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In Between Issues...TRANSCRIPT
Volume 1, Issue 1
WHERE READERS GET THE JUICE...
URBAN GRAPEVINE MAGAZINE
Newsletter Date 5/16-6/16
INSIDE URBAN READS NEWSLETTER
Control in a relationship is not etched
in stone and power can (and more of-
ten than not) shift to the other party.
To illustrate my point, the individual
who asks for the date doesn’t always
decide where the date will take place…
or what time it will end. The illusion of
control is diabolical in nature and lies
dormant within the individual who uses
it to the best of his or her ability. Ironi-
cally, the one in power may not even
realize their true potential. Disclaimer:
for all you relationship “purists” that
are reading this and saying: relation-
ships are about compromise and flexi-
bility – well… I have three words for
you: BLAH! BLAH! BLAH! Adjectives like
compromise, flexibility and mutuality
are contrived and exist only in family-
themed television shows made even
more popular from channels like Nick
at Nite! It’s a façade. There is no mu-
tuality. It only exists in the minds of
those that would love to live life with
that commonality of achieving it one
day.
Reader’s Thoughts:
“Women ultimately control the rela-
tionship. While the man may take the
lead and be the dominant player, it’s
the woman who holds down the rela-
tionship.” --- T Pretty Lady
__________________
“Women run things. Men no longer
wish to wear the pants. They wait for
the woman to do everything and act
surprised when women turn to other
women.” --- Anjela Day
DAVID L. PRESENTS…
DAVID L. 4 PRESIDENT
Column Synopsis: A random and unbiased perspective of
what is relevant in the world today – as seen through the
eyes of yours truly, David L. A column not to be duplicated…
but to be emulated. Because after all, groundbreaking mate-
rial does not come around every day. A comprehensive “no
holds barred” opinion on the literary world, sports & music
industry, and current social events of utmost importance. NO
structured thought scheme – just some occasional and unbi-
ased HATE towards those that deserve it! One-on-one inter-
views to include abstract, unconventional questions with
individuals of relevance. A Q&A with random readers with
answers posted to include hints, tips and breakthrough mar-
keting ideas into either getting into the industry of their
choice – and/or surviving it! In conclusion – a breakthrough
column to for the ages… none before me. None after my
departure. ‘Nuff said.
CAN I HIT IT IN THE MORNING?!
(Who Controls The Relationship: Men Or Women?)
Intro
The Art of War is not just a well known and best-selling read –
it’s a way of life amongst men and women everywhere… re-
gardless of race, culture or creed. The art of war is simply
put – psychological warfare with the primary intention of get-
ting the most from the opposite sex (depending on your sexu-
al preference). Contrary to popular belief, there are subtle
nuances in the concept of “leaders were born to lead and
followers were born to follow.” There is a “pecking order” of
sorts in this game we call life. My sole objective is to prove
once and for all – who is the ultimate “puppet master” in the
murky waters of romance and relationship? Who is the true
“big baller shot caller” and who indeed “runs the show”?
Similar to the various forms of abuse, true power takes on a
myriad of forms. Physical power is the ability to overpower
your mate through physical coercion and/or downright bully-
ing. Domination via presence and stature, most often ac-
complished by men. There is also mental power. The ability
to outwit your mate. Cunning. Stealth. Wit. Psychological
power perhaps? A possible raunchy videotape tucked away
somewhere… only to be used at a later date? True “tongue
skills” is not a reference to how well you can perform cunni-
lingus. On the contrary, it is your means to seduce with your
words… and manipulate with precision and tact.
FREE GENERAL ADMISSION TO THE PUBLIC
October 24-26, 2013 - 6th Anniver-sary - Houston, Texas
Location: Fallbrook Church - 12512 Walters Rd., Houston, TX 77014
Exhibit Hours:
Friday, October 25, 2013 - 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 26, 2013 -
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
AUTHORS: $100 deposit re-
serves Festival table; name listing and
link are added within 48 hours of regis-
tration. Standard Rate is in effect
(expires 05/31/13) and balance of
$200.00 is due by 07/31/13.
The New York Black Expo and Music Heritage
Festival will debut on September 14th and
15th,
2013 and will include two full days of busi-
ness exhibition and the following events and
programs:
business seminars, literary seminars, entre-
preneurial youth seminars, health seminars,
business
seminars, networking mixers followed by
evening concerts and comedy shows.
To become a speaker, vendor, sponsor or
volunteer
send an email
Date:
Sept 14-15, 2013
Time:
12pm to 10pm
Location:
Midtown Manhattan
Send your answers to:
be entered to win
our bi-monthly contest
May 3-4, 2013 - Grub Street Writer's Conference, Boston,
MA. For more information, go to: http://
www.grubstreet.org/?id=173
May 23-25, 2013 - Backspace Writer's Conference, New
York City, NY. For more information, go to: http://
www.backspacewritersconference.com
May 16-19, 2013 - New England Young Writer's Confer-
ence, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT. For more infor-
mation, go to: http://sites.middlebury.edu/neywc/
May 2013 - Colorado Christian Writer's Conference, YMCA
Estes Park Center, Denver, CO. For more information, go
to: http://www.writehisanswer.com
May 2013 - Children's Writers Conference, Toronto, Ontar-
io. For more information, go to: http://www.canscaip.org
May 2013 - Sydney Writers' Festival Sydney New South
Wales (Australia). For more information, go to: http://
www.swf.org.au
May 2013 - National Black Book Festival, Houston, TX.
