K'wan at the Cartel Cafe & Books Store

             K'wan will be at the Cartel Cafe & Books on Saturday

Oct 6, 2012 from 3:00pm-6:00pm.

 

Cartel Cafe & Books

5011 B Indian Head Highway

Oxon Hill, MD 20745

240-724-7225

 

 

 

The Cartel 4 has released early!

Want the Cartel 4 earlier than it's release date which is 10/30? It is now in stuck ast Urban Knowledge Arundel Mall store.

 

7000 Arundrel Mills Circle

Handover, MD

410-579-1105

 

A Conversation with Mack Mama

         Why do one thing when you can do it all? Mack Mama is more than just a woman with a pen she is a woman on a mission and her goal is to not only conquer urban fiction but radio as a whole. Now who says you can't have your cake and eat it too? Mack Mama is showing woman everywhere that whatever you put your mind to you can achieve it and dominate it; Mack Mama is not only fierce with a pen but a jack of all trades. Ladies and gentlemen I will like to introduce you to the one and only Mack Mama.

My Urban Books: Who do you look up too? Do you have a mentor?

Mack Mama: I look up to Michelle Obama, Beyonce, and Patti Labelle. My mentor is an author named Mizz. He wrote Bishop, Bulldog Crew, Haters Animosity and G-Banks. He gave me the blueprint to the independent publishing industry. I also look up to Treasure E. Blue. That is a real dude. He gives so much to new authors and asks for nothing in return. He shows love and it's genuine.

My Urban Books: Who or what motivates you?

Mack Mama: David Weaver, Fabiola Joseph and Wahida Clark those are a few authors and my daughter keeps the fire burning in my soul, to make it happen for her future. I know I have to build an empire and pass the torch on to others that come from where I come from. I have to give back. The at-risk youth motivate me to do better when they look at me as a "Shero" because I made it, although I did thirteen years of my life in and out of the prison system.

My Urban Books: What personality trait, if any, are you working on to better?

Mack Mama: I am too real. I have no filter and sometimes things I say can be misconstrued. I am from a place that most people only read about. My perspective of things are far different from the average person so I express myself differently. I want to work on limiting my opinions on topics that are sensitive to folks from a regular background.

My Urban Books: What question are you most frequently asked?

Mack Mama: I am always asked about my criminal past, which I don't mind because I wrote about it in my memoir Tales of an Original Bad Girl. I wanted to let out all the dirt in my closet and hopefully not be judged from my actions. So I shared my sordid past with the world. I am thankful that I was embraced for it and not ostracized. I always say if God can forgive me than mankind can surely overlook my past flaws.

My Urban Books: What is the motto that you live by?

Mack Mama: Never give up! I don't accept defeat. I fall off the horse and get right back on that beast and ride out until the sunsets.

My Urban Books: What would you say is the recipe for being successful?

Mack Mama: Not accepting anything other than success. Research the field you want to dominate, know your industry and work harder and longer than your peers.

My Urban Books: You have your own blog talk radio show, Mack Mama's Radio World. What made you decide to start your own radio show?

Mack Mama: I wanted a format to play my music and promote my products and then I discovered I actually have what it takes to be a radio personality. I love talking and I have a knack for making folks feel comfortable and allowing them to be themselves.

My Urban Books: Tell us a little about Mistress, the sequel to Daisy Jones.

Mack Mama: Mistress is the sequel to Daisy Jones that I am currently writing. I hope to release it by Nov 2, 2012 right on time for the holidays. Mistress is one of the characters that was locked up while Daisy and the O.B.G's were dealing with their drama. She is home from prison and hell bent on wreaking havoc in the street that she once dominated.

My Urban Books: What do you hope to achieve with writing?

Mack Mama: I want to make a living and be able to take care of my family. I also want to leave a legacy behind for my future generation. Printed words never die they evolve with the world. If the world as we know it came to an abrupt end, through the rubble there will be books tossed around. I want my collection to be in that pile.

My Urban Books: Do you see yourself writing outside of urban fiction? If so what would it be?

Mack Mama: Yes, absolutely I write self-help, erotica and non-fiction. I want to try flash fiction, contemporary fiction, and I also want to dabble in young adult fiction.

My Urban Books: What advice would you give aspiring authors?

Mack Mama: If you plan to self-publish your book please invest in editing and copy-editing. Also research how to format your manuscript properly to upload ebooks. Ebooks are the new wave jump on it and keep your balance. It doesn't make since to do a big print run for paperback books, do print on demand. I wasted thousands on large print runs; I still have hundreds of books in storage. Without distribution you can't move them like you need to. The mom and pop bookstores are shutting down and most don't want to pay anything but consignment. Good Luck and Congrats on following your dreams.

 

Unique by Nikki Turner

12/25/2012

11/27/2012

10/30/2012

Obsession by Treasure Hernandez, Black Diamond by Brittani Williams and Dream Girl Awakened by Stacy Campbell.

