Yasmin Shiraz

Today I visited a suburban school in Northern, Virginia to talk about my career as an author / filmmaker. I showed the students the six books that I’ve written and I even showed them the movie poster to my first film, Can She Be Saved? As an extra bonus (in case they didn’t like my books)–I brought a old copy of my magazine, Mad Rhythms. They listened to me talk about my books and my film, but they were most excited when I told them that I had interviewed Jay-Z, been to Diddy’s house in the Hamptons and they were even more excited when I told them that I had gone to Lil’ Wayne’s 16th Birthday party. Huh? These young people were in 1st through 5th grade! They were so excited when I mentioned the name “Lil Wayne.”

I guess in my mind, I love music so much, I think that its a language that is spoken only to me, but the reality is that music is a universal language that is spoken to all people. When I mentioned to the young people that I had interviewed Jay-Z, there were all sorts of “wow”s and sighs in the room. I knew Jay-Z was really, really hot with Hard Knock Life, but is he still that hot? Apparently. That was something that surprised me today.

I had a great time inspiring and talking to young people about my career as a writer, author, filmmaker. I love it so much that it never feels like work.

This movie continues to intrigue me. I’m going to watch it this weekend. Have you seen it yet? Did you read the book? I want your feedback.

Here’s the synopsis: A young girl who has been murdered watches over her family–and her killer–from heaven. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Allison Maslan, author of “Blast Off!”. All opinions are 100% mine.

I recently came across an author, entrepreneur, speaker, and business coach who is as serious about creating passion as I am. She is serious about helping people find the things in life that continue to elude them.

In her new book, Blast Off! ,The Surefire Success Plan to Launch Your Dreams Into Reality, Allison Maslon provides strategies in the areas of  careers, relationships, healthy living, soulful living and even limitless living. Its time that there were more books that help us to STOP putting limits on our lives. Chapter 8, Financial Freedom and Prosperity, may be the most important part of the book, period! In a recession so many people are resigned to complain and complain about the economy. But, how many people are willing to come up with a plan or a strategy for success? Allison’s book helps give you the tools to help you blast off—recession or no.

The book officially launched on January 19^th and so Allison is in full Blast Off! mode and offering free gifts on her site. Blast Off! is $24.00 and available on Borders, Barnes and Nobles websites but (as usual) its even cheaper on Amazon’s website! available on Amazon It’ll also be available at bookstores everywhere.

I encourage you to check out the book and see if you can apply some of her strategies and really blast off! I think it could help me get even further and to help me keep my focus. See you in the stratosphere, ya girl, Yasmin!

Everybody needs somebody who inspires them–who gives them something to shoot for. E. Lynn Harris was a prolific author who developed the courage to talk about his life and homosexuality in the African American community. He wrote vividly and created unforgettable characters. A lot of my youth readers are probably unfamiliar with E. Lynn Harris, but I decided to put his info on my page today because I wanted to share with you a great author who inspired me. You ever wonder what keeps me motivated? People like E. Lynn Harris motivate me. I want to send prayers up for his soul and blessings to his family. Our thoughts are with them.

RIP E. Lynn Harris.

I recently received this letter and I wanted to share it with you. If you ever wonder why I write the kinds of books that I write. This is why:

Hello. My name is [concealed.] I just read your book retaliation. I really enjoyed this book. It only     took me two days to read it. I was so anxious to see what would happen next that I was just reading straight through. This is my first time reading one of your novels. I am a big fan of urban dramas.this one was one of the best ones. It relates to real life. I felt that I was actually there in the novel. There are many people who could relate I am sure. I look forward to reading more of your books. I want to write urban dramas one day. I am highly inspired by people like you. I felt Tashera’s pain all throughout the novel. It was like I knew her. Everyday I want to strive to be all I can be. Thank you for such an awesome novel.

Sincerely,

SC