TAKE TEN: Author Jeff Rivera

Author Jeff Rivera is an example of what never letting go of your dreams will help you accomplish. From his hometown of Hillsboro, Oregon to his current residence in New York City, he is living the life that many creative individuals could only wish to have, but his journey has not been easy. Through setbacks, personal disappointments and the trials of everyday life, he has push forward---allowing nothing to stop him. Among the projects he is currently working on is The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign. In this exclusive interview with Cyrus A. Webb of Conversations Book Club, Conversations LIVE! Radio and Crunk Book Club, he talks about the journey and where he is looking for it to take him next.


Jeff, thanks for talking with Crunk Magazine and Conversations. First of all, I want to say congratulations on the success of your debut novel Forever My Lady and your other projects. I have to ask you, if someone had told you 10 years ago that you would be doing what you are today, would you have believed them?
Thanks, I'm still in shock with the way that things have come together for me but it hasn't been without it's ups and downs. So many people didn't believe in me, I had to move forward and not listen to the nay-sayers. I always dreamed of having great things but had no idea how it would happen, so in a way, yeah I'm just as shocked as anyone else and thank God literally everyday for everything that's happened.

When did you first realize that you had a love affair with words?
At a very early age, when I was in first grade. I didn't even know it was called writing. It was just what I did, wrote stories about the kids in class. The stories didn't make any sense but I didn't know that back then.

I was impressed to find out that your journey through live has not always been so easy. Take our readers into some of the challenges you have faced in your life and more importantly how you overcame them?
Name it and I've probably been through it. I grew up in American poverty, homelessness, child abuse. It hasn't been easy but let me tell you there is always someone who's been through much worse. So, I'm not complaining.

There are many aspiring writers that will read this interview that will want to know how you were able to be picked up by a major publisher with your first book. Before we get into that, however, tell us how the idea for Forever My Lady developed.
Forever My Lady began when I was working at Kmart. I met a friend of mine who came from a work release program and was trying to turn his life around for his lady, that was the inspiration for me to tell my story of a fictional character named Dio who would stop at nothing to win his lady back. It started out as a screenplay but after many rejections I decided to self-publish the book from there the novel grew a huge following online and Warner (now called Grand Central Publishing) got wind of it.

A question I know you get a lot is how much of Jeff Rivera is in the book. What would you say?
I would a good 90% of Jeff Rivera is in the book in each of the characters, I can relate to each of them in different ways.

Your book was published by Grand Central Publishing, formerly Warner Books. How did it get to them?
I had sent it to them and it rotted on their desk for 3 months, then when I got an agent, she made a phone call and they read it over the weekend and had an offer within 7 days. Come to think about it, I think it was like an offer in like 3-4 days. It was very fast. When it's meant to be, and the timing's right, it happens quickly and effortlessly.

Among the other projects you are doing is GumboWriters.com. Tell us about it.
GumboWriters.com is a one-stop shop for writers who want to get an agent or who want to self-publish. I work with editors formerly with the major publishing houses who will edit your manuscript and bring it to the level expected for a major house.

You are also working with Shadow Play Entertainment as part of The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign. You will be sharing 10 writing tips in 60 second segments. What do you hope aspiring writers get from those tips?
These tips go beyond the obvious tips you always here. I think aspiring writers will hear some things they've never heard before publicly like what it really takes to get published.

What's next for you?
I'm working on a kids book and some other projects up my sleeve, including the sequel to Forever My Lady.

Jeff, thanks again for talking with us. If our readers want to find out more information about you, how can they do so?
Definitely check out: http://www.GumboWriters.com

TAKE TEN: Tray Chaney of HBO's The Wire talks about his success, autobiography

When looking for examples of those who are talking the talk and walking the walk when it comes to their dreams, they don't get any more real than Tray Chaney. He has been used to the public eye since he was a young boy, and now with feature films, a budding music career, an autobiography and a celebrated role on HBO's The Wire under his belt, the future just continues to look brighter. Tray took out time out of his busy schedule to talk about his evolution as a man and entertainer, and why he is supporting projects like The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign in an effort to give back to those who are looking for something better in their lives. Here is our conversation.

