Are your favorite authors missing from the literary scene? Wondering what happened to them? Why are they not around anymore? Is it by choice? Well, let’s talk about it. Be sure to list some of YOUR favorites who are missing in action on the literary scene and share your thoughts on the topic.
Last week, we talked about authors who have been missing from the scenes and we wanted to expand on it this week with not only sharing those authors we miss, but discussing why they’re missing. At the top of my list are Marcus Major, Timmothy McCann, Elyse Singleton, V. Anthony Rivers, Gregory Townes, T.L. Garnder–I could go on and on! Where are you at, folks?? I miss you and want you to come back soon!
I’ve had many conversations at literary events over the last few months with authors who didn’t get book deals, others who had returned to self-publishing, but didn’t have the finances to get their latest book or two off the ground and those who have seen/experienced rejections galore. What is the problem?
Is the economy really that bad or is it just the easy answer for why your book isn’t selected? Why can someone else get a $50 million advance, yet a new author or lesser known author gets rejected or gets no advance. Seriously? Take that $50 million advance and get in some new writers, new stories & shoot, sometimes better stories. Furthermore, if I hear “it’s not marketable” one more time, I might just scream. I mean seriously–and this is just my take–a well-written book IS marketable if you actually get behind it and market it. There are numerous books I see plastered all over the place and when I flip open the book, sadly I’m disappointed, unimpressed or turned off by all the sex. I know book reviews and opinions on the books are subjective, but I do believe I know a good book. So, when I hear an author (who most of our members rave about) say she can’t get a book deal, it makes me sad and then it ticks me off.
So, beyond being sad (or ticked off), what can we do?
I have a few suggestions and here are my first two to get things started:
1) Authors, stop being desperate. I know you want to be published and hey, if you have a great book, I want you to be published too. We need more books! But, don’t just accept anything a publisher offers you. Decide what your deal breakers are going in and stick to them! If you want your ebook rights, walk away if the publisher says no. If you want foreign rights, keep them and if they say no, walk away. If you DO NOT think overly-detailed sex scenes are necessary to tell your story, then don’t agree to put them in there just to get a deal.
2) Write what you know/love.Yeah, this may be selling and that may be selling, but if you force it, trust me, a real reader knows it. And seriously, can you keep it up? Don’t write for the trends unless it is something you love. What do you read when you’re in the mood to read? I’m not saying don’t stretch yourself or write in other genres, I’m saying don’t write for money.
Okay…before I get off on a tangent…
Let’s hear from YOU! Who are some of the authors no longer on the scene you’d like to see back with new books? And please share their book titles & genres. And, what do you think we can do to see these authors again??
Tee,
Timmothy McCann is at the top of my list. I have read why he left the publishing game. I still told him on Facebook I wished he would write again.
Same here, Shai! I finally left him alone. LOL. For those who don’t know, he is a pastor now and has a church in the Atlanta area. I’ll ask him to stop by.
-Tee
I didn’t know that’s what he’s doing now. I can’t recall the reason he stopped but I know I was ticked off about it. It would be great if he decided to write again even doing something Christian/Faith based but more than likely that won’t happen because I want it too. I’m interested in seeing a Pastor/minister write a book from their POV because if I read oops see one more book about the mess going on in a church I may just scream.
ROFL!! That would be cool, Wana. Hopefully he’s reading this. I promised not to ask him when he’s coming back to the lit scene, so I’m just hopeful he will, even if it is with one of his good author buddies who is now publishing her own books. Hint, hint if you’re reading this. You know who you are.
Oooh, I also want to add Margaret Johnson Hodge and Tanya Marie Lewis. MJH self-published her last book and Tanya is working on releasing her book this year.
-Tee
Who is Tanya Marie Lewis?
.-= Radiah Hubbert´s last blog ..NEW REVIEW- Noire – Unzipped =-.
