PAGE 6 / CP2 / WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007

Who is Dutch? His name is Kwame TeagueBy RHONDA CROWDER

Staff Reporter

When readers of street fictionhear the word Dutch, one name comesto mind: Teri Woods. And, althoughshe is the publisher, in addition tobeing credited as the author of the firsttwo books in the series, it's beenapparent that she's not the creator ofthe story from the day the book hit theshelves.

Released in 2003, the cover reads:"Teri Woods Presents, Dutch," Storyby Dutch/Written by Teri Woods, TheFirst of a Trilogy. Then in 2005, camethe second installment. It was billedas "Dutch II: Angel's Revenge," whilethe writer's credit on the copyrightpage is assigned to Woods.

And, by the time readers finishedpart 2, they were anticipating the con-clusion with the vigor of a dopeaddict. But, two years passed and

there were no signs of "Dutch" whileother titles were dropping off TeriWoods Publishing in attempt tosoothe weary street literary souls, butpeople were still screaming, "Where'sDutch?"

Woods even had a message on herwebsite for quite some time that stat-ed she didn't know when she couldrelease the title due to circumstancesabove and beyond her control. It hassince been taken down.

In the meantime and in betweentime, those who like to go beyond thebooks discovered that Dutch is a fed-eral inmate by the name of KwameTeague and he actually wrote the pop-ular series. Originally from Newark,NJ, Teague, 35, has served 14 yearson a double life sentence. He's alsothe author of "The Adventure ofGhetto Sam" and the "Glory of MyDemise," also published by Woods.

Now as you've read, Woodssigned a five-book deal with GrandCentral Publishing and a sequel to herclassic, "True to the Game II" wasreleased.

Not expecting, nor wanting, asequel to True II, "Dutch" loversbegin to further question the release ofthe final part of the trilogy until itbegan to appear on the streets inOctober.

So, in the midst of the whole"Dutch" drama, Teague agreed tospeak with CP2 as well.

"I had to respond to the people,"the author said during a phone inter-view last month. He went on to saythat he had to release "Dutch: TheFinale" since he and Woods were noton the same accord. "I needed toknow how [the book] would bereceived."

At this point, he can't discuss thelegalities surrounding either of thebooks or the status of his professionalrelationship with Woods but did men-tion that some aspects of the deal hesigned with her are legal but notmoral, while the release of part 3 is"just."

"You'll see once the situationclears out," Teague continued.

Outside of that, he was only will-ing to discuss himself, the book, andbeing an author.

According to Teague, writing wassomething he enjoyed when he wasyounger. His sister introduced him tocrafting screenplays, but it was inprison that he began to explore writ-ing novels. The Nobel Laureate ToniMorrison and street lit author AlSadiqq Banks are his favorite writers

to read. And, with all the powermoves being put down in his books,one would think he's a fan of RobertGreene's "The 48 Laws of Power" buthe really isn't overly fond of the work.

"Power is as power does," Teaguestated.

In terms of writing, he explainedthat when he becomes passionateabout a story, he gets into it while itgenerally takes him a month to com-plete them with little rewriting andrevising. And, because he had to pub-lish "The Finale" by himself, therewas very little editing outside ofproofreading.

Teague said "Dutch" I and IIappeared in print as submitted, withminor changes.

With the "Dutch" series, he want-ed to show just how far people arewilling to go to accomplish their goalsand how much they are willing sacri-fice, he explained. He said it was alsoimportant for him to illustrate the con-sequences that come along with hischaracter's decisions. "I wasn't tryingto be moral as oppose to just showingthe different sides of people."

Teague is currently working onhis next book and will publish itthrough a Tru Life, a publishing housecreated by C-Murder, the author of"Death Around the Corner" and broth-er of mogul Master P. He'll make themove once he's free from the legalissues with Woods. He is also servingas that company's creative director.

When asked about the possibilityof release from prison, he said thatgetting back into court is not a prob-lem as oppose to acquiring the fundsand a legal team. With all the peoplereading "Dutch" I and II, why does heneed money? The Inkwell wonders.

But, the one, single most impor-tant thing that Teague wants his read-ers to know is that he is definitelyappreciative of the support they'veshown with every book.

"I thank everybody for every-thing. I need a lot of support forrelief," he said.

