Conversations Wants To Show You "How To Get Out Of Debt"

For 14 months Conversations Book Club has been raising the bar as to book discussions and introducing the general public to authors they enjoyed. Now we are pleased to introduce our Mississippi chapters to celebrated author Harrine Freeman and her practical book "HOW TO GET OUT OF DEBT".


This self help book provides step by step details on how to repair your credit, get out of debt, how to create your own flexible spending plan and how to maintain your good credit without having to go to a credit counseling agency or file for bankruptcy. The book also includes the personal story of how Harrine Freeman was $19,000 in debt while earning $21,000 a year and was able to get out of debt without filing for bankruptcy.


Below is her schedule:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2008
10a.m.-1p.m. --- visit with Crystal Springs High School English Students (Copiah County)
2:30-3:30p.m. --- Meet and greet at Pearl Public Library (Rankin County) * 601.932.2562
4-5:30p.m. --- Booksigning at Richard Wright Library (Hinds County) * 601.372.1621


SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 2008
1-3:00p.m. --- Workshop: "How to Get out of Debt", hosted by Conversations Book Club (Richard Wright Library in Hinds County)

Find out more about our author by visiting her website: hefreemanenterprises.com
We look forward to see you during the weekend. C'mon. JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info

TRU & Conversations Book Club bring you "PASSION 4 FASHION" show

TRU Publishing & Conversations Book Club are proud to bring you our 1st "PASSION 4 FASHION" show, featuring our special guest Miami's own recording artist/author Jacki-O!

Join us on two special evenings --- Wednesday, March 5th and Thursday, March 6th--- featuring designs by Mississippi's own Gail Ambeau (Ambeau's Chapeau) and Leon Collier (Krooked Ledda).

Admission to both shows is free, and the public is welcome. On the second evening, there will be performances by PRIME, Jack Squad, E of Causin' Drama Entertainment, Great Britt, Playa Connected and D. J. DownSouth.

Jacki-O will be talking about her current projects, including the release of her book GROWN & GANGSTA.

For details, call 601.664.8805 or email us at cawebb4@juno.com. You can also visit http://www.truconversations.com.

JOIN CONVERSATIONS BOOK CLUB: Feb. 25-Mar. 2, 2008

Conversations Book Club is pleased to welcome you to yet another busy literary week! Below you will find several ways in which you can support the reading community in Mississippi and "join the addiction" by getting hooked on books!

• Monday, February 25, 2008: "Nonfiction Conversations" Book Club meets at the Pearl Public Library (Pearl, MS) at 6p.m. to discuss the book "The Other Side of Me" by Bestselling author Sidney Sheldon. Admission free. Details, 601.932.2562 or cawebb4@juno.com.
• Wednesday, February 27, 2008: "The C.U.T. Society" meets at the Richard Wright Library (515 W. McDowell Road * Jackson, MS) at 6p.m. to discuss the book "Grown & Gangsta" by Recording artist/author Jacki-O. The author will be joining the discussion LIVE via conference call---her first book disussion since the book's release! We will also discuss her upcoming visit to Mississippi and will be answering questions from those in attendance. Admission free. Details, 601.372.1621/ 601.664.8805 or cawebb4@juno.com.
• Thursday, February 28, 2008: "Subway Conversations" Book Club meets at the Subway Restaurant (3000 HWY 80E * Pearl, MS) at 6p.m. to discuss the book "Death Around The Corner" by Corey "C-Murder" Miller. The author will be joining the discussion LIVE via conference call---and will be discussing his new publishing company, TRU Publishing, and his first auhor Jacki-O. Admission free. Details, 601.664.8805 or cawebb4@juno.com.
• Friday, February 29, 2008: Conversations Book Club will hold a special meeting at the Pearl Public Library at 2p.m. to tape a live discussion with Bestselling author/MSNBC contributor Brian Alexander via conference call. He will be discussing his new book AMERICA UNZIPPED. Admission free. Details, 601.664.8805 or cawebb4@juno.com.
• Friday, February 29-March 1, 2008: Conversations Book Club will host Bestselling author Harrine Freeman LIVE in her first visit to Mississippi. Look for details to be revealed at http://www.thebestbookclub.info.
• Sunday, March 2, 2008: "Inspirational Conversations" Book Club will hold the first of two meetings in March 2008. Join us at the Subway Restaurant in Pearl, MS (3000 HWY 80E) at 6p.m. to discuss Bestselling author Shelia E. Lipsey's "Into Each Life".  Admission free. Details, 601.664.8805 or cawebb4@juno.com.

