Dr. Maxine Thompson Live Internet Radio Shows
This Week's Guest - Monday February 6, and Tuesday February 7, 2006

Maxine Thompson
Dr. Maxine's Show provides sponsorship for entrepreneurs and the literary community. Dr. Maxine Show is cross-referenced to her other live Internet Radio shows where she is a host on ArtistFirst and VoiceAmerica.com .

Dr. Maxine invites you to join her this week on her various shows where she will be speaking with some interesting people.
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ArtistFirst
Monday, February 6, 2006
9:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time
This week's guest:
T.L. Gardner

In Celebration of Black History Month

New Young Adult Anthology Designed to Get Black Teenagers to Read

Open the Unusual Door: True Life Stories of Challenge, Adventure, and Success by Black Americans Edited by Barbara Summers

NEW YORK (January 2006)?Barbara Summers, author, educator, and former Ford model, was tired of reading the headlines that black kids don?t read. ?I felt that if the sad statistics were true, maybe there was something I could do about it. What if our young people weren?t reading because the reading materials weren?t interesting or relevant? What if parents wanted to change the headlines but didn?t know what other books to get??

Her goal to provide an educational resource that was equally engaging resulted in the new inspirational anthology, Open the Unusual Door: True Life Stories of Challenge, Adventure, and Success by Black Americans, a collection of sixteen excerpts from memoirs of African American achievers.

Summers selected a diverse group of African Americans including Derek Jeter, Russell Simmons, Colin Powell, Queen Latifah ? and others perhaps less well known but equally well respected in their fields ? astrophysicist Neil de Grasse Tyson, journalist Lynne Duke, and fencer Peter Westbrook. From reading these revealing, gripping, and unpredictable true life stories, young people will find the power within to recognize that when one door closes, another one opens.

To harvest additional literary excitement, Barbara Summers and her publisher, Houghton Mifflin, are sponsoring an Open the Unusual Door Essay Contest. Teens ages 13 and up can enter to win cash prizes. Guidelines are available at .

Barbara Summers is the author of three books, including Black and Beautiful: How Women of Color Changed the Fashion Industry, which was based on her experience as a Ford model for seventeen years. She edited the bestselling I Dream a World: Portraits of Black Women Who Changed America. She lives and teaches in New York City.

Contributors in Open the Unusual Door include:
Derek Jeter * Queen Latifah * Susan Fales-Hill * Colin Powell * Sister Souljah * bell hooks Dexter Scott King * Antwone Fisher * Lynne Duke * Whoopi Goldberg * Neil de Grasse Tyson E. Lynn Harris * Michael Cottman * Peter Westbrook * Russell Simmons * Chamique Holdsclaw

Houghton Mifflin; November 2005; $7.99; 224 pages; ISBN: 0618585311 $7.99 Pb; 224 pages; 5 x 7 Age Range: (13+) Grades 7+

In the January - February 2006 7 TH Anniversary Issue of Black Issues Book Review C & B Books was named as one of the (The Power Behind Black Books).

In the January - February 2006 7 TH Anniversary Issue of Black Issues Book Review C & B Books was named as one of the (The Power Behind Black Books). Black Issues Book Review is a national publication. Brenda Piper and Carol Rogers of C & B Books were highlighted for the role they play in the phenomenal rise of urban fiction.

C & B Books bookstores sells a variety of multicultural books, sponsors self-published authors symposiums, and author books signings.

Two years ago they started the C&B; Book club. The club has grown immensely. Visit the site to join the club authors and readers are welcome.

The motivation behind this book business was the lack of affordable books written by African American authors. They decided to become an asset to the Youth and the community as a whole. C & B Books offer their books at a lower than the major distributors. They knew this would provide our readers with a wide variety of reading materials.

C & B Books carry titles for all ages and cultures, and stock titles in all categories, fiction, nonfiction, spiritual and inspirational etc.

In 1995 Caroline Rogers & Brenda Piper became booksellers after selling a few books at the St. Nicholas flea market located in Queens, New York.

When Caroline and Brenda first opened for business at the market, It was to sell sensual items, perfumed gift baskets and floral arrangements, which were crafted by Brenda.

One Saturday after a little spring cleaning, we decided to bring a few books from our personal collection to the flea market, not believing that shoppers would actually buy the books! We didn't believe that we would actually gain much profit or should we say become book sellers as a result of selling our personal book collection. However at the end of the sale day, every book was sold and we started our career as the Book Ladies of Queens.

They believed that it was due to our sale prices, which ranged from $1.00 and up, depending on the value of the book. They soon found out that books were in high demand. People love to read.

The children really inspired us, they liked the Dr. Seuss, Lil Elmo,Curious George, Blue Clues, all children titles. At that point with the children in mind, thy decided to specialize in children books.