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Kwame Teague

By RHONDA CROWDERStaff Reporter

When I first started TheInkwell, I told you that it wouldbe a place where all things are lit-erary and reading is sexy. I toldyou that it would be a placewhere books, authors, events, andissues concerning African-American literature and publish-ing both locally and nationallywill be highlighted and dis-cussed. That, I told you!

So, it’s only natural for TheInkwell to take over CP2, withthe biggest story in the world ofBlack publishing write now (punintended), the same way street lit,gangster lit, urban fiction, andhip-hop lit (I use them inter-changeably) has over runAfrican-American publishingover the last ten years. Thinkabout it, it’s hoarding shelf space

in bookstores such as Bordersand Barnes and Noble. In fact,the Columbus based TripleCrown Publication has receivedtheir own personalized shelves inBorder’s and Waldenbooks storesacross the country. Now that’s atake over, because I don’t seeRandom House with personalspace.

“What is street fiction” youmight ask? According to me, it’sfiction that features charactersthat go against the system and thenorms to survive while the plotinvolved varies of the under-ground culture where gangster,urban, and hip-hop are basicallythe same with slight thematicvariations that could make classi-fication debatable. Whatever it is,it contains the hottest, mostsought after books and hascaused a spark in reading amongyoung people. I’m for anything

that gets people reading. Actually, I could write an

essay on that topic alone butwon’t do so right now for sake oftime and space.

So, I’m warning you, the sto-ries in this take over are long.See, you got to keep in mind, thisis an Inkwell takeover so we hadto make sure we were extrawordy to work the printing pressover time to make sure the con-tent wasn’t catering the imagedriven as oppose to those peoplewith an appreciation for the art ofwords. It’s The Inkwell takeover,so expect to do some reading.

Besides, it won’t hurt you. Infact, if you are an author, it givesyou a glimpse inside the publish-ing world as we journey into themind of Teri Woods (a street litpioneer and power player) aswell as the controversy surround-ing the release of “Dutch” part 3.

You’ll read an exclusiveinterview with Woods as well asher response to the question,“What’s up with ‘Dutch?”

But, it doesn’t stop there. Wealso a have an interview with theimprisoned author who pennedthe popular series.

At the same time, the storiesare serious, insightful, thought-provoking and entertaining, espe-cially if you are an aspiringauthor. And if that is the case,don’t think these issues don’teffect you because you don’twrite to that genre.

The issues that arise in this

article are relevant to the publish-ing industry as a whole.

Therefore, my purpose is toshed some light for those who areunaware that urban fiction exists.For those who are inspiring writ-ers, and for those who are inter-ested in the plight of African-American literature it’s meant toinform as well as teach and,hopefully, inspire others to makea difference. It is also my hopethat, after reading the piece,aspiring authors do diligently dotheir homework before enteringthis industry so I don’t ever haveto write a story like this again.

It’s important to understandthe business aspects of publish-ing. I hope you enjoy and all thebest.

HAPPY READING!!!

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CP2/ WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007 PAGE 3

The Inkwell takes over CP2

I thank Rhonda Crowder forgiving me the chance to be heard.This “Dutch” situation isn’t justabout Teri and me. It’s about thisnew book market and the rela-tionship between publishers andauthors because I’m not the onlyauthor in a bad contract. I’m justone of the few authors thatgrabbed his cajones and got outof it. This street book market isan opportunity for young Blackswith nothing to have something,like hip-hop in the early ‘80s andironically crack in the ‘80s aswell.

Both generated revenue forthose involved, but both weretaken over by entities outside thehood. Don’t get it twisted. I’mnot promoting crack in any way,I’m simply stating the economicramifications of it. Crack createdmillionaires in the hood, hip-hopcreated millionaires in the hoodand so is this book game. Butsadly, it’s also created greed,beef, and confusion.

It’s time to recognize theopportunity before us. It’senough money to go around, ifwe stop seeing each other as sim-ply competition. J.M. Benjaminand I work together, we’re bothauthors but we recognize a col-lective opportunity. This is whatwe need to do on a whole.

