Friday, January 22, 2010

Mississippi Native Weaves Supernatural Tale That Discovers Who Is Really BLESSED


For years Mississippi native Cyrus Webb (known as C. A. Webb) has been a supporter of the power of words. Now in 2010 he prepares to deliver his own through the serialized novel BLESSED.

Released as four e-books and novellas beginning in February 2010, BLESSED will take readers into the intricate worlds of religion and politics, asking them do they really know where success and good fortune come from. You will meet Pastor Ezekiel James, who has enjoyed a historic legacy that is amplified by the remarkable success of his family. For almost 40 years he has been one of the most recognizable faces and names of faith around the world, and that favor seemed to be passed on to his seed, fraternal twins Rebecca and his namesake Ezekiel.

Born with the world seemingly at their feet, Ezekiel continued in the example of his father while Rebecca chose politics, a course that would introduce her to Jeremiah Reynolds. He wants to see a change come to the country. With the support of the James family, Jeremiah would gain influence that leads him to the offices of Mayor, Governor and even the White House, becoming the first man of color to become President.

As Reynolds enters his second year in the Oval Office, two wars are waging around the world; however, the United States is more worried about a mysterious flu that is targeting the elderly and youth with deadly consequences. When it threatens the youngest of the James family and even the First Family, a secret is revealed that threatens to destroy not just the trust of a family and The White House but the safety, security and souls of the entire world...


IN THE BEGINNING, the first book of the series, will be released as an e-book in February 2010 and in print form in March 2010. Details about BLESSED can be found at www.arewereallyblessed.com.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Review: DO YOU WANNA BE MADE WHOLE? by author Bernard Boulton



Imagine a man who is broken by the loss of a child, a spouse and anything that seems to matter. Imagine that same man questioning his own devotion to God, and what it means to be obedient to His Will in the face of challenges. Then imagine this man being able to help others learn about the importance of loving themselves, those around and their Heavenly Father.

That is the situation we find Pastor James Maxwell in the book DO YOU WANNA BE MADE WHOLE? written by Bernard Boulton. He helps us to see that even though we might have fallen out of love, there is still time to make a change as long as you have breath in your body.

As the characters emerge and are defined, we discovered that sometimes events can hamper our relationship with God instead of enhancing it. The important lesson is that we listen to the voice of reason that wants to bring us back. Sometimes this can come from someone who has been where we are, or it can be from a source that is given the insight to understand where the course we are on is headed.

DO YOU WANNA BE MADE WHOLE? allows us to answer the question that people around the world should be asking themselves whenever they are going through difficulties. If we can do so honestly, the result is we can be blessed ourselves and be a blessing to others in the process.

(NOTE:I recently spoke with the author Bernard Boulton on my radio show Conversations LIVE! Radio. You can listen to it here.)

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Bestselling Author Jerry B. Jenkins Aides Haiti Through Book Sales

Everyone is looking for ways to aide those devastated by the earthquates in Haiti. For Bestselling author Jerry B. Jenkins, he is using his gift with words to make a difference. Here is an announcement from his desk:

---------------From Jerry B. Jenkins-------------------------
I’m sure you feel as frustrated and helpless as I do over the catastrophe in Haiti.

We want to help in tangible ways and wonder how. As an author, I deal in books, and frankly, books are not what are needed there right now.

So, how can I turn books into an effort for that devastated country?



Here’s an idea:
I’m offering copies of my book, Writing for the Soul, with this guarantee:

Add one penny to the retail price of $24.99 to round it to an even $25. I’ll cover postage and handling out of $5 of that and promise to send the rest, all $20 of it, to one of two Haitian ministries I know and trust. And you can even choose which one.

Further, if it turns out that postage and handling is less than $5 per book, I’ll send the difference too. I will not take a penny from these sales.

I’ll put the details about the book and the two ministries below so you can read about them if you choose to.

Meanwhile, if this resonates with you, either send a check made out to Jerry Jenkins for $25 for each copy to P.O. Box 88288, Black Forest CO 80908, or call my assistant Debbie at (719) 495-5835 with your credit card information. Either by mail or phone, let us know which ministry you want your gift to go to.

