Can you find all the words?

 

Black Odyssey Media

 

A Conversation With Devin Shane

To write is to read, and to read is to write. The two are colleagues, Siamese twins if you may. Whom if separated can result in drastic results. Since childhood author Devin Shane took to reading and never let go of the habit which blossoming into the necessary tools needed to write and release work of substance. There’s a story to be told and she’s telling it.

My Urban Books: Did books hold a place in your childhood?  

Devin Shane: Of course! That’s where my great love affair with writing began. 

My Urban Books: Is there a childhood book that remains with you today? What’s the title and why do you still have it?  

Devin Shane: Yes, the book is called Black Girl Lost by Donald Goines. I’ve been reading him since I was 12. Although it wasn’t the first book that I read by him, it had the most impact on how I view the writing world.   

My Urban Books: Why do you write?  

Devin Shane: I write because it’s a part of my soul. It’s been my outlet since age 7, my first love, and strongest bond.  

My Urban Books: Has being a writer cause you to read books differently? If so, how?  

Devin Shane: Yes, it has caused me to read books differently. Because I understand that my voice in writing needs to be clear and distinctive, so that my readers can truly understand where I’m coming from.   

My Urban Books: What writing techniques have you adapted from reading?  

Devin Shane: Just one; since vernacular ranges from region to region, I try to add an urban glossary into my stories so everyone can understand what I’m saying no matter where they’re from.  

My Urban Books: Do you prefer to write in first or third person and why?  

Devin Shane: I can and will do both in upcoming novels, but I prefer third person because I feel like I can capture every aspect of my characters’ personalities without saturating the book with too many people.  

My Urban Books: Within your work, have you ever included a personal secret of yours?  

Devin Shane: Yes, Misfits, my novel is loosely based on my life, but it’s mostly fiction.   

My Urban Books: What emotions did you feel upon completion of your first novel?  

Devin Shane: I was elated! It was like giving birth, stressful, agonizing, but the end result was beauty. I hope my readers feel that way too.   

My Urban Books: Please give aspiring authors one piece of advice.   

Devin Shane: For the love of God, please edit! Readers want your work to flow like a good song or movie. I know it may be expensive, but immersive reader in view works wonders.   

My Urban Books: Please tell readers where they can find your work. 

Devin Shane: Right now, you can find Misfits: Children of the Wild on Amazon.com, but look out for Devin Shane’s website coming soon!  

The Streets Keep Pulling Me Back by Brittani Williams

 

1/25/2022

From the day he was born, Martavious “Tank” Young had to fight for what was his. No parents, no family, mentally and physically abused throughout his childhood. The challenges he endured only made him stronger and soon, the man who grew up with nothing had it all. Now, Tank is the man running the streets and the city, both legal and illegal. His money is long, his patience is short, and his reach is far.
 
Finally at the pinnacle of the game, he’s decided the time has come to leave the streets alone and retire, enjoying the life of luxury he’s worked hard to achieve. But, when vengeance rears its ugly head and Tank is the target, it almost costs him everything, including his life.
 

The Family Business Season 3 Trailer

 

Who Do I Run Too by Anna Black

 

                              APRIL 2022

A Conversation with Aaliyah Choyce

Life is the best possible inspiration for all artist to latch on to and create worlds run wild by the minds whose choice of tools involves either the pen, paintbrush, lump of clay, or spray paint. It plants seeds that grows and hugs the earth for eternity. Growth in a person are guided by past novels and helps that person in becoming the mastermind of storytelling, the new generation of authors which includes Aaliyah Choyce. 

1) My Urban Books: As a child, what was your favorite book and why?

Aaliyah: Wow! That's a tough one. I've always been an avid reader. I was a reader long before I was a writer. Reading was my solace. Dealing with social anxiety, I often used it to escape my reality. The characters became the friends I couldn't make in the real world, so there's several books that are easily childhood favorites: "Amelia Bedelia," any "Harry Potter," "Chronicles of Narnia," and numerous folk stories like "Anasi the Spider." As a teen, I loved the Jericho trilogy by Sharon M. Draper and "The Skin I'm In" by Sharon G. Flake has always stuck with me.

