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Dear OOSA,
WELCOME to our June newsletter! With the success
of last year's Authors On Lock feature, we have again
decided to devote our June issue to this growing
population of authors. Authors that discovered their
talent in the least likely of places...prison. The number
of incarcerated authors is on the move, steadily
climbing. "Do the time, don't let the time do you." For
these, that has been the case and then some. They
have had their share of hardships from wrongful
incarceration, to unfair sentencing laws, to dealing
with questionable and unscrupulous publishers, to
getting past the stigma of being a convict. OOSA
would like to share just a few of their stories. Wonder
what's been going on with the authors featured last
year? Stay tuned for an update next week.
And you know how we do - book giveway. See contest
details below.
Enjoy, and as always, happy reading!
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KingPen A.S. |

Anthony S. Moorer, b.k.a. KingPen A.S., is a heavy
hitter in the marketing of the mature hip-hop culture
and a multi-media mogul. As the co-publisher/author
of Life & Love; The Ultimate Sacrifice along with
his wife Jackquline Moorer., he is truly letting the voice
of the streets be heard. As the CEO of H-H.E.A.T.
Magazine & Marketing Group LLC, he is uniting
independent hip-hop hustlas and authors in the spirit
of Black Wall Street and the Harlem Renaissance
Movement. And after spending 13 years within the
Belly of the Beast, his vision is to see hip-hop elevate
advanced thoughts. Through his books, print
magazine, CD magazine, events, and network of
online talk radio programs KingPen A.S., H-
H.E.A.T. Magazine and H-H.E.A.T. MagRadio are
truly bringing the next level of the game.
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What were you convicted of? Originally it
was felony murder.
What was your sentence? I received 30 to
60 years at the age of 16. By the grace of the Almighty
and with determination I was granted an appeal after
9 years in. It took another 4 years for me to be re-
sentenced. After 13 years within the Belly of the Beast,
I
was finally released on parole on January 14,
2007.
For the crime that you were incarcerated for, do
you believe that you were given a chance to make
amends? I did the time for the crime I was
convicted of. That was my amends to the system. I
went to prison at 16 years old! Can you imagine that?
Real prison, not a special kids' prison. The belly
swallowed me whole as a child and I became a
warrior. Real street kings like Shaka X and Bradford
Bey
taught me that respect holds more weight than fear,
and I added the wisdom to my foundation. I learned
myself by testing my limits. I found myself by reading
and studying the experiences of my people in history. I
grew into manhood and discovered my purpose. I am
now a man who plans to be an asset to my
community instead of a liability.
If it wasn't for your incarceration, do you think your
writing would have come into fruition?
Maybe, maybe not! I wrote my first story and it was
published when I was in the 6th grade, but I became
serious about my writing when I started writing for the
FACTOR prison newspaper. When it's all said and
done, I AM the on the path the Almighty set for me.
How did you come to be a published author?
While I was incarcerated I was inspired by
hustlers who came out of prison and built their own
publishing empires and told their stories to the world.
Once I saw what was possible, I was off and running. I
studied the publishing game and hip-hop hustlas like
Master P. I then wrote out my business plan and my
wife started Moorer House Publishing to release our
debut novel Life & Love; The Ultimate Sacrifice
and
H-H.E.A.T. Magazine, which has turned into a
monster
marketing tool.
Is any of your work based directly upon the
circumstances for which you are incarcerated?
When we wrote Life & Love; The
Ultimate Sacrifice, we gave it to you raw! It's the
mind, body and soul of the street experience. If we
would have made it our true story, we may have lost
some people who would have felt like it was their own.
So the book is based on a true story, everything is real
and true to life, but you never can tell where
imagination kicks in and out of the story.
As a formerly incarcerated author, do you think that
you're seen in the same light as other authors?
Not to my people and comrades in prison!
I'm one of the real ones who turned words into actions
after getting out. Some saw and others planned with
me, but most of the letters I get from prison lets me
know that most are proud to see me shine a powerful
and positive light on a few of the many good black
men who come out of prison and make it.
What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?
Money and unity! When we began
publishing H-H.E.A.T. Magazine, it was sent
directly to prisoners for free. But that started to
become too expensive to handle by myself. When we
brought the H-H.E.A.T. to the game, everyone
wanted
to be in the magazine, but we had a hard time getting
independent/self-published authors and publishers to
advertise. The only company I can truly say that was
interested is T. Styles and The Cartel Publications.