Here are the choices:

1. Cross International partners with more than 30 ministries in Haiti, funding schools and clinics to the poorest of the poor. Eighteen schools with 258 teachers minister to 6,000 kids and ensure each gets a meal of beans and rice every day and every teacher receives a meager monthly check.

Many of their schools are in shambles. Many of the kids were living on the edge of a cliff, which crumbled in the earthquake. Cross International will get resources directly to those Haitians they have a relationship with, longtime trusted friends.

2—If you want to help orphans in Haiti, we will send your donation to Orphans First. It will go to two orphanages that Orphans First works with, including one that runs a feeding program.

Details about Writing for the Soul by Jerry B. Jenkins (Writer’s Digest Books):

This is a hardbound book full of writing tips and with lots of anecdotes about the famous people I have been privileged to work with…people like Hank Aaron, Walter Payton, Nolan Ryan, Meadowlark Lemon, Billy Graham, and more.

Whether or not you’re a writer, you probably know someone who would be interested in this title. And if you already have one, why not get one for your church?

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Jenkins was chosen by Conversations Book Club as one of its Literary Legends 2009-2010. You can find out more information about him at www.JerryBJenkins.com.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

REVIEW: "INSIDE OBAMA'S BRAIN" by Sasha Abramsky


Regardless of your political leanings, INSIDE OBAMA'S BRAIN is a fascinating window into what has shaped the personality and character of our 44th President. I approached the book with an open mind, not having read much about the life of Barack Obama in the past. Author Sasha Abramsky (www.sashaabramsky.com) seems to have written his book in a way that was for people like myself, incorporating writings from Obama as well as conversations with those who seem to know him best.

The book highlights not just his rise to fame in the world of politics, but the journey he took to understand himself. Pres. Obama's mixed heritage may have been seem by some as just another obstacle for the young man to overcome, but Abramsky highlights it this way: "His very existence challenges social codes and prevailing orthodoxies. Obama is, in many ways, a walking one-man diaspora, a man who can't be defined, or rather confined by his many heritages... To a peculiar degree, he is, as a result, his own creation." (p.49)

That sums up in many ways the 'out of the box' thinking that seems to lead the man who would become America's Commander-In-Chief. Through each challenge and difficulty, there seems to be a "glass half full" approach that kept him striving, achieving and overcoming. As Abramsky writes: "America, for Obama, is a wondrous experiment, something to be marveled at rather than taken for granted... In his memoirs you sense a man who understands the human story as a continual series of journeys, of adventures; a saga of individuals and cultures searching for meaning, seeking to stamp their mark on the world as a way to escape their own fears of inconsequence." (p.64,65)

INSIDE OBAMA'S BRAIN has all the ingredients needed for a worthwhile read. It is also the embodiment of what living in America means and the opportunities it affords. Above all it reminds us that no matter how dark things may appear around us at any given time, we have to always be on the hunt for the light within us all.

--- Cyrus Webb, Conversations LIVE! Radio/Conversations Book Club www.cyruswebb.com

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Jan. 19, 2010: "AMERICA UNDER OBAMA: One Year Later"

Shadow Play Entertainment, in connection with Hype Magazine, is pleased to present a special one-hour presentation on Conversations LIVE! Radio: "AMERICA UNDER OBAMA: One Year Later".

(Photo credit: Steve Harrison for the book HOPE, CHANGE AND OBAMA by Norma Smith)

Hosted by Cyrus Webb, this will take place on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 @ 8p.m. EST (7p.m. CST/5p.m. PT) on Conversations LIVE! Radio with a discussion of the election, agenda and progress of the country's 44th President.

Joining Webb for the discussion will be Anzour Jallouqa (founder of Global Outreach and host of IGMG Radio), H. Michael Harvey (political commentator and author of Paper Puzzle), Sasha Abramsky (journalist and author of Inside Obama's Brain), Billy Hallowell (political commentator and host of RENEW TV), Matt Harrison (author of The American Evolution), Ricky Spann (author of Man-Up) and special comments from Norma Smith (publisher of Hope, Change and Obama).

Join the conversation live by listening in at www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive or by calling into the studio at 1.347.426.3645.

Monday, January 11, 2010

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING...


