Selling sex - in book form

Written by Black Entertainment USA

Sometimes a catchy title just perks the interest. No matter if it’s for a movie, a book, or an article. You just want to know more. So when I saw the article called “Why Women Really Have Sex” I had to stop.

The first thought that has to pop into your mind is, because they are alive? I mean it’s not a big philosophical question. It’s kind of like eating and breathing. But I just had to see what a book with this title was about.

The article, essentially more of a ‘go buy this’ than a review, detailed that the reasons women have sex is far more complex than I could imagine. Which could be true since I am a man. But I doubted it.

Reading the review honestly gave me no new insights, nor compelled me to buy the book. Women have sex because it feels good, they want something, and its natural. That’s not exactly the reasons that were given, but it just breaks down to that. Which is exactly what I thought in the first place.

The book tries to dress all of this up though. It’s based on research over 5 years with information from 1,000 women of various ages and sexual orientations. They even gave 13 different major reasons that appear in greater detail in the book.

Examples are: Mate poaching

“It’s still a bad thing to do. But the bottom line is men and women mates poach because a lot of times the good ones are taken up. It is the case that if a good-looking guy has a good looking partner, then he must be doing something right to get this good-looking partner. She’s already preselected him, and this in some ways makes him more desirable.”

That falls under, it’s natural and they want something. The fact that it’s natural to be attracted to someone that others find attractive is basic. That’s natural selection and been around since cavemen. Wanting what others have is as simple as “keeping up with the Jones’”. But this excuse sounds like justification to me.

To Get Closer to God

“It was a dream come true, being with this incredible man. I was able to lose myself and see God, where the edges of the dreamworld and the real world met.” Heterosexual woman, age 23″

Again, it’s natural and feels good. Obviously very good for this woman.

To Even The Score, and Out of pity and a Want for Power

I combined these 2 as they are the same thing. Here is one quote

“I had sex with a couple of guys because I felt sorry for them. These guys were virgins and I felt bad that they had never had sex before so I had sex with them. I felt like I was doing them a big favor that no one else had ever done. I felt power over them, like they were weaklings under me and I was in control. It boosted my confidence to be the teacher in the situation and made me feel more desirable.” Heterosexual woman, age 25″

Simply put, it is the want of something. Revenge, power, whatever.

Perhaps the classic worst reason I have ever heard may be these. I am combining them as they too are the same thing.

For Money, Out of Boredom and Want of a good meal, Because everyone else is doing it

“I only [have sex for money] with my kid’s father. Not a prostitute or anything and because I love him but nothing is free in this world.” Heterosexual woman, age 32″

That is just sad. It’s insulting. And yes it is prostitution. Whether its cash or a meal. But again they all fall under wanting something. Just the really worst things to want, and a poor reflection on women that believe in this - in my male opinion.

Perhaps the only example of why anyone would buy this book is something I have never heard before.

“A lot of women report that the moment of penetration is the most pleasurable aspect of sex,” said Buss, who previously published “The Evolution of Desire” about varying cultural attitudes about sex. “Orgasm is certainly up there, it’s in the top three, but I don’t know if it’s the No. 1 physical reason.”

Really? I’ve known many women, in fact all of them, that would differ with this conclusion. But I hardly could argue the point. So that was new to me, but still it falls under feeling good and being natural.

Seriously, a catchy title is the big draw for most things being sold. This book is just that, a title and nothing of real benefit - as I see it. But I didn’t read it, and I won’t. If any of my female readers do read this, I would love to hear if anything in this book goes beyond what I have concluded. Or if it’s worth the money.

Author Steven Van Patten interviewed by Michael Vass

Written by Black Entertainment USA

About a year ago I had the opportunity to review a novel by author Steven Van Patten. The book was Brookwater’s Curse, a vampire novel that stands out among the genre on many levels. I found the story to be engaging, the characters unique and a refreshing change.

Since that time, Steven Van Patten has come out with the follow-up book to Brookwater’s Curse. I am currently reading that, and will be providing a review for that as well. But I took the time before finishing the second book to interview Steven.

