Conversations with Hashim Conner

Conversation #9

2009-04-08T12:48:00.006-04:00

Hashim Conner asks: Is the biggest problem between men and women that women are constantly thinking about the future, while men are constantly thinking in the present?

Ellington

Man, women think about the PAST TOO MUCH. They may not ever say it or bring it up (until they get mad enough), but that’s the biggest problem lol

Elantis
Yes, yes and yes! From males ranging from 21 to 40! Wuz up wit that?!

Hashim Conner

That's true to Ellington, I agree with that as well. Elantis it's a little bit harder for us to think about the future because we are so consumed with today! I think it's in our upbringing!

Jennifer

No, the biggest problem is that the two are usually thinking too much and talking to each other too little!!!

Elantis
True 2 all statements made!

Hashim Conner

Great point Jenn!!!

Tiffany

Nope.

Hashim Conner
Tiffany I know that's not all you offering today!!!!

Eva
Agree w/Ellington cuz I’m so guilty of doing that when I get mad hehehe (getting better @ putting that N/ check though) yet Jennifer your statement rings so true.

Krystl
I think the biggest problems amongst the two sexes are a lack of communication. We all probably think about past, present, and future but may verbalize one thought more than another.

Ellington
Jennifer is right!! Is communicating just not the thing to do nowadays? lol Ohhhh let me take that back...because we DO communicate!!! But its not until We have done all of our thinking lol NE-Yo said it best lol I guess it’s gonna be a lot of making up before we all go to bed everyday lol

Krystl
Lamar, I think women think about the past when their mate is still trying to live in it. My most popular saying is "don't let your past dictate your present because it can destroy your future."

Eva
Well put Krystl...I’m learning lots from this.

Traci
Ok and what’s the problem with that? The two right people create what you call BALANCE!

William
You are so very right!! Leave all of it behind because the past is the past!!

Ellington
Krystl, that may be true SOMETIMES, but MOST of the time when woman think about the past it isn’t because the man is still trying to live in it, it’s because the woman won’t forget it. MEN have SHORT memories!! We don’t remember ANYTHING unless some JOGS our memory! We remember little stupid stuff like what happened in gym class and A whole bunch of funny stuff. You can ask me RIGHT NOW about something reckless I did relationship wise and I would have the slightest idea what you are talking about for the 1st 45 mins!! BUT KENYELE can tell the whole ordeal word for word lol

Elantis
So true on males with the short memory!

Hashim Conner
Well I am glad that I was able to think of a conversation that is helpful to you Eva! Krystl I can truly understand your comment about the past being the past, and ruining your future. What I have to say to that is simple there is a reason that your past is your past and if someone is attempting to live in the past that can be trouble. But if you don't mind and have the time can you give us a little more about a mate living in the past

Hashim Conner
Ellington great example and I totally agree with that statement. We do have short memories.

Krystl
Lamar I think you CHOOSE to forget. Lol. To go back to the original question, I don't think women think about the future any more than men. What we think about may be totally different. Women may think about getting married, having kids, etc whereas the men may be thinking about what his next car will be. And Traci is right...it's called balance. A mom may be planning for her 10 year old child's college fund while dad is thinking about the child's current standing in school. There are no statistics to prove who thinks about what more so again communication is the key.

Traci
What’s wrong with that? If you have the two people together that would create "Balance"! Everyone does not need to always think alike. His present and my future could work well together! The main focus should be communication and

Kevin
U need a talk show homie! 4 real!.....this might be the best one I've seen!

Traci
Honestly FB fam i think this discussion is not hitting on Hashims status! i think we really got of the real subject!

Ellington
Lol! I don’t choose to forget ANYTHING! Lol it’s honestly just the way it is I wish I could remember EVERYTHING. I hate that I can’t! We just MOVE ON to the next chapter quicker than women do! Y’ALL(most of y’all) HARP ON EVERYTHING y’all never let things GO! WE DO! Lol BLESS Y’ALLS LIL HEARTS ;)

Hashim Conner
Thanks Kev, I appreciate it!!!

Hashim Conner
Go hard Ellington!!!

Elantis
In defense of past vs. future someones past traits can trigger a bad memory if someone in your future does the same thing. Its not always bad especially if u don’t want to go thru the same B.S. Again.

