Conversations Magazine's #BooksYouNeedtoRead Issue

Conversations Magazine's #BooksYouNeedtoRead Issue

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Conversations LIVE! Radio w/Derrick & Nikki coming in May 2009!


When Shadow Play Entertainment unveiled Conversations with C. A. Webb in 2004 on the radio dial through WMPR 90.1 FM, it was with the mission of having its host introduce the world to those who were making moves in the worlds of the arts and entertainment. When the show began to air on the ABC television affilliate in 2005, the same mission was accomplished with incredible support. The show has interviewed hundreds of authors and other creatives and has been nationally recognized for its uniqueness and professionalism.

However, when the radio show left the airwave in 2008 and resurfaced through Blogtalkradio to a nationwide audience it had the same mission but a different name: Conversations LIVE! Radio. "I had been the face of Conversations since the beginning," says Webb, 33. "I knew that eventually I wanted to bring others into the family and let them build their own audience and make the show their own."

That time has now come. Shadow Play Ent. can now confirm that Conversations LIVE! with Derrick & Nikki will debut in May 2009.


Derrick Hargrove & Nikki Shallwani burst on the national stage in 2008 on the MTV reality show 50 CENT: The Money & The Power. Webb will serve as Executive Producer of the new show that will focus on celebrity news, entertainment and interviews with movers and shakers throughout the country.

"The two of them have so much personality," says Webb. "I know that their fans will enjoy their new partnership as well as new listeners as well." He will continue to host the 12p.m. edition of Conversations LIVE! Radio, however Nikki and Derrick will take over the 8p.m. CST edition.

For details about the show and their upcoming guests make sure to bookmark http://www.conversationsliveradio.com.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Tues. March 24: Director Joe Dante on Conversations LIVE!

TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2009 @ 12p.m. CST (1p.m. EST/10a.m. PT)

He is te director of such films as The Howling, Piranha, Gremlins and Police Squad. Now famed director Joe Dante makes his first appearance on Conversations LIVE! Radio to discuss his latest project TRAILERS FROM HELL.

To listen to the interview live, simply visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive or listen via the switchboard by calling 1.347.426.3645.

Missed other interviews on Conversations LIVE! Radio? Visit http://www.conversationsliveradio.com to catch up.

Monday, March 23, 2009

MON. MARCH 23, 2009: Today on Conversations LIVE! Radio

MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2009

Conversations LIVE! Radio is pleased to announce that Bestselling author Marita Golden will be our special guest on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 12p.m. CST (1p.m. EST). The author will discuss her incredible literary career and her new book IT'S ALL LOVE. Golden is the co-founder and President of the Zora Neal Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation. This interview is the perfect way to begin your week, so make sure to tune in!

To listen live simply visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive or call the switchboard at 1.347.426.3645.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

FRI. MARCH 20TH: Today on Conversations LIVE! Radio

FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2009 @ 8p.m. CST/9p.m. EST/6p.m. PT

Conversations LIVE! Radio ends Spring Break 2009 with a special hour-long edition featuring some of the producers of the upcoming literary reality show The Write Stuff. Production Consultants Herschel Dixon, Nikki Shallwani and Derrick Hargrove (both seen below) from MTV'S 50 CENT: The Money & The Power, along with recording artist/graphic designer Dj Down South will talk with host Cyrus A. Webb about their roles in the show, their advice to the cast, how they handle the ups and downs of public live and more!




Dj Down South (above) will also debut his new song FULL CIRCLE on the program, and listeners will hear music from other supporters of The Write Stuff reality show including Kidd Russell (seen below), K. Lipsey, Jill Scott and others.

This is one you don't want to miss! To listen to the show live online simply visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive at showtime or call 1.347.426.3645.

Missed other episodes of Conversations LIVE! Radio? Visit http://www.conversationsliveradio.com.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

THURS. MARCH 12: Author Jack Schauer on Conversations LIVE! Radio today

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2009
Conversations LIVE! Radio is pleased to announce that author Jack Schauer will make his first appearance on the show today at 12p.m. CST (1p.m. EST/10a.m. PT).


