| California-born and Philadelphia-raised, Charles D. Ellison is a public policy analyst, media expert and author of the critically-acclaimed political thriller "TANTRUM” (release date: February 2008 by Ghetto Heat® press. For more information, excerpts and tour information, go to www.ghettoheat.com). He is co-host and producer of Blackpolicy.org LIVE on XM Channel 130 (POTUS ’08) Based in Washington, D.C., Mr. Ellison serves as Senior Advisor to the Center for African American Policy at the University of Denver. He is also a CAAP Senior Fellow in Public Policy, Chief Editor of Blackpolicy.org and Senior Producer/Co-Host for Blackpolicy.org's weekly SUNDAY NITE TALK broadcast. He is Chief Editor and Contributor to the ASCENT Journal of Public Policy at AscentPress.org and served as managing editor for the 2005 release on modern African American politics titled "Standing in the Gap - Leadership in the 21st Century" by ASCENT Press. In addition, he is a Visiting Fellow at the Institute for Politics, Democracy and the Internet (www.ipdi.org) at George Washington University. He was the Founder and CEO of the legendary PoliticallyBlack.com, the first ever online publication focused on African American politics and public policy issues. A former local news radio correspondent and 2000 recipient of the Washington, D.C. "Top 40 Under 40" Award, Mr. Ellison is a former Congressional staffer, speechwriter, and award-winning Internet content executive. He also directed public relations for Mt. Nebo Records, catapulting it from small, independent status to international rotation and recognition. He is a former associate producer for C-SPAN and former marketing and public relations director for Votenet Solutions, Inc. As a commentator and lecturer, he has been featured in numerous television, radio and publishing venues, including XM Radio, BlackAmericaWeb.com, BET, ABC News, The Los Angeles Times, The Boston Globe, Washington Business Journal, Roll Call, National Journal, Salon.com, The Hill, George Magazine, and National Public Radio, among others. Charles is considered a leading expert on: the use of technology in modern politics; e-governance; African American political development; the intersection of media, pop-culture and politics; modern American political and public policy trends; the U.S. Congress; state, local and federal political campaign trends; and American foreign policy and military power. Praise for TANTRUM “TANTRUM, a political thriller that keeps you guessing with every turn of the page. Ellison’s talent for thought-provoking prose and vivid imagery makes everything so real; the reader can’t help looking over his shoulder. TANTRUM is a work of art. With raw power and high energy, Ellison’s debut grips the reader and refuses to let go.” —The Honorable Peter C. Groff (D-Denver), President Pro Tem of the Colorado State Senate Executive Director, Center for African American Policy at the University of Denver “TANTRUM combines the political analysis of W.E.B. Dubois with the courage of James Baldwin; the storytelling brilliance of Richard Wright with the passion of Chester Himes. TANTRUM is a must read for anyone serious about understanding politics and preserving power in our communities. Ellison has brilliantly captured the essence of scorched-earth politics by weaving together a combination of beguiling characters, with a series of unpredictable scenarios. To anyone courageous enough to be lifted from your comfort zone and placed smack in the center of power and influence, TANTRUM is the book for you. A read for scholars of history, students of politics, pupils of strategy, and lovers of good writing. Ellison has taken us on a journey filled with vivid imagery, dynamic characters and seductive plot twists. I’m ready for the sequel!” —Craig T. Thompson, Esq., Host, “The Front Page”, WEAA 88.9FM Host, "Profiles with Craig Thompson", UPN-TV 24 (Baltimore) “Ellison intrigues the reader with a fast-moving wit and intellectual soul, tempered by street-wise observation. The tension-filled streets use inner city Philadelphia as a foreboding backdrop—giving weight to the troubles of an ambitious young politician. Ellison’s debut doesn’t merely show promise, it’s a resounding call that a talented novelist is well on his way to a glorious ascent.” —D.L. Chandler a.k.a. "Mash Comp/Wise" of Dumhi (www.myspace.com/dumhi) “A pleasurable read. Classic Ellisonian shotgun blast of politics and rich hallucination. We are delighted by Ellison’s ability to maintain such dense lyrically relevant riffs within the broader context of his narrative.” —The Spleen “Ellison has an insider’s feel for the darker areas of the machinations of politics. His first work, TANTRUM, shows a promising future in this genre. Just like a successful political campaign, TANTRUM is a good read—short and entertaining.” —A.L. Mills, The Washington Informer “Ellison has crafted a rare gem—a political thriller with an African-American protagonist. Ellison uses his own personal experience as a public policy analyst and media expert to inject a sense of realism that could only come from an author using more than mere imagination to craft such an intriguing read. Written with a captivating fast-paced flair and compelling, conservative style, TANTRUM is sure to grab your attention and keep it until the very end.” —Rodney Carmichael, Rolling Out “TANTRUM is not the typically trite novel with cardboard characters and questionable plots. The story is complex with politics, action and drama, as well as technology. Make[s] you wonder how much of TANTRUM is truly fiction and not a thinly disguised autobiography. Ellison has injected new life into the literary world.” —Rom Wills, The Gazette, Author of "Nice Guys and Players" “The world of politics can be glamorous, sexy, seedy, and in the novel, TANTRUM, dangerous. TANTRUM is a roller-coaster ride of a novel. The pace is fast, and the action is vivid. The hosts of characters that Ellison presents in the novel are intriguing. Ellison creates many narratives that all come together in the novel’s climax. This political thriller is for anyone who wants a jolt with their reading.” —L. Raven James, RawSistaz Book Review “TANTRUM will change the way you view politics and news media forever. [A] mind-spinning fictional story of political schemes and assassination plots among local political and religious figures.” —Writer Blocks |