 

 

2) My Urban Books: What is the earliest memory you have about writing?

Aaliyah: Handmaking magazines in the first grade. I started selling them in the second and third grade to friends at school. I've always been a hustler in that way. I get it from my Momma [smiles]. They weren't anything special. Terrible illustrations. Bad handwriting. I'm not even sure I had much of anything to say other than reiterating things going on at elementary school. But that's where it started. And people bought them with their lunch money for cents. Not sure why I remember that. I guess I felt seen. 

 

3) My Urban Books: Was there anything you had to sacrifice in order to be an author?

Aaliyah: I think the most important sacrifice I've made for this is my time. Dedicating time to your craft is a big commitment. I want to be better. I want to get better every time I write. Being a full time student and working full time, finding time is hard. I didn't get that when I started, hence the hiatus after my first novel, but I've been working on it.

4)My Urban Books:  Was there anything you underestimated about writing? if so, what made you see things differently?

Aaliyah: I underestimated plenty of things. Haha. I started writing in the first grade. The only thing I knew about writing was to pick up a writing tool and just do it. It's not that simple. Writing my first adult novel with the intent of publishing really opened my eyes to how important the quality of your writing is. Do you stay true to the authenticity of the characters and their stories? Does your tone match what's happening? It's not just writing; it's creating an experience for the reader. It's giving them your best every time you put something out. 

 

 

5) My Urban Books: Who’s your inspiration?

Aaliyah: Black people. I feel like nothing more needs to be said, but to make it clear: Black people are not a monolith. We're beautiful in all ways. Our resilience, our style, our intellect, our mindset, our history, our futures. I can't help but to be inspired by us. We're inspirational. 

6) My Urban Books: Why do you write in the genre you write?

Aaliyah: I was 16 years old when I started my debut novel "Ride." I had stolen my mom's adult urban fiction novels for reading material for years at that point. I had read everything else in the house and my school's library. I decided I wanted to see if I could give it a try. I felt that I could relate the most given my upbringing. Life happened and I grew up faster than some, so I outgrew the childlike stories. I figured maybe I could even bring something new to the table.

7) My Urban Books: What’s harder for you to write, a novel or synopsis?

Aaliyah: Definitely a synopsis! I think when writing a novel, you have space to say everything you need to say. However, a synopsis is a snapshot of your novel. It has to capture the best parts without giving away too much of the storylines. That's a lot of pressure, but I love the challenge.


8) My Urban Books: What about being an author is glamorous in your opinion?

Aaliyah: Glamorous [thinking]. I don't know if I've ever thought of being an author as glamorous. I started in poetry as a way to express my deepest thoughts and feelings. Then I began to write to tell the stories of others and inspire people to think on the tough matters in life. If I had to attribute anything to "glamour," I'd say the glamorous aspect of being an author is the perspectives your writing can give to others. If something I write can transform the mindset of just one of my readers, then I feel accomplished.


9)My Urban Books: Please give aspiring authors one piece of advice.

Aaliyah: Write with intention. I think when you're passionate about what you're writing and have a plan for it, you're more driven to see it through and your intention comes through to make an impact.

10) My Urban Books: Please tell readers where they can find your work.

Aaliyah: You can find my work on Amazon. My freshman and Sophmore releases are there in paperback and ebook. I'm gearing up for the release of the sequel to my freshman novel, so be on the lookout for that January 2022.

VOTE 4 B FLY

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                     PLEASE VOTE 4 B Fly

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⬇️VOTE HERE PLEASE⬇️

https://woobox.com/ovbiyb/gallery/0k1amqzqS4A

My Experience with Editor Bianca Shakur

✍My experience using editor Bianca Shakur  for the first time✍: 

So I was in need of a copyeditor for my novella.  I've known of Bianca for a little time however never used her as an editor before (I learned about her in this group) so for this project I thought to reach out to her. I am loyal with whomever I do business with but when it comes to editors a majority of the time I use more then one for the same project for different purposes. Also the editors I use and know of are good so they're all booked and busy if you don't book them early so it's good to know of others you know and trust just in case. So the project I was working on took me longer to finish then expected. I'm signed with a publisher and my deadline was approaching so I had to make moves fast. 

