Urban Books and Media Blog

Urbania Magazine Call for Sponsors

2012-01-03T00:51:00.000-05:00

Urbania Magazine Call for Sponsors

As part of the goal to engage readers and interact with advertisers, I have decided to have fun all year... We are having contests! To lesson the load of planning and to automate some of the features of the website, I am calling for anyone who wishes to be considered a sponsor of the winter contest by donating a prize. All you have to do is send the prize and cover letter to our address.

As an alternative for digital products, you can email our address here and we will get back to you.

Here's what we are looking for:

Prizes that directly relate to literature and art. It may be
an e-book
physical signed book
photograph/illustration/print
website membership
online course
dvd film
website review
consultation time
anything you provide as an expert to help authors market their book

What do you get as a sponsor?

I will promote the contest during its Winter run...hard. Links to your website and your prize will be on the contest page and will expose you to new visitors. There is no fee involved to be a sponsor. Only the "cost" is providing what you're known for as a prize.

A paid sponsor option is available here if interested.

To get started as a sponsor, send the prize with a cover letter or complete the contact form of our publisher Art Official Media LLC and tell about your idea.

Thanks for considering to be a sponsor this year. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

One Hundred Miles and Running Free on Kindle New Year's Day

2011-12-31T15:27:00.000-05:00

To celebrate the New Year, we are running a promotion for a free download of One Hundred Miles and Running by Q.B. Wells for the Amazon Kindle. If you do not have a Kindle, download the application on your computer, Ipad or smartphone. The promotion will end at midnight.

Get the follow up to Blackface: A Novel today. A link to the page is below.

One Hundred Miles and Running download

Remember to leave a book review for the book on Amazon.

Note: If you are a member of Amazon Prime, download the book with no due dates! Get your copy of One Hundred Miles and Running (Blackface 2) on your Kindle App or device today.

Behind Those Books Documentary (Extended Trailer)

2011-03-14T22:57:00.000-04:00

When I first saw the trailer for Behind Those Books, I was excited because urban authors finally made it to the screen. There had been talks of many movies to be made from urban books but none came through. This documentary breaks grown and is the first in history. Check it out and leave comments.

Queen Latifah Put On Your Crown Book Giveaway

2010-05-04T01:00:00.000-04:00

Urbaniamag.com is giving 25 lucky winners the opportunity to win a copy of Queen Latifah's new book Put On Your Crown. In addition to that, entrants will automatically qualify to win a digital camera, camcorder, and accessories prize pack from Vivitar.

The promotion ends May 30, 2010

Fill out entry form here

RIP Guru

2010-04-20T12:03:00.000-04:00

Guru, Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal died today. I'm just as much saddened as I have questions. With all the aggregated content, no one reported on the type of cancer he suffered from. To have a heart attack at 42 and die at 43 is not normal.

Guru was one of my favorite MC's of all time. The three videos below are dedicated to him.

"Ex Girl to Next Girl"

Should African Americans Critique President Obama?

2010-03-29T20:19:00.001-04:00

I missed the We Count! program on CSPAN a few weeks ago. Nothing big, the critique of the black culture occurs annually with The State of the Black America and other panels that "talk" about the main issues.

In past years, the conversation was necessary because there was no talk of a black agenda and most certainly no ear in the White House. Very little changed for Black America.

There has been a lot of black mayors in major cities, but no huge upward shifts in the black population. Critique President Obama as we may, but know that we should hold him to the standard of those that have gone before him. Nothing less. Nothing more.

Do you think African Americans should be critical of President Obama in public? Leave a comment.

Free Download - Blackface: A Novel by Q.B. Wells (7 Days)

2010-03-24T17:14:00.000-04:00

Reading and writing is infectious. So much so, I'm giving away Blackface: A Novel, my novel for 7 days. Register and download now here or http://ebookreadingchallenge.eventbrite.com/

When Rawsistaz decided to hold the E Book Reading Challenge and book chats, I cringed. Although Rawsistaz has earned the respect of the the publishing community and provided honest, informative free reviews for African American authors, I couldn't envision a free download of my book. Why?