Since 2003, Cyrus Webb has been a driving force in the way things are talked about and discussed. As the Creator and Host of Conversations LIVE! Radio and the President of Conversations Book Club, Webb has talked to some of the biggest names in the world as well as emerging voices that are making their mark. At the end of the day, however, he realizes that his success is really because of those who talk with him and those who listen. Here is some of what is being said about the Conversations Brand...




"The service you do for authors and readers is remarkable. We appreciate you." --- John Saul, New York Times Bestselling author of FACES OF FEAR www.johnsaul.com

"I still don't see how you do what you do! You're an excellent interviewer..." Shirlita McFarland, author of Sunday Morning Secrets www.sundaymorningsecrets.com

"You absolutely ask the best...most thought provoking questions...keep up the excellent work on your show!!!" --- Ish Major, M. D., author of LITTLE WHITE WHYS www.littlewhitewhys.com

"I just had to write to tell you what a pleasure it was speaking with you yesterday. Your questions about The Language of Secrets and its impact on readers were excellent...it was an honor to be interviewed by you! With thanks and all best wishes for your continued success." --- Dianne Dixon, author of THE LANGUAGE OF SECRETS www.diannedixon.com

"The interview with Kathy Kinney (AKA Mrs. P) was great. It is nice that we have been able to create this new and inspiring character for her. She use to be 'Mimi' on the Drew Carey Show which was a very different character from Mrs. P. Your show is wonderful. I am going to become a regular listener. You have a great gift for interviewing." Dana Plautz, Mrs P Enterprises, LLC www.MrsP.com

"[Yours] was the most reflective interview I've had yet and it made me recall a little of things that I've done that were beneficial to the people I knew. Maybe I do have some good karma points stored up in the cosmic bank somewhere. I appreciate you picking up on the larger themes in the book." Jake Adelstein, author of TOKYO VICE http://bit.ly/TokyoViceatAmazon

"You made it so easy for me to talk and you ask great questions!" --- Michele Howe, author of BURDENS DO A BODY GOOD

"You are such a great host. Your voice is so powerful over the radio. Continue to share your talents and knowlege so others may be encouraged." --- Valerie Dodson, author of DON'T DELAY YOUR INCREASE http://www.dontdelayyourincrease.com

"Your review (of ABRAMO'S GIFT) was unique in that you distilled a life lesson from the story, something that no reviewer has done. You focused upon some essence from the characters that, frankly, I had never thought about consciously, but I'm very gratified that you saw it. By the way, yours is the mark of a fine writer/reviewer. I wish that they were all as perceptive as you are. Where I come from, when someone does something as well as you, and when a young person shows the potential that you do, we say he's doing 'the Lord's work.' I have listened to our interview several times now, and have also shared it with some family and friends. And each time I hear it, I marvel at your mastery of interviewing technique. It is certainly something that is a talent, because I’ve seen many veterans of broadcasting not able to accomplish what you do so naturally and easily. Part of the success you have comes from your gentlemanly behavior that puts interviewees at ease. So thanks again for your kind treatment. I wish you all the best in whatever you do in your career, be it hosting of a book club, interviewing on national TV, writing books yourself, or some dream you hold in your secret heart." --- Don Greco, author of ABRAMO'S GIFT

"What a gentle and lovely, thoughtful host you are. And you threaded through the questions in the most amazing way..." Liz Rosenberg, author of HOME REPAIR

"You are by far the most prepared host I have interviewed with." --- Kirk Wilkinson, author of THE HAPPINESS FACTOR www.thehappinessfactor.com

"It is really refreshing to encounter an interviewer with his
intelligence, insights and who has actually read the book. I knew
nothing of him before this interview but I am completely impressed and
will keep an eye out for his undoubted career progress." --- Frederick LaCroix, author of THE SKY RAINED HEROES

"Being self-published. credibility means everything. Having me on your show and supporting me as you have is all part of that." --- Gary D. Kaschak, author of LIFESTONE http://www.garydkaschak.com

" Since our first interview, I've been following on your website all that you are doing for literacy to the point that I have been inspired to put in my little grain of rice towards literacy as well." --- Susan Violante, author of INNOCENT WAR http://www.innocentwar.com

"Congratulations on your growing success! You certainly deserve it." --- Nesta Aharoni, author of MY GOODNESS: MY KIDS www.grassrootspublishinggroup.com