Michael Vass: Congratulations on the second book being published. It must be a thrill to continue to see your work being in published form and accepted so well across the world.

Steven Van Patten: Thanks Michael. It has been exhilarating to hear the responses I’ve been getting. I mean, when this whole thing started, it was just me, a laptop and my overactive imagination. Now, it’s non-stop e-mails and praise and I’m still very much an underground hit. I’m very grateful for whatever happens from this point on.

Michael Vass: For my readers that are unfamiliar with you, please tell us a bit about yourself.

Steven Van Patten: Well, I’m a Brooklynite — born and raised. I went to Long Island University, where I majored in Media Arts and Minored in English. Grew up in Fort Greene but I’m currently living in Crown Heights. When I’m not our trying to grow the Brookwater’s Curse franchise, or home writing feverishly, I’m usually out stage managing any number of TV shows. I’ve worked regularly on shows like Total Request Live, and BET Tonight with Ed Gordon, but I also done countless concerts, major sports events and things like that.

Michael Vass: Did you always imagine that you would be a writer?

Steven Van Patten: Well I always had a knack for it. In school, the grades spoke for themselves. And I always had this imagination thing. It’s definitely my blessing and my curse. It’s a blessing because it’s definitely a gift from God. It’s a curse because sometimes I can’t control it.

Michael Vass: Was your education a major factor in your desire to be a writer? What did you take in school?

Steven Van Patten: Honestly, school was only part of it. I don’t think my teachers expected what I was capable of, so many of them let me be. My mother pushed me pretty hard to broaden my learning scope past school. So I read voraciously as a kid and still would be if not for the fact that I’ve been too busy writing my own stuff to get into anything new these days.

Michael Vass: What were early influences for you? Are there specific books that inspired you?

Steven Van Patten: Aside from the million comic books currently living in a closet at my mother’s, Stephen King, James Baldwin, Walter Mosley were big literary influences. So, Dracula, Frankenstein and Interview with a Vampire all got same time and attention as Go Tell It On the Mountain and Devil in A Blue Dress and The Fire Next Time.

I should also mention that movies were another big influence — and the movie Blacula left an indelible mark on me — no pun intended. From a special effects standpoint it certainly has not stood the test of time, but it is one of the first examples of a person of color maintaining a high level of dignity during a horror movie.

Michael Vass: What made you decide to pick a vampire story for your book?

Steven Van Patten: I wanted to explore how the world we currently inhabit would seem to a black man who had been around during the slavery era. So for me it was the matter of my taking two things I love — vampires and black history — and meshing them in a compelling way.

Michael Vass: What was your motivation to have almost all the major characters in the books to be African American, Hispanic, and Asian?

Steven Van Patten: I’m big on leaving stereotypes behind, and I wanted to create something new. The world is full of flavors — so to speak — so why not use them all? How often do we get to see or read about a black woman turning into a werewolf? Or an Vampire Samurai Lord? I mean, I look out my window and I see everyone, so why not put everyone in my story?

Michael Vass: How long did it take you to write the book? And your second novel?

Steven Van Patten: The first book, what with the trip to Africa and all the research involved, took 7 years. This is also during the time I was working at MTV almost full time. The second book took 3 and a half, because there was less historical stuff to double check.

Michael Vass: Was it hard to get the book published? Did you get any requests to change the characters or storyline?

Steven Van Patten: I’m self-published, so as far as all that goes, the decision making stops here.

Michael Vass: Often writers include a bit of themselves inside the stories they write. Is there any character that reflects a bit of you in these books? Do any reflect other people you know, or are famous?

Steven Van Patten: I’d say they all do, but none more than Christian Brookwater. He is my mouthpiece and my gauge. He is my Darth Vader, my Kermit the Frog, my Mickey Mouse, my Spider-man. He’s the cornerstone of the franchise and I feel a certain kinship to him, even though he only exists in my head.

Some of his romantic exploits may mirror a few of my own in a vague sense, but I was careful to stay away from specifics. No one character in my stories is one person in particular exclusively. There is a lot of mix and match.

Michael Vass: How much has the works of Bram Stoker and/or Anne Rice, or the multitude of films about vampires affected your writing. You seem to have included some parts of the mythology and excluded others, how did you come to that conclusion?