Ellington
TEAM PLAYER!!!! lol

Krystl
Sure! I'm sure everyone has exes whether it be husbands, wives, baby momma, daddy, etc. If ur in a relationship and you find yourself communicating with an ex on a regular it can get real messy and it can possibly spark old flames. Who needs/wants the drama? Let it be what it is...the past. My question would be "would my man be comfortable if he ... Read Moreknew my ex and I were conversing on a regular and reminiscing about the past?" Or "could I or would I feel comfortable sharing this with him?" Or "am I hiding the fact that I'm talking to ex? If the answer is yes to the 1st 2 and no to the last question u probably need to check yourself! P.S. When children are involved I'm sure it's different...:-) Gotta go back to work now!

Krystl
Yeah ok Lamar...Lol. We'll discuss this later...off FB!

Hashim Conner
Very good point Elantis!

Traci
How does every man catch "Selective Memory"? They should have a vaccination for that! LOL

Elantis
Lmbo @ Tracey! I got that also especially when it’s convenient 4 me! Lol

Hashim Conner
That was exactly what I thought you may have been talking about. The key point to that statement is "ON A REGULAR" If you find yourself having regular discussions with an ex then you are correct it could cause problems for you. But is there really a problem communicating with a ex every blue moon? Statement two would be the fact that every ... conversation with a past relationship doesn't stroll down memory lane; they seem to only get there if you are talking on a regular. Speaking for most men if my girl was talking to an ex one I am pretty sure that I wouldn't know about it if she was talking to him on a regular that may be an issue but not as much of a concern if she talked to him every now and then. If you all were reminiscing about the past that could be an issue! Another key is the fact that past relationship ended for some reason or another. Both parties know this and that alone may be enough to ensure they don't stray back down that path!

Tiffany
Ok, ok...men and women differ because they want to....enough said.

Hashim Conner
Wow Tiff!!!!!!

Elantis

Everything that has been stated 2day was n the book i read by Steve Harvey Act like a lady think like a man. That book enlightened me on how men think. It’s totally different. We r totally different!

Hashim Conner
You will also find similar things in my next book! The Congregation which will be out soon!!!

Traci
This has been another great discussion! "Point Seen, Money Gone"!

Krystl
Babe we need to invite everyone to the next "hot topics" party! Great discussion! And I'm Lol @ my girl Tiff! Luv ya boo! I'm really going to have to read Steve's book!

Hashim Conner
Everyone is invited to the next hot topics discussion!!! Whenever it is!!!

Tiffany
Let me start hustling rite now!!!! Can I hitchhike for a plane? Someone tell me please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Conversation #8

2009-03-31T09:36:00.009-04:00

This week I will be adding one of my favorite parts of Karma, where Christopher Alexander has his first sexual experience. I chose this because it shows another side of one's sexual experience, the first one. In most books you find an unbelievably sensual, sexy and erotic scene, that we all dream of, with the male knowing just what to do, what to say, and how to act. He is perfect in bed and pleases the woman to no end, the stuff fairy tales are made of. In the scene I've chosen, it is Christopher's "very first time". I had to keep it as real as possible, so that when each of my readers remember back, it showed realness, a familiarity and brings to mind an awkward, yet memorable time. We know it wasn't as magical as we'd hope our first time to be but a fond (and sometimes not so fond) memory non-the-less. So sit back and enjoy one of my favorite parts of the book!

“Hey birthday boy what’cha doing?”

Nothing, much on this game being bored, what up wit you?

“Nothing just came over wit moms to visit, and to give you your present.”

Oh yeah you got a gift for me, since when do I get gifts?

“Since now, is that a problem? You could’ve been getting this gift.”

No, it’s not a problem. Not a problem at all. As a matter of fact I think it’s kinda sweet. So what I get?

“You’re looking at it.”

Quit playing, what you tryna say?

“I’m not playin, I’ve been tryin to give you this for months, and you be tryna act like you don’t want.

Not today though, you gone give me what I want this time.”

Is that right? And here I thought it was my birthday.

“It is now come here, and turn that game OFF!”