There are enough free e-books on the net.

Furthermore, unless the work is charity, no one works for free. And anyone who does work for free has an empty plate. At the same time, I realize during tough economic times, some people want to purchase but don't have the ends or resources to get the book. Finally, the purpose of the E Book Reading Challenge is to promote AA e-books and usher in the new wave of publishing.

For everyone who couldn't purchase from a local store, download Blackface on your computer or mobile device. Book reviewers, readers and anyone who would like to read can download for seven days.

To download, register for free @ E Book Reading Challenge . I hope to talk to you next month and chat about images and characters in Blackface at www.rawsistaz.com. If not, catch me at a bookstore, in the street or grab a book from my website.

Note: There are several other authors participating in the e-book reading challenge, get their books too. It's free!

Reading List

Black Diamond Prequel by JaNese Dixon – fiction
How to Make Money as a Writer in a Down Economy by Maxine Thompson – writing guide
Keeping It Tight by Shani Greene-Dowdell – fiction
Love Like This By Sylvia Hubbard – romance
Love Stories of Some People I Have Known by acVernon Menchan – short stories
Moving The Furniture by Barbara Joe Williams – non-fiction, marriage
Seeds Of Bible Study By Carole McDonnell – non-fiction, religion
The Education of Black Dickey by Kenneth Bowens – literary
When We Were One by Zaji – speculative fiction
Blackface by Q. B. Wells - fiction

Moody Monday - Mike Epps

2010-03-15T08:48:00.005-04:00

Moody Monday calls for some humor, edge and conscious creativity to last throughout the week. Mike Epps can make that happen.

Mike Epps is a comedy icon. The jokes come off his tongue quick, flawless and witty. So witty you don't realize he flips a social and cultural issue on the head.

New Urbania Magazine Column - Purposeful Buzz with Dana Pittman

2010-03-03T13:09:00.008-05:00

You wrote your book. The cover is hot, you have a Fan Page on Facebook, and you have 500 glossy full-color bookmarks.

Now what?

You posted a few Status Updates. You receive comments on the Note with your brief excerpt and people are loving it.

Now what?

You have a box of books from your publisher. You took those glossy full-color bookmarks and nicely tucked them between the pages of your baby.

Now what?

Urbania Magazine is excited to announce that Dana Pittman is ready to take your questions.

Purposeful Buzz with Dana Pittman is a new column you will find on Urbania Magazine. Purposeful Buzz provides personal advice and opinions for your book marketing and promotion questions. The most unique and helpful questions and responses will be submitted to the column.

Need help with marketing your book? Let Dana assist with practical and no-holds-barred advice for the issues ailing you.

Want to submit your question? Get started here.

About Dana

Dana Pittman, is the marketing strategist for Nia Promotions. She has worked with authors such as Anita Bunkley, TL James, Jean Holloway, Evelyn Palfrey, and she recently established S.I.R. Authors, a book marketing promotion group. Books are her passion and marketing is her lifeline.

For more information visit www.danapittman.com.

formspring.me

2010-01-23T20:15:00.001-05:00

Where's your favorite place to buy clothes?

New York or the boosters. Where else could I get all the fresh new new without the money!

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-01-23T20:13:00.001-05:00

Do you believe there's intelligent life on other planets?

Of course, Mars.

Ask me anything

formspring.me

2010-01-23T20:12:00.001-05:00

Who was the best boss you've ever had?

My best boss was Larry at the Chicago Department on Aging. Left me at my desk and just sent me memos of projects to complete.

Ask me anything

Twitter by Eric Nyamor

2009-11-06T01:11:00.004-05:00

Enjoy the "Twitter" episode from www.hiphopillustrations.com. Check out the website or www.UrbaniaMag.com for more installments.

