online, the magazine gained a modest 100 monthly subscribers to the publication that focused almost entirely on books and those who were living their dreams as published authors.

Like other publications, when costs outweighted the actual profit of the publication, Webb made the decision in 2008 to take Conversations completely online. Ironically, it was that year that the Conversations Brand began to change, including health and fitness items, food and then in 2009 adding fashion. Today, thanks to the eclectic nature of the brand, Conversations the radio show averages over 100,000 online listeners each month, garnering partnerships with national as well as up-and-coming businesses.

"The timing is just right," says Webb, who has been building the Conversations brand since the first component Conversations the radio show began on WMPR 90.1 FM in Jackson in July 2003. "Conversations has grown alot since the print edition of Conversations last saw the light of day. I think more importantly I have grown in my understanding that you have to feed more than a person's love of books. You have to feed their love of life. That is what my team it doing."

The reemergence of the print edition of Conversations Magazine will take place in mid-November with the December 2010/January 2011 issue. The 40 page edition will feature Conversations' Top 100 Books of 2010, profiles of authors Nancy T.Rosenberg, Mikki Zimmerman, Michael Dillon Scott and entrepreneurs like actor/author/recording artist Tray Chaney, actress/director/author Cherie Johnson and model/actor Nicoye Banks. Also included will be styling tips by fashion designer Gail Ambeau, cooking tips by Chef Bruce Tretter, and musical profiles of Laura Pascarella, The Artist Company and the rap groups Authentic and Dem Raleigh Boyz as well as Conversations' Artist of the Year 2010.

The magazine will be available at independent bookstores in Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Pearl/Brandon and online at www.conversationsmag.com. It will be marketed through paid ads on Facebook,social networking sites, posters, Conversations LIVE radio, and other sites operated by Shadow Play Ent. PDFs of the bi-monthly edition will also be available through www.payloadz.com.

For additional information about Conversations Magazine including how to be featured and advertising in the publication, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or601.896.5616. Details can also be found at www.conversationsmag.com.

(Sat. Oct. 23, 2010) Mississippi's own Cyrus Webb Uses Books To "Make A Difference"

(Sat. Oct. 23, 2010 * Pearl, MS) Patrons of Appetizers Restaurant (3000 HWY 80E) in Pearl, MS will get more than good food on Saturday, October 23, 2010. That's because during the hours of 10-2p.m. that day, Mississippi native and Conversations Book Club President Cyrus Webb will be giving everyone who visits the restaurant during that time a free book.

This is in celebration of National "Make A Difference Day" where everyday individuals are asked to do something to help others, expecting nothing in return. For Webb, giving the gift of books is something that has lasting effects.

"Mississippi still leads the country in cases of illiteracy," says Webb,35. "Not reading and not being able to read is something that we can fix together. I hope that everyone in the state sees this as a small way that we can actually make a difference one book at a time." Since Nov. 2006 Webb and his book club have hosted authors and hundreds of literary events geared towards encouraging reading and the importance of the written word.

The books Webb will be distributing were donated by authors Barbara Worton, Robert Brown and Linda Dini Jenkins of Great Little Books, LLC as well as recording artist/author Jacki-O of TRU Publishing.

(Cyrus Webb and Joseph Henderson are seen here during a book discussion in 2008)
That same evening, Webb and Conversations Book Club will host author Joseph Henderson in a book discussion at Appetizers Restaurant beginning at 6p.m. Henderson, now a Mississippi resident, has chronicled the journey of his life in a book called I DON'T WANT TO DIE ALL ALONE. Admission to the event is free, and Henderson's book will be available for purchasing.

For more information about the "Make A Difference Day" events in Pearl, MS, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. Additional information can also be found at www.cyruswebb.com.

New Endeavor by Tray Chaney Proves He's A JACK OF ALL TRAYS

by Cyrus Webb for Conversations Magazine


(Thursday, October 14, 2010) At a time when people are struggling to pursue their passion or having to give up on their dreams, visionary and multi-talented Tray Chaney is just turning the page on what has been an incredible life. After being in the spotlight since he was just eight years old, MTV announced this week that the actor/author/recording artist had just released a free mixtape online called JACK OF ALL TRAYS.

"This is just a thank you to my fans," says Chaney, who has seemingly been moving non-stop over the past decade. "I want to show them that I appreciate their support as well as let them know what to expect from me next."

For many the public life of Tray Chaney began with his five year role as Poot Carr on the popular HBO series THE WIRE. It was there that he was able to showcase his range as an actor and prove that he could stand toe to toe with the best of them. After the show wrapped, instead of just waiting for the next gig, Chaney took his career into his own hands and penned his autobiography THE TRUTH YOU CAN'T BETRAY. "People had gotten to know a character (on THE WIRE)," says Chaney. "I wanted to let them in to who I really was."

From there it was being featured in documentaries, red carpet events and even supporting causes close to his heart like the importance of literacy (being spokesperson for The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign) and bringing attention to the difficulties of individuals living with disabilities (being an ambassador for the non-profit Community Options). "I have been blessed with so much in my life," Tray says, "so if I can make a difference with just my name recognition for something that I care about, I'm going to do it."