Caught a little of guard, because it’s my first experience I slowly moved closer. As if I was following orders, she slowly slid her hand into my shorts, and grabbed my friend entirely too tight showing her inexperience. All the while, licking my lips for me, which to this day turns me on. With her free hand she slowly guides my hand under her skirt to my surprise, she had come more than prepared for the event. As soon as my hand hit center stage I felt the heat, and moisture of her own personal sauna. At that time, it was the most beautiful feeling that I had felt. She hadn’t worn any panties today, and was immediately prepared to straddle me, and let me explore her depths. As soon as I felt her warmth, my mind began to race. I tried to think of anything, but the pleasure in my lap. I was told that it would help you last longer, unfortunately my body had prepared for something very different. As she frantically slid herself up then down, up then down. I closed my eyes and envisioned myself in another place, which didn’t work for long at all. As she breathed and moaned oh so softly into my ear, I could barely keep control of myself. She softly expressed how much she wanted this, and how long she had waited for me to take her. As her words and moans slid out of her mouth, and into my ears, I slid just as easily in and out of her until I could feel my entire body explode. I could barely catch my breath, she must have felt the same, because her body went limp, and she collapsed on my shoulder. Afterwards, she quickly sat up and pulled her skirt down, and then took a quick glance at herself in the mirror.

Conversation #7

2009-03-23T11:23:00.002-04:00

Interview with Mr. Myles W Miller

Realizing Your Dreams!

Air date: 3.21.2009 6 PM

http://blogtalkradio.com/myleswmiller

You can visit Mr. Miller's blog at:

http://mylesspeakstruth.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Conversation #6

2009-03-11T12:24:00.006-04:00

Conversation with Ms. Wright of Boston, MA via yahoo messanger:

Ms. Wright:
Well Mr. Conner - Thanks you for giving me the opportunity to consult with you in regards to your writing material. I would like to personally compliment you on your work. While both Karma and The Learning Curve was an easy read, the title along with the plot versus the ending along with the hidden surprises, threw me for a loop. Especially in the way you ended Karma. However, my questions would lead up to that is due time. Initially I would like to get a little insight on the logic behind your material (your writing). So my first question may seem pretty simple. Based on the plot of the story in Karma, Chris grew up in Detroit and was rapidly surrounded by the sexual attraction amongst boys and girls in high school. Based on this plot, I immediately assumed that your expected or potential audience, as far as readings, was aiming towards the mid to late teens age range. Is my assumption right? Did you ever consider your style of writing based off of your potential readers (your audience)?

Hashim:
Well first I would like to thank you for the opportunity to have this dialogue and second I want to thank you for your support, I truly appreciate the love. I also want to thank you for a great question, one of many I'm sure. To answer the question, I would have to say that when I first started writing Karma I didn't take into consideration my target audience. To be totally honest I didn't know what I was going to do with it so a target audience was the least of my worries. I wrote for myself in the beginning, but as the story grew and came together I began to ponder who the story was for especially as I drew closer to the end. By the time I was finished with Karma I had a firm belief that anyone from the age of 18 to the age 35 would be able to enjoy this book. The reasoning behind this was simple. People from the ages of 18-25 could possible relate to Christopher Alexander's high school and college years because they were dealing with or had recently dealt with some of the same things he was dealing with. Individuals 25-28 were less than ten years removed from those high school and college years so they could also relate. Everyone 30 and over could look back and reminisce about their college years and enjoy the book from that regard. And all of the above would be able to relate to relationships that had gone array in there lives.

Ms. Wright:
This is true. Me being my age - Although I made a quick assumption on who you were writing for, I was still able to related and look back at the situation I was involved in during high school. It brought back some interesting memories. LOL. Made me think about who, at the time, was the love of my life, all that I went through with this person, and in the end who I ended up with or how things had changed. With this being said, Maria and Chris had a connection from the very beginning of the story. Half way through, again I assumed, that the entire book was going to be built around the two of them. Based on the way you dragged their relationship out, I assumed that karma was going to be based on a twist in their relationship in the end. But it wasn't. What was your purpose in keeping Maria around for so long after they went off to College? With all of the chances you had to eliminate Maria from the story, why did you use Andrea?

