The Gay TRUE BLOOD

Do you ever get tired of reading gay novels about the same old scenarios? Gay guy meets other gay guy, they fall in love somehow a women falls into the picture and she ends up sleeping with the top/vers and the other guy who is usually the bottom/vers is dealing with sharing his man with her, very gay soap opera and I for one love these types of books; however lets spice things up a bit. Now with the art of reading I recommend that we read all kinds of literature, and here recently True Blood and Twilight have been all the rage for mainstream America and there is a new author in town that is delivering gay vampire suspense that will leave readers out of breath. Kenan Gilmore from Memphis, TN, recently wrote an amazing novel that puts “Vampire in Brooklyn” to shame, here is what he had to say about his passion for writing, what inspired him to tackle gay blood sucking, and how it is to be gay in Tennessee.

Who is Kenan Gilmore?
-Well, I’m just an ordinary guy with a massive imagination. I’m a Realtor and have been a long time Real Estate fanatic. Instead of going outside on the weekends when I was younger, I would stay in and watch the showcase of luxury homes for sale on TV. I’m new to the Board of Directors for the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center and I’m working hard to influence the young, black-gay community. I’m a writer at heart and “Is This Him?” is the first to be published.

So tell me about your first book?
-Hmm… Well, I hadn’t read any good breath taking suspense novels by us (meaning young black gay community) for us. I wanted something that would not be predictable and that would also keep you at the edge of your seat. I did something else that I hadn’t seen a lot of by adding a sci-fi twist that the reader totally doesn’t see coming. It does have some fierce sex scenes so caution is advised… Camron is the lead character and his life was either centered on friends that lie to him or his parents lying to him. He didn’t really know what his parents had hidden from him until he went to Atlanta for his friend’s birthday celebration and met the love of his life.

What made you decide that you wanted to write a book?
-I wanted something that was different, hip and relatable with a fantasy that we all can relate to. I’ve been writing all my life and let my Mom and Grandma tell it… I was bound to get published sooner or later. I just thank God it was sooner!

How was the publishing process?
-Well, lets just say that it was one that I won’t forget. I was initially told that the review before acceptance could take up to 2 months but I got a call 3 days after I submitted the manuscript.

What was your largest inspiration for creating your novel?
-My largest inspiration was James Earl Hardy. I appreciated his work because he gave us the more urban side of things which was mostly relatable to me and those of my generation. Another inspiration was the fact that so many people say that the young guys don’t read and that we can’t and won’t make anything of ourselves. I had to let them know by example that there are ones who are rocketing off in many different ways.

What is your fascination with vampires?
-Ha… I wouldn’t say that it’s a fascination but more so a fantasy of many. I actually started work on this book before the Twilight saga started and I was uncertain on how it would be received but after Twilight… I knew it would be a success! Come on, how many black and gay vampire novels have you read? I love stories like those and I would like them even better if it were more relatable to me. Black, Gay, Hip and Steamy! I packed it with all of those things for the readers out there like myself!

How has the LGBT community embraced you as an author?
-The love is greater than I would have imagined! I’ve gotten a lot of good reviews and I’ve had people to thank me for giving them that fix through reading the book. Now, I did get some negative reviews claiming the black-gay community wasn’t ready for fantasy like this…and my response was “Why the hell not?”

How has living in Memphis affected your writing career?

-I will say that it’s hard to find those opportunities here in Memphis, but it’s not at all impossible. I plan to aid in changing that by being on the Board and MGLCC. I want to tap into the talents of our locals GLBT community and find ways to showcase our writers, actors, singers…everything. I think that something can only affect your career if you let it. If you have a missile to launch with clear sky above…why let what’s going on around you stop you, when your goal is to reach the sky? I love Memphis and all things are possible if you try.

How has your life changed since your book was released?
-My faith grew stronger! I’ve always been the type of person to push and pull people to have faith in themselves and in God… so when the book was published, it showed me that my words and faith weren’t in vain. I’ve also become more outgoing versus the quiet and shy person that I was before. I figure, I can’t sell myself or my work if I’m afraid to talk and be seen.