I check out Bianca's website and was happy with what I seen. "OK professional and I can tell she has experience." And it didn't hurt that Cyn Alexander , another editor co-signed her (that's what I'm talking about editors repping and supporting fellow editors!) Cyn informs me Bianca mainly does business through her website so I send a message through there and FB (like I said time was winding down). BOOM! Bianca hits me back within a good time frame tells me her prices which I find very affordable considering the women edits for NY Times Best Seller Authors. I informed her of my tight time frame, scared, bc when I was time was tight, time was tight. But she came through! And hit me with the rush service. Now let me explain something how much the total was including the rush service was what I imagined the edit alone to cost so I was still not tripping. 

Fast-forward, contract is sent out, to wish I requested she add something and she did ASAP without no problem. Now let's get to business I get my extra back annnnnnnnnnnnnddddddddddd, I'll list below my experience.⬇️ 

1) She has a great eye! Honestly the notes supplied I felt where along the lines of developmental editing which is great! 

2) She supplied a sheet with a nice header (the headers pretty I have to mention it lol). The sheet consisted of her notes and suggestions. Straight to the poiny however detailed and well explained. 

3) As a person she has a personality. Very professional, but knows how to communicate where you feel comfortable and don't feel you have to be uptight. 

4) Her availability to help even when your project is complete is great! Here I am at 1am finished with my edits and my computer tracking was given me issues. Remind you THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HER. HER JOB IS DONE. But I'm freaking out, I need help, this manuscript is scheduled to go to my proofreader so I email her asking if she can help and she writes back ASAP. She put in work and tried different methods of helping Mr. We were on the phone and everything and even found a way to fix the issue. 

I am VERY happy with her service, professionalism, and personality. Each of these traits are important when doing business with someone and Bianca has it! I recommend her below is her website ⬇️ 

www.editwithb.com

A Conversation With Author Latisha

You can read a million books and believe half sound the same. However, when reading about the lives of authors behind those books there’s no denying the authenticity that comes equipped with every word written. Writing is a way of life, a story told in any and every dimension. Yet in a world of fiction, one author voices her truth with class and truth. Ladies and gentleman this is the Latisha interview.  

My Urban Books: Tell us about Latisha the child. What were her dreams, accomplishments, and strengths?

Latisha: Latisha the child was a misguided soul. I was born and raised in NY to drug-addicted parents. My grandparents raised me, but it didn’t take away the love I had for my parents, who are now both sober (thank God). The only dreams I had were for others. I didn’t have dreams of my own. The majority of my life was spent looking out for and caring more for others than myself. Somewhere along the line, it caused resentment within. I started hating myself. Sadly, it wasn’t until I had my last born, my son, that I actually cared about my life. 

Every accomplishment I had was overlooked, from being the youngest Black female, at 19, to work for Forsyth County Assessor’s Real Estate Department, to graduating tech with honors, maintaining a 3.7 GPA. It was as if things were expected of me, so when I actually did accomplish something, it wasn’t a thought. When I got in trouble, that was more of an accomplishment; it was talked about forever. LOL! As far as my strengths go, they’re more personal than anything—the things I’ve overcome. My battle with Lupus, HS, coronary artery disease, having a tumor on my brain—I’ve overcome them all. Though I still struggle with my health, HS and blood pressure more than anything, I continue with what I need to do which is building for my children so they can live… something I feel I’ve never been able to do.

My Urban Books: As a child, what did you think about the author occupation?

Latisha: I laugh each time I’m asked this question. As a child, I wanted to be either a pediatrician or a real estate agent. The older I got, the pediatrician idea went out the window. That was over and done with upon graduating high school. However, real estate stayed with me. Prior to my journey in this industry, I’d been working in the
real estate field for close to fifteen years, off and on.  