Hashim:
Well to be honest I wouldn't necessarily say that Maria dragged on, I believe I was showing how Christopher's maturity level wasn't there yet, because a more mature person in that situation would have known when to let the relationship go. A more mature person would have been able to let it go and move on, but because Christopher and even Maria at that point hadn't matured. They allowed a good friendship to go to waste because they (mostly him) didn't know when to break it off. Plus Maria was one of the few serious relationships that you could actually say Christopher had during the entire book.

As far as Andrea went I can't honestly say Christopher used her as much as I can say they used each other. It was more of a good time then it was anything else.

Ms. Wright:
Yes - I was able to detect Christopher's position of maturity, as well as Maria's throughout the book. But I think my question was misunderstood, or I worded it wrong. Let me rephrase it: Because Maria was Christopher "Main" girl for the most part of the book, I (as your reader) assumed that the karma in this book was going to be based on Maria either stepping out on Chris giving him a taste of his own game and he finding out about it, or Christopher getting caught-up by Maria with one of his female friends prior to Andrea. What struck me odd was - What was the likelihood of a man being that smooth with his game. LOL

Also - there was a few instances where you appeared like you was going to give Maria a little more excitement in your writing. Why did you keep your focus and attention directly of Christopher? And even then - there was certain areas of the book with Christopher that you stopped short on emphasizing on. Why?

Hashim:
Well to actually touch on a statement that you made "What struck me odd was- What was the likelihood of a man being that smooth with his game." I am a firm believer that there are no better or worse cheaters on the planet. A lot of people believe that women are better than men at cheating than men. I would be better suited in agreeing that women more than likely to get caught. With that said I won't get too far off track.

Ms. Wright:
That twist or should I say combo was nice. I'm sure you catch a lot of readers off guard with that one. I do have one question for you? I know they made out as far as kissing. And I know there was a few occasions that it appeared that they were going to - But, the story jump over to the next scene. Leaving me wondering. LOL

Also - I must compliment you on Christopher's character. While Christopher was primarily a ordinary dude growing up with normal everyday teenage high school issue - You manage to keep him away from the typical stereo type issues of drugs, gang activity, violence, etc. Why did you take the cleaner route of his character? Was is because of your knowledge of these negative activities being limited? Or simple because you wanted Christopher's character to stay somewhat positive. After all - other than his love for women - overall, Christopher was a very respectful man. Very subtle. Confident. Goal Driven. And while he did what he did with many women, for the most part, he still gave them a level of respect.

Hashim:
It seems like in today's world every time you turn on the television, the radio, or even pick up a book you get bombarded with teenagers, or young inner city youth with the same problems. Drugs, gang activity, and violence. We rarely get a glimpse of these people any other way. It's no way you can convince me that there aren't any kids who haven't made it through high school without doing drugs or shooting each other up. So I thought I would write a character from that perspective. And at the same time show that just because the character is not involved in that sort of drama the story can still be interesting.

And to answer the second part of the question it wasn't because of limited knowledge of those points, unfortunately I knew all three of them all too well. Though I have never myself been involved in any gang activity, nor have I ever used any drugs it doesn't mean that people close to me weren't involved with those things. I just wanted to give inner city youth a break from the character roles we seem to all TOO normally take in television, music, and books these days.

Conversation #5

2009-03-01T11:31:00.004-05:00

Jennifer of Detroit, via e-mail asked:

Jennifer
Well I was fortunate to get a copy of Karma directly from the author. I read the book and really enjoyed it, typos aside LOL
as an aspiring author i enjoyed talking to you about where you draw your inspiration
that being said, I know you've said that the main character isn't based on you
but really....seriously....about what percentage of the story is yours

Hashim
Well first let me say thank you for your support and I am happy about getting the opportunity to have this discussion with you today. With that being said I have to answer this question honestly there is no part of the book that is true to my life. But I am more than sure that there is someone out there who can see a bit of themselves in the characters in "Karma".

Jennifer
Okay so let's say that you were the main character....what would you have done differently to effect a different outcome?