Urbania Magazine Cover

2009-10-16T21:25:00.004-04:00

The magazine cover for the Urbania Magazine issue was inspired by the illustration "An American Evolution" by Jon Edwards. An edgy piece, that begs the question is evolution all about appearance? An why some readers may say no, I ask them to go look at top grossing companies in any industry and look at the images of the CEO, VP etc.

I'm stuck. My hair is long and nappy. Ironically, I never liked long hair and laughed at my friends that had braids. I kept my hair short and clean. I always had a job and never had employment issues. However, with the long hair and not-so clean cut, I find myself creating the jobs and money I get ,

Killer Mike Discusses Marketing

2009-09-13T12:38:00.002-04:00

This Killer Mike video shows the man talking about the independent grind of an artist. Whether you sell and market books, music or any other product, you must have the think like an animal. What good is it to be known around the world, if you can't sell in your city?

Interview with Ella Curry of EDC Creations

2009-09-13T10:19:00.006-04:00

Interview with Ella Curry of EDC Creations on the making of her media network.

UM - In general, how did you become involved with books? Specifically, how did you get involved marketing black authors online?

EDC Answer: Working at Karibu bookstores was where I first came into contact with new authors. As a Buyer and the Product Submissions Manager, I would receive their book submissions and press-kits. It was a real shame how under educated most of the authors were at that time. I turned my web design and event planning company into EDC Creations and started helping the authors with their branding and marketing materials.

As a single parent, who spends all her spare time on the Internet, I realized that there were more and more businesses taking their business to the web. What I didn’t see on the web in 2000, when I started my online company, was an abundance of black people. I knew this was a market I could dominate with my skills and passion for reading and my people. At the time, I was attending UMUC and taking graphic design and business management, I merged all my talents into a profitable business, doing what I loved—reading quality literature. Today, I review books for publishing houses, interview celebrities as well as new authors on BAN radio and represent some of the hottest authors in African American literature.

UM: Does online marketing generate an increase in online sales? Offline?

EDC Answer: Online marketing definitely increases online and offline sales. You can reach millions of potential customers in one day, via the Internet. You can conduct business in several countries from the comfort of your home, via the Internet. The use of online marketing is one sure way of increasing your territory and getting the word out about your product or service. Micro-blogging, social network marketing, RSS feed syndication and article submissions are just a few of the ways that business owners can connect and create relationships with their target audiences. Internet marketing has so many components, but a great business plan, marketing plan and solid publicity strategies can put it all together and definitely increase awareness and sales.

Name three online marketing strategies that no new author should do without.
EDC Answer: a) Article placements on Internet sites is an important strategy and should be included in all authors overall publicity plan. Writing for Associated Content or becoming a professional blogger is a great way to build followers and to show your range of writing. It can be essential in building your overall brand.

b) Using Internet radio interviews should become an important part of the authors overall media and publicity strategy. Internet radio and the syndication of the shows to iTunes can award authors overnight popularity and cause a great deal of viral responses to their books. I am the producer for Black Authors Network Radio; we reach over 118,000 fans per show via RSS feeds delivered to their personal email accounts!

c) Creating a strong relationship with readers is the most important strategy of all. Authors can do this by social networking with their target audience. Finding out where their potential readers shop, socialize and play online and making meaningful conversation with them, can create repeat buyers and establish brand loyalty for life.

Authors should share their news with the readers, as well as take sincere interest in the reader’s daily lives. Combining just these three strategies can take authors a long way, but there are hundreds of other more industry savvy ways that could be explored. That’s why people come to EDC Creations Media Group, my publicity company, to help them find those unique and cutting edge ways to reach the readers….LOL.

In what ways can EDC assist authors in online marketing?

EDC Answer: EDC Creations coaches each client on how to capitalize on what they already have in place. Be that a tight focus group to sell their first books to or to use their every day careers as a platform to showcase the books. We help the authors to get major book publicity in radio, local TV, print and on the Internet. The most important thing that EDC Creations does for our clients is bring out their strengths and weaknesses and address both in the most productive manner. We take the vision of our clients and chart the course to turn it into a reality!