Steven Van Patten: Every person who dabbles in this genre plays with the rules a little. From silver, to stakes to sunlight. No two writers agree completely. I decided that I wanted to be logical. I wanted to come up with some ways that vampires could have been around and just undetected. So yes, for example, my vamps cast reflections and eat real food, and therefore don’t give themselves away to the general public so easily. When Bram Stoker and Anne Rice put their stories together, they did what made sense to them and ultimately, their belief in what they were doing helped the books resonant. I can only hope the same holds true for me.

Michael Vass: Your books have strong influences from Africa , werewolves, and Asia. How did that come about?

Steven Van Patten: My love of history, whether it be African-American, American, or Asian is a large part of who I am. I enjoyed Bruce Lee flicks as a child just like everybody else. The only thing is, Bruce Lee inadvertently led me — thanks to a film festival, to the work of Akira Kurosawa… which led to a host of things, including me studying Kendo for two years. And of course, the birth of one of my other main characters, Lord Ebichara Tanata.

As far as werewolves go, they are just as fascinating as vampires, because they are part-time monsters who have to reconcile the two sides of themselves. It’s the ultimate analogy for the addictive personality. I love it. The possibilities are endless.

Michael Vass: Taking a peek into the future do you see yourself continuing to write about the supernatural characters found in your first 2 books? Is there another genre that you want to delve into?

Steven Van Patten: I am going to draw the line with Volume III as far as Christian Brookwater goes. I may do a spin off book at some point featuring Jeremiah the new werewolf, maybe, but I feel this part of my work is over soon. The 2nd book really burned me out. Also, to be honest, the creation of the villain Emmanuel took me somewhere I don’t normally go. Not sure how many times I can stare into that abyss, coming up with what motivates these evil creatures while I sit alone in the middle of the night.

Of course, I’ll contradict that now by announcing that I have plans to do a serial killer story. As with the BC series, it will be unusually multi-cultural. But there will only be one of those. After that, I have a comedic side that I intend to start exploring soon.

Michael Vass: How has the publishing experience been?

Steven Van Patten: Like anything else, it has it’s ups and downs. The hardest lesson for me has been that coming up with the story and selling the story involve two completely different sets of skills.

Michael Vass: Do you have any book signing or other appearances coming up that my readers might be able to see you at?

Steven Van Patten: I will be attending Wagfest in Atlanta the week of October 2-4. There may be some other stuff before that, but that’s the big one.

Michael Vass: I like to ask in all my interviews if there is a cause or organization that you champion. I always like to help promote a good cause whenever possible. Is there any organization or cause you would like to present to my readers?

Steven Van Patten: Ever since the Iraq War started, I’ve made it my business to send a few bucks to Disabled Veterans of America as often as I can.

No matter what your stance on the war is, the troops deserve our love and respect.

Michael Vass: Speaking directly to my younger readers in the world, is there something you would like to share with them?

Steven Van Patten: Pull Your Pants Up. That and there is more to the world than just Hip-Hop. Not everyone is going to be a rapper, so let’s get some other skill sets going.

Michael Vass: Where can my reader purchase a copy of your books?

Steven Van Patten: The easiest way would probably be Amazon.com, but if you want an autographed copy you can hit me up at www.brookwaterscurse.com.

I thank Steven for the interview. I hope that it has inspired future writers and given my readers the desire to check out Brookwater’s Curse and the follow-up book. I look forward to speaking with Steven more in the future as his next book is ready for the public.

Michael Vass interviews 4-time author Victoria Morris

Written by Black Entertainment USA

Recently an associate brought to my attention a series of books that they were sure I had not read. In fact, I later learned, my friend had looked around and thought that it would be a great deal of fun to introduce me to this specific line of books. The reason that this was different was because the writer, Victoria Morris, writes about erotica and adult alternative lifestyles, among other subjects. Her books include: Love In Chains, Mistress For Sale, Our Lady Of Pain, and To Love, Honor, & Disobey.