http://www.thebestbookclub.info

Bestselling authors Allison Hobbs & Sylvester Stephens: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Conversations Book Club wishes to thank all of its literary partners for making the historic visit of Bestselling authors Allison Hobbs & Sylvester Stephens to Mississippi. It was an eventful weekend, complete with memorable discussion as well as life-changing moments. (View Exclusive pictures of our weekend here: http://www.esnips.com/web/AllisonHobbsSylvesterStephens0208

Special thanks go out to Crystal Springs Elementary School, Crystal Springs High School, Richard Wright Library, the Jackson Advocate Newspaper, Robin Gardner and Savvy Book Club's Rose Wright.

To those who missed it, you were truly deprived of another historic event for Mississippi.

C'mon. JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info

TODAY: Mississippi welcomes TWO of Zane's authors!

Thank you to everyone who helped us kick off the weekend on Thursday, February 21, 2008 with great literary events.

 

It began with our special forum "SEPARATE BUT EQUAL: African American Authors in Today's Bookstores", featuring our special guests authors Voncele Savage and Allison Hobbs. It was an insightful discussion that laid out the pros and cons of what is still a sensitive subject for some.

 

Immediately afterwards it was right into "The Tru Conversations Hour" with my special guest Corey "C-Murder" Miller. Once again we were discussing his book DEATH AROUND THE CORNER under the subject "Is Violence Ever The Answer?" Not an easy topic, but the callers really appreciated the conversation as was evident with the questions.

 

That brings us to today: Friday, February 22, 2008:

 

Conversations Book Club will host Bestselling authors Allison Hobbs and Sylvester Stephens---both signed to Zane's STREBOR BOOKS. This will take place February 22-23, 2008 in events that will carry up through FOUR COUNTIES (Hinds, Copiah, Rankin and Madison) in Mississippi AND two stops in Montgomery, AL! All the events listed below are free to attend and open to the public.




For details on any of the above, you can contact Robin Gardner at 601.664.8805 or Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com.
JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books!

Tru Publishing & Conversations hosts Rapper/Author Jacki-O

Nothing is music to the ears of urban/street literature readers more than this announcement: Recording artist/Author Jacki-O will hosted by Tru Publishing and Conversations Book Club in events scheduled March 4-9, 2008! In what has been dubbed the "Grown & Gangsta Book Tour", Jacki-O will be involved in book discussions and meet and greets in Mississippi, Tennessee and Louisiana.

 

 

TUESDAY, MARCH 4, 2008

3-5p.m. --- Meet & Greet/Booksigning @ Margaret Walker Alexander (Jackson, MS) --- FREE

6-8p.m. --- Meet & Greet/Booksigning @ Comfort Inn & Suites in North Jackson (MS) --- FREE

 

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2008

1-3P.M. --- Meet & Greet/Booksigning @ Northside Library (Jackson, MS) --- FREE

4-5p.m. --- Book discussion @ Pearl Public Library (Pearl, MS) --- FREE

6-7:30p.m. --- "Passion 4 Fashion Show" @ Pearl Public Library (Pearl, MS), featuring original designs by Gail Ambeau and Leon Collier (Krooked Ledda.) --- FREE

8:30p.m.--- Evening event TBA

 

THURSDAY, MARCH 6, 2008

1-3p.m. --- Meet & Greet/ Book Signing @ Richard Wright Library (Jackson, MS) --- FREE

5:30-7p.m. --- "Passion 4 Fashion Show" @ Richard Wright Library (Jackson, MS), featuring original designs by Gail Ambeau and Leon Collier (Krooked Ledda) LIVE PERFORMANCES by Mississippi's own Jack Squad, Great Britt and D. J. Downsouth --- FREE

8:30-10P.M. --- Meet & Greet/Book Signing @ Subway Restaurant (Pearl, MS) --- FREE

 

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2008

Events in New Orleans, LA ---TBA

 

SATURDAY, MARCH 8, 2008

1-3p.m. --- Meet & Greet/Booksigning in Memphis, TN--- TBA (FREE)

8:30p.m. --- "Grown & Sexy" Meet & Greet @ Comfort Inn & Suites (Pearl, MS)--- FREE

 

SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2008

2-4p.m. ---Meet & Greet/Booksigning @ Quality Inn & Suites (2705 E. South Blvd. * Montgomery, AL) --- FREE

Tru Publishing, created by hiphop entrepreneuer Corey "C-Murder" Miller, specializes in urban fiction and promises to change the way that books are marketed and produced in the future. Tru is pleased to announce that its first relesae is GROWN & GANGSTA by Miami, Florida rapper Jacki-O.

