A Conversation with Bestselling author Miasha by C. A. Webb

A Conversation with Bestselling author Miasha by C. A. Webb

Over the past few years her name has graced some of the hottest titles published as urban lit. This bestselling author has already released six full-length novels and participated in an anthology with some of the biggest names in the industry. On top of all of her success as a writer, in 2009 she saw her first book SECRET SOCIETY brought to life as a stage play and her latest novel was the first of its kind to be featured in Elle Magazine. All of this, and she has yet to celebrate her 30th birthday. With the respect she has garnered and the national recognition her work has received, she need go by only one name: Miasha.

We recently caught up with her to talk about her life, her success and how she is able to balance everything that she has going on from day to day.

Miasha, thank you for taking out time out of your busy schedule to talk with us. First of all, for our readers that may just now be learning about you, how would you describe who Miasha is?

Thank you for the interview. I'm the bestselling author of five novels, just released my sixth one (Chaster)...I'm a wife, mother... a little of everything.

You have experienced tremendous success over the past few years, and it seems like part of that success is that it is really a family affair for you. Is that true?

I'm really blessed. I really couldn't ask for a better support system in my family. My husband has been great from the beginning, and my extended family has really been helpful when it comes to my boys. They are able to keep them for us which allows us to do what I need to do for the business.

When you look at what you have done already, is there any surprise for you?

You know, since I was young I saw that I was going to be successful, but I didn't know it would come at this rate. Again, I am very thankful.

I have read and heard different interviews with you over your career, and you always seem to be very appreciative of what you have. What keeps you grounded?

I'm definitely very much into God and family, and the two keep me grounded. I've always been a humble person, plus I come from humble beginnings so I think everything I've been through in life has shaped who I am today. Regardless of what comes in the future for the good or otherwise I'm always going to be who I am.

When someone reads a book or story by Miasha they can always expect to find a strong story and strong female characters. Is it important for you to portray women in a certain way?

Women come in all different sizes, shapes and so on so there is no one way to portray a woman. You have stories for all kinds, regardless of if it is good or bad. For me personally what I write comes from my own experiences or what I've been around. I just write from my heart.


What do you hope your sons learn about the way women are to be treated?

I'm really proud of the mother that I am. I didn't grow up with a mother, so I have to be the greatest role model. When they grow up I hope they will look at the way I am and the way their father treats me, and see that as a way they should see all women.

Congrats on all of your success including the release of your sixth novel CHASER and the screen play. If our readers want to find out more about you, where would you direct them?

They can find out everything about me and what I'm up to by going to www.miasha.com.

Conversations LIVE RADIO with C.A. Webb

Contributed By Cyrus A. Webb

When movers and shakers of the arts and entertainment world have something to say to you, they say it to Conversations LIVE! Radio. For over six years, host Cyrus A. Webb has been talking to some of the biggest names and introducing rising stars that are on the brink of making it big as well as tackled some of the biggest issues of the day. Today's interviews, brought to you by HunidRacks Energy Drink, Crunk Magazine, Hype Magazine, S.T.I.L.L. Magazine, NuSouth Magazine, Industry Standard Magazine and HHH Magazine, are no different. (Listen to any of the interviews live at show-time at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/conversationslive or via podcast later at http://www.conversationsliveradio.com .)

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2009 @ 12p.m. CST (1p.m. EST/10a.m. PT) --- Rasheed Young of Run's Athletics and Actor/Author/Recording artist Tray Chaney (Poot from HBO's The Wire) discusses their beginnings, their success and how they are using their celebrity to encourage and inspire others.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2009 @ 7p.m. CST (8p.m. EST/5p.m. PT) --- PANEL DISCUSSION: C. A. Webb Presents "Racial Pride: A Thin Line Between Love & Hate" Panelists Nova, Stacy Ousley, Ben Jones and Ricky Spann discuss is there anything wrong with loving your own race, and when does such love cross over into something more divisive and dangerous? We will be taking your calls!
For more information about the above roster, contact Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616. Know someone who should be a guest or if you have something you want to share, let him know! Past shows can be downloaded for free at www.conversationsliveradio.com.