Who has been your largest supporter so far?
-I would have to say my family. They have really been there for me.

What can we expect next from you in your career?
-God willing, I will have “His Love/My Pain” out within the next few months. It’s a suspense/thriller surrounding 2 lovers. An agreement to allow “playtime” outside the relationship leads to a lot of pain and drama… Keep in mind, I like to keep my readers guessing, so if you think you know what kind of drama…you have no idea. I would also like to make my acting debut soon! I’ve always had a passion for acting, so I guess I’m also an aspiring actor. After my next book, I really want to pursue the acting realm of my heart.

What is the hottest Memphis nightlife spot?
-If you are looking for hip-hop with a club setting, 901 Complex! If you like the techno scene, I would say Backsteet. For a nice lounge type of setting, I would suggest Side Street Grill, Dish, or Quetzel.

What does Memphis offer for the LGBT community?
-We have the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Center which has a vast array of services for us in the city. We have different sports leagues and we have more social places than ever for the LGBT community outside of the night clubs.

Does Memphis embrace the LGBT culture?
-Well, I have to say that Memphis has come a long way. I’ll just say that I’m supporting the current battle for Workplace Equality. The Non Discrimination Ordinance is one that we are hoping will help with discrimination to the GLBT community. Currently there isn’t a law that would protect a person who was turned away from an employment opportunity for being gay, bi, lesbian or transgendered.

If you could change one thing about the gay scene what would it be?
-Honestly… I would love to change our community’s outlook of it’s self! There is a mad separation and judgment going on amongst ourselves and I want us to start embracing each other. We should open our eyes to the main thing that keeps us down, which so often, can be us!

Where can we see your work, contact you, and stay up to date on all your work?
You guys can keep up with me on my site, http://www.writingsbykenan.com/. Contact me through the site, send me feedback and any support is appreciated!

The New Face of LGBT Talent Management

Who said that just because you are an out artist that you will never have a career in the entertainment world? Meak Productions is changing that false reality one client at a time. Meak Productions is built on a foundation of providing LGBT talent with work in the entertainment world and has already established a very successful roster of entertainers with their own reality shows, TV series, books, plays, successful hit music, and who are hosting events across the globe. Based in Atlanta, GA this production Mecca has talent from around the globe and are growing daily. I had the opportunity to pry within this company that also represents me and found out some great inside scoop about this talent agency and Production Company from the CEO himself.


1.So who is Miko Evans? And what do you do?
I’m a 14 year Entrepreneur and Multi-Talented Artist born & raised in Atlanta, GA with a degree in Music/Entertainment Business Management from the Art Institute of Atlanta. I’m the founder of 2 businesses, one focuses on providing consulting solutions and services to Micro-Enterprises and the Small Business Community in the Atlanta area and abroad, the other is the World’s First LGBT EXCLUSIVE Talent Agency, Casting and Production Company, known as Meak Productions.

2. So tell The FUTURE about your company?
How Long have you been around?Meak Productions has been around in its current state since Spring of 2003. The actual conception of the name was only going to be used as a parent company of an Adult Model website project intitled, Bussy2000.com, which was created Summer of 1999. After years of development and spiritual maturity, I was inspired to take Meak Productions to another level.The future of Meak Productions is to be internationally known and abroad. We want to become a symbol of Inspiration, Hope and Motivation for all LGBT Artists & Talent around the world who are looking for a company that excepts them for who they are without compromise, and who want to change the way the Media presents LGBT Culture and people in the community.We have a variety of projects IN HOUSE that we are working on to assist in the future development of our Vision. Many projects are listed in our Projects section of our website.

3. What made you decide to focus on LGBT artists?
During the development of the Vision, I was very concerned about how LGBT people in the media was being portrayed and presented in the Arts and abroad. As an Artist myself (Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Visual Artist) who happened to be Same Gender Loving, I noticed how a lot of barriers over the years were being broken in the Entertainment Industry concerning LGBT Culture and people. However, it was not enough.With the success of Ellen Degeneres, RuPaul, and some others before the start of LOGO, HereTV, and other LGBT Television Networks today, I felt that it was time for a Vision of this nature to be manifested. I felt that with all of the LGBT Talent that is in the Industry, and listening to the stories of others about how they had to suppress who they are in order to get that BIG BREAK, there should be something in place where Talent shouldn’t have to SELL OUT in order to FIT IN.I thought about how much of a blessing this Vision was going to be for other Out LGBT Artists, and how much of an impact it was going to make on our LGBT Youth.