Lastly, I say. Even thoughI’ve been fighting for my free-dom for 14 years, ‘Dutch’ andyour support has kept me alive,kept me relevant and for this Isincerely thank each and everyone of you that purchased“Ghetto Sam” and the “Dutch”

Trilogy, who read them andreached out to me. May Godbless you. My new home is TruPublishing Company so pleasesupport C-Murder because he is abrother to me. You can purchase“Dutch: The Finale” atmyspace.com/kwamefreedom orthe yahoo group Kwame’sCorner.

And, anyone can reach medirectly at Kwame Teague,0401897, P.O. Box 1808,Laurinburg, NC, 28353. Again,thank you and much love.

A letter to readers from author Kwame Teague

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PAGE 4 / CP2 / THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007

By RHONDA CROWDERStaff Reporter

Throughout hip-hop lit cir-cles, the name Teri Woods ringsbells like a Salvation Army SantaClaus on Black Friday, due to herservitude as a pioneer in thereawakening of urban fiction, abrand of literature that depictslifestyles of the underclass.

Woods, the author and pub-lisher of the street lit classic“True to the Game,” sold her firsthand made copy in 1998 and offi-cially printed it in 1999. Sincethen, she went on to publish otherauthors and sell a million books.However, she recently signed amomentous deal with GrandCentral Publishing, formerlyWarner Books.

While holding back nopunches, Woods spoke candidlyabout being with a major publish-er, her books, her authors, thegenre and, of course the “Dutch”trilogy during an exclusive andextensive phone interview withThe Inkwell.

And since Woods had warnedand criticized authors about sign-ing deals with major publishers,we started the conversation bydiscussing why she decided tosign after, making the comments,holding out for so long, and gen-erating her own success.

“You’re selling your selfcheap is what I was saying. If youcan put out a book by yourselfand sell tens of thousands ofcopies alone, why would youtake a deal? They’re not payingyou. They’re not cutting checks,”said Woods, explaining thatauthors may not realize theirworth when taking deals early intheir career.

She also said that the mainreason people take deals isbecause they’re not able to do thebusiness of publishing whileshe’s proven to be capable whichmade her attractive.

“In the beginning… I could-n’t get a publishing deal and I hadto do the whole pursuit of happi-ness thing to get everything start-ed. So, I had already sold over amillion books by myself when Itook my deal. [Therefore], thereason was because I still didn’thave shelf space.”

If “True to the Game” waseven lucky enough to be in main-stream, franchise bookstores, itwould be located in an odd sec-tion, she said. “They were stillmaking people come in and orderthem one at a time because theyweren’t giving me the shelfspace.”

That was something Woodsdidn’t understand and wanted tochange. At the same time, shewondered why her accomplish-ments seemed irrelevant in the

literary world and among herown people. She also said that thecontent of her work was over-shadowing her success, which isthe ability to sell a million books.

“Which, nobody’s done that,”she boasted.

With that, she began attract-ing the attention of Caucasiansand theyshowed love.

“All theseWhite folks isoffering medeals. Whitefolks aint gotno problemwith me, theythink I’m thegreatest thingsince slicedbread,” Woodscontinued.

Therefore,she developedthe notion thatif she took amajor dealthen peoplewouldn’t con-tinue to callher out, asshe’s blanket-ed under herp u b l i s h e r ’sprotection.

“ Wa r n e raint gone let‘em go aftermy throat. Seenow, they’reendorsing me,” she stressed. And,she believes that her having totake a deal with a major toreceive due credit from her ownrace, is what’s wrong with ourpeople.

At the same time, her new-found relationship is a successfulone, as the 5-book multi-milliondollar deal proves beneficial toall parties involved. She men-tioned that Grand Central, afterbuying the rights and re-releasingit “True to the Game,” sold overfifteen thousand copies in lessthan six months. “We’re gettingready to hit ten years and thatbook is still selling like weed andcrack,” she said.

Teri Woods on writing andwriting for others

Woods talked about her inspi-ration to write “True to theGame,” which came as a result ofdaydreaming while working in alaw office. She was frustratedbecause the boss’ daughter hadher putting quarters in parkingmeters so she figured her life hadto get better while hoping a drugdealer would come to save her. Inthe mist of fantasizing, Quadir,the main character in her firststory was born then rescued her.

