Exposed Conversations w/ Anna Black

Synopsis: Friends come and go, but the good ones are hard to let go. Kennedy and her best friend Cherae were like "two peas in a pod," Kennedy's daddy would say because they were tighter than a large man in a medium suit jacket. Although they were totally different in size, personality and back ground, they had been friends and loved each other since the second grade. Tables turned for their friendship when that evil word 'jealously' came between them over a sexy club owner named Julian Roberson. One night led this duo down an ugly road that Kennedy never wanted to travel on and a road Cherae never imagined she'd lose on. Cherae opened up a can of pain on Kennedy and after over twenty-five years of friendship, one man caused it to fall apart. Not knowing what to do or who to trust, Kennedy sought support from her true friend Teresa, who had tried to warn her about her life long pal Cherae many times before. When the smoke clears and the truth finally comes to light, they learn a lesson in friendship, love and loyalty.



When did you discover you had a talent for writing?

Well I didn't discover it, I was just told by others that I allowed to sample my work. I would email my friends stuff that I wrote and they are the ones who told me that I was good and had the talent to be published.

What motivated you to start writing?

Stress... I was going through somethings back when I started writing. I was a way to ease my mind.

What do you offer in your novels?

Well I'd say a bit of reality. I try to right about realistic situations. Especially with women. I've read so many books where women are storybook women not like the women who are actually reading them. I wanted my romance novels to show that women with curves or what society may not view as drop-dead gorgeous can have an happy ending too.

How are your stories inspired?

Dreams, something I hear someone say or seeing something I think that can be told if it had my spin on it.

What kind of response have you gotten from readers so far?

Good...mostly fives thank God on my first novel. I a little nervous about my second one because I want readers to enjoy it as much as my first one, but we'll just have to see.

Whats the biggest challenge for you as a published author?

I'd say promotion. When you are a newcomer and you've never been on Oprah under a small independent company, the big guns don't take you seriously. Like you weren't good enough to be signed with Random House...lol. Its just difficult at times getting readers and bookstores to even give your work(s) a chance. Its a constant personal hustle.

Where do you see Anna Black going?

As far as God will allow me to go. We can work hard and do are best, but whats for us is for us and only God can allow and bless our path on the road we travel. I will do my best and let God do the rest.

Talented and inspiring is the best way to describe this Chicago Native. Now You Wanna Come Back is her debut novel and it has done its duty to deliver a page turning introduction for Anna. She has showed herself to be ready for the literary world with her first release and is anxious to release her second novel Luck of the Draw in April 2010. Her love for writing began about ten years ago with poems and short stories and now she is ready to wow readers with her page turning plots, while she gives readers stories that will make them laugh, maybe cry, but definitely reflect. This new authoress is here to make a mark in the literary world, so readers get ready. She currently lives in Texas with her husband Chris and her daughter Tyra and it is her pleasure to share her written words with you.

Visit Anna at www.annablack.net

AAMBC Spring Tours w/ J.M. Benjamin

J.M. Benjamin is a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker from Plainfield, New Jersey. He is the author of the of the Essence Best Seller Ride Or Die Chick, Award Winning author of Down In the Dirty, My Manz and Em, On The Run With Love, Ride Or Die Chick 2 and a co-author of the non-fiction motivational book From Incarceration 2 Incorporation. He quickly made his presence felt in the fast growing genre of Urban Literature after the completion of his incarceration. Ironically, having spent more than half his life in the streets and a substantial amount of time in prison, J.M. Benjamin’s only credential as a street tale story teller is simply his own first hand experience and knowledge of what the street life consists of.

“I was in the Game wholeheartedly, since I was 12 years old, and throughout that time I survived near death experiences and escaped prison as being my permanent place of residency. For that I am blessed. Those are just two out of many things that inspire and motivate me to write, And if my stories save at least one person’s life, whether it be death or imprisonment, or cause them to change their game plan, then my work is serving it’s purpose,” he says when interviewed by The New York Times and The Courier News newspapers.

J.M. is also a motivational speaker, mentor and activist within his community. He shares his experiences and knowledge of the streets as well as how writing was and continues to be his outlet at various high and junior schools, colleges, probation and religious programs for the youth, institutions and re-entry programs for ex- and incarcerated men and women, and urban communities throughout his travels, in hopes to make a difference.

He is the owner of A New Quality Publishing and publisher of the urban novels Back Stabbers by Nyema and Have You Ever…? By FiFi Cureton. Mr. Benjamin has also contributed to several urban anthologies and has received numerous of awards and accolades for his accomplishments and his contribution to his community. J.M. is also the owner of A New Quality Literary Lounge & Boutique downtown in his hometown of Plainfield where he still resides.

