The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign In 2009: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

In November 2008,The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign (www.thewritestufftv.com) announced it was taking a place on the world scene to vigorously promote literacy and bring individuals as well as organizations to the battlefield, combining forces against the worldwide problem of illiteracy and apathy.

In December 2009, Founder/Mississippi native Cyrus Webb is pleased to announce that the first year of the project has been a tremendous success.

"We have worked with our literary partners across the country and reached out to others across the globe to show we are willing to do whatever we can to highlight the importance of reading," says Webb, 34. Coming from a state known for its problems with school drop-outs and illiteracy, Webb considers it an honor to be on the frontline of this important war.

Using the national platform of his radio show Conversations LIVE! (www.conversationsliveradio.com), the influence of his co-ed book club Conversations (www.thebestbookclub.info) and his webisodes created by The Write Stuff, Webb has seen tremendous support from literally every state in the country and individuals in the United Kingdom, Africa, Australia and Canada.This was evident when The Write Stuff hosted its 1st National Day of Reading that was held on Sat. November 21, 2009. The goal was to host events in all 50 states during the same time as a way to show unity on the cause of promoting reading. 40 states were able to participate, bringing together people of all backgrounds, walks of life and interests. (see http://thewritestufftv.webs.com/supportersofreading.htm )

During the final months of 2009, Webb created Do The Write Thang (www.dothewritethang.com) to combine his literary efforsts under one roof. Through it, he has reached out to and garnered support from many well-known celebrities and up-and-coming forces who want to use their influence to promote reading as well. Sponsors and supporters also included For The People Productions, Crunk Magazine, Hype Magazine, NuSouth Magazine, Industry Standard Magazine, Poetic Monthly, AG Press, HHH Magazine, HunidRacks Energy Drinks, Vitaminwater (Louisville, KY) and others.

As 2009 comes to an end, Webb is already looking forward to the events scheduled for 2010. Through his new website www.themaleoprah.com, he hopes to show that the influence and example of a person like Oprah---also from Mississippi---can be seen and felt in men as well. He will also continue his outreach to literary supporters across the globe, showcasing what can be done when people work together to achieve a common good.

For more information about The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

REVIEW: "Electric Honey" by Author Sam Love

I have read many books over the past several years, but it takes a special type of book to make me revisit it and take the time to reread it. "Electric Honey", however, has become one of those books.

We see it all the time: two people are a part of the same event or conversation, yet both come away with different perspectives depending on what they perceive as most important to them.

Written by native Southerner Sam Love, Electric Honey takes that premise to a new level as he writes about a mother and daughter's adventures during the colorful years of the 1960s - and how they actually had more in common than they realized.

Love was a student at Mississippi State during the 60s and was active in anti-war organizing and other events of the time. Though the book is a work of fiction, it does draw from some of his experience of the events and social ideals of the period.

When the story opens, we find Peach, one of the main characters, discovering her mother's diaries while clearing out the attic in preparation for the home being sold.

The book is written in Peach's voice, so we are able to hear her thoughts as she reads about her mother's at the same time.

It's a brilliant way of comparing and contrasting, because we are getting the pure truth from both women. A truth that would not be evident any other way.

If I'm to be honest here, I have never been very interested in the '60s. Occasionally you hear people mention some of the craziness that is normally associated with that time, but I never cared much.

This book, however, made me want to know more.

In reading it, I saw what Peach came to realize as she poured over her mother's journals - there really is nothing new under the sun.

There are so many parallels to what happened 40 or so years ago to what is going on today, that you can see why parents can appreciate some of the madness we are experiencing, while others panic and are ready to admit defeat. Sam Love shows us that such was the case then as well.

You had individuals who were so concerned about keeping order and stability that they were willing to raise all kinds of havoc to do so.

At the same time you had young, wide-eyed young people who were willing to question and understand things outside of their comfort zone, and instead of being encouraged, some tried to crush them. Sound familiar?

What Peach comes to understand at the end of the book is that she really wasn't so different from her mother after all. They both had their own sense of curiosity, adventure and substance; but at the time, they seemed to focus on the things that separated them.

I think we have all learned that is never the way. I should mention that when we do meet Peach, she is not only a mother, but a grandmother and with these milestones behind her. I suspect this has done much to refine her ideals as well.

The lessons I took from Electric Honey?

Things are not always as they appear to be, no matter how "informed" you think you might be on a particular subject. Instead of focusing so much time on what separates us, let's take a little time to look for some common ground.

