[TO YOU, FROM ME] Celebrating Mississippi's Best

Welcome to the debut issue of Mississippi Success Magazine, published by Conversations Media Group!

Though the idea for the Mississippi Success campaign was launched in September 2017 I have for over a decade looked for ways to celebrate Mississippi's Best. The main reason is because I know that despite what some choose to focus on I know there are great people living in the state or have come from the state and achieved amazing things. That is what I want this platform to be, a celebration of all the great things and people that Mississippi has to offer.

As we were getting ready to go to print I, along with my radio program Conversations LIVE and the show Mississippi Success, was about to be honored by Yazoo City's WYAD 94.1 FM where I have been on the air the past four years. I held off on publishing so we could 1) thank them for giving my Mississippi Success radio show a home and 2) recognize those who we had a chance to honor at the event (seen here with me (l-r) LaDonna Marie, Montana Esco and Glenda L. Hunter). 

This publication and my platform www.mississippisuccess.com is for the people of Mississippi to show what we are able to do and accomplish. However, it is also for the world to remind them of our own greatness and contributions to the world. 

It is my hope that the profiles in this debut issue will inspire you to seek out the best in the world around you and remember those who day by day are setting a standard for us all. 

Happy Reading!

Cyrus Webb, Editor-In-Chief

Mississippi Success Magazine

Conversations Magazine

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Taste of Detroit Restaurant

Conversations Media Group has had the pleasure of hosting events through the state of Mississippi over the years. For the past couple of years one place that has become our go-to for meet-ups or just great food is Taste of Detroit Restaurant.

Located at 1530 W. Government St., Ste. C in Brandon, MS, Taste of Detroit has a little something for everyone, from delicious chicken and waffles to stir fry and even their new chicken sandwich!

Conversations President and Mississippi Success Editor-In-Chief Cyrus Webb has hosted several influencers at the restaurant, including Bigg Marv (M.C. Hammer's cousin and co-star of the A&E show Hammertime) and actor Yohance Myles, known most recently from the hit show on the Oprah Winfrey Network AMBITIONS.

Not able to dine in? Call in orders are welcome and even encouraged to make sure your wait time is reduced. The store can be reached at 601.706.4062. Follow Taste of Detroit on Instagram at www.instagram.com/tasteofdetroitrestaurant and make sure to like their Facebook page.

Know a business in Mississippi that should be featured? Contact Cyrus Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or call 601.896.5616.

Vick Allen: The SUPERSTAR that Is Sharing Good Music with the World

by Cyrus Webb

Music has been good to recording artist and producer Vick Allen. The Mississippi native has been able to carve out his own path, making a name for himself over the years in different genres but spreading his love of the craft along the way.

As the summer was coming to an end this year he released his single Superstar, a continuation of his mission to give fans something they can relate to and appreciate. We had our first chat on Conversations LIVE the radio show this year about his career, what drives him and the inspiration for the new music. Enjoy!

When people hear your name Vick, of course they know that music is something that you love to do. What has it been like for you to be able to share your love of music with the rest of us?
It's an unbelievable experience, man. I started at a very young age like so many others. I went on to producing music, mostly soul music for artists like Willie Clayton. That's where my love for soul music came from. I've always been into soul music growing up. Just to be able to continue that in my career is amazing.

And I think the thing that I've noticed about you in your music and we see it in Superstar is that you actually have substance to the music. While some just focus on a good beat you have focused on telling a story. Did you always know from the very beginning you wanted to actually say something that people could be able to listen to and relate to?
Absolutely. I was inspired by people like Bobby Womack. His nickname was the storyteller. That was one of the things he did. He always told a story in his songs that people could relate to, and I just felt like that's missing in today's music. I wanted to be one of those people that continued to take that form of storytelling through music forward.