4. What are some of the projects you are currently producing?
Besides are Monthly & Quarterly marketing campaigns which features the latest Talent on our Roster, we also have launched our New Music Department and New Record Label, Meak Pro Music as a result of the marketing success of our 1st 2 CD single remix projects sponsored for 2 of our Music Artists.Our 3rd CD Single remix project for Dairon Skye (Our Music Talent of the Month-Fall Quarter 2008) is scheduled to debut on August 29, 2009 on the Exceptional Radio Network featuring R&B and House Remixes produced by yours truly.Our 4th & 5th CD Single remix projects are scheduled for Fall 09 and Winter 2010 featuring Marlowe Rainbow (Mr. January 2009) and Todd Vaughan (Our Newest Talent on the Roster)Our greatest accomplishment for this year will be our first Talent Workshop entitled, “I’m Gay, I’m Talented. Now What?” This workshop will be a part of the 13th Annual Atlanta Black Gay Pride Celebration this Labor Day Weekend in Atlanta, GA. It will feature in-depth discussions and education on how to successfully break into the Entertainment Business as an OUT Artist.Lastly, we are introducing our New Talents of the Month for August 2009, Jesse Braxton Hilton (Professional Model), and September 2009, Le’Son Ivory (Professional Actor, Model & Choreographer – Star of the hit Gay DVD Drama Series, The Closet).

5. Which artist is currently the most sought after?
At this time, it’s hard to say. We are still a growing company and we are registering talents at least every quarter. One of the challenges were getting the public used to the fact that there is a company such as ours. Many are still amazed they we exist. We just recently started to book talent a few Talent for this year’s Atlanta Black Pride. We hope more opportunities will come as a result of this. We want the entertainment business public to realize who we are, why we exist and what we are here to offer.

6. Do you work based on submissions or do you seek after hot LGBT talent?
Actually it is both. We do quarterly casting calls online via our MySpace, Twitter and Facebook outlets. All Talent interested in being a part of our Vision are required to visit our website and register online via our Online Talent Application, plus submit a Bio and Professional Photos and / or Headshots.Once that happens, we select the Talent based on their level of experience, quality of performance, and level of professionalism and integrity, which is VERY important in business. A wholesome attitude and approach to life is the ingredients to a healthy and successful career.

7. What is your Entertainment mantra?
Our formula for success is PROFESSIONALISM, EQUALITY and INTEGRITY. We want to showcase quality and wholesome Talent in a diverse and equal way. When you see a lot of LGBT images in the Media, all you see is the Stereotype and mostly the European Gay Images. You don’t see enough of Black, Latino and Asian images, nor Transgender operating as everyday people in various walks of life.Our goal is to correct this so that those coming behind us can have an eclectic and wholesome spectrum of our community.

8. What do you require from your talent?
I require that my Talent be SERIOUS and PASSIONATE about their Art, Talent and Career as a successful performing and visual artist. I require that they are wholesome, down to earth and professional. All Talent must realize that you must invest in your own careers. No one can do this for you. I also require that they be comfortable and confident in their own skin and sexuality. It is up to you if labeled as a Gay Artist, not the media or the entertainment industry. Also, realize that at the end of the day, THIS IS BUSINESS. We must learn to separate personal from professional.



Meak Productions will be LIVE and IN FULL EFFECT at the 13th Annual Atlanta Black Gay Pride Celebration. September 4 - 7, 2009 - Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead featuring a Talent Workshop: "I'm Gay, I'm Talented! Now What? Sunday September 6, from 1:30 PM - 2:45 PM
If you are looking for talent management they are requesting that you come prepared with a headshot and resume, talent scouting will be taking place all weekend long.