The BackList

Goodbye Blogger cont....

2007-09-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

I've also launched www.feliciapride.com where you can also find me blogging.

Goodbye Blogger

2007-07-31T20:59:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day I'll be posting over here on Blogger. These two years have been real. I looked back at some of my old posts from 2005 and some of them were pretty bad. Thanks to those who stuck with me since then!

But I've finally found a way to incorporate my version of a blog at my site BackList. Yep, only took me two years to figure out. Aptly titled BackListed, the "blog," (I use the term loosely) will be a mix of publishing news, commentary, author interviews, essays, favorite book picks, photos, video, everything in between and of course, the random, off-topic musing.

Where is all of this coming from? Well in efforts to grow BackList, LLC into the dynamic organization I believe it can be, a sista had to make many, many changes. And this is just the beginning.

This unfortunately means that for those of you who have linked to this blogger site or blogrolled me, I must ask you nicely to please update the link to this.

In the meantime, I hope all of you will follow me to my new home. It's quite cozy, trust me.

Oh and be sure to check out my books:

THE MESSAGE: 100 LIFE LESSONS FROM HIP-HOP'S GREATEST SONGS
October 2007, Thunder's Mouth Press/Perseus Books, 1-56858-335-4
THE MESSAGE is a DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF for the hip-hop generation—a compendium of real wisdom that has been distilled from the all-time greatest hip-hop songs. Pride examines a wide range of hip-hop songs and artists, interpreting life through their lenses. Growing up with hip-hop, Pride has come to realize the way it shaped how she thinks, writes, reacts and how it has helped to make her the person that she is today. By incorporating her experiences and reflections with the rappers’ messages, Pride focuses on the positive, motivational influence hip-hop has had on its audience. With each life lesson aptly titled after a hip-hop song, such as Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks,” EPMD’s “Please Listen to My Demo,” or Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power,” THE MESSAGE explores spirituality, success, love, business, and more through hip-hop.

HALLWAY DIARIES
By Felicia Pride, Debbie Rigaud, Karen Valentin
Kimani Tru, Sept. 2007, 0-373-83084-X
Three girls. Three High Schools. Three gotta-read Stories.

The Art of Being Edited

2007-07-24T21:25:00.000-07:00

Great article in Salon about the need for editors. I was just having this conversation today with a book publishing industry professional. Great editors are priceless!

The piece also looks at the art of being edited, which can be a learned behavior. Oh, how true:

Your piece is a statement delivered from on high, a pronouncement ex cathedra, as egotistical and unchecked as the wail of a baby. Then it goes out into the world, to an editor, and the reality principle rears its ugly head. You are forced as a writer to come to terms with the gap between your idea and your execution -- and still more deflating, between your idea and what your idea should have been.
This isn't easy. You have to let go of your attachment to the specific words you've written and open yourself to what you were aiming for. You need enough confidence in yourself to accept constructive criticism, some of which can feel like your internal organs are being more or less gently moved around. More than just about any other non-artistic activity -- therapy and, yes, sex are possible exceptions -- being edited forces you to see yourself, or at least what you've written, the way others see you. It is a depersonalizing process in some ways, yet having to stand outside yourself deepens you as a person. You need to grow a thick skin in order to have a thinner, more sensitive one.

Yes a great editor is truly priceless.

Harlem Book Fair

2007-07-23T07:18:00.001-07:00

This was the first year in about five years that I didn't attend the Harlem Book Fair. I was exhibiting this year and now that I'm back in Maryland, I didn't fee like making the trip. Anyone out there go this year? Did I miss much?

If this ain't motivational...

2007-07-18T13:49:00.001-07:00

Mediabistro.com is hands-down one of my favorite sites. I also think it's a great example of a profitable online and offline business model. Anywho, the founder Laurel Touby recently sold the site to Junipermedia for 23 million! Yes that's right 23 million. And 20 of it was paid in cash.

Here's part of the letter she posted on mediabistro:

Today is probably the happiest day of my life. (Okay, second happiest. Getting married to Jon was pretty excellent.) When I put up my first web site in 1996 -- or was it 1997? the records are gone -- it was a humble little directory on someone else's web site. Not even a site of its own. There was no hope of a business plan, much less a profitable business. The entire reason for its existence was to help media people, myself included, meet up, hook up and share resources with one another -- a social network with bare bones technology.
Fast forward through the Internet crash, 9-ll and numerous other challenges and today, we have the largest community of media pros -- from magazine editors to TV news anchors to marketing people to ad agency execs -- reading our daily news, flashing onto our blogs, posting job ads, replying to job ads, attending seminars and events and generally making merry with mediabistro.com's many offerings.
Today, 10 years later, what started as a tiny little web site is now a full-fledged business that generates significant sales and profits, from its thriving job board, its education department (serving 15,000 students and counting!), ad sales and premium content. We have more than 1 million visitors a month, and more than 6 million page views per month.

When Jupitermedia contacted us a few months back, I couldn't think of a better company to acquire us. The companies complement each other in so many ways. Jupiter has its own job boards, JustTechJobs.com. It has a vast customer base of creatives and creative buyers on its Graphics.com network. It has a huge e-media business. And, finally, its CEO Alan Meckler, has years of experience in the conference business, an area where we are eager to grow. Which brings me to my last, but very important point. Alan Meckler is a visionary. He gets it in a way that few old media CEOs do. He pursued Yahoo!, Infoseek, Craigslist.org, Slashdot and Wired.com long before they were brand names. He owns the URL Internet.com for a reason. And now, he owns us.

Welcome, Alan, to the 'bistro! We look forward to working with you. It's the beginning of a beautiful partnership. To all of you who are wondering: NO, I'm not leaving. I'm starting a new exciting chapter of my mediabistro.com life -- as an employee. For you, who've made mediabistro.com what it is, this won't mean any major changes. If anything, Jupitermedia's resources will only help us improve and expand our services. So, stay tuned for what's to come.

3 Answers with Randall Kenan

2007-07-09T10:05:00.001-07:00

PW has Three Answers with Randall Kenan, the author of the forthcoming THE FIRE THIS TIME.

PW: What would you like readers to take away from this book?

RK: I think the basic challenge and call I make is for more discussion. You might think, or it might appear on the surface, that we’re talking about racial issues a lot, but in truth we aren’t. There’s a lot of yelling and screaming, but not genuine dialogue; people need to get to know each other. I think that will lead to more substantive changes, and more substantive observations, and more serious questions being asked by people who right now aren’t really paying attention

Here's info on the book from the publisher, Melville House. The book drops in August.

James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time was one of the essential books of the sixties and one of the most galvanizing books of the American civil rights movement.

Now, in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, with a new generation of Americans confronting what Baldwin called our "racial nightmare," best-selling author Randall Kenan asks: How far have we come?

Kenan notes that despite dramatic advances, new issues have combined with old to bedevil us. The religion so key in the sixties-both Christian and Muslim-has become more dominant and intolerant. The government and courts have shifted to the right. Hip-hop has replaced the stirring music so vital to the sixties movement. Meanwhile, African Americans remain impoverished in record numbers.

Like Baldwin, Kenan is acclaimed for both his fiction and nonfiction, which includes a biography of Baldwin and numerous essays on the issues that concerned him-such as class, religion, being a gay African American, and the failing perception that America has conquered racism.

The shocking revelations of New Orleans confirmed a shameful truth. Randall Kenan is the perfect writer to declare that truth, and seek its transcendence, in this impassioned book.

NYC Event

2007-07-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

Exciting New Literary Magazine…

“For this hip-hop baby with a love of literature, Bronx Biannual is destined to be the hybrid I crave.”
Felicia Pride, Vibe.com
Saturday, July 14th, 7pm ***

Come celebrate the smoking second issue of Bronx Biannual with a book party and reading at: Bluestockings Bookstore / 172 Allen Street, between Stanton and Rivington / (1 block south of Houston and First Avenue. By train: 1 block south of F train, 2nd Avenue stop.

Writers in attendance include contributors Greg Tate, Michael A. Gonzales, Carol Taylor, Reginald Lewis, Sun Singleton, SékouWrites, Liza Jessie Peterson and Miles Marshall Lewis.

Bronx Biannual is published by Akashic Books
http://www.akashicbooks.com

Bronx Biannual began in the summer of 2006, a literary journal edited by Miles Marshall Lewis

The Struggle Continues...

2007-07-05T17:29:00.001-07:00

So I thought I'd make a separate post to point out Ron Kavanaugh's reaction to Martha Southgate's piece in the NYT. Ron is the esteemed publisher of Mosaic literary magazine and my boss!

He makes some good points worth considering. Check out his reaction at his blog.

The Struggle of Black Literary Writers

2007-07-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

The blogosphere is buzzing about Martha Southgate's essay in the New York Times Sunday Book Review. Titled, "Writers Like Me" the novelist explores the reasons why there aren't more writers like her. She defines herself as:

I am a 46-year-old writer of “literary” fiction. I’ve had three novels published — the first for young people, the last two for adults. All have won minor prizes, been respectfully reviewed and sold modestly. I’ve been awarded a few fairly competitive fellowships and grants. The business is full of fiction writers like me. With one difference: I’m black, born and raised in the United States. At the parties and conferences I attend, and in the book reviews I read, I rarely encounter other African-American “literary” writers, particularly in my age bracket. There just don’t seem to be that many of us out there, and that’s something I’ve come to wonder about a great deal.

There are a few reasons that she lists as to why there aren't more black literary writers. She cites racism, low sales of literary fiction (by black writers), and fear of economic security (many blacks with higher educations don't seek a career in writing).

But in reading her piece, I wondered, well, what can be done? What can be done to 1) combat the racism in publishing 2) increase the exposure of black literary writers and 3) and promote the literary arts as a viable (okay, not always viable) career option? I definitely agree about these problems, but I guess I wanted to hear some possible actions that can be taken.

Well I don't have enough time in this blog to try to tackle #1. But for #2 I think readers hold more power than they realize. Publishers respond to sales. Lovers of literary fiction, lovers of Southgate and "writers like her" need to make their love known through the almighty dollar. Fans of street lit have made their love known, what about fans of literary fiction? Why aren't (we) they representing as strongly?

Granted, I know for a fact that publishers really don't know what to do with a writer like Martha Southgate. They have no idea who her audience is. Many times they want to crossover this type of writer, but forget about the African American audience in the process. Or they hold onto the monolithic African American audience concept (we all want to read the same thing) and don't know how to reach the different segments of this community. Thus the people who love writers like Martha Southgate may never know about her.

Still, I think the marketing methods reserved for the literary writer (book reviews and award submissions) may need to be remixed/updated. I have to say that Southgate's Third Girl From the Left was one of my favorite books of 2006. And I believe there's a huge audience for it because I found it to be both smart and accessible. I think the audience is out there, but what are the best ways to reach it? I wonder what would happen if the marketing plans for literary authors incorporated the hustling, can't-stop-won't-stop-selling-this-book-going-direct-to-the-community-that-this-book-is-for attitude of street lit and many self-published authors? Just a thought.