90% of the authors that were featured in our debut
issue didn't even subscribe to the magazine. But we
didn't let that stop us. We just went to the streets and
made it happen with the support of the streets and
prisoners. The H-H.E.A.T. is strong in prison
with over
1,300 subscribers and it's growing everyday. I see it
like this, if independent authors and publishers can't
see that if we unite we can become a true force in this
game then I'll make everything I do about the authors
behind bars and build this dynasty around
them.
Have other authors reached out to you? No
doubt! Kwame Teague is my right hand man! And he's
incarcerated, which goes to show you who my biggest
supporters are once again! Kwame and I are like
minded in that we both believe that if the hip-hop
literary genre comes together we would be able to
lock this pen game down and rob the mainstream
industry of its power over our history and economics. If
we were to value ourselves as an industry above and
beyond our value of the mainstream publishers, book
stores and media, then we could re-build the legacy of
the Black Wall Street and Black Renaissance
Movement. With that being said, authors like Kwan,
Caleb Alexander, Jason Poole, Heather Covington,
K.D. Harris, Iesha Brown and Relentless Aaron have
also reached out in one way or the other.
How do you feel about the success of your book? Has
you incarceration helped or hindered that success?
And do you believe you have more "street credibility"
because of it? Life & Love; The Ultimate
Sacrifice isn't a New York Times bestseller,
but it's a success because it's a tribute to the streets
and the streets have crowned it! It's the life and love
story of the street. I didn't have to write a street novel
because that's in me and it came out naturally. Most
people who read the book say it's more of the feel and
thoughts of the streets from a male and female
perspective. When it's all said and done, this is a
book I am proud of. If I would have written some B.S.
with the hottest cover by Vida or Keith and it sold a
million copies, the reader would be expecting that
from me every time. From the cover to the story you're
reading what I wanted to say; my voice is being heard
and my legacy is being built. Above and beyond
anything else, Life & Love is a success
because who
would have thought after 13 years in prison I'd finally
be a successful author and publisher. As far as "street
credibility" goes, I was known on the streets as a
beast! Known in prison as a warrior! Now, I'm known
as a man of vision that survived it all! All praises do
the Almighty and my best friend next to him, Mrs.
Moorer, for saving the street from the other side of me!
An obvious change in circumstances can change
one's perspective, how do you think that you've been
changed? Also, after self-publishing Life
&
Love, I realized that marketing and distribution is
the
main obstacle of an independent publisher. H-
H.E.A.T. Magazine was my answer to this obstacle
and it has become a great success promoting the
Independent Hip-Hop Movement on a national and
international level. We're building a brand that speaks
to the social (importance of literacy and critical
thinking amongst the mature hip-hop culture),
hood/hip-hop politics (inspiring & supporting a new
breed of hustlas and visionaries within the prison
industrial complex) and economic strength through
unity within this Independent Movement of Hip-Hop
culture. My new perspective is that we can accomplish
greater things if we work together. I don't compete with
my peers. I challenge them to be great! Next year's "H-
H.E.A.T. FEST & AWARDS" will be the ultimate test of
the strength of this movement; we will be honoring the
true hustlas within the independent hip-hop game and
hosting "The State of Hip-Hop Lit," a discussion group
and panel of the heavy hitters in the game. We're
bringing the H-H.E.A.T. to a culture full of explosive
minds and legendary ambition, redirecting it towards
HIP-HOP ELEVATING ADVANCED THOUGHTS.
Since your release, do you still socialize with the
people you were friends with prior? As a
matter of fact I do stop through the hood whenever I'm
not busy with family and building this dynasty.
Sometimes I have smoke sessions with the older
brothers with a little more game about themselves.
They have barbershops, book stores, custom car
paint shops, and recording studios in their
basements. Some even sell a little weed on the side.
But they are all good brothers that keep me grounded.
My life is a dream come true. I may be in my home
office taking a call with Russell Simmons' people
about the Pen Game movie, or get a call from
bestselling author Jason Poole. If you ask any of
them about me, they know about this H.H.E.A.T.
Movement and Kingpen A.S. So when I build with
those brothers in the hood, they look up to me and I
feed them jewels about what I've learned in life that
can get them where they look up to me for being. You
feel me?
Do any of the people you used to be down with
treat you any different now that you're an author? Yes. And I believe I've pretty much
addressed the fact that I am now a positive role model
to real people in the street or authors/hustlers that are
looking for a way to take hip-hop lit and culture to the
next level.
Has it been hard to adapt back into society?