"Cyrus is an inspirational hardworker who believes in the importance of literacy awareness. I was able to be one of Cyrus's coordinators for his National Day of Reading campaign in November 2009. It was a great experience and I am happy to be on board again for 2010. Cyrus uses his platform as an advocate and radio host to spread positive messages and to make a difference. I would suggest him to anyone serious about making a change through in the field of literacy development." --- Tara Michener, author of WHO I AM NOT WHAT I AM

"It’s a pleasure to work with a professional who’s nicely prepared, with thoughtful questions and a great personality." --- David Kelly, author of BABE RUTH AND THE BASEBALL CURSE www.baberuthcurse.com

"There is something so amazing about standing on the edge of your dreams coming true. It's awe-inspiring, it's overwhelming and humbling. I want to thank you so much for taking part in my dream. I've listened to your other interviews and I think you are a special man." --- Kim Vazquez, author of LIVING IN THE REAR VIEW MIRROR


"Thank you soooo much for allowing me to come on your show! It was an awesome
experience. I said I was nervous at first but you made me feel at ease. I can tell you got something from the book and read! I really hope that you were touched by it! Thanks for bringing out the part Mark 8:36!! Very impressive interview! May God Bless You and all your efforts!!" --- Cheryl Joyner Clark, author of NO MORE SUNDAY MORNINGS www.cheryljoyner-clark.com

"You were an excellent host. I'm more accustomed to interviewing than being interviewed but I did enjoy it. You're a very articulate and thorough interviewer..." Constantine Markides, host of Fourth Fiction www.fourthnight.com

"You are an impressive young man. I am passing my baton to you, now. I know you'll carry it fast into the second decade of the 21st century. 'Webb's WEBISODES!' 'Do the WRITE Thang!' Man, I love it! SUPER CYRUS WEBB is a YOUNG CAPED CRUSADER who has absolutely blown this OLD caped crusader's MIND!" Dr. John Telford, author of A LIFE ON THE RUN www.alifeontherun.com

"You're always so cool, calm, collected and prepared..." Gail Kearns, To Press & Beyond www.topressandbeyond.com

"Cyrus, you are on the fast track to success!" --- Deborah Gary, author of TEENAGE MOTHER

"Hello Cyrus, I loved doing the interview and thoroughly enjoyed talking with you.
You're a wonderful host and the interview is only as good as the host who is directing it." --- Carrie J. Keaton, author of TWO LOVES, ONE HEART www.carriejkeaton.com

"Real talk, Cyrus has the best author blog talk radio show out there." --- Rahman Muhammad, founder of Book Bullies

"I want to thank you so very much for giving me the opportunity to appear on your show. It was an honor to be part of Conversations Live, a show that consistently offers listeners meaningful content. You provide encouragement, contemplation and inspiration to your audiences. For me, your questions and the opportunity have allowed me to improve and grow. Thank you!" Cesca Janece Waterfield, author of BARTUB www.twohandedengine.net

"You're an awesome radio host." --- Ursula Hanks, author of IN MY HEART

"Cyrus, I want to thank you once again for featuring me on your radio show. I really enjoyed it. I do not take that moment lightly. I count it a privledge and an honor to be chosen in that capacity. You are making an awesome impact in many lives with your great works. It is my prayer that God richly bless you in all you are doing to bring about change and make a difference in this world." --- Charmaine Tucker, author of WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN http://charmainetuckerministries.com

REVIEW: "A Life On The Run" by Dr. John Telford


It takes a great deal of courage and comfort with one's own self to write a memoir like that presented by Dr. John Telford in A LIFE ON THE RUN. While some might want to just focus on their achievements and what others believe make them great, Telford gives us the whole man, showing that imperfect, broken beings can be used to do things others just talk about but never accomplish.

The book is about action. Whether you are referring to his wide range of accolades, working on race relations and seeking change within the school system, one thing you can't say about the author is that he was just waiting on others to make a difference. He realized early on the importance of being the difference you wanted to see. The work may not ever be finished, but as long as there is a work in progress there is work to be done.

A LIFE ON THE RUN is a great book to reflect on in the New Year. With a life that spans many reincarnations, it seems one of the biggest lessons we can learn from John Telford is the importance of being true to yourself. If you are able to do that, maybe your life will be seen as a model for other imperfect individuals to learn from when it comes to making a difference.