Kwame Teri Woods Dilemma 6t2hh

PAGE 6 / 2 / WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007

Who is Dutch? His name is Kwame Teague By RHONDA CROWDER Staff Reporter When readers of street fiction hear the word Dutch, one name comes to mind: Teri Woods. And, although she is the publisher, in addition to being credited as the author of the first two books in the series, it's been apparent that she's not the creator of the story from the day the book hit the shelves.

Released in 2003, the cover reads: "Teri Woods Presents, Dutch," Story by Dutch/Written by Teri Woods, The First of a Trilogy. Then in 2005, came the second installment. It was billed as "Dutch II: Angel's Revenge," while the writer's credit on the copyright page is assigned to Woods. And, by the time readers finished part 2, they were anticipating the conclusion with the vigor of a dope addict. But, two years ed and

there were no signs of "Dutch" while other titles were dropping off Teri Woods Publishing in attempt to soothe weary street literary souls, but people were still screaming, "Where's Dutch?" Woods even had a message on her website for quite some time that stated she didn't know when she could release the title due to circumstances above and beyond her control. It has since been taken down.

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Kwame Teague In the meantime and in between time, those who like to go beyond the books discovered that Dutch is a federal inmate by the name of Kwame Teague and he actually wrote the popular series. Originally from Newark, NJ, Teague, 35, has served 14 years on a double life sentence. He's also the author of "The Adventure of Ghetto Sam" and the "Glory of My Demise," also published by Woods. Now as you've read, Woods signed a five-book deal with Grand Central Publishing and a sequel to her classic, "True to the Game II" was released. Not expecting, nor wanting, a sequel to True II, "Dutch" lovers begin to further question the release of the final part of the trilogy until it began to appear on the streets in October. So, in the midst of the whole "Dutch" drama, Teague agreed to speak with 2 as well. "I had to respond to the people," the author said during a phone interview last month. He went on to say that he had to release "Dutch: The Finale" since he and Woods were not on the same accord. "I needed to know how [the book] would be received." At this point, he can't discuss the legalities surrounding either of the books or the status of his professional relationship with Woods but did mention that some aspects of the deal he signed with her are legal but not moral, while the release of part 3 is "just." "You'll see once the situation clears out," Teague continued. Outside of that, he was only willing to discuss himself, the book, and being an author. According to Teague, writing was something he enjoyed when he was younger. His sister introduced him to crafting screenplays, but it was in prison that he began to explore writing novels. The Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison and street lit author Al Sadiqq Banks are his favorite writers

to read. And, with all the power moves being put down in his books, one would think he's a fan of Robert Greene's "The 48 Laws of Power" but he really isn't overly fond of the work. "Power is as power does," Teague stated. In of writing, he explained that when he becomes ionate about a story, he gets into it while it generally takes him a month to complete them with little rewriting and revising. And, because he had to publish "The Finale" by himself, there was very little editing outside of proofreading. Teague said "Dutch" I and II appeared in print as submitted, with minor changes. With the "Dutch" series, he wanted to show just how far people are willing to go to accomplish their goals and how much they are willing sacrifice, he explained. He said it was also important for him to illustrate the consequences that come along with his character's decisions. "I wasn't trying to be moral as oppose to just showing the different sides of people." Teague is currently working on his next book and will publish it through a Tru Life, a publishing house created by C-Murder, the author of "Death Around the Corner" and brother of mogul Master P. He'll make the move once he's free from the legal issues with Woods. He is also serving as that company's creative director. When asked about the possibility of release from prison, he said that getting back into court is not a problem as oppose to acquiring the funds and a legal team. With all the people reading "Dutch" I and II, why does he need money? The Inkwell wonders. But, the one, single most important thing that Teague wants his readers to know is that he is definitely appreciative of the they've shown with every book. "I thank everybody for everything. I need a lot of for relief," he said.