Radiah, she’s actually one of the first RAWSISTAZ members (and a reviewer too) who writes Christian Fiction. If you can find a copy of her book Misdemeanor, definitely snatch it up. What I loved about the book was she started the main character off as a child and took her through adulthood and the issues with remaining true to the Word, but her characterization and voice is awesome. I could “see” the character transform from a little girl to a woman. When I read it, I wanted to run out and share it with everyone — actually I did and I’ve read it a second time and it’s one of those books I could read again and again. I’m saving it for Joy and can’t wait until she can read it. There are also messages of love in it that are just awesome. Her other book, which I read an excerpt from 9 years ago has a line in it that is still with me to this day. I can’t wait until she releases it. You can find her at http://www.tanyamarielewis.com.
-Tee
Oh wow. Thanks
.-= Radiah´s last blog ..NEW REVIEW- Noire – Unzipped =-.
Tee C. Royal,
You are a jewel in the midst when it comes to encouraging and promoting authors. This is not the first time I’ve told you this, but there are great things in store for you. Stay the course! Watch. Wait. Pray!!!
I would like to know where Jamellah Ellis is these days. She is one of the sweetest people on the planet.
I loved This Side of the Sky by Elyse Singleton, I was ready to go on a read-a-thon and read all of her books. I was quickly disappointed when I couldn’t find anymore and was left to ponder why she didn’t write more books.
Jaime, she has a fan page on Facebook and she writes on it. Stop by and ask her what is up.
You’re one of the readers I recommended this to and I’ve yet to find anyone who didn’t like it. I’m not a “major” historical reader, but her book made me think twice about turning those reads down. Awesome, awesome look at friendship and coming-of-age.
I’m going to ask her to stop through too!
-Tee
@Tee – Yep, you did recommend this one to me and I’m forever grateful!!! She wrote with grace and embraced the main characters voices, so much so that I couldn’t put it down.
@Shai – Thanks for the info. I’m not apart of Facebook at the moment, but this is an incentive to make me bite the bullet and join…LOL!!!
Never heard of her. I’m off to visit my friend Google.
Criss, you will love it! I know your reading tastes.
I guess I missed that recommendation but I’m already at amazon looking at it and some others
Hey Tee.
I’ve been a gone a minute, but I haven’t stopped writing. So look for something from me in the future, promise!
Thanks for stopping by, Margaret! I’m so glad to hear you’re still writing and we can expect something soon. Do stay in touch.
Hi Tee!
I was actually waiting for you to post this
Timmothy McCann is one of mine on my list too. There are so many that I don’t know where to start. Here’s my list of other missing authors: Marcus Majors, Sheneska Jackson, Yolanda Joe, Valerie Wilson Wesley, Rosylin McMillan, Sterling Anthony, Barbara Neely, April Sinclair, Michelle Buckley, Benilde Little, Kahlisha Buchanon, Christopher Chambers, Patty Rice. Wow, just mentioning these names makes me a little sad.
Christopher Chambers is on Facebook too. Let me ask him to come over.
I sure hope some of these authors stop by.
Radiah, Rosylin McMillan has a new book coming out soon so be on the look out for it. I heard it is good.
.-= Shelia Goss´s last blog ..Read an eBook & Give at the Same Time =-.
Margaret is my fav one too.
Gloria Mallette had to go back and forth between being self-published to traditional. I love her books too bad some publishers just don’t get it and authors have to go through what she did.
Margaret has been self-publised for some time. Gloria went to self-publising because she was told by her publisher to put more sex in her books. This would have been a diservice to her fans.
I agree and am so glad she didn’t sacrifice her writing, morals, etc. and do it.
I am waiting on Gregory Townes to come back. I loved the Tribe and he is a great storyteller.
I agree and have read his second book. It was pretty good, too. He’s on Facebook…
Yeah, I have read some of Greg Towne’s other material and the man is one helluva writer. I wish he would publish more as well!
I just thought of somebody else: Janet Stevens Cook.
