T.L.:Outside of writing, I have a Master’s degree in Legal and Ethical Studies and another in Human Services Administration. I am in the process of developing a curriculum based upon my books, Just Like Daddy and Money Kings, that caters to the needs of the Black male population that is struggling with drug addiction, involvement with the criminal justice system, and with developing strong, positive relationships with their male offspring. This curriculum is being designed to tailor to those males that are housed in recovery centers and halfway homes.
L.F.:If you could share one message with the masses, what would it be?
T.L.: I would say to readers to set higher standards for authors to give you quality reads of substance and not just fast paced action scenes with no staying power or story structure. Urban fiction today is being tainted by these poorly written tales that do a great disservice to the legacy of Donald Goines and Iceberg Slim.
L.F.: What do you believe your responsibility is to the readers and / or the literary community?
T.L.: My responsibility to the literary community is to remain consistent in my delivery of quality, entertaining, realistic stories that make readers eager to get their hands on the next new release from me.
To learn more about Thomas Long and his books/projects, please visit his website at www.tlongwrites.com or follow facebook Thomas-Long
Kenni’s Korner
Kenni’s ‘Fave Five’ things you should check out to enhance various areas of your life.
Music:
‘Hard in the Paint’ – Uncle Reece
Kenni says: Upon first listening, this tune has a really upbeat, hip-hop flare to it. Then, once you hone in on the words you realize that you’re listening to gospel. But, before you know it you’re dancing to the beat, catching on to the addictive hook, and praising your maker. Any song that can make you feel the words and get lost in both the lyrics and the beat is in my definition a hot track. I dig a song with a message especially the positivity of celebrating the favor God shows over our lives. Get inspired, get in the spirit, and go get this track!
Literature:
‘Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High – Patterson, Grenny, McMillian, Switzler
Kenni says: Whether you are C.E.O of a Fortune 500 company, an employee for a small firm, or just an individual who has slight communication issues, this book is for you. Ever needed to tell someone something and there was so much riding on how that conversation would go? Ever had to make a life altering confrontation? Refer to this manual to aid you in how to handle these types of situations. What to say, what not to say, and of course HOW to say it. We can all agree that communication is key where human interactions are concerned. Perfect your communication skills when it comes to important matters. Take the time to check out this book.
Food;
Buttercream Cookies - a Pastries by Maria product
Kenni says: I believe in supporting local and black owned businesses. Pastries by Maria is a boutique bakery and one of the owner’s specialties is buttercream cookies. Okay, imagine the yummy moistness of the cakes made at your local Publix bakery. Now envision the taste of delicious butter cream icing. Put that together with a sugary finish all encased in cookie form and you have this perfectly satisfying, dainty cookie with just the right amount of sweetness. Yes, dainty. These cute little pastries are perfect for quaint luncheons or even for personal enjoyment coupled with an original tea blend (Earl Grey &lavender) which is also a Pastries by Maria product. Try something new and check Maria out at www.pastriesbymaria.com .
Clothing / Accessories:
Long sleeve tees
Kenni says: The weather is changing. The mornings are cool, the days are sunny, and the evenings are cool as well. It’s time to start layering up. Layers allow you to adjust to the temperature and not be overheated by your clothing or underdressed should the air be crisper than you expected. When you’re ready to layer, nothing’s better than the thin, long sleeve tees that are available in multiple colors in nearly all department stores. Do yourself a favor and grab at least your basic black and white ones.
Color:
Kenni says: It’s elegant yet season appropriate. Holiday dinners are rolling around and adding a touch of champagne to your color pallet will prove to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Try champagne nail polish or eye glitter for subtle looks. For the office parties or group dinners, try a gorgeous champagne dress with matching heels to create a sense of awe when you enter the room. It’s your season to be dazzling.
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