And I think along the way you've been able to garner fans from all over. Of course people in the south have gotten to know you. What does that feel like for you to know that people who have never met you but who have heard your music, have been able to appreciate you as an artist and become fans of yours?
Again, man, that's unexplainable. That's such a great feeling. I did a concert (recently) in North Carolina, and there were so many people that came up to me afterwards telling me how much they loved the music and they had been fans for such a long time. That just warms my heart to know that the music that I put together is able to touch people's lives in some way or another because like I said, I tried to do music that people can relate to.

Did you always know that you were going to be larger than where you're from? And what I mean by that is, you know, a lot of times people are content with just being able to reach those around them. Have you always known that you had something that you wanted the world to be able to enjoy?
I wanted it to be that way, but I wasn't absolutely sure it would happen. I used to watch the Grammys and all these other award shows and say one of these days that's going to be me, and low and behold I made it to the Grammys with a group I was with. And I've been nominated for a Grammy as a producer as well. It was something I dreamed about as a young kid, and it's happening.

You've made a name for yourself behind the microphone as well as by producing. There are people who will tell you to focus on one thing. You have not only gone against that principle, you have also been able to get noticed in different genres of music. How important has it been for you to not pay attention to that and just do what feels right for you?
That's a good point. People don't like to hear it but Blues, Soul and Gospel have a lot in common. They are both sung and performed very passionately. You're either passionately talking about your love of God or your love of a woman. To be able to cross those lines and work on both sides is a blessing within itself, because it's enabled me to meet some wonderful people and work with so many great artists.

Vick, your musical journey started in your teens. What is it that's kept you focused, because you know like I know there are a lot of people who have even been in the game 10 years ago that are no longer around. What is it that you think has kept you going and kept you motivated?
Two things. I think number one is my love for music. It's something that I'm very, very passionate about. I love music, all types of music, and if you look at my playlist on my phone, it would probably surprise a lot of people: Everything from Rock to Country to Blues, to Soul, R&B. You name it. I love it all. So it was my love of music, number one. And number two, I think it's knowing what, what my purpose is. Everybody can't be filthy rich and flying in private jets and living in the big mansions and so forth. My purpose is to be able to spread some amount of joy and happiness through some Soul music. Create music that people could actually feel.

That brings us back to the new single Superstar. It celebrates those who don't always get the attention they deserve: the hardworking woman. I love the fact from beginning to end, you're talking about the things that women do: whether it's getting the kids ready for the day or going to work and doing what it takes there, being there for the family and giving 100%. How did  it come about?
Just exactly what you said. I was raised by a single parent. I watched my mom struggle every day to take care of me and my younger brother. I noticed it even as a young child the things that mom had to do and go through just to make sure we were okay: working crazy hours and all kinds of different things. Listening to the radio now it's not often that you hear music that celebrates women. If anything, you'll hear more music that talks about them in some type of derogatory way. I just felt like it was time to change that narrative a little bit, come up with the song that celebrated women and the things that they do and the things they have to go through. That's why the song was important to me. I felt it was time for that to be brought out a song.

Get Superstar on Amazon.com or your favorite online retailer. Stay connected with Vick at www.vickallen.com.

[INSPIRATION] Choose You by Gail Ambeau

Instead of fashion let’s talk about getting this season off to a good start with you.

Let us not succumb to the pressure that there has to be a “New You”.  It’s almost impossible to have a new you. You can have a new attitude. You can do away with some old habits. You can improve upon yourself mentally and physically. Let’s face it: It’s still you. You just can’t get a new you like you can get a new car.

Now that we’ve got that all cleared up let us focus on what we (I am including myself) can do to improve ourselves in this season.

First we must all realize that there is no such thing as “Perfect”. Being perfect is not real. Nothing and nobody is perfect. Flawless doesn’t exist and it’s not even attractive. Even diamonds have flaws.Trying to be perfect is hard to get close to because it’s not realistic. So, just breathe, and relax. Everything we consider a flaw about ourselves someone else might find appealing. Just get real with yourself and let that lead the way.