I don't really know what to say about #3. Most of my friends went after the high-paying careers (MBA, JD, and MD) tracks and I, with creative impulses decided I wanted to write and be artsy. But part of my comfort with my decision is having a supportive Momma. Many of my friends chose those paths because their family would not accept anything less. Therein lies one of the problems. How seriously does the African American community take the need to develop and sustain writers? How supportive are we of the literary arts field? How much do we respect and support our writers, especially those career ones like Southgate?

I feel like I'm ranting, so I'll stop here. Click here to read an interview that BackList conducted with Southgate. You'll have to register for the site to read it.

Listening Party for DC Folks

2007-06-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

I'm co-hosting a listening party this Friday in D.C. with Ferentz Lafargue, author of the wonderful memoir SONGS IN THE KEY OF MY LIFE. We'll listen to great music (yes that means some Stevie) and talk about the role it plays in our lives. We all have a story about the power of music. Come and share yours.

Details are below. I hope you can swing through, bring friends, say hello, groove to some great songs, and have a good time in the name of music and life.

Friday June 29, 2007
7pm - 9 pm
Listening Party
Co-hosted by Ferentz Lafargue, author of Songs in the Key of My Life
and Felicia Pride, Founder, The BackList
Dissident Display Studios
416 H St NE
Washington, DC 20002
202-332-3346

Check out Ferentz online at http://www.ferentz.com/.

And always check me out at www.thebacklist.net. Look for a new improved site coming soon. As well as my first books...

Free Writing Workshop for Youth

2007-06-22T11:57:00.001-07:00

From Seeingblack.com

Writing Camp for Grades 8-12 in DC

The Hurston/Wright Foundation will accept applications for its free Creative Writing Intensive program, grades 8-12, until this Wednesday, June 27. Esther Iverem, editor of SeeingBlack.com, will be among the instructors for six classes, including poetry, non-fiction writing, fiction and playwriting. The program runs for three weeks, Sunday, July 8 – Friday July 27, 2007, at American University in DC. Click on or paste in this link fpr more information, Follow the directions to apply online or to drop off your application at 6525 Belcrest Road • Suite 531 • Hyattsville, MD 20782 • ph (301) 683-2134.
http://www.hurston-wright.org/hw_creative_writing_intensive.shtml

Hurry! Application period has been opened up to serve more students! Do not reply to this email for info. Thanks

American Me “Voices of Our Youth” essay contest

2007-06-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

American Me “Voices of Our Youth” essay contest

Moses Miller, founder of Mind Candy, LLC, developed the idea for American Me “Voices of Our Youth”, after reading several disturbing studies focused on literacy rates amongst African-American and Hispanic Students in the United States . There were several alarming details, but two facts resonated deeply: The 12th grade reading scores of African American males were significantly lower than men and women across every racial and ethnic group; on average, African-American and Hispanic 12th graders read at the same level as white eighth graders; and 58% of African American Males in the United States do not graduate from high school.

Literacy experts have noted that the ability to read and write could be the most accurate predictor of success in life. The American Me “Voices of our youth” is focused on the promotion of reading and effective writing amongst African-American and Hispanic youth. The first project is directly related to the cultivation of writing skills.

Between May 1st and June 30th 2007, Mind Candy will be sponsoring an essay writing contest for aspiring African American and Hispanic youths from the ages of fifteen to eighteen, in an effort to stimulate creativity and offer young aspiring writers increased opportunities for exposure.

Each youth that wishes to participate will be tasked with writing a 750 to 1000 word essay or short story, descriptively capturing the experiences, challenges and the realities they face as youths growing up in America. Participating authors may write from their own experiences or about the experience of another person or a fictional character.

A panel consisting of published authors, book clubs and book store owners has been enlisted to assist with judging the submissions.

Essays from all finalists will be featured on several participating websites, while the winner’s essay will also be published in the second edition of Moses Miller’s critically acclaimed debut novel Nan : The Trifling Times of Nathan Jones.
Submissions will be accepted between May 1st and June 30th.
Contestants must be between the ages of 15 and 18
For more information visit MindCandyMedia.com

Book Publishing Seminar in D.C.

2007-06-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

I'm conducting another Mediabistro book publishing seminar in D.C. on June 28th.

Click here to sign up!

Get Your Book Published

How to navigate the publishing industry

WHEN Thursday, June 28, 6:30-9:30 pm

WHERE The New York Avenue Presbyterian Church
1313 New York Avenue, N.W., Park Level, Washington, D.C. 20005, 212-929-2588

PRICE
$65 ($50 for )

Course Details

If you are a writer, you are not only in the business of writing, you are in the business of publishing. The most successful writers understand how the book publishing industry works and know how to navigate the complex waters of the industry. Knowledge is power. By understanding the realities of publishing (not everyone receives a six-figure advance) you'll be able to find ways to maintain a successful writing career.

In this seminar, you will learn:

Publishing basics- how the industry works

The structure of publishing houses

How to get to know the major players - literary agents, editors, and publishers

The realities of advances and book sales

What really goes on in an editorial meeting and how decisions are made about what books are published

What happens once your book is published

How to develop a marketing plan for yourself and your book

Authors, listen up!

2007-06-14T09:22:00.001-07:00

I know I've been kind of MIA, flaky. But that will change very soon...I've got some things in the work to beef up this blog.

Anywho, my fellow authors out there, here is a great article from PW about how one writer grinded to promote his book.

The most important aspect of the article is that one year after his book has been published, Christopher Lee Nutter is still at it. Many times publishing companies make us believe that audiences are only interested in a book only up to 3 months after their release. This belief is tied to media attention, not audience interest. I don't know about you, but in terms of my reading tastes, I don't care when a book came out, I just care if it is good.

Keep this in mind as you promote your own book.

Palibra--Opportunity for writers

2007-06-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

During BookExpo, I had the pleasure to attend an informational session regarding Palibra, a new publishing platform for writers. It was started by author Edwardo Jackson and his partner Curtis Midkiff. Check it out and join!

Authors already down with Palibra: Lolita Files, Gloria Mallette Karen Quinones-Miller, Kenji Jasper and...soon to be Felicia Pride!

WHAT IT IS Palibra is the evolution of our on-demand society - an online, digital forum where everyone can be an author and get paid. Only 99 cents to download your favorite material! An unheard-of 30% royalty rate for authors!
If you love to write and you love to read, Palibra's the place.

PUBLISH TODAY It's always free to sign up and post your work. Closet poet? Published writer promoting upcoming or experimental work? Unpublished writer ready to jump start your career?
Palibra's the place.

WRITERS WANTED A site for readers and writers needs... WRITING. Lots of it. All of it. If it can be written, it can be posted, it can be on Palibra. YOU are your own editor. Whatever you want to publish, now you CAN.

So writers and readers alike WE NEED YOU! Go to http://www.palibra.com today!
Post now, post often, and spread the word!

Project Publish

2007-05-21T09:14:00.000-07:00

The New York Times reports on a new initiative called Project Publish that's organized by Media Predict in partnership with Simon & Schuster.

Basically, Media Predict website visitors have the opportunity to vote on their favorite book proposals, those they think deserve to be published. Simon & Schuster will select one of the book proposals based on these rates. I guess a pseudo online American Idol for books?

Maybe not. Here's how NYT described it:

Media Predict is soliciting book proposals from agents and the public, and posting pages of them on the site. Traders, who are given $5,000 in fantasy cash, can buy shares based on their guess about whether a particular book proposal is likely to get a deal, or whether Touchstone Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, will select it as a finalist in a contest called Project Publish. If either happens within a four-month period, the value of the shares go to $100 apiece; if not, the share price falls to zero.

Hmm, okay. Still confused. But hey I'm all for creative ways to get folks published.

Book Publishing is a Crap Shoot

2007-05-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a great article from the NYT about the unpredictability behind bestsellers. The article peeks into the antiquated publishing business model which includes rare direct contact with readers. You would think by now that publishers would question the system more often, but even in reading this article, there's a "well, that's just the way it is," type of response from insiders.

Here are some great excerpts:

Eric Simonoff, a literary agent at Janklow & Nesbit Associates, said that whenever he discusses the book industry with people in other industries, “they’re stunned because it’s so unpredictable, because the profit margins are so small, the cycles are so incredibly long, and because of the almost total lack of market research.”

IT’S the way this business has run since 1640,” he says. That is when 1,700 copies of the Bay Psalm Book were published in the colonies. “It was a gamble, and they guessed right because it sold out of the print run. And ever since then, it has been a crap shoot,” Professor Greco said.

Some experts wonder if book publishers might uncover more books like this if they tried harder to find out more about their buyers and what they want.
“The Newspaper Association of America has a staggering amount of data on people who read newspapers. The book business has, basically, nothing,” said Professor Greco. “They’re not going into the marketplace and doing mall intercepts and asking people, as they leave the bookstore, ‘What did you buy? Did you find what you’re looking for? What motivated you to choose that book?’ ”

Book publishing is a strange business.

Grants Database

2007-05-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

The good folks at Limachips (shout-out to Orlando) have launched a grants database. A great resource for writers looking for monetary help as they pen their masterpieces.

Find it at: http://grants.limachips.com/.

Writing Workshop

2007-04-27T10:02:00.001-07:00

Two-Day Writing School

A crash course for novelists of all genres - romance, mystery, family
or relationship dramasâ€¦all types of fiction are welcome!

In just one weekend, youâ€™ll learn how to write your book and sell it.
Subjects youâ€™ll cover include: Characterization, Plot, Dialogue,
Pacing, Setting and the business of book publishing.

Instructor: Anita Diggs - http://www.anitadoreendiggs.com
City: New York
Dates: Each weekend (Saturday and Sunday) in June, August and September
Cost: $300

Bonus: Youâ€™ll receive four novels and a writerâ€™s workbook FREE!

To Register: Send your name, address, phone number, your preferred
weekend and a three page writing sample to: anitadiggs@aol.com

Three Sistahs Press

2007-04-25T11:57:00.000-07:00

Here's an article I wrote for the City Paper about Three Sistahs, an independent press based in Baltimore. Check them out online at www.threesistahspress.com.

Writing Workshop

2007-04-17T06:03:00.001-07:00

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?
Six-week writing workshop with Susan Willerman
Tuesdays, May 15-June 19 from 7:00-9:00pm

Designed for both the beginning and experienced writer, this six-week
workshop uses life experience as the source. Instructor Susan Willerman
will utilize storytelling, sense memory and creative writing techniques
to
help participants navigate through personal stories to create polished
written work that can be used for anything from developing a personal
memoir to performance.

Fee: $150
To register, call BAX at 718-832-0018.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE.

BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange, arts and artists in progress, is a
multi-faceted community arts center located at 421 Fifth Avenue (at 8th
Street) in Park Slope, Brooklyn. By subway, take the F train to Fourth
Avenue or R to Ninth St.  For information please call (718) 832-0018 or
visit www.bax.org.

2nd SABLE International LitFest

2007-04-09T14:18:00.001-07:00

The 2nd SABLE International LitFest - in The Gambia!

The 2nd SABLE International LitFest takes place from 13-15 July 2007 at Cape Point in The Gambia, West Africa.

As SABLE LitMag features writers of colour from across the globe, we decided that SABLE LitFest should travel throughout the world, too!

Writers taking part in the 2nd SABLE LitFest include a stream of internationally, renowned writers, who have also been featured in SABLE, such as the esteemed award winning Nigerian novelist, Buchi Emecheta, and the equally renowned, award winning poet, Malawian Jack Mapanje.