Girl, you are working it! She’s on Facebook too!
I know. I’m waiting for her second book in the lady in black series.
I thought Margaret Johnson Hodge just had a new book come out? But I do wonder why V. Anthony Rivers stopped writing. Timmothy McCann was really good. I wish he would come back!
Is it wrong of me to say I wish I could read more stuff by you too Gayle. I understand why you left and if you do come back, I’ll be sure to pick it up.
No, you’re not wrong. Not that you asked me. LOL!! She needs to come on back and shake off those negative things and do what she loves doing.
Who? Me? I’ve been having so much fun reading all the books that have been languishing on my bookshelves for so many years, that I actually haven’t had time to miss writing. I think I’m gun shy now. I’ve been burned three times, and as you know, third degree burns are the hardest to get over. Between publishers taking off and never paying me any money, to lackluster sales, to escalating debt trying to get somebody, ANYBODY to buy a book to cases of them sitting unopened in my basement, I had had enough. If the books were that good, somebody would have bought them. I appreciate all those who took the time and got some enjoyment out of them. It is more appreciated than you know. But it is usually word of mouth that sells books, and on that front, my readers must have been duck taped. LOL
I can understand what you’re saying/feeling here Gayle. In addition to word-of-mouth though, selling books doesn’t just stop there. Some authors are shy and not as in your face as others, pulling folks in, so the author also has to get out there and promote, market, etc. I know I’ve seen authors at an event sitting behind a table looking bored and that is simply not going to work. Getting burned can be bad — I’ve been there too with folks stealing ideas, concepts and more, but I tell you what I’ve learned… What’s for me will be mine and no one else can do it how God put it in me to do it. So, that’s what keeps me moving and doing what I feel I’m supposed to be doing.
As long as you don’t miss it or forever let it “hold you back”, that’s the important thing. Sometimes things come into our lives for just a season, so I can be okay with that. (Even though I may not like it. Especially when it comes to you not writing anymore. LOL!!)
-Tee
I tried the “in-your-face” approach. It didn’t feel right to me. Contrary to how I may appear, I’ve always been a shy, reserved person. I was terrified the first few times I had to do a reading. I had so much hope for my third title. If dreams and wishes were money, I’d be a rich woman! lol I would love to see Dancin’ In My Shoes come to life. It’s a good story. I haven’t worked on it in 2 yrs, but every now and then, the characters bother me and start yapping in my ear. But since there are no pimps, hoes, gold diggers, drug dealers or abusive men in the book, it would probably languish on the shelf with my other missing books. Ordinary people with extraordinary stories and flawed issues aren’t the books folks want to read. Unless I have a damn near naked woman on the cover. I fought hard for all of my covers. With the last book , I was amazed that more white women bought the book than black. A lot of black women actually said they wouldn’t buy it because it had a snake on it! WTH?? It’s a PICTURE, not a REAL snake. All I could do was shake my head. Once my tour was over, I was done. My father had died in April, and by October, I was just too overwhelmed with grief, with stress, with everything. Maybe once my 1000 days have passed (the time they say it takes to get over the death of a loved one), I’ll get back to it all. Or maybe when the literary scene turns around and folks are looking for something more in line with what I write.
We’ll be waiting, Gayle.
I loved V. Anthony Rivers book My Liife Is All I Have. He has a blog but he doesn’t mention anything about writing.
He’s around and also one of my favorites. I loved his original book, November Friend. I actually chatted with him via email a few days ago and he’s doing well, but not headed back to the literary scene for now. He has a completed book that is awesome. I’m hopeful he’ll come back and get it published soon.
He is wonderful photographer and writes on his blog. I stop by it from time to time.
I agree, Shai! I love love love his photographs too (and the words he uses to accompany them.) I especially loved the ones he did about growing up and the areas he visited during a summer trip home a few years back.
Tee, I want V Anthony’s book published so bad. The book is a classic yet to be published. I wish I had the money to publish it myself.