Conversations Book Club President Cyrus A. Webb describes the book this way: "Jacki-O's GROWN & GANGSTA has everything you would expect from C-Murder's TRU Publishing: strong alliances, power couples and lessons that people of all backgrounds can easily relate to.  GROWN & GANGSTA is the story of friendship---REAL friendship---that endures the hurt, highs and lows and success and proves itself time and again. 

 

"The characters dance along the pages in perfect harmony, each lending credence and strength to one another while standing on their own as individuals. All of us will see ourselves or someone we know in one or more of the 6 main characters that we're introduced to, whether we like what we see or not.

 

"GROWN & GANGSTA is for the grown and sexy and reeks of sophisticated fiction that normally takes years to develop. TRU Publishing knocks this one out of the park with its debut release and Jacki-O maintains her sexy, street-cred persona with a novel that people will be talking about long after its closed shut."

 

During the above events, the book will be available for 30% off the retail price---making it only  $10.00! GROWN & GANGSTA is available worldwide through Amazon.com or http://www.trupublishing.com. For more information about the "Grown & Gangsta Book Tour" visit http://www.thebestbookclub.info.

MARK THE DATES: Conversations hosts author Vickie Stringer

 

Conversations & Vickie Stringer: July 24-26, 2008.

 

Conversations Book Club will be hosting bestselling author and publisher Vickie Stringer IN-PERSON during the month of July 2008 with events scheduled July 24-26, 2008. 

 

"It is a pleasure to work with someone of Ms. Stringer's caliber," Conversations Book Club president Cyrus A. Webb said in a prepared statement. "She has added so much to the literary community through her own books and the authors she has published through Triple Crown Publications."

 

The successes and achievements of Stringer’s novels, Let That Be the Reason, its sequel, Imagine This, Dirty Red, and the wide popularity of the Triple Crown Publications brand have garnered attention from prominent news media since Stringer ignited the Hip-Hop Literature era less than six years ago. In addition to being featured in The New York Times, Newsweek, MTV News, Publisher’s Weekly, The Boston Globe, Vibe, Essence, Entrepreneur and Inc. Magazine, in April of 2005 Stringer and Triple Crown Publications became international as her novels were translated and released in Tokyo, Japan.

 

Thanks to the staff of Triple Crown Publications for helping put this history-making event together with Conversations Book Club. History will be made again since this is the first time that Ms. Stringer will have visited Mississippi. She will also be our special guest in events in MEMPHIS, TN and MONTGOMERY, AL.

 

Ms. Stringer will also be hosting a FREE publishing workshop while in Jackson, MS.

This promises to be one of those events you don't want to miss.

 For additional information, contact Robin Gardner at 601.664.8805 or Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com. You can find out more about Conversations Book Club by visiting http://www.thebestbookclub.info.

 

C'MON. What are you waiting for? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books!

Conversations Hosts 2 of Zane's Finest--- February 21-23, 2008

In one of its most ambitious weeks to date, Conversations Book Club will host Bestselling authors Allison Hobbs and Sylvester Stephens---both signed to Zane's STREBOR BOOKS. This will take place February 21-23, 2008 in events that will carry up through FOUR COUNTIES (Hinds, Copiah, Rankin and Madison) in Mississippi AND two stops in Montgomery, AL! All the events listed below are free to attend and open to the public.






The pair will also be special guests during the "Grown & Gangsta" party hosted by Tru Publishing and Conversations Book Club in Montgomery, AL Saturday evening. Details can be found at http://conversationsmontgomery.blogspot.com.

For details on any of the above, you can contact Robin Gardner at 601.664.8805 or Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com.
JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books!

BREAKING: Conversations & RAWSISTAZ Alliance now visible

An alliance that had been announced in January 2008 is now resounding online worldwide: Conversations Book Club and RAWSISTAZ.com have officially made their new partnership visible to all.