Other writers and performance artists, include Dorothea Smartt,, Courttia Newland, Nathalie Handal, and Binyavanga Wainana and a number of Gambian authors. SABLE LitFest will also host a launch of Reading the Ceiling, the debut novel by the Gambian female author, Dayo Forster, published by Simon and Schuster in May 2007. Other events include, creative writing workshops, discussion and talks on Gambian literature, Getting Published, Black British Literature and a panel of international women writers from Australia, USA and the Caribbean, across various genres of writing. There will be a series of storytelling events for children and adults, a storytelling trip to Lamin Lodge, and a visit to St James Fort, a slave port. And a beach party! Combine these for an amazing celebratory weekend of literary, and cultural activities!

The 2nd SABLE International LitFest in The Gambia, has full support from the Gambia Tourist Authority who said that,

"Gambia Tourist Authority, seeks to develop tourism such that the destination becomes attractive to various segments, including your target audience, the artist. This will also give a boost to literary development in the country. The Gambia is very rich in terms of human resources and we welcome people with a literary mind to sample the hospitality of Gambians and experience the unique culture. This hospitality is manifested in various ways to the delight of all visitors. We have no doubt you will all have cause for a second visit." Lamin Saho, Director of Marketing, Gambia Tourist Authority.

Background to SABLE LitMag, SABLE LitFest and SABLE Writer's HotSpot

SABLE LitMag is a 132 page black and white international publication, for writers of colour, produced by S.A.K.S. Media. S.A.K.S. Media also offers training through e-internships on SABLE, professional development for writers through its courses and workshops, and a Reading Series, that brings SABLE LitMag 'live and off the page' with regular performances and readings around the globe.

SABLE LitMag was founded by Kadija George in the late 1990's. The first issue was published in 2001 as a literary publication for new voices - a quality publication that says writers of colour would not be confined to the margins.

To date, SABLE has profiled major internationally renowned writers on its covers, including Linton Kwesi Johnson, Buchi Emecheta, Niyi Osundare, Marita Golden, Chinua Achebe, Sonia Sanchez, Kamau Brathwaite and Walter Mosley. Forthcoming issues will feature, Dennis Brutus, Nawal el-Saadawi and Caryl Phillips.

Kadija George also started the popular Writers Hotspot trips in 1996. The first of these was at Tendeba Camp, in The Gambia, where we have visited on numerous occasions. Workshop participants will then return in time for the festival.The Writer's HotSpot's have also included trips for writers to New York and Cuba.
The Writer's Hotspot resume on Friday 6 July at Tendeba Camp, in The Gambia.

"Literature is the most beautiful of countries."
Jose Marti Poet and Essayist, 1853-1895

For more information on SABLE contact Kadija George on
kadija@sablelitmag.org or 07980 269 138

Details of how to enter our competition to win a place to attend SABLE Litfest can be found on
www.sablelitmag.org/litfest.html

Details of how to book for SABLE Litfest can be found on
www.sablelitmag.org

For bookings contact: Funmi Akisanya
sablehotspot@gmail.com
M: + 44 (0)7951 261 087

To receive regular updates, email us on sablehotspot@gmail.com

Call for Submissions

2007-03-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS (POETRY)

As part of our ongoing commitment to celebrate the literary arts and
promote literacy in Prince George's County and the National Capital
Area, each year Capital BookFest (www.capitalbookfes t.com) publishes
a new book, gives away over 500 complimentary copies to festival
attendees, and offers remaining copies for sale. In previous years,
we have given away over 1500 copies of a collection of young adult
short stories and poems, and a beautifully- illustrated children's
book. In 2007, we are publishing a coffee-table book featuring
original photography and poetry.

Capital BookFest '07 seeks poems related to the theme of family.
Specifically, we are looking for poems that explore the rituals and
relationships of familial life; the personal and political of "you
and yours;" the soulful love of mothers and sons, fathers and
sisters, grandparents and grandkids. Whether it's a haiku, free
verse, or prose poem, as long as your pen paints sketches of family—
yours, extended, or otherwise—we will consider it (Think Robert
Hayden's "Those Winter Sundays," Nikki Giovanni's "Nikki-Rosa, " Walt
Whitman's "Come up from the Fields, Father," or Lucille
Clifton's "Good Times.")

Authors will receive two copies of book, publishing credit and retain
copyright to their work, in exchange for the right to include their
poem in the Capital BookFest '07 coffee-table book. Space is limited
to 100 poems. A committee of poets and writers representing the
literary community will select final poems for consideration.
Photographs will be presented throughout the anthology and paired
with the various poems.

The anthology will be edited by Kwame Alexander, and released at the
third annual Capital BookFest on October 6, 2007, in Largo, MD.

Submission Requirements:
-Individuals may submit up to two poems
-Poems may be any length
-Poets must have rights to the poem
-Poems that have already appeared in print publications are
acceptable
as long as
the poet has copyright/permissio n
-Submissions must be emailed. No exceptions. Submit poems in the body
of an email (no attachments) to blackwords@juno. com (Subject line
should say "CBF Poems"). Please include full contact information
(snail mail address, phone, email) and a four-line bio

Incomplete entries will not be considered. All entries must be
received by May 15, 2007.

www.capitalbookfest .com

Calabash is Coming

2007-03-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

2007 CALABASH INTERNATIONAL LITERARY FESTIVAL

ON JAMAICA’S SOUTH COAST - “GREAT MINDS THINK A LOT”

An International Lineup of Writers, Musicians and Poets Assemble in Jamaica

KINGSTON, JAMAICA - March 27, 2007 - Those wishing to reach literary nirvana shall look no further than to The Calabash International Literary Festival, the most anticipated literary event in the Caribbean. This year’s festival highlights include a reading from former M*A*S*H* actor turned activist Mike Farrell, anniversaries of important musical and literary works from the Caribbean, and the announcement of the prestigious 2007 Commonwealth Writers Prize.

Returning to Jake’s Resort in Treasure Beach, Jamaica, May 25-27, Calabash has consistently delivered inspirational performances for the past six years from some of the most renowned authors, poets and musicians. This year, twenty-nine diverse and uniquely gifted artists will combine their talents into several themed programs. Free to the public, this festival offers three days and nights of spoken poetry, excerpts from novels, thought-provoking discussion and music - not only from Jamaica, but also around the world.

An Inspiring Program of International Artists

Friday, May 25

Calabash will kick off on Friday night, May 25 with a Jamaican style dinner at Jack Sprat seaside restaurant, followed by a one-man performance piece by renowned stage, TV and film actor Roger Guenveur Smith titled Who Killed Bob Marley? Edgy Indie, Brooklyn publisher Akashic Books, will host an exciting mix of genre and voice featuring Felicia Luna Lemus, Joe Meno, and Aaron Petrovich.

Saturday, May 26

Among the offerings on Saturday, former M*A*S*H* actor turned progressive activist, Mike Farrell will read from his memoirs, Just Call me Mike, and be interviewed by Colin Channer during Chatterbox. America the Beautiful gives the stage to three African American Women poets, Elizabeth Alexander, Linda Susan Jackson, and Patricia Smith followed by readings from nominees of the Commonwealth Writers Prize.

Sunday, May 27

Calabash devotes most of its last day to pay homage to important literary and musical works of the Caribbean such as the 50^th Anniversary of The Mystic Masseur by V.S. Naipaul (Trinidad) and the 30^th Anniversary of Bob Marley’s Exodus and Third World’s 96 Degrees in the Shade. Wayne Armond, Stevie Golding, Billy Mystic, Seretse Small, musicians from Jamaica will perform a tribute with voice and guitar. New this year is the announcement of the prestigious 2007 Commonwealth Writer’s Prize, one of the most significant literary prizes in the world.

A Literary Endeavor

The mission of the Calabash International Literary Festival Trust is to transform the literary arts in the Caribbean by being the region’s best-managed producer of workshops, seminars and performances. The organization is able to do this through strategic partnerships, media relationships and government support. However, perhaps the single most important reason is because Calabash is a magnet for some of the world’s most gifted authors. For more information, visit: www.calabashfestival.org.

How to Promote Books

2007-03-28T09:22:00.000-07:00

What happens when you bring together Tamia & Mint Condition to promote a novel?

I blogged about this over at AOL Black Voices, but had to blog about this over here too. Check out what JCM Books, an independent publishing house founded by author Edwardo Jackson, is doing to combine books and music and create a very effective medium for promotion.

Launch of powerHouse magazine Issue 2

2007-03-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

powerHouse Magazine Issue 2
That 70s Show

Thursday, April 5, 2007, 6:00-9:00 pm
The powerHouse Arena
37 Main Street, Brooklyn, New York
For more information, please call 212-604-9074 x100

Drinks courtesy of Rogue Ales

Please RSVP to vittoria@powerHouseBooks.com

“The 70s smell like fruit punch and Nilla Wafers, wet cardboard on a hazy summer day, fresh dirt under my feet.… At least that’s how I remember the earliest years of my childhood, a couple of which were spent in 70s New York City, the legacy of which has all but disappeared. I have only a vague sense of the 70s, having been too young to watch the flames of political rebellion die down into a smoldering pile of soot from which a great blaze of pop culture arose like the proverbial phoenix. How is it possible that one city, in the course of one decade, could bring forth hip hop, disco, and punk—possibly the most influential movements in music, fashion, and lifestyle of the late twentieth century—during a time of disaster, destitution, and decadence?”

—Miss Rosen

Small Press Writers' Conference

2007-03-28T08:39:00.001-07:00

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! DON'T GET LEFT BEHIND!!!
ONLY 17 DAYS LEFT UNTIL THE 3RD ANNUAL NEW YORK ROUND TABLE WRITERS CONFERENCE!!!

Don't miss this unique opportunity to meet with top publishing professionals and get all your publishing questions answered! On April 13th and 14th, the Third Annual Round Table Writers' Conference, which takes place in Manhattan, will continue its tradition of helping writers get published!

With agents and editors from Random House, Vintage, Knopf, Simon and Schuster, Crown, Harvey Klinger and Sterling Lord Literistic, this year's Writers' Conference is bound to be an exciting and eye-opening look into the world of publishing!

Meet keynote speakers Richard Ford, Colson Whitehead, and Tom McCormack, panelists Lynne Tillman, Natalie Danford, Ben Greenman, Mark McNay, Evan Mandery and many more!

The New York Round Table Writers' Conference is the only conference that covers all aspects of the publishing industry, from self-publishing to independent and small press publishing to publishing with major houses. This is your opportunity to learn the A to Z's of the publishing industry from seasoned experts!!!

Time is drawing near, so register now to reserve your spot. To register, visit writersconferencenyc.org , or call the Small Press Center, The General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen at 212.764.7021.

Many thanks to our partner, Gotham Writers' Workshop. Additional thanks to our sponsors: Tekserve, Poets & Writers, ForeWord Magazine, Bomb Magazine, Mobile Libris, Paragraph, The Poetry Society of America, Copyright Clearance Center and MediaBistro.com.

The Small Press Center is an educational program of the General Society of Mechanics and Tradesmen.