The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign Welcomes National Recording Artists Nappy Roots

Contributed by Cyrus A. Webb of "The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign"

All across the world individuals of different backgrounds and interests are uniting to show their support for literacy. For its part The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign has garnered national attention for making sure that no group is left out of this all-important mission. In June 2009 The Write Stuff was joined on the battleground by international recording artists Nappy Roots.

Nappy Roots debut independent album Country Fried Cess was released in 1999, which led to the group being signed by Atlantic Records. Their first album on Atlantic was 2002's biggest selling hip-hop album, "Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz".

"Herschel Dixon (Tour Coordinator for The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign) is responsible for bringing Nappy Roots into our family," says The Write Stuff and Conversations Book Club Founder Cyrus A. Webb, 33. "He was friends with some of the members (attending college with some of them at Western Kentucky University), told them about the project, and they were more than willing to lend their support to a cause that they are also passionate about."

Their next album with Atlantic Records was Wooden Leather, released in 2003, featuring the singles "Roun' the Globe" which was featured on Madden 2004 and "Sick and Tired" (featuring Anthony Hamilton). This critically acclaimed, major label follow up album, "Wooden Leather" featured production from Kanye West, David Banner and Lil Jon.

Since the release of Wooden Leather they are back to being independent artists, and have started their own label, N.R.E.G (Nappy Roots Entertainment Group) with distribution through Fontana/Universal Music Group.

In 2008, the Nappy Roots returned to the spotlight with an internet campaign targeting the mega-popular hip-hop sites to promote their album Humdinger. It entered the Billboard Rap Charts at #7 and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums at #13.

Nappy Roots last toured across the country on the "Pursuit of Nappyness" tour and are working on their next project. They released this statement to The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign about their feelings about reading: "From contracts to lyrics, reading is probably the most important element in this music industry. We are glad to support a cause that gives something back to our fans and helps us become a better world."

To find our more about Nappy Roots, visit http://www.myspace.com/nappyrootsmusic or http://www.twitter.com/nappyroots.

Want to find out more about The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign and what it is doing to encourage reading in your area and beyond? Visit http://www.thewritestufftv.com and http://ce-leb-re-al-a-cy.ning.com. JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get hooked on books!

From the Founder/Editor-In Chief of S.T.I.L.L. Magazine:

I would like to thank Mr. Cyrus A. Webb and Mr. Herschel Dixon for all the generosity and support they have shown S.T.I.L.L. Magazine as well as myself. I would also like to commend them on the Great Work they are doing with "The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign". I would like to ask all that support S.T.I.L.L. Magazine to please support these fine gentlemen and their cause. Help us help you bridge the gap! I would like to also take the time to thank my Senior Editor/Journalist/Screenwriter, Ms. Shamora Evans for all of her hard work and dedication! This would not all be possible if it were not for her.

Sincerely,

Mack Buckley
Founder/Editor-In-Chief
S.T.I.L.L. Magazine

“The TRU Story of How Conversations Partnered with Platinum-selling Recording Artist /Bestselling author C-Murder”

by Herschel Dixon with Stanley Clark of For The People Productions

Part Two of For The People Productions' Three-Part Series Celebrating The Six Years of Success of Cyrus A. Webb's Conversations Brand. Missed part one of our three part interview with Cyrus A. Webb? Visit this link: http://forthepeopleproductions.blogspot.com/2009/06/king-of-conversations-celebrates-six.html

I got a call from Cyrus on the afternoon of Monday, June 1, 2009 telling me that he was on hold to talk with Martha Stewart on her radio show. That’s right: Martha Stewart. And as you can imagine he was excited. I didn’t know it at the time, but he had seen a tweet from Martha on Twitter inviting people to call into her show during her “Ask Martha” segment. That was all he needed.