Caroline is business smart, and she decided to sell the books at affordable prices, with emphasis on children books. Her concept was, if you make a book affordable, you were helping to educate others and draw many loyal customers. Brenda agreed with Caroline and C&B; Books Distribution was established.

They never changed our prices this increased our sales. The concept being the less you charge the more the customer can afford to buy. Caroline, would say, "Greed is not necessary if we get the books at a discount price." "Why not give the customer the same savings."

They became known as the Book ladies of Queens. The customers would flock to us, requesting titles never complaining about the book cost, they knew that we would give them the best deals.

I suppose you would actually have to sell a book to see the expression of satisfaction on a customer's face to realize what we felt, especially the smiles of the children. I just can't put those feelings into words; it would take too many words. Actually it would take a Book.

They sold books at St. Nicholas for the next two years. Their last year was during the Christmas season, then they went to St. Nicholas to sell our books at their Christmas Holiday indoor market. They began to setup the books, when a nice woman approached them and asked them, "Did they carry any books written by African American authors?" They being the business smart women that they are (smile) replied, "Which titles are you interested in? She told them she would return with a list.

Caroline & I will always be grateful to Ms. Betty Miller Mason, she is the reason that we became Booksellers. When we asked Betty if we could mention her name in this writing, she was elated. Betty we want the world to know that people like you are the reason that we are successful African American Book sellers. Betty Miller Mason from the bottom of our hearts we thank you for your inspiration and our first African American Book Sale.

C & B Books customers comprise of all races, ages, and from all walks of life. Some customers became their friends and others come just to visit or place their order. You may wonder why they attracted so many people. The reason that they attracted so many loyal friends and customers, was due to their concern for their customer's satisfaction and happiness, not just their dollars.

Children have always been their specialty, so whether the parent could afford a book or not, they never let a child leave without a book, on them. Children are the future, and reading will offer them that future. They have never denied any child a book and we never will.

They beat the odds, bad weather, hot days, long hours, every weekend; nothing stopped us from getting books into the communities. Yes, they wanted to gain profit and we still do. However the real reward is when you can provide books for all the people who want them.

In 2000, they decided to sell books from home. They set up a mail order service in-house. They really wanted an Internet service but weren't educated in that area. They researched and educated themselves about the Internet business.

It wasn't until February 2002, that their dream became a reality. They were contacted by Mr. Phil Andrews, Public Relations Director, and a member of the 100 Black Men of America. He encouraged them to build a web site and put the books on the Internet.

They didn't feel that we were ready to take on a venture that large. Caroline was not as sure about the Internet business as Brenda was at that time. Eventually they both won me over. C & B Books began to build it's signature web site

Phil Andrews joined C&B; Books Distribution Center as it's Public Relations Director on March 1st, 2002.

During her research, Caroline contacted a web-designer and asked her to take a look at out our site. Diane of Difs Web-Design, came to C & B Books with a site that they couldn't refuse. She is currently still maintaining C & B Book's web site.

C & B Books Distribution, Inc. is proud to be included in Black Issues Book Review January - February 2006 7TH Anniversary Issue in special feature titled (The Powers Behind Black Books). C & B Books looks forward to serving the reading public needs and promoting self-published authors. Log on to our web site at www.cbbooksdistribution.com to view our entire catalog of books.

BET Author Vincent Alexandria selected as panelists for Self-Published Authors Symposium March 2006.

BET Author Vincent Alexandria selected as panelists for Self-Published Authors Symposium March 2006. The Self-Published Authors Symposium will be held on March 12, 2006 at the Schomberg Center in Harlem, New York. Vincent Alexandria is an author, actor, producer, director, composer, lyricist, screenwriter, vocalist, and musician. He holds a Masters degree in literature at Baker University and holds a Bachelor?s degree in Psychology from Rockhurst College . He is the founder of the Brother 2 Brother African-American Male Literary Symposium. Its mission is to enlighten men and women in reading and comprehension to enhance their quality of life. Having nationally published authors show a commitment to their communities and give back to their readers in gratitude of what they have done for them and their careers.

He has completed three murder detective mystery novels, ?Postal Blues,? and ?Black Rain,? which is due out this year and his first novel, ?If Walls Could Talk?, which he is in negotiations for a movie deal. Vincent Alexandria also wrote the movie script, (Walls of Deception). He has completed his first poetry book, ?Poetry from the Bottom of My Heart,? released May 2004.

He's received numerous awards for outstanding service as a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club of America. He has received Proclamations and Resolutions from the Governor, Senate, and House-of-Representative of the state of Atlanta and Missouri as-well-as the Mayor of Kansas City. He is the recipient of the ?Time Well Spent Award? from the United Minority Media Association (UMMA), December 2003 for volunteer work for the betterment of the Kansas City community to enhance the quality of life for others.