Of course! It's been hard for me because for 13 years
I've survived as a warrior and now I am the chief of my
tribe. I still do and say things warriors do, even as I
accept the honor the Almighty bestowed upon my
crown. Let's just say I'm gracefully growing into my
reign.
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Damon "Amin" Meadows |

Damon "Amin" Meadows, a native from the streets of
South Philadelphia, is the proud father of two beautiful
daughters. Chosen by his Muslim brothers as the
Imam within the federal prison where he's based,
Amin is also the co-author of the controversial and
bestselling novel Convict's Candy. He wrote
the
heartfelt book while serving time, educating the
masses on life behind bars from his own personal
perspective; while seriously instilling the importance
of HIV/AIDS awareness.
Through his faith in Allah, Amin has been successful
in the appellant process, given a release date that will
grant him his freedom in the near future. In between
offering Salat, the Muslim prayer five times a day,
conducting speeches daily, leading his Muslim
brothers while teaching from the Holy Quran, Amin
manages to find time to compose new works. Boy-
Toy is his upcoming release.
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What were you convicted of? I was
convicted on a single count of conspiracy to distribute
large amounts of cocaine and cocaine base. I was
apart of the first black organization to ever get indicted
solely out of South Philadelphia
What is your sentence? I was tried in
1993 and sentenced to LIFE without the possibility of
parole. But I was successful with two of several
appeals - the first in 1997, which reduced my LIFE
sentence down to 40 years; and the second appeal
granted in 2002 took the 40 years down to 24 years,
blessing me with a 2014 release date. All praise due
to Allah (God). Hopefully with this new crack law that
passed, I'll be a free man even sooner! If Allah
wills.
For the crime that you were incarcerated for, do
you believe that you're being given a chance to make
amends? No, because prison isn't about
rehabilitation anymore. It's all about profit! Islam has
given me the chance to made amends, first with the
creator Allah, then myself, family and friends. Now,
once I'm released I'll be able to improve the
community I once corrupted.
If it wasn't for your incarceration, do you think your
writing would have come into fruition? Not at
all! If you would've told me five years ago that I would
be an Essence bestselling author, I would've
thought
you were crazy. Being a published author wasn't
initially one of my dreams but now that I am, I want to
be one of the best!
How did you come to be a published author? Jason Poole had submitted a manuscript to
GhettoHeat along with the names and brief
descriptions of his other projects, one of which was
our collaboration of Convict's Candy. Hickson,
the CEO of GhettoHeat, asked Jason to send the
manuscript for Convict's Candy and he went
crazy over it. He gave Jason and I a percentage offer
we couldn't refuse! He knew how Convict's
Candy would elevate our careers!
Is any of your work based directly upon the
circumstances for which you are incarcerated? No. However, Convict's Candy is
definitely based on a true story. We just changed
some of the names because a few of the real guilty
characters are celebrities that would have tried to sue
us. But if you read between the lines, you will know
who we exposed. My next novel, Boy-Toy, is
also based on a true story. It's dedicated to my best
friend Cheo Erving, who is the son of legendary Hall of
Famer Julius "Dr. J" Erving.
As an incarcerated author, do you think that you're
seen in the same light as other authors?
Yes and no! No because some narrow minded
people still don't respect or understand a person's
talent and growth while being incarcerated! And yes
because once anyone reads Convict's Candy
and Boy-Toy, they bear witness that I truly am in
a lane of my own! Convict's Candy has
changed the lives of so many people, young, old and
in between. It has encouraged people to get tested for
HIV. My writing has sparked conversations about
protection between couples and brought home the
realization that their loved ones who are incarcerated
still need the support and love from them. Boy-
Toy will continue to educate as well as entertain
my readers. But most importantly, as long as I'm
please with Damon "Amin" Meadows' writing, that's all
that really matters. I write because I enjoy it and love
the challenge.
What struggles have you faced in the literary
industry? The only real struggle I have faced
is not being able to promote my novels as I would like,
because nobody will market and promote your blood,
sweat and tears as you would yourself.
Have other authors reached out to you?
Yes. As-salaamu Alaikum to my people: Kwame
Teague (Dutch trilogy), Eyone Williams (Fast
Lane), Caleb Alexander (Deadly Reigns
trilogy), Wahida Clark (Every Thug Needs a
Lady), Yasmin Shiraz (Privacy), Seth "Soul
Man" Ferranti (Street Legends), and of course
my man Jason Poole (Victoria's Secret). I
would love to touch bases with other authors as well,
so holla at a brother!