Tap into that “thing” that makes you feel most like yourself. For example for me I am most at myself when I am free to be as creative as possible. When I am not restricted by time or space during the creative process I can tap into me. Recognize what that “thing” is for you and move towards it. Tap into “you” as often as you can.

You have to make peace with who you are so that You can start showing up. When we are constantly focusing on our insecurities, our authentic self cannot shine. The light that shines draws in every person, experience, and opportunity to align with our true happiness.

Be willing to accept failure. I don’t mean be willing to be a failure. I mean accept failure and take the lesson from it. Then make the next move. Take the next step. Don’t allow yourself to get stuck in that place.

Start by getting out of bed and get dressed, even if you don’t have anywhere to go.
Start by doing 1 push up.
Start by drinking a cup of water.
Start by making 1 sale.
Start by walking 1 lap.
Start by reading 1 page.
Start today, then tomorrow repeat.

 Make everything about love and gratitude. That’s pretty much it. Love changes your perspective and having an attitude of gratitude is absolutely the only way to attract more of what you want.

As always remember the first thing you should to put on everyday is your confidence, because it is the first thing everyone will see. Wear it, and wear it well.

Smooches!

Gail Rayford-Ambeau,
host of Fashion Forward
www.instagram.com/gailambeau

[FOOD] Old Fashion Buttermilk Pound Cake~ from Chef/Author Deborah Hunter

Are you ready for THE BEST POUND CAKE EVER?

This super rich, moist, delicious pound cake will serve perfectly with your morning cup of coffee or favorite scoop of ice cream at dinner time! Here's what you need for Old Fashion Buttermilk Pound Cake:

• 2 stick butter soften
• 1/2 cups shortening
• 2 cups sugar
• 1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 5 eggs room temperature
• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• less 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1-1/2 buttermilk
•Cream butter and shortening until light and creamy
• add sugar 1 cup at a time
• add eggs 1 at a time
• add flour a spoonful at a time mix well
• add salt baking powder
• slowly blend in buttermilk
• batter will have a rich texture
• pour batter into a oiled and floured pancake pan

Place into a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for 1 1/2 hours. Your cake should appear a nice golden brown. Turn off the oven and cover the top of the cake with foil, letting it rest in the oven until oven is completely cool. Remove and let cake rest for another 10 minutes before removing from the pan. You're now ready to slice and serve, enjoying what I like to call MISSISSIPPI GOODNESS.

If you enjoy this recipe don’t forget to get Deborah Hunter's cookbook MY DELICIOUS DELICIOUS MISSISSIPPI LIFE on Amazon.com.

Author Dennis Perkins: Writing What He Knows, Living What He Teaches

by Cyrus Webb

This has been a busy year for Mississippi author Dennis Perkins---and there is no sign of him slowing down any time soon.

What began with a book that he never planned to write---Everlasting Love---has led to But the Greatest of These Is Love and now The Courage to Step Out of the Familiar. In each book he is able to share a bit of himself, what he has learned and the principals that guide his life and what he shares with others.

The two of us met for the first time in person during his first book-signing at Barnes and Noble in Ridgeland, MS for his book Everlasting Love, and we have built up a friendship ever since. It's been great to see how he has overcome his pain and grief, learned from lessons and now can display by example what faith and action can do for us all.

Deeply personal, Everlasting Love is all about his wife, their highs, their lows and living without her. It is also about the power of faith and confidence in God and what he is able to bring us out of. Perkins writes in the book "Each day He shows me a little more about what I am to do and who I am to see." With that guidance he has continued his work of speaking and writing.

The latest book The Courage to Step Out of the Familiar is not just about courage but the importance of work to go along with our faith. It takes patience and trust in God, but it is worth it.

Stay connected with Dennis Perkins and all the events and other books to come at www.thedpventures.com.