Hashim
Great question! Well considering my current maturity level is so far above Christopher Alexander, I would've had a better understanding of the affect my decisions would have on the women of the book. In my opinion Chris only had two people who could have honestly and truly been upset by Christopher's actions. Other than that I feel he did a decent job of keeping his partners informed. He immediately eliminated the option of being serious about any of them, and made it clear that what happen was just what happen. Now the key point was when Chris made the same mistakes that the women had made before him by allowing his feelings to get the best of him.

Jennifer
The twist at the end of Karma leads readers to believe that she will make another appearance in the next book--is that true?

Hashim
Well to be honest, I am not completely sure about that one yet. She very well may end up in a future book. Only time will tell.

Jennifer
Which book was the hardest to write? Which book is your favorite?

Hashim
My favorite book is definitely Karma because it was my first, it will always be considered my baby. It was the first thing I ever created, and put my entire heart and soul into. However I think as far as published works go to date The Learning Curve is my best work. It has the ability to allow a broader audience. I think the hardest book that I have written so far is the book I am working on right now. The Congregation, simply because it makes me focus on more than one main character.

Jennifer
Did you include any of our conversations in that book? If so, when can I expect my royalty check LOLOL!!

Hashim
Well I don't think I have incorporated any of your ideas just yet I think I will wait until I get to The Escort to use some of your ideas. And we will work out the payment arrangements. LOL!!!

Jennifer
The Escort...sounds like a teaser...care to give us a quick synopsis

Hashim
Well I figured I would give my readers a different feel and let them see that I was capable of writing stories not based solely on one character. That's were The Congregation came in and like I said it has been my hardest task so far. Though I didn't want to be one of those authors that get completely away from the characters that his audience have come to love, so in The Escort Christopher is back and has evolved into a better person, but he is struggling to keep the problem that he seems not to have a problem with under control. He has had the opportunity to choose a new career path in The Escort.

Jennifer
Now I know that in the book Christopher was a teacher and I know that at one point, you were as well....draw any parallels from your experiences

Hashim
I didn't draw too much from my experiences as a teacher as much as I did from my experiences as a mentor. I tried to capture the problems that kids of this day and age go through and tried to stay away from the problems that my generation experienced. So with a lot of the scenes in The Learning Curve when Christopher had discussions with the students he talked to them about problems that they face in today's society.

Jennifer
What inspired you to want to write?

Hashim
I've been able to put a story together pretty well since I was very young. One of the first stories I wrote stands out to me because I can still remember getting in trouble for it. It was also the story that got me from a regular English class to Honors English in High school. I have had an interest in writing since that day. But to be totally honest I was inspired by the people who never could imagine me as an author. I have always been the type of person who likes to prove people wrong, and when a friend of mine told me that I couldn't do it that was all the motivation I needed to write my first novel. My inspiration is proving my doubters wrong.

Jennifer
if you could collaborate with any author, dead or alive, who would it be?

Hashim
Another great question honestly I have never thought about it, but I would probably have to say it would be between about three people. I'll start with Zane, and I know everybody maybe disappointed in me for this one because of all the exceptional authors I have to choose from but it would be a personal challenge for me. She has an unbelievable talent, she is able to write a sexual scene in such detail that I don't think anyone can touch her in that department. When it comes to that portion of a book she is the best that I have ever read. The second person would be Eric Jerome Dickey, and his is simple as well he is capable of writing a woman like no other man in the game. A lot of the time if you ignore the cover of the book you can get lost in his books and believe that it wasn't him writing. Last and but not least, I know this is clearly out of left field but I would absolutely love to write with William Shakespeare his work is timeless. It's hard to believe that you can have a story from him writing for his day and age that can translate into today's society.

Jennifer
okay last 2 questions:
lol nope 2 more

Hashim
Go ahead take your time I am enjoying the conversation.

Jennifer
Your book has been chosen for Oprah's book of the month--what is the title of that book? and Finally--you've won a Pulitzer prize: who do you thank in your speech

Hashim
Do I have to just pick one?

Jennifer
YUP! you only get one shot on Oprah!

Hashim
Okay well I have a book idea that I will be working on in the near future and the title is going to be: "The Price of Fame" It will be on Oprah's book club book of the month.

Jennifer
sounds intriguing, I so need to start writing again!