Will you explore other genres besides street
fiction? Of course I will. Convict's
Candy is a real crossover. Boy-Toy is
definitely on a mainstream level. I also have a non-
fiction idea, which I'm thinking about making into a
trilogy titled LIFE@21. I will never be put in a
box. I'm a well-rounded author.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
There are two brothers who've just been signed to my
publishing company, PIN MINDSTATE. They are like a
breath of fresh air! Keyon Lee is the author of
Older Women Younger Men. He and I
collaborated on another controversial novel titled
How to Love a Black Man. We also have
March "M.J." Johnson. He is the author of Wages
of Sin. He and I are in negotiations about a
collaboration. PIN MINDSTATE is raising the bar so
that artists who are about integrity and true talent will
have a platform to showcase their ability. They can
submit their work for review and possible
consideration to be apart of the PIN MINDSTATE
family!
PIN MINDSTATE
Attn: Manuscripts
P.O. Box 2133
Buffalo, NY 14240-2133
Is there a book that you'd really like to write that
you just haven't been able to? Yes! I'm
thinking about exposing the truth about a certain
publisher that has pretended to be an author. I'm a
little hesitant because I would never want someone
who is ignorant to the facts to say that I had to use
someone to get ahead, when the reality is literally the
opposite. With cemeteries in your closet, crossing the
very people who are the secrets behind your success
should never be an option! I'm true to the game.
An obvious change in circumstances can change
one's perspective, how do you think that you've been
changed? Real talk, my circumstances
weren't the reason for the change in my perspective
because incarceration is in no way, shape, or form
about rehabilitation! My submission to Allah and the
application of true Islam in my everyday life changed
my perspective! I've become responsible in every
sense of the word.
Once you're released, would you consider speaking
with at risk youth? PIN MINDSTATE will
definitely be
active in the community and especially with helping at
risk youth. If Allah wills, I feel that persons like myself,
who at one time helped to destroy our community,
should have an obligation to help build it back up. Our
at risk youth are more likely to listen to us because
they remember or heard about how we were in those
streets. They still respect that negative image so we
have to use that influence to our advantage and show
them that they can still get money, power and respect
in a positive way. The key to it (after Allah) is to SHOW
them, not just telling them!
Do you believe that you will continue writing when
you're released? Yes, I'll always continue to
write. Plus AIFAMEGA, Keyon Lee and myself just
completed our first screenplay called "Competition."
We'll have screenplays for our novels as well. PIN
MINDSTATE is about to make our mark on the big
screen!
If you could drive across one message to any of
your readers or those that are where you once were,
what would it be? That nothing has the right
to be worshipped, except Allah, and that Muhammad
(peace and blessing be upon him) from over 1400
years ago is the Last and Final Messenger of Allah!
I want to thank OOSA for this wonderful opportunity!
Damon "Amin" Meadows will continue to write
groundbreaking, jaw dropping, educational yet still
entertaining books. PIN MINDSTATE: In a Lane of
Our Own!
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Mike Sanders |

Mike Sanders is the author of Hustlin' Backwards,
Snitch and soon-to-be released Thirsty.
Born in the projects and bred in the hood, he is a
hustler by choice and an author by force. Mike turned
his life around and writing has become his outlet.
Being from the grimy streets of Charlotte, North
Carolina, he had two choices: thug it out and break his
mother's heart or do it legitimately and make her
proud. He did both!
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What were you convicted of? I was
convicted of a federal drug conspiracy. Conspiracy to
manufacture and deliver cocaine.
What is your sentence? My sentence is
fifteen (15) years, which I've already served eleven.
Due to the recent change in the crack sentencing
guidelines, by the grace of God I should be home very
soon.
For the crime that you were incarcerated for, do
you believe that you've been given a chance to make
amends? So to speak. But how do you
make amends for simply doing the only thing you ever
knew how to do? The only thing I've ever known was
how to hustle. Although I knew it was wrong, it was
the route I chose to take so I could feed my family. Am
I remorseful? Yes. Do I regret it? No.
If it wasn't for your incarceration, do you think your
writing would have come into fruition? Not in
a million years! I was too preoccupied with chasing
street dreams while hustling backwards. When I was
home, writing a book was probably the farthest thing
from my mind. My incarceration was God's way of
slowing me down enough so that I could finally realize
my talent. So, like I said, not in a millions years!!