Tray, thanks for taking out the time to talk with us. You have achieved so much in your life from an early age. Are you surprised at how quickly things have come your way?   

Well, I feel as though I really put in alot of hard work, time and effort throughout the years. I been in the entertainment industry since I was 8yrs old.  To be able to get recognized through out the world for some of my achievements such as starring on one of the biggest shows that ever hit television (The Wire) portraying the character "Poot"  and also having an inspirational Book out titled The Truth You Can't beTRAY" is defitnely a blessing from God. The only reason I am not all that surprised at how quickly things have come my way is because I am a firm believer in God, and I work very hard and take this job serious and thats what it takes to achieve goals.

Take us back to Tray Chaney as a child. Did you always know you were going to achieve big things?

Well I did have a strong support system behind me such as my parents, family members, the community. When individuals see that a child has something that he or she is trying to do on a positive note usually you can get that strong support. I always dreamed about achieving Big things, and its defitnely nothing wrong with dreaming.  I still dream, so to answer your question YES I did feel like one day I will become successful the older and more mature I get.

What about your family? It seems like from the video on your website www.traychaney.com that your family has been supportive of your dream from the beginning. Has that always been the case?

Yes that has defitnely been the case. I am truly blessed to have the parent I have. My parents always taught me to be humble at the same time determined to achieve my goals in life. They also taught me that education has to be taken very serious if I was going to be pursuing a Career in the entertainment industry PERIOD. They were very Firm when it came down to getting my education. They have truly provided for me as well as Supported.

You have gone from performing on television at the Apollo to being on HBO's The Wire. What would you tell those who want to enter the entertainment industry about your experience that could help them?

 Honestly I would tell them to never take the word NO as an answer.  Study your craft. Studying your craft could mean furthering your education on what it is that you are pursuing by taking Classes, just really staying humble and devoting your time as well as energy. Dont ever get discouraged because once that happens that can really throw your focus off and you defitnely dont want that to happen. Always realize this business is Tough, so you have to stay Strong.

We all have role models that we look up to or emulate. Who has that been for you, and how does it feel to now be a role model for others.

I really look up to Don Cheadle Not just for his great acting but because of the things he does outside of acting as far as his community affairs. This Man is really concerned about worldwide issues. I have a deep respect for Don Cheadle. Its so many role models that I look up to. I put it this way, anyone that is bringing positive energy to the world I look up to them. For me to be someone's role model is amazing.  I just feel if I continue to stay positive and inspire the world, other individuals that look up to me will follow the same path.

On top of everything else you are doing, Tray, you are also a published author. Tell us about the book The Truth You Can't BeTray and what led you to write it?

"The Truth You Cant beTRAY" is my self published Book. Its my autobiography. The book takes my readers on a journey of how I started in the entertainment industry. Trials and Tribulations I had to face. Its an Inspirational/Motivating Tool for Individuals to strive for there dreams.  The book has No Profanity/Cursing what so ever. I wrote the book as if I was having a conversation with someone. Its nothing technical about the book at all. What led me to write it was its not hard to see we live in a world where people have no morals. Its so much crime, violence, and negative issues going on.  I dont feel like I can save the world but at the same time I just wanted to put something positive out to show individuals that they can have a positve side to them.  The book is available at www.amazon.com using the keywords Tray Chaney..

What do you hope people learn about you from the book, and who do you think would best benefit from reading it?

I want people to learn that no matter what you can overcome trials and tribulations.  Strive for your Dreams. Its certain choices we all have to make as human beings. I feel anyone no matter what age you are can relate. Its hard to say who it would benefit. I have young people from the early age of 8yrs old telling me they love the book. Then I turn around and a 60yr old person says that the book helped them to appreciate certain things that are in the the book. That was my point in writing it for all ages...I wanted everyone to be able to relate to something.