Hashim
The last question is a hard one, I would have to thank my Mother, Grandmother, and everyone who supported me throughout my writing. The people who were there through thick and thin not the fair weather friends who just wanted to be there during the good times. But the people who were down for the dream before it was idea. The ones that were down with the idea, before it was a hustle and the hustle before it was a way of life. Those are the people who I would have to thank.

Jennifer
Thank you Hashim...although you should have known I was going to ask 50-11ty questions
If nothing else CAC gave me an opportunity to meet a soon to be famous author before he got all high-society!

Hashim
No thank you Jennifer for asking some of the best questions so far. I have more than enjoyed this conversation.

Jennifer
Thanks! Hope that you don't forget the little people.

Conversation #4

2009-02-22T05:59:00.003-05:00

Tona of New Jersey via email asked:

Tona: How did u come u with the different situations for Christopher? Was this on based on factual events from yourself?

Hashim: Lol!!! No not at all I honestly don't think any one man can be as lucky with women as Christopher seems to have been. But his encounters are not so far fetched that they can't happen in real life. Christopher and his acts are all a figment of my over active imagination.

Tona: Ok, so u are telling me not none of these situations u havent been in.

Hashim: No not me, and if my mom is reading this I am still a virgin, and waiting until I am married. Lol No but seriously if we are talking about the different relationship senerios of course we all have had relationships that have gone wrong. I'm sure some of the situations Christopher has faced I can more than relate to.

Tona: Never met u in person, but for some strange reason i can see u in some of these situations, u have a very vivid and explicit imagination in some parts of the book that really seem factual to some people. True, virgin yeah right lol, that's funny. Both books were very good and kept my interest.

Hashim: Well thank you! I try to write a more true to life story something that people can easily relate to. My attempt is to put a story on paper that someone can read and say I know someone just like him or her. Thank you very much I am glad you enjoyed both books.

Tona: U are welcome, im a reader and i read all kinds of books, and sometimes i will get a book that doesnt keep my interest and this was not the case. When i first got Karma i finished it in a week and with TLC i think i finished it in about a week and a half i read it every where i went even took the books to read to work to read on my break.

Hashim: Well hearing that I was able to keep you interest even through work is very exciting. I love to write, but the only part that excites me more than actually writing the story is getting the feed back from the story from it's readers. So to read that my work was able to hold your interest the way it did is extremely pleasing to me.

Tona: Well u did exactly that. I have one more question.

Hashim: Please go ahead, I'm all ears!

Tona: Do u know anybody that portrays any of the characters in ur book?

Hashim: Are you asking are any of the characters real or modeled after anyone I know?

Tona: Yes i was sorry if i wasnt clear on what i was trying to ask you.

Hashim: Well to be totally honest all characters with the exception of one are all a figment of my imagination. There is only one person who can arguably be modeled after someone I know personally. But that is all I will say on that question. I will give a hint though this character appeared in both books. LOL

Tona: ok, im thinking Christopher, but i know it was another person too that was in both books am i right? See now u going to have me read both books all over againbecause of your question.

Hashim: Yes there was more than just Christopher Alexander to appear in both books. LOL

Tona: I know it was, it was a chick but i cant think of her name right now. Im going to analyze that question now until i get it right, because that's just me.

Hashim: In that case I hope you enjoy reading them again. Can't wait to hear from you again once you figure it out. LOL!!! I hope I was able to answer all of your question. The pleasure of talking to you was all mine.

Tona: You are very welcome it was a pleasure talking to you too. i am going to figure it out too give me a couple of days, it might be tonight. lol hashim conner: Thank you again for your questions!!!

Conversation #3

2009-02-15T05:59:00.004-05:00

JaTanya of Detroit, MI; via e-mail:

JaTanya: i am so excited to finally get the chance to talk with you

Hashim: Well thank you much I am happy to have this opportunity as well.

JaTanya: I have read both Karma and The Learning Curve and Was blown away with what I read I do have a few questions though.

Hashim: Is that right? Well I hope you were blown away in a good way. I look forward to answering any questions that I might be able to answer.

JaTanya: I think outside the box so when I read something I need to know what is going to happen next and things to that nature

Hashim: That is totally understandable. Let's see if I can help you find out what's going to happen next.

JaTanya: so my first question is , In Karma, Do you think that there was anything that Christopher could have done differently to change the outcome?