.-= Shelia Goss´s last blog ..Read an eBook & Give at the Same Time =-.
Sheila, me too! I’m working on him though and will pray my “you ready yet” messages are answered with a YES soon. I’m patient though. The good thing is I have it and can keep reading it. Bad for those who aren’t as lucky though. The book is so much more than just a simple fictional story. I could see it being the Roots of its time, but that’s just me. I’m biased and one of his biggest fans.
I am going to refer V Anthony to this post so he’ll know how much he’s missed. He’s a great storyteller. He does have a project out to showcase some of his other talents.Let me find the link and I’ll post it.
.-= Shelia Goss´s last blog ..Read an eBook & Give at the Same Time =-.
I just discovered that one of my faves has a new book out next May, ColinChanner. I cannot think of who I am missing, but I would love for Colin, Pearl Cleage and Diane McKinney Whetstone to write more often.
Be Peace!
angelia
.-= angelia´s last blog ..SHE FEELING MOTHER WITTY! =-.
I know that Diane teaches at the university level but I love her writing too.
.-= Radiah´s last blog ..NEW REVIEW- Noire – Unzipped =-.
Pearl Cleage is one of my favs too. I enjoy her voice!
I guess I’m wondering what happened to some of these people. Did they not get any other deals or did they get tired of the business? I don’t know but for some reason Sheneska Jackson and Michelle Buckley are two authors that just sticks out in my mind. It seems like they just fell of the face ot the earth. You can’t google them either.
.-= Radiah´s last blog ..NEW REVIEW- Noire – Unzipped =-.
Radiah, I’m trying to keep up with you in between calls and work…lol, but I think it’s a bit of both.
LOL! It’s been slow all day at work. Can’t you tell LOL! One more person and that’s it: Khadeja Shapodee. She wrote Written In Red Ink.
I saw something about her a few weeks ago!! I’ll list some others below…
Oh ok. I spelled her name wrong : Kieja Shapodee
Oh yes, and Benilde Little, her brother Marc attends my church and he told me two years ago she was working on something new…still waiting…
angelia
.-= angelia´s last blog ..SHE FEELING MOTHER WITTY! =-.
I hope she’s still working on it. I have Colin Channer’s books and have only got through half of his first one. But I liked what I read
Another person is Camika Spencer. I loved her writing too.
.-= Radiah´s last blog ..NEW REVIEW- Noire – Unzipped =-.
Radiah…I have all of Colin’s books but haven’t read any of them yet. He’s on my list to check out. I think he has a book coming out soon, too. I’ll check.
I found Camika Spencer!! Here’s the link: http://www.jonathantylermusic.com/member/i/1180926/
.-= Radiah´s last blog ..NEW REVIEW- Noire – Unzipped =-.
I was in touch with her a while last year. Remember the Women’s Murder Club TV series? She was a writer on that…
Oh ok. I remember that but I didn’t get to watch it.
Thanks so much Shai for your compliment. Photography is definitely a passion of mine and I can remember when Tee told me, try to tell a story with the images you capture or something to that affect. She may not remember that but in an indirect way, she inspired me to continue following what was always more like a subliminal passion for me…lol.. I’ve been in heaven ever since with respect to that sort of creativity. Thanks as well to Radiah for the mention of “My Life Is All I Have.” During the time that I wrote it, that was one of my favorite stories whereby my imagination really took off and I sort of married imagination with friends and families personal experiences/personalities moreso than any story I’ve ever written before. Funny thing, I even wrote a sequel that’s a little more than halfway done but then I put it down and never got back to it. Life gets in the way sometimes, which for me can be both a curse and a blessing. I took a wrong turn backwards in the direction of someone I shouldn’t have but in the end turned out to be my most powerful life lesson learned. One of those things that rocks your world so tough that you indeed come to grips with what real true love and humility is all about. I figure everything will eventually come out through my various forms of creativity, so ya never know..