By doing this, someone we once looked at as an enemy might just end up as one of our closest friends.

Find out more about the author by visit www.samlove.net.

REVIEW: “A Voice Behind Thunder” by Carrie Elizabeth Greene

“A Voice Behind Thunder” by Carrie Elizabeth Greene

(Note: Cyrus Webb interviewed the author on Conversations LIVE! Radio. You can hear the interview at this link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive/2009/02/25/Author-Carrie-Elizabeth-Greene-talks-to-Conversations-LIVE-Radio. His print interview with the author can be read here: http://authorstaketen.blogspot.com/2009/02/take-ten-author-carrie-elizabeth-greene.html)


We all have been there: faced with a decision that could either be the greatest move in our lives or one of the most disastrous. Try as we might to weigh both sides and make a sensible decision there is always something inside that tells us what way we are supposed to go. Some call it our conscience. I have heard others refer to it as “the little voice”. The latter came to me as I finished reading the debut novel by Mississippi author Carrie Elizabeth Greene called A Voice Behind Thunder.

She has managed to craft together a storyline that is not only universal but somber in its message. We meet a couple who like many are trying to balance their personal lives with their faith and daily responsibilities. It’s not easy as we know, but they are trying to please each other while being true to their faith. You have the husband, Donovan, who believes there is a place for everything and everything should be in its place. In his efforts to be all things to all people, though, he unwittingly leaves his wife, Rachel, unattended and easy prey for temptation which comes in the form of a manipulator named Marcus.

The chain of events that occur next threaten to destroy them all, but hope is not lost. Remember, Donovan does want to do the right thing, and though he is confronted with challenges that could end his life he remains true to what he believes to be his calling: helping others. When the truth begins to unfold he has a conversation with Marcus that underscores what I believe to be the message of the entire book.

“Marcus, you are the only one who can make the difference,” Donovan says during a heated exchange. “Only you have the power to calm this raging storm. There is a small voice; if we listen we can hear it speaking softly to us. Far behind the thunder in our minds, it’s speaking to our hearts. Listen to the voice, Marcus, and God will help you do the right thing.”

Marcus’ next words mirror the feelings of some who have hardened their hearts: “I stopped listening a long time ago, and I don’t want to heart it anyway. I like what I’m doing. I did a lot to accomplish this, I don’t want to change.” (p. 180)

I don’t want to give the rest of the story away, but I think all of us do well to read this book and see how we can best respond to that ‘voice’ we are faced with from time to time. Kudos to Greene for helping us to realize that with all the hustle and bustle we face in life, when it seems we are all alone maybe it’s because we just aren’t listening hard enough. Don’t worry, though. There is still time, so let’s begin right now.


Review written by Cyrus A. Webb, President of Conversations Book Club and host of Conversations LIVE! Radio. He can be reached at cawebb4@juno.com. www.cyruswebb.com

FUNKGHOST: Using Influences From The Past To Create Music For The Future

FUNKGHOST: Using Influences From The Past To Create Music For The Future by Cyrus Webb



The man called the “Morris Day of Hip Hop” is relishing in the acclaim his single “The Way I Rock My Clothes” is getting, but remains focused on the goal of just giving the world good music. Known in the business as Funkghost, the Tampa, FL native has always been around beats. His father was a part-time dj, and Funkghost was a fan of the 8 tracks around him and was drawn to music made by artists like Run DMC.

Throughout the years he has always tried to show his support for any creative endeavor, looking for ways to build on his personal brand. As he began to build his reputation, Funkghost knew it was just as important to sell who you are as a person as it is to get your music out to the masses.

Over the years he has been asked for his advice by new artists who are trying to break into the business or that are looking for staying power. What does he tell them? “Don’t sign anything with anyone until you have your paperwork and yourself together legally. You have to protect your name and your image at the same time.”


Funkghost also draws on his own means of staying grounded for the next tip. “Surround yourself with successful people. Relationships are key. Make sure you are in a position where you are keeping all options and doors open.”

Looking back over his career in the entertainment business, Funkghost sees himself as a more seasoned artist and definitely more confident in who he is and what he represents. Above anything, he believes in being true to himself.

When asked how he defines success, Funkghost says it is getting new people to know who he is and to hear his music. Because of this, he is always taking advantage of new and innovative ways of connecting with people such as the social networking sites. He sees them as an invaluable way of reaching new heights as he continues forward into the New Year.

Find out more about Funkghost at www.funkghost.com or follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/funkghost.