I admit that at first, upon scanning the books I was a bit thrown. But as I read on I found that the material was hardly the thing of taboo that many believe the subject to be. More importantly I found the writing to be of quality and engaging.

Which got me thinking. If I too held thoughts about the subject matter being taboo, I can imagine that many of my readers do too. Yet these books are entertainment as much as any other style of book. And the author is as deserving of attention; in fact moreso than many I have read over the years.

So I set about finding the author and interviewing her. It took a while and was done via email, but I got it done. Thus I present 4-time author Victoria Morris.

Michael Vass: For my readers that are unfamiliar with you please tell us a bit about Victoria Morris.

Victoria Morris: I grew up in a small town not too far from Binghamton and have two teenage children, one in college. I consider myself a research junkie, mostly in regards to American History and family genealogy and have been a practicing Pagan for over 20 years.

Michael Vass: How important was your education in helping you reach this point in your life? Was education something that was important growing up?

Victoria Morris: Well, you can’t be a writer if you don’t know how to read and write! I think the attitudes my parents had with me as a kid were more influential than the formal classroom education I got. I was far from a straight-A student, but I was always encouraged to do my best and to work hard at the thing or things I wanted to do the most. As long as I did that and was happy with it, my parents were proud and encouraging.

Michael Vass: Was writing something you always wanted to do? Did you study English in high school/college?

Victoria Morris: Always. In high school I majored in English as much as one can there. Afterwards I attended TC3 and took an illustration course. I also took a correspondence course in Children’s Literature.

My first goal as a budding author was to write and illustrate children’s books. In fact, my father faithfully saved the first children’s book I did that with when I was nine-years-old. Bill, The Worm Who Ran Away is a well-known piece of literature in my family.

Michael Vass: What is it that motivated you to become a writer?

Victoria Morris: For me, writing is like breathing – I can’t NOT do it. Write or die, that’s my motivation… life!

Michael Vass: What made you decide to take the publishing route you chose?

Victoria Morris: I worked on a history piece for a local group that I sold for $2 each. Those booklets were actually my first real source of writing income. After that, I decided my writing had some value and from then on, have not written for free other than a few Letters-To-The-Editor in local papers. I never considered any of the Self-Publishing companies out there. If I were any good at all, shouldn’t someone be paying me for it instead of the other way around?

Michael Vass: How have you found the private publishing process to be? Is it harder than you thought?

Victoria Morris: I think the hardest part was actually finding a publisher interested in my work, especially something as non-mainstream as BDSM-based erotica. Once I found them, it’s been incredibly easy. They are great people, very personable.

Michael Vass: How rewarding and difficult has the private publishing process been?

Victoria Morris: I’ve enjoyed working with my publisher right from the start. They even let me have a great deal of say in what I envision for the cover art, which is something very, very few writers get to do. I commissioned a private artist for the first two covers but was, sadly, unable to get him for the third. He is incredible!

Michael Vass: You have written 3 books so far, what is that experience like? What do you do to prepare?

Victoria Morris: Actually, I’ve written 9 novels, but only 4 have been published and only those four are erotica-based. The first drafts of almost all my novels were written in long hand in a steno pad. I don’t outline at all. I’m what is called an organic writer. I just go with the flow of whatever direction the characters take me. Some people find it funny when I say even I don’t know what’s going to happen next most of the time, but it’s true. Some of my characters get very cranky if I try to tell them what to do. That’s a good thing. It means they have a life and that’s what readers want.

Michael Vass: How long does it take to write a book? What gets you motivated to write?

Victoria Morris: Love In Chains took just about a year to write. That includes the final draft. That has been about the same pace for all my books, about a year. The plot and characters motivate me and the need to get out a good story and share it with others.

Michael Vass: How hard was it to write your first book? Did it get easier after that first book?

Victoria Morris: Every book is difficult in its own way. The second erotica, To Love, Honor & Disobey, was much harder to write than Love In Chains. The characters were more influenced by what was going on in the world beyond Greenbrier Plantation. The erotica is more than just erotica, it is historically correct erotica. I had to know what battles were going on where and how those things would influence what my characters could and could not do. At one point, Dr. Addams meets with Gen. Thomas Jackson. I had to make sure that would have been possible considering where Gen. Jackson was at that time in the War.