My Urban Books: How would you describe yourself as a writer?

Latisha: As a writer, I pen stories that everyone can connect with, and that is because I write from experience—things I’ve been through and those that others around me have endured. I’m not a ‘careful’ writer. What I mean by that is I don’t research, outline, or anything that works for some authors when writing their stories. I allow the characters and their situations to lead me. I write about places I’ve lived or visited numerous times. Also, I pay attention to my readers and their thoughts, which is why nine times out of ten, I create plot twists no one sees coming. If a reader figured out where I was going with a story, I will switch it up so fast. LOL! 

My Urban Books: Has anyone ever doubted your writing ability? If so, how have you proved them wrong?

Latisha: Oh, yes. Definitely the very first publisher I told I wanted to become an author, she laughed. I was an editor for her company at the time, and she made me feel like because I was an editor, I couldn’t do both. Three people gave me the encouragement to actually write, and that was Porscha Sterling, K.C. Mills, and Michelle Davis. Each of them sampled my writing and pushed me to proceed. Well, when I signed with Major Key, my very first novel was well anticipated and did great numbers. It is actually still one of my best novels to date. 

My Urban Books: If you could change one thing about your writing style what would it be and why?

Latisha: The one thing I would change is limiting my creativity to the side of urban that everyone is familiar with. I’ve experienced life on more simplistic and broader terms—not everything has been drug related—and it was still a beautiful, intriguing, and heart-touching story. I want to tell stories that allows the reader to think, feel, and talk it about it for years to come, not just for the moment. Limiting myself to one genre, specifically urban/street lit, has caused my passion to dwindle some. But… my change is soon to come. 

My Urban Books: What or who motivates you to keep writing?

Latisha: Honestly, lately, I’ve been wanting to give up. Each time I try, a memory resurfaces, and the first thing that comes to mind is, I have to tell that story—that and the fact that the readers I have will not allow me to give up, as well as my family. The industry has become discouraging, especially for authors like me who are not as consistent in dropping books. Life happens, and readers need to understand, just as they have lives, so do authors. But, as I stated, my family, these thoughts, and the readers that have become acquainted with my work, will not allow me to give up on my passion. That in itself is motivation to keep going.   

My Urban Books: What about the literary business scares you? And do you have an idea how’d you overcome that fear? 

Latisha: Whew! I was talking to my friend/ex-publisher about this same thing. I recently became indie, and I think it has scared me to release a book for quite a while. Readers flock to publishers, admittingly or not, and that freaks me out. Because I’m no longer signed to a publisher, what does that mean regarding my work? I’m still the same author that I was when I was signed. It doesn’t take away my creativity because I am not under a publishing umbrella. When I was signed, my publisher gave me the opportunity to release independently. I wouldn’t. I’d seen where authors would drop independently and didn’t receive the same love and support as when their books dropped under their publisher. That is the only thing that scares me in this industry, to not receive the same support indie as I would signed to a publisher. 

My Urban Books: Do you consider the urban fiction genre as being over or underrated?

Latisha: Oversaturated and very underrated. We have some bomb authors that are penning urban fiction. Too many, to be exact. That in itself causes a lot of authors to get overlooked and the genre as a whole. Think about it. Our readers support the same authors all the time. Imagine if the urban genre was to actually support their own—new authors, underrated authors, etc.—as other genres do. It would put urban on the map. But when you have twenty to twenty-five of the same authors being supported majorly and so many, many others are being overlooked, it not only hurts the authors, but it praises a handful in the genre, and that is looked at by other genres.   

My Urban Books: Please give one piece of advice to new and aspiring authors.

Latisha: If you don’t listen to anything else, please listen to this. It is something I recite and actually wish I would have lived by… Write what’s in your heart, not to get on the charts. 

My Urban Books: Please tell readers where they can find your work.