That is the Cyrus Webb I have gotten to know over the past decade since we first met. He sees something that he wants, and he goes after it with no thought of what can’t be done. The word “No” doesn’t exist in his world, at least not when directed towards him. Obstacles just mean “Not right now.”

The month he was celebrating as the six year anniversary of his Conversations Brand is really a celebration of the growth Webb has experienced not only within himself and his audience, but the number of walls he has brought down because of just wanting to bring people together to promote the very best of themselves.

I have heard Cyrus joke with people that he has a split personality: the everyday Cyrus Webb and the more public alter ego C. A. Webb. I believe at some point that might just be true. From what I have seen, however, over the years it has been hard to tell when one ends and the other begins.

“I run my life just like one runs a political campaign,” he says. “My typical day begins between 4-5:30a.m. 7 days a week with a very deliberate routine. I get dressed, put on the water for my coffee and check email before updating my websites and going through my daily schedule.” That’s right: a schedule. Before going to bed each day he makes a list of things he knows he wants to get done when the next day begins. “The list may change some throughout the day,” he admits. “Some things are added or even moved to the following day, but there is an effort made to make each day count.”

Failure to best utilize the hours he is given can sometime lead to a side of Webb that is not as flattering as the calm persona he likes to show. He is a control freak. This is not something I have heard, but something I have seen firsthand over the time since we met. Cyrus Webb does not like for outside forces to sway him in any way. Time is precious, and he doesn’t like to waste any of what he is given. “I have a saying that I tweet everyday,” he says. “It’s very simple: ‘YESTERDAY is gone. TOMORROW is not promised. All you have is TODAY.’ That is not just true of me, but everyone.”

For Cyrus time is not just money, but a priceless resource that can’t be wasted. It seems that is the reason why he has done his best to make his brand, especially Conversations, something that is not limited to one group.

“One of the things that frustrates me the most is people assuming things about me and what I do based on what they think they know or what they see,” Webb says. During this conversation on the phone he paused as though trying to make sure he made his point the best way possible. “I am a young black male, but this doesn’t mean everything I do is based on my age or my race. My world is so much bigger than black and white. I don’t see this argument having to be made by those who are my white counterparts and friends. I don’t want to be put in a box.”

(Photo above courtesy of Jackson Advocate Newspaper)

As Webb continued to grow Conversations, it became clear that his vision was not going to be a one note. From the radio or television shows to the magazine and then to the book clubs, there was something for every group. What impressed me the most about the way the brand was constructed, was the fact that Cyrus had an invested interest in every aspect. He researches every guest, reads every book and personally writes them an electronic Thank You note afterwards. “It’s called Conversations,” he says, “so it stands to reason that I would have to be personally involved with every aspect of it. In order for all of these parts to work, I have to know what I’m talking about, especially if it is something that takes me out of my comfort level.”

Read the rest of this exclusive interview at this link: http://forthepeopleproductions.blogspot.com/2009/06/tru-story-of-how-conversations.html

The Write Stuff: "Which Writer Takes All"

By Shamora Evans

"The Write Stuff" is a reality television show that will showcase the exceptional writing abilities of the 15 aspiring writers that were chosen to compete after a nationwide search for talent. Viewers will be able to watch the writers as they form ideas and complete various assignments with the ultimate goal of winning a book deal from AG Press, which includes print and online marketing campaigns, a Dell Laptop, and features in various magazines. The candidates will participate in weekly challenges that incorporate and outline multiple phases of book publishing, and the "weakest link" will be eliminated from each episode of the competition until the writer with "The Write Stuff" remains. When the 15 competitors have been reduced to three, the finalists will participate in a final competition in Atlanta, GA that will determine who the winner of the competition will be.

WHO MADE THE CUT??

