Saturday, December 30, 2006
Saturday, December 23, 2006
FTP Hosts a special conference call interview with authors Carl Weber and Mary B.Morrison--- Friday, December 29, 2006
Talk about the perfect teaser to Carl Weber's actual visit to the Mississippi! You can join his fans and others at the Medgar Evers Library (4215 Medgar Evers Blvd.) beginning at 7p.m. We will be talking with Weber and then to Mary B. Morrison about the collaboration and their independent projects. Admission free. Contact Stan Clark for details at 773.344.7220 or email us at forthepeopleproductions@yahoo.com.
Friday, December 22, 2006
A FTP Exclusive: The Carl Weber Interview
CARL WEBER INTERVIEW
Carl Weber is a man who has had his share of success. Called the “Literary Prince of Drama” also the “Original King of Drama, Drama and more Drama”, Weber is the publisher of Urban Books (www.urbanbooks.net) and the bestselling author of The Preacher’s Son, A Dollar and a Dream, Player Haters, Lookin’ for Luv, Married Men and Baby Momma Drama. His book So You Call Yourself A Man was released in January 2006 and has been followed up by SHE AIN’T THE ONE co-authored with Mary B. Morrison and THE FIRST LADY.
In April 2006, I had the opportunity to discuss everything from his beginnings, his success and his books in a unique interview.
• WHAT BROUGHT YOU INTO THE CAREER OF WRITING? For me it was an economic decision to write. I saw books that had been written, thought I could do that and better. I have always been a self-starter.
• IT HAS BEEN WRITTEN ABOUT YOU THAT DESPITE THE SUCCESS AND ACCLAIM YOU’VE EXPERIENCED, YOU WEREN’T ALWAYS COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR USE OF ENGLISH IN YOUR WRITING. I was a longtime reader and wanted to write, but wasn’t always the best in English. Fortunately I take criticism well. I am proficient in writing and have no problem working with others to polish it. I believe when you see a weakness that others can help you improve, go with that and become stronger.
• WITH YOUR SECOND BOOK WERE YOU AFRAID OF WHAT SOME CALL THE SOPHOMORE JINX? I didn’t feel pressure with second book. My main goal is to write on the topic of the day and keep my ear to the streets.
• WHAT DO YOU READ? I don’t read books that are like the type that I write. I am a huge Tom Clancy fan. I write books that I know will relate to people. When I think about my style, people expect twists and turns.
WHAT ABOUT BEING CALLED THE LITERARY PRINCE OF DRAMA? I do write drama-filled books. When I hear myself being called the literary prince of drama, I take that as a title of pride. My books are realistic and seem to appeal to alot of people because I write about things that people actually experience.
• I HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO TALK WITH TRAVIS HUNTER PRIOR TO THIS INTERVIEW AND HE WAS REALLY SINGING YOUR PRAISES ABOUT YOUR HELPING HIM GET HIS START. It was my goal to help authors for 10 years before I actually started writing myself. We sold Hunter’s books in my bookstore. I do this to help authors, not for money but just being generous and being interested in their success.
• URBAN BOOKS IS YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE. WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH THE AUTHORS? They are like my family, but they have their own ideas about the direction of their projects. I feel like their literary father, but as in any house sometimes they choose to listen to me on suggestions and others they stay true to their own visions. Presently there are over 60 authors under Urban Books, and it's growing by the day.
• DO YOU WRITE FOR A CERTAIN TYPE OF DEMOGRAPHIC? I don’t really think about it at all I realize that most of my readers are middle class working people, and that group is who I primarily write for no matter where in the world they are. When it comes to promoting my books I will travel wherever, but it’s not always possible to go to as many places as I want to with each book’s release.
• DO YOU SEE YOURSELF WRITING ABOUT A BOOK THAT IS NOT FULL OF DRAMA? I will always have plenty to write about because drama, just like what’s considered an “R” rating, changes with time. It will never get old, and I like it that way.