Plus the lesson gave me preparation for when I had to deal with watching my mother lose her year long battle with to stomach cancer.
I want to say thank you to Tee for always reaching out with a hello and checking on me. I really appreciate it and I’m beyond honored to have been mentioned in the “where are they now” column. LOL… too bad you don’t run VH-1 so you could turn this into a cable TV segment though I’d be more tuned into the Timothy McCann as he was truly one of my favorites along with Tracy Price Thompson and Bernice McFadden. In the case of Timothy, I can remember reaching out to him with an email during the time my first book came out. He responded with the most positive encouragement and I’m forever grateful for that. I would love to see him “comeback” though I understand if he doesn’t as journeys take us in directions that may not always be about what others wish to see. But of course, it doesn’t mean the writing has stopped.
It’s always there and perhaps expressed in other ways. And then as my grandmother Senora used to say, sometimes you just need to listen and think for a while or better yet, just wait ’cause your heart is very truthful… Thanks again Tee. Special hello to Gayle. We go way way way back dont we! lol.. Time is so amazing… Peace..
.-= V. Anthony Rivers´s last blog ..What a wonderful thing =-.
Awww, well you know I’m here and ready when you are! Your words are as heartfelt and beautiful as ever. Guess I’m going to need to hang out at your blog more, huh? I’m not worried though about the writing, because I know things and I know V. Anthony Rivers, the writer, will be back.
V. Anthony I have been waiting on you next book also. MY LIFE IS ALL I HAVE is among my top 100 best reads. I wear my tee-shirt with pride.
Hey, Ant!! I used to call you my baby Bro. Lord, I miss you and our in-depth emails!! However, your photography is amazing. You really need to come over to facebook. I hope one day you will publish that fantastiic last book you wrote. It is a jewel and needs to be shared. I miss you, still love ya, and COME BACK!
Toni B,
You are too kind and I’m honored to be on your list. That’s pretty cool. I also still get a lot of really nice reaction about my short story in the Love Is Never Painless anthology. Most of the readers now seem to be very young so it’s kind of weird in a positive way that they’re emailing me and telling me that they hope they can make the right decisions in their relationships. First I’m thinking, RELATIONSHIPS???
And then I feel honored because they picked out something positive from a story that was originally inspired by negative feelings I had about love. But the cool thing about writing regardless of being published or not is that at least for me, I can write a story and workout a problem, a feeling or emotion and totally change my outlook by the end.
By the way, thank you Toni B. in reference to the t-shirt as well…lol.. I still have a couple in my drawer. Those were fun shirts but feels like so long ago when I was giving those away.
Gayle: I love my freedom from Facebook so I’ve yet to join. As I say to everyone that inquires or suggests, “maybe one day…” The photography was and has been my saviour. It’s a long story but my camera brought me back to life. It was motivation to get back to living and appreciating life… Good to see and feel your spirit again…
Tee, thanks for thinking of me
This is Hunter Hayes, and I certainly think I qualify as one of those Authors that seemed to disappear into thin air. I penned two novels that you might remember, Shoes On The Otha’ Foot and A Pair Like No Otha. I originally self published and then got picked up by a major publisher. It was a great accomplishment and as a writer, I felt like I was at an all time high. Maybe too high—I think somewhere along the way I got caught up in the hype of being the writer who actually got the book deal. I forgot what I was doing it all for—It was supposed to be about the love of writing and not just the love of Hunter. It took a long time for me to get that concept. I had to do lots of living and learning. But I’m back with a new perspective and thankful for every accomplishment; big or small. One accomplishment is that at least I DID get it—some people never do.
I’m so glad you’re back Hunter
Radiah, why do y u have me feel ing misty-eyed? Thank you.
You are so right there, Hunter! Thanks for stopping by and welcome back to the scene. I sent your book information out on our Fan page and groups last week. Got some comments too on that title. LOL!!
Good looking out Tee
I appreciate you and all that you do!