For more info on J.M. go to; anewqualitypublishing.com or facebook.com/jmbenjamin.author

Synopsis:



Heaven & Earth
By J.M. Benjamin

The Columbians had Pablo Escobar…The Cubans had Scarface…The Italians had John Gotti…And the Brothers had Bumpy Johnson…But what about the Sisters?

Meet the female Nino Brown and Gee Money, only these two really are their sister’s keeper.

New Brunswick, New Jersey native Heavenly Jacobs inherited her beauty and street smarts honestly. Father a top notch go getter, mother a grade “A” dime piece. After tragedy strikes her home her only means of survival is to rely on what she acquired from them both. Her choice to ride for the wrong man ultimately lands her in prison where she is forced to re-strategize her game plan.

Eartha Davis is not your average female. Her eyes as well as her body were exposed to more then they were ready for at a young age. Between her mother, who was a bonafide gangster that loved young pretty females, and the streets of Plainfield, New Jersey, it was hard for her not to fall victim to and embrace all that was going on around her. Her crave for the streets, violence, and women all contributed to her imprisonment in Edna Mahan Correctional Facility.

As fate would have it, these two females are thrown together, in which they form a bond that is un-breakable and spills over into streets. Seeing that everybody got fat while they starved, they put together a team of female hustlers that got all men in the game on edge.

Jealousy, envy, ego’s, and pride all come into play unraveling beef between male and female that is far from being a game. Will the brothers sustain? Or will they succumb to the wrath of Heaven & Earth?

Contact info for J.m. Benjamin:
A New Quality Publishing
P.O.Box 589
Plainfield New Jersey 07061
908-531-8699

E-Mail: jmbenjamin.author@yahoo.com anewqualitypublishing@yahoo.com
Facebook.com/jmbenjamin.author anewqualitypublishing.com

Interview with J.M. Benjamin

1. Tell us who J.M. Benjamin is?

I’m just a dude from the projects in Plainfield New Jersey that embraced some of the many negative behaviors that existed in my community and like so many others had to learn the hard way that their was no longevity in the path I chose. I’m someone who society had already predicted my fate as being either death in the streets or prison being my permanent residence. I’m someone who took a negative situation such as incarceration and turned it into a positive opportunity by changing my game plan and switching my product. And now today I am a successful entrepreneur and business owner, author, publisher, motivational speaker and free man, have been for nearly four years.

2.How did you become an author?

I started writing while I was incarcerated in federal prison. Writing started out as therapy for me. A means to learn about myself and contribute to bettering myself. Ultimately something which was intended to be therapeutic wind up becoming my profession and life. I signed a two book deal with a small publishing house named Flowers In Bloom Publishing while I was incarcerated. They are responsible for my titles Down in The Dirty, which was my first and Ride Or Die Chick, which was my third being published, then later I signed a one book deal for Ride Or Die Chick 2. While signing with Flowers In Bloom Crystal Lacey Winslow of Melodrama Publishing accepted a short story from me, which was published in an anthology titled Menace II Society feat Al-Saadiq Banks and Isadore Johnson, it was released before my first novel and opened doors for me. Thereafter Nikki reached out to me and I submitted a shorty to her and it was released in an anthology titled Christmas in The Hood. Since then I’ve solidified myself as an author by releasing four of my titles independently.

3.) Your new book is titled Heaven & Earth, who does this book gear towards?

This is a read for both genders of all walks of life from teens to adults. If you come from this, then you'll be able to empathise with the characters more and possibly re-evaluate your own life style and if you don't come from this the you will learn valuable lessons without having to go through what the characters had in their lives.

4.)What is your book about?

It’s about two females who meet in a women prison, one is the brains from new Brunswick nj, the other is the muscle from plainfield nj, who is also gay, they come up with a plan while in prison to get out and form a all female crew of money getters. In doing so they are at constant war with men, so they have to prove that women go just as hard as dudes. Ultimately something happens and the book becomes a who dunnit? type of story. Still have your sex, money, murder people are use to reading from J.M. but with more substance in the story line.


5.) What makes you any different if you consider to be then other authors in your genre?

I don’t know if it makes me any different but I pour all of me into my writing. I hold no punches so that my readers may feel what it’s like almost to the point of living it themselves. Not to take away from anyone else, but I write from the heart and soul.

6.) Who are some of your favorite authors?