Hashim: To change to outcome with Karma, or in all the encounters he experienced?

JaTanya: well i was asking about just Karma... but that is an even better question so both

Hashim: Well honestly with I believe that as far as Karma went Christopher lost track of the bigger picture, and made the mistake that women in his past had made so many times before. Karma was looking for fun, she was looking a bit of excitement and someone who would give her the attention she was not getting at home. Chris made more out of her wants than was actually there. So he made something totally different out of the relationship they shared.

Hashim: As far as the other encounters Christopher had, I'm not sure there was anything he could've done different. Regardless of what Christopher said, the women had already made up in there mind what they wanted.

JaTanya: That is too true about when women make up there minds about what they want and with Karma that can be true too but it seemed to me that she may have led him on a wee bit
Hashim: And that very well may have been true, but at the end of the day she never hid the fact that she was with someone. He took it upon himself to see what he wanted.

JaTanya: So True. So the title of your second book is The Learning Curve. Do yout think that Christoper has learned or will learn to look for more than just the physical in a woman?

Hashim: Well that's a good question! To be totally honest I believe once again that the ability to look past the physical is something that a lot of people (but men mostly) have a serious problem with. Mr. Alexander is no different. Though I don't believe that the physical is where the attraction stopped in every one of Christopher's relationships. At least not the one's that were serious. Even with Karma being as beautiful as she was there were so many more characteristics that appealed to Christopher. The physical is always the beginning, because if you don't have a physical connection it is almost impossible to get anything else going.

JaTanya: This is so true but spoken just like a man

Hashim: Wow? Is that right?LOL

JaTanya: yes it is women don't have a big problem dating a man that is not so appealing to everyone but men need a show piece and Christopher was no different

Hashim: Okay no argument there.

JaTanya: I see that you have a third book "The Escort" coming out. Can we expect the same attitude from Christopher towards the opposite sex or will he be slowing down and concentrating more on himself?

Hashim: Well actually the third book is going to be The Congregation and it's going to be a story that isn't based on Christopher. The Congregation is going to be based on three married couples that all attend the same church. Then for the fourth book we will come back to Christopher Alexander and see if he can have a different outlook on women. LOL!!!

JaTanya: Okay. When i was reading your BIO it talked about The ESCORT. This one sounds interesting also. Do you have anything else in the works?

Hashim: Well besides The Congregation and The Escort I am seriously considering turning them all into movies especially The Congregation. I think that is my main goal in the years that follow.

JaTanya: The Learning Curve would be one hell of a movie. That would definately be something i would watch repeatedly

Hashim: Well I am extremely happy to hear it! I can't wait to on that challenge.

JaTanya: Thank you so much for taking the time out to answer fans questions and get feed back on your works most authors can't handle stuff like that

Hashim: No, I have to thank you for giving my work a chance. I know how hard it is for some readers to try a new author, we tend to get our favorites and not give other authors a chance. I plan to be the most accessible author in the business, even as my career furthers itself I plan to be just as accessible then as I am now. Thank you so much for taking the time out to through some questions my way and giving the opportunity to have this dialogue.

Conversation #2

2009-02-08T05:59:00.004-05:00

Patrice of Mobile, AL via yahoo messanger asks:

Patrice: Hi Mr Conner, I have read Karma and have almost completed TLC…and I'd like to know which character is most like you?

Hashim: Well considering there is really only one main character that is discussed in the book, I would have to say no one. LOL

Patrice: Okay, I'll let that go for now. Considering there were other characters…

Hashim: No seriously I can see parts of myself in Christopher Alexander especially while dealing with the young students in The Learning Curve. Everyone wants to believe that I based Christopher on myself but that could not be farther from the truth.

Patrice: Okay, almost like an alter ego or exagerated version of "the real you". OK, well why did you choose to give that character such loose values?

Hashim: To be honest I don't think his values were loose, I think they were more the norm for a person of a certain maturity level. Most people would make it an age issue but Christopher's actions were not that of every young person. But more so of a person who had not matured regarding relationships. Do you truly think his values were loose? Considering in a time and age of drugs, and guns Christopher never indulged in either.

