Saturday, January 22, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
HUSTLE.PRAY.LOVE | Interview with Self Published Author Ms Botta Bing
I guess the name is pretty much self explanatory. 5K got the chance to chop it up with the lovely Detroit native and self published author Ms Botta Bing. She just Released her debut novel "Its Not Worth It" but dont worry. She aint thru! *Keyshia Cole voice*
5K: When did you develop the passion for writing?
I developed a passion for writing at a very young age. I started writing short stories as early as 5 years old as a hobby. It was always an outlet for my imagination and something that I happened to be good at.
5K: When did you decide you wanted to pursue being an author?
I always thought about being an author just because of the fact that I love writing so much. I would always start writing books, but wouldn't get around to finishing them. Even then, I was only doing it leisurely, without ever really sharing my work with anyone. I think what made me realize that I really wanted to pursue a career as an author was when it hit me in college that none of the things I was studying interested me. I jumped from majoring in Spanish, in hopes of being a translator, then to computer sciences, and then all the way to Pre-Pharm. All of those subjects bored me to death and that was when I really understood that whatever I chose to pursue should be something I absolutely love and something I can see myself doing every single day. It wasn't hard after coming to that realization, that I wanted to pursue becoming an author.
5K: I see you're from Detroit, MI, pretty tough place I heard. How did your environment help shape you for success?
Lol. I love my city, but yes, I guess you can say it's pretty tough. I wouldn't be who I am if it weren't for the things that surround me. The abundance of talent around me inspires me to strive to reach my full potential, while the negativity that comes with growing up in Detroit simply gives me drive to want to rise above the reputation that us natives are given, and prove people wrong. Aside from that, "It's Not Worth It" is set in Detroit, so it gave me a lot to write about! =)
5K: Who is your favorite author? What is your favorite genre of literature?
There are so many authors and genres that I love. I don't like to stick to one style when it comes reading, but I have to say urban fiction is the most relatable to me. The first book I read of that genre was by Sista Souljah, so I'll give my favorite author award to her! =) I feel like this style of writing is completely under rated, and deserves as much recognition as any other good piece of art.
5K: So you just released a book “It's Not Worth It”. How would you describe it to old and new fans that want to support you?
"It's Not Worth It," tells a story that just about anybody can relate to, especially teens and young adults living in urban cities. It's about a typical young girl, just reaching adulthood, who thinks she's above everybody else and refuses to be told any different. She ends up having to learn some life lessons in ways that she could have avoided, but as a result of her actions things get out of her control. I say everyone can relate because if they haven't been in a similar situation, they know someone who has. It's just about growing up, making mistakes, and learning valuable lessons from your experiences. It teaches a lesson in a unique way that leaves you wanting to know what's about to happen next. It's a must read for urban fiction lovers!
5K: So your a self published author. Explain the ups and downs of being self published.
I love that I chose this route because I have been able to do everything on my own time and to my own liking. It is tough though being a "one man show," because I have literally done just about everything myself with little guidance. I'm not complaining though, because my independent approach has invited a lot of people who are experienced to reach out to me. I'm learning a lot about this industry. If I weren't doing things on my own I would still be in the dark about about a lot of things. This way is really shaping me to face the publishing companies soon. ;-)
5K: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself at a comfortable state in my writing career, yet still improving, and still expanding my business endeavors. I would love to have a best seller out there by then. 5K: Any last words?
I would like to thank 5ive Koncepts and all others who are supporting me and recognizing my efforts. I truly appreciate the support!
Contact InfoEmail: msbottabing@yahoo.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/MsBottabingMain Website: http://allbottabing.blospot.
SOCIAL AWARENESS | Social Networking Further Condemning the Black Community?
Yesterday, i read something incredibly appalling but at the same time not surprising none the least. I was over on bossip reading an article on how studies showing black trending topics are overwhelmingly negative. What makes my skin crawl is the fact that they are actually studying the ignorance of the black community. I rarely see articles and studies on positive efforts and grassroots organizations. You can bet nine times out of ten a person of color is in the media its because of ignorance but who's to blame? I feel like our own people are to blame for our mainstream and publicized doom and gloom. Black people fail to realize we are ALWAYS under the scope. That doesn't mean not be who you are because your afraid of scrutiny, but that doesn't mean act a damn fool either. I feel like we need to do better when it comes to thinking before we act, not only just from our perspective but from three perspectives. What I'm saying has nothing to do with the “white man”, I'm just saying this social media ordeal especially is a trap.
Think of how many people come by your profiles daily, now imagine all the ignorant things you say, now imagine all the opportunities you miss because you’ve turned some unknown person off. Ok the first thought will be “cant miss nothing i never had”, newsflash, yes you can, especially for those of you who call yourselves artists, entrepreneurs etc you miss out on so many potential clients, investors, fans, etc because of your nonsense.
I would say save the drama for your residence but as a community there is entirely TOO MUCH DRAMA. For some of us black people the drama is just never ending. Drama at home, drama at school, drama at work, drama on facebook and twitter, drama at church not too mention all the internal drama many of us have. To me it just looks like black people need to find our peace because if we don't we are headed for doom. Its bad enough even me writing this article is sacrifice, i want to have fun and be just as ignorant as they come but honestly our generation cannot afford any more foolery.
