(Sat. Nov. 20, 2010) Three Literary Voices Come Together To Promote Reading In Mississippi

(Saturday, November 20, 2010) Mississippi may be seen as having one of the highest illiteracy rates in the country, but that is being chipped away each and every day by organizations like Conversations Book Club.

Under the leadership of Founder/President Cyrus Webb, Conversations Book Club began in Jackson, MS with only three members at the Medgar Evers Library in November 2006 but is now undesputedly the largest co-ed book club in the country with chapters in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana and meetings in Tennessee. Now four years young, Conversations is continuing its mission of providing something for everyone.


On Saturday, November 20th, Webb hosted authors Joseph Henderson (I DON'T WANT TO DIE ALL ALONE), Diane Hassan (ANGELS AMONG US...EVEN IN IRAQ) and Tommie Watkins, Jr. (LIVING OUT LOUD) in events for the National Day of Reading in the cities of Jackson and Pearl in Mississippi.

The day began with "Breakfast with Books" where patrons at the Medgar Evers Library in Jackson, MS were treated with refreshments and an opportunity to socialize with the authors.
Stanley Clark, President of For The People Productions, joined the event as well. Being one of the founding members of Conversations, he shared his appreciation for the authors coming together to promote reading.


At the end of the event, author Diane Hassan donated a copy of her book to the library, presenting it to librarian Shirley Simmons.


The next stop was the Pearl Public Library in Pearl, MS. There authors Hassan and Watkins shared information about their books and talked about their individual experiences.


There Hassan donated a book as well, presenting it to the supervisor on duty.


Finally it was on to Appetizers Restaurant in Pearl, MS where the authors talked about their day and shared their plans for the new year.


To date Conversations Book Club has scheduled events for 93 authors since it began in November 2006, with many more already planned for the upcoming months. To stay in touch with Cyrus Webb and the Conversations literary movement, visit www.thebestbookclub.info or contact Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.214.0286.

If you are interested in more information about the authors, you can find it below:

Joseph Henderson --- http://www.joseph-henderson.com
Dr. Diane Hassan --- http://angelsamonguseveniniraq.blogspot.com
Tommie Watkins, Jr. --- http://www.twgllc.biz

Conversations Magazine's Print Edition Returns With Dec. 2010/Jan. 2011 Issue

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to announce the return of Conversations Magazine's print edition.

Founded by Mississippi native Cyrus Webb,35, as the third component of the Conversations Brand (following Conversations the radio and tv shows), Conversations Magazine originally debuted in print in April 2006. Months later Webb and founding member Stanley Clark would begin Conversations the book club. Based solely on subscriptions at the time and sold online, the magazine gained a modest 100 monthly subscribers to the publication that focused almost entirely on books and those who were living their dreams as published authors.

Like other publications, when costs outweighted the actual profit of the publication, Webb made the decision in 2008 to take Conversations completely online. Ironically, it was that year that the Conversations Brand began to change, including health and fitness items, food and then in 2009 adding fashion. Today, thanks to the eclectic nature of the brand, Conversations the radio show averages over 100,000 online listeners each month, garnering partnerships with national as well as up-and-coming businesses.

"The timing is just right," says Webb, who has been building the Conversations brand since the first component Conversations the radio show began on WMPR 90.1 FM in Jackson in July 2003. "Conversations has grown alot since the print edition of Conversations last saw the light of day. I think more importantly I have grown in my understanding that you have to feed more than a person's love of books. You have to feed their love of life. That is what my team it doing."

The reemergence of the print edition of Conversations Magazine will take place in mid-November with the December 2010/January 2011 issue. The edition will feature Conversations' Top 100 Books of 2010, profiles of authors Nancy T.Rosenberg, Mikki Zimmerman, Michael Dillon Scott and entrepreneurs like actor/author/recording artist Tray Chaney, actress/director/author Cherie Johnson and model/actor Nicoye Banks. Also included will be styling tips by fashion designer Gail Ambeau, cooking tips by Chef Bruce Tretter, and musical profiles of Laura Pascarella, The Artist Company and the rap groups Authentic and Dem Raleigh Boyz as well as Conversations' Artist of the Year 2010.

The magazine will be available at independent bookstores in Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Pearl/Brandon and online at www.conversationsmag.com. It will be marketed through paid ads on Facebook,social networking sites, posters, Conversations LIVE radio, and other sites operated by Shadow Play Ent. PDFs of the bi-monthly edition will also be available through www.payloadz.com.

