I’m back from Spring Break. Now, I need a break from the break (smile).

This week I have the pleasure of introducing you to Torrance Stephens. I read one of his books a few years ago and I finally got a chance to ask him a few questions.

Your new book title: dirt behind my ears definitely gets the reader’s attention. Is it fiction or non-fiction?

It is non fiction. Basically it is a collection of opinion editorials from my earlier years from newspapers and my blog. Subjects, albeit mostly on politics, African American Culture and relationships, also covers history, and issues about the family and sports.

I’m a frequent visitor to your blog: http://rawdawgb.blogspot.com/. Will your new book be anything like your blog commentary? Tell us about it.

Well, I use it mainly to express what I thinking. I want to also use it as a medium to inform folks, especially men, that there is nothing wrong with expressing scholarship and thought. I want to present that there are other things that males, especially African American men seriously think about outside of women, money, music and sports.

It also allows for me to promote and sale some of my other published works as well as some of my scientific publications. Most of all it allows me direct access to the general public and that can go along way, especially if one has a penchant for informing the public and getting people to do. That’s what I want my blog to do – to get people to question and think.

What’s your opinion on the state of African-American fiction?

One word – LAME. Do not get me wrong, there are some great and excellent writers in our community; my list would be inordinate. However, we don’t have grasp on any of the whole of classic, estranged, offbeat and other worldly literature. What I read makes me think that folks want to sale books moreso that their craft. No creativity and it is a serious indication o me, that substantial bevy of our writers are not well read and/or versed in issues outside of fiction. That would have not sufficed 100 years ago today. On the other hand, it may be a refection of the reading public we service.

If your life was a reality TV show, what would be the title of it and why?

RAW DAWG BUFFALO – LIVE FREE OR DIE. Don’ know why, but that is just how I live and do.

What advice would you give aspiring writers who want to make it in this field?

Write for yourself first, study your craft, and never, never be afraid of writing what you really feel. Please never right for no one but yourself first.

To learn more or get in contact: 

Torrance T. Stephens, PhD.
Chief Behavioral Scientist, CEO
Braincellinc

Braincellinc@gmail.com
rawdawgbuffalo@gmail.com
http://rawdawgb.blogspot.com

Purchase books at www.bbotw.com (search torrance stephens)

What happens when a political scandal threatens to ruin the romance of the year? You get Celeste O Norfleet’s latest release WHEN LOVE CALLS.

This romantic tale of two destined lovers Alyssa Wingate and Senator Randolph Kingsley will surely keep you turning the pages.  It took me less than 24 hours to finish the book. I couldn’t put it down.

The book’s release timing is perfect with the news about the real life scandals. 

Escape in between the pages for a few hours into a world of romance and politics.

For those of us still in the dating arena, it seems the older you get, the dating rules change.

Last month while visiting a few blogs, I ran across an interesting topic–about when the man should or shouldn’t pay for dates. Well, I’m old fashioned and feel that the man should pay for the date. Now yes, there are some exceptions, but for the most part, that’s just how I feel. I can pay for my own meal, movie or event so if I wanted to go dutch, I would go with some friends with an almost guarantee I’ll have some fun. If I’m on a date, the man needs to pay–plain and simple.

A man who is interested in a woman has no problem spending money on her. Now if he doesn’t want to part with his hard earned cash, then that’s the first sign he’s not really into you. Maybe I’m spoiled but even men who are “just friends” offer to pay when we go out. Now here’s the exception. If the man is considered “just friends” I sometimes treat them, even after they protest.

Back to men who are trying to be more than “just a friend.” I don’t believe in the going dutch, but that’s just me.

What about you? Should the woman go dutch when dating? Why or why  not?

It’s been awhile since I posted something original due to deadlines. Truth be told I’m still on a deadline but I’m taking a quick break.

New York now has its first black governor who admits after getting sworn in that he and his wife both had affairs. I guess he was trying to beat the media. Lesson: Tell your own dirt and you don’t have to worry about anyone trying to hold anything over you.

Barack having to explain his ex-pastor’s choice of words is a joke. Lord knows I don’t agree with everything my pastor says. His personal views outside of what’s biblical correct are his own personal views. That’s the main reason why I don’t hold Barack accountable for what his ex-pastor said. Lesson: If you want to know how I feel about something, ask me, not my pastor.

Paul McCartney’s ex-wife has shown she’s one screw short but she did get $20 million.  Lesson: Next time your friends suggest you get a prenuptial agreement, listen to them.

There’s no reason why the gas prices should be as high as they are. Gas company executives are getting richer and richer as the prices at the pump get higher and higher. I need to buy me a bike–it’ll be healthier physically and financially. Lesson: Shop at one store like Wal-mart and save gas or order from online stores and save gas. Whatever you do, save gas.

I’m guest blogging today over at All the Buzz.

A Hopeful Romantic By Shelia M Goss

I’m a romantic at heart. I believe in romance. I believe that there’s the perfect man for the perfect woman and when the two meet, all will be well in the world. At this point, you’re probably like wake up already. No, I’m not living in a fantasy world—romance is alive and well.

To read the rest, go to All the Buzz.

Check out another interview I recently did over at Gwyneth Bolton’s blog:

GB: If you could pick a current hot R&B singer and producer or perhaps some Hollywood superstars star as the leads in a movie about Double Platinum who would you choose and why?

To read my response to this question and others, CLICK HERE.

This was a good week. I was interviewed by two people who I’ve admired over the years. Please take the time to check them out by clicking on the names below:

Chewing the Fat with Bettye: 5 Questions For . . . Shelia Goss

Living on the tip of my pen!: A Minute with Author Shelia M. Goss