"Conversations with C. A. Webb" (http://www.rawsistaz.com/BMR-Conversations.htm) is now a syndicated feature on the http://www.RAWSISTAZ.com websites. It will continue the Conversations Book Club President's mission of introducing readers to authors---but will also give you a rare glimpse into the authors that are being featured.

To really give the official kickoff of this new venture its "wow factor", Webb has begun the column with interviews from Bestselling authors Shelia E. Lipsey, Tina Brooks McKinney, Che Parker, Kimberla Lawson Roby and Dywane Birch. 

RAWSISTAZ (Reading and Writing Sistaz) is recognized worldwide for being committed to spreading quality reading among the African-American community. Conversations Book Club has transcended race and gender to form a formidable alliance with some of the biggest names in the industry. Together they will revolutionize the way you read---introducing you to authors you thought you knew and giving you the names of those who should be on your reading list!

Congrats to the authors who are featured in the debut of this alliance. In March 2008, we will recognize five powerful women who during "Women's History Month" who are really giving the boys a run for their money in the literary industry. Who are they? STAY TUNED and find out!

C'mon. What are you waiting for? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info

Author Dedra Johnson & Conversations: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2008:
Thank you to everyone who made Bestselling author Dedra Johnson's (author of SANDRINE'S LETTER TO TOMORROW) first official visit to Mississippi to promote her book a success. As always, it is the mission of Conversations Book Club to bring authors to readers no matter where they are---and we didn't disappoint this time either.

A special thanks to the Crystal Springs Elementary School, and Ms. Crisley and Mr. Bradford at the Crystal Springs High School for their continued support of our campaign. The students devoured the lively discussions about race and the world's perception of beauty, and we enjoyed sharing how important it is to love yourself.

As always our literary partner, Richard Wright Library, helped continue the lively discussion and fellowship, and we appreciate Rose Wright of the Savvy Book Club for coming by to share in the cause.

Dedra's visit with Conversations literary couldn't have made it without the support of book club members and friends Robin Gardner and Attorney Martin Perkins. Thanks to the two of you from making everything from the schools to Subway Restaurant something that will not be easily forgotten.










To those who weren't able to attend today's events, you really missed out on more history in the making. C'mon. What are you waiting for? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books! http://www.thebestbookclub.info

Celebrate the weekend with Conversations!

THIS WEEK WITH CONVERSATIONS: Feb. 11-16-2008

Hello all!

 

Conversations Book Club is pleased to share with you its schedule of events for February 11-16, 2008:

 

*     Tuesday, February 12, 2008: Conversations Book Club will be talking live via conference call to Bestselling authors Clarence Nero ("Three Sides to Every Story") and Dedra Johnson ("Sandrine's Letter to Tomorrow"). This will be at the Pearl Public Library in Pearl, MS beginning at 6p.m. CST. Admission is free. For details, call 601.664.8805 or the library at 601.932.2562. http://conversationslive.blogspot.com

 

*     Wednesday, February 13, 2008: "Wednesday Conversations" Book Club (http://wednesdayconversations.blogspot.com) will host Mississippi author V. L. Green LIVE at the Richard Wright Library in Jackson, MS. This will be at 6p.m. CST. She will be discussing her book "When Destinies Meet". Admission is free. For details, call 601.664.8805 or the library at 601.372.1621.

 

*     Thursday, February 14, 2008: Tune in to "The Tru Conversations Hour" at 7p.m. CST. Conversations Book Club President Cyrus A. Webb will moderate the hour program with special guest Corey "C-Murder" Miller. The two will discuss Miller's book "Death Around the Corner" with the theme THE LOVE OF MUSIC VS. THE LOVE OF MONEY". Tune in live by calling 1.712.432.3000 and using the access code 398736.

 

*     Friday, February 15, 2008: Conversations Book Club will host Bestselling author Dedra Johnson (author of "Sandrine's Letter to Tomorrow) LIVE and in person in a series of events with its various chapters in Mississippi. For details, visit http://www.thebestbookclub.info.

 

*     Saturday, February 16, 2008: Conversations Book Club in New Orleans will host Bestselling authors Clarence Nero ("Three Sides to Every Story") and Dedra Johnson ("Sandrine's Letter to Tomorrow"). This will take place at the Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown (356 Baronne St./ 504.524.1140) beginning at 1p.m. Admission is free. For details, visit http://conversationsneworleans.blogspot.com or call 601.664.8805.