Michael Vass: Where do you get the inspiration for your characters, and what happens to them?

Victoria Morris: My characters come from little bits of myself, from my family, from my friends. I warn people that they may just find themselves in one of my books one way or another and some of them already have.

You’d think I’d have more control over the plot than I actually do. As an organic writer my happiest moments are when I have no idea what’s going to happen and am writing as fast as I can to keep up with the action in my head. Sit down and watch a movie you’ve never seen before and start writing what you see and the dialogue as you go. That’s a little bit what it’s like when I’m in The Zone.

Michael Vass: What inspired the time period that your stories take place in?

Victoria Morris: As I mentioned earlier, I’m a research junkie and have always been interested in the Victorian era, specifically the U.S. Civil War time period. I had attended several re-enactments prior to getting involved in it myself as a re-enactor. Contrary to what people might think, the Victorians were hardly prudes, they just kept all their sexuality hidden and secret. What better time period to set a BDSM novel in? Secret sexual practices abounded back then. I could pretty much make up anything I wanted!

Michael Vass: Has the subjects of your books made it harder to distribute your books?

Victoria Morris: Definitely. Unlike my other writer friends I can’t have a book signing at the local Mall or at any of the larger, better known bookstores. And because of the small size of my publisher, they are really unable to afford going through the more popular places online.

Michael Vass: The subject you write about is taboo for some people, what brought you to write about that?

Victoria Morris: Long before chat rooms, there was (and still is) a place called LambdaMOO. It was created by a bunch of Dungeon & Dragons people who wanted to be able to interact with more people. It allows you to create characters, build various rooms and objects and allows you to interact in real time with other people all purely in text format.

My first character there was Lady Vivianne, a vampire Mistress. It was a game and one I was told I played very well. I found that I was damn good at creating a sexual, sensual and believable atmosphere with my fellow players and that kind of got me thinking about writing an erotic novel.

Michael Vass: Are you actually involved in the alternative lifestyle or do you just write about it?

Victoria Morris: I have been actively involved in the Lifestyle for about 10 years now, but I have not done ALL of the things that are described in the books. That’s what research is for. Sometimes the scenes in the books are scenes I’ve watched taking place right before me. Others were simply suggested to me or were things I read about.

Michael Vass: At what point did you learn about the alternative lifestyle? What drew you to it?

Victoria Morris: I didn’t really understand it until about fifteen years ago when I started watching and participating in online scenes at the aforementioned LambdaMOO. I think what drew me in was the sense of power and control I felt within myself.

I didn’t have that in my own life at the time. I wanted to be able to have more say in things than what I felt I did. Becoming an online vampire Mistress was very empowering. Through that and other characters I had, I learned what worked and didn’t work for me as well as what I did and didn’t want in a real relationship.

Michael Vass: Have you ever had family and friends read your books? How did they react?

Victoria Morris: Yes, I have had family and friends read my books. My cousin has been my first Reader for years. My mother has copies of all my books, too. She’s read Love In Chains and admits she was a little scared at first. Once she got into it though, the sexual stuff really didn’t bother her so much because there was such a strong plot going on, too.

The few friends that have read the first book maybe don’t quite get it as far as the kink is concerned, but they have been supportive even as they eyed me rather warily.

Michael Vass: Often writers include a bit about themselves in their stories, is there any specific parts of you in these stories?

Victoria Morris: Lucy, the main female lead, is very much into Spiritualism and the occult, though she passes herself off as a devout Episcopalian. That combination comes from my grandmothers.

One was Episcopalian and I was even baptized as such. The other was very interested in Spiritualism, so much so that for my 13th birthday she bought for and taught me how to use a Ouija board.

Mistress Vivianne is a re-creation of the first LambaMOO character I had. The first Vivianne was anything but nice. She was full of rage and man-hate. I was going through some difficult times in my life and used her to vent safely.

Michael Vass: Is it difficult to be in the alternative lifestyle? Does it interfere with your daily life?