Additionally, we offer services in:
• Web Business Consultation
• Marketing Strategy Creation
• Marketing Plan Development
• Corporate Identity creation
• Comparative SWOT Analysis
• Branding & Book Coaching Programs
• Competitive Research
• Marketing Communications

How does the economy affect book marketing? What can still be done to effectively market in downtimes?

EDC Answer: The economy being in this slump can play a significant part in the success of an independently published author. Traditionally published authors have the benefit of the publishing house presenting their books to libraries and bookstores via seasonal catalogs and through sales reps pushing the books. The self-published author has to write the books, market the books, distribute and promote the books. All of this can be very costly! In this economy the authors tend to start taking shortcuts to control the costs, sometimes this brings down the quality of the product. This is a serious no-no!

Also, when readers have less money to spend on entertainment, they tend to cut down on their book purchases. Some readers will turn to the libraries, online book swap groups and such sites as Book Crossings to find free or used books. The authors can work around this by creating personal relationships with their readers that will stimulate loyalty period. Some ways to do this is to create video blogs of the author in their every day life talking about the books and what’s going on with them. Create podcast readings from their books and post them all over the web. Use sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and Ning networks to meet the readers on their own turf. Create blogs about their daily lives or what’s going on with their characters to give readers something to chat about amongst themselves. Virtual book/blog tours are the hottest thing going in the book world right now. The online tours are a great way to reach people without breaking the bank. At EDC Creations, we offer blog and radio tours starting at $199.00, which will increase the author’s territory and put them before thousands of readers per day!

UM: How can people contact you for your services?

EDC Answer: For book promotions and publicity the best way to reach me is to visit my EDC Creations website. On the main website you can find Black Pearls Magazine, Black Authors Network Radio Show and all the packages we offer authors and publishers. The readers will also meet the authors we are featuring for the month.

To meet new authors and to explore the latest books, readers can visit the BAN Radio Community blog. We have two online bookstores established to suggest great literature for all our readers. The stores are updated monthly with new releases. It’s like going into any brick and mortar store; you can skim the books, and meet the authors. The site addresses are listed below for you and your readers to enjoy. It is a pleasure to meet new readers weekly! On BAN radio we always have gifts and prizes for the visitors. Frequent visitors and bloggers to our community, win books by posting regular and truly joining the conversations. Check us out…you won’t be disappointed! Thank you so much for this opportunity to share the world of EDC Creations Media Group with your network.

EDC Creations’ Main Website
http://www.edc-creations.com

Black Pearls Magazine
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com

EDC Creations Internet Book Promotions
Meet the authors on book tours in 2009
http://www.edccreationsbooktours.ning.com

BAN Community Blog
http://www.profilesinblack.blogspot.com

Black Pearls Magazine Blog
http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com

EDC Creations Bookstores:
http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20
http://astore.amazon.com/sanklitesoci-20

Interview with Over and Over Again Author Nicola Mitchell

2009-08-17T22:35:00.005-04:00

1. UM: Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. What inspired Over and Over Again?

When I started writing the book it was supposed to be a tribute to my children. I had a daughter that passed away named Dionni. She lived to be 40 days old. The combination of all of my daughters is who I created this character to be. I combined the features of my other daughter's Destani 15 and Diamond 10, and came up with this character. I believe the characteristics, and the description that I created in this story is how my real Dionni would have been.

Then like other artist who has written about relationships, I was hurt. The pain that I was feeling allowed me to take the story line and my characters to another level. It allowed me to express how my self and the way other women in the world may feel after trying to make things work over and over again.

2. UM: The writing process is different for every writer. Describe your ups and downs when writing Over and Over Again.

Like I stated before, in the beginning it was a story created as a tribute to my children, but once I got into it, I went into another direction. At times I had writers block, but I would just stop and go to another section. I work a full time job and I am getting my MBA. So when things would come to me at work or at school, I would just jot them down, and work on it in the wee hours of the night. Once I established the pain in the story line, it was a lot easier for me to complete. A natural flow was then established, and while listening to music I was able to complete the manuscript.