#MississippiSuccess Story: Pauline Rogers, RECH Foundation

 by Cyrus Webb

All of us have the ability to impact the world around us for the better. Just ask Pauline Rogers. It's been great over the years to see the work she is doing through RECH (Reaching and Educating for Community Hope) and through her daily example.

The two of us sat down together after an event at Dunkin Donuts in Pearl, MS to discuss her mission, the progress and the lessons for all of us.

First of all congratulations to you and thank you for the great work that you're doing to make an impact in the lives of others and to be able to stress the importance of a second chance. What has it been like for you, Pauline, to be able to do work that you're passionate about and to see the impact that you're making?
Well I'm a product of a second chance. I'm an ex-offender myself.  I have seen people no different than myself. I made up my mind that I was going to do something about it when I got out, and I'm still at it.

You're a living testimony as to what's possible. You have also not given up on others. How does it feel to know that you are able to share with someone else that they can have a second chance like you. 
Well it is a calling, and I feel that it is my duty to give back. I don't wish prison on anyone, but without having been an offender myself I wouldn't be doing this work. God calls different people for different things. That's what I'm called to do.

I'm so glad that we have platforms like social media to share messages like this. You work here in Mississippi where I live as well, but what is it like for you to share your message with the world using the internet?
It's like having your own personal Clarion Ledger, your own personal magazine. It gives you your own platform to use and to share your message with others.

What I love about your feed, Pauline, is that you're sharing your speaking engagements and the work you are doing but also the accomplishments. You're putting in the work. What does it mean to you to see that type of impact you're having?
Well, the advocacy part is good. That's what the pictures are about with the Governor and working on criminal justice reform. Now when we advocate for criminal justice reform, we by no means exclude the victims. Victims are real. What we try to do with the work is show that with reform we can make the community better by giving people second chances. We want to give people an opportunity to succeed.

So what is your next goal? 
We want to open up a transitional house for men. We have transitional housing for women, so to do something for men exiting prison is the next step. This summer we did camps for children of prisoners. The ultimate goal now is to create more housing and job opportunities for offenders that are coming out.

To find out more about the work that Pauline is doing and to see how you can help visit her website www.rechfoundationms.org .

Event Planner/Speaker/Entrepreneur Melissa Banks: Living the Dream, Leading By Example

 

 by Cyrus Webb

This debut issue of Mississippi Success is all about 'living the dream', and when I was coming up with the theme I thought about one individual in particular who is doing just that. Melissa Banks was introduced to me this year through a mutual friend, and now we have built a friendship of our own.

As an event planner, motivational speaker and entrepreneur she has been able to share her talents with those around her---and people around the world are taking notice. I was able to share her signature pink dream boxes across the country this year, getting them into the hands of celebrities and influences who marveled at their elegance and professionalism. No surprise there. The boxes mirror the woman who has created them.

In this conversation Melissa shares her humble beginnings, her success and what others can do to join her in living the dream.

Melissa, you've been able to do some amazing things for sure. A lot of people know you for the fantastic work you do as an event planner, but also your work as a motivational speaker and creator. What has it been like for you to look at what you've been able to do and how people have been able to respond to it?
It's still mind-boggling to me. I grew up in Jackson, Mississippi. We didn't dream of owning our own businesses. To look back and see that I started out making flower arrangements for people at Church, and then to see that people would listen to what I have to say and get inspired is exciting and fulfilling.

A lot of times people will look at some people and say, you know what? I could never do what they do. Or they say they're in a place where I don't think I could ever get, and yet that is exactly what you inspire people to do: to dream big, to go for what they want. So my question would be to you what gave you the knowledge and also the push to let you know that you could do it?
I share the story often with people that I worked for a major technology company and there were rumors circulating that they were going to lay off people. So I was very nervous. I was a single parent, raising my two sons, and I was afraid. One morning I heard a voice in my spirit saying I was going to own my own business. It was God speaking to me. I had never even thought of owning a business prior to that moment, but once that dream was placed in me, no matter where life took me, what direction I went in---the ups, the downs, the problems that occurred in my life, the disappointments---I always came back to that dream. I believe I'm just crazy enough to keep believing. Even when things doesn't work out, I find a way to move to the next thing. I tell people, as long as you keep moving, you can make your dream happen. It's when you stop moving that your dream can't happen.

