CFB News Break: Perry 's Image Enhancement

Update: Congratulations to Tyler Perry, who's projects have received 6 nominations for the 39th NAACP Image Awards. The 39th NAACP Image Awards will air live on Thursday, February 14 (8:00 – 10:00 PM ET/PT Tape-
Delayed) on FOX.

• Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” (TBS) [Best Comedy]
  
• LaVan Davis – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS) [Actor]
  
• Lance Gross – “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” (TBS) [Supporting Actor]
• Tyler Perry – “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married?” (Lionsgate Films)[movie supporting actor]
• Janet Jackson – “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married?” (Lionsgate Films)[actress]
• “Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married?” (Lionsgate Films) [picture]
  

on another note...

This past Saturday Tyler Perry along with five other artists were identified as recent steroid buyers in a New York Prosecutor's Report. Read the full Times Union investigation story.

Prescriptions for anabolic steroids and growth hormone were shipped in Perry's name to his business and studio headquarters on Krog Street in Atlanta in 2005 and 2006...Perry could not be reached for comment. - Brenden L. Jones, Times Union staff writer.

Be advised. These entertainers are not accused of any wrongdoing. just a newsbreak. Please update us if you hear new real news.

Subscribe to christianfiction by Email to stay in the loop.

The Tyler Perry Show Reviewed

Last night Tyler Perry hosted THE TYLER PERRY SHOW, a one-Hour Special Profiling His Latest Film, I Can Do Bad All By Myself Film’s Stars Taraji P. Henson, Adam Rodriguez, Gladys Knight and Pastor Marvin Winans Join Perry for One-Hour Special. Henson

Knight and Winans performed songs from the film. Henson Skyped in and Adam...sigh. I'm a longtime fan of CSI Miami, so you know. Besides I have a source who saw the movie Tuesday, who gave it a good review. I'm hoping good things.

More facts about last night's show...

The special, taped at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta before a studio audience, features Perry interviewing Henson, Rodriguez, Knight and Winans about their roles in the film, their lives and their careers. Henson is Skyped in from China, where she talks about working on the movie Kung Fu Kid; Rodriguez talks about his plans on CSI: Miami; Knight discusses her strong faith; and Winans and Perry talk about Madea’s creative interpretation of the Bible. In addition, Knight gives a soulful performance of “Need to Be” from the movie’s soundtrack, and Winans gets the audience members on their feet with a passionate rendition of the song “Just Don’t Wanna Know.”

Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself, a Reuben Cannon/Lionsgate Production from Tyler Perry Studios, is an uplifting drama infused with music and Perry’s trademark mixture of laughter and heart. In addition to Perry, Henson, Knight and Winans, the film stars Adam Rodriguez, Brian White, Hope Olaidé Wilson, Kwesi Boakye and Freddy Siglar. It features musical performances by Knight, Winans and Mary J. Blige, who sings an original song penned by chart-topping R&B writer/performer/producer Ne-Yo.

In I Can Do Bad All By Myself, Madea (Perry), America’s favorite pistol-packing grandma, catches 16-year-old Jennifer and her two younger brothers looting her home. She decides to take matters into her own hands and delivers the young delinquents to the only relative they have, their Aunt April (Henson). A heavy-drinking nightclub singer who lives off her married boyfriend, Randy (White), April wants nothing to do with the kids. But her attitude begins to change when Sandino (Rodriguez), a handsome Mexican immigrant looking for work, moves into April’s basement room. Making amends for his troubled past, Sandino challenges April to open her heart. And April soon realizes she must make the biggest choice of her life: between her old ways with Randy and the new possibilities of family, faith and even true love.

Christian Fiction News: Tyler Perry Preys to #2

For the week ending September 15, 2008

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

Tyler Perry Prey's

Tyler Perry's lastest cinematic release, The Family that Preys reached the #2 slot at this weekend's Box Office ($18 Million.)

CBA Industry Blog has been chatting with me about TP's influence on Hollywood and what that could mean for CBA, particularly CBA's African-American Audience. Check out the entry and my comments here.

A review of Tyler Perry's The Family that Preys can be read here at Los Angeles Times and The Hollywood Reporter.

And if you stood outside the Fabulous Fox Theatre with my lil sister, MeLana this past Saturday, God Bless you. The line was 500+ long for Tyler Perry Company Casting. Whew!! It was hot out there, she says.