Warner Books Changes Name

2007-03-26T08:25:00.000-07:00

Well this was bound to happen. After being brought by Hachette Livre, Warner Books has finally changed its name. Are you ready for this one? They are now called Grand Central Publishing. According to Publishers Lunch, the new name reflects their new address north of the station. Publisher Jamie Raab says, "It also reflects the publisher's renewed commitment to publishing a diverse range of books..."

Is it just me or does Grand Central have a New York-centric feel to it, which kind of goes against the whole "publishing a diverse range of books" idea?

Second Part of Agenting Process Explained

2007-03-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

From one of my fav book blogs, Big Bad Book Blog, here's the second part of an article that breaks down the agenting process.

Call for Women Writers

2007-03-19T10:54:00.000-07:00

The African American Museum in Philadelphia www.aampmuseum.org

is seeking 5-10 women from the African diaspora (America, Africa, Caribbean Islands, South America) for its upcoming event:

A Conversation with Black Women Writers

This event will be held on Saturday, March 24 ~ 3 to 5 p.m.

This will not only be an opportunity to gain exposure for yourself or your authors and to sell books but this will also be a chance for the museum attendees to engage with a range of black women writers from throughout the African Diaspora.

To be considered for this event, please send your bio to tmlewis0714@yahoo.com.

Review of Other People's Property by Jason Tanz

2007-03-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

Check out my review of Other People's Property by Jason Tanz in the Baltimore City Paper. I recommend this book for all hip-hop fans.

Submission Call

2007-03-09T06:49:00.000-08:00

a. Magazine *Submission Call*

Submission Call to All Writers: Seeking Nonfiction Narratives Framed in Africa

a: Nonfiction Narratives of Africa—due to launch in 2007—is the first exclusively nonfiction literary magazine dedicated to publishing Africa’s stories written by writers from across the globe, and, most importantly, emerging and established writers who call the continent of Africa their home. a. is published quarterly, available in U.S. bookstores and to subscribers worldwide.

a. invites submissions of creative nonfiction, including narrative reportage, essays, and memoirs, as well as critical essays that examine the genre and that explore the impact of nonfiction narrative on the lives of its writers, subjects, and readers (specifically narrative nonfiction framed within developing countries and the continent of Africa).

a. is also interested in publishing:

PHOTO ESSAYS with accompanying explicative text.

PROFILES of artists, musicians, NGO managers—anyone with an interesting story or doing interesting, Africa-based work.

ART WORK of all kinds. Painting, Drawing, Collage, etc.

Portraits of the African family. These may be as informal as you would like, in any medium.

Multimedia compositions —audio or visual files that would be appropriate for inclusion on a CD, to accompany our print issue. Audio documentaries, sound portraits, original music, and interactive visual components encouraged.

All submissions must be somehow framed within the continent.

Writer's Guidelines

1. Please submit one work of nonfiction at a time. We accept submissions via e-mail or snail mail.

E-mail Submissions: Submissions@AMagazine.org (Your subject line must read: Submission-YOUR NAME-Title of Submission).

Snail Mail Submissions: Manuscripts must be printed on standard white paper, one side only. Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope (remember we are located in South Africa so postage must be international) if you would like your work to be returned. Individuals whose works are accepted for publication must supply a final copy in electronic form (RTF, Microsoft Word). Send submissions to the attention of the Submission Team at the following address: a. Magazine—Submissions, PO Box 1128, Hoedspruit 1380, South Africa.

All Submissions: Submit a clearly typed manuscript with a cover letter and a four-to-eight sentence personal bio. All submissions must be double-spaced with one-inch margins and twelve-point font size. All pages should be numbered.

Your submission cover letter must contain your name, postal address, e-mail address, a telephone number where you can be reached, the title of your submission, and a final word count. All submissions should be clean copy compliant with the Chicago Manual of Style (15ed.), (www.chicagomanualofstyle.org). Simultaneous submissions are acceptable, but please let us know in your cover letter. It may take up to sixteen weeks to respond to submissions. We do not accept submissions via fax.

2. We ONLY publish creative nonfiction. We will, on occasion, print work that has been published previously. Our word-length limit is roughly 10,000, though we will consider publishing longer work in serial form. If you think you have a piece that lends itself to serialization, please contact us in advance of submission.

3. We buy First Serial Rights; nonexclusive, one-time anthology rights; and the right to run a portion of the story on our Web sites (www.AMagazine.org; www.Amazwi.org). Authors proof their galleys. Authors receive two copies of the issue in which their work appears and a pdf of the issue. Limited compensation upon printing.

4. We encourage you to contact our editors with any question(s) regarding submissions. This may help you clarify exactly what we are looking for and whether or not your work fits within the vision of our publication.

5. All manuscripts are carefully considered. Due to the large number of submissions, we regret that we cannot provide editorial feedback on every manuscript.

Why we don't know book sales

2007-03-08T08:27:00.000-08:00

I think it's horrible how book publishers are so reluctant to release sales information. If authors really knew how books sold, I think they would have much more realistic expectations. The LA Times recently published an article about why the publishing industry doesn't want to release sales figures using the excuse that the information is proprietary--only for authors and agents, although both parties will tell you it's like pulling teeth to find out about book sales.

The Agenting Process

2007-03-08T08:20:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite blogs, Big Bad Book Blog, has an article about landing an agent. Well it's part one and discusses the first steps of finding and contacting an agent.

I still maintain that one of the best ways to land an agent is through networking. Less and less agents these days are accepting unsolicited manuscripts. It really is about who you know, or who knows you.

So for those of you looking for an agent, you got to get out there, make yourself known and get to know as many people as possible.

And I'm not talking about emailing someone you don't know and asking them to connect you with an agent. I get a few too many of those emails. Networking is about building relationships.

New Content on BackList

2007-03-08T08:19:00.001-08:00

Just in case, you didn't know. I've posted new content on BackList. Check it out.

Ghettonation

2007-03-07T05:31:00.000-08:00

This is a MUST-READ book. I really, really enjoyed it. Cora isn't playing it safe and you may not agree with everything she is saying. But she's saying it and hopefully making us think about our own "ghettoness," which isn't determined by who we are or where we live, but rather, how we think and act.

Black Diamonds Signature Group
invites you
to celebrate the Doubleday release of

GHETTONATION
by Cora Daniels
author of Black Power, Inc.

Wednesday, March 21
"The Rhum Lounge" downstairs at Negril Village
70 West 3rd Street (between Thompson & LaGuardia)
6PM - 8PM

For more information visit: www.coradaniels.com

Click here to buy the book from Random House.
Click here to buy the book from another online retailer.

Fear of Publishing

2007-02-28T07:58:00.000-08:00

Another great Q&A exchange between a fearful writer and Salon's Cary Tennis.

This writer is scared to be published because he/she is afraid of being successful. I don't really get it, but fear is fear. Me on the other hand, I am afraid of the widespread criticism. So I'm starting to prepare myself early!

I don't feel like writing

2007-02-26T16:16:00.000-08:00

Have you ever said that? I know I have. Plenty of times. That's why I like this question posed "G" to Salon: I don't feel like writing. Does that mean I'm not a writer?

Is laziness a sign of writer's block, or is it just laziness? I wonder.

Cary Tennis of Salon provides "G" with a pretty comprehensive answer that ultimately says, it's up to you. If you want to be a writer, you have to write. And well if you need to get a book done, you have to write. And well, there are times when we have to do things that we don't feel like or don't want to do.

Alas.

Chris Abani Profile in LA Times

2007-02-21T16:00:00.000-08:00

The LA Times recently ran a profile of author and poet, Chris Abani which discusses his new book, The Virgin of Flames.

Geez, there are just too many books. I really want to read this one. I know it sounds like I always say that, but it's true.

What's interesting is that according to Abani, the book was conceived as LA (that's where Abani lives) noir in the tradition of Chester Himes.

"But Abani was pressured by his editor to move away from genre fiction, and he
had to rebuild the book almost entirely."

Pressured to move away from genre fiction? Interesting.

The Divide in the Black Poetry Movement

2007-02-16T10:36:00.000-08:00

Philadelphia Weekly (I'm such a fan of the alternative weeklies) recently published an article that discusses the growing debate in the Black poetry movement. The piece is naturally Philly-focused but asks the question: "do slam competitions hurt poetry?"

I've been to good slams and horrible ones. But I don't think that the concept of the slam hurts poetry. It opens it up to wider audiences and adds a performance element for artists.

Can't slam and traditional written poetry coexist?

Can I get a job at Scholastic?

2007-02-15T08:23:00.000-08:00

When you're independent, there's nothing more expensive than health care. I didn't realize how good at had it working, paying 30.00/monthly for health insurance.

And now, Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company, today announced that it is opening two on-site employee health care facilities in its Jefferson City, MO and New York City locations.

That's dope.

NYC EVENT: Michael Thomas Signing

2007-02-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

Michael Thomas received a rave review in the February 4 Sunday New York Times Book Review for his novel Man Gone Down. McNally Robinson is proud to be hosting Michael Thomas for a reading and conversation event on February 22; details below.

Thursday, February 22
McNally Robinson

7pm

Michael Thomas, author of Man Gone Down (Grove/Atlantic)

On the eve of the unnamed black narrator’s thirty-fifth birthday he finds himself broke, estranged from his white Boston Brahmin wife and three children with just four days to come up with the money to keep his family afloat. Alternating between his past as a child in inner-city Boston and the present in New York City , we learn of his mother’s abuses, his father’s abandonment, raging alcoholism, and the best and worst intentions of a supposedly integrated America . Brooklyn author Thomas reads from his debut novel, a story of the American Dream gone awry.

Anita Doreen Diggs' New Blog

2007-02-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

Check out Anita Doreen Diggs' new cyberspace home called The Book Editor's Blog.

Be sure to read the post, MY CREDITS OR WHY YOU SHOULD BELIEVE ANITA DIGGS which includes her editing, development, and re-writing credits.

Winners of BCALA award

2007-02-02T08:35:00.000-08:00

Fiction category winner: After, A Novel by Marita Golden

Fiction Honor Book winners: Fortunate Son by Walter Mosley and Jump at the Sun by Kim McLarin

Nonfiction category winner: The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream by Barack Obama

Nonfiction Honor Book winners: A Piece Of Cake by Cupcake Brown and Medical Apartheid: the Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present by Harriet A. Washington

Congrats to everyone! Special shout-out to Marita Golden and Kim McLarin!

AOL Black Voices

2007-01-28T05:48:00.000-08:00

Beginning Monday, January 29th, I will be blogging on AOL Black Voices' More than Words book blog. It will be all about my favorite subject: books.

I'll continue to blog here at BackList (of course). But be sure to check me out there!

BackList is looking for Essays

2007-01-28T05:43:00.000-08:00

Attention Writers!!

BackList is looking for personal essays about the writing process, publishing, and being a writer (the challenges and joys) to publish on www.thebacklist.net. This is a great way to promote yourself and connect with an audience of readers. This opportunity is open to both published and unpublished writers.

If you're interested send an essay idea or theme to felicia@thebacklist.net for consideration. Essays will range in word count from 500-700 words.