If you look back between the 1960s and 90s there was so much accomplished for blacks on a social and political scale. Those days we had people in the community willing to lead, stand up, take that risk, be the public enemy and FIGHT THE POWER. Nowadays no one wants to do a muthafucking thing but be famous and be famous for being a damn fool at that. Just turning on the Tell-LIE-Vision (TV) or logging on social networking is disgraceful. Where is that Black pride and self respect we once had?
Instead of supporting truth, peace, positivity and social awareness, people rather support the ignorance. Its a shame i feel like my own people will riot for food stamps and unemployment being cut rather than riot for police brutality and social/political injustice. With this being said, will the New Black Leaders please rise and take your positions?Sincerely, FB
Click HERE for bossip article
written by Feathers Scott for 5IVE KONCEPTS©
Follow Me On Twitter @5IVEKONCEPTS
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Tuesday, January 18, 2011
HUSTLE.PRAY.LOVE | Interview with Atlanta Promoter KD
5K: Out of all things, why a career in promotion, especially at a young age?
I am blessed to be involved with a lot of people around my age that have their sights set on having an impact, not only in the city, but worldwide. Although its just a start, promotion gives us the opportunity to enhance our network, and the skills needed to build it, it also opens doors into other fields allowing those interested to dabble in any realm of entertainment that they find comfortable.
5K: When did you decide you wanted to pursue the entertainment industry?I decided this in my freshman year of college doing some light promotion for another entertainment company in the city called After money Entertainment. I started to notice that the entertainment industry is one where the work you do is directly proportional to the results you get. I knew then I have a strong circle of friends and business partners for my age, so we put our thoughts together and made it happen.
5K: I see your from Brooklyn, how was the move from NY to Atlanta? Do you plan on going back?
I was a kid, of course I didn’t want to leave my friends and what not, but Atlanta is a blessing. I wouldn’t have it any other way at the moment. I visit NY every year frequently so I don’t think I’m missing much, and I do plan on going back to live in the future.
5K: Your the CEO of PaperbOy entertainment, a promotion company based n ATL, how is that on a day to day basis?
Its hard mixing it with school because I find myself at war over which is more important. I’m responsible for making sure everyone knows what events we have coming up, and thinking of new ways to brand our company. However I have a strong frontline that helps me out with anything whenever I may be in a bind.
5K: Promo is such a polluted industry. How to you rise above the competition?
Simply put, we are different than a lot of promoters, and it’s a new game. Without saying too much, I believe we rise above competition by being persistent, and trying to outwork the competition. Also, the name paperbOy holds it’s own weight and keeps people partying with us.
Also, our team is very diverse and it helps us to bring out different types of people anywhere we go whether its in a hood area or a relatively upscale one, we have the ability to draw from all crowds.
5K: I'm sure people would love to know, whats the difference between a REAL promoter, a FAKE promoter and a GREAT promoter, explain each and what do you consider yourself?
The difference between a real promoter and a fake promoter is consistency in my opinion. We have events year round, whether is hot, cold, raining, snowing etc!
Fake promoters on the other hand pop up every now and then with makeshift events trying to squeeze a dollar out. Some only do events in the summer because they don’t have too many worries about the weather. They do events at spots where we all know nobody is going regardless of how the party is promoted. Fake promoters are usually the ones who try to cut corners not realizing that the only way to see continual success is by giving your crowd exactly what they request.
Great promoters are established, have been doing this for years and have the network and the net worth to prove it. They have paid dues, and put in work that is undeniable by anyone else in the industry. Most important great promoters have a following that is reflective of all the time they have put into branding their companies and or events.
In all honesty I hate the term promoter and wish it wasn’t used for our field. It has come to have a negative meaning in Atlanta due to how saturated the market it. If I had to choose I’d call myself a decent promoter, I have never been able to give promo 100 % due to school.
5K: Do you have any other talents that your hiding or plan to bring to the forefront?
Hmmmm.. I write, and it’s solely for me, one of those talents that will stay hidden!
I am also the president/Head of Marketing for an up and coming clothing line based in NY and ATL named Charlie Appleseed follow the brand @charlieapplesNY
5K: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Tough one. In 5 years I’ll be 26. I see myself finishing up a masters degree, beginning to see some of the benefits from our clothing line, and still doing what is necessary to keep paperbOy relevant.
I would like to start a family around that time but we’ll see.
5K: Any last words?
Our generation has a lot on our shoulders; if we don’t make the change there won’t be one. I think all young people should look into starting their own businesses of some sort especially those of African American decent. The world isn’t made in our favor, I always use this example when people ask if I would really pursue work in the corporate world.
“Why climb a ladder that someone else built and has the freedom to chop down whenever they please whether your still on it or not, when you could just build your own?
Contact Info:
Phone: 404 671 7416 Kd
Email: kdrakes2@gmail.com
Twitter: @paperbOykd
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