How did you come to be a published author? It's funny how it happened because initially I
had no intentions of trying to get published. I wrote
Hustlin' Backwards out of boredom and I only
intended for a few cats that were around me at the
time to read it. They ALL said it was hot and that I
should try to get it published but I brushed their
comments off and stuffed the manuscripts into my
locker for a while. Then after reading a few books that
had gotten published during that time, I knew I
could get published. I went through the process of
rewriting, editing and manuscript submitting until I
eventually got a deal with Black Pearl Books Inc.
Is any of your work based directly upon the
circumstances for which you are incarcerated? No comment! Y'all tryin' to get a brother
slayed. LOL. But seriously, anybody who knows me
would say that my writing is "traction" (true-fiction). A
lot of what's read in my novels has happened,
will happen or can happen to someone
at some place at some time. Feel me? That's why
my novels are so close to reality and not far-fetched
because art really does imitate life
sometimes.
As an incarcerated author, do you think you're
seen in the same light as other authors? I
think that I'm respected just as much as other authors
but I don't think I'm seen in the same light as authors
who are not incarcerated. My incarceration hinders
me from making personal appearances such as book
signings, tours, radio interviews, etc. As opposed
other authors who can make themselves more
accessible to the public, my accessibility is very
limited. So many people are publishing books from
behind the wall these days that it's rather easy to get
categorized as just another inmate that wrote a book.
What struggles have you faced in the literary
industry? I was waiting on this question!
Like I've stated in previous interviews, the book
industry is just like the music industry. You have
legitimate publishers, then you have those shady
muthafu*#As who will sh*# on you if you are not on top
of your business. Unfortunately, I got entangled with a
shady a** publisher who breached the terms of the
contract we agreed to. As a result, I was engaged in
legal battle with them and hadn't heard a peep from
them in THREE YEARS-until a week prior to doing
this interview when they finally got at me. I'm happy to
say I'm no longer with bed with Slack Pearl Crooks
Inc!!
Have other authors reached out to you?
Yes, I've been in contact with several other authors
such as Omar Tyree, Danielle Santiago, Wahida
Clark, Joe Black, Seth Ferranti and a few more. They
all offer support as I also support them.
Why do you think a lot of authors in similar
situations decide to sell their stories instead of putting
it out themselves? I think a lot of authors
sell their stories because the offer seems sweet at
the time and they are not thinking about the future and
how well that book may end up selling. I know a
couple of authors who were thirsty and ended up
selling their books for little of nothing and
consequently saw their books hit the bestsellers lists
with someone else's name on it.
How do you feel about the success of your book?
Has you incarceration helped or hindered that
success? And do you believe you have more "street
credibility" because of it? I can honestly say
that the success has been pleasantly unexpected. I
knew a lot of street cats would relate to my novels but I
was surprised as to the response I've been getting
from female readers who are feeling them as well.
However, I feel as if my incarceration has really
hindered my books from reaching their full selling
potential. The main reason is because like I
mentioned earlier, I'm not able to travel and promote
my work like other authors who are not in my
situation. As far as having more street credibility, I
believe some people may think because I'm on lock
and having lived the life that I have, I'm more credible
to write a believable story as opposed to someone
who has never been in the game and has had to pay
their dues!!
Will you explore other genres besides street
fiction? I've already written my
first "situations" novel. I don't want to call it Romance
because that sounds too traditional. It's called
Destructive Behavior and it's about a married,
middle-class black couple who are having trouble
keeping the spice in their sex life. Instead of having
extramarital affairs, they decide to join a swinger's
club and things just get out of control. Only a strong
marriage can withstand the trials these two will
endure! One will walk away and the other will result to
destructive behavior! You gotta read it, it's a beast!
What do you think of the current state of urban
literature? Is it a fad? Are too many people jumping
on the bandwagon? Is there more quantity or quality?
Studio authors? The current state of urban
literature is in shambles!!! I don't think it's a fad
because people who look like us have finally found
something we can read that we can relate to.
Therefore, this "Gangsta Lit" thing is going to be
around for a while! But what I do think is that it's going
to become harder to sell books because the market is
so saturated. Everybody and their aunts are putting
out books! Don't get it twisted; I want to see everybody
eat. But let's keep it gutter, a lot of books out right now
are just taking up shelf space. I think that answered
your next question of quantity over quality. Studio
authors? I like that! LOL True indeed! A lot of authors
today are writing stories based on speculation instead
of experience and that's why a lot of books are far-
fetched and not believable.
