RAWSISTAZ - The Reading and Writing SISTAZ Online Book Club

Conversations with C. A. Webb
We are pleased to announce our partnership with Cyrus A. Webb, founder of Conversations Book Club, http://www.thebestbookclub.info, to bring you his syndicated column "Conversations with C. A. Webb". This is a wonderful addition to our Black Men Reading section and we hope you enjoy these one-on-one interviews.

DAAIMAH S. POOLE

How far will you go to get what you want in life? For many there are no boundaries to what they will do to have success---but what is the real price in the end? This is just one of the things we have to consider with the latest novel by Bestselling author Daimah S. Poole. She is quickly becoming not only a veteran in the literary game, but someone who is know for quality as well as quantity when it comes to giving her readers exactly what they have come to expect: A good read. CLICK HERE FOR FULL INTERVIEW

JOY KING

Bestselling author Joy King, a native of Toledo, Ohio has quickly become one of the most celebrated authors of the past couple of years. With her titles Dirty Little Secrets, Bitch, Ride Wit' Me, Hooker to Housewife, Bitch Reloaded, Mr. Satisfaction, These Are My Confessions and Diamond Playgirls that what is considered urban literature has a new Princess that will not be giving up the throne anytime soon. CLICK HERE FOR FULL INTERVIEW

KWAN

He has gained a tremendous amount of respect in the literary game in a short period of time, however, with his success he is even more grounded than before. Bestselling author Kwan is enjoying the praise for his gift, but he is not resting a moment. Already looking forward to his next book to be released later in 2008, he is thinking ahead to his next move in the industry. In this interview, he talks about those who doubted him, how the business has changed and what newcomers in the publishing game need to be aware of. CLICK HERE FOR FULL INTERVIEW

PORTIA COSBY

With hundreds of new books flooding the market every week selling a gimmick, it is refreshing to find a novel that delivers substance and quality. That is what you will find in Portia Cosby's TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE. A book that is all-too-real for so many people today, it chronicles a journey that no one would choose to take but so many are forced to tread. Cosby shows both maturity and sophistication in her debut novel, and by the end of the story she tells you know one thing: this is by no means the last time you will be hearing from her. CLICK HERE FOR FULL INTERVIEW

CALEB ALEXANDER
This Conversation is like none other that you will read on our website, in our magazine or hear over our airwaves. Alexander's narrative grabs hold of your mind and heart and doesn't let go...

CLICK HERE FOR FULL INTERVIEW

KEVIN M. WEEKS
Recently Kevin M. Weeks, the author who has been on the minds and lips of readers and critics for some time now, took time out to speak with Conversations Book Club. When you read his debut novel called "The Street Life Series: Is It Suicide or Murder?," it is evident that he wants the novel to be a conversation with the reader---and it is.

TONY LINDSAY
Bestselling author Tony Lindsay is a no-nonsense creative that has gotten where he is because of one reason: TALENT. I have devoured three of his books (Chasin' It, Urban Affair and Street Possession)--and each reads like a masterpiece by three distinct voices in the literary voice. To me, this is a testament to the versatility that Lindsay possesses, and as you will see in this interview, receiving his due has been a long time coming. CLICK HERE FOR FULL INTERVIEW

RODNEY LOFTON
Conversations Book Club is pleased to introduce you to the living example of the saying "To Thine Own Self Be True": Rodney Lofton, Bestselling author of THE DAY I STOPPED BEING PRETTY. Another literary gem handpicked by the publishing phenom known as Zane, this man shares his life in a way that few would dare.

Best-Selling author Brenda L. Thomas
Known for her playful titles like THREESOME, FOURPLAY, THE VELVET ROPE and EVERY WOMAN HAS A SECRET, Bestselling author Brenda L. Thomas has made a worldwide name for herself while giving readers a good story. In 2007 she surprised many by taking a step back from the world of fiction and turned the pen on her own story. The result was not only shocking but deeply personal and revealing.

LAYING DOWN MY BURDEN gives us an up close and personal look at the woman behind the fame. This is our conversation.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL INTERVIEW

Best-Selling author Deatri King-Bey
It's not easy to take the subject of mental illness and include it in a powerful love story, but Bestselling author Deatri King Bey has done just that. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is one of those tales that makes you think about the kind of live that any of us can have---regardless of our social and economic situation in life. Deatri's humility is seen in the way she talks about the life she lives as a noted storyteller and the way she sees her mission in life.

