AN UNEXPECTED CALL

It was a pleasant surprise when my publisher, Iuniverse, contacted me and said they wanted to do an interview about my book, Speedsuit Powers. It turns out they noticed sales for my teen-fiction novel have been going well and they wanted me to share my experiences - as a way of providing encouragement for new and aspiring authors.  This was the first time that the publisher has offered me this opportunity, so needless to say I was excited and humbled.  You can read their writeup below.

HELP MAKE A DIFFERENCE

But before you do that I would like to ask you to help make Speedsuit Powers a growing phenomenon. If you don’t already know, bullying is a growing epidemic in America. In 2010 alone, there have been several tragic accounts in the media where school bullying has resulted in suicide.  Unfortunately people often wait until after a tragedy happens before they act. But we need better preventive measures to help those being bullied as well as those who bully.

This novel follows Curtis Powers, a new kid at a new school who’s dealing with some serious drama - namely the school bully, Treyshawn Jinkins.  The story deals with bullying, conflict resolution, mentoring, influence, faith, dreams & purpose, handling family tragedy and several other issues.  Readers agree that Speedsuit Powers is a “must read” and that it has the potential to initiate change and transformation in the lives of children, teens and adults.

TAKE ACTION!

If you haven’t read the book yet - please purchase a copy today and do so.  If you have already read the book - please tell everyone you know (especially parents and leaders of young people) that they  should experience the story. You can also purchase copies of Speedsuit Powers for young people who need to be inspired, motivated and educated towards significance.  Let’s put Speedsuit Powers on the Bestsellers List - not just because I need to support my wife and our firstborn on the way in October (smile), but also because this book is about making a positive impact in young peoples’ lives.

Speedsuit Powers is available on Amazon & for the Kindle, Barnes and Noble and Iuniverse Publishing.

Don’t forget that October is National Bully Prevention and Awareness month!

Here’s the Iuniverse interview.  Enjoy!

BACK TO SCHOOL…

The summer is coming to a close and it’s that time again… time to go back to school. Depending on who you are, either the summer was too long or two short. Maybe you went to a camp or were stuck at home. But most students I’ve spoken with are looking forward to school. It’s a chance to reconnect with friends and to rise to the challenge of taking new classes, try out for a sport or other extra-curricular activity and discovering new adventures. Going back to school also means seeing less of your parents (most kids tend to agree is a good thing).

But for some, returning to school isn’t fun: it means facing bullies who tormented them the previous school year. For some it means tackling a learning deficiency or attention deficit disorder. For some it means being laughed at because they can’t read on grade level. Others may be like the main character from my new book, Speedsuit Powers. Like ‘Curtis’, they may be anxious because they’re starting at a new school and they’ll be the new kid and will have to deal with new drama. The unknown is often scary and having to make new friends may not be easy.

However, going to school can be a growing experience. No matter where you are - whether in middle school, transitioning to high school, college or beyond - going back to school and its daily routine is important.

IMPORTANT STEPS…

Here are 7 things to help you as you return back to school:

1. The class you find hard is only hard because you don’t understand it. Almost everything we do is hard when we first try it. But the more we practice and work at it - the better we become. It’s that way with sports and with academics.

2. There are no stupid questions. If you truly don’t understand something in class, then ask. (If you’re concerned that your friends might think you’re dumb, wait till after class.) What’s really not smart is not getting the answer to your question.

3. Sit as close to the front of the class as possible. Not only is it easier to see the board and what the teacher is doing; it also helps cut down on distractions so you can concentrate.

4. Team Up! If you and your friends team up and encourage each other to do well… (like forming a study group) you’ll be more likely to succeed in class.

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help (from your teachers, guidance counselor). We ALL need help with something. Your teachers and guidance counselor are there to help you gain the tools to be successful in life. In high school, when I was failing pre-calculus, my mother forced me to go to extra help. Working with my teacher after school helped me to understand math and I was able to pass the class. So if you need help… ask.

6. Find a quiet place to study and do your homework. I know you’re used to the noise of people talking, the television and the radio - but find a quiet place and you’ll be able to focus more. More Focus = More Understanding.

7. If you have problems with a bully, drugs or some other issue, talk with someone you can trust - like your guidance counselor or favorite teacher.

YOU CAN DO IT!

School doesn’t have to be boring. You can choose to make it interesting. Whether you’re at a school that has every supply you could imagine or your at a school that can barely afford textbooks, one thing is the same: teachers are looking for those students who want to learn and grow. And when they find them, they’ll do everything possible to help them succeed. It’s a new school year… you have what it takes to be successful. Go for it!

-Allen Paul Weaver III -

A FATHER’S DAY IMPACT

Towards the end of last year, I watched CNN’s Black In America 2 on television. There were many stories about African Americans making a difference in their community.  One such story was the work that Entertainer, Comedian & Author Steve Harvey does to reach and mentor 100 minority boys during the Father’s Day weekend. (These boys are raised by their mothers in single-parent households.)  As I watched and listened, I asked, “How can I make a difference in the lives of African American adolescent boys? How can I help ensure that they grow up to be productive members of society—men who make a positive impact on their families, community and the world?” My answer came in the realization that the teen fiction novel I had just written, Speedsuit Powers, could play a role in providing a solution. In it, both the protagonist and antagonist are fatherless - but for very different reasons - and are struggling to find their place in the world.

HAPPY FATHERLESS DAY…

Fatherlessness is a grim reality for many young people across America.  According to the article entitled, “Fatherless Day” from the May/June issue of Relevant Magazine, “Children without fathers are five times more likely to live in poverty and commit crime, nine times more likely to drop out of schools and 20 times more likely to end up in prison…  An estimated one out of three American households with children are single-parent, and usually mother-only, homes. That’s an estimated 25 million fatherless kids…    The epidemic of fatherlessness causes a strain on young lives and leaves many young men with the burden of trying to figure out how to be a good man without any solid examples to look to” (p 75).

Father’s Day is fast approaching and for many young boys it’s a reminder that they are fatherless. But with your participation, we can take action to help counteract this negative reality.  Speedsuit Powers is helping adolescent youth and their parents.  As a result, the Speedsuit Powers Book Gifting Program has been created. This program, through sponsors who purchase copies to be gifted, serves as a way to get Speedsuit Powers into the hands of at-risk youth who would not be able (or willing) to purchase the book on their own.

A BOOK AND A DREAM…

With the help of several sponsors, a limited number of gifted Speedsuit Powers books have been made available for a Father’s Day Special.  If you know an African American boy (age 11-18) who is without a father, you can have a gifted copy of Speedsuit Powers mailed to him at no cost to you.  This will let him know that even though his father is not around, his life is still important and valued by others.  It is our hope that Speedsuit Powers will help inspire, motivate and educate African American boys towards their God-given dreams.

To have a gifted copy of Speedsuit Powers mailed out to the young man you have in mind; go to www.speedsuitpowers.com. Click on the Book Gifting page and enter the following information: (In the first two boxes) enter your name and email. (And in the large comment box) enter your contact information,  the young man’s name, age, grade and mailing address.

PLEASE LIMIT ONE COPY PER HOUSEHOLD. OFFER ENDS SUNDAY JUNE 13th. GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. USA ONLY.

Here’s a time-lapse video of me using Photoshop to color in a drawing of Curtis Powers, the protagonist of Speedsuit Powers.

Here’s a segment of Allen Paul Weaver III’s  interview on the Open Show, hosted by Daren Jaime.