I appreciate authors such as Claude Brown, Sydney Pointier and Richard Wright, Chester Himes and Donald Goines. They inspire me in different ways and many different reasons. And then I also enjoy James Paterson and Dean Koontz

7.) What message would you want to relay to your fellow writers or people in general?

That’ it’s never too late…Never let anything or anyone come in between making your thoughts, dreams and vision into a reality…It’s doable!

Conversations w/ Larry Wilson Jr.

Synopsis:
Chess is a competitive game between two players. Each piece has its own style of moving. But what happens when a deranged woman tricks two lovers into playing the game of their lives? Hatshepsut is a confused woman. She treats people the way she wants to be treated using an eight-by-eight grid of hope and empathy. The only things missing from her life is love and the sixteen pieces it's comprised of. It's missing because she was born a man.

Avarice James, Hatshepsut's mother, is an embattled plastic surgeon content on getting what she wants. Deeply rooted by the 64 squares of wickedness, two people she loved the most has castled her before she moved a pawn...the king, Kayak Burke, her son's father and her biggest rival, the rook, Rosa James, her identical twin sister. Rosa has always turned Avarice's existence into a horrid checkmate. She dressed like her, spoke her dialogue, and tarnished Avarice's reputation to achieve the unconscionable. Desperate, Rosa moves a pawn, trapping Kayak in a lustful game of sex that leads her and Avarice into unwanted pregnancies.

When Avarice diagonally moves the queen across white squares, taking a bishop and Rosa castles across black squares, taking a knight, Avarice does something so explosive that it inevitably turns Rosa, Kayak, and the death of his son into the pawns they truly are. Avarice masters the game with skill and patience...She brainwashes her son, disguises him as a girl and names him Hatshepsut. Any memory of Rosa and Kayak has been eradicated...until the time is right! This account extends all racial barriers. If you have ever loved, been betrayed and lost a child this harrowing story will open your heart and cause you to search your soul and question your faith. Call her Queen Hatshepsut:

check mate!

Excerpt:

When I was seven years old, Mama and I showered together. I have never before viewed her naked body. I was curious so I asked her, “Mama, what are those?”
“Breasts,” she said. “You have them too.”
“Why don’t they stick out?” I asked, careful not to get the plastic cap covering my perm wet.
“Because you’re a child. You have to go through puberty.”
“And what is that?” I asked, pointing to the bushy area of her hips.
“A penis.”
“A penis, Mama?”
She smiled. “Yes.”
“And what do I have?”
She pinched the little thing hanging from my groin.
“A vagina…”

After we dried off and got dressed, Mama smiled at me. “Go look at yourself in the mirror,” said Mama, sitting on the edge of the bed, pulling hungrily on a cigarette. Playing into our ears were medical tapes. She constantly played them like she did her music. I never paid it attention.
I was giddy. “Ok, Mama.”
I looked myself over in the mirror. I smiled. “This is perfect, Mama.”
She picked up her purse and grabbed a lace-front black wig and put it over her hair. She said she didn’t feel like dealing with styling her natural hair or paying to get it styled. Mortgage was coming up and the light bill, also.
“Let’s go.”

ξ

Mama pulled up in someone’s back yard and parked by a huge white Tour bus. I saw balloons, crepe paper and a lot of well-dressed folks. It looked nice. The ladies all had on lavender dresses and the men had on off-white suits.
I slowly took in the magnificent house. The huge pool was so awesome. We didn’t have a pool and Mama never taught me how to swim, which worried me because, even when my teacher sent permission forms home so they could teach me and the other students how to swim Mama set it on fire and let it burn in the sink.
I had asked her, “Mama, why did you burn it?”
She smiled sweetly at me. “Because God promised us one thing. He isn’t gonna destroy the world by water. He’s gonna destroy it by fire. So why learn to swim?”
I shuddered when she’d said it.
I looked behind me, slightly lifting my butt up in the seat and noticed many parked vehicles. I’d never seen so many nice cars parked in one spot in my life.
“We’re here,” said Mama, taking up her huge designer purse.
I was shaking my head, hot as hell. I inherited the word “hell” from Mama and it sounded good when I put it to use. She turned off the car and undid her seat belt.
“Where are we, Mama?”
She kissed my lips. “Your Daddy’s funeral, I meant wedding.”


