CHICAGO, IL - Author, poet and motivational speaker, Redstorm, the winner of Chicago's Best New Poet Award (2004), who was featured on Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry (HBO Television) last season, will make a special appearance for the new season.

Redstorm's first appearance in on Russell Simmons presents Def Poetry coincided with the release of his book "Finder of Lost Souls," available via Borders Books, Amazon.com, Baker & Taylor Distributors. He recently performed at the Sheraton Hotel, Chicago, during the 34th Annual Rainbow PUSH Conference and the live televised PUSH Morning show hosted by Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., which was opened by recording artist Fantasia, Yolanda Adams, and more. Redstorm was also be featured at the Taste of Chicago during the EbonyEnergy Spoken-Word.

The Chicago Sun-Times venerates, "Redstorm is to poetry, what John the Baptist was to Jesus, a purifier. His words leave no stone unturned." "Redstorm is beyond buzz-worthy! His words are a testament of all people in struggle. He's a true wordsmith." Commented Bruce George, co-founder of Def Poetry Jam. Stan Lathan, of Simmons Lathan Entertainment & Media Group stated, "Redstorm spits the truth. He is truly a Def Poet."

Born Darren Redmond, Redstorm's poetry is not only urban observations, but from the author's thirteen-year prison experience. Born and raised on the Eastside of Chicago, 79th Street, where he still resides, Redstorm attended Horace Mann Elementary and South Shore High School. Many wonder how did such a gifted writer that comes from a solid foundation end up in prison. Well, Red Storm simply chose at the time to run the gritty Chicago streets and became involved with gangs and drugs at an early age.

Since his release from prison in July 2002, Redstorm has taken the poetry scene, literally, by storm! He has since performed across the nation, his image and poetry was utilized in a television PSA for The Cease Fire Program/Chicago Police Department; he has appeared at the National Hip-Hop Summit Chicago 2004; and visited a number of universities and schools including: Howard University Youth Symposium, North Eastern University, South Shore High School and Hyde Park High School. Redstorm has also made it a poignant duty to assist in reforming drug addicts and gangsters; by visiting institutes such as Hull House Drug Prevention Center, the Juvenile Detention Center and the Cook County Department Of Corrections Div. #2.

Redstorm is available for interviews, poetry readings, educational lectures and book club meetings. To request a review copy of "Finder of Lost Souls," send email requests to: books@ebonyenergy.com