For additional information about Conversations Magazine including how to be featured and advertising in the publication, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or601.896.5616. Details can also be found at www.conversationsmag.com.

(Sat. Sept. 25, 2010) For The People Productions Co-hosts Author Ed Slack

(Saturday, Septembr 25, 2010) On behalf of Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club and all of their literary supporters, thanks for making Author Ed Slack's visit to Mississippi a success.

Over the course of the day and in three events, we were able to show that individuals throughout the state are committed to working together and supporting the importance of reading. Escorted by Conversations Book Club President and Founder Cyrus Webb and Stanley Clark of For The People Productions, the author traveled through Central Mississippi sharing the message of his book TWO LEGGED SNAKES.

The day began at Pearl Public Library in Pearl, MS where the author met patrons and interacted with library staff.





After that event it was on to Yazoo City, MS where Coach Staples of Focus On The Children, members of the city government and over a hundred residents came out to meet the author and support the Literacy Rally held in downtown Yazoo City.







The final event was at Appetizers Restaurant in Pearl, MS where the author shared in some great conversation over great food.



To find out more information about Dr. Slack and his book, visit www.twoleggedsnakes.com. To stay in contact with what's next for Conversations Book Club, visit www.thebestbookclub.info.

(Tues. Sept. 21, 2010) FTP's Stanley Clark and partners featured in Yazoo Herald

(Tues. Sept. 21, 2010) For The People Productions' Stanley Clark along with Coach Johnny Staples and Alderman Aubrey Brent were profiled in the Yazoo Herald today for their commitment to promoting reading. (see below)

(Article and photo above from Yazoo Herald ---Tues. Sept 21, 2010)

(Sat. Sept. 25, 2010) Shadow Play Entertainment and For The Productins Presents Dr. Ed Slack

(Saturday, September 25, 2010) Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club and its literary partners are pleased to welcome Dr. Ed Slack, author of TWO LEGGED SNAKES(Understanding and Handling Manipulative People).

"I was introduced to the author earlier this year," says Mississippi native Cyrus Webb,35. He is the President of Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club and host of Conversations LIVE Radio. "Dr. Slack was a guest on our radio show not long ago, and from there we began making plans to work together in scheduling some events."

Slack will be in Mississippi for one day only promoting his book, talking about what led him to writing and what he hopes others get from his advice.

* 11-1p.m. --- Dr. Ed Slack will be at Pearl Public Library (2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS) meeting patrons and signing copies of his books.

* 2:30-4:30p.m. --- Dr. Slack will be the guest of honor at the Triangle Cultural Center (Ste. A, 332 Main St. * Yazoo City, MS). Specal guests include the Mayor of Yazoo City, City Council member Aubrey Brent, Coach Johnny Staples of Focus on the Children, Stanley Clark of For The People Productions and Cyrus Webb. Free food and music available as well as performances from area schools. Joining the event will also be the Yazoo City High School PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Assoc.) under the leadership of Patricia Wright. Ms. Wright will be bringing Nickelodean's Worldwide Day of Play to the afternoon's events. Worldwide Day of Play is an initiative dedicated to encouraging families to turn off the TV and GET UP, GET OUT and GO PLAY.

* 6-7:30p.m. --- Dr. Slack will be the guest of "Spoken Word Saturdays" at Appetizers Restaurant (3000 HWY 80 * Pearl, MS) reading from his book and signing copies. Admission is free and food specials are available.

Books will be available for purchasing at all events. To find out more about the author and the book, visit www.twoleggedsnakes.com.

For details about any of the events surrounding the visit, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. Details can also be found at www.thebestbookclub.info. For more information about the Worldwide Day of Play, contact Patricia Wright, PTSA President at 662-571-3389 or via email at weloveyou@bellsouth.net.

(Mon. Sept. 6, 2010) FTP's Stanley Clark Talks Literacy on Conversations LIVE

On Mon. Spt. 6th, Stanley Clark of For The People Productions along with Coach Johnny Staples and Alderman Aubrey Brent of Yazoo City, Mississippi talked about literacy and the future of our children on Conversations LIVE with Cyrus Webb.