Literary Festival in PG County, MD

2007-01-26T14:44:00.000-08:00

Contact: Ms. Judine B.Slaughter
The Black Writersâ€™ Guild, MD â€“ PG Chapter
PO Box 83
Mt. Rainier, MD
301-703-9849
info@bwgpg.org
www.bwgpg.org and www.blackwritersguild.org

2007 Afrocentric Book Expo presented by The Black Writersâ€™ Guild, MD â€“ PG Chapter

In celebration of Black History Month, the Black Writers' Guild, presents 2007 Afrocentric Book Expo in the Mall at Prince Georges located at 3500 East West Highway, (Route 410) Hyattsville, MD 20782 on February 24, 2007 from 10am-5pm.

Now in its fourth year, the Black Writers' Guild, MD -- Prince George 's Chapter will showcase African-American literary talent.

Activities throughout the day:
Writing activities for all ages
Meet Black Writers, Editors and Publishers
Entertainment and Workshops
Poets from DC Creative Writing Workshop

Some of its exhibitors participating in the 2007 Afrocentric Book Expo include

ï‚§ Monique Douglass
ï‚§ Teressa Leath
ï‚§ Ambrose Lane , Sr
ï‚§ La Shawn Samuel
ï‚§ Robyn Ringgold
ï‚§ Anita Lambert
ï‚§ T.S. Grant
ï‚§ Jude Andreasen
ï‚§ Darrell Cador
ï‚§ Delois Jackson
ï‚§ Yvonne Cooper
ï‚§ Jessica Tilles
ï‚§ Bobby Morrison
ï‚§ Jesse Sharp
ï‚§ J.R. Fenwick
ï‚§ Lisa Shepard Stewart
ï‚§ Sheila Riley
ï‚§ Alexis Dobbins
ï‚§ Ella Curry
ï‚§ Leslie Allen
ï‚§ George Wilson

For more information about the 2007 Afrocentric Book Expo, please visit http://bwgpg.org/2007expo/main.html

Take the Oprah Quiz

2007-01-26T07:30:00.000-08:00

Think you're book is worthy to be on Oprah (and what author doesn't)? Take the quiz here.

BE HONEST!!!

Tell me what you scored. I got an 8.

Kevin Young

2007-01-23T17:48:00.000-08:00

The Washington Post profiled Kevin Young to discuss his new collection of poetry, For the Confederate Dead. Crazy enough, what I found most interesting is that he's married to Kate Tuttle, a former editor at Africana.com. I just remember that Kate was very nice to me a few years ago when I was living in Boston and emailed her blindly about something (maybe trying to get a job, or freelance work, or networking, can't remember). I heard she was spearheading some African American database project.

Anywho, back to Kevin. The new collection sounds engaging and a little intense. Adding it to the list.

New Caribbean fiction journal accepting submissions

2007-01-17T07:17:00.000-08:00

Labrish.com, a new online literary journal publishing Caribbean fiction, is now accepting submissions. For more information, go to www.labrish.com.

Submission GuidelinesLabrish publishes literary fiction that reflects the Caribbean experience. Fiction submitted to Labrish does not have to be set in the Caribbean. However, we are not interested in fiction that simply plays with old stereotypes about the Caribbean. At this time we do not publish poetry, essays (scholarly or personal), book reviews, or any material that does not lend itself to the story format.How to SubmitSubmit your stories electronically to submit [at] labrish.com. We accept submissions year round and aim to respond to your submissions within 6 weeks.

Labrish publishes Caribbean fiction in electronic and print formats. In its electronic form, Labrish publishes one story a month on the Web site Labrish.com. Labrish also publishes anthologies of Caribbean writing, which may include fiction that first appeared online. At this time, we do not publish essays (scholarly or personal), poetry, book reviews, or any material that does not lend itself to the story format. Labrish aims to publish quality fiction-whether traditional or experimental, in standard or Caribbean English-by established and emerging writers.Labrish is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Contributions in behalf of Labrish may be made payable to Fractured Atlas and are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

For more information go to www.fracturedatlas.org or to make a donation on our behalf go to www.fracturedatlas.org/donate/labrish.com.

Advisory/Editorial Board
Merle Collins
Sha-Shana Crichton
Renee Shea
Jacqueline Brice-Finch

Editor
Donna Hemans
www.labrish.com

Apparently Racial Equality happened and I just didn't know about it.

2007-01-16T10:21:00.000-08:00

As we just celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day we should all be happy to know that racial equality has been achieved! Well, that is according to the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE). The watchdog has complained that the Decibel Penguin Prize (awarded by the Arts Council England) discriminates against white writers because the award is only open to British writers of Asian, African, or Caribbean background. Check out Galleycat's entry.

The whole point of the award was to level the arts playing field for minority writers. But apparently that field is already leveled (where exactly?). The Arts Council of England entered into discussions with the CRE and has made the second Decibel prize open to all writers on the theme of immigration.

Read more.

MLK's Dream

2007-01-15T10:42:00.000-08:00

I'm spending the majority of the Martin Luther King's day writing which I've justified by saying thanks in part to the work of MLK, I have the opportunity to pursue my own dreams. But I am still taking the time to reflect on his legacy.

Right now I'm in a fancy coffee shop (free wi-fi and good apple cider) in a gentrified section of Harlem where black people and white people and asian people and latino people are sitting together.

But there is a noticeable awkwardness. We seem to be suspicious of one other. We're sitting together, but we're not speaking. But we're trying jive hard to be PC about it.

Progress? For sure. Is there still work to be done? Indeed.

In the meantime read an article from Richard Prince called "What would Martin read?" Maybe one of my books will be on such a list one day. That would be a dream fulfilled.

It's a Mess

2007-01-12T08:09:00.000-08:00

I'm late discussing this but you may have already heard that AMS, a distributor responsible for getting books into places like Costco has filed for bankruptcy. AMS also owned PGW, a distributor for many independent publishers.

Why you should care: if you are an author signed to an independent press distributed by PGW your publishing house will be affected.

Check out www.publishersgroupwest.com to see if your publisher is a client of PGW.

So Perseus Books Group is trying to swoop in like Superman and help rescue PGW clients after announcing an intent to buy Avalon Publishing Group (the founder also founded PGW. Perseus wants to offer PGW clients an opportunity to be distributed by them. Perseus acquired CDS and recently acquired Consortium, two distributors for independente presses.

PW had a good article recaping things as did Publishers Lunch.

But it's a mess. I'm feeling it for all of PGW clients. I hope that they will be able to work out something quickly that works to everyone's benefit.

50's Launch at Borders

2007-01-05T10:58:00.000-08:00

PW covered 50's launch at Borders.

Here are interesting points about the article if you want to skip reading it:

1) His memoir, which was released in August 2005, 73,000 copies in hardcover and 6,000 in paperback. (according to Bookscan)

2) He's cowriting a book with Robert Greene, the author of The 50 Laws of Power which will be a hip hop updated edition. I think this is very smart and was wondering when a rapper would jump on the opportunity.

3) According to the MTV Books publishing director, 50 Cent takes his publishing responsibilities seriously, coming to marketing meetings with ideas and opinions and only a very small entourage. "He's not a diva, he has no diva qualities," says Hoye.

4) He explained that he got interested in books by having to occupy his time on long airplane rides.

50 Cent launches his book imprint

2007-01-03T10:20:00.000-08:00

I thought it was already launched, but apparently not. Tomorrow in NYC at the Borders in Time Warner Center (which isn't that big, so it's a weird spot to have the signing) will launch G-Unit books. His imprint on MTV/Pocket. Authors Nikki Turner (who I like) and K. Elliott will also be there for to sign their novels from the imprint.

To all those 50 Cent fans out there, please note:

There is a limit of up to five autographed copies of any G-Unit Books per
wristband. No memorabilia, CDs, periodicals, or books about or by 50 Cent,
with the exception of G-Unit Books, will be signed by the rapper.

Leave The Massacre at home.

Black Images is Closing

2006-12-29T08:02:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I've posted. Trying to get back into the swing of things after the holidays.

But on a sad note, Black Images Book Bazaar is closing. The store was a 30 year old institution in Dallas and worked hard to remain open. It will close on Saturday and I never had the opportunity to visit it.

It's a shame that bookselling is such a touch business.

New author website

2006-12-13T06:18:00.000-08:00

Marie-Elena John, debut author of Unburnable, which was just picked as a best book by Black Issues Book Review, has just launched her website. Check it out to try to win a stay at Jumby Bay in Antigua (can't you use a little beach in your life?), or find out more information about the Literary Getaway to Dominica that she's planning.

Reaching the African American market

2006-12-11T11:09:00.000-08:00

I wrote an article in this week's issue of PW about the different ways publishers are reaching the African American market. I definitely think that publishers are experimenting more with marketing ideas and realizing that the market is diverse and therefore a plan specific to one book, may not necessarily work for another (read: you can't market K'wan the way you market Edward P. Jones).

Here's the intro:

Publishers are exploring a range of strategies to reach African-American readers, blending traditional and innovative marketing techniques to concoct campaigns as varied as the books themselves. And they admit it's still more about experimentation than surefire tactics.

Read the entire article.

Also check out the list of upcoming books of African American interest.

Written vs Blacks and Books

2006-12-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

Calvin Reid at PW wrote an article about Written, the newspaper supplement launched in early 2006 that covers African American Books. The article noted the competition from the recently launched Blacks and Books. Read the NYT article about the launch here. Currently, Written is bimonthly and distributed in four newspapers.

Michelle Gipson, the founder of Written, believes "there's plenty of room for everybody." Hmm, is that true? Are there that many African American newspapers to go around? Perhaps, I don't know the numbers.

Wall Street Journal tackles Catch 22 of Black writers

2006-12-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

The Wall Street Journal had a front page article about the struggles of Black writers to reach nonblack audiences. The article includes quotes from tons of folks but begins with Brandon Massey's frustations that his sales are limited by being published by a black imprint and automatically being slotted in the African American section. It then talks about how divided black books are within the publishing "food chain." It looks at the case that Millenia Black brought against her publisher, Penguin.

The article then goes on to discuss that Black fiction is doing well when overall bookstore sales have slumped.

I go back and forth on the issue and in a perfect world we'd all be shelved together in harmony (as we would also be living together in perfect harmony.) But this ain't no perfect world. Luckily Momma already told me that.

So one hand, I agree with Tananarive Due:

Tananarive Due, who writes supernatural suspense tales, says that when she
started out in 1995, she was embraced by black booksellers. Her book tour was
almost exclusively in black stores. "There is nothing worse than the release of
a book without an audience," she says. "Frankly I'm glad my books were launched
as they were. The African-American readership has been my rock and given me the
opportunity to expand."

And on the other, I feel for Brandon Massey:

Mr. Massey nonetheless worries he's being shortchanged by being shelved in
African-American departments. "Most nonblack readers aren't going to the
African-American section," he says. His goal, he says, is to compete with Dean
Koontz and Stephen King.

Angela Bassett and Kimani Press

2006-12-04T12:53:00.000-08:00

Am I the only one that hadn't heard about Angela Bassett and her husband's Courtney Vance's new book entitled, Friends: A Love Story? It's being published by Harlequin/Kimani Press this January. PW interviewed Ms. Bassett.

When asked about the audience for the book, she said:

Probably people from 16 to—I don’t know, when do folks stop dating? Sixteen
to, maybe 68. I think people will see a bit of themselves. Relationships are so
varied and so many, and we’re all on a quest to be understood and to be loved
for who we are—and the good and the bad in us.