I think a lot of times people are so quick to give up, not only on their dreams but on themselves.What was it like for you to realize that other people saw your own greatness and abilities even before you did? 
This is an interesting question. I'll take you back to when I ran into someone who knew me many years ago when I was in a bad marriage and going through a whole lot of things. I saw her because I did a family member of her's wedding. I looked at her as we stood in the event hall and I said 'Can you believe this is me? I am the person that put all of this together? This is what I do'. And she looked at me, and she says, "Yes, I do believe it.' That was a mind-blowing experience for me. This person only knew me from that down time, that time of disappointment in my life. Yet she show it in me. That was a push to let me know I do have something. If they can see it in me then I have to be able to see it in myself. That's what I tell people today. If you can see it, if you can believe it and you can think it,then you can make it happen. It begins with your thoughts.

Melissa, there are those who will be reading this and will say that yes they see what you have been able to do and they hear what you have to say, but they're scared. They are afraid of what's going to happen when they step out there. How did you get over that fear?
Well, I don't know that I ever got over the fear. I'm afraid now. I'm afraid that I'm going to get a contract and not be able to produce it in a way that makes somebody happy. I'm afraid that I'll get on stage in front of an audience that wants me to say something that inspires them and I don't have the words to say. I'm also afraid because I mentor business owners one on one that started their business and they're listening to me and and doing what I say. I'm afraid that my advice is not going to be good, but you know what I say? I say to other people,, and I say to myself, do it afraid. Do it when you're scared. Do it. When your hands are shaking up, the microphone is in your hand but you got a lot to say, do it anyway. You have to do it afraid to get to where you want to go.

They say a picture's worth a thousand words, right? I was looking at your Facebook page and seeing the pictures of you in your element. What is it like for you to see that confident individual staring back at you and knowing that is you and what it took for you to get there?
Wow. You know, just recently I've started actually posting pictures of myself. I didn't have that confidence to have my face out there at first, so I would post my work because I felt like my work was good work. But as my business started expanding, people needed to get to know me. That's the hardest part of it all: opening yourself up and letting people see you. I looked at a picture I posted recently and I thought, 'Wow! Who is that person in that picture?' That picture, that progress, that person is me. That picture can show to me that no matter what has happened I kept going.

It's the confidence in yourself that matters. It's the ability to keep believing in yourself, not trying to get permission from anybody and not getting anybody to sign on or agree with you. Most people don't agree with you. I hear all the time: You work too hard, you work too many hours, you need to take for time off. God gave me that confidence to keep going no matter what it's looking like. I may have gotten 20 Nos over here, but I'm trying to get to that one Yes. I want more. I keep thinking of different ways to do more, to deal with more and to help somebody along the way.

How important has it been for you to stress with people that you didn't get here just from closing your eyes and saying, 'I want to do it.' How do you let them know they have to open their eyes and get to work?
I tell them that dreams don't happen by magic, and there's no shortcut. It takes lots of work. These people we look at that we admire, they do the work. You got to get beyond the idea and you gotta get to the work. It's the action that will propel you to success. So first you have to make the decision. Then you gotta put it into action, because it's the action that matters. One of the things I recommend to some of the leaders I work with is to make a list. Every single day you look at that list and say, 'I'm going to work towards this.' I also suggest that people do a vision board, putting something in front of them. If you don't see where you want to go you can't get there.

Yes, Melissa Banks is living the dream, but she wants you to be able to do the same. Make the decision today to go for what you want, do the work and watch it pay off!

Stay connected with Melissa at www.dmdeventplanninganddesign.com.

