R. L. Byrd (Richard Leon Byrd), was born in the coastal town of Brunswick, Georgia, in a time where America and the South was growing and evolving. Raised by his grandparents, during his early childhood, while his mother pursued her undergraduate and graduate degrees, it was during this time, in the 1970’s, that R.L. developed his “old soul” listening to the many hardship, faith-based and enduring stories of Life, Love and the never-ending search for Acceptance in the world.

It would be this early upbringing that would shape his world not only as a person, but as a writer. One of his greatest joys, and memories, was of the many car trips he would take with his grandmother visiting relatives sprawled across the states of Georgia and Florida. R.L. looked forward to those trips as he was able to see the Georgia and Florida landscapes, along the rural routes, and hear the many stories that kept the older generation entertained for hours.

“Have you ever had stories floating around in your head that would never go away?” —R.L. Byrd

That’s exactly what R.L. Byrd had going on in his head for over ten years—characters and story-lines that just never would go away. They only faded into the recesses of his mind while he pursued other interests; such as, his love for Architecture, which he pursued by obtaining a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Oklahoma in 1992. But as the years rolled by, those trapped stories began beating stronger and stronger, clamoring to get out—set free —placed on paper.

Finally, in 2008, while pursuing his MBA, R.L. had an epiphany while conducting his international field residency in Vietnam. This epiphany was strong enough to veer him from his conventional thinking and way of life to experience the unconventional and R.L. decided to explore the many facets of life, including the insights of a widely popular Atlanta celebrity with clairvoyant capabilities. It was here that what was revisiting and tugging at him every day was confirmed, she said, “boy, you’re a writer and you need to write.” When R.L. entered the reading, he entered as a typical, everyday, 9-to-5 worker; however, when he left, he left as a struggling neo-writer. At this point, the stage was set, this is where his new journey began.

R.L. lives in Atlanta, Georgia and now works on both of his passions.

 

Black Coffee
Click to order via Amazon or Directly from the Publisher

Paperback: 306 pages
Publisher: Aeon Publishing Inc. (June 2, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1605944351
ISBN-13: 978-1605944357
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches

Read an AALBC.com Review

Black Coffee. The Love Forum is back and the relationship dilemmas continue within the infamous Dallas, Texas, urban radio station, K103.5. DK “Love” Niles, the popular Disc Jockey from the DK and Melissa Morning Show, takes over the reins of hosting the new Love Forum called The Brothers Speak. And, man, are the Brothas talking.

DK, in his pursuit of finding good love himself, discusses relationships from a black man’s point of view and enlist the help of the husbands, boyfriends and lovers of the Love Forum Divas. Known as the Brotherhood: DK, Quentin, Miguel, Michael, Donnell, Pastor Levine, Dr. Houston and Brass aim to set the record straight and talk about dating black women, marriage, infidelity, personal struggles, what distinguishes a throw-back from a keeper, and they answer the question the radio listeners really want to know . . . what really went down in their relationships?

If you thought the Love Forum Divas were dealing with issues, you may be surprised at what the brothers have to say about those relationship woes. In the end—when all is said and done—one Diva will be asking, “Am I drinking the right cup of Black Coffee?”

Take a sip. Meet The Brotherhood by reading an excerpt from a chapter of Black Coffee. Also, watch the 22 minute video (below) of the Black Coffee models discussing life, love and relationships—all of which are explored in the novel. Then ask yourself: Am I drinking the right cup of Black Coffee? 

 

Looking for Sweet Love
Click to order via Amazon or Directly from the Publisher

by R.L. Byrd

Paperback: 306 pages
Publisher: Llumina Press
Language: English
ISBN 13: 978-1-60594-435-7
Product Dimensions: 5.5 X 8.5

Read an AALBC.com Book Review

Jessie is no ordinary girl! Tall, model beautiful, with million dollar legs, this Spelman graduate, with less than two years under her belt professionally, is in line for a promotion to vice president of marketing.

However, success was never enough, especially if there was no-one there to share it with. So Jessie started her quest. First with the bars, then the clubs, then everyone said if you’re looking for a good man the only place you’re going to find him is where the Lord puts every good man eventually—be it in a christening gown or in a casket, the church is where you gotta go!

“Well I tried that, Lord, what’s next?”

Well, eventually she tried where the Lord probably didn’t put a good man and wouldn’t you know!

No matter how successful you are, where you’re from, or where you’re going, everyone comes to the point where the desire for warmth, understanding and companionship supersede all other. Come follow Jessie and her circle of friends as they explore life, love and relationships through Dallas’ radio station for love, K.103.5.

 

The Art of Scandal
Coming 2013!

A novel based on TRUE events

R.L. Byrd continues the relationship saga between black men and women as he chronicles the life of John at a private college. Long time friendships and business relationships are put to the test when the college’s black directors and employees plot to destroy each other in an unforgettable showdown—Will there be any survivors?

 

 

Related Links

R.L. Byrd fficial Website