3. UM: Is there a moral to the story or a message you want to communicate to readers?

I want my readers to be entertained but at the same time display that even through the trials and tribulations that life may bring, us as women can still be independent and successful.

4. UM: What is next for you? Any future events or information you want our audience to know about?

I have already started my next book "The Appetizer," and right now I am just promoting and preparing for my book release in July. I was just at the Las Vegas Black Book Festival as one of the 20 a featured author, and I have a host of other events such as:

Apr 4 Maryland Writer's Conference

May 28 – 31 Book Expo of America – New York City, NY

Jun 18 – 20 Black Writer's Conference – Las Vegas, NV

June 13-14 AAMBC National Meeting – San Antonio, TX

July 18 Harlem Book Fair – Harlem, NY

July 31- Aug 2 National Book Club Conference – Atlanta, GA

5. UM: How can our readers contact you and support your endeavors?

The readers can check out my website: www.nicolacmitchell.com or join my fan club site nicola.ning.com. My email is nicola@nicolacmitchell.com

Thank you

D Bomb Born Sinner

2009-07-16T09:26:00.006-04:00

With the release of Nookie, I've been hitting the streets of Baltimore heavy and often. The idea to build a company on sweat equity wasn't new. I 'd heard of authors like Relentless Aaron, Vicky Stringer, Terri Woods and others selling there books independent in the streets. However, with my own eyes, I never saw anyone hustle and get money from the block until my partner Dirt Bomb came to Baltimore and hustled his CD's.

Check out the video.

I'll add a link to an interview later.

Urban "Domestic Violence" Situation

2009-06-01T21:47:00.005-04:00

Even after the Chris Brown domestic violence situation, I confess a woman has hit me in the mouth before and I have put my hands on a woman. The domestic violence situations occurred as a teenager and I regret the situations ever happened, but I ponder what I would do as an adult today.

When I watched this clip on The Root, I was reminded of the manner anger and violence erupt and are used in the urban environment and relationships. At one point in my life violence had become integral in daily interaction. It took time and effort to unlearn violent behavior, situations and people.

However, if a person power jabbed you in the face with a stiff punch like this young lady did with Charles Hamilton, What would you do? I had to think real hard before I proceeded to answer the latter for several reasons.

1. The young lady is his size or larger, she might be stronger. That punch was no slap or scratch.

2. The sexual exploit he discussed and experiences about the relationship were probably true. She was cute!

3. The truth hurt so much that she had no other way to resolve the situation other than to use violence and punch him.

4. She punched him because she could. She thought he was a punk and that she could beat his ass if he pissed her off - every violent person thinks alike!

I don't condone violence against women or men. However, I think it is too simple for someone who has never been involved in a violent situation with the other gender to say what they would or wouldn't do. People say what they are "supposed" to say and what is politically correct. No matter how hard she hit me, I would never hit a woman. Most men who are trying to impress and win favor of women claim, "I would never hit ..." even if they have!

I disagree. Every person is entitled to their 360 degree space. I will not put my hands on any person as long as they do not put hands on me. It is not personal or gender specific. Don't you think everyone deserves that basic respect?

A Drug Dealer's Dream by Tremayne Johnson

2009-04-07T08:43:00.009-04:00

True Story.

When I was younger, I remember a dude Jimmy. Jimmy was in a gang. Flipped like a pancake from Vice Lord, Gangster Disciple, Blackstone to a Mickey Cobra. For his dishonor, a few gangs put a price on his head.

Jimmy cared less and spent most of his time with Marchell, a young chick that loved Jimmy. They were always together on the block, at the basketball court or at the movies.

One day somebody caught up with Jimmy in front of his house and blasted a double-barrow shotgun at close range. Jimmy wasn't hit,but Marchell caught it in the chess. Died instantly.

After the incident, Jimmy acted like 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and never was the same.

In an odd way, "A Drug Dealer's Dream" by Tremayne Johnson reminds me of this incident. A young lady in love with the wrong person and catches the consequences of the game. Check out the review. Befriend Tremayne Johnson and support the book.