Victoria Morris: Sometimes the general public bases too much of their opinions of people on what we do in the bedroom. That’s really unfair. In some ways it does interfere with my daily life. As I have kids, I have to be extremely vigilant in keeping my writing and research materials secure. I can’t leave manuscripts just lying around. I can’t even put copies of my books on my own bookshelf. Being a writer is such a vital part of who I am, and to have to hide that from them on some level really nags at me.

Michael Vass: Some readers will likely want to know if you believe the alternative lifestyle restricts you as a woman? Does it hold you back in your career or life choices?

Victoria Morris: I don’t think it holds me back as a woman, so much as being able to be open and honest with everyone about who I am as a person. It’s a bit restraining (no pun intended) to have to keep such an important part of myself tucked away from prying and judgmental eyes.

So far, being exposed to and participating in the Lifestyle has only enhanced my career as a writer and in doing that has encouraged me to expand and improve on my writing in other genres.

Michael Vass: Considering that you focus on the alternative lifestyle in your book, have you had any positive or negative feedback from readers?

Victoria Morris: All the reviews I’ve seen have been very positive, as has been the feedback I’ve gotten from people in person. They seem genuinely grateful that what I’m writing is not just all sex, sex, sex, but that my characters come across as real people.

Michael Vass: For those interested in writing their own books, what might you suggest?

Victoria Morris: Do it because you love to do it, not because you think you’ll be the next Ernest Hemmingway or Patricia Cornwall. Chances are very high you won’t be.

Write what you know. If you don’t know about a specific thing you want incorporated, don’t fake it – do the research!

Don’t be afraid to let others read your stuff. It’s the only way you’ll know how well, or how crappy, you are. A good Reader is a godsend. They will be 100% honest with you just like a real editor will be. You need to be able to take that sort of blunt honesty right from the start so get used to it.

Michael Vass: I always like to ask anyone I interview a question about the causes and organizations that they believe in, if any. Is there a cause or organization you support and would like to mention?

Victoria Morris: I have been a member of The National Trust for Historic Preservation since 1995. I’m a big advocate for preserving and remembering where we come from, be that public building, a battlefield, a private home, a covered bridge or personal papers and documents.

Every single one of us comes from somewhere. I think it’s enormously vital to remember where that place is and who those people were.

Michael Vass: Are you working on another book now?

Victoria Morris: I’m always working on at least one book. Without going into too many details, the one that is the furthest along centers around a colony of vampires residing in contemporary West Virginia.

I’ve personally had enough of the saccharine sweet vampires we’ve had stuffed down our throats lately. I’ve always found vampires to be incredibly powerful, sexy creatures, but not necessarily in a romantic way. If you watch how Christopher Lee portrays Count Dracula in the Hammer films, you’ll see what I mean. He could be sexy as hell, but he wasn’t nice about it.

Michael Vass: Where can those interested learn more about your books, and purchase them.

Victoria Morris: The very best place to purchase is directly from the publisher at www.pinkflamingo.com. From there you can do an author search under my name and it will bring up all my titles. Everything is available on eBook, too.

Michael Vass: What would you recommend for those interested in learning more about the lifestyle?

Victoria Morris: Research!! This means being able to ask discrete questions at your local adult toy or bookstore. They are in the erotic business and just may know if there are any groups in your area. There are groups online like alt.com but I tend to steer away from those just because people can be so fake behind a computer screen. It’s better and safer to meet new people in a large, public setting. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, lots and lots of questions.

I want to thank Victoria Morris for the interview. I hope that this interview has shed light on an author that I believe deserves more attention, but due to the subject is harder to receive it.

In addition I hope to have also removed a touch of the stigma associated with this genre of entertainment; and perhaps removed a bit of the mystery surrounding alternative lifestyles – particularly BDSM. I admit that my knowledge of such was very limited and little more than what is in the general consciousness, but this has added to my general understanding.

Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of this interview for me, besides being in touch with an excellent successful writer, is to learn that unlike the taboo we all are instructed to accept without basis - the people in the alternative lifestyle are just regular people too. It’s a prejudice I didn’t realize I had, and am glad to count it as one fewer that I have in my life.