 

C'mon. What are you waiting for? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books!

 

 

Bestselling author Brenda L. Thomas, MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

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All I can say is thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to everyone who made the second and final day with Bestselling author Brenda L. Thomas a success. Once again history was made---and many of YOU were part of that being possible.

(Exclusive pictures found here from day one: http://slideroll.com/show.php?s=xbmjqbsm)

 

Saturday, February 9, 2008 began at 9a.m. with a quick visit to Krispy Kreme in Ridgeland before getting on the road headed to Memphis, TN. Robin Gardner, Kim Gerald, Voncele Savage, Brenda L. Thomas and Cyrus A. Webb used the drive time to recap the previous day's events as well as talk about what to expect in the coming hours. Though we had only been together a little over a day, the feeling of togetherness was apparent to all who were involved in what was about to come.

 

The debut of the Memphis chapter of Conversations Book Club (http://conversationsmemphis.blogspot.com) has been in the works for a few weeks. Thanks to our "Author of the Year 2008", Bestselling author Shelia E. Lipsey, we knew that this was going to be a great addition for us--and we were not disappointed. Though things took a surprising turn once we arrived in Memphis, the overall design of the trip took over, and we all just took a step back and enjoyed the experienced.

 

Joining us for our first discussion was Mississippi author V. L. Green (author of WHEN DESTINIES MEET) and her husband, Lipsey, Memphis author John Lott (author of TOO YOUNG FOR SEX), Voncele's son Ty and librarian Antoine Beane. After the introductions, the authors talked about their books as well as the struggles of getting exposure in the competitive market. Thomas shared valuable information about the pitfalls of publishing and encouraged the other authors to 'take their time' and make sure they were delivering a quality product.

 

Once again, we appreciate all that everyone did to make the visits of our authors a tremendous accomplishment. For those that weren't able to attend, we look forward to seeing you all next month on the 2nd Saturday for the next Conversations*Memphis meeting.

 

C'mon. What are you waiting for? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books!

 

 

Conversations & Bestselling author Brenda L. Thomas, Day 1

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There are not many times that I am left speechless, however, with the direction that Conversations Book Club is going in 2008 it is hard not to be at a loss for words. Such is the case as I sit down to recap our day one with Bestselling author Brenda L. Thomas.

 

Now only was this her first trip to the Magnolia State, but it was her first time speaking to students as well! On the way to Copiah County to speak to the students in Crystal Springs, it occurred to me that we are not just changing the way that people read. We are changing lives, and there is no way NOT to be humbled by that.

 

Her new book, LAYING DOWN MY BURDENS, is her own personal journey through over a decade of verbal, emotional and physical abuse---and how she found the courage to love herself enough to want out. Admittedly, it is a heavy subject to discuss with kids, but it was one that they needed to hear.

 

We first went to Crystal Springs Elementary, where are book club member Cheryl Haynes is Principal. After our regular greetings and pictures, we walked the halls speaking to many of the 600 student body before heading to one class room to talk with a group of second graders. Brenda was amazing. To see someone who makes there living writing about characters that readers fall in love talk about themselves with honesty and courage is something to watch. It is never easy to stand exposed to complete strangers, but she did it again and again because she knew someone would be helped and encouraged by her journey.

 

From there it was over to the Crystal Springs High School to talk with ONE class of Ms. Crisler's English students. Well, that was the plan. But after we began and the interest was contagious, we ended up staying for THREE classes---many of those present purchasing books while wiping away tears and asking questions that needed to be answered by someone who had lived the live they had heard about, seen or personally experienced.

 

While trying to absorb what had just happened, we had to keep moving because we were expected at an event in Rankin County at the Pearl Public Library. Because of time, we turned this into a short meet and greet and even ran into book club member Dana Hampton. It was also here that we joined with book club member and author Voncele Savage and made a special visit to a shelter.

 

This was not originally on our schedule of events, but it proved to be a stop that all of us appreciated. There we met staff as well as one woman who shared her personal story with us, getting hugs from the authors and encouragement to move forward.

 

Next came our booksigining at the Richard Wright Library in Hinds County where our partner Ms. Debra Gilbert made us feel right at home.