Once you're released, would you consider
speaking with at risk youth? It's funny you
asked that because I've already been asked to speak
at youth meetings at my brother's church and a couple
of youth centers for at risk teens in the Charlotte area
when I'm released. That's something I'm going to
devote time to because I think kids these days really
need guidance and positive mentors to steer them in
the right direction. Especially with all these gangs that
are surfacing around the nation, kids need to know
that there is a better way.
Do you believe that you will continue writing when
you're released? I'm definitely going to
continue to write once I'm released. Writing has
become my passion! It's self-satisfying knowing that
people are reading my written thoughts and actually
enjoying my work. Besides, I loved the look on my
mother's face when she'd heard my books had gotten
published. When I was living that street life she had
cried enough tears for me to fill an empty ocean-now
she sheds tears of sheer joy because her son has
books in stores! Her joy is enough motivation
for me to keep the pen pushing!
If you could drive across one message to any of
your readers or those that are where you once were,
what would it be? My one message would
be this: That street life is nothing but one gigantic
mirage that's full of illusions. It all leads down the
same path, a one-way street to destruction with no
fork in the road. A lot of people, especially many
young men, feel as if going to jail is somewhat a rite of
passage. But to be totally clear, incarceration is only a
form of modern day slavery and genocide! There's
nothing cool about sitting here, maintaining in a lost
population of men. If you don't get anything else from
my books, please get the message that there is no
pot of platinum at the end of that "gangsta-life"
rainbow, only fool's gold that has no value!! Keep it
positive and follow your dreams because with hard
work and persistence they will come into
fruition.
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Eyone Williams |

Raised in Washington D.C. and drawn to the streets
at an early age, Eyone Williams would become an
adult way before his time. Incarcerated since the age
of 16, writing has become his outlet to the free world.
It's an art that he has a passion for and allows him to
express himself through words. Eyone is the author of
Fast Lane and Hell Razor Honeys. He
has a number of other novels on the way, all of which
take the reader deep into the urban world. Eyone also
writes for Don Diva magazine.
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What were you convicted of? I was
convicted of murder. I caught the beef when I was 16.
What is your sentence? I was charged as an
adult and given 15 to life. I've done almost 15 years
on the sentence.
How did you come to be a published author?
I wrote my first book, Fast Lane, after
reading a few books while I was locked down in an
Arizona prison. I told myself that I was good enough to
write a good book. I had a friend at the time, Aisha
Bailey, she and I were getting very close. I let her read
Fast Lane and she loved it. As time went on
she and I got into a serious relationship. We started
Fast Lane Publications to put out the book. From
there we met other people in the publishing business
and it has been on since then. I have to stress how
important that Aisha Bailey was to the process of
making me a published author; she believed in me
and put up all the money to bring Fast Lane
and Fast Lane Publications to life. I will always credit
her and love her for all that I accomplish in this
publishing game.
Is any of your work based directly upon the
circumstances for which you are incarcerated?
No, I can't say that. I can say that what I
went through in the streets and what I went through
growing up is what I use to tell my stories and make
them real.
As an incarcerated author, do you think that you're
seen in the same light as other authors?
No. At this time I'm still slept on. I can't get out and do
book signings and things like that. I don't have the big
publishing house behind me so I'm forced to grind
harder. I'm cool with that. When I finally come up, it
will be sweeter.
What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?
I can't complain. I'm locked up and I'm in
the game. Feel me? At the same time, I have found
that some publishers think that because I'm in prison
and that I've been here so long that I don't know the
business. People tend to forget how much free time
men have in prison. I study all day long. I've also
noticed that without a computer it makes my job of
getting a book out ten times harder because I have to
worry my family to get the job done on the outside.
Have other authors reached out to you?
Yeah, a few have reached out. Some reached out
thinking it was something sweet here that they could
get for free, not knowing that they were playing into my
plan. Others kept it real. Authors like Jason Poole,
Wahida Clark, T. Styles, the real writer of Dutch
my
man Kwame, K'wan, and Seth "Soul Man" Ferranti
who wrote Prison Stories. My homie Jason
Poole
went home from prison and got me a book deal with
Cartel Publications. It don't get no realer. Jason ain't
forget about those of us he left behind.
Why do you think a lot of the authors in similar
situations decide to sell their story instead of putting it
out themselves? It's so hard to get things
done from prison unless you have a strong support
system. Those of us in here are only as strong as
those we have on the outside so when those on the
outside forget about us, we are left for dead. I believe
that's why many authors sell their work; their work is
all they have to make things better for their situation.