Reading is something that does not get alot of attention. In fact you and I met because of our literacy campaign called The Write Stuff. What do you think we can do to encourage more young people and even adults to read?

To encourage young people as well as adults to read we have to find a way to capture there interest.  Really dig deep down into what it is they are interested in and provide it for them.  I was even thinking setting up programs/seminars with different topics to read about whether it be entertainment, sports, health conditions, learning how to cope with different worldwide issuses.  We really have to capture there interest.

Can you tell us what is next for you? 

I am in the process of turning my book "The Truth You Can't beTRAY" into a film. I am giving anyone that purchases the book at www.amazon.com a chance to audition for the film.  I am self-published so I can make those type of decisions. I have a movie that just came out in stores (Walmart, Target, Blockbuster, etc) called "What We Do" starring myself, Freeway, Young Gunz, Omillio Sparks, E-ness.  Its directed By Tron Anderson..I am currently shooting a film called "The  Conversations" directed by my hometown friend from Washington,DC Frank Jackson. I am also currently in the studio working on my new album "Jack of all Trays"  I have 2 singles from The album that me and my team are pushing called 'Dilemma' feat Jazz of Druhill  and My International/Rythmic Record called 'Baby Lets Go' feat G-Mann w/ Cherri. You can find both of the records on my blog  www.traychaneyblog.tumblr.com  or Youtube  I am all over the internet.

Thanks again, Tray, for your time. If our readers want to find out more information about you and your projects, where can they find you online?

My site is www.traychaneyblog.tumblr.com. You can also look me up at www.twitter.com/traychaney and Facebook. I am here for my people/fans.

TAKE TEN: Lady K

Her book SEX INSPIRES MY BEST POETRY has raised more than eyebrows with its mixture of sophisticated prose and melodic verses. Now Lady K talks with Crunk Book Club about the writing of the book, the decision to promote it and how she sees the variousdegrees of sex.

Lady K, thank you for talking with Crunk Book Club. Before we get into your gift with words, let's talk a little about you. How would you describe who Lady K is?
Lady K is the alter ego of the day-to-day person that I am. Lady K is bold, seductive, and sassy. She has a lot more confidence than I do because she doesn’t care what she says, what people think, and makes no apologies for any of it. She says what’s on her mind. She’s wild at times!

Do you remember when your love affair with the written and spoken word began?
The written word in general, I would say during elementary school. Around 4th or 5th grade, I think. I wasn’t very expressive and was somewhat shy, so for me, writing was the easiest way for me to express my feelings. I used to write letters. It didn’t matter if anyone saw them or not, it was just therapeutic. Spoken word came much later in life. It’s an extension of that therapy. Being able to express yourself through your words, your face, your body, and use those to connect with other people is something I’m still getting comfortable with. So as of now, we’re not in a love affair yet, but we have a strong crush on each other!

Erotica is something that many see as personal. Has it always been so easy for you to express yourself and things that you think and feel?
Not at all! I’m a very private person. So for me to share such intimate thoughts was definitely not easy because now I feel somewhat exposed. Now, I’ve opened myself up for criticism and other people’s opinion on what type of person they think I am based on some of my work. The funny thing is that in expressing myself, and exposing those thoughts and feelings, it has really made it easier for me to continue to do so. I feel empowered! It’s enabled me to be more confident and to encourage others – women in particular – to feel free to express themselves in the same way.

You made a decision to not only compile a book but begin your own publishing company as well. Tell us about why you formed Forte Publishing.
I formed Forte Publishing because I didn’t want to put my destiny in any else’s hands. Finishing this book became my dream and I felt like I didn’t want to waste time trying to convince someone, or get anyone else to validate me, and control my dream. It was, and still is difficult because ultimately, I have to balance being the author, the publisher, the publicist, and many other hats. But in the end, I’m in control. I make all the decisions, and my success or failure is in my own hands.