Author Bio:


What do you get when you have a young, ambitious Nassau, Bahamian man from Goulds, Florida (Miami) who rose from parole and homelessness to become his own publisher, advertising guru, model, editor, and CEO? You get DAPHAROAH69, The King of Erotica. In 2009 he has helped 14,000 + fans and friends get tested for HIV through his social networking. He is one of the most popular authors on the Facebook Network. He has helped stop over 3,000 gay and straight black men from doing porn movies. Before all this, he was featured in the Express Newspaper for his achievements and was one of CLIK Magazine's Top 25 Sexiest, Most Eligible bachelors in October of 2007. He co-authored and co-edited an anthology called Voices From Within released on World AIDS Day in 2000 while incarcerated. The book was selected for Body Positive Magazine's Book of the Month Club. He was selected as an extra in the Bruce Willis blockbuster "Bandits."



In January of 2007, he unveiled his first book, The King of Erotica: The Throne, a collection of unapologetic sexual short stories with a message. In Feb of 2008 he released The King of Erotica Book 2 and it surpassed his first book, selling thousands of copies worldwide. His books were the focal point for more than 45 Book Clubs across the country and featured in over 200 more book clubs worldwide, including Japan and Germany. He was published in Shani McDowell’s Mocha Chocolate Anthology and WSN’s Anthology. His eBook, The Diary and the Strap, was released by Phaze Publishing with rave reviews. All three of The King of Erotica Novels soared into the Barnes and Noble.com Bestselling Top 100 books at the same time in February of 2009, with Book 3 peaking at #71 and Book 1 peaking at #100. He became the first self-published author to achieve the feat. He shared the list with Steve Harvey, President Obama and John Grisham. New York Times Bestselling author E. Lynn Harris selected The King of Erotica’s books for his Literary Café in support of the Basketball Jones and serves as Wilson’s personal teacher and mentor. He released his recent bestseller The King of Erotica 4 on July 24, 2009.

His writing gives a deeper understanding of why some people have the type of sex the way they do. The book also touches on taboo topics seldom discussed in the black community. He writes from the gay, straight, female, and male points of view with devastating accuracy. He is a powerful speaker, motivator and a spokesperson for HIV/AIDS Awareness since testing positive in early 2009. He speaks to at-risk teenagers and gay persons across the country and gives his powerful testimony to transform, shape and inspire aspiring youth. His new book, Some Men Wear Panties was released by Urban Moon, owned by New York Times Bestselling author JL King in the Fall of 2009, The King of Erotica 5 the WAR:Dr.O.Be was released Christmas of 2009 and Call Her Queen Hatshepsut was released (By TKOE Publications) in January of 2010. His take-no-prisoners attitude has reflected in the response from his die-hard fans. All of his books have a combined total of 300 + (5) Star reviews and not a STAR less.
MISSION STATEMENT

I stimYOUlate, then edYOUcate. So for that reason I don’t care who likes my writing or not. As long as you GET SOMETHING from it then my job is done. God gets the praise and I get the blessing of writing my next book.

Interview Questions:

Introduce yourself to our readers.

I'm bestselling author Dapharoah69. The King of Erotica. I am the author of seven books. I'm my own publisher, CEO, accountant, marketing director, advertising guru, book format artist, photographer, model, cover designer and editor. I was born in Salinas, California June 26, 1977 and raised in Goulds, Florida since I was 15 months old. I was the first self-published author to chart three books on Barnes and Noble.com Top 100 Bestseller's list at the same time and I was featured in E Lynn Harris Literary Cafe n 2009 before his untimely death.

How did you get the name The King of Erotica:

The King of Erotica are the names of my books. It's not me; and it doesn't define who I am. My fans actually called me that on Myspace a few years ago when I got over half a million blog views, comments, and kudos on my erotic poems and stories. It stuck with me when I was considering a title for my book. Going through the abuse and the scale it was on ... all I had were my journals. Most kids had imaginary friends; I had journals and the gift of dance. They always comforted me. My journals, dancing, and channeling all of them into words were therapeutic for me. I am the oldest of five kids raised in a single parent home. I graduated high school, went in the Army, and then went to jail at age 19. Recently, I have contracted HIV and am now a spokesperson for the disease.

Have you faced moments of despair with your writing:

I still feel moments of despair when it comes to that. My fans look at me like a star. I don't see myself as that. I don't write books because I'm good or talented. I do it because the stories in my head need to get out so they can help people, or make them aware of certain things I've seen. These are things that are going on around us, whether people know it or not. I actually gave up on writing many times and got normal, everyday jobs. I failed at that and was led back to writing. Now writing in me forever. I don't see myself doing anything else.

What does it mean when an author can't finish a book. What advice would you give?