Listen to the interview here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive/2010/09/06/stanley-clark-coach-johnny-staples-and-alderman-brent-on-conversations-live

Mississippi Native Launches Campaign To Compete In Oprah TV Competition

For political pundits, "Super Tuesday" in November 2010 is the date they are watching to see what change will come to America, however, Mississippi native and multi-media personality Cyrus Webb is more interested in Saturday, July 3, 2010. That is the final day of voting in the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity being offered by media mogul Oprah Winfrey. The reward? Five individuals who have the most votes on that date will be finalists in her competition to find the next big tv star. Winfrey has partnered with the celebrated producer of Survivor and The Apprentice to create a competition for her new network,the Oprah Winfrey Network or OWN, and 34-year old Webb believes he has a shot.

"It's not so much about thinking I am better than anyone," says Webb, who has been active in the arts and education-related projects for over a decade. "I just believe that I have been blessed with the ability to help others find and share their voices as well as encourage others to do the same."

In 2003 Webb became the host of his own radio show Conversations with C. A. Webb (now called Conversations LIVE). Since 2003 he has interviewed over 800 guests including some of the biggest names in the arts, entertainment and world of literature and those on the rise, as well as brought attention to issues that matter to everyday individuals. In 2005 Webb followed the radio show with the launch of his local tv show Conversations with C. A. Webb on the ABC affilliate in Mississippi. In 2006 Webb launched what is now the largest co-ed book club in the country: Conversations Book Club. The book club covers all genres and has garnered national attention. Webb has also contributed articles and interviews to over a dozen online and print publications including Mississippi's own Clarion Ledger, Jackson Advocate and The Mississippi Link.

When Webb heard about the competition Oprah was hosting, he knew that it was something he had to do. The contest was announced on Friday, May 14, 2010 and by the 19th Webb had submitted his audition video and was asking for votes.

To help Webb in his endeavor to be one of the 5 finalists on Sat. July 3rd, he is rolling out a national campaign with individuals across the country to make sure the word gets out. He has also launched www.themaleoprah.com to allow people a place to learn about him, vote and also do something else: vote for others, too!

"We can't make it in this world alone," Webb explains. "Yes, it is a competition, but I want to help others as they pursue their dreams as well. This is an opportunity for all of us to bring attention to what matters most to us." Because of this, friends of Webb who have entered the competition are also linked on www.themaleoprah.com so visitors can vote for them.

Webb is using social networking sites to get the word out and will also be leading an offline campaign complete with t-shirts and posters to remind people to vote all the way to the deadline. "It's all about consistancy," he says. "It's not about how strong you start. It's the finish that matters."

(Fri. March 26, 2010) Author Herndon Davis' Visit to MS: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

(Note: Due to a personal emergency, author Herndon Davis had to cut short the Mississippi leg of his events. This means that events scheduled for St. March 27, 2010 are being rescheduled for a later date.)

Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations Book Club wish to thank those who made author Herndon Davis' visit to Mississippi a success. Though the author is a native of Alabama and has been to Mississippi before, this was his first visit to promote his new book REPACKAGED COMMON SENSE.

Led by Conversations Book Club President Cyrus Webb and For The People Productions President Stanley Clark, the day began at Peeples Middle School in Jackson, Mississippi. Thanks to the support of teachers like Mrs. Jacqueline Bolden, Herndon shared his personal journey with the students and tried to instill in them the importance of writing and telling their own stories.

"If you don't tell your story, then someone else will," the author told them.





He went on to share points that he hoped they would take away from his book and his visit. "Remember that you are not what other people say you are," Herndon said. "Don't accept the stereotypes that others try to put on you."

After leaving Peeples, Webb took the author by the Medgar Evers Public Library, the place where Clark and him founded Conversations Book Club in November 2006. Davis was able to meet some of the staff of the library that was there when the book club started and even posed with the statue of the library's namesake, civil rights leader Medgar Evers.


From there it was on to Morrison Academic Center where Davis, Webb and Clark were warmly greeted at the door by Mrs. Sterling, the school principal.
An eager group of students and instructors listened to Davis as he shared more of his own experiences in business and his journey to success. "It's hard work," he told them when one student asked what it was like working for yourself, "but it's my passion."




One of the most important points he tried to drive home to the group was the importance of not being led by the past. He rolled up one of his sleeves and showed the group a scar on his arm. "I got this in a fight on a school bus," he told them. "I remember the incident, but it doesn't hurt anymore. That's what we have to do in life. We might remember things that happened, but they don't have to hurt us anymore. We are not victims."

Mr. Davis also shared with the group the importance of planning for the future, especially if college is their goal. "The work begins before you get to high school," he said. "You have to start preparing now, and working with your teachers is a part of that."