For more information, go to: http://
www.nationalblackbookfestival.com
May 2013 - Book Expo America, New York, NY. For more
information, go to: http://www.bookexpoamerica.com
June 2013 - Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference, Homer,
AK. For more information, go to: http://
writersconference.homer.alaska.edu
June 2013- Wesleyan Writers Conference, Middletown,
CT. For more information, go to: http://
www.wesleyan.edu/writing/conference
June 2013 - Black Writers' Reunion & Conference, Atlan-
ta, GA. For more information, go to: http://
www.blackwriters.org
June 2013 - Write! Canada Conference, Guelph, Ontario.
For more information, go to: http://www.writecanada.org
June 2013 - 39th Santa Barbara Writers' Conference,
Santa Barbara, CA. For more information, go to: http://
www.sbwriters.com
June 24-July 3, 2013 - Rutgers-Camden Summer Writer's
Conference, Camden, NJ. For more information, go to:
http://www.camden.rutgers.edu/Academics/summer/
writconf.html
June 2013 - Write to Publish Conference, Wheaton, IL. For
more information, go to: http://www.writetopublish.com
“Men lead because the world says so. It’s natural to let a man lead his family, house-
hold, and especially his woman.” --- Author Veronica Blackbeauty
“Women control the relationship mentally and physically. Some women use mind
games and some use pu**y control.” --- Anonymous
“Women control the relationship. The man is the head and the woman is the neck that
controls the head (only a strong woman can control without belittling her man.)” ---
Elayne Brinson
“Women control the relationship. We are attracted to their beauty and we build on that.
We fall in love with their heart and continue to love them because of the person they
truly are. We go thru with the wedding to please them. They plan the wedding. We as
men just want peace, sex and knowing our woman care and appreciate us.” --- Darrell
Freeman Jr.
“Women because men are weak when it comes to being in a relationship. The power of
the pu**y keeps them powerless and timid – especially if it’s good!” --- Rochelle Allen-
Woods
“The man. He is the natural hunter, provider and protector of the household. It’s in the
woman’s nature to follow the lead of her man.” --- Author Nah’Sun
“Historically the assumption has always been the man but by seeing the innate resili-
ence of women of all races, I feel women more times than not control the relationship.” -
-- Kevin Chase
“In the beginning, men naturally lead, but later down the line, the roles switch. Woman
are the drive behind why men get up and out on their grind. Women control the sex and
when and if kids get involved.” --- Auntie Joy
Alas, we’ve reached that time in which I provide you with my long-awaited answer to the
million dollar question – and the point of this article in the first place. The answer which
connects the dots typical, everyday relationship between men and women. Remember
folks – this is bigger than all of us. Bigger than your well-meaning aspirations of equali-
ty and compromise. It’s about who comes out on top in an argument, who comes out
on top in the judicial system (divorce, alimony, child support, custody, etc). This is
about who comes out on top in the execution of the initial and subsequent date, sexual
intimacy and quite possibly one day, marriage. Drumroll please…
the WOMAN wins – hands down! This is a no brainer people and only those of you who
actually think you learned something new from Steve Harvey’s infantile rants on the
alleged “book” he wrote should be in for a surprise. Let’s use the aforementioned ex-
amples: women will always win in an argument. That’s a game of verbal warfare we as
men do not stand a chance on winning. Women are meticulous creatures that will
dissect everything we say and regurgitate back towards us. And we will be frozen in
place – unable to provide any meaningful response. Women will always win in a court
of law. Do I even need to elaborate? The motto “it’s cheaper to keep her” has been
conceived from this notion. And sex – FORGET ABOUT IT! Next to money, sex is the
world’s oldest, most lucrative and effective weapon towards the male species. Wars
have been born because of the power of the pu**y and the mind control it has inflicted
upon men. Marriages have been dissolved because of it… and lives have been irrevo-
cably ruined over it.
This has been my public service announcement and until next time…
STAY TUNED for upcoming installments of “CAN I HIT IT IN THE MORNING?!”
I welcome all feedback… illogical or otherwise. Get at me.
The Meriden Black Heritage
Festival is hosting its 24th an-
nual festival on June 15, 2013.
It is the largest African American event in
Connecticut. We invite you to join us in our
efforts to “Educate, Empower, Entertain “
Connecticut residents regarding the achieve-
ments and diversity of the African American
culture. The Meriden Black Heritage Festival
celebrates the spirit of African-American life,
music, history and culture. This family orient-
ed event provides an array of educational
and fun filled activities for the entire com-
munity and brings awareness to the contri-
butions of African-Americans and others in
the vast African Diaspora. A melting pot of
backgrounds the heritage of African Ameri-
cans is truly “A Multicultural Affair”
Welcome Readers to the 2013 Black Authors & Readers Rock Weekend - October 18 & 19! CONFERENCES & TRADE SHOWS
Friday, October 18, 2013, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Pictured are the 2012 Best Dressed Book Club Winners!We hope you will make this a
"weekend affair". Contact the Comfort Inn (301/464-0089) directly to make reservations -
please request the "Black Authors Rock" group rate! The group room rate is $119.Group tick-
ets must be purchased together, at one time.Ticket prices increase September 1, 2013.