Everything has a reason or a season. If the fruit isn't ripe, it isn't going to fall from the tree. Anybody can rip a piece of fruit from the tree when it's not ready. The contents will be there, but not the sweetness. I say this because, if you start a book and quit and walk away from it, it wasn't it's season. You have to be loyal to yourself, committed to your craft, and dedicated. All the partying has to go. You have to get outside of yourself and become what you write. You have to research places, people, and things and give them credibility. I write for the love of it; I don't care about being rich. If you're writing for the money then you have already failed as an author. Fame and riches don't come to an author overnight. The gift to write books which save lives mean more to me than a paycheck.

Why did you become a writer?

I've been writing since I was 6 years old. But it wasn't until I was in the third grade, age 8, when my teacher gave me a journal and a Robert Frost (The Road Less Taken) and Sara Teasdale poem (The Falling Star) and told me to learn and recite it, then to write in my journal because, even though I didn't confirm it, I was being raped by my ex step father at the time. So writing became my character and my passion. I've been writing for 23 years.

How did abuse as a child affect you as an adult?

I was very introverted, afraid of the outside world. I didn't let people outside my home into my circle, I didn't trust them and that caused me to be over-protective of my siblings. I went through a mind-boggling suicide phase and never told a soul. It was between me and God. The affection in me was destroyed at a young age and all of my relationships were tarnished by the time I became a teenager. I was sleeping with people twice my age (way older than me) as a way to validate myself, and to seek more gratification. I hated women. I hated men. I hated myself. I was confused. I didn't know if I wanted a male or a female. I had a lot of anger and a lot of rage boiled inside me. The rage came from several family members who forced me to be quiet about it. I became a zombie inside. That and the absence of my father fueled the anger.


I was the oldest in a single-parent home. Cooking, cleaning, and watching after my siblings also frustrated me because I couldn't do the things a normal teenager does. So I grew up before my time. Then, at age 19 I went through accusations of hurting a child and went to jail for it. That put me on the opposite end of things. I never hurt anyone, but I accepted it and moved on with my life. But I always had my journals. I wound up writing, writing, and writing to keep me grounded and focused.

Encouraging words for aspiring authors?

Don't wait for a publisher to give you a dream. Wake up and go after it yourself. Stay away from self-help books. You'll be writing THEIR STORIES, not yours. DONT GIVE UP DONT GIVE UP DONT GIVE UP YOU CAN DO IT! Stop looking for help and hand outs and get out there, crash and burn, fail, lose it all and sacrifice for your art. Don't do it for money you will fall flat on your face. Write something that hasn't been done before. Protect your voice. And keep GOD first in all you do. Without Him will give you nothing. Everything you lose he will multiply.

WEB LINKS:


Facebook Fan Page:

http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=bestselling+author+dapharoah&init=quick#!/pages/Bestselling-Author-Dapharoah-Sixty-Nine/156902360793?ref=search&sid=1197818374.1491845983..1

Twitter:

www.twitter.com/dapharoah69

Web Site:

www.thekingoferotica.com

Email address:

dapharoah69@yahoo.com

Link for Book on Barnes and Noble.com

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Call-Her-Queen-Hatshepsut/Dapharoah69/e/9780557200863/?itm=6&USRI=dapharoah69

Link for Book on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Call-Her-Queen-Hatshepsut-Dapharoah69/dp/0557200865/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267758173&sr=8-7

Call Her Queen Hatshepsut Book Trailer:

AAMBC Spring Tours with K Reid

Fat Kills
By: K.Reid
An urban thriller set in the Washington Metropolitan area.
Published: December 2009
Publisher: K.Reid Productions
204 pages

www.fatkillsthenovel.com

Synopsis:

Mia Nickole Rose is a beautiful, full-figured, witty, aspiring songstress who feels stuck in her unfulfilling life. A struggling artist in Washington D.C.’s metropolitan area desperate to make ends meet, Mia’s life spirals horrifyingly out of control, deep into a world of insanity and murder when she is invited to a party that she will never forget. She is offered an ultimatum and, in exchange for her life, takes on a job working for a serial killer hell-bent on vengeance. Mia’s struggles with her finances and self-esteem become minute, while she focuses to stay sane, unharmed and alive.

Mia’s new “employer” will stop at nothing to keep her in his grasp. While the soundtrack of her life plays in the background, Mia is forced to distance herself from family, friends and even the love of her life in order to protect them from her hidden secrets.