2/ WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007 PAGE 3

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The Inkwell takes over 2 By RHONDA CROWDER Staff Reporter When I first started The Inkwell, I told you that it would be a place where all things are literary and reading is sexy. I told you that it would be a place where books, authors, events, and issues concerning AfricanAmerican literature and publishing both locally and nationally will be highlighted and discussed. That, I told you! So, it’s only natural for The Inkwell to take over 2, with the biggest story in the world of Black publishing write now (pun intended), the same way street lit, gangster lit, urban fiction, and hip-hop lit (I use them interchangeably) has over run African-American publishing over the last ten years. Think about it, it’s hoarding shelf space

in bookstores such as Borders and Barnes and Noble. In fact, the Columbus based Triple Crown Publication has received their own personalized shelves in Border’s and Waldenbooks stores across the country. Now that’s a take over, because I don’t see Random House with personal space. “What is street fiction” you might ask? According to me, it’s fiction that features characters that go against the system and the norms to survive while the plot involved varies of the underground culture where gangster, urban, and hip-hop are basically the same with slight thematic variations that could make classification debatable. Whatever it is, it contains the hottest, most sought after books and has caused a spark in reading among young people. I’m for anything

A letter to readers from author Kwame Teague I thank Rhonda Crowder for giving me the chance to be heard. This “Dutch” situation isn’t just about Teri and me. It’s about this new book market and the relationship between publishers and authors because I’m not the only author in a bad contract. I’m just one of the few authors that grabbed his cajones and got out of it. This street book market is an opportunity for young Blacks with nothing to have something, like hip-hop in the early ‘80s and ironically crack in the ‘80s as well. Both generated revenue for those involved, but both were taken over by entities outside the hood. Don’t get it twisted. I’m not promoting crack in any way, I’m simply stating the economic ramifications of it. Crack created millionaires in the hood, hip-hop created millionaires in the hood and so is this book game. But sadly, it’s also created greed, beef, and confusion. It’s time to recognize the opportunity before us. It’s enough money to go around, if we stop seeing each other as simply competition. J.M. Benjamin and I work together, we’re both authors but we recognize a collective opportunity. This is what we need to do on a whole. Lastly, I say. Even though I’ve been fighting for my freedom for 14 years, ‘Dutch’ and your has kept me alive, kept me relevant and for this I sincerely thank each and every one of you that purchased “Ghetto Sam” and the “Dutch”

Trilogy, who read them and reached out to me. May God bless you. My new home is Tru Publishing Company so please C-Murder because he is a brother to me. You can purchase “Dutch: The Finale” at myspace.com/kwamefreedom or the yahoo group Kwame’s Corner. And, anyone can reach me directly at Kwame Teague, 0401897, P.O. Box 1808, Laurinburg, NC, 28353. Again, thank you and much love.

that gets people reading. Actually, I could write an essay on that topic alone but won’t do so right now for sake of time and space. So, I’m warning you, the stories in this take over are long. See, you got to keep in mind, this is an Inkwell takeover so we had to make sure we were extra wordy to work the printing press over time to make sure the content wasn’t catering the image driven as oppose to those people with an appreciation for the art of words. It’s The Inkwell takeover, so expect to do some reading. Besides, it won’t hurt you. In fact, if you are an author, it gives you a glimpse inside the publishing world as we journey into the mind of Teri Woods (a street lit pioneer and power player) as well as the controversy surrounding the release of “Dutch” part 3. You’ll read an exclusive interview with Woods as well as her response to the question, “What’s up with ‘Dutch?” But, it doesn’t stop there. We also a have an interview with the imprisoned author who penned the popular series. At the same time, the stories are serious, insightful, thoughtprovoking and entertaining, especially if you are an aspiring author. And if that is the case, don’t think these issues don’t effect you because you don’t write to that genre. The issues that arise in this

article are relevant to the publishing industry as a whole.

Therefore, my purpose is to shed some light for those who are unaware that urban fiction exists. For those who are inspiring writers, and for those who are interested in the plight of AfricanAmerican literature it’s meant to inform as well as teach and, hopefully, inspire others to make a difference. It is also my hope that, after reading the piece, aspiring authors do diligently do their homework before entering this industry so I don’t ever have to write a story like this again. It’s important to understand the business aspects of publishing. I hope you enjoy and all the best. HAPPY READING!!!