You can view the book trailer too.

Urban Cartoonist Eric Nyamor

2009-03-01T11:04:00.007-05:00

After the Sean Delonas comic strips debacle, I decided to search for more diverse images of blacks depicted in comic strips. I found a cartoonist, Eric Nyamor who creates a unique take on perspectives in hip-hop and urban life.

He has a take on the Chris Brown situation in his latest cartoon.

Check out his website Hiphopillustrations.com to view more of his cartoons. An interview with Eric Nyamor along with his cartoon will appear in an issues of Urbania Magazine.

I will list another five to ten urban comic strips or cartoonists that offer in another post. Feel free to list any other urban comic cartoonists in the comments section. I will use the information to compile a list.

Playwright Reshanda Henderson

2009-02-23T12:25:00.008-05:00

Tyler Perry is not the only black playwright in America! Chicago playwright Reshanda Henderson's "What Every Woman Wants in a Man" shows March 6 and March 7. The play features Christan Keyes from Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail, What's Done in the Dark and The Diary of a Mad Black Woman.

Check out a trailer of another play she wrote and produced, "The Mr., the Mrs. & The Lover".

In a male dominated industry, woman voices are often overlooked. I can't remember the last time I experienced a play. Some of the reason is my circle of experience, more of the reason is the marketing of plays staged in local and community theaters. If you can, support your local theater.

Reshanda Henderson is the C.E.O of Xpressyoself Theater Company. Show your support for Reshanda Henderson and other black women playwrights.

Check out an interview with her in a upcoming issue of Urbania Magazine.

If you know of other plays and playwrights that create plays that challenge ideas and are set in the urban city environment, please comment so that I can compile a list.

Response to Sean Delonas Cartoon

2009-02-19T13:56:00.008-05:00

The Sam Stein response to the Sean Delonas cartoon in the New York was fair and balanced. However, the ideas that can be inferred from the perspective of an African American are unique.

The reference to the stimulus package was narrow. The history of the monkey and the comparison to African Americans by other races is wide, layered and politically charged. Not literal politics in elections, but the practical, figurative politics that is played in peoples private lives.

Calling African Americans monkeys and niggers is not a practice that takes place in public. It takes place in the homes and informal meetings of individuals who believe the idea of racism has credence. The New York Post cartoon spoke to these people. They will all laughed behind closed doors. But they are too coward to stand behind their ideas.

African Americans are not monolithic in thinking. However, the inference in the illustration suggest that the President Obama should be killed for signing the stimulus bill.

The above cartoon spoof illustrates the larger conversation about racism that the Sean Delonas and the New York Post will not participate in or stand behind. Instead, the New York Post blamed Rev. Al Sharpton for being a publicity opportunist. The latter may be true. However, the Rev. Al Sharpton has taken the correct stance on this issue.

There is room for an individual to hide behind their art, images, and cartoons. They should just have to explain words behind them.

If the point was to incite. Then the cartoonist did his job.

Kissed by the Devil by Deshawn Taylor

2009-02-06T19:05:00.018-05:00

I completed a book review on Kissed by the Devil by Deshawn Taylor. I liked the book because the characters were criminal minded and witty. One of the street hustles in the book was a basic ponzi scheme used to generate money at the top. Just like in the real life Madoff scandal, everything attached to the scheme crumbles. In the book, the character involved in the scheme loses his life. Bernard Madoff lives in his penthouse while on house arrest.

Deshawn Taylor is the author of From Poverty to Power Moves and a finalist in the BET Ultimate Hustler Show.

Technorati Profile

Getting Out the Game by Omar Powell

2009-02-04T14:15:00.006-05:00

Getting Out the Game by Omar Powell was a book review that I wrote for The Urban Book Source. The book had the right motivation but lacked execution. I hope the book review will help people interested in urban literature. I think that If the book was nonfiction, it could have offered more value for the reader.

Make sure to support Omar Powell with other upcoming projects.