2/19/2013

11/27/2012

12/24/2012

A Conversation with Dama Cargle

           Everyday a new author is introduced to the urban fiction genre and everyday authors, readers and people in general step back and critique these new comers. Thoughts such as who are they, what have they written, and are they any good? Starts to flow through minds and never settle unless these questions are answered. Some believe in sitting back and watching how the presence of these new authors will affect the genre while others take the bold approach and actually say to the author "Who are you?" and that is exactly what My Urban Books did we sat down with the new author Dama Cargle who has the literary world buzzing and asked "Who are you?" check out what she had to say.

 

My Urban Books: Dama you are a new author so tell us about yourself, who is Dama the author?

 

Dama Cargle: Dama the author and my personal self is one in the same, I’m focused, passionate and learning about my business and love what I’m doing. There’s nothing else I would rather be doing at this moment. Any and everything I do, I do it with 110% and I think a person will see that when they read my books, or interact with me.

 

My Urban Books: What does your writing  process consist of?

 

Dama Cargle: I find inspiration in something or someone. I always pray first before I write one word, turn my music up so load I can’t hear anything that’s going on around me. May have an alcoholic drink to help me get in a zone and let my characters take over.

 

My Urban Books: You worked on an anthology with authors Shan, YungLit, and Monique Chanae called When it Rain’s it Pours. Which do you find more exciting and harder to write an anthology or full fledge novel?

 

Dama Cargle: It’s all the same with me. Grab the reader’s attention from the start and don’t let go until the very last word. Only difference is you have to compress the story into fewer words when it comes to a short story. But it all works out the same.

 

My Urban Books: Tell us about the exact moment you knew you wanted to write, paint a picture for us.

 

Dama Cargle: I was so tried and sleepy one night and for me my characters don’t come through until I try to go to sleep. Well this night, I don’t know why this part, but the ending of The Finale wouldn’t let me sleep. I made a FB post praying to God stating something along the lines of….. "if you allow these people in my head to stop talking for just a couple hours of sleep I would give them all my attention."This lady in boxed me and told me to never ask God to stop a gift he has been placed upon you. She told me sleep will come but right now be obedient to God, so I got up and fixed me some coffee and let Sereniti’s emotions flow and till this day that is one of the most emotional chapters I have written.

 

My Urban Books: Are you an eBook or paperback person?

 

Dama Cargle: Both, I love eBooks for providing a way for upcoming authors to have control over their very own destiny. But my first love would be paperbacks.

 

My Urban Books: What advice have you received that stuck in your head?

 

Dama Cargle: Write, write, and write some more. As for me the characters start talking more even when I’m not writing, their talking. I find myself talking to them. I can vividly see them, their mannerism, their smell. Most of the time we argue when it’s time for bed becasue their not ready but I am.

 

My Urban Books: Tell us about your style of writing, how would you describe it?

 

Dama Cargle:I would call it sexy suspense LOL. I love to paint a picture of a sexy woman or man then take you on drama suspense ride filled with an unbelievable ending that will leave you craving for more.

 

My Urban Books: You just released your latest novel Sereniti what would you like for readers to know about this novel?

 

Dama Cargle: I would like people to know I’m serious about this. I did a lot of research and let my emotions flow with this story. I am Sereniti, as well as many other women. I think Sereniti is relatable for those that have loved a man in the game or his career more than he loves you in return.

 

My Urban Books: When you’re writing do you read novels?

 

Dama Cargle:Yes. It doesn’t bother me at all; my storyline is already laid out. I look at it as being homework, plus I like to keep up with what people think are 5 stars reads.

 

My Urban Books: What scenes do you enjoy writing most?

 

Dama Cargle: I love writing as a whole but I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy writing the sex scenes. What can I say; I’m a caring, passionate, lovable person.

 

My Urban Books: Will you write novels outside of the urban fiction genre?

 

Dama Cargle: Yes. I’m thinking about dipping into Erotica and Mystery. Go figure... LOL.

 

My Urban Books: What advice would you give aspiring authors?

 

Dama Cargle:I still consider my upcoming. But I will say this, don’t give up, when times get challenging keep pushing. Trust, when you type that last word you’re going to feel like you have conquered the world. Treat this like a business do your research and research some more not many are willing to give a helping hand sorry but it’s true. As respectful as possible bogard your way in, you’re going to run into some that’s not going to be happy with your hustle, but your entire concern should be making a name for yourself demand respect then the help will come freely because everybody wants to be associated with a winning team.

A Conversation With Keisha Ervin

        In the world of writing many has come and many has gone but very few has stayed around, standing the test of time with their pens by their side and a fresh peice of paper clutched in their hand ready to write a novel that will grace book shelves around the world. Writing is an honor and should never be taken lightly, it is a journey of the mind a creative pool authors are swimming in. And Keisha Ervin has swam in that pool and created novels readers can't take their eyes off, so pull up a seat and listen carefully because this is our conversation with Keisha Ervin.