Latisha: All published works are available in e-book format through Amazon. Please purchase your paperbacks from my website, as you will get the best deal. Latishatheauthoress.com

The Education of Nervada Duncan by Carl Weber and C.N. Phillips

Music Wanted!

TRAGEDY BETWEEN TWO SISTERS BY QUEEN L.L. COMING 11/10/2021

Tragedy Between Two Sisters. Liberty is the queen of New York. She owns and operates a chain of beauty salons and leads a double life of a drug queen pin. She has ties, connections, and special friends in higher places. Liberty and Freedom have been friends since childhood. Freedom is an informant for the NYPD. She is secretly dating a mob kingpin named Aquarius. When Liberty meets Adam, the chemistry was undeniable. Adam is also known as Aquarius. He tries to juggle both relationships unbeknownst to either women. When Liberty and Freedom realize that they were dating the same man, both of them vowed to end the relationship. They decided to put their friendship above their relationship. Adam finds himself with a choice. He decides to choose between the two women, he chose Liberty. Liberty discovers what Freedom has in store for her, she realizes that Blood isn’t Always Thicker Than Water.

Addicted With a Twist by Zane (The Short Sequel to Addicted)

From the Queen of Erotica, Zane’s Addicted with a Twist is the sequel to Addicted, her wildly popular novel about a married woman whose life spirals out of control when her three affairs lead her down a dark and twisted path. Three years after the end of Addicted, Zoe and Jason Reynard are still married and raising their family together. But Zoe has a new “dirty little secret” that leaves her torn between being honest with her therapist, Dr. Marcella Spencer, and her mother—or continuing her forbidden hotel rendezvous with a man who calls himself “Orpheus.” Has Zoe truly overcome her sexual addiction through the strength of her love for her husband and continued therapy? Or is she still jeopardizing everything and everyone she holds dear in order to satisfy her fantasies?

COUPLES WANTED By Briana Cole 11/30/21

Be careful what you switch for! Adventurous and open-minded, newlyweds Bridget and Roman are determined to keep their relationship exciting. So, when they meet married swingers Corinne and Patrick, they’re instantly drawn to their carefree glamour and warm promise of friendship. And after swapping spouses for one passionate, exhilarating night, Bridget and Roman feel fulfilled and closer together than ever... Until Corinne and Patrick start turning possessive, wanting more of them than Bridget and Roman can ever give. Soon, the young couple is plunged into a nightmare of suspicion, lies, and secrets in which they can’t trust each other—or what they think they know about themselves. Pushed to the breaking point, they must uncover the truth behind the other couple’s machinations. But when the dust settles, there’s no guarantee Bridget and Roman will have their love—or anything else—left to save...

C3X Interviews Brandie Davis White September 17, 2021

Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen by Inger Burnett-Zeigler

Black women are beautiful, intelligent and capable —but mostly they embrace strong. Esteemed clinical psychologist, Dr. Inger Burnett-Zeigler, praises the strength of women, while exploring how trauma and adversity have led to deep emotional pain and shaped how they walk through the world. Black women’s strength is intimately tied to their unacknowledged suffering. An estimated eight in ten have endured some form of trauma—sexual abuse, domestic abuse, poverty, childhood abandonment, victim/witness to violence, and regular confrontation with racism and sexism. Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen shows that trauma often impacts mental and physical well-being. It can contribute to stress, anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Unaddressed it can lead to hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, overeating, and alcohol and drug abuse, and other chronic health issues. Dr. Burnett-Zeigler explains that the strong Black woman image does not take into account the urgency of Black women’s needs, which must be identified in order to lead abundant lives. It interferes with her relationships and ability to function day to day. Through mindfulness and compassionate self-care, the psychologist offers methods for establishing authentic strength from the inside out. This informative guide to healing, is life-changing, showing Black women how to prioritize the self and find everyday joys in self-worth, as well as discover the fullness and beauty within both her strength and vulnerability.