Post-Apartheid Fiction

2006-12-03T07:02:00.000-08:00

I'm still reading this article (that's bad, I know) but wanted to pass it on. It's pretty eye-opening especially since so many writers complain about the publishing scene in the U.S. Consider the literary scene abroad. The NYT looks at post-apartheid fiction in South Africa. The article follows Niq Mhlongo, who is described as "is one of the most high-spirited and irreverent new voices of South Africa’s post-apartheid literary scene."

Check this out from the article:

Twelve years after the end of apartheid, the South African literary scene
remains as fragmented as ever, with writers exploring their own ethnic
experiences. Although more books are published than ever before, few create a
national conversation, in part because South Africa has been transformed from a
resistance culture to a consumer culture, where the novel is less vital.

The New York Times remembers Bebe Moore Campbell

2006-12-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

Here's the NYT's remembrance of Bebe Moore Campbell.

Bebe Moore Campbell has passed

2006-11-28T05:11:00.000-08:00

Bebe Moore Campbell passed on Monday from complications related to brain cancer. She was only 56. It is incredibly sad. Prayers go out to her family and friends. USA Today published an obituary.

OJ Update

2006-11-27T16:40:00.000-08:00

This is the best update I've read. It is from Publisher's Lunch. If you don't subscribe, sign up today.

On Thursday, the AP reported that OJ Simpson did receive money directly for his participation in the aborted HarperCollins book and promptly spent it, "some of it on tax obligations." News Corp. has at least admitted how much they paid for the project--$880,000--but still won't identify the third party to which the money went. And the company persists in asserting that Simpson wasn't supposed to get any funds. But in a radio interview on Wednesday, Simpson laughed at the company's front: "Would everybody stop being so naive? Of course I got paid."
Simpson tells the AP he didn't confess at all, and denied committing the murders. He says the insipidly cynical title came from the publisher ("That was their title. That's what they came up with. I didn't pitch anything. I don't make book deals.") and "the hypothetical sections were written by his ghostwriter."

Simpson says: "I didn't do it. I made it clear I didn't do it. But I didn't doubt that Ms. Regan thought I did it." Apparently, he also told Harper he "would not allow publication if the book contained graphic descriptions of 'cutting or stabbing.'" Speaking about his ghostwriter, Simpson said: "When I saw what he wrote, I said, 'Maybe you did it because they're saying the chapter contains things only the killer would know. I don't know these things."

Both the Los Angeles Times and Jeffrey Toobin in the New Yorker's Talk of the Town have somewhat closer looks at the apparent writer, Pablo Fenjves.

In other reports, Variety says that "book rights to If I Did It have, according to several sources, reverted to the Simpson camp" (concurring with an anonymous News Corp. employee cited in the WSJ on Tuesday--which contrasts with attorney Yale Galanter's contention that the projected "belonged" to Harper).

Newsweek has a short item speculating on Judith Regan's fate. They note: "Regan only had to present a general concept of the Simpson book to HarperCollins CEO Jane Friedman to get the budget approved for the project, according to one person close to Friedman who doesn't want to be identified because he's not authorized to speak for the company." And there is speculation in-house at Harper as to what these events mean for PW's planned designation of Friedman as their second "publishing person of the year."

EVENT, NYC: Black Women's Writing at McNally Robinson

2006-11-22T07:15:00.000-08:00

At McNally Robinson (mcnallyrobinsonnyc.com)

Tuesday - December 5 - 7pm

In the Black Female Literary Tradition: Three Contemporary Authors on Black Women's Books
With Bridgett Davis, Martha Southgate and Eisa Nefertari Ulen

Bridgett Davis, Martha Southgate, and Eisa Nefertari Ulen each write within a powerful tradition of black women in literature. Martha Southgate is the author of Third Girl from the Left, about a daughter coming to terms with her mother's work in 1970s Blaxploitation films. Eisa Nefertari Ulen has written Crystelle Mourning, telling the story of a woman returning from her successful life in New York to her childhood home in West Philadelphia . Independent filmmaker Bridgett Davis' most recent book is Shifting Through Neutral, a novel of fathers and daughters, mothers and lovers, Stevie Wonder and General Motors. Join us as these three authors meet in a panel discussion to talk about their history and heritage, the women writers who have influenced them, and the traditional themes in their own work.

What Kind of Sick World Do We Live in?

2006-11-15T07:02:00.000-08:00

From the New York Times:

O. J. Simpson, who was acquitted 11 years ago in the 1994 death of his wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald L. Goldman has written a book and will appear on television telling “how he would have committed the murders if he were the one responsible,” his publisher and the Fox television network said on Tuesday.

Judith Regan, whose publishing imprint ReganBooks will release Mr. Simpson’s book Nov. 30, also conducted the television interviews, which will be broadcast on Fox in two one-hour segments on Nov. 27 and Nov. 29. Both ReganBooks and Fox are owned by the News Corporation.

According to a news release, the book and the TV special, which has a working title of “O.J. Simpson: If I Did It, Here’s How It Happened,” will depict Mr. Simpson describing “how he would have carried out the murders he has vehemently denied committing for over a decade.”

Gerald Levert & Ed Bradley

2006-11-13T10:43:00.000-08:00

I couldn't believe the news on the passing of Ed Bradly or Gerald Levert. They will both be missed.

And my close friends know how much I loved Gerald Levert. Had a big crush on his and his velvety voice. I will miss seeing his electrifying performances.

Blacks and Books

2006-11-13T10:34:00.000-08:00

The New York Times has an article about Black Issues Book Review's new initiative, Blacks and Books: "a monthly insert focusing on books by or of interest to readers of African descent." It will be inserted in African American newspapers like The Baltimore Times, Amsterdam News, and Philadelphia Tribune.

I think it's a great idea which was apparently conceived by Ken Smikle, the new owner of BIBR. One of the main reasons is the lack of media coverage for books of interest to the AA community.

Check out the response from Sam Tanenhaus, editor of The New York Times Book Review, about this lack of coverage:

“Nothing is sufficiently covered.We get so many books, and space is so limited,” he said, “and we tend to concentrate on serious fiction and nonfiction. So we’re more likely to do a big takeout on Edward P. Jones, as we did, and we published Skip Gates’s introduction to ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin,’ ” he said, referring to Henry Louis Gates Jr. “Our books tend to be a small, select group, but that’s across the board,” he added.

Hmm, based on the fact that the NYT hardly reviews books by black people, is he implying that we don't write much serious stuff?

Anywho, it will be interesting to see how things work out for Blacks and Books.

Hurston/Wright Awards

2006-11-09T11:45:00.000-08:00

I had the pleasure to attend the Hurston/Wright Award banquet last friday. Thanks Kalisha! It was my first year, and I was very impressed. It was well organized and classy but not pretentious. I brought my mother with me because she says she likes stuff like that. While we were snacking on appetizers, she's like isn't that the actor?

I look over and sure enough, it's Morgan Freeman, chilling. He comes over to where we were standing, says hello and continues chilling. If I wasn't so shy (I am really) I would have accosted him to talk about acting.

Anywho, the ceremony was hosted by the sista detective from Law & Order. Her real name is S. Epatha Merkerson. She was a trip and had everybody laughing. She reminded me of a outspoken aunt. I thought she was a great host because she brought a certain realness to the event.

Read this article to see who won.

Denise Nicholas won for Debut Fiction. Isn't this like award number 10 or something?

Anyway, I urge everyone to support the Hurston/Wright Foundation in any way you can. They are doing important work for Black literature.

TheYack.com

2006-11-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

From Lawrence Ross:

Hello everyone,

My name is Lawrence Ross and as the author of three books, I began thinking about better ways to find new readers for my books, other than conducting book signings. I wondered why wasn't there a social networking site (think MySpace or Facebook) devoted to authors, book lovers, and the book industry? How come lovers of Stephen King, Anne Rice, Eric Jerome Dickey, and thousands of other authors, can't come to one site and interact with those authors and each other? From those questions emerged my new site, TheYack http://www.theyack.com.

TheYack is the first social networking site devoted to books, authors and book lovers. I think TheYack will be a hit as authors have longed to combine a site where they can post a personal blog/website, with the interactivity of a social network. NPR, CNET, and Publishers Weekly are all covering the launch (yesterday, I opened the site for registration), and we're going to have bestselling authors answering questions from our Yacksters. In addition, TheYack will have editors and agents who will be available to answer questions from those of you who are aspiring authors.

So if you're interested in supporting TheYack, please feel free to join today. It's free, it's fun, and you'll meet new friends. Also, feel free to forward this information about TheYack to any and everyone you think may be interested, and of course, any media. Whether you're interested in biography, chicklit, history, fiction or non-fiction, TheYack is your site for books and authors! Thanks!

TheYack: Where Book Lovers Love to Meet! http://www.theyack.com

Check out these guest bloggers

2006-11-02T13:48:00.000-08:00

Literary agent, Mondella Jones, posted an insightful and honest entry about the role of literary agents at Blogging in Black.

Erica Simone Turnipseed has published an essay about writing true events in fiction over at Beatrice.com.

Great Article on Special Sales

2006-11-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

The New York Times has a great article about the special sales (outside of bookstores) potential for books.

From the article:

The point, publishers say, is to follow customers who might not otherwise visit
bookstores into the places where they do shop, rather than waiting for customers
to show up at bookstores or click on Amazon.com and other online sales sites.

Amen. I'm not interested in taking away the business from bookstores but we all know many people that rarely step foot in a bookstore. Publishers have to find creative ways to reach more consumers.

The article raises a good point about less competition in venues like clothing and furniture stores as well as gourmet shops.

Mediabistro Seminar is coming up!

2006-11-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

My mediabistro seminar, Get Your Book Published, is coming up on November 21st in WAshington, DC.

There's still time to signup.

If you are a writer, you are not only in the business of writing, you are in the business of publishing. The most successful writers understand how the book publishing industry works and know how to navigate the complex waters of the industry. Knowledge is power. By understanding the realities of publishing (not everyone receives a six-figure advance) you'll be able to find ways to maintain a successful writing career. Click here for more information.

Bill Duke and Relentess Aaron

2006-11-01T06:19:00.000-08:00

From The Book Standard:

Actor-director-producer Bill Duke has optioned the book Push and entered into a development deal with its writer, urban author and street lit publisher Relentless Aaron.

Duke plans to produce and possibly direct a feature film based on the author's signature character Push, an inner-city vigilante, with the hopes of creating a franchise around the character.

Read the rest...

I like Bill Duke. It will be interesting to see how this will all come together.

Interview with Danyel Smith

2006-10-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

Mediabistro has an interview with Danyel Smith about her reprised role as EIC of Vibe.

Literary Program on Black Family Channel

2006-10-23T12:31:00.000-07:00

Hmm, wonder if we would see something like this on BET?

Media Contact: Lisa MorganPhone Number: 404-808-9409E-Mail Address: lmorgan@...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLACK FAMILY CHANNEL LAUNCHES LITERARY LIVING www.blackfamilychannel.comA NEW SERIES FEATURING AFRICAN AMERICAN BOOK PUBLISHING PERSONALITIES

Nov. 2006 - National - Tony Rose, Publisher and CEO of Amber Communications Group, Inc. (ACGI) the nationâ€™s largest African American publisher of self-help books and celebrity bios, and Rosette M. Union, President, of Cine Seven Entertainment recently announced the launch of Literary Living on Black Family Channel.