• YOU WERE ONE OF THE FIRST TO COME OUT WITH YOUR STYLE OF WRITING. HOW DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL IN VIEW OF YOUR SUCCESS? I know that any trendsetter in a particular genre has it easier because it is easier to find a niche. I have seen writers try to cross over, but I don’t see myself changing my writing style. Regardless of how my audience may seem to grow and change, I will always write to those who are part of my base that have made my success possible.
My first book to read of Weber’s was the January 2006 release “So You Call Yourself A Man.” The book that is told in the 1st person by three best friends: James, Brent and Sonny. I told Weber it was my first time reading one of his novels and though 254 pages, I was able to finish it in one day. The book spins a dramatic tale of how much these best friends realize they don’t know about each other, in spite of what they had always thought. I wanted to know how Weber felt about the book’s response thus far. He told me that he was pleased with it, and even a bit shocked at the success. He told me that it deals with some different subject matter and he hasn’t seen such a frenzied response to one of his books since the release of Baby’s Mama Drama. I asked him what was the message he was trying to get across in the new book, and he said it was really about manhood and the problems growing into manhood. The book was fun for him, because going into it he knew that he was going to be using quite a bit of misdirection in the character directing. The final chapter which was used to tie things up also seemed to expose the struggles that come with friendship.
Carl Weber was the first author I had interviewed that was not only a bestselling author, but an author who had also reached the New York Times bestsellers list. I was curious as to how it felt to be so widely supported by those not just of his base of readers but a new audience as well. He told me that he takes it in stride and makes it an aim not to let it change him. Flattery, he said is good, but he just wants to tell interesting stories that people will enjoy.
When asked if he had any advice for others he told me this: Just persevere. Nothing worth having will come easy, especially if you choose to self-publish.
• FINALLY,CARL, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO YOUR READERS? Thank you. I feel as though I have the greatest fans in the world. Though they owe me anything they continue to support me and I appreciate it.
You can find out more about Carl Weber by visiting www.carlweber.net. He will join fellow author Mary B. Morrison in a conference call interview on Friday, December 29, 2006 at the Medgar Evers Library beginning at 7p.m. Weber will be making a unique stop in Mississippi on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 where he will be holding meet and greets with his fans, a booksigning at Walden Books and a few Q&A events with teens, college students and others. The day will end with dinner at REAL ROOTS BAR AND GRILL in Pickens, MS.
Carl Weber is a man who has had his share of success. Called the “Literary Prince of Drama” also the “Original King of Drama, Drama and more Drama”, Weber is the publisher of Urban Books (www.urbanbooks.net) and the bestselling author of The Preacher’s Son, A Dollar and a Dream, Player Haters, Lookin’ for Luv, Married Men and Baby Momma Drama. His book So You Call Yourself A Man was released in January 2006 and has been followed up by SHE AIN’T THE ONE co-authored with Mary B. Morrison and THE FIRST LADY.
In April 2006, I had the opportunity to discuss everything from his beginnings, his success and his books in a unique interview.
• WHAT BROUGHT YOU INTO THE CAREER OF WRITING? For me it was an economic decision to write. I saw books that had been written, thought I could do that and better. I have always been a self-starter.
• IT HAS BEEN WRITTEN ABOUT YOU THAT DESPITE THE SUCCESS AND ACCLAIM YOU’VE EXPERIENCED, YOU WEREN’T ALWAYS COMFORTABLE WITH YOUR USE OF ENGLISH IN YOUR WRITING. I was a longtime reader and wanted to write, but wasn’t always the best in English. Fortunately I take criticism well. I am proficient in writing and have no problem working with others to polish it. I believe when you see a weakness that others can help you improve, go with that and become stronger.
• WITH YOUR SECOND BOOK WERE YOU AFRAID OF WHAT SOME CALL THE SOPHOMORE JINX? I didn’t feel pressure with second book. My main goal is to write on the topic of the day and keep my ear to the streets.