Kristine Mills-Noble, Creative Director for Kensington Books
This is an interview you will find nowhere else...Her work has graced the covers of books by some of the most celebrated authors such as Brandon Massey, Evie Rhodes, Victor McGlothin, Janine A. Morris, Roz Bailey, Anita Bunkley, Gwynne Forster, Faye Snowden, Candice Dow and countless others. Meet Kristine Mills-Noble, creative director for Kensington Books. You might not know her name, however, the contribution she has given to the literary community through her work is undeniable.

How did she begin on her journey? When did she discover her desire to create? Conversations explores this and more with the woman behind the designs. CLICK HERE FOR FULL INTERVIEW

Best-Selling author L. A. Banks
She is the true definition of a thriving brand: a growing legion of devoted fans and the diversity it takes to survive in an ever-changing literary market. Vampire Huntress creator L. A. Banks (known to many romance lovers as Leslie Banks) talks about how her literary journey has taken her into the realm of the underworld—and even participate in the Scarface franchise.

Best-Selling author Maria Dowd
She is definitely someone who is building a multi-faceted brand in the worlds of business and publishing. Maria Dowd is living her dreams and helping others to do the same through the life that she has chosen for herself. Her latest accomplishment, the Journey series, is one that people of all races and ages will be able to appreciate. We caught up with her as she began to reflect on the year that was 2007.

It should come as no surprise that the title of "Author of the Year" should be attached to Bestselling author Shelia E. Lipsey. She owned 2007 with the release of two novels --- INTO EACH LIFE and SINSATIABLE--- and became a regular in events throughout the United States in 2007. Conversations Book Club had chosen both of her titles for their various groups to read and discuss before we were even introduced to her---and after meeting, our relationship was cemented forever.

Shelia Lipsey has managed to use her God-gven ability to not only entertain but remind us that no matter what goes on in our lives, we have only to remember that through it all God loves us. During one of her two official trips to Mississippi (NOTE: She also attended the 1-year anniversary we celebrated on November 15, 2007), she told us that she writes "perfect stories about imperfect people," and to us that is what makes her characters so real.

We are pleased to introduce to some and reintroduce to others Conversations Book Club's "Author of the Year 2008", Ms. Shelia E. Lipsey. CLICK HERE FOR FULL INTERVIEW

In what she called her most "candid interview" to date, Bestselling author Tina Brooks McKinney reveals much about herself and her inspiration in this interview you will read only with Conversations.

The woman who has brought us lots of "drama" through her books (ALL THAT DRAMA and LAWD MO' DRAMA and FOOL, STOP TRIPPIN' in March 2008) is not without a little bit of it herself as you will see here.

Che Parker is one of those authors who you just know will last a long time in the literary industry: he's calm, cool and collected---and not satisfied with anything but success. His book, The Tragic Flaw, is something that all people can relate to, but not all will admit to seeing themselves within the characters.

In this frank discussion we touch on everything from his beginnings, race in the literary industry and why the adage of "reaping what you sow" is all too true.

She is indeed one of the bright stars on the literary scene today. Bestselling author Kimberla Lawson Roby has been thrilling critics and fans alike for some time now, and if her newest book LOVE & LIES is any indication, that record isn't changing any time soon. The title, released in January 2007, has made numerous bestseller lists and was a New York Times extended list bestseller for four consecutive weeks. Additionally, during its first week of publication, it was #4 on the Wal-Mart bestseller list for all hardcover titles in the country and will appear at # 1 for hardcover fiction in the May (2007) issue of Essence magazine! All of this and her publisher, William Morrow/HarperCollins recently announced a new four-book deal in which they will be releasing two books a year, both in 2008 and 2009.

With the release of SHATTERED SOULS, bestselling author Dywane Birch showed why he was handpicked by Zane to be apart of the Strebor family. He has a way with words that many authors would love to obtain, and the humility that will go along way in the literary industry.

This interview will encourage you to see why some issues are best handled in the beginning instead of allowing them to fester and grow. CLICK HERE FOR FULL INTERVIEW