Author Dutty Bookman to Release New Book - Fatidic: Selected Duttyisms

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Washington, DC – Jamaican-born author Dutty Bookman has kept a low profile in recent months, following well-publicized panel discussions in Jamaica, the United States and Spain this year about the Reggae Revival. The author has reclaimed the attention of the public with the relaunch of his website and the impending release of two new books.

The website, Duttyism.com, is a blog where he shares his thoughts on revolution, spirituality and life’s nuances. After more than thirteen months of inactivity, it has been revived with a fresh design. The first article was posted on December 4, titled 'Reggae Revival in 2014.' There, Bookman shares his thoughts and expectations for the movement in the coming year.

"I am not like most bloggers who post on a regular schedule just to keep people's attention. That is not my style," said Bookman. Instead, he insists that his blog has a deeper purpose. "Whenever I resume putting out public writings, it usually signals that shifts are about to happen. This is something I have noticed over time but I really couldn't tell you why.”

It was in 2011 that he first wrote about a "Jamaican Revival" on Duttyism.com, and the following day he also spoke about it at the launch of his first book, Tried & True: Revelations of a Rebellious Youth. That moment provided the impetus for the movement now known worldwide as the Reggae Revival. Approximately one thousand copies have been sold to date.

"Jamaican Revival" and other older blog posts that are no longer available on his website will be released in a new book called Fatidic:Selected Duttyisms. The cover artwork was designed by rising graphic and mural artist, Matthew McCarthy, who recently exhibited his own work at the National Gallery of Jamaica’s “New Roots” exhibit.

Fatidic: Selected Duttyisms 
will be released early in 2014 and made available for purchase on Duttyism.com as well as other online outlets and bookstores. Still, some are wondering about the status of his highly anticipated Reggae Revival book.

"When I initially started working on the Reggae Revival book, I thought that it would help to draw attention to what was then, a largely unfamiliar art scene. Recently I came to the realization that it's just not that urgent anymore," said Bookman. "After the global attention that came suddenly during the summer, especially from Europe, North America, and Jamaica itself, I realized that I could be more patient with the book and focus on other ways to assist the movement."

The Reggae Revival book is slated to be published towards the end of 2014. In the interim, more information about the movement can be found at reggae-revival.com.
 

Photo caption
The front cover of Fatidic: Selected Duttyisms, designed by Matthew McCarthy.

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Delano Franklyn Launches Book - MICHAEL MANLEY: PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST, in New York

Thursday, November 14, 2013

New York, N.Y. - November 09, 2013   - Author, Delano Franklyn launched his latest book, MICHAEL MANLEY: PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST on Thursday, November 7, at The United Moravian Church in Harlem, New York.  Mr. Franklyn's short presentation preceded an engaging "Question and Answer" session. Among the guests present were Mr. Herman Lamont, Jamaica's Consul General to New York, Mr.  Christopher Castriota, Community Relations Officer at The Consulate;  Mr. Irwine Claire O.D., Chairman of The Northeast Diaspora  Board and Messrs. Andrew Lawrence and Patrick Beckford, Diaspora Representative from Connecticut and former Diaspora Board Advisor respectively.  The evening ended with a book signing session and cake cutting by The Consul General and Mr. Franklyn, in honour of The Most Honourable Michael Manley.

Delano Franklyn with Consul General Herman Lamont

MICHAEL MANLEY: PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST is a collection of ten lectures by renowned scholars and other "knowledgeable" figures. It has "its genesis in the formation and continued existence of The Michael Manley Foundation". The Most Honourable Michael Manley, through his work as a trade unionist, journalist, two-times Prime Minister of Jamaica and International Political Figure concentrated his efforts on always "putting people first". The individual lectures contained in the publication provide the details of Manley's extensive legacy in this area.