• WHAT DO YOU READ? I don’t read books that are like the type that I write. I am a huge Tom Clancy fan. I write books that I know will relate to people. When I think about my style, people expect twists and turns.
WHAT ABOUT BEING CALLED THE LITERARY PRINCE OF DRAMA? I do write drama-filled books. When I hear myself being called the literary prince of drama, I take that as a title of pride. My books are realistic and seem to appeal to alot of people because I write about things that people actually experience.
• I HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO TALK WITH TRAVIS HUNTER PRIOR TO THIS INTERVIEW AND HE WAS REALLY SINGING YOUR PRAISES ABOUT YOUR HELPING HIM GET HIS START. It was my goal to help authors for 10 years before I actually started writing myself. We sold Hunter’s books in my bookstore. I do this to help authors, not for money but just being generous and being interested in their success.
• URBAN BOOKS IS YOUR PUBLISHING HOUSE. WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP LIKE WITH THE AUTHORS? They are like my family, but they have their own ideas about the direction of their projects. I feel like their literary father, but as in any house sometimes they choose to listen to me on suggestions and others they stay true to their own visions. Presently there are over 60 authors under Urban Books, and it's growing by the day.
• DO YOU WRITE FOR A CERTAIN TYPE OF DEMOGRAPHIC? I don’t really think about it at all I realize that most of my readers are middle class working people, and that group is who I primarily write for no matter where in the world they are. When it comes to promoting my books I will travel wherever, but it’s not always possible to go to as many places as I want to with each book’s release.
• DO YOU SEE YOURSELF WRITING ABOUT A BOOK THAT IS NOT FULL OF DRAMA? I will always have plenty to write about because drama, just like what’s considered an “R” rating, changes with time. It will never get old, and I like it that way.
• YOU WERE ONE OF THE FIRST TO COME OUT WITH YOUR STYLE OF WRITING. HOW DOES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL IN VIEW OF YOUR SUCCESS? I know that any trendsetter in a particular genre has it easier because it is easier to find a niche. I have seen writers try to cross over, but I don’t see myself changing my writing style. Regardless of how my audience may seem to grow and change, I will always write to those who are part of my base that have made my success possible.
My first book to read of Weber’s was the January 2006 release “So You Call Yourself A Man.” The book that is told in the 1st person by three best friends: James, Brent and Sonny. I told Weber it was my first time reading one of his novels and though 254 pages, I was able to finish it in one day. The book spins a dramatic tale of how much these best friends realize they don’t know about each other, in spite of what they had always thought. I wanted to know how Weber felt about the book’s response thus far. He told me that he was pleased with it, and even a bit shocked at the success. He told me that it deals with some different subject matter and he hasn’t seen such a frenzied response to one of his books since the release of Baby’s Mama Drama. I asked him what was the message he was trying to get across in the new book, and he said it was really about manhood and the problems growing into manhood. The book was fun for him, because going into it he knew that he was going to be using quite a bit of misdirection in the character directing. The final chapter which was used to tie things up also seemed to expose the struggles that come with friendship.
Carl Weber was the first author I had interviewed that was not only a bestselling author, but an author who had also reached the New York Times bestsellers list. I was curious as to how it felt to be so widely supported by those not just of his base of readers but a new audience as well. He told me that he takes it in stride and makes it an aim not to let it change him. Flattery, he said is good, but he just wants to tell interesting stories that people will enjoy.
When asked if he had any advice for others he told me this: Just persevere. Nothing worth having will come easy, especially if you choose to self-publish.
• FINALLY,CARL, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SAY TO YOUR READERS? Thank you. I feel as though I have the greatest fans in the world. Though they owe me anything they continue to support me and I appreciate it.