So in conclusion, if you are willing to visit the wilder side of your imagination and enjoy solid writing, do purchase a copy of one or all the books of author Victoria Morris.

Reviewing Robin Roberts book From the Heart

Written by Michael Vass

I have recently finished reading the book, From the Heart by Ms. Robin Roberts, and I must say it was quite interesting. The book reads well, its 170 pages having the feel of a warm conversation more than anything else. Ms. Roberts comes off as genuine and caring, her re-telling of tales in her life adding a perspective most books of this genre don’t seem to convey well. At least to me.

Ms. Roberts’s book covers a great deal of her life, from early youth to recent times. The focus includes her life from high school to working at Good Morning America. There may be many Americans, and people across the globe, that might be familiar with Ms. Roberts from her time at ESPN. I can honestly say that I am not one of them. Being a fan of football, golf, and soccer I rarely watch ESPN. Even rarer is the number of times I’ve watched Good Morning America. As a result Ms. Roberts name was unfamiliar to me. Yet once I finished this book I felt as if I knew her for quite some time.

This book is not so much a “how to” book, as Mr. Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich can be, nor would I say the rules are exactly that. Rather this is an understanding being passed on that some may get.

Those that may get the most out of this book might be women, Black White or otherwise. That is not to say that men would feel left out when reading the book, I felt that sections of the chapters were targeted to, and could hold deeper meaning for, a woman reader. To the credit of Ms. Roberts even those sections were enjoyable for me to read. I think a similar statement could be made about sports fans. There are multiple sports events and personages mentioned through the book. While a fan might gain greater impact from them, the casual observer will not be overwhelmed.

Speaking of sports, Ms. Roberts has had a lot of contact with various noted sports figures in addition to celebrities and world renowned individuals. Ms. Roberts has no problem dropping their names either. I will say that though there are several names dropped; most are relevant to what is being discussed. I never felt overwhelmed or distracted by this.

The most prevalent names in the book are not celebrities or athletes though; they are in fact the family of Ms. Roberts. Her connection to her family is obvious and strong. Many of her examples circle around her mother, grandmother, and father. Their influence on her life and choices are apparent.

I want to detract for a moment. Ms. Roberts’s father was one of the Tuskegee Airmen. I have great respect for all military personnel, especially those that served in a war. The Tuskegee Airmen stand out for me though, and I suggest anyone not familiar with them to learn more about of what they did.

Going back to the book, I’ve mentioned I enjoyed it. I consider myself moderately successful and have no lack of self-motivation. So in a manner I lose some of the impact that the book provides. Equally I don’t agree with a few thoughts mentioned. We all have different experiences and goals, so that is to be expected. Of the points I agree with, I feel strongly on them. One such thought is that I think more parents should behave more like Ms. Roberts’s, and my own.

So depending on how you live and where you are (internally) Ms. Roberts words may mean more or less to you. Given that I still feel this book should be read.

Book Review: Brookwater’s Curse

Written by Michael Vass

In between creating 25 blogs for a client in the past few days I had a bit of time to wind down. In that time I became aware of a new author and his first published book. Actually a friend of mine became aware of this, and due to the fantasy nature of the book, I was told about it. It’s about Vampires. But it has a perspective that really has not been addressed before. The lead character is an African American.

The book, Brookwater’s Curse, is a trip through American history via the diary of the titular character, written by Steven Van Patten. We get to experience America through the eyes of one of our Ancestors and his growth in that time. It’s a unique view. And overall is done well.

This is a self-published book. I need to mention this because there are a few edges to the book that are rough. The graphic image on the cover of the book looks a bit cartoonish and might lead some to overlook the book thinking it is something for kids or teens. That would be a mistake. Throughout the book there are points where a historical event, or a new character/species, is mentioned and the fonts change as if there was a hyperlink. And there is the occasional typographical error. All of these things are minor and infrequent issues. None are enough to take you out of the story or breaking the spell that is being woven.

What the reader will get is that Mr. Christian Brookwater was a man born in a horrible time in America that tried his best to endure. His problems were not only the Slavery that existed but his own birthright. And then things go downhill in his life. Until he is “rescued” which leads to even more pain. Brookwater is a man that gains many achievements, and at each crest he tumbles. I really felt bad for him. And then you are lead to his real challenge, which is the issue the book starts with.