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PAGE 4 / 2 / THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007

Author Teri Woods stays true to ‘the game’ By RHONDA CROWDER Staff Reporter Throughout hip-hop lit circles, the name Teri Woods rings bells like a Salvation Army Santa Claus on Black Friday, due to her servitude as a pioneer in the reawakening of urban fiction, a brand of literature that depicts lifestyles of the underclass. Woods, the author and publisher of the street lit classic “True to the Game,” sold her first hand made copy in 1998 and officially printed it in 1999. Since then, she went on to publish other authors and sell a million books. However, she recently signed a momentous deal with Grand Central Publishing, formerly Warner Books. While holding back no punches, Woods spoke candidly about being with a major publisher, her books, her authors, the genre and, of course the “Dutch” trilogy during an exclusive and extensive phone interview with The Inkwell. And since Woods had warned and criticized authors about g deals with major publishers, we started the conversation by discussing why she decided to sign after, making the comments, holding out for so long, and generating her own success. “You’re selling your self cheap is what I was saying. If you can put out a book by yourself and sell tens of thousands of copies alone, why would you take a deal? They’re not paying you. They’re not cutting checks,” said Woods, explaining that authors may not realize their worth when taking deals early in their career. She also said that the main reason people take deals is because they’re not able to do the business of publishing while she’s proven to be capable which made her attractive. “In the beginning… I couldn’t get a publishing deal and I had to do the whole pursuit of happiness thing to get everything started. So, I had already sold over a million books by myself when I took my deal. [Therefore], the reason was because I still didn’t have shelf space.” If “True to the Game” was even lucky enough to be in mainstream, franchise bookstores, it would be located in an odd section, she said. “They were still making people come in and order them one at a time because they weren’t giving me the shelf space.” That was something Woods didn’t understand and wanted to change. At the same time, she wondered why her accomplishments seemed irrelevant in the

literary world and among her own people. She also said that the content of her work was overshadowing her success, which is the ability to sell a million books. “Which, nobody’s done that,” she boasted. With that, she began attracting the attention of Caucasians and they showed love. “All these White folks is offering me deals. White folks aint got no problem with me, they think I’m the greatest thing since sliced bread,” Woods continued. Therefore, she developed the notion that if she took a major deal then people wouldn’t continue to call her out, as she’s blanketed under her p u b l i s h e r ’s protection. “ Wa r n e r aint gone let ‘em go after my throat. See now, they’re endorsing me,” she stressed. And, she believes that her having to take a deal with a major to receive due credit from her own race, is what’s wrong with our people. At the same time, her newfound relationship is a successful one, as the 5-book multi-million dollar deal proves beneficial to all parties involved. She mentioned that Grand Central, after buying the rights and re-releasing it “True to the Game,” sold over fifteen thousand copies in less than six months. “We’re getting ready to hit ten years and that book is still selling like weed and crack,” she said. Teri Woods on writing and writing for others Woods talked about her inspiration to write “True to the Game,” which came as a result of daydreaming while working in a law office. She was frustrated because the boss’ daughter had her putting quarters in parking meters so she figured her life had to get better while hoping a drug dealer would come to save her. In the mist of fantasizing, Quadir, the main character in her first story was born then rescued her. And it was after she started making money that she discov-

ered a ion for writing. “I’m not no writer. I wasn’t trying to be a writer,” she said. But, despite the lack of formal training, she went on to write other stories including “True to the Game II,” a sequel to the classic novel that a girlfriend encouraged her to publish.

sion. “For me, it’s different because I had to turn it in to an editor who had to be happy with it and made me change a lot of things,” she said. “So, things that may have made me happy… I got to make somebody else happy right now.”

However, she itted that she writes with the fear of people not enjoying her books and offered a defense to negative about the second part of the “True” trilogy. “You got to , part 2 is usually a bridge. And, for me, this part 2 is definitely a bridge. Gena is in another place. It’s says Gena but it’s not about Gena. But, more importantly, this book is about Jarrell. It’s not about Gena and Quadir. You won’t get back to that until part three.” She went on to say that the chemistry is different in part two as it introduces the police factor, which is an element that intrigues her. It’s also about the returning characters Reds and Rasuan. However, she guarantees that the reader will enjoy the final part of the story. “It’s a different bridge but you’ll get it all right back in three,” she said. “Three is really a masterpiece. It’s brilliant. To me it is.” Woods also discussed having to make the editor happy by changing content before getting paid. She said her editor returned, after reading “True II,” with three pages of notes then told her to start with setting, characterization, plot, climax, and conclu-