You all have mentioned a lot of the authors I miss so I’m not going to rename them. One of my favorites is Diane Mckinney-Whetstone. I still remember the first time I read Tumbling. Others are Tina McElroy Ansa, Denise Nicholas, and Lalita Tademy to name a few.
and
Andrea Smith and Benilde Little
Tina started her own publishing company and put out a book (or maybe two), I’ll have to check and yeah, I know many folks who loved Tumbling. I have it but never read it. I think Andrea Smith may be on Facebook too. I’ll see what I can dig up on her and the others.
-Tee
What happened to Delores Phillips after The Darkest Child and Rosalyn Williams, Twist of Fate?
Lareeta, I’m not sure but I will see what I can find out.
It’s funny you guys mention Marcus Major a friend of mine calls me up and gets to asking for reading recommendation and when I asked him the kind of reads he usually reads he starts talking Dan Brown and that genre. I was like hmmm I gotta hit Tee up but then he surprises me and says I want something quick witty and funny and about men our complexion the first person to pop in mind was Marcus Major Good Peoples & 4 Guys & Trouble. I had to look again when I realize Marcus hasn’t dropped a book in a minute. But hey if anyone here’s from him tell him we’d love to have more. I know who else I want to hear from Mr. TL Gardner I know he lurking but I need more of his series cause the first one Demon Hunter was hot
LOL @ Missy! TL Gardner is another exceptional author and thankfully he’s still writing. There is a 3rd book to the Demon Hunter series which is pretty good and he has a few other things completed–in various genres. He’ll be back though and I can’t wait because he is really talented and one of the authors I think who should already be on the bestseller lists. But don’t get me started… Sigh!
Hey guys, glad to see I was thought of. Let me see if I can explain my lurking status in a way that wont offend anyone. I write what I write, its not what everyone wants to read, but I enjoy writing it. I am not going to fluff every other page of a novel with sex, drugs, and violence. If its called for and fits within the story as its being told, then perhaps. The temptation to do just that led me down some wasteful roads and I have to thank one of you here for pointing out to me that, “This ain’t TL Gardner.” I have not disappeared, I continue to write, working on several projects at a time, while also hoping that a few of my favorite titles somehow gets to the world on a larger scale…HELLO MICHELL MCGRIFF…. THE LEGEND OF MORNING…. oh, sorry, didn’t mean to shout… Other than that, I feel its tough being a black author writing in the genres that I love to create in. The Demon Hunter series I believe got a bad spin from the very beginning. Its about one man’s faith in God and the temptations the devil can throw at you, add a few explosions, angelic strength, a little romance and you got a perfect novel! But all I ever heard was….” Oh I ain’t readin bout no demons…” That was kinda depressing, but I’ll be ok. I’m looking forward to reclaiming the spotlight one day.
No offense here…other than the whole “ain’t” thing…LOL!! But, you keep doing what you’re doing and you WILL be in the spotlight soon. There’s a place for books like The Demon Hunter series, but you know what I think so I won’t go on and on. The Legend of Morning remains one of my favorite books EVER and I read that what 5-6 years ago? You just keep writing and your blessings will rain down upon you. I am looking forward to reading all of your new projects AND seeing them on the bookshelves, bestseller lists, major magazines, on and on.
-Tee
Tee,
I know but TL knows how I feel. He knows I don’t like waiting to long between books. I’ve gotten sneak peeks at the additional books but I need my own signed copy. That’s just that love thing.