You can find out more about Carl Weber by visiting www.carlweber.net. He will join fellow author Mary B. Morrison in a conference call interview on Friday, December 29, 2006 at the Medgar Evers Library beginning at 7p.m. Weber will be making a unique stop in Mississippi on Tuesday, January 23, 2007 where he will be holding meet and greets with his fans, a booksigning at Walden Books and a few Q&A events with teens, college students and others. The day will end with dinner at REAL ROOTS BAR AND GRILL in Pickens, MS.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
FTP's partnership with GOOD SAMARITAN CENTER a rousing success!
On Friday, December 15, 2006 For The People Productions, Mississippi's new premier marketing/promotions and event planning force, hosted artist/designer Gail Ambeau in her last show of the year at 88 Keys inside the Metrocenter Mall in Jackson, MS. Along with the event, they took donations for The Good Samaritan Center in Jackson which offers a variety of services for those in need.
In this event, which was held during the holiday season, For The People Productions reached out to its contacts (namely Tricom Publicity in Chicago, IL and jazz artist Juewett Bostick in California) and was able to secure over $700 in shirts, cds, brand new books and stuffed toys for Good Samaritan Center.
FTP wishes to thank Gail Ambeau for sharing her soul with the visitors of the event. A special thanks also goes out to authors bestselling authors Gail Ramsey, Gloria Mallette, Candice Dow, Evangelist Andree' Minjaun, Tiffany Warren, K. Mitchell Thomas, Kathy Marsh and Lisa Jackson for their help with the event.
Special visitors to the art show were Rev. F L. Blunt (Greater Tree of Life), Mayor Yvonne Brown (Tchula, MS) and Renee Shakespeare (Buy Jackson).
To see how you can support the many services of The Good Samaritan Center, call 601.355.6276 or visit www.goodsamaritancenter.org.
In this event, which was held during the holiday season, For The People Productions reached out to its contacts (namely Tricom Publicity in Chicago, IL and jazz artist Juewett Bostick in California) and was able to secure over $700 in shirts, cds, brand new books and stuffed toys for Good Samaritan Center.
FTP wishes to thank Gail Ambeau for sharing her soul with the visitors of the event. A special thanks also goes out to authors bestselling authors Gail Ramsey, Gloria Mallette, Candice Dow, Evangelist Andree' Minjaun, Tiffany Warren, K. Mitchell Thomas, Kathy Marsh and Lisa Jackson for their help with the event.
Special visitors to the art show were Rev. F L. Blunt (Greater Tree of Life), Mayor Yvonne Brown (Tchula, MS) and Renee Shakespeare (Buy Jackson).
To see how you can support the many services of The Good Samaritan Center, call 601.355.6276 or visit www.goodsamaritancenter.org.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
FTP Welcomes... REAL ROOTS BAR AND GRILL
For The People Productions Proudly Presents its first client to the FTP family...
Real Roots Bar and Grill
572 HWY 51
Pickens, MS 39146
1.662.468.2630
(Located next to Shell Gas Station, 1 block from the neighborhood Piggly Wiggly and Dollar General)
Open Mon-Sat.
10-2p.m. and 6-11p.m.
Come enjoy---
Hamburgers
Fish sandwiches
Wings and fries
Grilled ham and cheese
Roast beef sandwiches
Shrimp
Polish sausage
Chef salad and much more!
Call-in orders welcome.
Beginning in January 2007, look for Real Roots Bar and Grill to be offering "specialty nights", including poetry and live entertainment with NO COVER. Details will be added to this site as they become available.
Real Roots Bar and Grill: A proud member of the FTP family.
Real Roots Bar and Grill
572 HWY 51
Pickens, MS 39146
1.662.468.2630
(Located next to Shell Gas Station, 1 block from the neighborhood Piggly Wiggly and Dollar General)
Open Mon-Sat.
10-2p.m. and 6-11p.m.
Come enjoy---
Hamburgers
Fish sandwiches
Wings and fries
Grilled ham and cheese
Roast beef sandwiches
Shrimp
Polish sausage
Chef salad and much more!
Call-in orders welcome.