 

My Urban Books:    You have been writing for some time and have quite a few books under your belt. So tell us what is your goal when you’re writing? Do you aim to entertain? Get your feelings out on paper, what?

 

Keisha Ervin: Sometimes when I write I get my feelings out on paper but not often. I’m more of a talker when it comes to my feelings. I try to write cautionary tales so that other women won’t have to go through the things I put my characters through or that I or my friends have gone through. I also try to hip my readers on what’s going on out here in the world. Relationships and friendships can get tricky sometimes so I try to touch on those subjects.

 

My Urban Books:  Have you ever written a scene based on your life? If so, what is the scene about and what book is it in?

 

Keisha Ervin: Well, Chyna Black is me. That whole entire book is about my life. I always tell people that 75% was real and the other 25% make believe.

 

My Urban Books: What scene have you written that made you cry?

 

Keisha Ervin: Lol, none I don’t get emotional when I write my own books. I might read it and be like oooh that was good but that’s about it.

My Urban Books:  You’re novel Torn has taken readers on an emotional roller coaster! Please explain to us what it took for you to write this novel, what ingredients actually made it possible for this story to come to life?

Keisha Ervin: For those out there that don’t know Torn is based on a true story. For the readers who have read Torn, during that time I was the character Mina and my best friend Monsieur was Mo. I was always on the receiving end of hearing about her messed up relationship with her boyfriend who wasn’t treating her right. So I decide one day to write a story about it so that she could read it and see herself. And writing the book was a huge wake up call for her and she left the relationship.

My Urban Books:  What is the craziest thing a fan has ever said to you?

 

Keisha Ervin:  Nothing comes to mind. My readers and I say readers ‘cause using the word fan doesn’t sit well with me. I’m just regular ole Keisha, lol. But the readers are generally very pleasant and warming.

 

My Urban Books:  Tell us about some of your other business ventures besides literature, are they your passions or hobbies?

Keisha Ervin: Nothing that I do is a hobby. I have to love it in order to do it or else it won’t work, lol. Outside of building my publication company Color Me Pink Publications I also am a makeup artist and I have my own line of cosmetics that I will be debuting in 2013. I have a fashion blog called Bow Ties and Barrettes www.bowtiesandbarrettes.blogspot.com where I showcase my love fashion. I want to show women of whatever size that you can be fashionable and not break the bank to do so.  Fashion is a huge part of my life. If you notice fashion is a big part of my books. It’s like the side character, lol. I also will be selling handbags and jewelry in the next month or so.

My Urban Books: Was there ever a time you wanted to give up writing and just walk away from it all? If so what made you stay?

 

Keisha Ervin: Yes what made me stay around was the readers and knowing that God didn’t have to give me this gift. I could’ve still been a high school drop out on welfare but this blessing of knowing how to tell stories has kept me and my son with a roof over our head and food in our mouths. I could never say forget it and walk away. It would be like spitting in Gods face if I did.

 

My Urban Books:  With social networks such a Facebook and Twitter readers are now able to get a better look into author’s lives. Do you believe this can do more harm than good for an author?

Keisha Ervin:I’m on Facebook www.facebook.com/keisha.ervin, Twitter www.twitter.com/keishaervin  and Pintrest www.pintrest.com/keishaervin. I think that they can be a great deal of help to you if you use it right. I don’t get on those social sites to tell my personal business or start drama. It’s strictly business for me. Those sites are great promotional tools and a great way to stay in touch with your readers. I try to include the readers in on all of my projects.

 

My Urban Books:  Do you have an unpublished novel that has been sitting in your computer for over a year? If so why haven’t you published it and what is the novel about?
 

 

Keisha Ervin: YES, Material Girl 3: Secrets and Betrayals. It is my most highly anticipated book and I am honestly scared to finish it, lol because there is so much anticipation for it. After writing the sequel to my latest novel RECKLESS I will be starting on MG3. I just have to give it my full attention and put my all into to it.
 

My Urban Books: What about urban fiction would you say is over rated?

 

Keisha Ervin: The whole fascination with drugs, robbery, pimps and hoes.
 

My Urban Books: What do you consider your greatest accomplishment to be?
 

Keisha Ervin: By far my son Kyrese. He is my everything. If I hadn’t have had him I wouldn’t be where am I right now. All of this is because of him.
 

My Urban Books: What will your next release be? Can you tell us a name and a brief description of the novel?
 

Keisha Ervin: It will be the sequel to RECKLESS. I have no title for it yet. After that Material Girl 3: Secrets and Betrayals and then To Love and Lipstick.

  

My Urban Books:  What advice would you give aspiring authors?
 

Keisha Ervin: To learn as much as you can about the business. Never sign a contract without a lawyer’s approval. Write from the heart and dare to push the envelope. If anybody wants to contact me my email address keisha_ervin2002@yahoo.com.