Top Urban Comedian Katt Williams

2009-01-31T23:11:00.006-05:00

Katt Williams is one of the best comedians in the world. Appreciate the critique of our culture in his latest, "It's Pimpin, Pimpin". In the show, Katt touches on the topics of animal cruelty, the dangers of riding motorcycles, the effects of Ritalin on kids and self love. In this segment, he discusses the situation with Oscar Pistorius and the 2008 Olympics.

In true Katt form, he speaks honestly about Flavor Flav and the image of some blacks that is portrayed in comedy.

Katt Williams has made the Art Official Media LLC top 50 urban comedians list. Help me compile a longer list with other comedians and their website contact.

Thank You President Obama!

2009-01-20T22:53:00.005-05:00

Thank you President Obama!

Too many people have repeated the phrase, "In my lifetime, I didn't think that I would ever see a black president." However, few people spoke to why they thought they would not see a black president.

After thirty years on the earth, I offer my humble opinion.

I didn't think America would elect a black president because racism was far too ingrained in the American fabric of life.

In my lifetime, I've had experience with the police. I've been choked and arrested by police when I did nothing wrong. And I've been let go when my juvenile crimes were not remarkable. In my experience, the police have done more harm than good to my family and friends.

Therefore, I was overjoyed to watch the United States Secret Service protect the President Obama. The life of a black man more important than anyone else on earth. For once it felt sensational to be wrong. I realized after being considered 3/5 of a person, a colored man's life has value.

Racism is indeed ingrained in the American fabric of life. However worse, the effects of racism had ingrained itself in my own imagination. I believed a black person could be the greatest black athlete because I've seen it. Because, I've seen it, a black person could own a successful company. However, in my heart, I never thought white people would acknowledge and support any colored person.

I was wrong. And for one of the first times in my life, I have a renewed faith in what is possible. I not only have faith in what is possible within myself, but the confidence in the possibilities of others.

So congrads President Obama. Thank you America.

Happy MLK Day

2009-01-19T13:25:00.002-05:00

Loved what Google did with the logo for MLK day. Make sure you do something to celebrate. I'm going to the parade with the parade in Baltimore.

Sideline Ho by C.J. Domino

2009-01-16T09:31:00.008-05:00

For the past few months I've written a few book reviews for The Urban Book Source. Read the review of Sideline Ho and comment. I'd recommend the book for chick literature lovers but not for street lit readers. Find out more information on C.J. Domino.

If you would like to submit books for review to www.UrbaniaMag.com or the print edition. Send the books to Art Official Media LLC.

If you are a writer and would like to do author interviews, artists interviews, or feature articles for www.UrbaniaMag.com, contact me.

Look over the The Urban Boook Source and leave comments about the site.

I'll post some opinions on effective marketing sites for urban books next post.

Nookie by Anieshea Dansby

2008-08-29T23:17:00.001-04:00

Long time no see folks. I've survived some trials and tribulations. I'm ready to move forward. Part of the tribulation that I've began to overcome is my blog account. I'm learning but for two years I knew very little on how to post. I apologize to all the authors, publishers and artists that contacted me to post.

From now on I will be posting more. www.Apooobooks.com has an interesting keep it or sweep it section for book trailers. Read the review, rate the book trailer, Nookie by Anieshea Dansby and leave your comments.

If you like the book, buy it! If the store does not stock the book, request they order it or order from an online retailer.

Art Official Media LLC has signed Nookie author Anieshea Dansby. Check out the description of the book, read the first chapter and befriend her on myspace for booksignings and upcoming events.

Trista Russell

2006-02-17T10:50:00.000-05:00

Author Trista Russell has a new book out called "Fly on the Wall". The site has a lot of creative aspects including a section where the reader can finish the story. Her bookshelf features other authors books that are readily available. Check out the site and leave the author a comment!

