4 posts tagged “fiction”
In January 2008, Xlibris Corporation released the sophomore novel "The Street Life Series: Is It Passion or Revenge?" by Kevin M. Weeks. The Street Life Series® is a collection of Crime Fiction novels and categorized under the Mystery genre. Also, under African American Literature, The Street Life Series® novels are classified under Urban Fiction / Street Lit.
New York Book Festival Award Winning Author Kevin M. Weeks is known for his storytelling ability. The Street Life Series® chronicles main character Teco Jackson’s action packed life as Teco chooses exciting careers. Travel with West Philadelphia (West Philly) native Teco across the world and see how he responds as crime happens all around him.
In “The Street Life Series: Is It Passion or Revenge?,” male exotic dancers in P.G. County and the surrounding D.C. area are turning up dead while Teco Jackson rises in popularity as the crowd’s all time favorite performer. Each club scene is theatrical and fun to read. Will D.C.’s #1 female Detective, Hanae Troop, snag the delusional killer who leaves behind colorful murder weapons? Are these crimes of passion or revenge?
Available today at Xlibris Corporation [www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/bookdisplay.asp?bookid=41408]. Coming March 2008 to Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and other online bookstores.
Click Here [www2.xlibris.com/bookstore/book_excerpt.asp?bookid=41408] to read an excerpt.
For more information, visit www.thestreetlifeseries.com or email info@thestreetlifeseries.com To purchase copies of the book for resale, please call Xlibris Corporation at (888) 795-4274 extension 7876.
This past weekend, The Street Life Series attended the Hip Hop Journalism Association Conference & Convention (HHJA) in Miami, Florida. Simply put, the speakers were phenomenal.
Hip Hop Scholar, Researcher, and Author Dr. Edgar Tyson discussed his analytical study on the many facets of Hip Hop centered on perception versus reality. Hip Hop Journalist and NPR Commentator Jimi Izrael spoke about the definition of Hip Hop Journalism in music, print, and culture. Florida International University Assistant Professor Dr. Valerie Patterson led a workshop on the ethics of Hip Hop Journalism. Then Emmy Award Winning Author & Producer P. Frank Williams shared his experiences and journey as a Hip Hop Journalist.
There were many views expressed at the conference. The message that resonated with The Street Life Series team was the following: Let our music, art and writings encapsulate the old school hip hop culture, such as being innovative in finding the 21st Century rendition of breakdancing, where rivals settled the score through nonviolent means of dance and graffiti art. In addition, Hip Hop is global and all inclusive. We also celebrate hip hop artists, DJs, and writers with physical disabilities.
Attending the conference reaffirmed my commitment to include old school wisdom and to preserve the fundamental elements of New Jack Swing in fiction. Also, I embrace the HHJA mission of quality and integrity in my writings.
So as my grandmother would say, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water." There are past, present, and future journalistic stories to document in regards to hip hop. Bottom-line, if you read, write, draw, sing, or compose music about hip hop, you missed valuable sessions and workshops.
Join the HHJA today and attend the next conference in 2008.
Peace,
Kevin M. Weeks, The Street Life Series
Today, I'm releasing the book description of my 2nd novel in The Street Life Series. If you love murder mystery, check out Is It Passion or Revenge? which will be coming out Winter 2007-2008. Publication date will be announced soon. Check back often or visit www.thestreetlifeseries.com
Book Description: The Street Life Series: Is It Passion or Revenge? by Kevin M. Weeks
When the pieces of a masterfully crafted puzzle are scattered all over Washington D.C. and P.G. County Maryland, quick witted and statuesque D.C. Detective Hanae Troop must uncover who is responsible for leaving colorful deadly weapons at each crime scene. The killer, who goes by the name of The Paradox, is on a mission to murder D.C.’s #1 male exotic dancers, all for a personal vendetta that stretches all the way back to Philadelphia.
There is national attention because of a highly visible protest right in the middle of the U.S. Capitol lawn. For sure, the Feds are out to take over the case from D.C.’s Homicide Division. The outstanding reputation of the department rests on the shoulders of Detective Troop. Will she discover that the killings are tied to Teco Jackson, who is known as a snitch in the City of Brotherly Love? Or will Detective Troop find that these crimes stem from a jealous rage?
One thing is certain. Teco is wedged in the middle of the Chocolate City’s most infamous murders; and Detective Troop has to decide if she is going to cuff Teco or protect him. Ultimately, she finds herself in a strange predicament when she comes face to face with The Paradox. The question remains, are these crimes of passion or revenge?
“Always do what you always did; and you will always get what you always got.” -- Anonymous
During big holidays when I was a teenager, I remember sitting on the closed-in porch at my grandmother’s house in Southwest Philly while listening to the “old school” wisdom of my uncles and aunts. After eating the most filling dinner, the adults would banter back and forth between themselves sharing their philosophies of life. This was a family tradition. Me being a young buck back then, I thought what they were saying was crazy talk.
The adults in my family would say things like: “Children should be seen and not heard;” “Obey your elders;” “A hit dog will holler;” “A hard head will make a soft behind;” and “You play with fire and you’ll get burnt.” Well, if only I had listened, I would have avoided many obstacles in life. I see this now. So, I’m on a mission to bring “old school” wisdom back to the forefront through my writings of fiction.
What has happened to all of that good ole wisdom which once gave us a sense of pride? Perhaps the tradition continues; but is not publicized anymore. Many complain about inner city kids who hang out on the streets and are tempted by the easy money. Peer pressure has no color; it impacts red, yellow, black, and white. I often wonder who is imparting words of wisdom upon these youth today.
Some writers avoid incorporating "old school" wisdom in novels about the street life in fear of being “preachy.” Well, I aim to grasp the reader’s attention with a great story and sprinkle “old school” wisdom to guide my characters through their action-filled journeys. You will have to tell me if I’m succeeding.
Whenever I stumbled in life my father would say, “See it for what it is and see it for what it’s worth.” That's tough love. Eventually, I personally opened my eyes in order to see what I needed to do in order to become a better person, a better man, and a better father. I rely on old school wisdom daily and now pass these wonderful philosophies on to my children and young men whom I mentor.
I’ve heard that “history repeats itself.” Is “old school” wisdom still circulating in our lives and in communities? What words of wisdom are we sharing with our nieces, nephews, sons, daughters, and grandchildren?
Peace,
Kevin M. Weeks, Author
The Street Life Series
