Anthony Whyte (writer) facts for kids

Anthony Whyte is an African-American writer. He writes exciting stories about city life. These stories are often called urban literature or hip-hop literature.

About Anthony Whyte's Writing Journey

Anthony Whyte started writing while working in New York City. He worked for the Administration for Children's Services. He became serious about writing after joining a special workshop. This workshop was led by Professor Sue Shapiro at New York University. Within a year, his first book was published!

Whyte grew up in The Bronx, New York. He also traveled a lot and lived in different places. This was because he served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Today, he lives and writes in the Inwood neighborhood in upper Manhattan.

Stories About Hip-Hop Culture

Whyte's books are about characters from hip-hop culture. His first novel was first called Ghetto Falsehoods. It was published in 2001. Soon after, Whyte wanted to market his book differently. So, he decided to start his own publishing company. He founded Augustus Publishing with Jason Claiborne.

In 2002, Whyte republished his first book. He changed its name to Ghetto Girls. This book quickly became a best-seller. It even made the Essence Magazine Best Seller List.

The Ghetto Girls Series

The Ghetto Girls Series tells the story of four young women. They go to high schools in New York City. All four girls are talented singers and dancers. Some of the girls come from wealthier families. Others come from tougher city neighborhoods.

Anthony Whyte has written more books in this series. These include Ghetto Girls Too and Ghetto Girls 3: Soo Hood.

What Inspires Anthony Whyte

Whyte says that writers like Chester Himes, Iceberg Slim, and Shakespeare have inspired him. Hip-hop literature, sometimes called street lit, tells stories about city life. These stories often show the challenges and realities of urban areas.

This style of writing is becoming very popular. Many young Black authors are now writing these kinds of novels.

Helping Other Writers

Anthony Whyte is special because he does more than just write his own books. He also helps new writers. He publishes their works in the hip-hop genre. He often edits their stories himself. He also works with professional readers and editors. He calls this group "The Augustus Dream Team."

Whyte is now writing different types of stories. He wants to reach even more readers.

Augustus Publishing helps new writers share their stories. Some books they have published include:

• It Can Happen In A Minute by S. M. Johnson
• Booty Call *69 by Erick S. Gray
• The Blue Circle by Keisha Seignious
• Lipstick Diaries, which is an anthology. It features stories from ten new female writers.