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Hill
Harper
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A
Phenomenal Man in His Own Right
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By
Jessica Tilles
“For the first
time ever, I witnessed Jessica Tilles at a loss for words,”
noted Gary Johnson, publisher of Black Men In America.com. “I can’t
believe it. This is truly a first!”
Yes, it was
definitely a first. I was at a loss for words. My favorite, actor
said, “Hello, Jessica. How are you?” and I couldn’t respond. Hill
Harper, the man I have adored from afar, every since the first time
I saw him on the TV show “City of Angels.”
I’ve met a lot
of people in my life: celebrities, best-selling authors,
millionaires, and the like, and I’ve never been so enamored by them,
and definitely not at a loss for words. I had always been known as
the woman who couldn’t keep her mouth shut, the one with the quick
comebacks. But not today!
My being speechless didn’t even make the top
of list. What ranked #1 on the All
Time Stupidity List was my running
around the office like a complete idiotic fool, because the phone
had rung and I knew exactly whom it was. Hill Harper!
I ran around
the office, mind all boggled up, unable to breathe, on the verge of
a nervous breakdown because Hill Harper was on the phone, and he was
going to have a conversation with me! The thought of speaking to
Hill Harper was much better than the threesome fantasy I had in my
dreams with Blair Underwood and Michael Beach. Well, wait…hmmm.
Finally, I had
regained my composure; turned on the digital recorder my brother had
given me as a gift, and sat down to receive the mental orgasm of my
life. Did I say I loved me some Hill Harper?
Hill Harper,
an Ivy League educated, award-winning actor and entrepreneur, has
made it his life’s purpose to help instill self-confidence,
tolerance, morality and humility into young men.
Harper saw first hand while mentoring, that
today’s youth are at a loss for positive role models, constructive
outlets, and the motivation to dream big and accomplish anything
they set their minds to. In his New York Times bestselling book,
Letters to a Young Brother:
MANifest Your Destiny, he
provides uplifting wisdom that encourages, empowers, and provides
alternative views of what it truly means to strive to be a
successful man.
Letters to a Young Brother,
a series of letters written from a brother-to-brother point of view,
is based on questions that young men have personally asked Harper.
In the book, Hill addresses many of the tough issues by providing
his own personal insights along with those of various successful men
and women.
The book is
literally a roadmap for mentors, targeting young males lacking
positive role models. Harper offers uplifting wisdom and
constructive outlets that encourage, empower, and provide
alternative e views of what it truly means to strive to be a
successful male. The book touches on topics such as building solid
foundations with friends and family; mining our resources with
school, work and money; girls, sex and relationships, dreams and
aspirations, as well as Harper shares personal life occurrences,
offering advice and a “way out.”
In today’s
society, there seems to be a lack of mentoring for our young
brothers (and sisters too). Hill’s inspiration comes from deep
within, a strong family background, and high morals and values. “We
are in crisis mode,” said Harper. “Metaphorically speaking, our
young men are lying in the streets injured and we, as men, need to
stop right now, look at ourselves in the mirror and say that we have
to do something.”
Letters to a Young Brother
is written with a sophisticated theme, but is accessible to even the
most reluctant reader, “because that is whom I wanted to reach. You
see the tone, style and writing content is critically important,
which is why I included the pictures in the book of me with
different people,” said Harper. He feels it’s all about caring,
trying to bring the reader into the book, showing that this is not
an academic book or an assignment from school, but rather something
you would want to read because you want to read it, and the response
has been overwhelming. Harper receives hundreds of e-mails a day.
Harper’s
initial experience with trying to get his book published was
disheartening. Several of the publishers indicated that “It’s a
great idea but we don’t believe young boys read, and if they do, we
don’t know how to reach them.” In one book pitch meeting, he was
told, “Hill, please don’t write a book for this population; we want
to do a book with you, but please not this book, you are proposing a
book for a population that doesn’t read.”
Harper proved the naysayer wrong, by sending
out a personal plea asking for support in promoting
Letters to a Young Brother,
requesting people to buy multiple copies and gift them to any young
men or parents of young men. Prior to the April 20, 2006 release
date, 10,000 copies were sold via pre-orders.