#MississippiSuccess Story: Author/Speaker Glenda L. Hunter

by Cyrus Webb

She's an author, poet and speaker---but most importantly a survivor. .

Glenda L. Hunter, a resident of Clinton, Mississippi, is one of those individuals who has been able to use her life to not only help other people but show what it means to celebrate the gift that life is. This, however, has not been an easy road for her. At a young age she had her innocence taken away from the very man who should have been there to protect her: her father. As a result of the abuse she suffered, Glenda developed alters or multiple personalities that would become a part of her life not just through childhood but adulthood as well. With courage and conviction she has shared her story in two books: AN UNSPEAKABLE SECRET and MOMMY TWINKLE EYES. Her goal? To let others know what is possible for them, regardless of their circumstances.

We met each other initially in 2011 through a mutual friend, and it has been my pleasure to see the amazing results of Glenda sharing her story with the world. I was privileged enough to be her first radio interview and to host her first book-signing. Over the past years we have worked together several times, including my illustrating her children's book, writing the foreword to her poetry book and her becoming a contributor to Conversations Magazine.

This year we have worked together to share not just her message of survival but what it takes to thrive. It was my honor to also recognize her as a #MississippiSuccess story during WYAD 94.1 FM's anniversary program.

In describing how the abuse began, Glenda says this in her book AN UNSPEAKABLE SECRET: "Fear was always gripping my body because I was never sure what was going to happen. When he became mad, he was like a monster out of control... Dad was quick to tell me how bad I was. No longer was I his special girl.. Somehow I had become an awful person who couldn't do anything right. I wasn't sure what had changed to make me this kind of a person."

That can be painful to read, let alone believe of yourself. Glenda explained how she has been able to now break her silence and share her story. "I felt like other people probably struggled with the same thing that I had struggled with," she told me. "I had looked for books to help me get better and that's why I wrote mine so I could get my story out there and help others."

A large part of the healing she has experienced today has come from seeking help. Glenda told me that she didn't begin to really understand that she wasn't alone in what she had experienced and felt until therapy. "It was then that I realized a number of people have suffered from that (meaning abuse)." Coupled with dealing with the abuse, however, was the Multiple Personality Disorder. Not finding anyone who was talking about it the way she had experienced gave Glenda courage to move forward with sharing her own experiences. "I found the courage because I wanted someone to write a book from their point of view to say this is what it's like to be multiple. I'm putting it out there for people to say here's the story, and I hope it will be beneficial to you."

That is exactly what it is doing. "It has helped people to open up to me," Glenda shares. "Some have never shared with anyone before. The fact is that (the abuse) affects them in their lives many years after." The communication about it is helping others to understand what the person has gone through and is going through.

Faith is such an important factor to Glenda Hunter's survival as well. When you are abused and mistreated it is easy to feel as though you don't matter. She experienced those very feelings about herself.

That is not the person she is today.

"Getting through the therapy and working through the issues has helped," she says. "When you are degraded in numerous ways you carry that with you until you can work through that to say 'I am worth something'." She has also come to a revelation about herself and all of us. "God has made us all very special," she says. "He has made us all unique. We all have a place and a purpose. I want other to know that they have worth outside of what has happened to them."

Glenda's third book WHO ME? WORTHWHILE? YES, YOU! shares how we can begin to look at ourselves and our circumstances differently. She admits it's not easy and might take time, but it is definitely possible and worth it. "You might ask 'How can God love me with all of this in my background?' The wonderful thing is that He does. He loves you as equally as He does anyone else."

In WHO ME she goes on to say this: "I have always felt like I was not good enough for anything. Therefore, everything I tried I did in fear. I was afraid that if people really found out who I was they certainly would not like me. Everything I worked for would be over. Being fearful can cause you to always be looking over your shoulder wondering what was going to happen next. You become afraid that something bad was waiting down the line for you, therefore, you chose to stand still. When fear controls you, you do not move far or at all. Let God help you get over the fears that cause you to shudder whenever you think of facing the world. The world can be scary enough place without carrying added, unnecessary fear. What will you do with your fear? I have chosen. Let God handle those kinds of fears in my life. It is not always easy but worth the effort."