When you and I spoke last year we focused on the importance of promoting yourself. Since your book SEX INSPIRES MY BEST POETRY is dealing with erotica, was it difficult for you to make the sell initially?
It does raise some eyebrows at times. But to be honest, in most cases, I haven’t had that hard of a time. The reason, I think is that on a personal level people really can relate when they hear the title of the book. But aside from that, I think that I’ve done a good job of targeting the right market and the right businesses so far. As it grows, it might get a little more difficult, but I’m ready for the challenge!

Spoken word is a powerful avenue that has crossed racial and generational lines. How did you go about putting your book and cd together, and were you surprised by the results?
think what sets this book apart from others like it, is the fact that it speaks to the urban market; the average everyday person, and it links the poetic nature of hip-hop and music, with poetry. When I started putting the book together, I put it together with people like me in mind. I’m from the hip-hop generation, and grew up in the inner-city. I’m 20-something, and college educated with a degree (from Howard University). That being said, the book has an urban edge to it, and the Urban, Erotic Soundtrack that comes with the book accentuates the hip-hop vibe. It’s bold and explicit. But, it’s tasteful, sensual, and thought-provoking as well. So when I started marketing the finished product I was surprised by the people who embraced it the most. A lot of women in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s AND 50’s have embraced both the book AND the cd. I was definitely surprised by the results in terms of the range of fans that I’ve gained so far.

One of the things that struck me about the book is that it is about more than just the act of sex. It also deals with the emotions that can be associated with sex. Is that something that has opened up dialogue with your readers and lovers of spoken word?
Definitely! The “act” is just a small part of what sex is. I divided the book up into five sections, with the first being Foreplay. That’s where all the feelings and emotions really start to get stirred. Another section, Mind Sex, touches on a few of the more serious subjects like abortion, and virginity. I’ve also included some discussion questions in the back of the book to initiate dialogue with my readers. That’s really important to me because these are things that people should be talking about. Sex is fun! Sex is silly! But on the flip side, sex can be sad, and it’s definitely serious! I think people appreciate how candidly the book touches on certain things, and that’s enough to get the conversation flowing.

What advice would you give to others who are looking to find their voice and share it with the world?
Remember that poetry is art, and art is subjective. Some people will love it. Some people will hate it. But someone will relate to it and that’s what it’s all about when it comes to things like poetry, spoken word, and hip-hop. Be confident in you, and stay true to you and the rest will be easy.

Can you tell me what is next for Lady K and Forte Publishing?
Continuing to promote Sex Inspires My Best Poetry; the next book of poetry, The Group Sex Volume, should be coming soon; a cookbook; and helping other aspiring authors fulfill their dreams through coaching and publishing.

Thank you for time, Lady K. If our readers want to find out more about you where can they find you online?
Thank you! Crunk readers, check out the website www.sexy-poetry.com to read excerpts from the book, and hear samples from the soundtrack. Send me a message on MySpace at www.myspace.com/inspiredbysex.

TAKE TEN: 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.

The book is not just about you but your father as well. There is one passage that comes to mind that I think all of us can relate to. It's on page 40 and says this: "He was being pulled in two different directions, but he knew where he wanted to go, where he must go. He had put his dreams on hold for far too long." When you think about the journey of your father's life, did it make the decisions you would make in your own life easier?
The upbringing that he and my mother instilled in me did all of that and of course a good part of that derived from his own life story. I was always taught to believe in myself, to stand up for what I believed in, to overcome adversity and deal with it head on. My Dad made me tough and not only in the physical department (I was the youngest so I had to be tough, my two older brothers kicked the crap out of me), but also in the emotional and mental departments too. It was a great upbringing in that regard for life is tough no matter which way our path takes us.