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Click
On Photos To Enlarge
All proceeds from the sale of
Letters to a Young Brother
will go towards
The MANifest Your Destiny Foundation,
a non-profit youth organization, established by Harper, dedicated to
empowering, encouraging, and inspiring underserved males to succeed.
The philosophy behind the organization is to provide young men with
nurturing support systems, resources, encouragement, and guidance
though mentorship, scholarship and grant programs.
The MANifest Your Destiny Foundation
provides financial resources and practical experience to support
young men’s academic or professional field of interest. Internships
and/or apprenticeships are awarded to eligible young people who have
demonstrated their passions and commitment to furthering their
education through academic achievement and community service, much
like the founder Hill Harper. In addition, the organization awards
grants to deserving young men seeking to start their own business.
This interview was the most fulfilling and
intriguing I’ve ever done. Hill Harper is my favorite actor, and
he’s not bad on the eyes either. I am a huge fan of
CSI: New York
and I make it my business to catch every role he has portrayed. But,
what people say is true. You really don’t know someone until you sit
and have a conversation. He is truly God’s gift and I feel richer
having been in his presence.
Hill, thank
you for a wonderful interview and making this fan’s dream come true.
Oh yeah, and thanks for one hell of a…well you know. :::Wink::::
To learn more about Hill Harper and
The MANifest Your Destiny Foundation
visit his web site at
www.manifestyourdestiny.net
Jessica
Tilles is the best-selling author of Anything Goes, In My Sisters’
Corner, Apple Tree, Sweet Revenge and Fatal Desire, co-founder of
J.T.’s Book Corner and columnist for Black Men In America.com.
So what do you think? If you would
like to respond to this article
click here and sign our
Guestbook
to leave a public or private
comment.
Do You Know the
Status of Your Financial Future?
Patrick Lyons
shares secrets to a successful financial future in his overwhelming
successful reference tool, Map Your Financial Future: Starting
the Right Path in Your Teens & Twenties. “As people prepare to
make major decisions like purchasing a car or house, they can refer
back to the book on things to consider,” says Lyons.
Financial Guru,
Patrick Lyons, has added a new title to his repertoire, author. With
more than a decade of experience as an investment professional,
Patrick has become a leading expert from managing institutional and
personal portfolios to analyzing various economic sectors of the
stock market, as well as being featured in Black Enterprise
magazine and on Bloomberg Radio.
Patrick holds a
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Florida A&M University and a
Master of Science in Management from North Carolina State
University. In addition, he holds the Charged Market Technician (CMT)
designation, recognizing his proficiency in technical analysis.
After hearing of
so many young people filing for bankruptcy, Patrick felt inspired to
write Financial Future to help others. The target
demographics is people between the ages of 16 and 29, but there is
something in the book for everyone. Regardless of your age,
budgeting, managing credit responsibly and saving for the future are
all important things to remember.
Map Your
Financial Future: Starting the Right Path in Your Teens & Twenties
is a
book geared toward young adults (ages 16-29), teaching them about
personal finance. Map Your Financial Future is divided into
four sections:
n
Section 1 discusses the importance of budgeting, which is the first
step toward achieving financial freedom. It provides a plan to help
reach financial goals.
n
Section 2 deals with credit. There is information that covers the
basics of credit as well as strategies of overcoming credit card
debt and identity theft.
n
Section 3 discusses ways of increasing one’s earning potential.
Lyons stresses the importance of continuing education beyond high
school. Starting a business is also discussed.
n
Section 4 deals with saving for the future. Lyons provides options
available to people who want to invest, but don’t have a lot of
money. He also discusses strategies for picking mutual funds for
401(k) plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA).
In His Own Words. . . Patrick A. Lyons
I wrote the book
because I wanted to help others avoid the mistakes I made growing
up. I made poor choices with credit. I treated it like an extension
of my income. I maxed out credit cards in high school and college,
and graduated from college with $14,000 in credit card and student
loan debt. I decided to turn things around because I did not like
being harassed by creditors. It was also difficult to rent an
apartment after graduation because of my poor credit history. I also
paid a high interest rate when I bought my first car out of college.