Cyrus Webb Tells You What's Next For The Conversations Brand

2009 has been a great year for promoting reading, and Cyrus Webb of The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign has been taking advantage of every opportunity to sound the alarm about the importance of books. Here are some of the announcements Webb wants you to be aware of...

ENLISTING IN THE WAR AGAINST ILLITERACY


WHAT'S COMING UP NEXT FOR CONVERSATIONS LIVE! RADIO...


HIP HOP AND BOOKS LITERACY CAMPAIGN RETURNS AND PREPARES FOR 2010!


Over the past six years, Cyrus Webb and Conversations LIVE! Radio have talked to some of the biggest names in arts and entertainment. Now at the end of 2009 and going into Season Seven of the show, they bring their listening audience conversations you don't want to miss...

SUN. DEC. 13, 2009 @ 7p.m. CST (6p.m. CST/4p.m. PT) --- Dr. Neal Hall talks about race, the state of the United States and his new book NIGGER FOR LIFE.


Mon. Dec. 14, 2009 @ 8p.m. EST (7p.m. CST/5p.m. PT) --- Constantine Markides is the host of the first blog-based reality show Fourth Fiction. He talk about the inspiration for the show, and some of the contestants from the first season will join him to share their experience.

Listen to the shows live at www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive.

CYRUS WEBB TALKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE, NOT WHERE YOU'RE FROM


CYRUS WEBB PRESENTS "BOOKS OF INSPIRATION 2009"


CONVERSATIONS BOOK CLUB'S TOP 100 BOOKS OF 2009

It is one of those lists that is a way of recognizing great books and also the authors who write them: Conversations Book Club's "Top 100 Books of 2009". Compiled by Cyrus A. Webb, this is just one way that the literary organization shows why it is one of the best for those looking for best in literature.

"Dec. 1: World AIDS Day" by Cyrus Webb

(Listen to the audio of this poem here: http://tinyurl.com/ycytd4w )

This day should be committed to memory,
A symbol dedicated to it for all to see
So that we never forget what it represents.
It's one of those issues that we all must face,
Ignoring its influence doesn't begin to erase
The number of lives that have been affected or lost in the years since this social war began.

So now we have a day to recognize,
To get together not only to socialize but remember that every 30 seconds another name is added to the growing list of casualties.

Yet the war wages on, and we have been drafted to the front lines,
Helping others find a reason to join the cause.
And to do that, we must sound the alarm.

Alarm those around us and beyond how risky behavior can harm them--or worse.
We have to consider the role we play and
How to behave so respect can become just as important as our feelings of regret.

This day has been set so none of us forget that we could be among the number referred to in statistics.
The battle is real. HIV is real, and I feel that though the message is being spread, it can be said how important repeating it is.

So this poem is my way of doing just that.
By stating the facts, I react to the pandemic with words put to the page.
And I hope that no matter what the age of the reader, it will help them begin to better respond to their role in the battle--fighting to win.

Cyrus Webb Presents Conversations Book Club's Top 100 Books of 2009

It is one of those lists that is a way of recognizing great books and also the authors who write them: Conversations Book Club's "Top 100 Books of 2009". Compiled by Cyrus A. Webb, this is just one way that the literary organization shows why it is one of the best for those looking for best in literature.