Related News:

• Wednesday Readup: Palin, Perry Preys Premiere, A Mercy, Booker List & Free BMP Help

• Friday FictionFest: Tyler Perry, Obama, Faith and Fiction Retreat

• Wednesday Readup: Giveaway Winner, Tyler Perry, Free TeleSeminar & My Book Update

• Christian Fiction News: Tyler Perry Template for LionsGate

Subscribe to Christian Fiction News for Free Here.

Madea’s Happy Family Movie set for April 2011

Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family releases to theaters on April 22, 2011.

It will star: Tyler Perry, Shad “Bow Wow” Moss,Loretta Devine, Cassi Davis, Lauren London, David Mann, Tamela Brown Mann, Isaiah Mustafa, Rodney Perry, Shannon Kane, Natalie Desselle Reid, Teyana Taylor, and written & directed by Tyler Perry.

Synopsis: When her five grown-up children fail to answer her call for a family gathering, exacerbated mother Shirley calls on outspoken force of nature Madea to see that everyone comes together to discuss some rather important issues in this filmed stage play written and directed by Tyler Perry. With everyone finally assembled thanks to Madea's tenacity, Shirley addresses some important family secrets, reveals that she's in the midst of a financial crisis, and engages her sons and daughters in a serious talk about drugs. Through it all, Madea makes it a point to emphasize the importance of faith in helping her family weather the rough waters ahead, and stay true to their values.

Related articles

• Tyler Perry nabs 19 NAACP Image Award nominations (omg.yahoo.com)
• 42nd NAACP Image Awards Nominees in Fiction & Gospel Announced (deegospelpr.com)
• Tyler Perry's Madea Does A Godfather Parody Poster (cinemablend.com)

Christian Fiction News: Tyler Perry vs Tina Fey

Christian Fiction News for the Week of October 13, 2008
Click the arrow below to listen to this blog post.



Tyler Perry Studios "Imagine That" Opening
Last week Tyler Perry and 350 of special guests celebrated the grand opening of the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. In Perry's message to his fans he states:

There is a scripture in the bible where God asks Moses, “What is that in your hand?[Exodus 4:17]” God is not trying to get information. He knows what’s in your hand already, but he wants you to know it. So, what I’m asking you today is, “What’s in your hand? What gifts do you have that you are sitting on?” Use them and they will take you to your destiny.

Reshonda Tate Billingsley Tops Essence Bestsellers

Author and Movie Producer, Reshonda Tate Billingsley Tops the October 2008 Essence Bestseller's List with The Pastor's Wife(Pocket.)

EBook Sales Soar

Audiobook sales decreased 6.9% in July, with sales totaling $11.9 million; sales for the year were down by 26.8%. However, E-book sales continued to rise in August, seeing an 82.9% increase for the month to $4.3 million and posting an increase of 52% for the year. Source:Publishing.org

WGA Writers Open Letter to Tyler Perry

This month Writers Guild television script like Tina Fey writers wrote an open letter to Tyler Perry asking him to rehire four WGA writers he fired from TP's "The House of Payne."

Some well known writers involved in the letter are:

Lee Aronsohn, Two & a Half Men, The Big Bang Theory
Ed Bernero, Criminal Minds
John Bowman, Frank TV, Martin, In Living Color
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Hart Hanson, Bones
Warren Hutcherson, Everybody Hates Chris, The Bernie Mac Show
Michael Leeson, Bill Engvall Show, The Cosby Show
BCarol Mendelsohn, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CSI: Miami, CSI: NY
Marti Noxon, Mad Men, Private Practice
Steve Peterman, Hannah Montana
Clyde Phillips, Dexter
Shawn Ryan, The Shield, The Unit
Alison Taylor, Just Jordan
Marc Warren, Cory in the House
Michael Warren, Happy Days, Family Matters, Hanging with Mr. Cooper

To read the full letter and more writers involved click here.Photo courtesy of The Orlando Sentinel.

Essence Magazine's Editorial Employment Opportunity

ESSENCE.COM, the premiere lifestyle, news and entertainment web site for African- American women, is seeking an Online Producer. In March Essence announced a multimedia partnership with Warner Brothers that includes a redesign and relaunch of its web property, which will serve as a platform for our rich content, and an outlet for exciting original short-form video, specifically for black women. Online management is seeking a skilled web producer to meet the needs of the Essence.com user. DM me on Twitter to learn more.

Victoria Christopher Murray and Michelle Andrea Bowen DC Table Talk

October 10, 2008 TOMS RIVER: The Ocean County Library hosted novelists Michele Andrea Bowen and Victoria Christopher Murray on Friday, when the writers present "Welcome to Our Table: African-American Christian Traditions" at 7 p.m. in the library's Mancini Hall at 101 Washington St. The authors will discuss the African-American Christian fiction genre and church traditions. The event will feature gospel music, praise dancing, traditional food and a book signing.Registration is required by calling the library at (732) 349-6200.