So, in Map Your Financial Future, I talk about things one can
do to avoid some of those mistakes. It’s important that people
understand that decisions made today will affect you in the future.
If you start on the right path of saving and budgeting as a young
person, it will make life easier as you get older. For example, if a
16-year-old invests $94 dollars a month, he will have $1 million by
age 65. Someone who starts at age 30 needs to invest $340 per month
to reach the same goal.
How Patrick
Defines Success. . .
I created an
acronym out of the letters in PRIDE. P stands for
preparation. Success never happens by accident. It is the result of
hard work. R stands for respect. Young people need to have
respect for the elders and themselves. I stands for
individualism. Leaders never follow the crowd. Don’t let peer
pressure cause you to make bad decisions, trying to keep up with the
Joneses. D stands for discipline. It is always so easy to do
the wrong thing in life, but to be successful requires discipline to
do the right thing no matter how unpopular it is. If one can
remember Preparation, Respect, Individualism, and Discipline then
he/she will Excel in life, which is what the E stands for.
Who Patrick Holds Admiration For. . .
I admire Jesse
Brown, Glinda Bridgforth, Michelle Singletary, and Kelvin Boston
because each is an African American author who wrote books on
personal finance. It’s important for our community to understand
that we need to plan for the future today and not put things off,
and I commend each of these authors for spreading the word of the
importance of sound personal finance principles.
* * * * *
Patrick Lyons is
currently working on a workbook to complement Map Your Financial
Future, and has plans to complete an audio book. “I am
considering writing a book targeted to people 40 and older to stress
the importance of retirement and estate planning.”
Visit Patrick A.
Lyons online at www.patrickalyons.com, and invite him to speak to your
convention, church event or meeting. He is also available to conduct
seminars on:
·
Thinking of a Master Plan: Budgeting
·
Navigating the bumpy path: Managing Credit
·
Retirement Planning
Any questions?
E-mail Patrick at info@patrickalyons.com.
Beyoncé, Destiny's Child, Jennifer Lopez & Maya: Divas of
the New Millennium and Celebrity Interviewer, Stacy-Deanne
JT: Tell us about your latest book.
SD: I am originally a novelist. My latest work
is Alicia Keys, Ashanti, Beyoncé, Destiny's Child, Jennifer Lopez &
Mya: Divas of the New Millennium. It is a compilation music book
that breaks down these ladies' lives in order to display how they
are different as well as similar. These ladies have shaped the sound
of today's R&B music and have created a tough act to follow. They
have accomplished more than making hit records and becoming famous.
They have all become superstars and masters of their craft. They
have all brought something different to the industry. They've
created the platform and sounds of the new millennium. They’ve
created the mold new singers crave to imitate.
JT: How did your writing career begin?
SD: I began writing professionally in 1997 when
I was nineteen. I simply started writing my thoughts. Before I knew
it I had a novel. I'd always been told I had a talent when I was in
school and my family always blessed my writing. Of course I never
thought of doing it professionally. But somehow, writing that one
novel connected me with the idea of making this my career. I've led
a very sad life and writing was the light at the end of the tunnel.
The more I wrote, the happier I began. I realized writing was the
only thing that made me happy. I loved it and it quickly became a
part of me. I decided to make it a career.
JT: Who should read your books?
SD: My books fit anyone. I don't write for a
specific audience, race or gender. I am one writer who can
disconnect myself from my writing. I don't feel that just because
you're a certain race you have to write particularly for that race.
Writing is universal and each author should be creative. I think
some writers are afraid to expand to different kinds of writing.
Authors of fiction should venture out and write fiction that can be
read by anyone, not just a particular group of people. Why put
yourself in a box and write only to one group or audience? I want
as many people as possible to read my work. My writing fits everyone
and so does my characters.
JT: What was the reason for writing this book?
Did you see a need for this book?