 

About the Author

Delano Franklyn is a former Senator and Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Jamaica. He has penned, compiled and edited several books. MICHAEL MANLEY: PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST is his eighth publication.  Mr. Franklyn currently practices law in Kingston, Jamaica and is a Special Advisor to current Prime Minister, Portia SimpsonMiller. He also serves as Chairman of The Michael Manley Foundation. The Author attended Kingston College, Mico University, The University of West Indies and The Norman Manley Law School.

Work Cited

Franklyn, Delano. MICHAEL MANLEY: PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST. Kingston: Wilson Franklyn Barnes, 2013. Print.

 

 

KuttingEdge Communications
Francine Chin
Publicist
KuttingEdge Communications
Email: kedgepr@gmail.com
Tel: 631/671.2375
Fax:631/920.7299

 

 

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Kittitian Author- Carol Ottley-Mitchell Nominated for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

Monday, October 28, 2013

Carol Ottley-Mitchell

St. Kitts and Nevis author, Carol Ottley-Mitchell was nominated for an Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Over 238 candidates from 68 countries are nominated to the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award 2014. These were presented at the Frankfurt Book Fair on October 10, 2013.

The Award, which was created in honour of the famous Swedish author Astrid Lindgren, creator of the Pippi Longstocking and one of Sweden’s most important authors, is the world's largest award for children's and young adult literature.  

Ottley-Mitchell was nominated for her popular Caribbean Adventure Series, four books which feature the adventures of three Caribbean children and a mischievous vervet monkey. The first book, Adventure at Brimstone Hill, is set at the historic Brimstone Hill Fortress in St. Kitts.

The other books are each set in a different Caribbean island, Jamaica, Trinidad and the latest book, Fury on Soufriere Hills, is based in Montserrat. Children reading these adventure books are exposed to the culture, history and geography of the Caribbean. 
 

The Kittitian is one of a few authors from the English speaking Caribbean who have been nominated for the prize in the last ten years.  Other Caribbean nominees are below:

 Library Services Department
Organisation
British Virgin Islands

Magallanes, Alejandro
Author/Illustrator
Mexico

National Reading Rooms Program
Organisation
Mexico

Stoutt, Elmore
Oral storyteller
British Virgin Islands

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Author Interview: Malcolm Frierson Author of the Novel FINDING JAMAICA

Friday, October 18, 2013

I

n his new novel Finding Jamaica, Malcolm Frierson takes reader on an adventure with Sayvon Walker seeking love on his vacation, but discovers that women can be ruthless to men who refuse to play games.


Surrounded by the sexual escapades of his married best friend and pro-athlete brother, Sayvon wonders if he will ever find a woman willing to meet him halfway in a serious relationship. When a spunky dancer storms into his life and grabs his heart, he swears she's "the one." Yet her troubled past and a calculated extortion plot by his ex-fiancée cause unforeseen trouble. Thrilling, emotional, and funny, Finding Jamaica is a wild ride on the slick love train!

 

CEM Q & A with author Malcolm Frierson

Tell us about you.
I'm a dreamer, thinker, and doer. I live for new experiences and value friendships as much as finances. I could always use more of both, of course! Jackson, Mississippi is my birthplace—my sweetheart is a native of Barbados. I love my family, career in post-secondary education, and all of the variety that life brings.

 

What is Finding Jamaica about?
It's about a guy looking for love. He wants to be the opposite of irresponsible men like his father. His closest guy friends are womanizers, but he wants nothing more than to meet his match and have a traditional family. Now, the ladies he encounters along the way are some very bad girls! One is a Jamaican bombshell who turns his world upside down. That complicates this story while adding excitement as the novel answers the question of whether or not nice guys really finish last.

 

How did you come up with this story line?
Unfortunately, I think everyone has passed over a "good man" or "good woman" at some point, and my thinking was to write a story from that overlooked lover's perspective.

What was the most challenging aspect of writing Finding Jamaica?
I found it so difficult to keep the main character true to his identity. One reader mentioned wanting to jump into the novel and shake him into his senses. I felt the same way at times, so I had to work to displace my thinking and allow Sayvon to go through his ups and downs on his own terms.