And, the last thing she wants is for someone to hate the story. Consequently, she thinks that if she makes her publisher happy, she’ll make the readers happy. “That’s their book. That’s what they wanted. They already paid me for it. I’m paid. If I don’t ever get another dime, then I can’t be mad. They done gave me mine. If that book don’t sell one book, they have already paid me and I have given them what they approved, what they wanted. That’s a different ball game for me. “So you’re writing for somebody else’s approval and, at the end of the day, you know I care about everybody and I don’t want to be whack or nothing but my first priority has to be to please Grand Central. And, hopefully, if I please them, I please everybody. They not gone put the book out if I don’t fix it the way they want it,” she continued. She hopes that everybody likes “True II” yet realizes that it’s not for everybody. Woods also understands that, by giving up the rights to her stories, she has to bite the bullet. “I’m just trying to keep getting my books accepted at this point,” said Woods.

“I don’t want to disappoint my editor. I don’t want to disappoint my Jamie Rabb [her publisher]. Like, I just want everybody at Warner to be really pleased with me and I want them to, after the five books are done, say, ‘there’s no way we’re letting this girl go.’ Teri Woods and her authors When asked about her relationship with her authors, she explained that they just want a check and, as long as they got it, they’re happy, that’s all they care about. Suffice to say, she’s not enthusiastic about continuing to publish other authors. “I don’t really want to publish people anymore because you realize that you can’t make them happy. No matter what you do for them. She said, at first, all they want is help and need money but, after getting them to a certain point, they become difficult to please. In her mind, that was the case with Shannon Holmes, author of “B-More Careful,” a title released by her publishing company. “Shannon was unhappy. A lot of the things he did, he did because he was unhappy. It’s like any artist. They’re never really happy,” she continued. Woods claims Holmes was incarcerated when she received “B-More” and she would never forget her thoughts the first time she read it. “I said, ‘those girls are a mess but I could really do this material’ and I re-wrote the entire book and published it. And, because I didn’t take credit for that, publishing houses looked at it like it was the Holy Grail. And, next thing I know, Shannon got him like a four or five hundred thousand deal over at Simon and Schuster. Woods was shocked to discover they wanted that book. “He did what?! Five hundred thousand dollars!” she said, recalling her words as she learned of his deal. “Them White folks gave him what? For ‘B-More Careful?’ Didn’t they know he didn’t write that? But, they soon figured it out ‘cause I don’t even think “Bad Girlz” sells no more. You don’t even see that on the shelf and, “Never Gone Home Again.” Don’t see that. “Dirty Game” just came out. Where’s that at? I don’t see it no more. Just as fast as it came, just as fast as it’s gone.” She also said Holmes became indifferent after receiving his newfound fortune. “And, he basically mooned me. [But], his whole life span is ‘B-More Careful,’” said Woods. (CONTINUED PAGE 5)

2 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007 / PAGE 5

Is it about ‘Dutch’ or isn’t it? By RHONDA CROWDER Staff 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 circles of avid street/gangsta lit readers. Then, the statement, “I love me some Dutch,” typically follows. However, in a recent interview with Teri Woods, the publisher who promised a trilogy from the gate amid the introduction of the series, those questions were addressed. “Unfortunately, ‘Dutch III’ has been bootlegged and is on the streets,” she said. “It is not a Teri Woods product. Legal notices have been sent out and we’re just trying to get to the bottom of everything.” Woods went on to attribute the release of the “bootlegged” version as being “internal” then explained that orchestrating her recent deal as well as writing “True” II and III, in addition to a new story line for Grand Central Publishing, took her focus away from “Dutch III.” “It just wasn’t its time,” she said. “This wasn’t the time for that. Money wise, I was doing other things. I was doing other books last year.” Then, Woods pointed out the obvious in credit. “It is not hard to figure out as the cover of ‘Dutch’ reads: Story by Dutch Written By Teri Woods. It’s actually right there in black and white.” Moreover, she stressed that she wasFrom Page 4 Through it all, she likes to consider life a lesson on the nature of self. “You learn as you go along. And, my pen game is not to be taken for granted. I’m not donating that. So, at the end of the day, I got two different things going on over here that ya’ll don’t understand - Teri Woods as an author and Teri Woods as a publisher and they are two completely different people.” Then, she explained the degrees of separation between them both. “Now, Teri Woods the publisher is about that money. Teri Woods the publisher is about protecting. Teri Woods the publisher is about making sure that, with every book, we have to win. We can’t lose. The people have to know that when they see my name, when they see Teri Woods…when they see a Teri Woods Publishing product, I don’t care who wrote it, it’s the best possible book that they can get for they’re money. I will not waste your money. I will not waste your time,” she continued. “Now, that’s Teri Woods the