SD: Reason began with my biographies from a
simple interest coming from all the ladies I wrote for which were
Ashanti, Mya and Jennifer Lopez. I see a need for this book because
it took hard work to write it and an author has the right to share
their work with the public. Or else, why write? Nineteen-century
poet Arthur Rimbaud lived penniless because he believed writers
shouldn't publish. He thought publishing his work somehow
demoralized it. I always think of him and wonder how a person so
brilliant and connected to the world could be so blind. If you have
a talent, share it! I shout and scream my work because I want others
to enjoy it. I couldn't be like Arthur or other writers of past
centuries who believed that publishing was " unfair " to the work. I
want others to vast in my joy and read my work.
JT: Looking at the book now, what surprises you?
SD: That it’s become a best selling book so
quickly. I am very happy with the product. I was surprised and
thankful for how beautiful it turned out. It pulled out all my
emotions when I first laid eyes on it. It wasn't just because the
book is mine but because it truly captured these entertainers. Just
reading the book taught me about these ladies all over again. I
actually felt like a buyer who just picked it up in the store. I
didn't feel connected to it. And that was simply beautiful to me.
JT: What's the next book? More fiction?
SD: I think I’m done with the nonfiction game so
I plan to concentrate on upcoming novels. I got plenty in the works.
One is a teenage Latino love story. It's a modern-day Romeo and
Juliet. I combined a lot of unique elements to freshen the old-age
plot. I think Latino audiences especially will like it. Also I am
currently wrapping up an anthology of humorous short stories.
JT: Have you
ever thought about stepping outside of your genre?
SD: I don't have
a specific genre. I write all types of fiction. I write whatever I
feel like writing at the moment basically. My tastes change from
story to story. I love to mix up plots and include a lot of
different genres in one book. I've written horror, detective
stories, mysteries, comedies, you name it. I don't do romance or
erotica though.
JT: When people say, "It took me three hours to finish
your book," do you think they are doing your book justice by reading
it so quickly?
SD: Honestly I don't care how long it takes, (laughing).
I'm just glad they read it! I find reading it quickly a compliment.
That's better than a book being so boring you have to keep putting
it down for months because you can't get through the scenes. If it
only took three hours to read my book that tells me that it was so
good they couldn't put it down. Why waste weeks on a story if it's
good? So I feel great if someone reads my book in a day.
JT: During rewrites, do you find that you've surprised
yourself with your characters in the sense that they are doing
things you hadn't anticipated?
SD: I experience this usually while I'm writing. I read
my stories as I write them as well as afterwards. So if I'm going to
be shocked about something, it's usually immediately after I've
written that particular part. And yes this happens a lot. This is
great because if you can bring emotions like surprise out in
yourself with your own writing, you're doing a heck of a good job.
JT: Do you ever think, "I want to do something completely
different, off the wall?"
SD: Oh yes! I'm doing that with my latest novel. I am in
a John Waters-phase right now. As most people know, John is the king
of weird comedy. He's the director of crazy films like, Cecil
B.Demented, which I truly enjoyed. I love how he can take a normal
situation and turn it into anarchy. I like to tug at people's
emotions. I like to throw in something silly or unbelievable from
time to time. Writing is supposed to be unpredictable and exciting.
I don't believe a book should follow a certain pattern. I admire
people who push the envelope. I love to do fun things with my work
and surprise myself in the process.
JT: After each novel, how do you keep your writing fresh?
SD: I make sure I focus on a plot that's unique. Every
idea has been done millions of times because there is just no way to
make up a new plot. I focus on twisting things. I may take a serious
subject like murder and turn it into a comedy. Or I may take a plot
that fits today's society and stick it in a story that takes place
in the 1970's. Or I may throw in a whole lot of subplots to ensure
the story goes a thousand different ways. I always keep the reader
in mind. If something in my story bores me I throw it out because if
I didn't find it worth reading then why should the readers?
JT: How do you hone your skills?
SD: Simple, I just keep writing and reading. I learn a
lot from other writers. Sometimes I'll read a book and it helps me
deal with something in my own writing. Especially if I have been
struggling with a particular sort of plot. Another author's work
can make me understand the elements of writing more. That's why
it's so important for authors to keep reading books in their genre.
I'm always learning from other authors or even from movie scripts I
read.