Fat Kills is a must-read which will leave its audience astonished, angry and afraid. Yes, very afraid…

Bio:

K.Reid is a native of Washington D.C but was raised primarily in Kettering, a small enclave in Maryland’s Prince George’s County. She graduated from Suitland High School and then went on to earn a bachelor's degree in print journalism from Howard University. Currently, she is pursuing her master's degree in Organizational Communications at Bowie State University.
A local girl, through and through, K.Reid enjoys rooting for her favorite sports team, the Washington Redskins. Additionally, her hobbies include watching political commentary, listening to music and reading. Some of her favorite writers and inspirations include Anita Shreve, J.K. Rowling, V.C. Andrews, Sister Souljah and Dan Brown.

K.Reid is currently pursuing several endeavors which include singing, music production, acting, screenwriting and directing. Fat Kills is her first novel. An entrepreneur at heart, she is the CEO of K.Reid Productions and is the co-founder of Transcend. Event Management & Consulting.

Chapter 2 Snippet

Mia grabbed the directions to the house in Fort Washington and hopped on the beltway towards Richmond. She turned on her iPod and cranked the O'Jays “Money” followed by Mickey Factz “Good Money.” Mia sang along and blasted the third song, “Hussel.”
Damn, this shit cranks. Glad I got over my obsession with “Paper Planes” and listened to M.I.A.'s whole CD. She is vicious as hell and her lyrics are tight as shit. It's true that money ain't everything, but everyone I know thinks about hustlin’ all the time. Makin' that paper is the only way to live comfortably, and comfort is the key to true happiness.
Her stomach fluttered with butterflies as her nerves went to war with her body.
I hope these fools aren’t crazy and don't try to kill me.
Mia laughed at her twisted humor.
I know I’m going to be the fattest one there as usual. I’m bad as hell, though. Fuck those people. I can’t second guess myself, especially when I need this money. Damn, I’m thirsty as hell but my bladder is the worst and I’m not trying to piss every five seconds when I get there.
Mia’s bladder was notoriously weak to the point where her Howard U friends nicknamed her “Pissy Lala” whenever they partied in Adams Morgan. Many drunken nights had ended with Mia marking her territory in random areas along 18th Street.
She arrived in an older neighborhood that screamed money. Fort Washington had its suspect parts, but there were really nice areas that had huge mansions, manicured lawns, and swimming pools. Mia was awestruck and wished she could afford a big ass house like these.
At least my parents have almost made it to this point although they are struggling like crazy to keep both of their houses.
She pulled around the back of the house and parked her truck.
Let me get this shit over with.
Mia walked up to the door, grabbed a piece of Stride gum out of her purse, and applied a last-minute coat of lip gloss to her full lips. She rang the doorbell and waited for someone to answer.
Go get 'em girl.
A tall, slim man came to the door and she thought she saw a brief look of shock in his eyes.
“You must be Mia, I’m Gio. Please come in.”
“Hi Gio, nice to meet you.”
“God, you have a beautiful smile, you have a beautiful everything,” he replied as he looked her up and down.
She thanked him and walked into the house.
Damn this is some nice shit!
She walked into the foyer and peeped the opulence. The soft scents of patchouli and peaches filled her nose, and she stood still for a moment to take everything in. The Oriental rugs screamed expensive, so Mia decided to walk on the hardwood floor instead.
“Everyone is in the room to your right. You are the last guest to arrive so we’ll all talk in about 30 minutes, after everyone has had time to mingle. Can I get you a drink?” he asked.
“Oh, no thank you. I’m good,” she replied as she thought about her weak bladder.
Damn I’m thirsty as hell, but I want to get in, listen to this fool, and get out with my money.
“Are you sure? “Everyone else is drinking. It might ease your nerves.”
“Oh naw, I’m sure. I’m not a big drinker,” she replied.
“Well, I have water and juice if you like. Just let me know.”
Mia politely declined again and walked into the room where everyone mingled in small groups. The room was a soft shade of purple, and had full-length windows that had the softest, golden-colored, velvet curtains she had ever seen. She smiled as she walked around the room taking in the scene. Soft familiar music played in the background.
Is that The Foreign Exchange's "House of Cards?" What do they know about muthafuckin Phonte??? That is my shit!
She felt more at ease and began singing softly as she focused her attention on the food. There were large fruit spreads all around the room, and chicken and beef kabobs with yellow rice on the side.
Damn, that shit looks good as hell. I would fuck up at least 10 of those kabobs, and I looove yellow rice. Fuck that, my stomach is already messin’ wit' me. I ain’t eatin' a damn thing tonight.
It only took a few minutes for Mia to realize she was definitely the biggest one in the room. She counted 15 somewhat attractive model types. There were nine women and six men mingling with each other and giving Mia dirty looks.
Oh, I know these motherfuckers ain’t trying to judge me because I’m not as skinny as them. That skinny bitch think I ain’t hear her ass say all the food is gonna disappear as I walked past the food trays. I might be fat, bitch, but you got a butta face: everything looks good but ya damn face. Yuck! That dude’s teeth look like someone snatched them out, had the crap game of the century, and threw them back in his raggedy ass mouth.
Two women in the corner gave her a look and started whispering and laughing as she walked toward one of the plush couches so she could cop a squat.