And it was after she startedmaking money that she discov-

ered a passion for writing. “I’m not no writer. I wasn’t

trying to be a writer,” she said.But, despite the lack of formaltraining, she went on to writeother stories including “True tothe Game II,” a sequel to the clas-sic novel that a girlfriend encour-aged her to publish.

However, she admitted thatshe writes with the fear of peoplenot enjoying her books andoffered a defense to negativefeedback about the second part ofthe “True” trilogy.

“You got to remember, part 2is usually a bridge. And, for me,this part 2 is definitely a bridge.Gena is in another place. It’s saysGena but it’s not about Gena.But, more importantly, this bookis about Jarrell. It’s not aboutGena and Quadir. You won’t getback to that until part three.”

She went on to say that thechemistry is different in part twoas it introduces the police factor,which is an element that intriguesher. It’s also about the returningcharacters Reds and Rasuan.However, she guarantees that thereader will enjoy the final part ofthe story.

“It’s a different bridge butyou’ll get it all right back inthree,” she said. “Three is really amasterpiece. It’s brilliant. To meit is.”

Woods also discussed havingto make the editor happy bychanging content before gettingpaid. She said her editor returned,after reading “True II,” with threepages of notes then told her tostart with setting, characteriza-tion, plot, climax, and conclu-

sion. “For me, it’s different

because I had to turn it in to aneditor who had to be happy withit and made me change a lot ofthings,” she said. “So, things thatmay have made me happy… I gotto make somebody else happyright now.”

And, remember the last thingshe wants is for someone to hatethe story. Consequently, shethinks that if she makes her pub-lisher happy, she’ll make thereaders happy.

“That’s their book. That’swhat they wanted. They alreadypaid me for it. I’m paid. If I don’tever get another dime, then Ican’t be mad. They done gave memine. If that book don’t sell onebook, they have already paid meand I have given them what theyapproved, what they wanted.That’s a different ball game forme.

“So you’re writing for some-body else’s approval and, at theend of the day, you know I careabout everybody and I don’t wantto be whack or nothing but myfirst priority has to be to pleaseGrand Central. And, hopefully, ifI please them, I please everybody.

They not gone put the bookout if I don’t fix it the way theywant it,” she continued.

She hopes that everybodylikes “True II” yet realizes thatit’s not for everybody. Woodsalso understands that, by givingup the rights to her stories, shehas to bite the bullet. “I’m justtrying to keep getting my booksaccepted at this point,” saidWoods.

“I don’t want to disappointmy editor. I don’t want to disap-point my Jamie Rabb [her pub-lisher]. Like, I just want every-body at Warner to be reallypleased with me and I want themto, after the five books are done,say, ‘there’s no way we’re lettingthis girl go.’

Teri Woods and her authorsWhen asked about her rela-

tionship with her authors, sheexplained that they just want acheck and, as long as they got it,they’re happy, that’s all they careabout.

Suffice to say, she’s notenthusiastic about continuing topublish other authors.

“I don’t really want to publishpeople anymore because yourealize that you can’t make themhappy. No matter what you do forthem. She said, at first, all theywant is help and need money but,after getting them to a certainpoint, they become difficult toplease.

In her mind, that was the casewith Shannon Holmes, author of“B-More Careful,” a titlereleased by her publishing com-pany.

“Shannon was unhappy. A lotof the things he did, he didbecause he was unhappy. It’s likeany artist. They’re never reallyhappy,” she continued.

Woods claims Holmes wasincarcerated when she received“B-More” and she would neverforget her thoughts the first timeshe read it. “I said, ‘those girlsare a mess but I could really dothis material’ and I re-wrote theentire book and published it. And,because I didn’t take credit forthat, publishing houses looked atit like it was the Holy Grail. And,next thing I know, Shannon gothim like a four or five hundredthousand deal over at Simon andSchuster.

Woods was shocked to dis-cover they wanted that book.

“He did what?! Five hundredthousand dollars!” she said,recalling her words as she learnedof his deal. “Them White folksgave him what? For ‘B-MoreCareful?’ Didn’t they know hedidn’t write that? But, they soonfigured it out ‘cause I don’t eventhink “Bad Girlz” sells no more.You don’t even see that on theshelf and, “Never Gone HomeAgain.” Don’t see that. “DirtyGame” just came out. Where’sthat at? I don’t see it no more.Just as fast as it came, just as fastas it’s gone.”