JT: Of your
novels, which one would you like to be remembered for?
SD: There's a story I wrote back in 1997, one of my
first that has yet to be published. It's called
" Melody " after the main character. At least
that's what it's called now unless whoever publishes it decides to
change the title (laughing). I grew with this story through the
years and it's very important to me no matter how long it's been
since I've written it. I've rewritten it six times by the way,
(laughing).
JT: Why write books?
SD: If you've got the talent, why not use it? I say go
for it to aspiring writers! I find nothing worse than someone who
has a dream and the talent to accomplish it but won't try. Dreams
are part of living. If I weren't writing, what the heck would I be
doing? I feel like I was put on this earth just for this. Nothing
else has ever made me feel so important.
JT: How do
you define success?
SD: Whenever I look in the mirror and can say, " Stacy
success hasn't changed you one bit. ". Then that is when I feel
truly successful. I also define it by fans and the people I meet.
When I talk to someone and they light up with enthusiasm because
they liked my work or they were just excited to meet me, well I find
nothing more successful than that.
JT: What issues, if any do you thing should be addressed in the
literary industry?
SD: I think the industry should pay more attention to
their female writers and stop treating male authors like their
kings. Women authors shouldn't have to change their names just to be
accepted in any genre. Publishers shouldn't assume just because a
person is a woman that she can't write a certain type of book. I am
happy to see things are changing a bit because more publishing
houses are out to get women writers these days. They've finally
realized that women authors bring in most of the earnings in the
industry.
JT: What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
SD: The most important thing is to look at your life and
see if becoming a writer is what you truly can accomplish. I'm not
necessarily talking just talent, though that's a major part of it. I
am speaking of people should see if writing is something that will
take them far. If they are in it for a quick fix they have the wrong
idea. Unless you've entered writing for the long haul you should
find another career. Sometimes it takes years just to publish one
book and even then you may not be at the stage you want to be in
your career. You have to be dead serious, able to take criticism,
rejection and anything else thrown your way. There is no room for
wimps in the world of writing. Also, you should always have more
than one book on hand. A real writer doesn't sit around after
writing one book they get started on the next one.
JT: Which authors do you admire and why?
SD: Kay Hooper and Linda Howard are my favorite writers.
I admire them both for their ability to branch out and do things in
their specific genres that many writers wouldn't dare to. I also
admire the way they can make old plots so interesting you swear
it's the first time you've heard of them.
JT: Stacy, thank you
for the opportunity to chat with you. J.T.'s Book Corner and Black
Men In America.com, we wish you continued literary success!
SD:
Thanks for the interview. I enjoyed it.
If you would
like to check out Stacy's work, please visit her on the Web at
www.stacy-deanne.net.
So
what do you think? If you would like to respond to this
article
click here and sign our
Guestbook to leave a public or private statement, comment or
reaction.
_small.jpg)
An Intimate One-on-One With Author Bill Holmes
As a respected poet, writer and author on the Philadelphia spoken
word scene, Bill Holmes has touched many souls through his creative
endeavors by striving towards excellence in everything he does. His
performances have captivated many audiences through his unique style
of humor, insight, spirituality, pride, and most importantly, love
and appreciation of a woman. His work has been featured in The
Philadelphia Tribune, Essence Magazine, the spoken word CD Urban Assault,
and the anthology Mine Eyes Have Seen Into
the Millennium. Xpress Yourself Publishing, LLC, will
release Bill’s debut novel, One Love, May 1, 2006.
Bill has had aspirations of being a writer since childhood, but his
writing career began 10 years ago as a poet. While working at a job
he didn't care for, with a lot of time on his hands, he began
venting his frustrations onto paper and spending a lot of time
writing love poems for his then girlfriend. One year later, he
began reciting poetry at open mic venues in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania at the suggestion of his best friend. “I wrote a
chapbook, Illuminations, a full length book, Straight From My Heart, and recorded a spoken word EP,
Asphyxiation, and CD, The Air I Breathe.”
Proud of his accomplishments as a poet, he always felt the desire
to write fiction. That desire manifested itself when he attended a
book signing for Marcus Major’s F
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