• Christian Fiction News: Tyler Perry & Why You Should Buy Christian Books Online

• Christian Fiction News: Obama's Faith Exam, LifeWay Layoffs & Essence Magazine

• Christian Fiction News: Steven Curtis Chapman, Ted Dekker, Donald Miller Unite

Serenading Tyler Perry: My Interview with Chandra Currelley

While you're out picking up Tyler Perry's latest DVD offerings( Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married? (Full Screen Edition) and What's Done in the Dark...) also pick up a copy of Wow Magazine's February Issue. It features my coverstory article/interview with acclaimed stage and screen Christian siren, Chandra Currelley. A snippet from the article:

Chandra Currelley
On Serenading Tyler Perry and her 3 WOW Moments

Chandra Currelley crooned her way into the hearts and souls of Tyler Perry fans when she starred as the fictional jazz club owner of her namesake in his hit debut film, Diary of a Mad Black Woman (2005.) Her performance was so well loved that fans scoured Atlanta locales and the internet in search of the romantic restaurant and the sultry songbird. What they found was short of staggering.

Chandra has worked with some of the most influential people in the entertainment industry today including: Kenny Leon, Debbie Allen and Roy Ayers. In 1986 she replaced Mary Davis as lead singer for the S.O.S. band, a Billboard chart-topping R& B Band. Later she returned to the stage to perform off Broadway in musicals like “The Amen Corner” and “Sophisticated Ladies.” So it was no surprise that Tyler Perry recognized her talent and cast Chandra in three of his plays: “I Know I Been Changed”, “Madea’s Class Reunion” and “What’s Done In the Dark.”

He’s so enthused with Chandra’s sound that he wants the entire world to embrace her. This February when his last year’s hit stage play, “What’s Done in the Dark[which she stars in]” hits the DVD stores shelves a promotional insert has been included in ever DVD. The insert introduces Chandra’s new CD, “The Real Me.”

In January WOW! Magazine chatted with Ms. Currelley about the CD, her personal WOW moments and how she serenaded Tyler Perry’s soul.

Christian author, Kendra Noman-Bellamy also has a short story, Love on a Sunday. Read more by subscribing to WOW!

Casting Call: Tyler Perry Studios, Atlanta, GA

Tyler Perry Extra's Casting for "I Can Do Bad All By Myself"

FROM TYLER PERRY’S EXTRAS CASTING DEPARTMENT
Lights
Camera
Action
Tyler Perry Studios “Extras Casting Department” is looking for Extras for the next feature film "Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself." Filming will begin in Atlanta March 16, 2009 – April 20, 2009.

If you are interested in working as an extra send a photo and resume to tpsmovies1@yahoo.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you do not have a resume please include your contact information (PHONE NUMBER), height, weight, and date of birth with the email. You may also mail your photo to the address below no later than March 13, 2009.
No phone calls will be accepted.


TPS / Extras Casting
Attn: Heather
541 10th Street # 172
Atlanta, GA 30318


The following talent is requested: Ages 20 and up ONLY!
African American Females and Males
Caucasian Females and Males
Hispanic Females and Males
Must have set etiquette
Must have professional work attitude
Must be available for a 12-14 hour day if booked

Extra Compensation: $90.00/12 hr day


Also looking for Stand Ins*:

If you are interested in working as a Stand In send a photo and resume to brit_grooms@yahoo.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please put “STAND IN” in the subject line of the email. If you do not have a resume please include your contact information (PHONE NUMBER), height, weight, and date of birth with the email. Please email your information no later than Monday, March 9, 2009.
No phone calls will be accepted.


The following talent is requested: Ages 20 and up ONLY!
African American male or female -4'9", 140lbs
African American male or female-5'5", 160lbs
African American female- 5’2”, 110lbs

Requirements
Must be available for a 12-14 hour day if booked
Must have set etiquette
Must have a professional work attitude
Must have a flexible schedule
Must be available to work 3-16-09 through 4-25-09

*Previous stand-in experience is a plus but not necessary.
Stand In Compensation: $125.00/12 hr day

More Tyler Perry News

Madea, Universality & The Marketable Christian

Wilson Morales of BlackFilm.com and RottenTomatoes sent me a great update link on Tyler Perry's Feb. 2006 movie release, Madea's Family Reunion.  I've seen the play.