Oh, I know those dog-faced broads ain't tryin’ to joan on me. I mean, they literally have hound faces: one looks like a damn Doberman Pinscher and the other one looks like a Bulldog, with her smush face self.
Mia laughed to herself as she continued to clown the rest of the room.
Oh man, her shoes are leanin’ like shit! How your dress gonna look hot but your shoes are ran the fuck over?!?!?
An extremely muscular guy walked over in Mia’s area and hovered around for two minutes waiting for her to speak.
“Can I help you?” she asked with a slight attitude.
“Oh, I was wondering how long it was going to take for you to talk to me. I’m Horace,” he replied confidently.
“Ooooook,”
“Aren’t you going to tell me your name?”
“Mia,” she huffed
“Not too biiiiiig on words, huh,” he said with a smirk.
I know this dabblin’ ass nigga better get the fuck outta my face. It looks like he’s been pumpin’ the 'roids. I know his shit is only twooooooo ennnnnnches.
She laughed at her reference to one of her classic weed movies How High.
“How did you find out about this party?” she finally asked.
“Oh, well, I got an email about this escort thing and I’m down. I’ll fuck the shit out of a old, rich broad for money. I fuck for free now, might as well get paid for it you know?” he responded.
“Wow, that was a bit much. I hope you don’t tell your future clients that,” she replied snottily.
Fed up with her stank attitude, he surveyed her body and rebuffed, “Well, at least I’ll have clients. I don’t see why anyone would pay to fuck you. You got a lot goin’ on.”
“Yeah, well you got a lot goin’ on just in the wrong places. You know the 'roids make your shit shrink dumb ass,” she laughed as her eyes surveyed his body and stopped at his crotch. “I don’t know why anyone would want to pay for something we both know you ain’t got.”
Horace’s face got tight as hell as he tried to come up with a stinging counter.
They were interrupted once Gio entered the room.
“I hope everyone is enjoying themselves. Please grab your drinks and follow me into the adjacent room so we can get down to business,” Gio instructed.
Everyone filed out of the room, Mia was the last to exit. She heard squeals of excitement as people grabbed the envelopes filled with cash.
Aight, that’s a bet. Let me grab my cash and listen to what dude has to say so I can take my ass back home.
Mia briefly glanced around the room and noticed the room was sparse as hell.
Dammit my feet hurt in these heels. How you gonna have a meeting with one couch and one chair? I'm not tryin' to stand up all damn night.
She walked up to the table and realized all of the envelopes were gone.
“Umm... excuse me, did anyone grab my envelope by mistake?” she asked loudly.
No one responded. Instead, they continued their conversations and laughed. She heard one woman reply, “Oh they didn’t forget. Who would pay her fat ass to fuck?”
Everyone in the room laughed and Mia fought the urge to walk over and snatch her weave out of her head.
I don’t understand why hoes think all them damn tracks are cute. The shit clearly isn't your hair and the bitch has the nerve to have black roots with blonde ends. Lookin’ crazy as hell.
Mia ignored the laughs and ran to catch Gio
“Hey Gio, Gio,” she yelled but he had already left and closed the door.
She tried to open the door but was stuck when she realized it was locked.
Why the hell is the damn door locked?
She tried the door again and fought off the urge to panic.
Okay, okay be easy. Maybe the shit is stuck…naw man, this shit is locked!
“Ummm…do ya’ll realize that this door is locked?” she yelled.
No one paid her any mind especially since they were tipsy and siced about their money. Mia made her way toward the back of the room and sat in the back watching the crowd. She pulled out her phone to try and call someone, anyone, to let them know where she was. Unfortunately, her raggedy ass Nextel didn’t have a signal, like always.
Damn it! Why didn’t I at least text Dani and let her know where I was going? So fuckin' stupid, Mia. I swear, you’re the genius of the year.
Mia got 'noid as shit when she saw one of the girls complain that she was dizzy.
“Damn I need to sit down. I’m not feeling so well.”
Horace, the asshole, laughed and yelled, “Someone can’t hold her liquor!”
A few of the other partygoers laughed and watched the girl pass out on the couch.
“Hey, I think there’s really something wrong with her. Matter of fact, I’m starting to feel dizzy,” another woman said in a worried voice.
Horace continued his shit talkin’, “Ya’ll know broads can’t handle they liquor.”
Mia’s mind raced as she thought about the night’s events.
First of all, why did that trick just randomly pass out? They can’t even revive her ass. People were only drinking for like an hour. I know I don't drink anymore but, hell, you can't get that tore up in an hour. And why the fuck did Gio's ass leave like that and lock us in???
Mia watched in horror as five other people experienced the same symptoms. Asshole Horace wasn’t laughing anymore.
“I’m about to go get some water for everyone,” he yelled.
He tried the door and flicked off when he realized it was locked.
“This fuckin’ door is locked! Heeeeyyyyy open this fuckin’ door!”
I tried to tell you that dumbass.
Mia thought fast and decided to play the part while she tried to figure out what to do. She faked like she was dizzy and passed out on the floor. She strategically placed her arm over her eye so she could watch the events without being noticed. Everyone in the room freaked out. Some started screaming and crying as people dropped like flies. Horace was the last one to fall to the ground sobbing and slurring his words as he begged for help. Mia laid still for what seemed like an eternity waiting for someone to come.
The door opened 28 minutes later and Gio entered with a man and a woman. She watched a middle aged man instruct Gio while the woman walked around the room poking people to make sure they were out cold. She made her way towards Mia but stopped once the older gentleman spoke in a deep voice.
“Toni, that’s enough. Go grab the carts and load ‘em up.”

