Natural Born Hustler by Nikki Turner
“Natural Born Hustler” by Nikki Turner
c.2010, Ballantine One World
$13.00 / $15.00 Canada
112 pages
Reviewed by Terri S.
No money? No worries.
Even in a bad economy, you’re a survivor. You got connections, friends, and you got your game on. You won’t starve. A little ingenuity and a few tips, and you can hustle up what you need. It’s all good.
But watch your back, even if you have nothing to do with what’s going down. You never know when things might get bad, as you’ll see in the new book “Natural Born Hustler” by Nikki Turner.
Desember Day hated when she and Fame fought, but it happened now and then. He was her man, but he sometimes forgot that Desember could hustle snow to a penguin. When he was ignorant enough to tell her where she could and couldn’t sell her merchandise, well, nobody told Desember what to do.
The only good thing about fighting was making-up, and they were just about to do that. As they fumbled with one another in the car on a lonely North Carolina side road, a motorcycle passed and shots sizzled through the night air. Fame was hit all over, but the wound in his belly was the worst. Desember rode with him in the ambulance, praying and thinking about what got them there…
Ever since grade-school, Desember and Fame were like magnets, though they fought then, too. His family didn’t like Desember. Her family was a mess, and she wondered who her biological father was. But love can overcome, and when they officially became a couple, Desember moved out of her Mama’s house – she was going to anyhow, because she couldn’t tolerate her stepfather’s abuse – and she moved in with Fame.
Things were good for awhile. Fame made sure they always had money and food on the table. Desember had his back on big jobs. She learned to cook. He taught her to shoot. Then came the night on the side of the road.
In the hospital, Desember was sure Fame would be okay. He was alert. Doctors were optimistic. Then, from his sickbed, he scrawled a horrifying note: “u n danger! U gotta get out of here. Not safe.”
At just 112 pages, “Natural Born Hustler” is less of a novel and more like a novelette. Compared to some books, it’s almost a pamphlet. But oh, what author Nikki Turner packs in this skinny little paperback…
If you’re a fan of Turner’s work (or if you just read the first four pages in this one), you’ll know instantly that this story is violent, sassy, and grittier than a sandbox. But it also has a surprising touch of something else: Desember Day is a fatherless young woman coming of age on the streets, and her attitude belies a certain tenderness. That makes you want to take care of her and protect her. And you’ll want to see more of her.
“Natural Born Hustler” is a sort of bridge to other Nikki Turner books, but can be enjoyed all by itself. If you’re in the mood for something quick, good, and gutsy, you’ll find it here – no worries.
Reign the Cartel
T Styles is a boss. Fly, progressive and enough swag to lend to the haters. Now a bookstore owner, we had the chance to sit with T Styles to discuss her bookstore, the publishing business and e-books.
UM: Describe The Cartel Publications and what it brings to the publishing industry:
T Styles: The Cartel Publications is a street literature publishing house. Meaning we publish novels heavy in urban themes depicting street life. We bring consistency to the publishing industry and we offer a solid brand for our distributors and customers. Our customers are starting to realize that when they see the CP logo, it’s all good and your customers will be pleased. It’s a win-win situation for everyone!
UM: Most publishers build their house on at least one book or author. To date, what book has laid the most bricks for the The Cartel Publications?
T Styles: Without a doubt it has been the Shyt List series. For seconds I’d have to say my titles…Black and Ugly as Ever, A Hustler’s Son 2 and the like.
UM: You’ve remained focused on your house and have expanded your brand into a bookstore. In an economic climate where bookstores are closing, what has been your biggest challenge operating the store?
T Styles: I haven’t had any major challenges. I scouted the area in which the book store is located a long time ago. In fact, I grew up in the area and knew that a black book store would do great in a location where most of the customers commute by bus/train. If I had to pick a challenge, it would be hiring and maintaining qualified staff members. Although we seem to be doing pretty well now.
UM: As a bookstore owner, what misconception (s) have you learned about the publishing industry that you did not know as a publisher / author?
T Styles: Hmmm, misconception…you know what, I’m one of the few publishers who is not interested in how other people do things, and because of it, I’ve been protected from ‘How other publishers/authors’ do things. So I didn’t have any misconceptions or expectations outside of keeping my focus on the brand. I knew I’d have to grind to get the brand out there that if I did, the Cartel would be okay. I think too often business folk worry too much about what others are doing in the industry and base their business decisions on what worked or didn’t work for that person. Ignorance was my greatest asset because I didn’t know that most publishers didn’t put out two books at the same time, or this that and a third. Feel me?
UM: As a bookstore owner, what are some words of advice for authors and book signings.
T Styles: Well, I’d say please…please…please don’t cut corners when it comes to quality book covers. It’s imperative. And although your mother’s cousin’s uncle may have done good copy paste work in the past, when it comes to your book cover, take no chance. People say don’t judge a book by it’s cover but they always do! They pick up the book and put it right back down if the title isn’t hot and the cover isn’t hotter. I’d also say don’t expect a line to form around the corner when you sign your books. Successful books signings are 80 percent grind & pull (of customers) and 20 percent promotion from the book store.
UM: What is your view on urban books in the ebook format and publishers giving the ebook away for free?
T Styles: Publisher are giving books away for free? Nonsense! There has to be some reason for that madness I’m sure. Me? I LOVE ebooks but you have to pay for ours. We currently have our books available on Amazon.com’s Kindle and since Kindle’s AP is available for the iPad, you may download our books there too. In terms of e-books, the industry is changing. Publishing is changing and those who aren’t willing to embrace change will get run over. There’s no other way to say it. We have to get with the program or get left out of it. People want access and immediate gratification and ebooks provide it for the consumer.
UM: The amount of books in your catalog is impressive as T Styles. What made you write using the pseudonym Reign?
T Styles: I love writing under Reign because she’s relentless. And Reign means to prevail. Sounds just like me!
UM: What book did you enjoy writing the most?
T Styles: Black and Ugly. Why? I enjoyed the story because of the topic for one (about a young lady who hates her dark skin) and I like creating characters based on solid friendships because I never had that. When I was growing up, I moved around so much I didn’t get a chance to form long lasting bonds. And although the friends in Black and Ugly fight a lot, they love one another.
UM: Do you desire to sign with a major publisher or would you like to remain independent?
T Styles: As of now, no. I’d like to remain independent because I’m not feeling the idea of working for someone else. And the longer I am successful, the more I don’t want to. This may change depending on the offer, but for now, I want to see how far I can take the label.
UM: What are some upcoming dates for The Cartel Publications book releases, author signings or book tours?
T Styles: We have The Unusual Suspects, Miss Wayne and the Queens of DC, Hell Razor Honeys 2, Reversed and the list goes on and on!
UM: Where can readers reach you online?
T Styles: On my site at www.thecartelpublications.com, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/authortstyles and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authortstyles