Perry's themes are universal,
,timeless, christian and wonderful examples of how you can create a marketable product with a Christ-centered message

Who hasn't? Can't wait to see how this looks as a screenplay.

 

Cicely Tyson, Maya Angelou & Tyler Perry on set.

Just in case you don't know about Madea's Family Reunion The Movie:

 

Cast: Tangi Miller, Blair Underwood, Boris Kodjoe, Henry Simmons, Lynn Whitfield, Jenifer Lewis, Keke Palmer, Rochelle Aytes, China Anderson, Maya Angelou Cicely Tyson and Tyler Perry

Wilson Morales' Synopsis:
Madea's Family Reunion centers around a pistol happy granny named Madea (Tyer Perry). She tries to hold a family reunion, a funeral for her sister and a wedding for her granddaughter all on the same weekend. An unstoppable force of nature, Madea may have finally taken on more than she can chew. She has just been court ordered to be in charge of Nikki (Palmer), a rebellious runaway, her nieces Lisa (Aytes) and Vanessa (Anderson) are suffering relationship trouble, and through it all she has to organize her family reunion. As the reunion approaches, secret revealed and tensions rise. Madea must use every tactic in her arsenal to not only keep the peace, but keep her family together.

 

For those who aren't familiar with Tyler Perry. He is a great and gifted Christian writer, who writes about Christian themes. I highly recommend his movies and plays. If you are not African-American, please take a second look at this man's work. His themes are universal, timeless and wonderful examples of how you can create a marketable product with a Christ-centered message. What say you? Does anyone else have any drawbacks to viewing this movie outside of race?
Dee

 

Related Articles

Diary of a Glad Black Woman

Madea's Family Reunion

 

 

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Tyler Perry's 34 Street Films & the Future of Christian Fiction

This year Tyler Perry Studios formed 34th Street Films to house projects not written or directed by Tyler Perry. We know that Christian Fiction author Stephanie Perry Moore's teen series will become a Made for DVD Series,Georgia Sky under 34th Street Films. However, I wonder what will TPS do for Christian Fiction, especially African American Christian Fiction? Although there is an obvious consumer market for these stories, why are Christian publishers still hesitant about acquiring more? Or should we follow Tyler Perry's lead and create our own?

Trailer Park Tuesday: Tyler Perry's Good Deeds Movie

A successful, wealthy businessman, Wesley Deeds (Tyler Perry) has always done what's expected of him, whether it's assuming the helm of his father's company, tolerating his brother's misbehavior at the office or planning to marry his beautiful but restless fiancée, Natalie (Gabrielle Union). But Wesley is jolted out of his predictable routine when he meets Lindsey (Thandie Newton), a down-on-her-luck single mother who works on the cleaning crew in his office building. When he offers to help her get back on her feet, the chance encounter with someone so far outside his usual circle ignites something in Wesley. This one good deed may finally spark his courage to exchange the life that's expected of him for the life he's always really wanted. A moving, uplifting drama about coincidence, courage, and the defining choices we make on our paths to happiness, TYLER PERRY'S GOOD DEEDS is written, produced and directed by Tyler Perry, and stars Perry, Thandie Newton, Brian White, Rebecca Romijn, Jamie Kennedy, Eddie Cibrian, Jordenn Thompson, Beverly Johnson, with Phylicia Rashad, and Gabrielle Union. In theaters February 24 2012

Tyler Perry's The Marriage Counselor January 08

Tyler Perry's hit stage play, What's Done in the Dark hadn't had lights out for a good two minutes before the playwright who never sleeps has a new one ready to hit the American stage. “The Marriage Counselor” opened in January.

Update: "The Marriage Counselor" is about a husband and wife living with their in-laws. The husband is an accountant and the wife is a marriage counselor who offers advice to everyone. When a college friend drops in, the marriage counselor is the one who needs advice.

Tony Grant, who starred in Why Did I Get Married the stageplay will be the lead in this one. He's a great performer. Can't wait.

It comes to Atlanta April 17-20, 2008, and will show at the Fabulous Fox. I need a date. :)

↑ Grab this Headline Animator

Update: I don't want a date, because I won't need one, because Taimak "The Last Dragon" Guarriello will also be starring in the play! It would be unfair for my male companion to attend this with me, since my attention will be on Tony, Taimak and Tyler and whomever is up there, unless he is my secret crush. Then you know. So...uhm...my birthday is next month (Feb. 3) if you want to donate to my Birthday gift play fund watch the sidebar Friday. Really...I really must see this now. :) Really...