Beginning in January 2007, look for Real Roots Bar and Grill to be offering "specialty nights", including poetry and live entertainment with NO COVER. Details will be added to this site as they become available.
Real Roots Bar and Grill: A proud member of the FTP family.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Press Release: New PR/Marketing Organization proves its "For The People"
NEW PUBLIC RELATIONS/MARKETING ORGANIZATION PROVES ITS "FOR THE PEOPLE"
Contact: Stephanie Mitchell, VP of Operations
For The People Productions
smproduction1@yahoo.com
601.899.1693 /601.488.6380
Stanley Clark, 34, has a great love for the world, but especially Mississippi. A man who has lived throughout the country settled in Mississippi in 2001 and has worked hard to make Holmes County home as well as do his part to add to its economic development.
He opened REAL ROOTS Bar and Grill the same year with the purpose of it becoming a franchise and spreading worldwide. Though he has had modest success, there is so much more that he has in store for the state.
"There is so much talent right here in Mississippi that is overlooked and untapped," says Clark. "It became my vision to provide a haven for people to come to in order get direction as well as help in molding their skills." This began the premise for what has become FOR THE PEOPLE PRODUCTIONS (or FTP).
Located at 165 Feather Lane, Ste E in Canton, Mississippi, FTP will be a one-stop shop for those who are in need or marketing, promoting, office needs and event planning. The organization will be able to assist in making contact with those who have influence in those areas as well as give a variety of packages for their clients to choose from. Whether clients are looking for the perfect place to have a baby shower, wedding, concert or even who offers the most competitive studio time, For The People Productions will make those connections. Working with Clark on this venture are Stephanie Mitchell, Vice-President of Operations.
"It was important for me to surround myself with people who would make my vision their own," explains Clark. Stephanie Mitchell, head of SM Productions, will be specializing in event planning, scouting out new talent and image consulting.
Though the grand opening of the offices for For The People will not be until January 2007, they will be introducing themselves to the Canton community and surrounding areas in an event before the end of 2006. There will be an art show that will feature guest artist Gail Ambeau. This will be held at 88 Keys (Formerly Morrisons) on the upper level of Metrocenter Mall. The date for this is Friday, December 15, 2006 from 1-6p.m. Admission is free, however, FTP will be taking up donations of canned goods, clothes and toys that will be given to The Good Samaritan Center.
For more information, contact Stanley Clark at 773.344.7220 or forthepeopleproductions@yahoo. com or Stephanie Mitchell at 601.899.1693. The website for the For The People Productions is www.forthepeopleproductions.com
Contact: Stephanie Mitchell, VP of Operations
For The People Productions
smproduction1@yahoo.com
601.899.1693 /601.488.6380
Stanley Clark, 34, has a great love for the world, but especially Mississippi. A man who has lived throughout the country settled in Mississippi in 2001 and has worked hard to make Holmes County home as well as do his part to add to its economic development.
He opened REAL ROOTS Bar and Grill the same year with the purpose of it becoming a franchise and spreading worldwide. Though he has had modest success, there is so much more that he has in store for the state.
"There is so much talent right here in Mississippi that is overlooked and untapped," says Clark. "It became my vision to provide a haven for people to come to in order get direction as well as help in molding their skills." This began the premise for what has become FOR THE PEOPLE PRODUCTIONS (or FTP).
Located at 165 Feather Lane, Ste E in Canton, Mississippi, FTP will be a one-stop shop for those who are in need or marketing, promoting, office needs and event planning. The organization will be able to assist in making contact with those who have influence in those areas as well as give a variety of packages for their clients to choose from. Whether clients are looking for the perfect place to have a baby shower, wedding, concert or even who offers the most competitive studio time, For The People Productions will make those connections. Working with Clark on this venture are Stephanie Mitchell, Vice-President of Operations.
"It was important for me to surround myself with people who would make my vision their own," explains Clark. Stephanie Mitchell, head of SM Productions, will be specializing in event planning, scouting out new talent and image consulting.