ABOUT REPACKAGED COMMON SENSE: Repackaged Common Sense is a 13 chapter, 200 page spiritual guide book for individuals seeking career and business success by utilizing spirituality tools and techniques. The book speaks directly to career minded people-of-faith from all beliefs as it is written through the lens of universal spirituality and metaphysical thinking.

The book's author created the guide based upon his nearly twenty year career in corporate finance, human resources and media/PR as both an employee and now as an independent business owner. He credits his success to embracing new age spiritual concepts which he lovingly coins as "repackaged common sense."

Find out more information about the author and his new book at http://www.repackagedcommonsense.com.

(April 15-17, 2010) Rapper/Author Jacki-O Returns To Mississippi To Promote Reading

Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club and their literary supporters* are pleased to announce that Recording artist and Bestselling author Jacki-O will be returning to Mississippi April 15-17, 2010 as the headliner for Hip Hop and Books events held throughout the state.

"It's great to be coming back to Mississippi," says Jacki-O. She was last in the state in 2008 promoting her book GROWN & GANGSTA with Conversations Book Club. "The people showed me so much love, and I'm glad to be meeting my fans again and talking about the importance of reading.



Cyrus Webb, President of Conversations Book Club and the founder of Hip Hop and Books, is glad to be working with the artist and author again in the Magnolia State. "Jacki-O and I are not just business associates," says Webb.

"She is a friend, and it has been great to see how people have responded to the message in her first book as well as her journey as an entertainer." Webb was chosen by platinum-selling recording artist C-Murder---the publisher of Jacki-O's first book---to coordinate her first book tour. The two have worked together ever since.

Since her last visit to Mississippi, Jacki-O has been busy on her music, doing shows across the country and working on her autobiography called RELENTLESS. She has also been giving back to the community, becoming an Ambassador for the non-profit group Community Options which works with those with disabilities and becoming the national spokesperson for the Hip Hop and Books Literacy Campaign which encourages reading among the urban community.

During this year's visit, Jacki-O will be visiting schools and libraries talking about her own experiences, the messages she hopes people get from the book GROWN & GANGSTA as well as the importance of reading and using books to better yourself. "I think one of the most important lessons I have learned from C-Murder and Jacki-O is that you can never judge a book by its cover," says Webb. "Both of them have used their celebrity to empower others and show how you don't have to let your circumstances determnine what you can accomplish in life." Joining Jacki-O will be Texas authors Jermnine Demouchette (JAMES DEMOUCHETTE VS. THE STATE OF TEXAS) and Mr. Mean Mug (TATTOO TEARS).



Here is the authors' public schedule for Mississippi:

THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2010
* 8:30-10:30a.m., Peeples Middle School (Jackson, MS)
* 11:30-12:30p.m., Morrison Academic Center (Jackson, MS)
* 2-4p.m., Meet and Greet/Signing @ Medgar Evers Library (4215 Medar Evers Blvd *Jackson, MS)
* 6-8p.m., Meet and Greet/Signing @ Appetizers Restaurant (3086 HWY 80 E * Pearl, MS)

FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2010
* 1-3p.m., Meet and Greet/Signing @ Pearl Public Library 2416 Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS)
* 6-8p.m., Meet and Greet/Signing @ Appetizers Restaurant (3086 HWY 80 E * Pearl, MS)

SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2010
* 12-3p.m., Hip Hop and Books Rally at Smith Park (Downtown Jackson, MS) --- musical performances by independent recording artists, art exhibit by C. A. Webb and others as well as a meet and greet/signing with the authors and a special tribute to recording artist C. Watts aka Playa Connected.
* 8-10p.m., Celebrity Entertainment Complex (3349 Hwy 51 S * Winona, MS)--- Meet & Greet/Signing

* Literary supporters include Jackmove Entertainment, For The People Productions, Real Deal Entertainment, Mugumental Inc., D.I.G.M.E., Hype Magazine, S.T.I.L.L. Magazine, Blacklight Publishing, Vitaminwater of Louisville (KY) courtesy of Herschel Dixon and the Read or Die campaign, HHH Magazine and Hunidracks Energy Drinks.

For interview requests, more information about Jacki-O's visit or any of the events associated with it, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. Details can also be found at www.hiphopandbooks.com.