 

Our final event was at Barnes and Noble in Madison County where we enjoyed conversation and a discussion of Thomas' book. Joining us on her on this journey was her friend and assistant Kim Gerald, and we learned how they were able to band together and forge an alliance that transcends business and reaches the heart. Rose Wright, President of Savvy Book Club, joined us for this last stop and after pictures it was time to call it a day.

 

DAY TWO begins today (Sat. Feb. 9, 2008) in Memphis, TN with the debut of Conversations * Memphis! Stay tuned for the report.

Conversations Welcomes Bestselling author Brenda L. Thomas --- 02/08-09/08

Just one day after hosting its 5th author of 2008, Conversations Book Club is preparing for one of its biggest weekends of the year: the launch of the "Conversations * Memphis" chapter. To help celebrate this event, we will be entertaining some of the most celebrated names of the literary industry: Bestselling author Brenda L. Thomas (6), Mississippi authors V. L. Green(7) and Voncele Savage as well as Bestselling author and Memphis native Shelia E. Lipsey(8).





Admission to all events is FREE. We hope to see you there, so c'mon: what are you waiting for! JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books!

Bestselling author Diane Dorce's visit to Mississippi: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

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Thank you to everyone who made the second and final day of events for Bestselling author Diane Dorce' a complete success. Though the day started off a little differently than originally expected, it was a highly productive one nonetheless.

It all started with a visit to the home of book club member and author Voncele Savage for coffee, banana bread and great conversation. CBC President Cyrus Webb, Robin Gardner and Diane were treated to this special meeting in Madison County, and it was filled with colorful discussion about the art and business of writing and how we can better work together to support those who are broken in our community.

From there it was on the the Richard Wright Library for a booksigning. This one was just as productive as the last and it yielded more dialogue about the literary world as well as some much needed lighthearted moments to keep everything friendly and casual.

Webb, Gardner, Savage and Dorce' ended the day at Harvey's Fish Hut for dinner and even more conversation. It was a great opportunity to get to know one another as well as discuss the things that unites all of us: books!

For more information about Diane's work, visit http://www.dianedorce.com.

What are you waiting for? JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books.

CBC Report: Bestselling author Diane Dorce', Day 1

 

Friday, January 31, 2008 has been a long time coming.

I was first introduced to author Diane Dorce' back in 2005 when she was promoting her book DEVIL IN THE MIST---and even back then I knew she was someone I wanted to work with. That became a reality when book club member Robin Gardner and I picked her up to begin our historic visit with the author. Now she has published her second adult novel 52 BROAD STREET as well founded her own publishing entity, FIREFLY PUBLISHING (with several authors already under her belt).  This was her first visit not only with Conversations but to the state of Mississippi, and we wanted to make sure that it was as visit she would not soon forget.

 

In just one day we visited with people in Copiah County, Hinds County and Madison County---and at each stop we were meeting new faces, selling books and encouraging reading.

 

It all began with our tour of Crystal Springs Elementary School, given by the principal and book club member Cheryl Haynes. The school of 600 students has gotten used to Conversations bringing authors to them, but Diane was the first author who had actually written a book designed for them! Her children's book LOVING PENNY was something that the children could relate to. She even donated several copies to the school and read and excerpt to a group of 3rd graders.

 

Next it was over to the Crystal Springs High School, where we visited with Mr. Chad Bradford's creative writing class and a separate English class. This was special for Diane because she had never spoken to a creative writing class---and they greeted her warmly with their attention and incredible questions.

 

After we had lunch with Ms. Haynes, we were off to Peeples Middle School in Jackson, MS to visit with Ms. Rose Wright (President of the Savvy Book Club) and her class there. Diane shared some information about herself as well as got the chance to sit back and listen to the poetry written by some of the students.

 

Afterwards, we continued our journey to meet with the Production Manager of the public access channel of Jackson, MS (PEG, Channel 18) and the staff of the Jackson Advocate newspaper.

 

From there it was off to a booksigning at Richard Wright Library, thanks to our partnership with the librarian Debra Gilbert. There Diane gave advice to aspiring authors and shared bits of her journey as an author.

 

Our final destination of the day was at our literary partner, Barnes and Noble in Ridgeland, MS. There we sat down to chat and discuss Diane's career in more depth---as well as engaged in a conversation about the politics of the literary industry.

 

All of this, and it was just the first day.

 

Look for more information about the Barnes and Noble discussion later today.

 

Until then enjoy your day, enjoy your life and enjoy your world.