While juggling family life, his career in television and film and promoting his book, Chaney was also preparing for what would be his newest endeavor: letting the world know about his love of music. It was something that had always been there, but he wanted to make sure he waited until the time was right to fully share it with the world.


That time seems to be now, and the first endeavor, the mixtape entitled, JACK OF ALL TRAYS, gives you a snapshot into the mind of a true creative individual. Whether you're talking about the club tracks like MONEY IN MY WALK or BABY LET'S GO (feat. G-Mann and Cherri), introspective tracks like TRUE STORY and DELIMA (feat. Jazz of Dru Hill) or inspirational tracks like DEAR HAITI, this project of original songs covers seemingly every aspect of the young man's life.

Expect to see Chaney touring the country soon doing show to promote the mixtape and his other ventures in the near future. For him, there is no limit to how far he can go. "I want to do it all," says Chaney, "and I want my life to be a testament to others that they can do it all as well. As long as they believe in themselves and work hard, it will all pay off."

The mixtape JACK OF ALL TRAYS is avaiable for free download by going to http://tinyurl.com/traychaneymixtape.

Cyrus Webb is the Editor In Chief of Conversations Magazine and can be reached at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

(Tues. Oct. 5, 2010) News From Cyrus Webb and Shadow Play Entertainment

* BOOK OF THE MONTH: Conversations Book Club's selection for the month of October 2010 is LIVING IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR (From Substance Abuse to a Life of Substance) by author Kim Vazquez (www.kimvazquez.com). Details can be found at www.thebestbookclub.info.

* OCTOBER'S THEME: SHOULD LOVE EVER HURT?: October is recognized by many as Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. For Shadow Play Entertainment, it will be used as an opportunity to have a dialogue about all forms of abuse. The theme of the month is "Should Love Ever Hurt?", and Cyrus Webb (host of Conversations LIVE and President of Conversations Book Club) will have special guests sharing their personal stories of triumph over tragedy. Many of the conversations will take place on the radio show, and details can be found at www.conversationsliveradio.com.

* NEW PARTNERSHIPS: The success of Shadow Play Entertainment has come in part because of the partnerships it has forged over the years. Beginning in the summer of 2010 organizations like The Artist Company, Big Noise Records and Passionate Writer Publishing have joined Shadow Play Ent. in sharing incredible talent both in books and music. Find out about other partners at www.shadowplayent.com.

* WEBB NAMED PUBLICIST FOR GENESIS PRESS: On Oct. 1, 2010, Shadow Play Entertainment's President Cyrus Webb became the Senior Publicist for Mississippi-based publisher Genesis Press. The company, which is the home of dozens of authors, enjoys worldwide distribution through New York-based Kensington Books. Webb hopes to spread the word about the services and authors that Genesis provides and encourage more book clubs to consider Genesis when deciding what books to read. For more about the company, visit www.genesis-press.com. Additional info about Webb can be found at www.cyruswebb.com.

* CLIENT CAMPAIGNS: During the month of October, look for Shadow Play Ent. to be involved in media campaigns for clients Jonathan Spikes (author of I KNOW WHAT I AM AND I AM NOT WHAT YOU CALL ME), Min. Patricia A. Thomas (author of GOD REVEALS A MYSTERY), Dr. Diane Hassan (author of ANGELS AMONG US, EVEN IN IRAQ), U.D. Abdul Kareem (author of AFRICAN COWBOY), Maria Stewart (LOOKING FOR CLOSURE) and Joseph Henderson (author of I DON'T WANT TO DIE ALL ALONE). Details can be found at www.shadowplayent.com.

* MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY 2010: Shadow Play Ent. Founder Cyrus Webb and clients of the organization will be taking part in community events in their area on Sat. Oct. 23, 2010 as part of this year's MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY. Make plans now to join them or host your own event. To find out more, visit www.shadowplayent.com.

* THIS YEAR'S V. C. ANDREWS TRIBUTE: Since 2007, Shadow Play Entertainment has hosted events celebrating the life and work of international bestselling author V. C. Andrews on the anniversary of her death. On Sunday, December 19, 2010, Cyrus Webb will host a special one-hour tribute on Conversations LIVE Radio beginning at 7p.m. est (6p.m. cst/4p.m.pt), giving fans of the author the opportunity to call in and share their thoughts. Andrews diedat the age of 62 nearly 24 years ago, but her amazing legacy continues. For details visit either www.thebestbookclub.info or www.conversationsliveradio.com.

* AUTHOR VISITS, OCT. 2010: Shadow Play Entertainment will host events for authors Joseph Henderson (author of I DON'T WANT TO DIE ALL ALONE), Min. Tommie Watkins (LIVING OUT LOUD) and M. Salahuddin Khan (SIKANDER) in Mississippi during the month of Oct.2010. Details can be found at www.thebestbookclub.info

To stay abreast of other activities associated with Shadow Play Entertainment, bookmark www.shadowplayent.com and visit it often. For more information about any of the above, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.