During this exclusive interview Schauer will talk about the beginnings of his writing career, his book POLITICS IN COMPASSION and where he thinks we are headed in American Politics. To listen to the interview live, simply visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive.

Missed other interviews by Conversations LIVE! Radio? Visit http://www.conversationsliveradio.com to download them.

Monday, March 9, 2009

MON. MARCH 9, 2009 --- Author Toriano Porter on Conversations LIVE! Radio

MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2009

Conversations LIVE! Radio is pleased to announce it will be talking with author Toriano Porter (THE PRIDE OF PARK AVENUE) on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 12p.m. CST (1p.m. EST/10a.m. PT).

To listen to the interview live, simply visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive at the time listed above.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

The Write Stuff Reality Show Announces a spin-off in Africa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Write Stuff Reality Show Announces a spin-off in Africa



Contact:          Cheryl Pillsbury, AG Press
                       978-300-5178/ 617-447-1554
                       www.AGPress.8m.net / www.poeticmonthly.com
 
                        Donna Erickson, A Flair For Writing
                        781-857-2396
                        www.aflairforwriting.com   

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to announce that The Write Stuff literary reality show is going international. Creator and Executive Producer Cyrus A. Webb has teamed up with Ojelabi Emmanuel Olanreqwaju of Nigeria (seen below) to create The Write Stuff Africa.



The Write Stuff takes you into the journey of aspiring writers who compete for the ultimate prize: a one-book deal and everything they need in order to make their literary dreams come true. More details will be released in the upcoming weeks, however, auditions for this new spin-off will take place for its first season in late 2009. The show will be the first of its kind in Africa, and though Shadow Play Entertainment will have an active role in its production, Ojelabi E. Olanrewaju will be Co-Creator of the project and act as Co-Executive Producer, assembling his own team for the show.

"We are excited to have this partnership underway as we prepare for the historic debut of the show in the United States," says Webb,33. "The Write Stuff will not only bring a positive and educational program to television but take reality tv to another level. This will benefit not only the cast but those watching at home as well." Joining Webb in the role of Producers for The Write Stuff Africa are Stanley Clark of For The People Productions and Herschel Dixon, both who serve as Production Consultants for the American version of The Write Stuff.

Olanreqaju,23, shares the sentiment of Webb. "I have spent the last three years of my life pursuing a career and I know where it has gotten me," he says. "It has given me experience, resilience and attitude. All this time, my calling has never ceased pursuing me. In the face of this hard reality, it is the season to come to terms with my ability and knowing fully well that my actions will give a lot of people identity and life. What better way is there to do this than through The Write Stuff?

"In years to come, it will be a focal point of discussion for writers. Did I say years to come? Pardon me. History has already begun. Writers, if you got the stuff, let's do this stuff in a big way. Join the movement."

Ojelabi Emmanuel Olanrewaju started his career as a clerk in Obasanjo Holdings limited, a conglomerate entity renowned in African as a forerunner in the production of agricultural items. The Group which is owned by the former President of the Federal republic of Nigeria, former chairman of the African Union and a renowned leader in the world economy (Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR) also has investment in various sectors of the African economy. His exposure to top quality management and professionalism acquired by training boosted his career as within two years he was appointed the Accountant (Finance Manager) of the holding company (Group Head Office).

AG Press, the publishing company providing the grand prize for the American leg of the show, has already signed on to offer the same package to the winner of The Write Stuff Africa. Webb has also confirmed that Conversations Magazine, Hype Magazine, Crunk Magazine and Hunidracks Energy Drink of California is also onboard as a sponsor for the new project.