Check the comments section for more cast info and tour dates.

September 08 Update: Fall tour dates in comments below.

• Tyler Perry's The Marriage Counselor Coming to DVD January 2009
  

• CBS Affiliate's Janet Jackson Low Blow
• House of Payne
  
• Christian Fiction News: Tyler Perry Preys to #2
• Pearl's Miracle

Christian Fiction News: Thomas Nelson/ Tyler Perry

Thomas Nelson's Title Drop
Oh boy, have we been talking about Thomas Nelson. (here, here, here, here , here, and here.) But for the few of you who are still out the loop. This is the gist of the story. The publishing house laid off 10% of its workforce and is cutting 50% of new titles published a year.

My favorite quote from Michael Hyatt...

As a heavy book reader myself, I contend that we need better books not more books. I can’t tell you how many books I started this past year and never finished. Why? Because, frankly, they weren’t worth finishing. Most of them left me underwhelmed. The authors would have done better to boil down the content and make it a magazine article.

I won't talk about the layoffs, because that's a hard and different thing I won't tackle. Cutting books I applaud. I've been complaining about shelf space since I started this blog. AA authors, particularly Christian authors get no space. My friends have to rely on prebook orders in order to hope to have one book on somebody's shelf. In the same regard, we're not writing our best. Let's be honest. And some of us really don't write in this market. I know of an author who moved over to Christian fiction because his agent told him about the market was still wide open for his demographic. Unfortunately, it is...if you're a reader who wants to read a good, soulful story.
Tyler Perry Stalker
When a grown woman makes a media mogul afraid to leave his home we have a problem, idol worship to the enth power. My galpal, Princess Dominque has Ann's response.

Let me just say we, women go off the deep end when we're rejected. I know I do...But Tyler Perry? Come on.

Wright the Black Church
What's wrong with being pro African-American? What's wrong with Black spiritualism which preaches race reconciliation? Or is it fear from other cultures who didn't know that we talk about the elephant room in our pews... I praythat all this media attention sparks more dialogue and real reconciiation.

Meet the Mann's
David and Tamela Mann{Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns] will headline the church's benefit concert for its Youth of the Future program, which assists with after-school tutoring, mentoring and gang preventio

CF's Christmas Wish List: Tyler Perry

  The Tyler Perry Collection (I Can Do Bad All By Myself/Madea's Class Reunion/Meet the Browns/Madea's Family Reunion)

See larger image

 

Let me tell you my family and I watched Diary of a Mad Black Woman the movie version, Meet the Browns, and Madea's Class Reunion this Thanksgiving between watching the Macy's Parade and the Falcon's game. In my home and many of my friends, the holidays are not the holidays without watching a Tyler Perry play. If you haven't seen the plays or the movie, this collection is wonderful, and it supports the wonderful cast that continues to work on the road to make those productions awesome. This collection is a Christian theatre buff's must.

 

 

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Christian Fiction News: Asheville, Tyler Perry & 2 Enger

Christian Fiction News for the Week Ending July 7, 2008

July's Joint Teen Scream

This month at Christian Fiction Blog and my writ-or-die chick, Rhonda McKnight will be spotlighting Young Adult fiction.

photos courtesy of kitlin
Independent Booksellers of New York City

A group representing more than 20 independent bookstores in New York City held their second meeting on June 26. The booksellers have decided officially to call themselves the Independent Booksellers of New York City and have formed committees to work on a website, create a logo and develop a map that includes all independent bookstores in the city. Stores have agreed to make founding contributions to the association, which will provide seed money for those projects. Bookstores interested in more information and participating should contact indiebooksellersnyc@gmail.com.

photo courtesy of Michit

Asheville, Destination Books

Compiling a list of cities for your book tour? You better put Asheville, NC. According to the Citizen-Times Asheville is " a book lover's paradise." Six succesful bookstores all have their own niche. Accent on Books specializes in faith based and children's books. Great article to read. It also discusses the internet's influence on used book businesses. Patrick Covington, the owner of the store also has a blog, Page 854.

TYLER PERRY's The Family That Preys Together

Here is the Teaser Poster for Tyler Perry's next movie, The Family that Preys Together.

Tyler Perry wrote a song that I loved for Madea's Family Reunion titled, "The Family that Prays Together." I hope that song is the theme song for the soundtrack. This story will star Academy award winning Cathy Bates and Emmy Award winning actress, Alfre Woodard. The story is about two families that are woven together thru scandal. Cast: Sanaa Lathan, Rockmond Dunbar, Cole Hauser, Tarji Henson. Release date September 17, 2008.