Patrice: how did u decide which traits to give him? Do you know anyone like him? Or even close?
hashim conner: Well I made Christopher up from a combination of people I knew he has certain traits from a couple of different people all mixed in together. I don't know any one person completely like Christopher, but I know a couple different people that may have similar traits of Christopher. No one man can be as lucky with women as Christopher Alexander seems to be.

Patrice: LOL...perhaps. Were any of the women based on real people or any of the situations real? Even if not for you…Did one of your friends come to you bragging (like men sometimes do) "Man, I had this chic…Blah, blah, blah…"?

Hashim: Every last one of the female women were all made up in my head, based solely on my imagination, though a couple of the sexual scenes may have a small "trickle" of other people's sexual experiences. LOL

Patrice: LOL! Ok, if you could re-write any part of either book what would it be and why?

Hashim: There isn't much I would change in either book, but to be honest if I had a chance to do it over I would probably change Karma's ending and give the description of Karma a more in-depth ending so that people would feel more of the emotion.

Patrice: Oh I almost forgot kudos to you for the ending of Karma! You got me! I am very analytical; always trying to out-write the author… And guess the endings, you did good! I didn't suspect it!

Hashim: The Learning Curve was perfect to me there isn't much I would change, except for maybe the editing, well the editing in both books could have been better so that is the one thing I would definitely change

Patrice: Yes I noticed a few typos but the story kept me interested. It was a good, easy and fun read! Well I have really enjoyed chatting with you. I may have more questions when I finish The Learning Curve.

Hashim: It's been my pleasure and I am looking forward to you completing The Learning Curve, can't wait to hear those questions.

Patrice: Okay, well maybe you'll hear from me again soon. Thanx again, for the opportunity to chat with you.

Conversation #1

2009-02-01T06:00:00.004-05:00

Krystl of Atlanta, GA via e-mail asks:

After reading Karma and The Learning Curve one can assume that Christopher Alexander struggled with commitment because he was hurt by women he truly loved.
1. Do you think Chris will ever be able to settle down with just one woman after being hurt or (b)will he be up to his old tricks again and continue to break the hearts of innocent women?
2. Why did Christopher fall in love with women he appeared to not have anything in common with?
3. Was it always sexual attraction that led to greater things?

Well first and foremost thank you for your support and interest in my work. I am not sold on your assumptions about Christopher Alexander. I don't believe he had a serious struggle with commitment, but the struggle that he did experience had nothing to do with the fact that he had been hurt by women that he loved, as love was never a part of the equation. For a great portion of both books, Chris decided not to be in committed relationships because he knew he was not ready nor in the right state of mind. This is especially true in Karma, during this time in Christopher's life he was young and like most people his age didn't have a full understanding of what it took to be in a committed relationship and very possibly didn't care to know. To fully answer your first question I would undoubtedly say that Christopher Alexander was too young and inexperienced to “truly” be faithful in a long-term committed relationship.

Now as far as The Learning Curve goes he was more hurt than young but the immaturity still played a major part in Christopher's decision making. A more mature person may have known better than to make new relationships pay for the mistakes of former relationships. In Christopher's defense he rarely ever lead anyone on during the relationships that he encountered. So can we honestly blame Christopher for hurting the women he dealt with? I don’t think so.

To be honest it would be extremely hard to answer this question without divulging what will be going on in the next book in which Christopher Alexander is the main character. Although I will say this much, men and women are different in one regard. Because women want to be in relationships so badly they tend to not take the time needed to recover from their previous relationships and end up dragging baggage into new relationships; because of their strong desires for companionship women have an easier time moving into new relationships after having their hearts broken or being emotionally ripped apart. I believe because men have a harder time opening up in the beginning once they have their hearts broken it is a very long time before they are mentally and emotionally prepared for another meaningful and fulfilling relationship. I hope this gives you a suitable answer to your second question.

Christopher only experienced love twice, once in Karma and once in The Learning Curve. Now if we are discussing why Christopher dealt with the other women he decided to deal with I would have to say that it was for sexual satisfaction each time as was also the case in the beginning with his two “love” interests. He wanted nothing more than sex with the women in each book and they portrayed themselves as if that was all they were interested in as well. So to answer you last question the main reason for the beginning of every relationship was sexual attraction.