When writing about your own passion you say this: "The fire in my belly came from having been told I wasn't good enough. It was something that I always had to overcome, from high school all the way up until this seminal moment. It was like 'I will prove them all wrong' was inscribed on my forehead, or at least that was my attitude...No one could measure my heart, only I could, and I was ready to take everything on and prove everyone wrong." That is one of the most poignant of the whole book. In the wake of now being a father yourself, talk to us about why it is important not to let anyone sway you from your dreams.
Because if you don’t believe in yourself, how do you expect others to believe in you, no matter what you are in to. I kept that fire alive for it drove me to where I wanted to go. There will always be the “naysayers’ out there no matter what you do, but if the belief that you can do it is inside, those people cannot hurt you. They just stoke the flame even brighter. I teach my girls all the time, give it your best no matter what, and always remember that daddy loves you, but I won’t settle for them not giving it their all no matter what they are doing. They don’t have to be the best, but they do have to try their best, in the classroom, in dance class, or out on their respective fields of play.

Through your book you were able to tell not just your history but that of a generation that is often not appreciated today. Can you tell us what you hope others get from relationship with your father and how that translates to your relationship with your children?
Love. It’s all about the foundation of love. My Dad was very affectionate with me. I hugged and kissed him until the day he died. But, there was also “tough love”. He praised me when I did well and he got all over my butt if I didn’t, especially if my effort was half-assed. The way I discipline my children, along with my wife, is derived from love. I firmly believe that as a parent it is my responsibility to make sure that they are going to make it in this world when my time is up. These early years really build the foundation of life. I want my kids to be confident, well mannered and respectful people. It is my duty as their father to make sure that I do all that I can to help them become those kinds of people. But, with that being said, they melt my heart all the time and I know my Dad is laughing half the time at me with all the “drama” that goes on in our house.

The title of the book are the last words your father said to you, but being called a 'Pal' by him was something new. What was the significance of that for you?
It meant everything. Pal to me means, a friend for life, no matter what. It’s the highest label of friendship in my opinion. Through thick and thin. Always. Forever. When he called me his pal three days before he died, it was incredible for me to hear that from my Dad. He was right, we were Pals, and always will be, to the end.

Tom, you have experienced success at so many different time during your life. What would be success in your opinion when it comes to the book?
To inspire as many people as it’s humanly possible. I truly mean that. I want people to put my book down after they finish reading it and say, wow, that was a great story. Maybe it will help them dig a little deeper, to love a little bit more, to achieve, to believe, to overcome and above all to live life to the fullest. Being a best selling author would be pretty cool too.

For those who have experienced a loss like yours, what would you say to them about sharing their own experiences?
It’s definitely therapeutic. I could feel my Dad’s presence throughout the whole experience. I loved going back and remembering our times together and writing about his life story. Here I am, this 250 pound former middle linebacker writing like crazy (and using the peck method of my two pointer fingers the entire time), laughing and crying the whole time. My pregnant wife would be down stairs asking me what in the heck is going on up there. It was a very emotional time for me and I loved every minute of it. I would encourage anyone to write their feelings down for those who you want to know and see how you feel.

Thank you for giving us a great book. If our readers want to find out more about you, where can they find you online?
www.alwaysbepals.com is my book’s website. It has a video on there for all to see as to why I wrote the story. I also host my own sports/life talk radio show called “The Rumble with Tom McManus” in Jacksonville, Florida on 1010 XL (or AM 1010). I air 10-1 PM, EST., and I can be heard live online at www.1010xl.com. Thank you so much for this opportunity. Take care and God Bless.

TAKE TEN: Author Carrie Elizabeth Greene

Author Carrie Elizabeth Greene is claiming 2009 for herself with a vengeance. With a novel just released and a second book coming before the end of the year, she is living the life that many aspiring writers only dream about. On top of all her other activites she is also a judge for the country's first literary reality show The Write Stuff that will be debuting during the summer. How did her journey begin? She reveals that along with what saved the life of some of the characters in her debut novel and more in this exclusive interview.

Carrie, thank you for taking the time to talk with Conversations. Before we get into your book A VOICE BEHIND THUNDER, I want to fast forward to the reaction to the book. Has it surprised you what readers are saying about your debut?
Yes, I never thought it would be so greatly received. I am very excited .

For so many writing is a dream they can only hope to realize. How does it feel to be living this dream today?
It was a long time coming, but I'm grateful that I held out and didn't give up.