Kissimmee Books-A-Million

Yeah!! Usually every summer I visit my kin in Kissimmee and take Selah to Disney World. My cousin is a school teacher and receives tons of free tickets to DW, so Selah has a blast . But this year we're not going. I have a conference to attend in Destin in August, and Selah's new school begins school at the end of this month. Yikes. So we may go for Thanksgiving. Anyway...digress...sorry. Kissimme, FLO hasa opened a ginormous Books a Million at West Osceola Parkway this past Friday. I am a huge fan of Faithpoint. If you check the sidebar I have a coupon banner that will give you instant savings if you shop books via Faithpoint.

(Laura Emmons photo)

Christian Retail Roll Back Affects Independents

"Independently run religious stores are financially hurting. (Family Christian) will pull a bit of sales away from other stores," said Savage, owner of Jack's Religious Gift Shop on Snow Hill Road in Salisbury. "Any time somebody is doing the same thing, you're concerned. Many stores -- hundreds -- closed last year, and about the same number are closing this year. The just can't make it. The Christian chain is a trend."

Source- The Daily Times Savage's response to receiving fewer titles from his long time distributor, Thomas Nelson Publishing Co.

Do you agree? Is Christian Bookstores a chain or hear to stay.

Tony Dungy Inspirational Children's Book

Tomorrow catch Tony Dungy on Fox & Friends as he talks about his children's book, You Can Do It!

If you have Christian Fiction News you wished to be featured, contact me off loop at vidae dot writing dot com. Writer's don't forget to join The Christian Fiction Network.

Peace Like Two Engers

Leif and Lin Enger talk collaborations and solo efforts at the Star Tribune. photo courtesy of Steve Rice, Star Tribune.

CFB Monday News Brief:

New Spec Fiction Publisher

Marcher Lord Press, a new publishing company based in Colorado Springs, Colo., plans to release its Christian fantasy and science fiction novels next October. Founder, former literary agent, 13 year industry vet, Jeff Gerke.

"I've always loved Christian speculative fiction-Christian fantasy, science fiction, time travel, supernatural thrillers, the works," Gerke said. "But I was always frustrated that these novels seemed to get short shrift in the industry. And so I decided to do something about it. - Gerke

Fantasy author steers movie watchers from Golden Compass
Best-selling children's fantasy author G.P. Taylor has issued an open letter to Americans warning of the dangers of the forthcoming movie The Golden Compass, an adaptation of British author Philip Pullman's novel Northern Lights (Scholastic,) controversial for its anti-Catholic themes. Starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig, The Golden Compass is slated to be released Dec. 7 in theaters nationwide. In an e-mail message this week, Taylor, who lives in Scarborough, England, said that the reason he wrote Shadowmancer (Charisma House/Penguin Putnam) and the other books in the series was because of Pullman and "the damage that his books were likely to do to the Christian church."

---

Blair Underwood & BET's NEW Urban Ministry Narrative Series BET has chosen Blair Underwood to narrate its new, weekly series "Exalted." The show explores the lives of African American ministers as they prepare their sermons, lead their congregation, and perform weekly ministerial duties while at the same time deal with the challenges of everyday life. The program airs on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Steeple Hill Harvest Festival
Join Steeple Hill Authors as the celebrate with online games and chats. From Oct. 22-26.

CBS13 Sacramento's Apology to Tyler Perry
Last week, Tyler Perry sent out a request and a vent regarding his interview at CBS 13 last week when Mar, S. Allen, the entertainment reporter made barbs at Janet Jackson. This week the newstation gormally apologized to both Perry and Jackson. In an excerpt from Perry's message regarding the incident:

I'm sorry for that last email about the interview on the Sacramento TV station. I mean for the way that it started out. I try not to bring you any negativity in these emails, but I needed to vent to someone who would understand my plight. I mean I took a beating on that press tour. But the more they tried to get me down the more you all had my back. WOW!!! So much so that not only did millions of you pile into those 2,000 screens last weekend but after you all saw that interview that Janet and I did; you started an email campaign that ended in this man going on air and giving an apology. He got so many emails that it crashed the computer system at the TV station. The other employees couldn't get emails from what I understand. - Tyler Perry

NEW!! LI Historical Line

This new brand in the Steeple Hill imprint is a series of historical romances featuring Christian characters facing the many challenges of life and love in a variety of historical time periods.Set to launch in February 2008, we're excited to have this brand new addition!