She also said Holmes becameindifferent after receiving hisnewfound fortune.

“And, he basically moonedme. [But], his whole life span is‘B-More Careful,’” said Woods.

Author Teri Woods stays true to ‘the game’

(CONTINUED PAGE 5)

By RHONDA CROWDERStaff Reporter

“Where’s Dutch III?”“When’s Dutch III coming out?”“Have you heard anything about

Dutch III?”Those are the inquiries that generally

dominate the conversation within circlesof avid street/gangsta lit readers. Then,the statement, “I love me some Dutch,”typically follows. However, in a recentinterview with Teri Woods, the publisherwho promised a trilogy from the gateamid the introduction of the series, thosequestions were addressed.

“Unfortunately, ‘Dutch III’ has beenbootlegged and is on the streets,” shesaid. “It is not a Teri Woods product.Legal notices have been sent out andwe’re just trying to get to the bottom ofeverything.”

Woods went on to attribute therelease of the “bootlegged” version asbeing “internal” then explained thatorchestrating her recent deal as well aswriting “True” II and III, in addition to anew story line for Grand CentralPublishing, took her focus away from“Dutch III.” “It just wasn’t its time,” shesaid.

“This wasn’t the time for that.Money wise, I was doing other things. Iwas doing other books last year.” Then,Woods pointed out the obvious in termscredit.

“It is not hard to figure out as thecover of ‘Dutch’ reads: Story by DutchWritten By Teri Woods. It’s actually rightthere in black and white.”

Moreover, she stressed that she was-

n’t ready to publish it. “For me, I just had to feel it. It just

has to be the right time, and I just have tofeel it, and I’m not feeling it. I’m not feel-ing the bootleg. I don’t know what that[expletive] is, it ain’t me. That’s not me.That’s not me. And, that’s all I know.”

She went to say there was never atimeline to present the conclusion of theseries while people fail to understand thatshe’s busy, as it takes much longer towrite than read.

The first two books were releasedwithin two years of each other. In addi-tion, there are readers who are requesting“Angel II” and “Deadly Reigns III” aswell, said Woods. She went on to explainthat she doesn’t want to rush to put abook out simply because she knowsshe’ll make money. She’d rather wait anddo it right.

“I really don’t want to ever be in aposition where that’s the thing that drivesme, just simply the money. I know thatthere’s a demand. I know that demandholds my fan base, and that’s what keepsthem looking at me like, ‘Teri [are] yougone give me this book?’

And, that’s when you get to come tothe book signings and cuss me out likeyou always do. And, that’s why we bond.But, you know, when I give it to you, I’mgonna get it to you.”

Having more excuses than a Negrogoing to the penitentiary, she also attrib-uted her two high risk, back-to-backpregnancies in 2004 and 2005 as anotherfactor affecting the delay. She was also inCalifornia, hanging out with KeyshiaCole and attempting to secure film rights.“I had so much money back then, I didn’t

have to do nothing. Gurl Pleeze. “I wasn’t thinking about writing no

books,” she continued. “I was thinkingabout having a baby. I started a film com-pany, a production company. And, I’vebeen trying to line my little eggs up formy film company. That’s what I wasdoing in ’04.”

According to Woods, she wasn’t ableto get back into the swing of things until2006.

When asked if “Dutch III” wouldever appear as a Teri Woods project, sheresponded, “Here’s the thing, everybodysays I have to…everybody says I have to.Right now, I just want to walk away fromit. I’m not really happy about that,” shestated.

“I’ve lost a lot of money. And, itbothers me because it’s really not aboutthat book. The things that’s being done tome, and the things that are going on rightnow are about jealousy and envy andhatred. It’s not about anything other thanthat.”

“And, sometimes when you’re deal-ing with people who want to see you failand want to see you down… to deceivethe public in anyway and having themthinking that ‘Dutch’ is not a Teri Woodspublishing product is completely false,”Woods continued.

“To slander my name is horrible toeverything that I’ve done to everybodyout here. That’s horrible. Right now, I justwant to stay focused on ‘Alibi.’ I want tostay focused on ‘Deadly Reigns III,’ Iwant to stay focused on my film compa-ny, I want to continue to keep everythingright in it’s place where it is right now. Ijust want God to protect me from my ene-

mies.”Woods hopes the spiritual forces sur-

rounding her can shield her from heradversaries while she stays right with herself. She also believes it’s best for her tostep back and simply survey her sur-roundings, as there are a lot of people thatdon’t want to see her prosper. “That’swhat all this is about!” she exclaimed.