Interview with K. Reid
1. Where’s home?

Home for me will always be in the Washington Metropolitan Area. I was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Kettering, a small community in Prince George’s County. I attended P.G. County public schools and graduated from Howard University in 2005. I love my community and I will always invest in home no matter where life takes me. This area has made me the person that I am and as a tribute, I plan to always have all of my books set in the P.G. County area.

2. What made you write Fat Kills?

My best friend and I were emailing back and forth one day and I was telling him a funny story that happened to me. He replied to my email and suggested that I write a book. He said he could see the entire story in his mind when he read my email. If it weren’t for his suggestion, I don’t think I would be writing today.

Did you always think you would be a writer?

No, I had no clue that writing was my talent. I’ve always been good at writing term papers for school but never really considered it a hobby. I used to work as an editor for a while but never considered writing.

Why is writing important to you?

Writing has literally saved my life. It’s changed me for the better. The ability to tell a story is a blessing that I will never take for granted. Writing allows you to get your emotions down and truly express yourself. Having that outlet is critical for me.

Why is music important to you?

Music is the soundtrack of our lives. I have always loved music since I was a child and I love how I can hear a song and it takes me back to a certain point in my life. The title of each chapter in Fat Kills is a song that sets the tone of the story. Additionally I have playlists throughout the book. (For my hometown DMV folks, yes there is go-go playlist!) I made all of the playlists on my myspace page so people can really experience Fat Kills on an even deeper level.

What is one thing that you want people to do when they read Fat Kills?

I want readers to know that Fat Kills is more than just a story, it’s an experience. Try to pick apart the layers. While I want to keep people enthralled with a thrilling story, Fat Kills is so much more than entertainment. It’s a lesson on choices and how everything in life has a cause and effect. Fundamentally, we should all treat each other how we want to be treated and not be so focused on the superficial things in life. At the end of the day, we all want to be happy and I believe the characters in Fat Kills, no matter how crazy or deranged they come off, are human and could really be any of us.

What’s next for K.Reid?

More writing of course! I am currently writing the screenplay for Fat Kills. I’m also pitching a few short screenplays and a cartoon that I wrote last year. I am also pursuing song writing and vocal lessons and music production. I am the co-CEO of Trancend. Event Management & Consulting, an event planning company based in the Metropolitan area.



Facebook Fan Page: K.Reid

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=40357387&id=14217086#!/pages/KReid/170799065831

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/fatkillsthenovel

Twitter:@scribekreid

www.twitter.com/scribekreid

Blog: scribethenproduce.blogspot.com

Email: info@fatkillsthenovel.com

Purchase Book: www.fatkillsthenovel.com (the payment screen is on the home page)
www.amazon.com