He has received two awards for Best Murder Mystery novels 2002 from The Sistah Circle Book Club, Dallas , Texas for ?If Walls Could Talk? and ?Postal Blues.? He has received a Service Award from the United Minority Media Association (UMMA) for Time Well Spent 2003 for his service to the Kansas City Community promoting Literacy.

He is the owner of We Must X-L, Inc., a Promotional and Marketing company. He creates events that build self-esteem, reinforces teamwork, and encourages open speech. He has written, produced and directed three musical stage plays, "His Eyes Are On The Sparrow", "The Changing of an Uncle Tom", & "If She Only Knew." He is a man with a vision to unify African Americans and epitomizes the role of communicator, not as one who merely entertains his audience, but informs, and inspires it!

The Self-Published Symposium will be attracting authors nationwide on March 12, 2006 at the Schomberg Center. Authors will be participating from the following areas around the country; Detroit, MI, Gary, Indiana, Ingle wood, CA, Highland Park, MI, Washington, DC, Atlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL, New Orleans, LA, Baltimore, MD, Jacksonville, Fl, Norfolk, VA, New York, NY, Chicago, IL, Philadelphia, PA, Los Angeles, CA, Houston, TX, Memphis, TN, Dallas, TX, Cleveland, OH, Cincinnati, OH, Milwaukee, WI, ST Louis, MO, and Buffalo, NY. and Hempstead, Long Island.

Vickie Stringer, Author/Owner, Triple Crown Publications, often dubbed, the Queen of Urban Fiction, will share her expertise with attendees at the upcoming Self-Publishing Symposium: Strategies for Success! March 12, 2006 at the Schomberg Center Harlem, New York.

In addition, Stringer will also moderate a panel discussion that is set to address some of the major trends and issues surrounding the self-publishing industry. Stringer who harbors a profound passion for helping others contacted Renee Flagler of Aspicomm Media after seeing an ad for the event in the September - October issue of Black Issues Book Review.

Flagler immediately revamped the agenda to include an opportunity for Stringer to speak to the audience stating, "Vickie Stringer represents the epitome of successful self-publishing. Her contribution to this event will not only add to an already impressive line-up of speakers, but will additionally offer tremendous value for all who attend."

The self-publishing industry has experienced phenomenal growth over the past few years with some self-published authors gaining recognition beyond that of many mainstream authors. As the industry continues to grow there is an increasing need for access to market information and resources.

The symposium, which is focused completely on the business of self-publishing, was designed to offer a forum for the exchange of essential information in an environment that is conducive to learning and networking. Authors and publishers will come away with skills and possibly new alliances that can help grow successful enterprises.

Program
8:00 am - 8:30 am Breakfast & Registration
8:30 am - 9:00 am Welcome Address
9:00 am - 10:00 am Keynote - Vickie Stringer - How to Succeed in the Publishing Game
10:00 am - 10:45 am Session I - To Sell or Not To Sell
10:45 am - 11:00 am Break
11:00 am - 11:45 am Session II - Distribute And Get Paid
11:45 am - 12:30 pm Session III - Rising Above the Masses (Marketing,Promotions & Publicity
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Awards Luncheon
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm Session IV - Targeted Success by Market
2:15 pm - 3:00 pm Session V - Access to Capital & Smart Money Management (Small Business Administration)
3:00 pm - 3:15 pm Break
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm Panel Discussion - Hot Button Topics Led by Vickie Stringer
4:15 pm - 5:00 pm Closing Reception

S'Indie Awards
Submit your title for the first annual S'Indie Awards

Self/Independent Publisher Awards) at the Self-Publishing Symposium. The purpose of the awards is to provide additional exposure to the works by African-American independent and self-publishers and authors and to honor their contribution to the market. Decisions will be based on literary excellence, quality, production and originality in the following categories:

Best Poetic Collection
Best Anthology
Best Fiction
Best Non-fiction
Best Spiritual/Inspirational
Best Cover Design
Best Children's Work
Trailblazer Award - recognizing a publisher for significant contributions and accomplishments in the independent publishing arena

For submissions, send two copies the work to be entered along with a brief synopsis, author bio, and category of choice. To qualify for the Trailblazer award, please submit publisher/author bio and outline of notable contributions and accomplishments. Example (number of books in print, awards received, special reviews or other recognition)."Please note: Only registered attendees are eligible to enter submissions for the S'Indie Awards!

Resource Directory
Calling all publishers, agents, publicists, editors, designers and other industry professionals! Advertise and list your company information in the Self-Publishing Symposium Resource Directory! Call (516) 642-5976 for rates and information.

Who Should Attend
Whether you're a seasoned independent or self publisher or an author on the path to self-publishing, this symposium is for you!

When and Where
March 12, 2006
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture
515 Malcolm X Boulevard
New York, NY 10037

Registration fee $150.00

For sponsorship information, and registration details contact Renee Flagler at 516-642-5976. Log on to http://www.aspicomm.com/Events.html and click on events link for complete registration details and more information.