Relentless Aaron

2006-02-15T18:50:00.000-05:00

Honestly, urban books and publishing is no different than any other media that is related to hip hop. Basically, like hip hop, publishing has allowed people that had nothing to acquire something. Relentless Aaron is an example of what can happen when creativity and vision are used positively. Check out his site www.RelentlessAaron.com and get inspired. If he can do it, so can you!

Professor Manu Ampim Interview with Q.B. Wells

2006-02-14T00:02:00.000-05:00

I've posted an interview with Professor Manu Ampim about the Death of A Willie Lynch Essay and some background into Africana Studies. Go to his website to get more information on to purchase his products.

Professor Manu Ampim Interview

2006-02-13T23:56:00.000-05:00

I've posted an Interview with Professor Manu Ampim about the Death of A Willie Lynch Essay and some background into Africana Studies. Go to his website to get more information on to purchase his products.

Death of A Willie Lynch Speech Essay

2006-02-12T21:29:00.000-05:00

I have contemplated the evidence given in the Death of Willie Lynch Speech Essay and there are some valid points. Research for yourself and decide what you think. A book called the Willie Lynch Speech is one of the top selling books in the book market. I have interviewed the Professor Manu Ampim and will publish the text in the edition of www.UrbaniaMag.com.

Rapper D Bomb

2006-02-12T00:32:00.000-05:00

King Magazine's first issue reported Rapper Dirt Bomb was set to be released in 2004 on Middleweight Champion Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s record label Philthy Rich Records. But, shit happened and the album didn't come out. Dirt Bomb got on his hustle in the street and has sold over 6000 copies independently.

I found a blog by Author Don Lemmon that talks about buying some music from Dirt Bomb on the street. Don Lemmon speaking on D Bomb. On one hand, I'm glad Don Lemmon enjoyed the music.

On the other hand, It's fucked up how whatever we do as aspiring businessman and artists has to be dumbed down to some black kid shit.

After I read the blog, I listened to the rapper D Bomb Mixtape again. It's some real shit, better than a most of mixtapes I've heard this year. Definitely one of the sickest MC's from Chicago. Some of the features include songs with Styles P, Too Short and Devin the Dude and Scarface. Currently he is touring with the hip hop group Alcholiks. Check out his site D Bomb Site. The CD can be ordered through the http://www.ArtOfficalMedia.com website and www.cdbaby.com. Listen and let me know what you think.

www.Letstalkhonestly.com

2006-02-08T16:15:00.000-05:00

This is the audio message about George Cook III's radio show www.letstalkhonestly.com. I will add an interview of his show next week.

The UrbaniaMag.com Website

2006-02-07T16:00:00.000-05:00

The new website www.UrbaniaMag.com is here! Authors, musicians, businesses and artists of all types should submit your products for review. Contact me in order to have a interview conducted and placed on the site. Let me know what you think.

Art Official Media Sitemap

2005-09-09T23:27:00.000-04:00

To make it easy for you to navigate Art Official Media's web site, we have included the sitemap below for quick and easy reference:

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Top 50 Urban Sites

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Urban Books and Media Blog

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Welcome to my Urban Books and Media Blog

2005-09-08T23:49:00.000-04:00

This blog and my related website Art Official Media are designed to help you make more friends, to sell more products, and find ways to have fun while growing your business.

If you are into urban book marketing, product sales, street promotion, free publicity, bestsellers, self publishing, e-publishing, selling e-products, print-on-demand, POD publishing, writing books, internet marketing, online publishing, website promotions, promoting books, or selling your books — and you want some free information and book resources to help you — you've come to the right place.

If you are an artist, model, actor, director, screenwriter, author, publisher, production company, illustrator, film producer, music label or a cool being looking for like minded individuals to collaborate and voice your opinion to - you’ve found the right blog.

From time to time I'll post exciting news links, services and people I have contacted that will be of interest to readers.

Let me know what you think by posting comments here that interest you as well. I’ll post them to readers if the idea is fresh. I’ll review and research sites for writers and authors that might be a good fit for the Urbania Magazine or supplying an article or commentary.

I look forward to communicating.

Success to you,
Q.B. Wells