Though the grand opening of the offices for For The People will not be until January 2007, they will be introducing themselves to the Canton community and surrounding areas in an event before the end of 2006. There will be an art show that will feature guest artist Gail Ambeau. This will be held at 88 Keys (Formerly Morrisons) on the upper level of Metrocenter Mall. The date for this is Friday, December 15, 2006 from 1-6p.m. Admission is free, however, FTP will be taking up donations of canned goods, clothes and toys that will be given to The Good Samaritan Center.
For more information, contact Stanley Clark at 773.344.7220 or forthepeopleproductions@yahoo. com or Stephanie Mitchell at 601.899.1693. The website for the For The People Productions is www.forthepeopleproductions.com
What is FOR THE PEOPLE PRODUCTIONS?
OBJECTIVE:
To be able to provide a one-stop shop for those who are in need of the services of printing, press kits, resumes, photos, scheduling studio time and even marketing. FOR THE PEOPLE will be able to assist them in making contact with those who have influence in those areas, as well as give them a variety of price packages to choose from.
WHY IS IT NEEDED?
The services of FOR THE PEOPLE are needed because it gives those in Canton and surrounding areas the opportunity to showcase itself in the best light. Through the services of FOR THE PEOPLE artists and those who are just looking to sharpen their image will be able to do so at a rate that is both affordable and beneficial to all involved.
WHO WILL BENEFIT?
FOR THE PEOPLE will be a benefit for everyone. Whether it is a student who needs to get some print jobs done, a business owner who is in need of flyers, brochures or other promotional materials or someone who is planning a wedding, party or larger event. FOR THE PEOPLE will be able to assist them no matter how big or small their project or event.
WHAT WILL IT ENTAIL?
FOR THE PEOPLE will need to stay in tune with every facet of its business throughout the state of Mississippi. This means that it will need to have a concise directory of djs, television stations, radio stations, multi-media services and such that will be of use to its clients. The primary focus of the business will be to connect its customers with what they need. We will also be responsible for helping to mold and maintain the image of the customers that work with FOR THE PEOPLE.
WHAT SETS FOR THE PEOPLE APART?
What FOR THE PEOPLE will have that others lack is the ability to join all aspects of the business together. This means that when people come to FOR THE PEOPLE for marketing/advertising and/or recording, they will have to look no further when it comes to putting together press packages, networking and marketing themselves.
To be able to provide a one-stop shop for those who are in need of the services of printing, press kits, resumes, photos, scheduling studio time and even marketing. FOR THE PEOPLE will be able to assist them in making contact with those who have influence in those areas, as well as give them a variety of price packages to choose from.
WHY IS IT NEEDED?
The services of FOR THE PEOPLE are needed because it gives those in Canton and surrounding areas the opportunity to showcase itself in the best light. Through the services of FOR THE PEOPLE artists and those who are just looking to sharpen their image will be able to do so at a rate that is both affordable and beneficial to all involved.
WHO WILL BENEFIT?
FOR THE PEOPLE will be a benefit for everyone. Whether it is a student who needs to get some print jobs done, a business owner who is in need of flyers, brochures or other promotional materials or someone who is planning a wedding, party or larger event. FOR THE PEOPLE will be able to assist them no matter how big or small their project or event.
WHAT WILL IT ENTAIL?
FOR THE PEOPLE will need to stay in tune with every facet of its business throughout the state of Mississippi. This means that it will need to have a concise directory of djs, television stations, radio stations, multi-media services and such that will be of use to its clients. The primary focus of the business will be to connect its customers with what they need. We will also be responsible for helping to mold and maintain the image of the customers that work with FOR THE PEOPLE.
WHAT SETS FOR THE PEOPLE APART?
What FOR THE PEOPLE will have that others lack is the ability to join all aspects of the business together. This means that when people come to FOR THE PEOPLE for marketing/advertising and/or recording, they will have to look no further when it comes to putting together press packages, networking and marketing themselves.
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