In celebration of the upcoming release of my fourth novel, Still Dirty, the sequel to Dirty Red, Triple Crown wants to send YOU to Las Vegas!                                                                   STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS! 

1)     You have gone from an inmate serving time for Federal drug charges, to the Queen of Hip Hop fiction, what has been the most difficult obstacle for you to overcome?

          THE LARGEST OBSTACLE WAS BELIEVING THAT THERE WAS LIFE AFTER A MISTAKE AND THAT ANYTHING WAS POSSIBLE. ONCE I BECAME GROUNDED IN MY FAITH THAT GOD COULD TURN ANYTHING AROUND, THE PATH BECAME MUCH CLEARER FOR ME TO FOLLOW. 

2)     You have had critical success as a writer. With four books, and the highly anticipated sequel to Dirty Red, titled Still Dirty, due out this July where do you get your inspiration for the imaginative and innovative storylines and characters in your novels?

          I DEFINITELY DRAW FROM REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES AND PEOPLE THAT I HAVE MET IN MY PAST. WRITING IS CLEARLY A FANTASY REALM THAT I ENJOY INTRODUCING TO MY READERS. 

3)     Triple Crown Publications is the leading publisher of Urban Literature, what has been the most rewarding aspect of starting your own company?

          THE REWARD HAS BEEN STARTING WRITING CAREERS THAT WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE GONE OVERLOOKED WERE IT NOT FOR TCP BEING A DOORWAY FOR THE NOVICE AUTHOR. ALSO, THE LEGACY THAT I NOW LEAVE FOR MY CHILDREN IS THAT OF BEATING THE ODDS THAT WERE AGAINST ME. 

4)     You are a very busy woman; between writing best-selling novels, running the leading Publishing House for Urban HipHop Literature, and working as a literary agent for many of your popular authors, what do you do to relax in your down-time?

          I READ…(SMILE) REALLY DOWN TIME FOR ME IS WATCHING A SUNSET AND REALIZING THAT DREAMS REALLY DO COME TRUE. 

5)     Recently you received Ball State’s prestigious Ascent Award, naming you Entrepreneur of the Year of 2007. What advice if any can you give young entrepreneurs seeking advice from a seasoned pro?

      BE PATIENT, ALLOW ROOM FOR GROWTH AND BUILD YOUR COMPANY ON A STRONG ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS. AND AS ALWAYS, DARE TO DREAM.

You know, lately I’ve gotten several offers to sell Triple Crown. Most days I feel like ‘Hell NO! are you nuts??” I realize the importance of what it is that we do here daily, and I want to be a part of that. However, there are also the days that I have to deal with prima-donna authors, back-stabbing situations, distribution headaches, etc. and it makes me wonder, Why put the stress and strain of running a publishing company on my plate? I could be sitting on a beach, zeros and commas in the bank,  with an umbrella in my drink- sounds nice huh?

THE BLACK BOOKSTORE IS BECOMING A DINOSAUR

KARIBU BOOKS IN WASHINGTON, D.C. CLOSES

Wednesday, January 23, 2008 from the Baltimore Business Journal

A regional bookstore popular among African-Americans is closing after 15 years in business.

Karibu owner Simba Sana is shuttering its five Maryland stores, including one at Security Square Mall that will close Jan. 27, Sana wrote in an e-mail sent Tuesday night. Its remaining stores in Forestville, Hyattsville, Hillcrest and Bowie will close Feb. 10. Officials at Karibu (pronounced “Ka-ree-boo,” which means “welcome” in Swahili) recently closed a sixth store in Arlington, VA.

The reason for the closings were unclear in the e-mail. Sana could not be reached Wednesday for comment.

Dear TCP FANS:

VS

Happy New Year 2008:

Okay, come on, be honest. How many of you have blown your New Year’s Resolutions already?

 Let me share with you my 3 resolutions:

1) Strengthen my relationship with God

2) Restore my company to the original vision that I had for TCP

3) Get in the best physical shape ever!

I’m doing pretty good so far with these goals. I’ve been drinking my water, I’ve been working more hours to get goals completed and I’m remembering why I started a publishing company. I can’t wait to hear what you guys are up to so far this year. Holla Back and let me know what’s good and any tips on keeping your word to yourself!

 One,

 VS