TOP 50 FICTION TITLES OF 2009

1. "Faces of Fear" by John Saul
2. "Mudville" by Kurtis Scalletta
3. "Lifestone" by Gary Kaschak
4. "Too Tall Alice" by Barbara Worton
5. "Kill Me Twice" by Jerry Bayne
6. "Change Up" by John Feinstein
7. "No More Tomorrows" by Rodney Lofton
8. "Lesson Learned" by Portia Cosby
9. "Mexican Whiteboy" by Matt de la Pena
10. "Battered Clergy" by Dr. Joseph Howard, Sr.
11. "The Girl Who Threw Butterflies" by Mick Cochrane
12. "Pieces of the Hole" by Tony Lindsay
13. "When Lightning Strikes" by Keya
14. "The Dyodyne Experiment" by James Doulgeris and V. Michael Santoro
15. "The Fox" by Arlene Radasky
16. "The Green Eyed Butterfly" by Kiffany Dugger
17. "Greenwood" by Herbert McCann
18. "Tatto Tears" by Mr. Mean Mug
19. "The Circulary" by J. C. Thompson
20. "Sunday Morning Secrets" by Shirlita McFarland
21. "Sense of Love" by Sheryl Mallory-Johnson
22. "Cheating On My Mistress" by S. Dodson
23. "Liquid Sunshine" by Justin C. Hart
24. "Children of the Waters" by Carleen Brice
25. "Breakneck" by Erica Spindler
26. "Loitering with Intent" by Stuart Woods
27. "Sweet Deception" by Patricia Sargeant
28. "Traitor" by Mark Eller
29. "Excess Baggage" by Sean Gardner
30. "Jena's Choice" by Beverly Scott
31. "Home Repair" by Liz Rosenberg
32. "Married Lovers" by Jackie Collins
33. "The Osiris Alliance" by Jack Ford
34. "Numbers" by Dana Dane
35. "A Misrepresentation of Myself" by Mary E. Gilder
36. "My Husband's Fiance" by Kaira Denee
37. "The Last Block In Harlem" by Christopher Herz
38. "Unsigned Hype" by Booker T. Mattison
39. "Deviations: Covenant" by Elissa Malcohn
40. "Pulling Me Back" G Starr
41. "Flames of Deception" by Marcia Woodruff
42. "Cowgirl Dreams" by Heidi M. Thomas
43. "Don't Hate The Game", Anthology edited by Michael T. Owens
44. "The Magic Bullet" by Andrew Neiderman
45. "Secrets Unveiled" by Sheshena Pledger
46. "Black Dogs" by Jason Buhrmester
47. "East Garrison" by G.M. Weger
48. "Lotto" by Joe McDonald
49. "Fatal Waters" by Iris Moss
50. "Louisa" by Richard Emmel

TOP 50 NON-FICTION TITLES OF 2009

1. "Cheaper" by Rick Doble and Tom Philbin
2. "Down At The Docks" by Rory Nugent
3. "Memories of Times Past" by Marta Hiatt
4. "Satchel" by Larry Tye
5. "The Pixar Touch" by David Price
6. "The Sky Rained Heroes" by Frederick Lacroix
7. "Promotion: Denied" by Joseph Hoffler
8. "A Mighty Long Way" by Carlotta Walls Lanier
9. "Young Professional's Guide To Success" by Ryan Kohnen
10. "Hope, Change and Obama" by Norma Lavonne Smith
11. "Step Out On Nothing" by Byron Pitts
12. "Leaving Johnny Behind" by Anthony Pedriana
13. "My Goodness: My Kids" by Nesta Aharoni
14. "The Catch" by Gary Myers
15. "Angels Among Us... Even In Iraq" Diane Hassan
16. "Innocent War" by Susan Violante
17. "Brothers Kept Apart" by Walter Phillips
18. "Moonwalk" by Michael Jackson
19. "Cancer Vixen" by Maria Acocella Marchetto
20. "The Smartest Way To Save" by Samuel K. Freshman and Heidi Clingen
21. "Parallel Play" by Tim Page
22. "One and The Same" by Abigail Pogrebin
23. "In My Heart" by Ursula Hanks
24. "Lessons For The Living" by Stan Goldberg
25. "The Anatomy Of Buzz Revisited" by Emanuel Rosen
26. "Shattered Reality" by Kimberly Cheryl
27. "Babe Ruth and The Baseball Curse" by David A. Kelly
28. "The Weight Of Silence" by Shelley Seale
29. "The First 30 Seconds" by Stephen Armstrong
30. "The Happiness Factor" by Kirk Wilkinson
31. "Trust God and Buy Broccoli" by Gerri Helms
32. "The American Evolution" by Matt Harrison
33. "Giants Among Men" by Jack Cavanaugh
34. "Border Crosser" by Johnny Rico
35. "Man-Up" by Ricky Spann
36. "Living In The Rear View Mirror" by Kim Vazquez
37. "Looking For Closure" by Maria Stewart
38. "She and I" by Michael R. Brown
39. "My Heart Has Wings" by Kris King
40. "Step By Step" by Bertie Bowman
41. "Miracle On The Hudson" by William Prochnau and Laura Parker
42. "Perseverance" by Carolyn Robenstein
43. "We Were Relentless" by Martin J. Levin
44. "Bittersweet Journey" by Anthony Littlefield
45. "Look Me In The Eye" by John Elder Robison
46. "You Gotta Dance" by Bryant Daluz
47. "Lucy's Story" by Larry Hamilton
48. "Shh...Don't Tell" by M. A. Moorer
49. "Hidden Butterflies" by Nikki Ransom
50. "Red Grange" by Gary Andrew Poole

Missed our list from the past years? You will find them at www.thebestbookclub.info.