Additional information about The Write Stuff and the upcoming spin-off The Write Stuff Africa can be found by visiting http://www.thewritestufftv.com. For more information or to schedule interviews contact Cheryl Pillsbury and Donna Erickson using the information below, Ojelabi Emmanuel at +234-703-851-8693 or contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

TAKE TEN: Conversations' Interview with author Tom McManus

TAKE TEN: Conversations' Interview with Author Tom McManus

Tom McManus may not be what you consider the 'typical author,' however, nothing about his life or experiences can be called typical. After finding success in the NFL he has gone on to host his own sports talk radio show and now pen a book about his special relationship with his father called "We'll Always Be Pals". What does he have to say about what led to the writing of the book and what all of us can glean from it when it comes to our own relationships with family and friends? McManus discusses all of this and more.

Tom, thank you for taking out time to talk with us. Before I get into your book "We'll Always Be Pals" I want to talk about the writing experience overall. When you look at your journey overall, does it surprise you that you are now finding success as an author?
I don't think the word surprise is the term I would use. Surreal is more like it although from the start I always felt this was a compelling story that had to be told and that I had to be the one to tell it, my way. Now that it has been out a few months and the response has been somewhat overwhelming, it's a surreal feeling knowing that what I wrote is moving and inspiring people. It's a tremendous feeling for that is one of the reasons I wrote "We'll Always Be Pals".

This is quite a career change from football, however, it seems you are able to resonate with sports lovers through your book. Do you think your past career will bring a different audience to read?
Yes, I do, for my story of making it is a lot closer to what people in the real world go through. Everyone thinks that the NFL is just full of stars, but in reality the "stars" of the league make up a small percentage of the players. Not everyone is a first round draft pick that gets paid millions of dollars. I believe my story will resonate because although I had enough talent to be in the league, it was a struggle for me to realize my dream. It also tells the story of getting lucky, but also being prepared when an opportunity arises and making the most out of it.

Let's take a step back to what led to the book being written. I know through a video on your site you talk about when you started writing it. Why don't you share that with our readers.
I wrote the initial story for my first daughter who was yet to be born. I was out of football and was coming to grips with knowing my career was over, that my dream had died. I had just finished reading Tom Brokaw's, The Greatest Generation, which tells the story of someone born in 1920 and all that they went through. Well, my father was born in 1920 and the life he lived was truly incredible. I felt like I had to write about his story for he was the only grandparent that wasn't around for the birth of my first child, my Avery Ann, and he was so important to me and what I am all about that I had to let her know all about him. Now it has grown into so much more, for we have three daughters, Kelsey Marie and Harley Mae, and we talk about their Grandpa Geno and all he did and all that he meant to their own father, all the time.

To read the entire interview, visit this link: http://authorstaketen.blogspot.com/2009/03/take-ten-author-tom-mcmanus.html

Monday, March 2, 2009

The Write Stuff, MTV reality star Derrick Hargrove in this week's Crun k Newsletter

Monday, March 2, 2009 --- This week's Crunk Magazine Newsletter features Industry News on the historic literary reality show The Write Stuff as well a feature on Derrick Hargrove from the MTV reality show 50 CENT: THE MONEY & THE POWER.  (see below)
Crunk Magazine is a proud sponsor of The Write Stuff reality show and will feature the winner in its online and print editions later this year. To read this week's edition of Crunk Newsletter, visit this link: http://magazinecrunk.powweb.com//march/crunk_weekly_march.html 

Sunday, March 1, 2009

March 2-4, 2009: Conversations celebrates "Read Across America" Week!

MARCH 2-4, 2009
Conversations LIVE! Radio is pleased to announce its guests during "Read Across America" Week:

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2009---12p.m. CST/1p.m. EST/10a.m.PT
Susie Fishbein, author Kosher by Design Lightens Up


TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2009--- 12p.m. CST/1p.m. EST/10a.m. PT
Tom McManus, author We'll Always Be Pals (The last words of a dying father and a true hero)


WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, 2009--- 12p.m. CST/1p.m. EST/10a.m. PT
Joe McDonald, author LOTTO


To listen to the interviews live, simply visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive.