Houston Writers-Gwendolyn Zepeda

Gwen Zepeda is a native of Houstonian and on of Houston writers whose latest work talks about life in Houston. The Houston book will be discussed at the downtown library. Can you believe the local author is taking time out of her busy schedule to hang out with fans at the Houston Public Library this week, smack dab in the middle of planning for her wedding in a couple of days. How cool is that!

Houston, We Have a Problema

Gwendolyn Zepeda’s Houston book, is a poignant novel tackles the issues affecting lots of young women in the 21st Century including, cultural, social, and professional stereotypes. Confronted with tough questions—in a world where everyone else already seems to know the answers, a young woman grabs the reins of her own life in "Houston, We Have a Problema".

Do check out some her recent Tweets, keep tabs on Gwen's wedding plans or share your feelings about her other books "To The Last Man I Slept With and All the Jerks Like Him" by checking out her blog gwenworld.com, where she writes about the "everyday Gwen."

Books By Gwen Zepeda Sphere: Related Content

Black Writers in Houston

Russell Simmons, a Black author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, vegan and yoga enthusiast gets a chance to converse with a Houston audience in The Brilliant Lecture Series "A Conversation with Russell Simmons."

He and partner Rick Rubin founded Def Jam Recordings, creating the foundation for the cultural revolution known as hip hop. Def Jam was just one part of his hip hop empire. He founded Rush Communications, Phat Farm clothing company, television shows, a management company, a magazine and an advertising agency.

Simmons sold his stake in Def Jam Records to Universal Music Group for $100 million, and in 2004, he sold Phat Farm for $140 million.

As always, the lecture series allows its guest speakers 30-to-45-minute to lecture, then an equal amount of time is set aside for an impromptu style forum for interaction and Q & A's with the audience.

Over 10,000 people have attended the past events, with 55% to 60% being students and their families. The Brilliant Lecture Series targets speakers who appeal to the leaders of tomorrow, our young people of today.

The forum's intent is to inspire and increase public awareness within Houston, and the surrounding communities by providing a platform where Texans can interact with national and international leaders, role models, philanthropists, humanitarians and authors.

Another of Simmons accomplishments is writing a book "Do You! 12 Laws To Access The Power In You To Achieve Happiness And Success." Simmons is just another of the notable Black authors in Houston this weekend during the Houston Black Expo and National Black Book Festival. Sphere: Related Content

Black Authors in Houston

Meet Black authors in Houston during the National Black Book Festival (NBBF), sponsored by Houston-based Cushcity.com, the world's largest African-American online retailer, and Houston Black Expo May 16-17.

The Black book festival attracts authors, publishers, book clubs, libraries and book lovers from the all over the Southwest U.S. and nationwide. We may see more novels set in Houston after this fantastic festival ends.

Book signings,

Lively discussion sessions,

Informative workshops and seminars

This is just a small sampling of the smorgasbord of exciting activities at the national book event in Houston.

Popular Writers In Houston

Popular Black authors from 16 genres are scheduled to take part in this exciting book festival in Houston's George R Brown Convention Center. Black writers that are on tap for the event include:

Award-winning journalist Roland Martin,

Novelist R M Johnson,

New York Times best-selling author Mary B Morrison

Award-winning thriller writer, Brandon Massey

Author and web radio talk-show host G.L. Henderson

(listen to a recent show)



This year's plans include a spoken word poetry slam and lots of book club give-aways for attendees during the weekend book festival.

There are several opportunities for individual readers to participate in the activities even if you can't make it to the Brown Convention Center for the entire show on Saturday and Sunday.

Black Book Festival Events In Houston

You can purchase tickets for the Black Book Festival Events in Houston, Friday's events begin with a "Welcome to Houston" reception at the Breakfast Klub in Midtown Houston to officially kickoff the weekend affair. Later that night, Mary B Morrison throws a ladies only slumber party that's sure to be a favorite with her Houston fans.


(Akua Fayette)

Saturday, authors and publishers will connect with book lovers at a 'Get Acquainted Breakfast" hosted by artist and writer, Akua Fayette and Sunday's Prayer Breakfast to wrap-up the weekend festival, will feed, fuel and give a boost to your spirit and body.

Black Writers In Houston Featured At Book Festival

The list of Houstonians participating in this year's festival is knee-deep with local talent. The annual Black Book show is an excellent place to meet and mingle with your favorite Black authors in Houston and local book clubs.

Former Houston news reporter turned writer Roshonda Tate Billingsley,

A Novel Idea Book Club,

Divas'and Gentlemen's Book Club

Houston Pastor Dr. Ralph West


These and many other Black authors in Houston are expected to participate in the event, find more details by visiting Nationalblackbookfestival.com Sphere: Related Content

No Matter What: Book Tour in Houston

Not many Houston book tours have had authors who are greater advocates of personal empowerment and a proven entrepreneur. This week in Houston you can hear
on of the best, Lisa Nichols, an international motivational speaker who brings her "No Matter What" book tour to Houston.

She is the Founder and CEO of Motivating the Teen Spirit, LLC which is recognized by many as the most comprehensive empowerment skills and self-development program available today for teens.

Her message is equally as powerful to professionals, and InHouston, one of the city's most popular networking groups invited Lisa to speak to their members, .

Lisa has written several books, You Deserve It!and co-authored the"Chicken Soup for the African American Soul" series. She introduces her latest book at the University of Houston and present "9 steps of living the life you love – no matter what!"

Her message impacts the reader as if she knows you as a friend. This refreshing, down to earth style can give that extra boost to your career, life and mindset.You can register to attend the tour at nomatterwhattour.com. This exciting Houston book tour happens May 9, 2009 at the UH Science, Research & Engineering Center Auditorium. Sphere: Related Content