Me, for example, I didn't sell my work, but I need a
lawyer and my books are the only thing that will get
that lawyer money for me. Sometimes we have to do
what we gotta do.
How do you feel about the success of your book? Has
you incarceration helped or hindered that success?
And do you believe you have more "street credibility"
because of it? I love where my book has
taken me thus far, goal-wise. It has given me a
foundation to build upon for the future. I'm pleased
that I could get on from prison. My situation has tied
my hands, so to speak, because I can't soar yet. I
gotta slow grind. I can't enjoy the full effect of being a
bestseller. I'm not really into the "street credibility"
thing. I say that because I don't want it to be
something that puts me into bad situations when I'm
free. I can't do the things that I used to do. But, I must
say that I have recently secured a book deal based on
my background. It tripped me out!
Will you explore other genres besides street fiction?
No doubt. I'm trying to do it all. I have a
ghostwriting project in the making now with someone
that wants a relationship book.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
Kwame, Jason Poole, T. Styles, C-Murder, Jacki-O,
Soul Man and my homegirl, Angel - the video model.
Is there a book that you'd really like to write that you
just haven't been able to? I'd like to write
some non-fiction books about street legends that
come from my city. Dudes like Wayne Perry, Eddie
Mathis, Mike "Fray" Salters, and a few others. It don't
get no more street than dudes that really did it.
An obvious change in circumstances can change
one's perspective, how do you think that you've been
changed? I've learned that life is short and
that we have to make every move count. I always
wanted the best things in life. I understand that I can
hustle and get money without doing stuff that's going
to send me to prison. We can do anything if we sit
back and plan it out. I also know now that the code of
the streets is a rare thing that few people live by.
Realness is not like a good looking shirt that one can
put on and take off when you feel like it. I swore loyalty
to people that turned on me in the end and I'm the only
one in prison. What I'm doing with this writing is more
than what one reads on the pages. This is my ticket to
better times, in time.
Once you're released, would you consider speaking
with at risk youth? I already have things like
that lined up. I've worked with youth that are just like I
used to be. I did this in prison in Arizona. I gotta give
back. I know what it's like. I can talk to the young
dudes. I'm sure of it.
Do you believe that you will continue writing when
you're released? Yes! I love what I do. Once
I get to a computer, it's gon' be a whole new
ballgame. Movies, books, anything dealing with
words and ideas. I'm in it to win it.
If you could drive across one message to any of your
readers or those that are where you once were, what
would it be? Never give up. Never let the
odds beat you down. Always remember what come to
those that grind. Think your moves out and be ready
for all that comes with the things you do in life. Most of
all, remember that this life will end, what will you leave
behind and what will you take with you?
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Jason Poole |

Jason Poole is an author, screenwriter and CEO of
Never Give Up Productions. He first learned of his gift
of storytelling while incarcerated and has not looked
back. His novels include Larceny, Convict's Candy
and Victoria's Secret. He is currently
working on several novels and a
screenplay.
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What were you convicted of?
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
What was your sentence? 262 months – 21
years and 10 months.
For the crime that you were incarcerated for, do you
believe that you were given a chance to make
amends? Yes, but I also know for a fact that
the federal laws are made to condemn black men.
If it wasn’t for your incarceration, do you think your
writing would have come into fruition?
Absolutely NOT!
How did you come to be a published author?
I sent my manuscript to TCP and two weeks
later I got a handwritten letter making me an offer I
couldn’t refuse.
Is any of your work based directly upon the
circumstances for which you were incarcerated?
Yes, you can say Larceny was based
on
75% of my lifestyle back in the 90s.
Because of your incarceration, do you think that you're
seen in the same light as other authors?
Yes, I feel that my work exceeds itself. At the end of
the day, I’m an author. It shouldn’t matter if I was
incarcerated or not.
What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?
Finding out that there are snakes in this
industry and the hate coupled together are my only
gripes. But, hey, you live and you learn. I’ve never
really had to struggle in the game. My books fly off the
shelves and do great numbers in sales.
Have other authors reached out to you?
Yes. I’m cool with everyone in the game. To name a
few, first and always T. Styles is very dear to me.
Wahida Clark, Kwan, Kwame Teague, Eyone
Williams, Nikki Turner, etc. I’ve never had a problem
with no one.