I have never asked you this before, but I think our readers would be interested to know when did you decide writing was something you wanted to do?
I can't say that it was always something I wanted to do, not like some who know from a child that they want to be a writer. However I always liked a good story, whether on television, movies, or the written word.

With that being said, how did your debut novel come about?
I loved to read Christian fiction and had a desire to write a Christian novel one day. When Genesis Press first started I wanted to contribute to the new project. I had this story in mind and I wrote it for them, however it was rejected. That was in 1995.

You have successfully produced a balance of romance and inspiration. Was it difficult for you to decide how far to go with either?
People don't like to think that romance is a part of a Christian’s life. It is very much so, and I wanted to show that although people are Christians, saved and desire to do God's work, they have and desire to have romance in their life. I lead the singles group in my church and am often confronted with how they should conduct themselves as a single Christian. There are times when we need to face the fact that Christians sometimes get off track. I wanted to do that with this book.

The characters you developed are so universal that anyone should be able to see themselves or someone they know. Who did you have in mind when you wrote it?
My characters are a combination of myself, and others, women and men with good and bad characteristics. People that i have met throughout my life.

Redemption is a big part of the message I got from your book, especially when it comes to dealing with issues of faith and people of faith. Do you think some people take the notion of 'once saved always saved' to heart and stop trying in their relationships with people and God?
Our egos like for us to believe that we are right, and the problem is with everyone else. Until we can see our own flaws and imperfections we can never forgive and love the way that we should. Our salvation is not based on works, but our ego's can keep us from living a fulfilled life while we are here on earth. So in the long run when we refuse to make our corrections we suffer.

I'm not going to give away the story but it seems as though you wanted us to expect more from your characters. Will there be a sequel and what should we expect from you next.
Actually, I wanted to kill off some of the characters but we decided it would not go well with the readers. I don't know if I will bring a sequel but I will write about the period, late seventies to the end of the eighties, because I believe it is an important time in our history especially for African Americans and it is worth taking a second look at.

I do have a second book called "Don't Delay your Increase: A spiritual guide to giving. which will be released in Dec 2009, and is published by Urban Christian Fiction. It is a guide that answers questions about giving, how to give, when to give, what organizations or people to give to and when to stop giving.

Now that you are a published author I know that those aspiring to be where you are have many questions. What advice would you give to them about moving forward from a thought to action?
I think it is important to write a story that has a purpose and a message. Think about the person that will read your book. What are the messages you want to leave with them, and write for that one person. Don't think about how many people will read your book, just write what you feel and be transparent.

Thank you again, Carrie. If our readers want to find out more about you online how can they do so?
You can email me at carrie@avoicebehindthunder.com. My website is www.avoicebehindthunder.com

TAKE TEN: Author Alicia Ash

Her personal story is an inspiration to people of all ages and backgrounds across the world. Author Alicia Ash has been near death more than once, but in the end her desire to be there for her kids and her family helped her to come out a winner. In this exclusive interview she talks about her past, the transformation she has made both on the inside and outside and what she hopes her example does for others.

Alicia, thank you for taking out the time to speak with us. First of all I know you are preparing for the release of your debut book. Tell our readers the name and what led you to write it.
The title of the book is I Dropped 142 lbs in a year & lost 220 lbs in a Day. When I started this journey of transformation I started journaling to be able to keep track of my daily routine to see if I needed to make changes. As I began to see I was really getting great results, I wanted to share my experience with other people like myself that felt like it was not possible. As the transformation started to be so visible to others around me they were begging me to please help them so I knew then this was not about me anymore it was a ministry to bless others with a proven system that I knew works.

Alot of people find it hard to look at themselves and reveal personal details about their life, but you seemed to be okay with sharing what was your truth. Was it always easy for you to do so?
In the beginning it was not easy at all. You could not even get me in front of a camera let alone to be around a crowd of people, because I was ashamed at how I looked and felt. As I came to realize this was bigger than me, it was a message I wanted to share with everyone that wanted to not only shed weight but shed issues because I was carrying not only physical weight but mental weight as well. I believe we all carry too much of one or the other and we need to learn how to balance it to live healthier lives.