 

How did you come up with the Sayvon Walker character?
I first thought about the person that I didn’t want Sayvon to be. The literary world has enough main characters who are liars, cheaters, and gangstas, including the white-collar variety. Sayvon is definitely flawed, but he's a "good man" overall. I put effort into creating a character that has so much of what most women claim to desire in a man.

 

Is there anyone you know that reminds you of Sayvon?
You mean other than myself? I've played the fool once or twice! As the song goes, it takes a fool to learn that love don’t love nobody. Everyone who has been on the losing side of the game of love at some point reminds me of Sayvon.

 

Where do you get inspiration from when writing?
I often reflect on the many Harlem Renaissance novels that I fell in love with years ago. They inspire me because they are so entertaining, educational, thought provoking, and just good! I try to give my readers the same type of meaningful experience. Thinking about books likeNot Without Laughter, The Blacker the Berry, and many others raises my creative energy.

 

Is this the only genre you write in?
No. My first published novel, A Place in the World, fits into the genre of literary fiction. I also enjoy writing nonfiction—works rooted in history and present-day social criticism.

 

Describe your writing schedule. Do you outline? Any habits?
I don't outline when I'm writing fiction. I'll occasionally make a note to include a particular situation or pop culture reference, but I generally rely on my imagination to determine my direction and schedule. When the words and ideas are flowing, I can spend as much as three weeks writing daily from sunup to sundown. At other times I can go a month without writing a single page. I've learned to be patient with myself.

 

Where is your favorite place to write?
This is the second novel I've written primarily from the comfort of my bed. That's my process. I think, write, and nap interchangeably. There must be something about the cozy feel of my mattress that increases my productivity!

 

I think this book will make a good movie. Have you ever thought about selling the rights for a movie deal?
Absolutely. In fact, I've considered adapting the novel into movie or play script in the near future. Its elements of drama, suspense, humor, and hope would work incredibly well in those mediums.

 

What authors inspire you?
Wallace Thurman, Langston Hughes, Michael Baisden, Carl Weber, Colin Channer, and several others. I never read their works while I'm working on a novel, though. Their stories, their styles are so captivating that I stay away from them while writing in order to keep my thoughts within my own imagination.

 

What are you working on now?
I have a couple of literary projects on my table. One is a fiction drama about a young married woman struggling to help her husband become a man and do right by her. It's tentatively titled You're Gonna Love Me. That manuscript is about halfway complete and I think it will appeal to readers who enjoy drama, suspense, and redemption in novels. My other project is a nonfiction story of the role that African American comedians played in the struggle for freedom in America during the 1960s. It's very close to completion, so look for it in book and documentary form soon!

 

Do you plan on doing a follow-up to Finding Jamaica?
Not at the moment, but I'll give it stronger consideration if enough readers want an update on Sayvon and his merry-go-round. The novel has a conclusive ending yet there's still room to question how things turn out, say, one or five years later.

 

Where can readers find your book?
They can visit malcolmfrierson.com or Amazon.com.  

 

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Usain Bolt to Release “Faster Than Lightning: My Autobiography” on Amazon

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Today Usain Bolt tweeted about his upcoming book “Faster Than Lightning: My Autobiography.”, which will released in October on Amazon.

 

The autobiography of the fastest man of all time and a superstar whose talent and charisma have made him one of the most famous people on the planet.

 

Whether you know Athletics or not, and even whether you know sport or not, chances are you know Usain Bolt. The fastest man on the planet, not just now but ever, Usain has won the hearts of people everywhere with his mind-blowing performances and his infectious charisma – uniting supporters around the world.

In this, his full autobiography, Usain tells his story in his own words: from humble beginnings in Jamaica, to international stardom at Beijing and on to the new heights of superstardom he has reached since lighting up London 2012.

Full of the charm and charisma that has made him the most popular sporting figure of our time and a universal celebrity; this is a book that Usain’s millions of fans will love.

