LaConnie Taylor-Jones

An air of confidence filled the room the moment Raphael Baptiste swaggered into the parlor area of his Presidential Suite at the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis. As we exchanged greetings before an exclusive one-on-one interview, I couldn’t help but recall my initial meeting with him at the start of his career a little over eight years ago.

As a veteran entertainment reporter, I’d finally landed an interview with the man the music industry knows as Ray LaSalle, pianist and founder of the jazz band Les Croisés. Unlike the celebrities I’d interviewed in the past, I was immediately struck by LaSalle’s persona. He’s a master at holding people away and observes cautiously. He’s perfected his uncanny ability to use his charm as a shield to appear outgoing, perhaps spontaneous when in fact, he isn’t.

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I’d be remiss if I didn’t salute the countless literary pioneers who paved the way for me and other African-American authors during the month deemed Black History Month. Although we’ve come a long way, we’ve got a long way to go.

During a recent interview with Shelia English, CEO of COS Production, we talked about the significance of Black History Month and ways African-American authors can be better promoted in the publishing industry. Our discussion was candid, and hopefully, lends to the implementation of strategies, which allow for parity to all authors regardless of ethnicity.

Enjoy!!

Until next time – stay well and be blessed

Tinsel Town is about to learn a few lessons from a Southern belle name Dr. Laney Olivia Houston. She has the courage to win the heart of a certain jazz man who swore no woman ever would in – If I Were Your Woman – due to be released March 4, 2010!

For months, I’ve tried to interview this petite-framed leading lady and finally succeeded. I was stuck by her warmth and honesty the moment she walked into the room. At only five feet, three inches, physician researcher with flawless butter cream skin, red hair and eyes the same shade as polished emeralds captivated my attention for over an hour. During our time together, I learned a lot about this freckled-face heroine that I believe readers would be interest to know.

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A few weeks ago, one of my readers e-mailed me. Her query was simple: how do you create the characters in your stories? That’s a simple question, right? Well for me, it’s a little more complex than simply creating a character. My goal as an author is to create characters readers will love!

Here’s the analogy I go through each and every time I sit down to develop the characters in my stories:

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