TICKETS GO OFF SALE ON SEPTEMBER 30!
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Friday evening we will kick off the weekend with "Men In Literature"
a panel discussion featuring
Solomon Jones, Leonard Pitts, Jr., and Austin Camacho,
Norwood Holland and Harold Fisher
Our keynote speakers for the Saturday Luncheon are the incomparable award winning
Victoria Christopher Murray and ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Go to www.realdivasread.com - Authors Rock for a
complete list of participating authors & info on panel discussions!
We anticipate 20-25 authors will participate in the Author Expo on Saturday from 10 am til 4
pm. All Saturday ticket holders may attend the morning panel discussions. Choose from:How
to Prepare for & Facilitate An Effective Book Club DiscussionThe Art of Writing a Good Book
ReviewSo You Wanna Be a Published AuthorNetwork for Good: Authors & Book Clubs
Sponsorship opportunities are available for publishers and other interested organizations, cor-
porations or individuals. Please contact the Reading Divas for more information.
Comfort Inn Hotel and Conference Center
4500 Crain Hwy.
Bowie, MD 20716
National Book Club Conference
August 2-4, 2013
Atlanta, GA
Los Angeles Black Book Expo
August 17, 2013
Los Angeles, CA
http://labbx.org
National Black Book Festival
October 24-26, 2013
Houston, TX
http://www.nationalblackbookfestival.com
September 2013 A Brooklyn Book Festival Bookend Event The Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, CUNY Presents The John Oliver Killens Literary Salon Saturday, September 21, 2013 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 22, 2013 10am - 6pm Brooklyn Borough Hall and Plaza 209 Joralemon Street, Brooklyn NY 11201 http://www.brooklynbookfestival.org/BBF/Home
October 2013 Las Comadres y Compadres Writers Conference Saturday, October 5, 2013 8:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
Once again the Center for Black Literature’s National Black Writers Conference will partner with Las Comadres on their second writers conference.
The Comadres y Compadres Writers Conference, which will take place at the Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York on October 5, 2013, will provide Latino writers with access to published Latino authors as well as agents and editors who have a proven track record of publishing Latino writers. In addition, the CCWC will offer an insider’s perspective on how best to navigate the particular challenges and opportunities faced by Latino writers in the current publishing landscape, as well as foster a vibrant national community of writers akin to what Las Comadres has already created with its Las Comadres international network and its Las Comadres and Friends Na-tional Latino Book Club and Teleconference Series. www.lascomadres.org
The Center for Black Literature 10th Anniversary Celebration Thursday, October 17, 2013
Details Coming Spring/Summer 2013
David L. is the award-winning author & publisher of 4 novels: Over Your Dead Body, My Life Is A
Movie, Chalk Outline Confessions: The Remix & Represent. All are available for purchase on his
official author website at: www.totalpackagepublications.com, and via E-book (Kindle & Nook).
Email David L. at: [email protected]. Follow David L. on Twitter at:
www.twitter.com/almightydavidl; and on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/theauthordavidl and on
Instagram at: Almightydavidl.
So You Want To Be A Best Seller?
There is a saying that states, “You are what you eat?” Meaning what you put into your body becomes a part of
you. So, would you say you are what you write? If so, then what you write brands you and vice versa. Branding in
any form of business is very vital. How you represent your work or business will have a bearing on how people
perceive you.
How to find your brand?
What is your specialty? What have you written? Is there a common denominator; street life, love and relation-
ships, thrillers or mystery? Maybe there is an even combination of it all. Either way you must find a hook to your
style, like a tagline. I write urban fiction but I’d like to think I am versatile so I use Urban Fiction and a subgenre;
Urban life. My tagline for my work is “Urban living, loving and street drama.” Whatever you decide make sure it
sums you up as best as possible. Every now and then you can tweak it but keep the theme focused. Now that
you have a theme to your writing style, who do you want the world to see? The business woman or man in you or
the everyday you? Make sure this is relative to your brand. I love my writers to see me as I am on an everyday
basis. When I am on my social media pages I stay connected to the everyday reader. I want them to know that I
am just a ‘round the way type of person. So when I post a picture it’s the real me.
The Platform Is You!
Where do you start? The first step should be a place to find you? Email. When you do connect with social medi-
as, blogs and your own website you will need a main port for contact. The second step is to find an affordable
home for your webpage/site. Now you can prepost your book information. You should start informing your audi-
ence about your book: Pics of self, bio, short book synopsis, excerpts, character synopsis and book cover pics.
This brands you! Now let’s brand your book with you. Book trailers are a great idea. It’s a short movie that pitch-
es your book out to potential readers. Set up book club discussions based on your journey and introducing your
book. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.
$Social Networking=Social Net Worth$
Google +
Amazon.com Community
GoodReads