“It’s not about that book. Teri aintdid nothing to nobody. Aint’ noboby mad.‘Dutch I’ been there. ‘Ducth II’ beenthere. It aint that…uh um…it’s aboutsomething else.”

“At the end of the day,” Woods said.“I’m just sitting here watching everybodyrunning around and all this going on, andeverybody scared and getting the money,and here I am saying to myself… ‘Theyreally like Teri Woods’ money. TeriWoods got good money. Anything, I do,gone make money. Even if I don’t do it,it’s gone make money. If my name [is]anywhere near it, you gone make money.Touch me, you liable to go home and geta check. Who they be rubbing on, theBuddha? Ya’ll need to come rub on me.They running around up here honey, run-ning themselves into a wall.”

She went on to explain that whatgoes around comes around and that youwant to keep the right karma in your life.“Now, is not the time to do that,” shesaid.

“Now is not the time to think aboutthat. Right now, it’s time for my compa-ny to continue the legal efforts that it iscontinuing to seek to get me some type ofrelief,” she continued, explaining that shehas to obtain court orders, injunctions,and so forth.

“That’s a lot of energy. This isn’t myenergy. Let me tell you something. I gotthe most adorable little babies at home. Igot a three year old and a two year old.I’m going to Disney World on Nov. 15.”

Therefore, she’s more concernedabout which of the many theme parks topartake first.

“Ya’ll go ‘head. Ya’ll go ‘head. I’mtaking my babies to Disney World. But,Dutch, I aint gone even go there becauseI’ll be sitting outside somebody’s houseand that’s what they want me to do.

“You have to remember. I have thebusiness. I have the company. I’m theonly one with anything to lose. Youknow. I’m sitting here watching ‘em runaround New York honey. They shoulenjoying making my little ‘Dutch’money. Go ‘head. Enjoy it. Enjoy it whileit lasts.”

But, she promises that the entitiesbehind the “bootleg” are up for a chal-lenge.

“Whatever gripes there are?Whatever the point is? You may havewon the first round but you haven’t wonthe fight. My company has an extremelybreeched contract with a lot of damagesat this point. A lot of damages. So, thequestion is ‘Will Dutch ever eat off [ofbooks I and II?’ Not in this life time andnot in my children’s life time,” she con-tinued.”

Woods said that the other thing thatshe doesn’t like about the situation is that

a lot of her peers, other authors, jumpedon the bandwagon in attempt to “shutdown Teri Woods.”

“Are you crazy? Have you lostyou’re mind? You [can’t] be serious,” shesaid.

She explained that her cashier regis-ter may be offset but she would not losebecause of this.

“In every lesson there’s something tobe learned. In every struggle, there’ssomething to be gained. And, every timeI’m faced with confrontation, there’ssomething either within myself, or some-thing around me, or something that Imust take from so that it don’t happenagain,” she stated.

“And, I’ma say this one more time,”Woods continued. “Let’s be really clear.My contracts have breached. My compa-ny has a major breach. And, that littlestory by Dutch, called, ‘The Finale,’that’s being bootlegged in the streets, it’snot a Teri Woods Publishing product.But, I can tell you this, I and II is mine.We know that for a fact. He’ll never eatoff that. Not in my, even in my children’slifetime. It’s that much lost. It’s that muchlost.”

“I just want to stay focused. And,right now, Teri Woods wants to do whatTeri Woods has to do to fulfill her con-tract at Grand Central. I don’t play dirty.I don’t breach contracts.”

She said that she’s happy and they’rehappy while they are also supportive.

“I know that Grand Central is behindme, behind this breach.”

CP2 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007 / PAGE 5

From Page 4

Through it all, she likes toconsider life a lesson on thenature of self.

“You learn as you go along.And, my pen game is not to betaken for granted. I’m not donat-ing that. So, at the end of the day,I got two different things goingon over here that ya’ll don’tunderstand - Teri Woods as anauthor and Teri Woods as a pub-lisher and they are two complete-ly different people.”