My Soul Cries Out Tour
Urban Christian fiction author and one of my write-or-die chicks, Sherri Lewis will be on tour in Maryland and Texas through November for the My Soul Cries Out Tour.
If you have news that is related to Christian Fiction or Christian entertainment please hit me up at vidae at writing dot com. Thanks.

Wednesday Readup: Giveaway Winner, Tyler Perry, Free TeleSeminar & My Book Update

It's Wednesday and Time for the Weekend Readup

Visions in Print Presents a Book Marketing Teleseminar This Saturday August 2, 2008 Marina Woods, the “Queen” of Inspirational Book Promotion and President of the Good Girl Book Club, is joining the Visions in Print Writer’s Group to teach you… Read more

My Book Update:

Thanks to Rhonda McKnight my baby, my first manuscript has been shipped off to a publisher who says they have been waiting on baited breathe for the final. Taking prayer requests for its success y'all. :) Thank Rhonda for being so sweet to me by visiting her blog and subscribing.

Tyler Perry and author, Stephanie Perry Moore shoot Georgia Sky

In August, Tyler Perry will begin shooting a 3 Part Direct to DVD YA Christian Series, "Georgia Sky." The DVDS are based on Atlanta Author, Stephanie Perry Moore's Payton Skyy Christian Teen Novel Series. The movie is about two sixteen-year-old girls of different races who attend different highschools, but share the same faith and same city.

And the Winner is

Okay last week I hosted the 7 Secrets to Love Giveaway here and took in your entries. Thank you. The winner of this book is MrFresh, Twitter user and producer of the VibesnScribes Podcast. Hope you enjoy the book, MrFresh. :)

Stay tuned by subscribing via email. In August I will have more giveaways. And if you haven't already there's still time to enter the Jerry B. Jenkins book and bookmark giveaway.


Related Articles:

• 7 Secrets to Love GiveAway
• Marina Woods and I on worst Marketing Mistakes Authors Make
• Jerry B. Jenkins Weekend Chat & Contest

Summer Movie: Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection

Happy June. I was suspicious until I saw this trailer. My family loves Made so this may be our family movie. You can take your grandmom and your children and they all will laugh.

The Official Theatrical Trailer for Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection

Cast: Tyler Perry, Eugene Levy, Denise Richards, Romeo, Tom Arnold, Doris Roberts, John Amos, Marla Gibbs, Danielle Campbell, Devan Leos

Synopsis:
For years, George Needleman (Levy), the gentle CFO of a Wall Street investment bank, has been living with his head in the clouds. His frustrated second wife, Kate (Richards), has reached her limit taking care of his senile mother, Barbara (Roberts). His teenage daughter, Cindy (Danielle Campbell), is spoiled beyond hope and his seven-year-old son, Howie (Devan Leos), wishes his father were around more. But George is finally forced to wake up when he learns that his firm, Lockwise Industries, has been operating a mob-backed Ponzi scheme -- and that he's been set up as the fall guy.
Facing criminal charges and death threats from the mob, George and his entire family are put under witness protection in the safest place that Brian (Perry), a federal prosecutor from Atlanta, can think of...
His Aunt Madea's house down South.
As a result, Madea and her live-in brother, Uncle Joe (Perry), find themselves managing a completely dysfunctional family from Connecticut. But as George tries to solve the mystery behind Lockwise's finances, Madea whips the Needlemans into shape using her hilarious brand of tough love. And together, they realize they just might have what it takes to unite George's family, outsmart the mob and change everyone's lives for the better.

Why Fiction Matters: Tyler Perry & Disney World Answers

Today I received a great newsfeed that would be great for our Why Fiction Matter's Tuesday piece. Read a snippet of the article below and ask yourself: What can I do with my writing voice that will help my community this summer? I'm answering the question myself and will come back with a response later this week.

From Susan Candiotti and Jean Shin CNN
NEW YORK (CNN) -- Tyler Perry, the star, writer and producer of films such as "Madea Goes to Jail" and the television show "House of Payne," could be adding philanthropist to his growing list of credits. According to his publicist, Perry is sponsoring a Disney World trip for 65 Pennsylvania children at a largely minority day-care center after a swim club canceled pool privileges for the children.
"He wanted to do something nice for them and let them know that for every negative experience, there are people out there who want them to succeed regardless of the color of their skin," said Keleigh Thomas, Perry's publicist. She added the entertainer would be footing the bill for all transportation, hotel, admissions and food costs at the Florida theme park.

"I am ecstatic for the children," Alethea Wright, director of the Creative Steps day-care center, told CNN. Perry's team extended the offer to her on Friday, she said. The Disney World stay will be from August 1 to 3, according to Perry's Web site.