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 to feel it, and I’m not feeling it. I’m not feeling 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 a timeline to present the conclusion of the series while people fail to understand that she’s busy, as it takes much longer to write than read. The first two books were released within two years of each other. In addition, there are readers who are requesting “Angel II” and “Deadly Reigns III” as well, said Woods. She went on to explain that she doesn’t want to rush to put a book out simply because she knows she’ll make money. She’d rather wait and do it right. “I really don’t want to ever be in a position where that’s the thing that drives me, just simply the money. I know that there’s a demand. I know that demand holds my fan base, and that’s what keeps them looking at me like, ‘Teri [are] you gone give me this book?’ And, that’s when you get to come to the book gs and cuss me out like you always do. And, that’s why we bond. But, you know, when I give it to you, I’m gonna get it to you.” Having more excuses than a Negro going to the penitentiary, she also attributed her two high risk, back-to-back pregnancies in 2004 and 2005 as another factor affecting the delay. She was also in California, hanging out with Keyshia Cole 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 thinking about having a baby. I started a film company, a production company. And, I’ve been trying to line my little eggs up for my film company. That’s what I was doing in ’04.” According to Woods, she wasn’t able to get back into the swing of things until 2006. When asked if “Dutch III” would ever appear as a Teri Woods project, she responded, “Here’s the thing, everybody says I have to…everybody says I have to. Right now, I just want to walk away from it. I’m not really happy about that,” she stated. “I’ve lost a lot of money. And, it bothers me because it’s really not about that book. The things that’s being done to me, and the things that are going on right now are about jealousy and envy and hatred. It’s not about anything other than that.” “And, sometimes when you’re dealing with people who want to see you fail and want to see you down… to deceive the public in anyway and having them thinking that ‘Dutch’ is not a Teri Woods publishing product is completely false,” Woods continued. “To slander my name is horrible to everything that I’ve done to everybody out here. That’s horrible. Right now, I just want to stay focused on ‘Alibi.’ I want to stay focused on ‘Deadly Reigns III,’ I want to stay focused on my film company, I want to continue to keep everything right in it’s place where it is right now. I just want God to protect me from my ene-

publisher. Now, Teri Woods the author, she’s over here in the clouds like ‘what you think the people would want to hear, what do you think the people would want?”

would get as big as it did,” she added. “I had no idea that it was gone do all this, that people were going to be able to get deals and be sought after if they had a real good urban book or even if you just had an urban book. It doesn’t even have to be good.” Like other authors writing in the form, she compares the literary genre to hip-hop music and the criticism as well as lack of understanding in of creative expression and marketing but has managed to thrive. “I think, over the next couple of years, you’ll separate you’re big fish from your small fish. I don’t think the genre is going to go anywhere, but I think there’s definitely going to be a change in how these books come out and how they’re in the market place.” She also reminded us that the bookstore is only so big, limiting shelf space. “You got to have a really good book if you want to keep that shelf space year after year … I’m really interested in [how] things are going to make it over time. I don’t want the fast money. I want the slow money,” said Woods.

Teri Woods’ perspective of the genre With street fiction being under fire by most highbrow literary critics, The Inkwell always finds it necessary to ask authors where they see the genre over the years to come. “For me, my books, I know exactly were they’re going to be,” Woods states. “They’re going to be on the shelves. Now, I don’t know about that other stuff because I don’t think it’s on the shelf thirty days after it’s put out.” On the other hand, she believes it has some staying power, noting that the urban fiction market is worth $50 million. That’s what the publishers are making off urban books, she said. Woods, herself, claims to have an extensive back list while “True” and “B-More Careful” continue to outsell books she’s been presently releasing. “I never thought this market