Then, she explained thedegrees of separation betweenthem both.

“Now, Teri Woods the pub-lisher is about that money. TeriWoods the publisher is about pro-tecting. Teri Woods the publisheris about making sure that, withevery book, we have to win. Wecan’t lose. The people have toknow that when they see myname, when they see TeriWoods…when they see a TeriWoods Publishing product, Idon’t care who wrote it, it’s thebest possible book that they canget for they’re money. I will notwaste your money. I will notwaste your time,” she continued.

“Now, that’s Teri Woods the

publisher. Now, Teri Woods theauthor, she’s over here in theclouds like ‘what you think thepeople would want to hear, whatdo you think the people wouldwant?”

Teri Woods’ perspective ofthe genre

With street fiction beingunder fire by most highbrow lit-erary critics, The Inkwell alwaysfinds it necessary to ask authorswhere they see the genre over theyears to come.

“For me, my books, I knowexactly were they’re going tobe,” Woods states. “They’regoing to be on the shelves. Now,I don’t know about that otherstuff because I don’t think it’s onthe shelf thirty days after it’s putout.”

On the other hand, shebelieves it has some stayingpower, noting that the urban fic-tion market is worth $50 million.That’s what the publishers aremaking off urban books, she said.Woods, herself, claims to have anextensive back list while “True”and “B-More Careful” continueto outsell books she’s beenpresently releasing.

“I never thought this market

would get as big as it did,” sheadded. “I had no idea that it wasgone do all this, that people weregoing to be able to get deals andbe sought after if they had a realgood urban book or even if youjust had an urban book. It doesn’teven have to be good.”

Like other authors writing inthe form, she compares the liter-ary genre to hip-hop music andthe criticism as well as lack ofunderstanding in terms of cre-ative expression and marketingbut has managed to thrive.

“I think, over the next coupleof years, you’ll separate you’rebig fish from your small fish. Idon’t think the genre is going togo anywhere, but I think there’sdefinitely going to be a change inhow these books come out andhow they’re in the market place.”

She also reminded us that thebookstore is only so big, limitingshelf space.

“You got to have a reallygood book if you want to keepthat shelf space year after year …I’m really interested in [how]things are going to make it overtime. I don’t want the fast money.I want the slow money,” saidWoods.

Is it about ‘Dutch’ or isn’t it?

If you’ve been following TheInkwell, you’ll know that I rarelyreview books to the point whereI’ll say if it’s good or not. Why,because I don’t ever want to bethe reason a person buys a bookor not. Plus, I know that fiction issubjective so what’s good for thegoose is not always good for thegander so, who am I to judge?

So, for me to endorse a bookas oppose to introducing you toit, says a lot. Therefore, in this45th edition of “TI,” I’m goingout on a limb to say the “DutchTrilogy” is a great series ofbooks! It’s not a glorification ofstreet life even though the maincharacter is the quintessentialgangster and probably as belovedas The Godfather, Don Corleone.I mean, seriously, I think thisseries is among the few street litnovels I’ve read and can say pos-sesses literary value. With that,here’s my two cents!

DutchStory by Dutch

Written by Teri WoodsTeri Woods Publishing

After I finished reading thefirst book in the trilogy, I laudedit as being up there with SisterSouljah’s “Coldest Winter Ever”in terms of content, structure, anddevelopment. The story openswith the trial of the century asreaders are introduced to BernardJames, known as Dutch, who isconsidered one of the most dan-gerous criminals to come up inJersey in the last thirty years ashe’s being charged with master-minding the bloody “Month ofMurders.”

As the trial and story contin-ues, the reader begins to under-stand the essence of Dutch’sbeing through the use of flash-backs. The author’s vivid use oflanguage as well as consciousvoice allows the reader to see

how the inquisitive kid went fromworking in a pizza shop, to beinga car thief, and then a ruthlessdrug lord. At the same time, itforces one to consider how mod-ern social and political conditionshave affected the minds of thepeople and in turn our children.

This is a complex story withseveral sub-plots working asDutch’s crew, which includesAngel, One-Eyed Roc and Craze,is introduced. I also enjoy howthe author referenced one of myfavorite books, “The 48 Laws ofPower,” by Robert Greene. In“Dutch” you can witness how thelaws are operating, within theirelements, as well as the laws’reversals, throughout the story.