Your journey has been anything but ordinary. In fact your unhealthy lifestyle almost killed you. What was the turning point?
My turning point was once I had three strokes because of my unhealthy lifestyle. The third one did it for me. Then there was knowing that I could possibly not be here for my children. To leave behind for them to know how to be healthy and teach them how to live a better life is the best gift I could ever give them.

Weight-loss is only part of your story. How much would you say you have changed emotionally and spiritually as your body changed?
I have grown so much. Some may say it is a bad thing to get a divorce, and at first I thought that too but to stay in it I would have been pleasing people. I was married 15 years and in order for me to grow he and I both knew we had to be apart to be happy. We are much better as friends than we were in a marriage, and we are better parents and not living in a marriage that was not growing spiritually or emotionally. I always say evaluate your situation and make changes from there.

In 2006 you achieved what is the goal of so many people: being on The Oprah Winfrey Show. What was that experience like for you, and how much did it encourage you to your commitment to stay healthy?

Wow, being on the show and meeting Ms Oprah was the second best goal to accomplish. When I walked on that stage I was like I can do anything I put my heart and soul to because I do know there are celebrities that have not been on her show. I was just amazed and very thankful for the oppurtunity. She is my American Idol and that alone keeps me motivated. I promised myself if I accomplished this major task I would not go back to living minor in my mind.

I'm curious, Alicia, what do you hope people get from hearing and reading your story?
I hope my message will encourage people to live happier, healthier lives. Do research ,get checkups know your body and don't let it be too late to want to make a change. Do it now and pass it on to your children. Obesity is nothing to play with. It causes so many other health problems that can be prevented, so hopefully by me having another chance at life people will see it can be done and it's not about a number on the scale or a size 2 clothes: It's about being healthy and feeling good on the inside and that will flow out.

What advice would you give for someone who has a family member or friend that is battling the demons that you faced?
To encourage them and be a support team for them in a good way, not being negative. Make small changes like I did instead of celebrating all with food do something different.

Aside from your book, what other projects are you involved in?
I am excited to be a guest judge on the upcoming reality show Write Stuff that will be debuting in the summer of 2009. It is such a great opportunity for aspiring writers to see what is involved in the process and to network with those who are making their mark in the end. Though there can only be one winner, all the contestants will glean so much from the experience. I also have a foundation called SKIN DEEP. You can go to my web site and get more info www.aliciaash.com, and in the I future I am hoping to launch a clothing line. On top of that I travel the country as a motivational speaker.

When it comes to writing, if someone feels as though they have a story to share, what would you tell them to do?
I would say get as much of your material in the proper format, do plenty of reseach on how to become an author because there are plenty of people that have a great story but are not writters. Get to the right people and never give up on your dream because only you can make it become a reality.

Thank you for your time. How can our readers find out more about you and your upcoming events?
You can visit my web site and pre order the book today and if my tour does not have your city on there request it by going to www.aliciaash.com or www.myspace.com/merceytee

TAKE TEN: Author Don Greco

A heartwarming story of love and acceptance, author Don Greco gave the world a literary treasure with Abramo's Gift. Here he talks about the book and what he hopes others get from his debut novel.

Donald, Happy New Years and thank you for talking with Conversations. Before we get into your novel Abramo's Gift, I want to talk about the response you have had to the book so far. Have you been surprised at the feedback from readers?
I have been pleasantly surprised both at the universal approval it has received and the insight that some readers have into its content. When one writes a story, it is very gratifying to see that some readers derive life lessons and personal comfort from it. When one is a little known writer as I am, it is nice to know that readers like what I do and are glad they took the time to read my story.

