Ivan Wright’s blog

Black People:

For Entertainment Purposes Only

Author: W. Ivan Wright

Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only

W. Ivan Wright

ISBN: 9781934249468

$ 15.95

In just a week, successful African American author, Jurney Swiftwood has gone from being a prosperous, deeply in love bachelor to a man stalked by a delusional, politically controlled killer.

Jurney's latest book has placed him in the cross hairs of community dissension, media scrutiny and family angst. The outcry from an offended public has also placed an unsuspecting Jurney on the hit list of a politically controlled assassin. Conspiracy and murder follow Jurney at every turn. All because of the title of his new book “ Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only.” In the midst of his troubles, Jurney discovers that he is the father of a precious, yet abused nine-year-old girl.

Situations and conversations present an entertaining vehicle that serves to remind all communities of the importance, and awesome power of perception.

W. Ivan Wright combines conspiracy, murder, and revelations to produce a suspenseful thriller with touches of humor and a good sense of family. The writing is succinct, the characters are real; with just enough foundation, and the message is reflective. There is no wasted drama, just well written situations that present an entertaining vehicle to remind readers of the importance and awesome power of perception. Peppered with secondary issues that have a primary affect on the magnitude of the book, BLACK PEOPLE: For Entertainment Purposes Only brings the message home. Wright has my attention for his next book.

Reviewed by aNN of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only is an engaging read by W. Ivan Wright. This story was not just about an author with a controversial book. It was about how African-Americans are viewed and portrayed by the rest of the world. Wright seamlessly mixed social commentary, love, suspense, and even murder into this novel that will keep the reader on their toes. Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only is entertaining and insightful. This is the perfect book if you’re looking for more than just a run-of-the-mill novel.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert for Urban-Reviews.com

Ivan Wright’s book deals dramatically and humorously with the many threads of the African American experience. His characters are rich in content and speak to the interests of the seasoned and introspective readers. Woven within the pages is the appreciation of human values that were once common pillars in all communities. Through “ancestral whisperings,” we are reminded that love, family and acceptance, name us all.

Please visit his website to learn more and read an excerpt. www.ivanwright.com

Urban Reviews Q & A

With Ivan Wright

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Tell us about Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only.

Black People: For Entertainment Purposes Only, is a suspense thriller that follows the character, author Jurney Swiftwood.

Jurney’s book has invited chaos in his once sedate life as many community entities have expressed their offense regarding the title of Jurney’s new book.

Adding to his mental whirlwind is the discovery that Jurney is the father of a wonderful little girl. Jurney’s soul mate, the older Selena, must affirm a new maturity in their now fragile relationship. All of this takes place even as Jurney is stalked by a politically sanctioned killer.

What inspired you to create this particular storyline?

It was the book’s title that first tapped me on the shoulder—and wouldn’t stop.

I wanted to develop a vehicle that would allow casual literary discussions pertaining to the power of perception—especially among the African American community.

The other inspiration is drawn regarding the duality of Jurney Swiftwood versus Ivan Wright. More specifically, just whose book is it? Hint—it’s Jurney’s.

Is there a message that you want readers to grasp?

It is my desire that the reader is somehow reminded of some of the many variables that construct the American perception of the black man and woman.

The primary message is that we are linked to powerful greatness in our social ancestry and the links can yet hold. We merely have to pick it up, re-examine the wondrous historical craftsmanship—and don’t let go.

Give us a sneak peak at your next novel Indentured Scholars: The Inner City Scandal and when we can expect this to be released.

Indentured Scholars speaks to the history of the indentured servant who was essentially a slave—pending completion of multi-year contract.

This thriller introduces the main character, television reporter, Synthia Pearson. She is seeking to confirm the rumor that for many years, a secret academy has been recruiting inner city children. The community and media’s uproar is founded on the belief that the academy requires the mother to sign the child over to the school—they, not mom, will raise the child.

A mother’s love must be tried in the unfair court of a seemingly apathetic public school system, compounded by the unrelenting hostility of her neighborhood. Even as she hugs her child close, her love gives preference to the chalk in her child’s hand at the blackboard—versus his chalk outline near her doorsteps.

This book will be released in the fall of 2007.

Tell our readers how you started your literary career.

While in college, I discovered a hint of the power of words; be it spoken or written. On my particular campus, of the thirteen thousand students, about two hundred were black. One’s voice is better “heard” in print—I endeavored to improve my technique of expression.

What have you learned about the book industry so far? Is it what you expected?

No! Forgive the loud answer, but the book industry is a mighty beast—mostly in a positive way. It has proven to be an ongoing learning experience as I still stumble, but more importantly, understand that it is a required part of the process.

I continue to be amazed by the sophistication of the industry, even while observing that it is also surging with growth and new frontiers.

What are your goals as a writer?

My current vocation of Respiratory Therapy has proven to be an exciting profession. I would however, gladly set it down for an opportunity to fully immerse myself in the literary arena.

What do you want the world to know most about you?

I am pleased if people understand that though we may differ in opinions, that I am sincere in my expressions. Be it print or speech, it is always my intent to join in the positive explorations of our African American journey.

To learn more about Ivan Wright, please visit

Urban-Reviews