mies.” Woods hopes the spiritual forces surrounding her can shield her from her adversaries while she stays right with her self. She also believes it’s best for her to step back and simply survey her surroundings, as there are a lot of people that don’t want to see her prosper. “That’s what all this is about!” she exclaimed. “It’s not about that book. Teri aint did nothing to nobody. Aint’ noboby mad. ‘Dutch I’ been there. ‘Ducth II’ been there. It aint that…uh um…it’s about something else.” “At the end of the day,” Woods said. “I’m just sitting here watching everybody running around and all this going on, and everybody scared and getting the money, and here I am saying to myself… ‘They really like Teri Woods’ money. Teri Woods 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 get a check. Who they be rubbing on, the Buddha? Ya’ll need to come rub on me. They running around up here honey, running themselves into a wall.” She went on to explain that what goes around comes around and that you want to keep the right karma in your life. “Now, is not the time to do that,” she said. “Now is not the time to think about that. Right now, it’s time for my company to continue the legal efforts that it is continuing to seek to get me some type of relief,” she continued, explaining that she has to obtain court orders, injunctions, and so forth. “That’s a lot of energy. This isn’t my energy. Let me tell you something. I got the most adorable little babies at home. I got a three year old and a two year old. I’m going to Disney World on Nov. 15.” Therefore, she’s more concerned about which of the many theme parks to partake first. “Ya’ll go ‘head. Ya’ll go ‘head. I’m taking my babies to Disney World. But, Dutch, I aint gone even go there because I’ll be sitting outside somebody’s house and that’s what they want me to do. “You have to . I have the business. I have the company. I’m the only one with anything to lose. You know. I’m sitting here watching ‘em run around New York honey. They shoul enjoying making my little ‘Dutch’ money. Go ‘head. Enjoy it. Enjoy it while it lasts.” But, she promises that the entities behind the “bootleg” are up for a challenge. “Whatever gripes there are? Whatever the point is? You may have won the first round but you haven’t won the fight. My company has an extremely breeched contract with a lot of damages at this point. A lot of damages. So, the question is ‘Will Dutch ever eat off [of books I and II?’ Not in this life time and not in my children’s life time,” she continued.” Woods said that the other thing that she doesn’t like about the situation is that

a lot of her peers, other authors, jumped on the bandwagon in attempt to “shut down Teri Woods.” “Are you crazy? Have you lost you’re mind? You [can’t] be serious,” she said. She explained that her cashier may be offset but she would not lose because of this. “In every lesson there’s something to be learned. In every struggle, there’s something to be gained. And, every time I’m faced with confrontation, there’s something either within myself, or something around me, or something that I must take from so that it don’t happen again,” she stated. “And, I’ma say this one more time,” Woods continued. “Let’s be really clear. My contracts have breached. My company has a major breach. And, that little story by Dutch, called, ‘The Finale,’ that’s being bootlegged in the streets, it’s not 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 eat off that. Not in my, even in my children’s lifetime. It’s that much lost. It’s that much lost.” “I just want to stay focused. And, right now, Teri Woods wants to do what Teri Woods has to do to fulfill her contract at Grand Central. I don’t play dirty. I don’t breach contracts.” She said that she’s happy and they’re happy while they are also ive. “I know that Grand Central is behind me, behind this breach.”

2 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2007 / PAGE 21

When it’s all about paying your own way

The ‘Dutch’ trilogy is da truth If you’ve been following The Inkwell, you’ll know that I rarely review books to the point where I’ll say if it’s good or not. Why, because I don’t ever want to be the reason a person buys a book or not. Plus, I know that fiction is subjective so what’s good for the goose is not always good for the gander so, who am I to judge? So, for me to endorse a book as oppose to introducing you to it, says a lot. Therefore, in this 45th edition of “TI,” I’m going out on a limb to say the “Dutch Trilogy” is a great series of books! It’s not a glorification of street life even though the main character is the quintessential gangster and probably as beloved as The Godfather, Don Corleone. I mean, seriously, I think this series is among the few street lit novels I’ve read and can say possesses literary value. With that, here’s my two cents! Dutch Story by Dutch Written by Teri Woods Teri Woods Publishing After I finished reading the first book in the trilogy, I lauded it as being up there with Sister Souljah’s “Coldest Winter Ever” in of content, structure, and development. The story opens with the trial of the century as readers are introduced to Bernard James, known as Dutch, who is considered one of the most dangerous criminals to come up in Jersey in the last thirty years as he’s being charged with masterminding the bloody “Month of Murders.” As the trial and story continues, the reader begins to understand the essence of Dutch’s being through the use of flashbacks. The author’s vivid use of language as well as conscious voice allows the reader to see