I know from your interview on Conversations LIVE! Radio that you didn't even tell many around you that you were even writing, let alone going to have a book published. How has the support of your family and freinds encouraged you to forge ahead?
It’s satisfying to realize that people you have been very close to all your life enjoyed reading your story. But it was also fun to see how surprised they were upon receiving a novel in the mail from this strange person they thought they knew so well. Now most of them are impatient to read my next novel, so that sets a new goal for me.

Let's rewind a bit to the actual storyline of Abramo's Gift. I can't help but realize that there are some similarities between you and the main character Abramo Cardone. Both of you have had to deal with personal tragedy. How did the story develop for you?
It developed from a sense of longing, for the love that was lost… in my case, my wife, Angie. In that sense, Abramo Cardone also has that longing for the love that he lost. Some of the most poignant stories are those about people who are lonely and anguished yet then find grace and comfort when they least expect it. That belief was the genesis of my story.

Other than Abramo, which character resonated with you on a personal level?
It’s hard making a choice, but I think Mrs. Reid is a good one. She is hurt and lonely and realizes that all her great wealth cannot buy her happiness. She lost a husband and an only son and has had to endure in silence the false rumors that circulated about her son possibly being killed in Army service in less than honorable fashion. She’s honest, reverent, and kind, but has a short fuse in her righteous anger. But her great heart, and her willingness to change and grow ends up being her salvation in the story.

One of the things I got from the book was the importance of walking in your own truth, that is, facing challenges and hardships head-on instead of trying to mask it with something else. Out of curiosity, how did you deal with your own grief, and what can others learn from Abramo and your examples?
When something terrible happens in your life, people close to you try to help you cope with your grief. But because grieving is such a solitary process they often don’t know what they can do to help. When my wife died suddenly, a dear friend of ours gave me the best advice. She said that I had to learn to let people help me, and not to shut them out. She told me, “Your friends love and care about you, and they want to do something to comfort you and help you heal…but often they don’t know how. If you let them try to help you, they will feel better and so will you.” It was the best advice I ever had, and it helped me get through the worst time in my life.

The world of publishing is a very competitive one. How much research did you do about how to be successful in the industry before deciding on trying to break into print?
Not much. I thought my only job was to produce a good story, and everything else would fall into place, but I was wrong. Consequently, I have been following a steep learning curve regarding the business aspect of marketing a book.

Have you been surprised at how much of the book's success still falls on the author even after the book is available in stores worldwide?
Since my greatest challenge is getting my books into bookstores anywhere, I’m not sure I can answer this question accurately. But I think that books are like your children: you will always be a parent, and you will, likewise, also be a father or mother to your stories.

Your book was chosen as one of Conversations' "Best Kept Literary Secrets" of 2008. For those that are just finding out about the book through this interview, what would you hope they get from the story you tell in Abramo's Gift?
I would hope that ordinary people would realize that they can achieve greatness in their own quiet ways, not by wealth or high attainment, but by finding love and grace in the people around them.

What would you say to those who may have a story in their head and heart but haven't taken the time to try and share it?
First of all, if it’s only a matter of taking time, I urge the imaginer to find the time and give it all the energy he can muster. Most stories are told in their own best time. If one has a good story, he should not let it fade away. Stories have a way of doing that. Often times, a story can be told at only one period in a person’s life. As years pass, the imaginer changes, his tastes and circumstances change, and so the story sometime changes, or becomes more anemic and obscure in memory. When that happens, the story is lost, and may never be resurrected again.

Having said all this, the reality of life is such that not everyone can write good stories. So if you are one of those people who cannot put stories in your imagination into pen and paper, and if you believe your story is wonderful, then by all means tell it to someone else who may have the gift of finding words to tell your story. Both the imaginer and the writer, not to mention the readers, would have a great sense of satisfaction and fulfillment for your efforts.

Thank you for your time, Don. What is next for you in 2009?
This year I want to concentrate on making my story, Abramo’s Gift, known to as many people as possible. If I can do that, and if readers like my novel and my writing, then I’ll feel comfortable putting forth a new novel in 2010. It’s as good as the current one, but a different kind of story.