 

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Book: French photographer, Thierry Dehove Releases "Home" - A journey through the Caribbean island of Anguilla

Monday, July 1, 2013

Established French photographer, Thierry Dehove, releases his first destination photography book titled "Home". The book is a visual journey through the Caribbean island of Anguilla, showcasing its spectacular beaches, landscapes, nature, architecture and overall beauty.

Dehove is a rising star in the world of architectural photography and has been recognized by well known magazine publishing houses and contracted by the likes of Google and other significant Internet and media companies.

"Home" went to print in 2012 and has caused a small wave of other photo journalistic books released by Dehove. Newer releases showcase varying styles of photography from portraits to black & whites and to Dehove's new obsession, composite imagery - combining predominantly his fashion photography shot against a white backdrop, then combined with select backdrops from assorted destinations around the world.

Mr. Dehove resides between the island of Anguilla and the seaside village of Delray Beach, Florida. He is scheduled to exhibit his photography works during select dates and locations in the United States throughout 2014.

For more information on Thierry Dehove or where you can see his Photography, please visit www.thierrydehove.com

 

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T&T author, Antigua icons in LiTTribute to Antilles

Monday, March 18, 2013

Trinidad and Tobago’s DR Kris Rampersad, author of LiTTscapes – Landscapes of Fiction from Trinidad and Tobago will team up with icons of Antigua and Barbuda to stage a literary tribute to the Antilles on Saturday (March 23, 2013) at the museum in St John’s, Antigua.

Dr Rampersad, whose book, LiTTscapes, was launched as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of Trinidad and Tobago last August, has undertaken a series of tributes called LiTTributes to highlight the contributions and value of the creative sectors of the Caribbean.

LiTTscapes has been described as a groundbreaking encyclopaedic yet coffee-table style compendium of the lifestyles, landscapes, architecture, cultures, festivals and institutions of the Caribbean and quintessential to the Caribbean diversification agenda as a means of promoting sustainable development through the creative sector in its presentation of  history, politics, cultures and lifestyles, by reviewers as head of the Guyana Prize for Literature and deputy vice chancellor of the University of Guyana, Professor Al Creighton; Poet Laureate of Port of Spain, PearlEintou Springer; former principal and pro vice-chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Dr Bhoe Tewarie and former First Lady of Trinidad and Tobago DrJean Ramjohn Richards, among others.

Said Creighton: “Easy to read, LiTTscapes is a work of art, a documentary, a travelogue, a critical work with visual and literary power. It is a quite thorough artistic concept, a portrait and biography of the nation of Trinidad and is attractively, neatly and effectively designed. It reflects a considerable volume of reading, ranging from the dawn of Caribbean literature (as early writings of Walter Raleigh, through to present including Nobel laureates Derek Walcott and Sir Vidia Naipaul). Whatever one says no one book can do, this one almost does.” 

Rampersad explained:  “The literary tributes, called LiTTributes, celebrate the creative synergies between fiction, the built and natural landscapes and the creative energies of writers, musicians, dramatists, artists, architects and other creators.” She noted that the launch of LiTTscapes was followed by the LiTTribute to the Republic in Trinidad and Tobago in September 2012 and LiTTribute II - LiTTurgy to the Mainland in Guyana in February 2013.

“The Antiguan event is being called LiTTribute to the Antilles and will include presentations by Rampersad and Antiguan writers and performers, including writers as Joy Lawrence, Joanne Hillhouse and Floree Williams with support from the Historical and Archaeological Society of Antigua and Barbuda which operates the museum, and Best of Books, Antigua. It will feature readings and performances inspired by LiTTscapes, which represents some 100 works of some 60 writers, including the Caribbean Nobel laureates for literature, Derek Walcott and Sir Vidia Naipaul.”

She said: “LiTTributes are meant to make both the creators and our communities aware and heighten appreciation of how we may work in tandem for the benefit of our countries and our region. I am indeed humbled and buoyed at the enthusiasm being showed throughout the region and indeed the diaspora for these as already I also have interests expressed for similar LiTTributes in North American and Europe from where a considerable number of our fiction writers have functioned.