(Sat. Feb. 20, 2010) Conversations Welcomes Author H. Michael Harvey

Shadow Play Entertainment and Conversations Book Club are pleased to welcome author Harold Michael Harvey (H. Michael Harvey) and his dramatic Southern novel Paper Puzzle to Mississippi, the land of  Evers, Till and others on Saturday, February 20, 2010.  Harvey says, "Paper Puzzle is very much about the mindset that allowed those murders to take place."

Led by President Cyrus Webb, Harvey's visit is part of Conversations Book Club's promotion of reading and conversation among book lovers of all ages and backgrounds.

Paper Puzzle introduces dual protagonists, one white, Clay Moore managing editor of the town's daily newspaper and Jimmy Royal editor of the local black weekly tabloid. Both men as cub reporters covered a gangland styled murder and were pulled off the story by their publishers before anyone was brought to justice.

As time passes the two men kept thoughts of it in the back of region of their minds. Suddenly, Clay Moores' life is interrupted when he discovers news clippings from the gangland styled murder in his bed each morning. When Clay's security and career is threatened by a powerful federal judge he is forced to turn to the only other person who can help him solve the paper puzzle laying in his bed. He turns to Jimmy Royal and together the two reporters in the spirit of Woodard and Bernstein uncovers decades of injustice hidden neatly under the guise of the social mores of the times.

"History has shown," Harvey says, "that the men who committed those brutal acts knew they could get away with them because the local courts and local press would not allow the truth to come out.   What the white supremacist did not count on was the persistent will of the people, honestly seeking the truth."

Here is the public schedule for Harvey while visiting Mississippi:

10-12p.m., Meet and Greet/ Booksigning @ Medar Evers Library (4215 Medgar Evers Blvd. * Jackson, MS)

1-3p.m., Meet and Greet/Booksigning @ Pearl Public Library (Old Brandon Road * Pearl, MS)

______________________________________________

All events are free and open to the public. For details, contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

ABOUT PAPER PUZZLE  

What does a five year old black boy do when his grandmother warns him he cannot play behind the sales counter with the grandson of the white shop owner in the mid 1950s? If he is Harold Michael Harvey he embarks upon a lifetime journey to understand social mores and how to overcome them.

For the 58 year old Harvey the end result is the publication of his first novel Paper Puzzle. The novel released in the southern fiction genre, is set in Harvey's hometown of Macon, Georgia, by the largest traditional publishing house in the nation, Publish America. He draws on his past experiences as an award winning journalist and award winning trial lawyer to spin a tale of mystery cloaked in the traditions of the South. Visit www.paperpuzzle.net for details about the author and the book.

To find out more about Conversations Book Club and its commitment to literacy, visit www.thebestbookclub.info.

Literary Texas Takeover In Mississippi: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

(NOTE: Missed day one's events? Click here to catch up!)

(Fri. Feb. 5, 2010) With no rain in sight and the sun trying to show itself, day 2 of the literary Texas Takeover in Mississippi began with a visit to Morrison Academic Advancement Center in Jackson, MS. Thanks to the warm invitation by the Principal (Mrs. Sherry Sterling) and the support of recording artist and poet Blak Jewel, authors Jermnine Demouchette and Mr. Mean Mug were able to share once again their story of missteps, redemption and the lessons learned.


The students listened intently during the entire presentation, but it was during the final moments of the visit that Blak Jewel, who also has a son at the school, revealed how Mean Mug and Demouchette had inspired them to share something personal about herself. She went on to tell the students that she had been molested growing up, and how she went on to make decisions that weren't the best. "I am now a single woman with four kids," she said, "and it's hard." Blak Jewel went on to say that it was possible to learn from your mistakes, and she thanked the authors again for being willing to help others.



From there, Demouchette and Mr. Mean Mug returned to Peeples Middle School to share their final thoughts with some of the students in Mrs. Bolden's class.

It was during this visit that retired Professor Charlie Gaulden met the gentleman and had a chance to share the work that he was doing to help those in the Jackson area that were in need.



It was a successful first tour stop for the Texas Takeover, but it is only just beginning of what will be an incredible adventure for the authors, the experiences they have to share and the good they will be able to do.

"The two of them met each other because of books," says Conversations Book Club President Cyrus Webb. He works as the publicist for both authors and is scheduling the tour stops. "They have been living in the same state for all this time, but it was their books that brought them together to help others."

Webb is now working to get organizations in Texas to see the benefit of such a pairing. "They compliment each other well, and I think it will be a win-win for them and their state."

Find out more information about the Texas Takeover and upcoming events at www.shadowplayent.com.