In sharing a part of herself, Glenda Hunter is giving us all something to reflect on when we look at our lives. What does she want everyone who has suffered in silence with the abuse to know? "I want them to know they are worthwhile," she says. "Even though you have had to hold that secret in or been a victim you don't have to stay a victim. You can be a victor. I want them to look within themselves and say I do love who I am. I am important."

Get Glenda's books on Amazon. Her website is www.authorglendalhunter.com.

Author A. Shane Etter: 'Writing' Each Day by Pursuing His Passion

by Cyrus Webb

This year I had a chance to sit down with author A. Shane Etter who now lives in Atlanta but will always be one of Mississippi's own.

I have fallen in love with his way of storytelling, and the great thing about him is that you NEVER know where he will take readers next. At the time of this publication his latest book is  A BRAIN IN THIRD PERSON II: The Return of Bad Penny, though he has another book coming soon.

In our most recent chat we talked about his career and what it's like to show others what Mississippi Success looks like.

Shane, what has this experience been like for you doing what you love as a storyteller and now to share it with all of us?
If you had told me a long time ago that I would be doing this, I would have called you a liar. Probably this is the best experience of my life, too. I mean, I work harder probably than I ever have. I write every day of the year, but some people--my closest friends--would say you don't work at all. You just write they say. Nevertheless, to be able to do that, just to let my brain go where it wants,and you can tell from what I write that it does, and then be rewarded for that in so many ways. I just feel like I'm living the dream.

Well, I'm definitely a fan and not just because you're from Mississippi, like I am. (laughs) I love the fact that you have not put yourself in a box. One of the things I love about your writing is we really never know what we're going to get with you. Whether we're talking about A War in the Bronx and even A Brain in Third Person. You have other books like Bottom Dwellers. Is that part of the fun for you that you get to do whatever you want to do?
It is. I do like series of books. My Dwellers were a series. I liked the supernatural or the out there on the edge element. I like just going wherever my brain takes me and not being led by anything. In fact, there's two camps in writing fiction. I think those who outline and those who don't. I just write and what I like to say is I like to be surprised just like the reader, letting the story take me where it wants to go. I don't outline therefore I'm surprised as much as the reader are many times..

Shane, in your work there's so many different types of conflict. There is internal conflict with the Brain in Third Person books. The conflict spills out outwardly in like A War in the Bronx. Do you find that conflict is one of those motivators for you as you are addressing the "What if?" question when it comes to your characters?
Well, that's one thing I had to learn in writing. I didn't have a plan or anything. I had to learn that if you make a character all good, he's boring. Or if you make your character all bad, he's boring. Even in A Brain, in a certain person went bad. So I had to learn that you have to make good characters, have some flaws, and have fun as well as have flawed characters that have some good traits in them. That's what I try to do in everything.

Shane, we have become good friends, but the funny thing is that this trip makes just three times that we have even been in the same room. Can you believe it? I use that as a transition to talk about the power of social media. That is the way we have stayed connected, right? What has it been like for you to use the internet to build your community?
I always invite people to reach out to me whether on Facebook or Twitter or even LinkedIn, because I hope it's the start of something with new people, and I enjoy it. Without social media I would not know you today. And we have become friends because of social media. That just shows the power it has to bring people together and form real relationships.

Definitely glad to call you a friend. Last question. What advice would you give to aspiring authors and creatives about the importance of starting based on your experience? 
That's easy. Start today. That is the best advice I can give anyone. You'd be surprised how many people I meet in the course of a day whether I go for coffee in the morning or have lunch or go to the mall or whatever. They see me and ask what I'm doing. When I say I'm a writer you'd be surprised how many tell me they always wanted to write a book. I tell them well start today. Go home and start writing. And I know that's easy for me to say, but I wasn't a writer when I started and neither was John Grisham and others. Everybody had to start someplace.