Literary Living hosted by best-selling author Heather Covington, airs every Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. (EST). The show targets an exclusive audience, the African American book buying market. The half-hour program will take viewers on a journey through the offices and streets of New York City; will introduce some of todayâ€™s greatest publishers, authors, writers and poets including: Haki Madhabuti; W. Paul Coates; George C. Fraser; Wade and Cheryl Hudson; Kassahun Checole; Terrie Williams; Barbara Reynolds; Jewel Parker Rhodes; Melvin Van Pebbles; Ruby Dee; Wendy Williams; Hill Harper and Tavis Smiley. The series give viewers a complete African American literary experience to include exclusive newsworthy events and interviews. Literary Living has joined a spectrum of other popular programs currently airing during Black Family Channelâ€™s weekly prime-time block: Robert Townsendâ€™s Partners in Crime: The Next Generation hosted by comedian Corey â€œZooâ€ Miller; Playhouse 22, a drama series and Spoken a show featuring new spoken word artists hosted by author and poet Jessica Care Moore.

Tony Rose, Creator and Executive Producer of Literary Living is recognized as the nationâ€™s first African-American book publisher to successfully publish commercial/pop/self-help book titles to the African-American consumer. Rose stated, â€œWe want to give a national platform to African American publishers and authors who have, for years, worked hard to bring us the best information and the best stories - both fiction and non-fiction. By partnering with the Black Family Channel, along with our great cast and crew, we will be able to introduce many of our countryâ€™s book publishing professionals into every African American household within the scope of the networkâ€™s programming reach.â€

Rosette Union, Producer/Writer of Literary Living is an adjunct Professor at The New York Institute of Technology, Graduate School Communications Arts Department, teaching film and TV production courses. She is the President of Cine Seven Entertainment, which she co-partner's with her sister Maude Middleton, CEO, to produce independent films, documentaries and commercials.

About Black Family ChannelBlack Family Channel is Americaâ€™s only minority owned and operated cable network committed to providing responsible programming for the entire family. Our mission is to entertain, inform and empower communities with family programming that is original, real, authentic and relevant. BFC is currently viewed in over 16 million households; including all of the top 25 African-American TV markets and 49 of the top 50 DMA TV markets. For more information about Black Family Channel visit www.blackfamilychannel.com.

For advertising/sales and commercial production, please contact: Literary Living Television Productions, Monty Bowens, sales Director at 480-650-9898. To book appearances on Literary Living, please contact: Literary Living Television Productions, Rosette M. Union, Executive Producer at 212-252-3900
Media Contact: Tony Rose, Executive Producer. Literary Living Television Productions
Phone Number: 480-650-9898.

Akashic readings around NYC: Amiri Baraka, Colin Channer, and K.E. Silva

2006-10-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

Thursday, October 26, 7pm,
Colin Channer reads from his story in "Iron Balloons" (called "a tour de force" by the New York Times) and K.E. Silva reads from her debut novel, "A Simple Distance." Bluestockings Bookstore (172 Allen St., MANHATTAN), post-reading reception with Jamaican Red Stripe beer for all.

Wednesday, November 1, 7-9pm,
Legendary writer/activist Amiri Baraka and award-winning Nigerian novelist Chris Abani come together for a reading and discussion moderated by Colin Channer, at Medgar Evers College (Founders Auditorium, 1500 Bedford Ave., Crown Heights, BROOKLYN). This will be the first public event in support of Baraka's new short story collection, "Tales of the Out & the Gone" (Akashic, 2007), and advance copies of the book, along with Abani's new novella, "Becoming Abigail," will be available for sale.

Friday, October 27, 7:30pm, Colin Channer reads from his story in "Iron Balloons" and K.E. Silva reads from her debut novel, "A Simple Distance." Barnes & Noble-Park Slope (267 Seventh Ave., BROOKLYN).

PW Story about Karen Thomas's new role at Warner Books

2006-10-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

Here's the link to a PW story I wrote about Karen Thomas's new role at Warner Books. She's been a busy woman acquiring some high profile books including the sequel to Confessions of a Video Vixen.

Interview with me on Black Ink

2006-10-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

Shout out to Maranda who interviewed me for her wonderful literary blog, Black Ink. I'm always interviewing others for BackList, but it's nice to be on the interviewee side.

Check out Maranda on Blogging in Black as well.

Good stuff over at Blogging in Black

2006-10-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

There are some great posts by an array of writers and publishing folks over at Blogging in Black. If you haven't checked it out, I urge you to.

I'm a guest columnist and posted my first entry about writers educating themselves about the publishing industry.

Today, Erica Simone Turnipseed, author of Hunger and A Love Noire discusses connecting with readers through her writing.

Great article about Coop

2006-10-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

Great article about coop on my new favorite blog. All those front tables at Barnes & Noble are paid placements...wonder where your marketing budget dollars go? Probably here.

Is this okay?

2006-10-21T07:03:00.000-07:00

PW reported that author Myla Goldberg, substantially rewrote her novel, Wickett’s Remedy when it was released in paperback:

"Because of the unusual format of Wickett’s Remedy (side notes appear
in the margins of many pages), it had to be re-typeset for the paperback, which
gave Goldberg the rare opportunity to substantially rewrite parts of the novel."

I've heard of correcting errors on new editions, etc but not rewriting parts of the book. Then I started to wonder, is that right? What if more authors started to rewrite parts of their book? I mean I'm sure plenty of authors would, but something about it seems wrong. According to PW, Goldberg revised and developed certain scenes and threads of the novel. The article goes on to say:

"But Wilson and Goldberg denied the revisions as a tactic to sell more
books; in an interview with VelocityWeekly.com, she said, “I feel terrible for
hardcover readers. They’re your most loyal readers, and here I am penalizing
them. The last thing I want to do is make hardcover readers feel like suckers.
It’s not a gimmick to sell more books!”

New issue of Mosaic and New Editor

2006-10-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

The new issue of Mosaic is available. It includes my interview with Marlon James, author of the acclaimed, John Crow's Devil. Mosaic is one of the longest-running literary magazines dedicated to writers of color. We must continue supporting it!

In news, Ron has elected me as a new editor of Mosaic. Can I tell you how thrilled I am? I remember how bad I wanted to write for Mosaic. Ron's magazine and website inspired me to start BackList. From his editorial note, he wrote:

"Felicia Pride will be responsible forthe editorial direction and assignments
for Mosaic. I know she’ll do an excellent job and Mosaic will continue to grow
under her leadership."

Also Ron posted an update about the future of the magazine:

Seeing our option narrow as a print publication and broaden as a digital one
we've decided to make Mosaic available free -- soon to be available for
download. We're currently working out the digital kinks. Current issues should
be available in October. We will continue to print issues for literary
institutions. More soon to come.

3 Ladies

2006-10-21T06:58:00.000-07:00

Mondella Jones has a glamour shot of her, Karen Thomas, and myself at the Capital Book Fest.

We look fly...

writer's block

2006-10-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

Writer's block: a topic that lately i've been incredibly fascinated by. Here's an interesting article from NYT that I found reading blogs/procrastinating. It comes from this cool blog I just stumbled upon. Isn't it amazing the things you find when you're off task?

Barack Obama's new book

2006-10-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

The NYT reviews Barack Obama's new book. I really need to read it.

kenji jasper's blog

2006-10-18T07:52:00.000-07:00

if you haven't read any of kenji jasper's fiction (Dark, Dakota Grand, Seeking Salamanca Mitchell), put him on the top of your list. i'm always interested in what shape hiphop will take in writing and I feel like kenji's a perfect example of writing with a hiphop sensibility. i won't call him a hiphop writer. people don't seem to like that term. He's also written a nonfiction book which I'll have to check out.

but i just stumbled upon his blog. he's got some great insights (not just the joy but the struggles too) into the life of a writer. Since yall know I'm one now.

powerhouse. now this is a publishing house

2006-10-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

So on Monday, I trekked down to Dumbo, Brooklyn. Really I trekked. I mean train, plane, bus, automobile. I still don't know exactly were I was.

But I went for a Women in hiphop panel that was part of a "No Sleep 'Til Brooklyn" exhibit held at the newly unveiled Powerhouse Arena.

The space is dope. Very Brooklyn, artsy, unfinished, but finished.

The panel featured legendary women in hiphop such as Martha Cooper, Joan Morgan, Janette Beckman and Lady Pink. As well as artists Toofly and Maya Azucena. All though it was hard as hell to hear in there, the panel was great for many reasons. It showed the different art forms of hiphop: music, writing, painting, grafitti writing, photography, etc. It also cosigned for me that hiphop is so much bigger than MTV and BET. Sometimes you need that reminder even though you know it.

It's funny because after the panel, I read Lonnae O'Neal Parker's Washington Post editorial about giving up on hiphop. And while I echo the same sentiments about the commercial side of RAP MUSIC (had to put that in caps for emphasis), her editorial focuses strictly on the music. Like that's all hiphop is.

During the panel they showed clips of an upcoming documentary of female breakers around the world called We B*Girlz (by Martha Cooper and Nika Kramer). And you see all these girls of all different colors who say things like "breaking saved my life," and you remember that hiphop is a lifesaver to so many. We can't give up on hiphop because its the language/perception/perspective/lifestyle of our young people. We can turn off the radio, yes. We can challenge the media images, yes. And as discussed during the panel, we can show our young people the positive aspects of hiphop. But give up? Nope.

Okay enough ranting, back to my original point.

I've read about Powerhouse in PW. I remember reading a story about this publisher opening a gallery/performing space and how dope I thought that was. Makes so much sense that a arts/photography publisher to do that.

But they don't stop there. The No Sleep Til Brooklyn exhibit was four days of events put on in conjunction with other media/organizations such as Black Girls Rock, Vh1, and Wax Poetics.

Then Powerhouse published a magazine to accompany the exhibit, which is beautifully done and which they sold for 10.00. Contributors to the magazine including folks like Jamel Shabazz, Patti Astor, Henry Chalfant. And of course they sold books onsite.

They are my new favorite publisher. Talk about synergy (marketing people love that word). Not only are they branding themselves, they are also reaching out to communities and creating events that people actually want to attend.

Upcoming exhibits at the space, which all coincide with a particular book they've published, include "Disco Years", "That 70s Show", and "Warhol is Dead".

And people are wondering about creative ways to promote books...it's more than promoting books, you have to promote the lifestyle as well. What's the big picture?

Just like rap music is part of a much, much bigger picture.

Capital Book Fest

2006-10-11T07:52:00.000-07:00

Has it really been 7 days since my last blog entry? Geez. Time flies.

Saturday, I attended the second annual Capital Book Fest. It is co-produced by Kwame Alexander. I met Kwame through BackList. He wrote a controversial piece for the site a couple of years ago. Kwame had some strong opinions about the state of black literature, but don't get it twisted, he's not one of those that just talks without action.

The Capital Book Fest is a great literary event that supports literary arts in P.G. County. Panels were hosted inside the Borders store as well as on the parking lot. I thought the Borders connection was very smart. Self-published authors had an opportunity to exhibit and sell books as well.