I found this book interesting because, like other novels in this genre, there are other monstrous peoples. There are werewolves, rachasas, and ghosts. Each is dealt with and explained in time and with an explanation that flows with the story and makes sense in the world presented.

Let me pause, I hate when a book or movie gives you a world with certain rules – and then breaks them. A quick example is Alien vs. Predator. It sucked, mostly because they broke the rules. The molecular blood that can go through floors of metal did nothing to a woman’s face. People exposed to the Antarctic weather in a t-shirt aren’t cold. And the rule breaking goes on and on. It ruins the story. The best movies and books create a world that has rules and sticks to them, no matter how illogical or fantastic they may be. Like the Lord of the Rings or Blade Runner.

But as I was saying, not only do we get to learn of these other peoples we get to understand other cultures as well. The ancient samurai are as vital to this story as is Harlem, and Africa.

In every step we get to learn of Brookwater as he deals with events in the nation from a unique perspective and an appreciation that is seldom conveyed in other books even in this genre. And as you read through the story you come to understand that it has not been discussed before. That a void has existed, and was completely ignored like the existence of people of color on Friends.

But don’t think that the inclusion, actually emphasis on, people of color is the only asset of this story. It is a well thought out, and researched story. No matter the race of the characters the story would be involving, but the inclusion of race adds an aspect that makes it both unique and accented.

But the book does have problems.

The first 2 chapters are probably the worst of the whole book. It’s rushed and feels forced. The detail and pacing seem rushed. In a few points in the book you want to learn more about an era or event. At others you question other factors. One thought for me came about money. Mr. Brookwater always seems in need of cash, either due to his generosity or his manner in resolving certain situations, and I wonder why he never opened a bank account, as say characters in the Highlander series did. And in certain events the flow of action seems somewhat fuzzy. As I mentioned earlier there are also the typos and font changes.

Perhaps the main issue I have is the end of the story. It doesn’t actually end a trend that is more common these days, and that annoys me. We are literally brought to a conclusion of certain events while leaving a huge vacuum in others. It is obvious that the story will continue in another book, which I look forward to reading. But there is nothing that makes me more annoyed than being invested in the characters and then having to stop just as the major plot is being expanded on.

Of course this is a smart way to launch a second book. As I mentioned, I will get the next book and read that as well. I would expect most who read this first book will want to continue the story. Because I think the investment in the characters is too involving not to continue.

I have avoided discussing any of the specifics of the characters and events in the story for a reason. They are worth reading about. My favorite characters are Christian Brookwater, Lord Tanata, and Melody. I expect them all to have much more emphasis in the next book. The potential is strong for each.

The author of the book, Steven Van Patten, has done a great job of making a world that is fresh and interesting in a genre that has become formulaic. His perspective on the strengths, weaknesses, and personal struggles of the characters is endearing. His style of writing is engrossing and generally quite good. His attention to details of history, and cultures, adds to the depth of the story and its base in reality.

I recommend Brookwater’s Curse to fans of vampires, fantasy, and afrocentric stories. Even if you are not a fan of these, but enjoy reading a good book I would say you should give this a read. And I expect that most of those that read the first book will be glad to hear that the second book is near its publishing date and will be available shortly.

Do let me know your thoughts when you read this.

Watch for Book Sales

I was reading an interesting article which may lead to a fundamental change on how publishers sell books to bookstores. The proposed change may lead to a “No Return Policy”.

Robert Miller who left Hyperion for a new unit of Harper Collins is experimenting with the idea. In the end, this idea may work well for the publishers and the bookstores. Miller believes that this policy may stop publishers from overprinting. One book retailer executive told us, “This policy works well for us too. Each day, at least one of our employees in a bookstore spends most of their day packaging old books to be shipped back to the publisher.

In order for this new system to work, publishers will have to offer bigger discounts to the retailers. In the end, this policy may be a big win for both sides.

In 2005, 31 percent of all books were sent back to the publishers.