...In a statement posted Monday on his Web site, Perry summed up his feelings about the pool situation: "This made me so angry," he wrote.
"This is awful, and for anyone that has grown up in the inner-city, you know that one small act of kindness can change your life," he wrote, adding that with the trip to Disney World, "I want them to know that for every act of evil that a few people will throw at you, there are millions more who will do something kind for them. This is all about the kids."

Tyler Perry 2010 Chairman's Award Winner

Tyler Perry is a tremendous inspiration to people on many levels,” said NAACP Board Chairman Julian Bond. “His remarkable life experiences, which inform his extraordinary body of work in film, television and stage, have also shaped his focus on significant charitable causes and civil-rights initiatives.”

This month Tyler Perry will receive the NAACP Chairman's Award this year. It is his first NAACP Image Award. Fox TV will air the NAACP Image Awards live on Friday, Feb. 26 from 8 to 10 p.m.

On another note: Mr. Perry will be a guest volunteer on this weekend's special edition of Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

Follow Friday: National Book Club Conference & Tyler Perry Studios

In Twitter Tradition I'm starting a FollowFriday Series here at Christian Fiction Blog. I've been perusing the net, social media convo's and event listings to bring you highlights of the week. I hope you check them out and follow. Today I am also featuring a current book review that I have published. Read below to see who's book is featured. If you would like your book featured, hit me up for my book review guidelines or contact Stephanie at Romantic Times Magazine. There's still time to receive my book marketing workbook for $3. Don't miss out before I close the vault. Now let's do this...

Blogs to Follow

• Literary Agent, Rachelle Garner - From Proposal to Publication blog series
• The premier blogging event for women of color - Blogalicious 09
• Book Marketing Tips -DeeGospel PR Blog
  

Social Media Convo's to Follow:

• #litchat Every Friday 4pm on Twitter. Use Tweetchat.com to participate. use room litchat to enter.
  
• Do Black Book Covers Sell? You can join me on Twitter @deegospel or on facebook at www.facebook.com/dee.stewart or here for the weekend chatterbox question to participate
• #writechat Every Sunday 3pm on Twitter.

Events:

• This weekend - NBCC , National Bookclub Conference, Atlanta, GA. E. Lynn Harris Tribute
  
• This weekend - NBAF, National Black Arts Festival, Atlanta, GA. E. Lynn Harris Tribute
  
• August 14-15, 2009 - TownCenter Mall, South Charleston, Virginia. Meet Tiffany L. Warren, Reshonda Tate Billingsley, Stacy Hawkins Adams, Bonnie Hopkins & Dwan Abrams live for big book signing event. If you're attending Bishop TD Jakes Birthing Place Conference this event will be across from the conference center near the food court.
  

Book Spotlight: Vanessa Davis Griggs, Practicing What you Preach

I reviewed this book this spring for Romantic Times Magazine. It's still time to pick up a copy. Here's a snippet of my review.

Griggs is back with a sweet romance... fans will love this book, since it has the same romantic feel as her first novel.

---

Summary: Melissa Anderson moonlights on the weekends as an events planner, hoping to one day have her own business. She has a plan to get there and Christian dating rules to keep her from getting distracted. But when she meets minister Marcus Peeples she starts to rethink her rules.

Marcus has finally moved on after his marriage ended and found his match in Melissa -- but she doesn't date divorced men. (DAFINA, Jun., 304 pp., $15.00)

Friday Afternoon Club Mystery: I have a few nominations that came in through Twitter.

• Attica Locke, Black Water Rising
  
• Timothy Stelly, Human Trial (mainstream)
  
• Creston Mapes, Nobody (CBA)
• Claudia Mair Burney, Deadly Charm (mainstream/CBA edgy)

Happy Reading

A little minor housekeeping...On Tyler Perry Studios Casting Call. From what I know they are closed and the email or Alpha here is not working. Will find out if they are still casting and get back with you as soon as I know. Get ready Get ready for Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself(sounds like my mantra) September 11, 2009. Check this blog I have details about the movie.
Update: visit www.tylerperrystudios.com to stay uptodate.

Also TPS will begin shooting Georgia Sky in November. GA Sky(if you search the blog) is a YA novel series written by Stephanie Perry Moore(no relation) her payton skyy series. Selah is a fan. Stephanie is a sweetheart, so support the books and movies. Youi can learn more about casting for that movie at the GeorgiaSky twiiter page. www.twitter.com/georgiasky

Dee