I was on a panel that discussed black publishing. My fellow panelists included Marita Golden, Jonathan Luckett, and Christopher Chambers.

I have to be honest, I was very excited to hear Ms. Golden was going to be on the panel, because I've wanted to meet her for quite some time. We were finally able to connect and she's just as smart, warm, and committed as I knew she would be.

I thought we had a good panel. We discussed the publishing industry, tips for writers, publishing horror stories, and ways we can increase literacy in the community. People afterwards told us that they got something from it. That was good to hear because sometimes panels fall flat.

Kudos to all those involved in the planning and execution of the Capital Book Fest!

Anita Diggs is blogging

2006-10-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

Author and editor Anita Diggs is blogging. Check her out.

Windows Live Book Search

2006-10-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

Not sure how this will really work:

Get your titles in front of millions of Windows Live users FREE with Windows Live Book Search
Windows Live Book Search is Microsoft's forthcoming online search service for book content.

To submit your titles simply upload them in digital format or send us printed books, and control the amount of content displayed.

Link your commerce-enabled Web site to our pages so that users can easily purchase your titles. And connect with millions of Windows Live Search users who are looking for content like yours.

It's easy and it's FREE!
http://publisher.live.com/

Blogging in Black

2006-10-03T15:27:00.000-07:00

Big up to Monica Jackson and Dakota Knight. They've started a collective blog for black authors and literary professionals called Blogging in Black. Check it out and support their effort.

I'll be a guest columnist on October 22nd.

Black Ink is Back!

2006-10-02T05:36:00.000-07:00

Literary blog Black Ink has been on hiatus for most of the summer. As of today, we are up and running again, this time with two new authors/contributors, Kevan Cameron and Craig Baird, both of whom will be posting entries from the west coast in British Columbia. You can expect much more consistent literary news, and we'll eventually be publishing criticisms, reviews and the like in the months to come.Tell all your moms, boys, girls, birds and pimps that we're back! (Like birds and pimps ever read blogs.)

Crazy Email

2006-10-02T05:23:00.000-07:00

I've gotten my share of nonsensical emails, but this one takes the cake, thus I decided to put it o blast. Let me know if I'm the only one that's confused.

From: "The Onyxx" (he doesn't state who he is. Of course not.)

You mention Asha Bandele, and excuse her misconduct, particularly in regards to
that "husband" of hers on death row who killed a man. I'm going to have call you
a dumb bitch because you deserve that title. Asha Bandele met this man while
volunteering for a prison poetry project and had conjugal visits with him that
resulted in a child. You can't talk trash about any black man particularly after
this sick spectacle that you showcase on your website excusing the death of
another human being because this dumb broad Asha Bandele wanted to get
laid.....and to think I actually read your literary newsletter. Now I know you
are full of bs. If you're going to allow some dumb ignorant broad like her speak
in your newsletter, you might as well as let any black writer speak include Luke
from 2 Live Crew. Heard he has an interesting book out! Let's not be hypocrites!

So here's my response:

First, if you are going to call me a Bitch I would think you would at least have
the courage to say who you are. But I'm not mad. It's obvious that you have a
lot of misguided anger. Trust, I know your kind. So much so that I won't bother
trying to help you understand that you don't know what the hell you're talking
about and that your attempt at emailing me nonsense is futile. Perhaps
you get off on sending anonymous, nonsensical emails.

Brother,
you've got issues and too much time on your hands. And unfortunately for you,
I'm not the one that you need to contact about them. Go read a book. Hey go read
asha's book (you'll learn that she married the man you speak of). If you
have time, and I'm sure you do, go read The Autobiography of Malcolm
X. This book may give you some insight into prison, forgiveness, and
second chances.

While you're at it, expand your vocabulary.
Learn to express yourself without calling a black woman a bitch. Do
something productive instead of sending me an email calling another
black woman a silly broad. Because honestly, whatever point you are trying
to make is null and void just from the simplistic nature of your
name-calling. That's what children resort to when they are angry.

But I'm sure this entire email will go right over your head. You
don't want to discuss, you want to be angry and hateful. I, on the other hand,
have too much work to do in the world.

Peace be with you. And don't contact me again.

And for those that like a good soap opera. "The Onyxx" responds with:

Practice what you preach. She married the man while he was in prison on
death row dumb ass. It's obvious that you come from a broken home and have some
misguided issues that you place on any black man criticizing you. You really
need to have a heart to heart talk with your mother who caused you to make poor
choices.

The reason you contacted me is because that's what you
are. I hit close to home and you had to respond to validate it. Peace be with
you. Don't contact me. You sound desparate.
=====
Desperate for what, I'm not sure. And I'm sure he couldn't explain it to me if he tried. He was criticizing me? Oh I thought he was just calling me out my name.

Is he for real?

2006-09-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

Fantasia's father is suing her publisher, Simon & Schuster, for 10 million libel. According to AP he alleges that her book contains"false, exaggerated, sensational, intentional and malicious untruths."

Is he for real?

Then Publisher's Lunch points out that the book's ghostwriter, Kim Green, who was paid 45,000, talked to Radar Magazine and has come forward because she wants people to know she wrote the book. She's mad that no one consulted her about the lifetime movie about Fantasia's life. Uh, okay.

This is why I have no ambitions to be famous.

The First Book by Vibe's Street Lit imprint is...

2006-09-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

Death Around the Corner by C-Murder. Remember 2Pac's song with the same title? I'm sure many authors will feel the same way Samuel Jackson felt about rappers becoming actors. But I have to say I was happy to read parts of C-Murder's author note:

The first thing I did was I started reading a lot. Sometimes I read a book
in one day. So I started getting real interested in everything about books. And
I just started feeling the flow and how different authors express themselves in
a book. I learned a lot by just hands-on experience. Whatever I’m doing, I learn
quick. So that was the first process, just reading and getting interested.

Then I’m like All right, let me just try writing. But I’m my
biggest critic. So then I said, I need some info on this. I need a book that can
teach you how to write a book and write a novel, and all about publishing. I wanna know everything about the game, ya heard me? So I got all that information through the library.

Genesis Press Not Paying Folks?

2006-09-23T07:42:00.000-07:00

An article in PW by Calvin Reid says that about 30 authors published by Genesis Press are upset about not being paid royalties and other unprofessional dealings. In the article, author Kayla Perrin told Reid that she didn't receive royalty statements for two years.

Read the entire article because he does talk with the current executive editor. But things sound real shady.

New Radio Show about Books

2006-09-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

Kwame Alexander is hosting a new weekly talk radio show called "Word of Mouth." It airs every Sunday from 3-4 pm (EST) on WMET 1160 am, you can hear it live online at WMET1160.com, and for you Apple folks, it's podcast also.

The show is about books. Kwame says he's taking the books off the shelves (and getting between the sheets) talking to your favorite authors, finding out the juicy book gossip (it's cutthroat people) and just having a good time at the hottest (and probably the only) on-air book party in the country. Tune in for the first show THIS SUNDAY FROM 3-4 PM.

More info at thebookparty.net.

When HipHop Grows Up

2006-09-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

I attended Kevin Powell's booksigning yesterday at McNally Robinson for his new collection of essays, Someday We'll All Be Free.

It was a really great turnout. And not just quantity but quality. Folks came eager for some knowledge, debate, reflection and answers.

Kevin hit the mic and did a nice short speech, read two short passages from two essays (one about Katrina and one about the 2004 presidential election). He was eloquent and down-to-earth. To me, Kevin represents what can happen when hiphop culture grows up. One can be political and current. One can be a writer and a speaker. One can know the latest about 50 cent and be able to speak in the words of the youth. One can also deconstruct what's wrong with 50 cent and speak it in the words of the youth. One can quote Sonia Sanchez and Gloria Steinman. One can write several books and care about his/her community. When hiphop culture grows up, or shall I say mature, it's an incredibly powerful force.

After Kevin's time, there was a question and answer period. Since the audience was primarily of color, Q&A turned into a debate about the social/political/economical/pyschological ills of our community. Some had some really insightful comments, some wanted to hear themselves speak. And Kevin came prepared to offer genuine suggestions/solutions. The most important one being: what is your plan? He made it a point to say he feels like he's been involved in every kind of debate and is tired of the empty rhetoric (Amen). We know things are dire, so what is your plan?

A woman made a comment that she felt the debate was missing a discussion about love and self-love. Ms. Susan Taylor, of Essence Magazine was in the house and offered a heartful response. That was priceless.

It was a booksigning that turned into a quesi townhall meeting. But I think some folks left feeling motivated/agitated and Kevin sold some books in the process.

The BackList

Goodbye Blogger cont....

Goodbye Blogger

The Art of Being Edited

Harlem Book Fair

If this ain't motivational...

3 Answers with Randall Kenan

NYC Event

The Struggle Continues...

The Struggle of Black Literary Writers

Listening Party for DC Folks

Free Writing Workshop for Youth

American Me “Voices of Our Youth” essay contest

Book Publishing Seminar in D.C.

Get Your Book Published

How to navigate the publishing industry

Course Details

Authors, listen up!

Palibra--Opportunity for writers

Project Publish

Book Publishing is a Crap Shoot

Grants Database

Writing Workshop

Three Sistahs Press

Writing Workshop

2nd SABLE International LitFest

Call for Submissions

Calabash is Coming

How to Promote Books

Launch of powerHouse magazine Issue 2

powerHouse Magazine Issue 2That 70s Show

Small Press Writers' Conference

Warner Books Changes Name

Second Part of Agenting Process Explained

Call for Women Writers

The African American Museum in Philadelphia www.aampmuseum.org

is seeking 5-10 women from the African diaspora (America, Africa, Caribbean Islands, South America) for its upcoming event:

A Conversation with Black Women Writers

This event will be held on Saturday, March 24 ~ 3 to 5 p.m.

This will not only be an opportunity to gain exposure for yourself or your authors and to sell books but this will also be a chance for the museum attendees to engage with a range of black women writers from throughout the African Diaspora.

Review of Other People's Property by Jason Tanz

Submission Call

Why we don't know book sales

The Agenting Process

New Content on BackList

Ghettonation

Fear of Publishing

I don't feel like writing

Chris Abani Profile in LA Times

The Divide in the Black Poetry Movement

Can I get a job at Scholastic?

NYC EVENT: Michael Thomas Signing

Anita Doreen Diggs' New Blog

Winners of BCALA award

AOL Black Voices

BackList is looking for Essays

Literary Festival in PG County, MD

Take the Oprah Quiz

Kevin Young

New Caribbean fiction journal accepting submissions

Apparently Racial Equality happened and I just didn't know about it.

MLK's Dream

It's a Mess

50's Launch at Borders

50 Cent launches his book imprint

Black Images is Closing

New author website

Reaching the African American market

Written vs Blacks and Books

Wall Street Journal tackles Catch 22 of Black writers

Angela Bassett and Kimani Press

Post-Apartheid Fiction

The New York Times remembers Bebe Moore Campbell

Bebe Moore Campbell has passed

OJ Update

EVENT, NYC: Black Women's Writing at McNally Robinson

What Kind of Sick World Do We Live in?

Gerald Levert & Ed Bradley

Blacks and Books

Hurston/Wright Awards

powerHouse Magazine Issue 2
That 70s Show