Category Archives: african american authors

Yasmin Shiraz, author of Retaliation. My parents took turns reading to me when I couldn’t read myself. One would sit on the edge of the bed and read Cinderella stories and bedtime tales. As soon as I could read, one of the first words that I remember is the word, “mine.”Â Books were mine. And I loved reading to myself.

When I was seven years old, my family moved from an apartment in the inner city to a home in the suburbs. I remember my parents asking me if I liked my new room and all I could think of is, “Where are my books?” My parents packed my favorite books in a crate and I didn’t care about what my room looked like until I knew where my crate was.

The first day in my new home, I sat in a corner and read my books. I guess my room was nice. I guess it had a nice view. But I can absolutely tell you that I enjoyed reading that day and everyday since. By reading to me, my parents opened me to a world of possibility, exploration and hope.

My latest book is entitled Retaliation. It was inspired by a 15 year old girl who attended one of my self esteem workshops. I was talking to a group of girls about feeling good about themselves. I asked them what were some of the things that they liked, loved and hated about life. One girl said, “I hate the girls who jumped me.” I was shocked by her admission and couldn’t get her voice out of my head for weeks.

I thought about what if there was a fictional character who had been jumped and felt that she didn’t want to retaliate, but everyone else in her family did. What would happen if a teen girl was jumped and she decided not to react violently?

That is the story of Retaliation. It puts the reader in a realistic position of deciding if violence is ever justifiable. Everyone who reads this book has to make a decision about who they are gonna be when violence stops on their doorstep.

For more information on Yasmin Shiraz’s Retaliation, visit: www.yasminshiraz.com

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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Brian McClellan, author of A Love Letter to Black People: Audaciously Hopeful Thoughts on Race and Success

March 24, 2009 Joey Pinkney 2 Comments

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Brian McClellan, author of A Love Letter to Black People: Audaciously Hopeful Thoughts on Race and Success
(Sherian Publishing)

A Love Letter to Black People: Audaciously Hopeful Thoughts on Race and Success is a book sure to challenge and inspire those who have this type of deep affection for the Black community but also deep concerns for its future. Inspired in part by the historic political success of President Barack Obama, Love Letter explores the unique way high-achieving African Americans view race and success and why, for the love of the Black community, all Black people must apply these lessons. Love Letter is a must read for those who love Black people and just can’t help it!

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write A Love Letter to Black People?

Brian McClellan: The first seed of “Love Letter” was planted in my mind on July 27, 2004. This was the night then-state senator Barack Obama became a national figure with his inspirational speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. After hearing Obama for the first time, I sat up in my bed and said to myself aloud, “I have just seen the first Black president of the United States.”Â Obama was definitely on to something, and I dedicated myself to capture that “something” in words so the entire Black community could benefit from the knowledge.

There was something about Barack that was different. He and other successful Black people simply view success in the context of race differently. In the process of writing this book, I came the conclusion that the common thread linking these successful Black people was love – love of self, love of the Black community, love of future generations. This is why I call this book A Love Letter to Black People.

JP: Why is a book of this nature needed right now?

BM: With the historic election of President Obama, it is critical that the Black community seize this moment. We cannot afford to waste the inspiration that should be derived from the new roadmap Obama and others have written regarding race and success.

Racism is still real, but the most successful Blacks refuse to limit their aspirations due to racism. And with Obama’s success, we now have proof positive that racism is not omnipotent. “Love Letter” is a book about how we capitalize upon this historic positive momentum to transform the Black community through the power of love.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to A Love Letter to Black People getting out to the public?

BM: Love Letter was truly a labor of love. The insight of the discussion in Love Letter is bolstered by a supporting survey about race and success completed by more than 100 young, Black business and community leaders. Their opinions regarding provocative racially charged topics such as “acting white” are inspirational, thought-provoking and sometimes more provocative than the questions themselves.

After surveying so many young, successful Blacks (or “YSBs” as I call them in the book) was inspirational for me. To honor their achievements and the countless other YSBs they represent, I felt an obligation to “get it right,” to craft this message in a way that would move our Black community to positive action.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish A Love Letter to Black People?

BM: I believe it is important for authors to write all the time. I don’t wait for divine inspiration to start writing. I get inspired by writing. Therefore, I schedule time to write every day. The first manuscript for Love Letter took about three months to complete from start to finish.

Question 5: What’s next for Brian McClellan?

I believe the message of Love Letter is so important that I will spend as much of my energy as possible to bring this message to as many people as possible. Beyond Love Letter, I will continue to write books that uplift people, books that help readers see opportunities rather than obstacles in their own lives. I have many more books in my heart. The next one will be revealed when the time is right.

http://www.bamstrong.com

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5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Precious Love, author of Jailed by Blood: Inmate 798175

March 22, 2009 Joey Pinkney

JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Precious Love aka Quiet Storm, author of Jailed By Blood: Inmate 798175
(AuthorHouse)

Obtaining the establishment of being an author, Precious Love (a.k.a. Quiet Storm) has ventured out into the world of writing autobiographies about herself as well as others. These autobiographies can range from battered men/women, prison stories, relationships and the list goes on.

A Mid-Eastern native now settled along the sandy shores of Florida, Precious Love has gained inspiration from a variety of resources. As writing is her passion, she has vowed to continue to “tell the story” rather it be her own or for someone else.

Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the idea and inspiration to write Jailed By Blood: Inmate 798175?

Precious Love: I actually obtained the idea and inspiration to write this book when I was sitting behind bars. This book is about me.

JP: What sets Jailed By Blood: Inmate 798175 apart from other novels in its genre?

PL: The reader will get a chance to experience what I have endured in being in a disruptive family. They really get to see what led to my incarceration. They will also be able to take the journey with me and read about other female inmates and partake in their life experiences as well.

JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that lead to Jailed By Blood: Inmate 798175 getting out to the public?

PL: Putting God first, being able to tell the truth of what really happened that led to my incarceration and keeping the faith.

JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take for you to start and finish Jailed By Blood: Inmate 798175?

PL: Research and keeping it real is my process. It took me approximately 1 year to complete this book.

JP: What’s next for Precious Love?

PL: Continue success as a published author and establish my company, Georgia Editing Service, LLC not only as an editorial service but also venture into the publishing world.

http://www.georgiaeditingservice.com
http://www.myspace.com/preciouslove

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Category Archives: african american authors

National Reading Month With… Yasmin Shiraz, author of Retaliation

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Brian McClellan, author of A Love Letter to Black People: Audaciously Hopeful Thoughts on Race and Success

5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… Precious Love, author of Jailed by Blood: Inmate 798175

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