how the inquisitive kid went from working in a pizza shop, to being a car thief, and then a ruthless drug lord. At the same time, it forces one to consider how modern social and political conditions have affected the minds of the people and in turn our children. This is a complex story with several sub-plots working as Dutch’s crew, which includes Angel, One-Eyed Roc and Craze, is introduced. I also enjoy how the author referenced one of my favorite books, “The 48 Laws of Power,” by Robert Greene. In “Dutch” you can witness how the laws are operating, within their elements, as well as the laws’ reversals, throughout the story. And, as Dutch is waiting for his fate to be determined by a jury, it becomes clear that he refuses to go back to prison, claiming that he would hold court in the streets if that’s how it has to go down. Basically, once I finished reading “Dutch,” I said “WOW, this is some great writing and storytelling.” Dutch II: Angel’s Revenge By Teri Woods Teri Woods Publishing In of part 2’s being bridges (as Woods put it), well, this is truly a horse of that color because, more than anything, I wanted to know what was up with “Dutch,” and was ready to get to part 3. I need to know if my man was alive or if he was dead? And, the author keeps you wondering throughout the story since everyone, including Dutch’s mother, is wondering if he escaped the havoc he wreaked at the end of part I. In the meanwhile, the focus shifts to a conflict between OneEyed Roc and Angel as both have been released from prison on

technicalities. However, the two are on different pages. Angel, a cold-blooded killer and ruthless hustler, wants to continue to get that paper while Rahman (OneEyed Roc) who becomes Muslim in prison, wanted to clean up the community. But, if Angel had her way, it wasn’t going down like that at all. What I really enjoyed about this story is how it got more and more thought-provoking as I rushed to the ending where Rahman begins to learn that his mission isn’t as easy as he hoped it to be and is threatening

t h e

stability of his family. At the same time, Angel is killing ‘em in the streets with her newfound lesbian lover and partner in crime Goldilocks. But, one of the best scenes in the book is the nostalgic party hosted by Angel in celebration of her return home from the penitentiary. Now, once I made it to the end of this story, I was fiening hard for the conclusion of the trilogy. Dutch: The Finale By Dutch In the conclusion, readers learn that Dutch is alive, so they are taken to Paris, along with Dutch’s crew and loved ones. Now, when I say take you to , I mean the author literally places you there and gives you a grand tour as he describes Dutch’s estate, the flora filled landscape, and even the city’s ghetto. Yes, Paris has a ghetto. Because I’m a hopeless romantic, I was intrigued with the relationship between Dutch and Nina, his love interest from part I. I particularly love when Dutch explains to Nina how he got his name. It was a point where the reader begins to see his human side, as he shares information with her that no one else knew. Although believing it was corny, he tells her that he thought it represented someone of nobility but learned it meant for one to pay his or her own way. Also, the images make the reader feel as if they’re on an emotional rollercoaster as they range from chilling to exotic. All I got to say is that the scene atop of the horse is “like that.” The author also alludes to Langston Hughes’ “A Dream Deferred,” while the festering sore metaphor is used through the story to illustrate how one can easily lose sight of their goals.

All in all, after reading “The Finale,” I felt informed and complete. I also feel as though I don’t want another dope boy story if it aint that “Dutch.” Literally, I feel like I’m hooked on the hybrid drug that was created by scientists in the story. Like the riveting substance that appears to look like cocaine but possess the kick of heroine, the author’s words put a choke hold on my cognitive thoughts and didn’t let go. “The Finale,” is ingenuous and comparable to the creation of the atomic bomb. And, if you don’t understand the analogy then research why the weapon of mass destruction was initially created to reveal the inventor’s true intentions. But, of course, humans get it twisted. Overall, it’s a good series. The only problem I have is in the opening of the first and last books. I found them to be a little confusing, but everything manages to work itself out so that the stories are clear. In fact, I’ve enjoyed reading his work so much that I plan to go back and read “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 EBay with the highest bid $30. To purchase copies of “The Finale” visit www.myspace.com/kwamefreedom

The Inkwell at [email protected] or (216) 791-7600 ext. 253