The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris

Twenty-six-year-old editorial assistant Nella Rogers is tired of being the only Black employee at Wagner Books. Fed up with the isolation and microaggressions, she’s thrilled when Harlem-born and bred Hazel starts working in the cubicle beside hers. They’ve only just started comparing natural hair care regimens, though, when a string of uncomfortable events elevates Hazel to Office Darling, and Nella is left in the dust. Then the notes begin to appear on Nella’s desk: LEAVE WAGNER. NOW. It’s hard to believe Hazel is behind these hostile messages. But as Nella starts to spiral and obsess over the sinister forces at play, she soon realizes that there’s a lot more at stake than just her career. A whip-smart and dynamic thriller and sly social commentary that is perfect for anyone who has ever felt manipulated, threatened, or overlooked in the workplace, The Other Black Girl will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last twist.

Single Black Woman by Tracy Brown Coming 11.2.21

Ivy Donovan is a successful stylist, entrepreneur, and single mom who has been loyal to her sons’ father, Michael, who’s serving a lengthy prison sentence. But life has gotten lonely over the years, and Ivy wants more for herself. Michael, however, isn’t about to lose his family. Coco Norris is well-off, single, childless, and struggling with her allegiance to emotionally unavailable men. When she finds a man who seems like he can give her everything she has ever wanted, Coco soon discovers that she has taken on more than she can possibly handle. Deja Maddox is a real estate agent who is married to Bobby, a police sergeant with the NYPD. They have assimilated, looking down on anything that doesn’t fit their buttoned-up, polished life. But Deja isn’t as satisfied as she would like everyone to believe. When Deja’s past returns with a vengeance, she’s forced to face herself as her “perfect” life begins to crumble. Nikki Diamond is a savvy, self-made businesswoman and social media darling who lives large and with no regrets. She’s also Deja’s little sister and thinks her sister can have so much more than her ho-hum marriage. And Nikki is all too happy to lend a “helping” hand to make that happen. Things come to a head when Ivy’s youngest son, Kingston, is caught up in a polarizing encounter with the NYPD. Everyone must figure out where they stand, including Bobby, who suddenly has to decide if his “blue life” matters more to him than his Black life and the Black lives of those he loves. Single Black Female highlights the nuances of Black love, the often tested bonds of Black families, what it means to face the world as a Black man and the joy and pain of being a Black woman.

The Shortest Boss in the Room

 

NOW AVAILABLE

"I wish I had The Shortest Boss in the Room to read when I was younger. It's informative, empowering, and great insight into entrepreneurship, especially for kids with big goals and dreams. Zanaiah is proof that we can accomplish anything we set our minds to, as long as we work hard and never give up." --Shanora Williams, New York Times bestselling author

Who needs fairy dust when the REAL magic sparks from within?

There was no denying it. Zaria Carter was born to be a boss! After a spa day treat from dad, Zaria later rejoins her mother, Queen, in binge-watching Shark Tank episodes. Later that night, Zaria becomes a contestant on Shark Tank Junior. Now, all she must do is convince the Sharks of her boss magic! During her pitch for iZight, Zaria is interrupted by her four-legged pup, Zaddy. She wakes up and realizes it was all a dream—or was it? With her vision ingeniously clear, the nine-year-old is determined to build her own empire. When she secretly test-runs a marketing campaign, it goes viral before her product is ready. With her new business at stake, brewing friendship drama, and having to answer to the Queen after breaking an internet rule, will Zaria make the right choices and lead like a boss when it really counts?

The Perfect Ruin by Shanora Williams

 

Th Double Cross 2 by Anna J

 

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021

At one point, Selah, Vice, and Skye were inseparable...but money will change the very meaning of "friends to the end."

Life after losing a loved one can be hard, especially if you're the reason why they are no longer here. These are the times that you are supposed to lean on your friends the most. Selah is about to learn a hard lesson that she may not be ready for. Will her ride or die chicks ride with her again, or will this be the end of the trio? Feelings will be hurt, and the things they've done in the dark will come back to haunt them, whether or not they're prepared. Nowadays, you have to be careful who you call a friend.

Chain of Fools: Prision Bids Anthology

 

DECEMBER 2021