Yasmin Shiraz

Author, Activist, Filmmaker & Speaker
Subscribe
ss_blog_claim=0fd0c8f170f26a652b552c57cf4d32a9

Love for Retaliation: Letter from “One of Your Biggest Fans!”

February 07, 2010 By: Yasmin Category: Yasmin, author, girl fighting, reader, violence, youth

Here’s a new letter that I received a few days ago from a Retaliation reader.

Dear Ms. Shiraz,

I’ve become one of your biggest fans. I read your book Retaliation which you said was not a true (story.) But to me, it felt real. I cried because it reminded me of my old life when I lived in Maryland. I lost my cousin to a gang in 2008. I looked up to him just like Tashera did with her brother. We did everything together when we (were) little. He got put in a foster home and I was (gonna be) next. But I made it out. I’m a 3.5 GPA student and I’m preparing to go to college to become a Registered Nurse. I enjoyed reading the book because it felt like i–the reader–was there. I will continue reading your books.

Your biggest fans,

Tamika

I appreciate Tamika for sharing this with me and letting me know of her journey. These are the letters that keep me motivated. Thank you Tamika!!! I’m sure you’ll make a great RN. Keep shooting for the stars!

  • Share/Bookmark

Yasmin Shiraz to Present at National Girls Bullying Conference

January 05, 2010 By: Yasmin Category: Yasmin, author, bullying, youth

CANSHE_5X7I will be in the house at the 4th Annual National Girl Bullying Conference presenting a session that will feature my film, Can She Be Saved? and my book Retaliation. As most of you know, working with young women has been a passion of mine for many years, so I’m overjoyed that this opportunity has presented itself. Thank you to the young ladies who continue to inspire me and trust me with their stories.  It has been my honor to share your voices with the world.

Much love—

Yasmin

PS. I will share more info on the conference as it gets closer. Its in June 2010!

YouTube Preview Image
  • Share/Bookmark

Reader Shout Out: “Retaliation-the best book I’ve ever read!”

December 28, 2009 By: Yasmin Category: Yasmin, author, letters, reader, retaliation, youth

RetaliationIts true that authors, singers, filmmakers, and artists would be nothing without the people who are touched by their work. No matter how successful you become, you never tire of hearing that somebody was inspired by what you do. On Christmas Eve I received an email from Jen in Texas who not only emailed me about Retaliation, but she went to my YouTube channel and commented on a bunch of my videos.

Yo, I love that kind of enthusiasm.

So, I want to send my love and appreciation right back to Jen and share her email because love begets love.

Hey!!! Its me, ur grl jen! i read retaliation, and it wuz tha best book I have ever read! :) I want to buy all of tha books u hav written, and i plan on readin those tooo! Retaliation really changed the way I look at everything. I have almost been into ‘lots of fights at school and now that i look back, i hardly even knew tha grls that tried pickin a fight w/ mee… — ur grl in TX, Jen

These kinds of emails are the reason that I can write for 10 hours straight, its the reason that I can fly on a wing and prayer and shoot a film that I’m not sure people are going to see. You gotta believe that your work is gonna reach the audience who needs it most! Faith not Fear. Thanks Jen for the connect!

Peace…

  • Share/Bookmark

Teen Beating Caught on Cell Phone Video

June 12, 2009 By: Yasmin Category: teen, violence, youth

Some people are disputing the level of animosity that girls have with each other. But the way that this fight went down really shows the hatred that these girls have for one another. When is it ever justified for 5 girls to beat up on one girl. Seriously. When? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

  • Share/Bookmark

Wonder why I write books?

June 01, 2009 By: Yasmin Category: letters

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:

Retaliation: A Novel 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

  • Share/Bookmark

New Radio Interview: Tips for Dealing with Fights in School

May 27, 2009 By: Yasmin Category: Radio

I’m on with Tommie and The Bartender…

YouTube Preview Image
  • Share/Bookmark

New Radio Interview: Talking Retaliation & Self Esteem

May 26, 2009 By: Yasmin Category: Radio

I’m on the radio with T. Blackmon of The Connexshun.

  • Share/Bookmark
Get Adobe Flash playerPlugin by wpburn.com wordpress themes

© 2009-2010 Yasmin Shiraz All Rights Reserved -- Copyright notice by Blog Copyright