R. Wolf Baldassarro

-- 36-year-old male from Sterling Heights, MI -- author, poet, "slut to the written word"

Stacey Cochran

-- 35-year-old male from Raleigh, NC -- has worked for two publishers and done more than 150 sold-out author events of his own

Keyana Hawthorne

-- 27-year-old female from Jackson, MS -- possesses "the writer's spirit and the teacher's soul"

Justina Wheelock

-- 50-year-old female from Baton Rouge, LA -- began writing last year and experiences what she has dubbed "the literary flow"

Pamela "Pretty Pam" Briars

-- 42-year-old female from Memphis, TN -- writes from the soul and has many stories to tell about surviving the “hard times”

Tommie Townsley

-- 47-year-old female from Sulphur, LA -- refers to herself as a "True American Woman" and has self-published four books

Geremy Howard

-- 33-year-old male from Katy, TX -- "unflinching and fearless" in all of his writing

Momo Willy

-- 27-year-old female from Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- has known she was supposed to be a writer since she first picked up a pen and began writing

Sybil Presley

-- 62-year-old female from Memphis, TN -- represents "the vast audience of 'Baby Boomers'" and has unique writing, entertainment, and promotional talents

Darrell Bruner

-- 48-year-old male from Atlanta, GA -- an author who believes he has "The Write Stuff"

David Dickson

-- 45-year-old male from Newton, NC -- "a writer who thrives on prompts, deadlines, and getting down to business"

Ross Walton

-- 23-year-old male from Clarksdale, MS -- published his first book entitled "Finding Me" in January 2009 and has been writing for six years

Dr. M. F.

-- 32-year-old female from Atlanta/New York -- author of the book "Nothing's Wrong" and writer of four years

Powwah Uhuru

-- 37-year-old male from Memphis, TN -- has been writing for 10 years

Lakeisha Young-Sanders

-- 35-year-old female from Houston, TX -- has been writing for six years and is in the process of publication with her book "The War at Home"

The show's creator, Cyrus A. Webb of Shadow Play Entertainment, created the show with the hopes of inspiring writers, promoting literacy, and to create a form of entertainment that would be suitable for viewers of all ages. Best-selling author, Kimberly Cheryl (author of "Escape from the Pharma Drug Cartel"), is also excited about the show's educational appeal and said, "With so many programs on TV that promote violence and other negative aspects of our society, it is very exciting for me, as an author and avid book reader, to see a marvelous program that explores education and literacy." In addition to Webb, the show is executive produced by Cheryl Pillsbury of AG Press, Stanley Clark of "For the People Productions", Derrick Hargrove, Nikki Shallwani, and Herschel Dixon. Webb is also the publicist for music artist/author "Tray Chaney" (better known to many as the character "Poot" from HBO's "The Wire"), and Chaney is the national spokesperson for "The Write Stuff" movement. In addition to supporting the campaign, Chaney is also the author of "The Truth You Can't BeTray" and a music artist working on an album that includes the first single "Delima", which features "Jazz" of the hit R&B group Dru Hill.

"The Write Stuff Literary Campaign" has also garnered the attention of celebrities in the entertainment business, including Ryan Kessman of the MTV show "Bully Beatdown" and comedian and community leader, Ced Delaney (BET's "Comic View"). In an interview, Delaney posed a question that highlights the importance of the organization's cause, saying, "If you can't read, you can't function. How can you get where you're going without reading?" His message and encouragement from other "Write Stuff Literary Campaign" supporters can be heard at public locations throughout the summer at literary parties hosted by "The Write Stuff".

Those wishing to support the efforts of the literary campaign can help by aiding the organization in reaching their goal to collect $100,000 in books to donate to other literary foundations that focus on encouraging youth to read, including "The Common Ground" and "CityKids" foundations.

"The Write Stuff" reality television show airs SATURDAY, JUNE 27, 2009 on "CW" networks, some "MY" networks, and ABC affiliates. Viewers will also be able to follow the show on the popular website "YouTube" and can learn more about the show and its endeavors by visiting www.thewritestufftv.com.