 “LiTTscapes is a celebration of ourselves – small islands whose creative energies have generated enormous waves across the globe, as this LiTTribute to the Antilles will endorse. Antigua has given us writers like Jamaica Kincaid and Joanne Hillhouse.  Derek Walcott titled his acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize, The Antilles – Fragments of Epic Memory. This event is a celebration of that epic Antilles, not as fragments, but for the wholeness of our aesthetics,” said Rampersad.    

Rampersad said along similar lines of the LiTTscapes celebrations, the Antigua/Barbuda event will feature the Caribbean architectural alongside literary, visual and performance heritage. Its staging at the museum building will recognise Antigua’s oldest heritage building which is the former site of an indigeneous marketplace. Previous events were staged at the historic Moray House in Guyana, Knowsley Building in Port of Spain and White Hall, one of Port of Spain’s Magnificent Seven edifices.

For details and information, reviews, interviews email  or visit Website 

In Brief:

LiTTscapes: Key Features

·        Full colour, easy reading, coffee table-style

·        More than 500 photographs of Trinidad and Tobago

·        Represents some 100 works by more than 60 writers

·        Captures intimate real life and fictional details of island life

·        Details exciting literary moments, literary heritage walks & tours

·        Essential companion on T&T for tourists, students, policy makers, academics, lay readers

·        Totally local effort to stimulate local creative industries

·        Encourage literacy and creative activity

See: LiTTscapes album on Facebook: 

About the author – Kris Rampersad

For more than two decades Dr Kris Rampersad has been actively involved in analysing, assessing, critiquing and defining the development agenda for Caribbean societies.

She is a journalist and educator in Caribbean literature, culture and heritage.

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Macka Diamond to launch her book NAUGHTY or NICE aka BUN HIM pt. 2 on December 12

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Dancehall artiste Macka Diamond will be launching her second book NAUGHTY or NICE aka BUN HIM pt. 2, at the Sangster's Books Store - Mall Plaza, Kingston on December 12^th from 7 – 10 pm.

 

Book Description

It all ended with an accident, but it didn't stop there...SURE DIDN'T - there was also DNA, and when the results came, the daddy who was suppose to be the daddy, literally got the shock of his life....The child he thought was his, wasn't, and that meant one thing and one thing only.... AND NOW - The Saga Continues: "Larry! ...let me, let me explain baby, let me..." Sandra was pleading, tears already running down her cheeks. Larry saw them, but he wasn't moved. He smirked, coldness and callousness covering him like skin. Desperation took over, she moved toward him, only to run into a distinct hand gesture that not only added insult to injury, but a gesture that also came with the stinging, "save your breath, okay...there is nothing to explain. You should be glad that I'm letting you live, what says take the clothes that my money bought ... And by the way, do us both a favour...please stay away from me; please...stay as far as humanly possible, for your good and mine..." Sandra swallowed hard. Princess was crying. She tried to hush her, but she only got louder. Larry heard her too, saw both their tears, but he wasn't moved, and in one swift motion was on his heels; too hurt to even look back. Sandra remembered that incident as though it was yesterday, but it wasn't... Years had passed, but the memory still lingered. She sighed as she reclined. A lot had changed since then, a whole lot. Physically she had gained a few pounds, but all in the right places, and she was at the top of her game and loving it. Life had taught her hard, but well; so much so that she even had a new M-O, because if she should tell it, Shabba was right, "If a man want it...mek him pay dung pon it..." It was that simple, pay to play or hit the highway... Love didn't live there anymore... ...NAUGHTY or NICE aka BUN HIM pt. 2 JAMAICA'S MOST ANTICIPATED NOVEL TO DATE!

Macka whose real name is Charmaine Munroe previously released BUN HIM!! in 2007 and Grown & Sexy (Macka Diamond) in 2011. The books including NAUGHTY or NICE aka BUN HIM pt. 2 were all done by publishing company Pageturner Publishing

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