Writer's Life Chats

Omar Tyree, is a New York Times best-selling author, journalist, lecturer, poet, screenwriter, songwriter, playwrite, host, blogger, publishing consultant and literacy advocate, who has won a 2001 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literature in Fiction, a 2006 Phillis Wheatley Literary Award for Body of Work in Urban Fiction, a 2008 Citation from the City Council of Philadelphia for the African-American Children's Book Fair, and a 2010 HBCU Legends Award for his tiresome work in urban literacy. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from the prestigious Central High School in 1987, Tyree first attended the University of Pittsburgh as a Pharmacy major and an aspiring football player. After spending his first two years at Pitt, he found his new passion and calling as a writer and storyteller, penning his first published series, “The Diary of a Freshman” along with two novels; Colored, On White Campus, (now titled College Boy in his Urban Griot series) and Flyy Girl, which became a contemporary urban classic that spawned an entire genre of so-called “urban/street lit” books.

Victoria Christopher Murray always knew she would become an author, even as she was taking an unlikely path to that destination. A native of Queens, Victoria first left New York to attend Hampton University where she majored in Communication Disorders. After graduating, Victoria attended New York University where she received her MBA.Victoria spent ten years in Corporate America before she tested her entrepreneurial spirit. She opened a Financial Services Agency for Aegon, USA where she managed the number one division for nine consecutive years. However, Victoria never lost the dream to write and when the “bug” hit her again in 1997, she answered the call.Victoria originally self-published her first novel, Temptation and in 2000, Time Warner published that novel. Temptation made numerous best sellers list and remained on the Essence bestsellers list for nine consecutive months. In 2001, Temptation was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literature.Since Temptation, Victoria has written over twenty other adult novels, including: JOY, Grown Folks Business, The Ex Files, The Deal, the Dance and the Devil and the popular Jasmine Cox Larson Bush series. Victoria has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being a pioneer in African American Fiction. Since 2007, Victoria has won nine African American Literary Awards for best novel, best Christian fiction and Author of the Year — Female. After four nominations, Victoria finally won an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literary Work for her social commentary novel, Stand Your Ground.Several of Victoria’s novels have been optioned to become movies, including The Deal, the Dance and the Devil and the Ex Files series.  

Shaun Sinclair is the author of Forbidden, Flame In Lust, and Skin Deep. He is the creator of Gangsterotica, a sub-genre of books that seamlessly blends Crime Fiction with Erotica. A native of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina , he has also worked as a Law Clerk for six years. He uses his experience as a law clerk to make his stories pop with authenticity. Mr. Sinclair is the founder and owner of Pen 2 Pen Publications. His company's motto, "Putting Power into the Pen" is also its mission statement, as Mr. Sinclair rediscovered his gift of penmanship while incarcerated. He strives to use his success as motivation for others to triumph over adversity, and gives back to his community through the Sinclair Literary Scholarship, which awards worthy high school students for literary achievement. He is also a contributor to the legendary Urban Lifestyle Magazine, Don Diva . The father of two resides in North Carolina.

Stacey Fenner born December 1, 1970 and raised in New Haven, Ct the youngest of three. Relocated to Atlanta GA in 1999. Resided there for a year and relocated to Baltimore Md to care for her parents with her two daughters. Overcoming many trials and tribulations. Writing since a child as a way to express herself but never pursued her gift until 2008.Although she obtained her degree in accounting and currently works in that field her passion is writing. Her writing career is focused on writing novels about relationships. Her first book A toxic love Affair published on April 23,2015 which landed her in the #37 spot on the Woman’s Urban Best Selling list. She is currently finishing up Part 3. Be on the lookout as this Author plans to take her writing career to the next level!

Inquiring minds want to know are sex toys necessary to keep the spice alive in relationships? SPECIAL Sex Toy Specialist will be on the line to give the 411 on this sexy topic.

Yvette Hayward is the president of Y. Hayward Inc, a public relations company that has been a powerful resource in the literary field for over seven (7) years.  She has represented well-known authors such as, Essence Best-selling authors, Lolita Files, Victoria Christopher Murray, five-time NAACP award recipient, David E. Talbert, New York Times Best-selling author, Wendy Williams, and LaJoyce Brookshire, author of Soul Food.  The company’s primary mission is to bring recognition to African American authors throughout the country. In addition to Y. Hayward Inc, Yvette Hayward is the co-chair of Flowers & Hayward Publicity & Entertainment, Inc.  F& H Publicity has worked with the preeminent publisher, Simon & Schuster, as well as Culture Plus Books Distributors, the leading distributors of African- American books in the country.  With an established client base of best-sell authors, the company is able to carry out its mission through developing client specific tailored programs such as book signings, radio, television, print and promotional tours. The African American Literary Award show is the brainchild of Ms. Hayward.  She came up with the idea in 1996 and was finally able to bring it to fruition in September 2004.  

Sadeqa Johnson, a former public relations manager, spent several years working with well-known authors such as JK Rowling, Bebe Moore Campbell, Amy Tan and Bishop TD Jakes before becoming an author herself. Her debut novel, Love in a Carry-on Bag is the recipient of the 2013 Phillis Wheatley award for Best Fiction and the 2012 USA Best Book award for African-American fiction.  She is a motivation speaker, inspirational blogger, wife and mother of three incredible children

Join the TLB Crew as they discuss the pros and cons of polyamory as well as chat with someone who lives this lifestyle live on the show.

Love Below Radio: Sex Addiction, is this real or fake?

AL-SAADIQ BANKS DISCUSSES HIS NEW BOOK AND SELF PUBLISHING.