Darcel Turner was born in Bronx and also raised in Queens, New York. Darcel has transcribed The 4th National Black Writers Conference Book. She audited creative writings classes at Medgar Evers College and attended college at Long Island University and The College of New Rochelle.

She has been a featured author at The Harlem Book Fair, Word Canvas (Lit Noire Publishing Events) and Verses at The Nuyorican Poets' Cafe. Darcel has performed at numerous colleges, High Schools on Career Day, The Long Island National Urban League, poetry events and has made a number of radio and television appearances. Dana Dances on Paper is Darcel's first heartfelt novel and it was published in July 2003, second printing December 2003.

Darcel is presently at work on her her stage showcase 2005, Dana Dances on Stage'. Darcel Turner is nurturing her new publishing company, Dances on Paper Press'. Her passions include dancing, bike riding and of course, writing. Darcel Turner resides in Brooklyn, New York with her son Amani and daughter Diani .
 

 

Dana Dances on Paper
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ISBN: 0974734705
Format: Paperback, 256pp
Pub. Date: June 2003
Publisher: Dances on Paper Press

Read and Excerpt from Dana Dances on Paper

Book Description
Dana Dances on Paper by Darcel Turner is a slick, upbeat and heartfelt first novel. The main character Dana, is a young girl who struggles to deal with the hardship of growing up in the urban streets of the Bronx, New York during the beginning of the hip-hop era. Dana has dreams to become a professional dancer and show the world all the talent inside of her. Throughout the novel, Dana's dream will be delayed as the twists and turns of losing her mother to a fatal disease, leave Dana rethinking her life's path and entering into the prospect of being both a dancer and an introspective journalist. Through love, loss, inner renewal and hardship, Dana ultimately finds more than one way to "dance".

"This book is a testament to the pain, struggle and triumphs of young Black women everywhere. You don't have to be into hip-hop to relate to the truth in the story. It is a wonderful achievement."
'Talib Kweli, hip-hop artist, Quality

"If you ever had a strong yearning to achieve your dreams, yet overcame obstacles to get there, this book will inspire you. Dana Dances on Paper is a must read and will be enjoyed by readers of all ages and backgrounds!"
'DuEwa M. Frazier, author of Shedding Light From My Journeys

"Darcel Turner's novel is a woman's journey into finding herself. It has all the elements to be inspirational for anyone on a quest to spiritual awakening. Young people inparticular will find this book uplifting and informative."
'Danny Simmons, author of Three Days as the Crow Flies

"Bright and articulate, Darcel Turner is a welcomed addition to the contemporary fiction landscape."
'Ron Kavanaugh, Publisher, Mosaic Literary Magazine