And, as Dutch is waiting forhis fate to be determined by ajury, it becomes clear that herefuses to go back to prison,claiming that he would hold courtin the streets if that’s how it hasto go down. Basically, once I fin-ished reading “Dutch,” I said“WOW, this is some great writingand storytelling.”

Dutch II: Angel’s RevengeBy Teri Woods

Teri Woods PublishingIn terms of part 2’s being

bridges (as Woods put it), well,this is truly a horse of that colorbecause, more than anything, Iwanted to know what was upwith “Dutch,” and was ready toget to part 3. I need to know if myman was alive or if he was dead?And, the author keeps you won-dering throughout the story sinceeveryone, including Dutch’smother, is wondering if heescaped the havoc he wreaked atthe end of part I.

In the meanwhile, the focusshifts to a conflict between One-Eyed Roc and Angel as both havebeen released from prison on

technicalities. However, the twoare on different pages. Angel, acold-blooded killer and ruthlesshustler, wants to continue to getthat paper while Rahman (One-Eyed Roc) who becomes Muslimin prison, wanted to clean up thecommunity.

But, if Angel had her way, itwasn’t going down like that at all.

What I really enjoyed aboutthis story is how it got more andmore thought-provoking as Irushed to the ending whereRahman begins to learn that hismission isn’t as easy as he hopedit to be and is threatening

t h e

stability of his family. At thesame time, Angel is killing ‘em inthe streets with her newfound les-bian lover and partner in crimeGoldilocks. But, one of the bestscenes in the book is the nostalgicparty hosted by Angel in celebra-tion of her return home from thepenitentiary.

Now, once I made it to theend of this story, I was fieninghard for the conclusion of the tril-ogy.

Dutch: The FinaleBy Dutch

In the conclusion, readerslearn that Dutch is alive, so theyare taken to Paris, France alongwith Dutch’s crew and lovedones. Now, when I say take youto France, I mean the author liter-ally places you there and givesyou a grand tour as he describesDutch’s estate, the flora filledlandscape, and even the city’sghetto. Yes, Paris has a ghetto.

Because I’m a hopelessromantic, I was intrigued with therelationship between Dutch andNina, his love interest from part I.I particularly love when Dutchexplains to Nina how he got hisname. It was a point where thereader begins to see his humanside, as he shares informationwith her that no one else knew.Although believing it was corny,he tells her that he thought it rep-resented someone of nobility butlearned it meant for one to payhis or her own way.

Also, the images make thereader feel as if they’re on anemotional rollercoaster as theyrange from chilling to exotic.

All I got to say is that thescene atop of the horse is “likethat.”

The author also alludes toLangston Hughes’ “A DreamDeferred,” while the festeringsore metaphor is used through thestory to illustrate how one caneasily lose sight of their goals.

All in all, after reading “TheFinale,” I felt informed and com-plete.

I also feel as though I don’twant another dope boy story if itaint that “Dutch.” Literally, I feellike I’m hooked on the hybriddrug that was created by scien-tists in the story. Like the rivetingsubstance that appears to looklike cocaine but possess the kickof heroine, the author’s words puta choke hold on my cognitivethoughts and didn’t let go.

“The Finale,” is ingenuousand comparable to the creation ofthe atomic bomb. And, if youdon’t understand the analogythen research why the weapon ofmass destruction was initiallycreated to reveal the inventor’strue intentions.

But, of course, humans get ittwisted.

Overall, it’s a good series.The only problem I have is in theopening of the first and lastbooks. I found them to be a littleconfusing, but everything man-ages to work itself out so that thestories are clear. In fact, I’veenjoyed reading his work somuch that I plan to go back andread “Ghetto Sam.”

That’s all I have to say and,since this is the last issue of 2007,The Inkwell has runneth dry.Happy New Year!

Note: “Dutch: The Finale”has made an appearance on E-Bay with the highest bid $30.

To purchase copies of “TheFinale” visitwww.myspace.com/kwamefree-dom

CP2 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007 / PAGE 21

When it’s all about paying your own way

Contact The Inkwell atrcrowder@call-post.com

or (216) 791-7600 ext. 253

The ‘Dutch’ trilogy is datruth