#MississippiSuccess Story: Author LaDonna Marie

by Cyrus Webb

It has been a real pleasure watching how LaDonna Marie has made her mark not just in the state of Mississippi but across the country. She really gets that through the internet she has a worldwide audience, and she is always connecting with it through social media and the work she is involved in as an author and speaker.

To be able to honor her through the Mississippi Success project was a real privilege. In this interview she shares a bit of her story, what she has been able to achieve and how you can stay connected with her along the way.

LaDonna, excited to be featuring your work with Mississippi Success. What has it been like for you to reflect on your accomplishments and all you’ve been able to do? 
I am so thankful for the opportunity to be share my work and books with Mississippi Success. It has truly been a dream come true to be able to make a positive impact on the individuals that I come in contact with through my writings and speak engagement. I am in Awe of the places and people that I have been able to meet.

Did you always know that the written word were going to be a way that you expressed yourself to the world? Yes, I did. Very early on, I  knew that I wanted to help others through my writings.  In the beginning, I found that as I share my work with others it helped them to heal and to be encouraged. So with each book, I set out to do the same by writing with the readers in mind.

You have amassed an amazing following both online and offline. How has social media helped you in getting the word out about your work?
Social Media has helped me to introduce to be  different audiences of people who I wouldn’t normally meet.  I love it because it, connects those who are looking for books that I write and other products I have.  I have found that as I share on social media, my audience will come to meet me if I am in a location near them. It is always awesome to talk with fans and book lovers from around the world.  Also it has connected me to networking and vendors opportunities.

You have written for children as well as adults. What has that been like to have two different audiences you’ve been able to reach? 
I feel that as a writer, I have experiences and stories to share with both.  I love to write for the children and teens who are starting out and may need a positive push in the right direction. Also for the adults, they may needed encouragement and restoration for the journey.

Faith is definitely a big part of what you do. How has your faith helped keep you encouraged as you have gone through your writing and publishing career? 
It has help me to stay true to reason I started at the age of 14. I always aspire to make a difference in the life of another person. Most of the people I come in contact with need encouragement  to know that they can make it, when they feel discouraged. As, a writer to sets out to motivate them to move into action, to discover their champion inside of them.

My favorite book of yours has to be Until Tomorrow Comes. I know you have heard that from others, took. What has it been like for you to see your own growth through your writing?
Thank you so much, it has been amazing to be able to write all the books. When I first started publishing in 2007, I only had one book in mind. It has been an amazing journey having 9 books of my own, and 11 books I’ve co-authored. I am very glad that  with every person that reads the books they are able to take away healing, empowerment, spiritual growth and so much more. I am astonished that with every new book the readers are able to connect with the reason I wrote the book. 

Your children’s book that Conversations is highlighting for young readers is LARRY THE ALLIGATOR MAKE FRIENDS. What inspired it and what’s been the response?
What inspired  was my youngest son,  I watched how he approached friendship at the age of 4. I saw some of the feelings and emotions he had to deal with, I wanted to be able to give children a language for what to do when they are making friends, and to give them scenarios that will help them to deal with what they experience.

What’s next for you, LaDonna? What goal have you set next for yourself?
I wanted to move to stage plays and possibly a movie for one of my books. I feel that I want to get the message out in the books around the word in different outlets.

Mississippi Success is excited to honor your work this year. What would you like to say to other Mississippians about the importance of going after their goals and dreams?
I would say that you have to believe in yourself first and know that you were born with a purpose. That as you began to follow and work on your dreams, you can impact the world, in the way you were meant to. Take time to develop and birth your gift, because the world is waiting for the treasure inside of you.

Thanks again for your time. How can our readers stay connected with you and support your work? Thank you so much. They can stay connected with me at www.ladonnamarie.org.