Why do you think a lot of the authors in similar
situations decide to sell their story instead of putting it
out themselves? No one wants to put up
with the struggles of self-publishing. Some maybe
feel better having a company do it for them. Me,
personally, I’m too busy doing other things – writing,
movies, reality shows, etc. I couldn’t handle all the
business stuff. I’ll just stay focused on being an
author and master of my craft.
How do you feel about the success of your book? Has
you incarceration helped or hindered that success?
And do you believe you have more “street credibility”
because of it? I’m blessed and grateful for
the success of all my books. Being incarcerated did
hinder my career a little due to the fact I wasn’t able to
do book signings. But now that I’m home and touring
all over the U.S. my career has skyrocketed and I’m
loving every minute of it.
Is there a book that you’d really like to write that you
just haven’t been able to? Yes, I want to
write a novel based on real history behind this book
industry and why it’s so booming right now.
An obvious change in circumstances can change
one’s perspective, how do you think that you've been
changed? Being able to witness things and
my incarceration made a big impact on changing my
life.
Since your release, do you still socialize with the
people you were friends with prior? Of
course. My friends are like brothers and cousins to
me. We have been together since childhood. We are
all we know and everyone is on the same page, doing
something positive, making major moves.
If you could drive across one message to any of your
readers or those that are where you once were, what
would it be? Never give up…
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Antoine "Inch" Thomas |

Antoine "Inch" Thomas was born in the Bronx, NY, the
youngest of six children. Like so many other young
men living without support and mentoring, Antoine
eventually was incarcerated. This event, which might
have been the end of his life, was a new beginning
and an opportunity for Antoine to re-create himself. It
was during his incarceration that Antoine decided to
get his life together. He now has four novels under
his belt and contributions in anthologies. There also
many more projects in the works. Recently released,
this creative father of three is on a book tour to
promote his literary works.
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What were you convicted of? I was
convicted of conspiracy to distribute drugs.
What was your sentence? I served 10 years
and a day out of 12 years.
For the crime that you were incarcerated for, do you
believe that you were given a chance to make
amends? Absolutely.
If it wasn't for your incarceration, do you think your
writing would have come into fruition?
Possibly. I always wrote.
How did you come to be a published author?
After being rejected by several publishers, I
decided to publish myself.
Because of your incarceration, do you think that you're
seen in the same light as other authors? I'm
seen in the same light as other authors based on my
talent.
What struggles have you faced in the literary industry?
Distributors playing with money.
Have other authors reached out to you? I
reached out to other authors and some have reached
out to me too.
Why do you think a lot of the authors in similar
situations decide to sell their story instead of putting it
out themselves? They don't have the means
to do it themselves.
How do you feel about the success of your book? Has
you incarceration helped or hindered that success?
And do you believe you have more "street credibility"
because of it? I appreciate the success of
my book. My incarceration had no impact on the sales
and response of my book, and my street situations
remained in the street.
Is there a book that you'd really like to write that you
just haven't been able to? Flower's Bed
Part 3.
An obvious change in circumstances can change
one's perspective, how do you think that you've been
changed? I'm a lot more humble now and
my children changed my priorities.
Do any of the people you used to be down with treat
you any different now that you're an author? I
still get treated respectfully by all.
Has it been hard to adapt back into society?
It was rough learning how to be a good husband and
a great father.
Do you believe that your incarceration changed your
life for the better? My incarceration has
changed my life for the better.
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EVERY
Every day, every month
Every year, every tear
We'll never get it back
It was lost in here
Every visit, every letter
Every phone call that we get
Should be more of a reason
To just go legit
Every book, every person
Every bit of useful information
Can make our future brighter
But time we're steady wastin'
Every man, every woman
Everybody that listen
There's nothing cool about this
I hate it in prison
Every C.O., every judge
Every federal official
Could really care less
If your families miss you
Every jail, every cell
Every charge, every crime
Will simply be logged
As forever lost in time
THE STRUGGLE CONTINUES
Real Live © 2008
We do hope that you've enjoyed our latest
newsletter and join us next week with updates of the
talented authors we featured last year. Until next
time...
Sincerely,
OOSA Online Book Club
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Win a copy of THUG POLITICS by Dutch
Be one of the THREE lucky winners
to win
copy. Answer the following
question:
Who is the publisher of
Thug Politics?
Submit your answers to:
oosaonlinebookclub@yahoo.com
Contest ends July 25, 2008. Three winners will be
randomly chosen from all correct entries. Only the
winners will be notified.
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Forward email
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OOSA Online Book Club | Midwest Chapter | St. Louis | MO | 63122
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