~Missy
@Missy… I agree with you 100%. A lot of new authors are satisfied with getting that first publisher. In hindsight I wish I would have waited. And thats all I’m going to say on the matter without my attorney present. =P
TL – you KNOW I know what you mean about bad publishers! Whew! But you articulated exactly what I have been feeling about writing. People always say, never judge a book by it’s cover. Yeah, well, with my last one, that was exactly what they did. I LOVED the cover that Barron Stewart created for me. Loved it. But I had people who wouldn’t even pick it up to turn it over to read the back because it had a snake on the front! And there were always, always, always Black, and almost always women. I thought that was the silliest thing. I sold more copies of my last book to nonblacks than ever before. Borders had their books, as you know, in groups. But since I had no people on the cover and no picture of myself on the back, nine times out of ten, my book was placed in the general (read white) section of the store until I came in for a signing. Then they were amazed that I was the person who wrote the book. And I did that on purpose. I wanted to have an opportunity to get some cross over appeal. But then they would shuffle them all to the AA lit section and next thing you know, they all would be returned to Lightning Source. Next time I’ll hire a white person to sign for me. LOL
A few more folks I meant to mention but ran out of time yesterday are: Slim Lambright (The Justus Girls), Lolita Files (though I did see her on program for an event coming up), Tracy Price Thompson (she’s not really gone per se, I just want her to write more books–love her writing), Yolanda Joe, Franklin White (who has a new YA book out), Kimberly Wilson, Laurie Gilbert, Linda Dominique Grosvenor, Steven Barnes, Renee Swindle (loved her book Please, Please Please), Venise Berry (who I met a few weeks ago at an event), Gary Hardwick (he has a new book coming out, but I want him to carry on with his spec fiction series he started with Sex Life), Karen Quinones-Miller (she’s agenting now and co-wrote a non-fiction book a few years back), Denise Campbell, JDaniels, Robert Fleming (though I know he’s doing some stuff under a pen name), Keith Lee Johnson (he’s doing the Little Girl Lost series, but I wanna see more of his thrillers like Sugar & Spice. It was awesome and though I hate comparing authors, I called him the Black James Patterson. LOL…sorry, but folks knew what I meant when I said it.)
See, I can go on and on… Oh…Valorie Taylor (she wrote Secrets of Gingerbread Men) and Robert Anderson (Finding Salliq) — they were both with a publishing company no longer in business, but I enjoyed their books.
Quite a few of these folks are on FB, so I’ve been able to kinda keep in touch with them, but I’m hopeful we’ll see their work back on the shelves and SOON!
Enough from me…lol!!
-Tee
Linda Dominique Grosvenor is working on non-fiction right now. The Plural Thing is a book about dating in a Godly way.
Tee, I agree I want to see more books from writers. I do notice though, some authors are putting out books fast and losing their quality. I think that would be a good topic to discuss about the quality of writing and frequency of putting out books. Just a thought.
Shai, thanks sis! I’ve caught Dominique here and there on Facebook and knew about The Plural Thing, but that one is at least 3-4 years old now as I bought it when it first came out as an ebook.
And I agree with you on rushing books out. I’d rather wait 2-3 years on a great book than to get one every six months that’s thrown together. And see, that’s another thing that annoys me. I’ve read books that were NOT GOOD, yet they were published and yet I have a book that’s awesome and the author gets rejected. Sigh! I remain hopeful though.
Tee-
Renee Swindle is on Facebook too.She’s also a member of this group of authors called The Finish Party: http://www.finishparty.com
I met Venise Berry years ago and she was supposed to come out with a sequel to her first book. I’m going to see Yolanda Joe at the Book Clubs Unite in Chicago next week. I will ask her what’s up then. LOL
.-= Radiah´s last blog ..THE STORY BEHIND THE STORY – Author Allison Hobbs discusses Stealing Candy =-.
Okay Radiah, you’re just showing off now. LOL!! But seriously, you are the BOMB! I had not heard of this group and when looking at the list, a LOT of them should’ve been on the where are they now list. I’m going to have to get them to come chat with us!! I’m on it…
Here’s my list. Some have been mentioned already:
Benilde Little
Alexs D. Pate
Brian Keith Jackson
Nicole Bailey Williams
Delores Phillips
Pamela Thomas-Graham
Paula L. Woods
Yolanda Joe
Valerie Wilson Wesley
Sheneska Jackson
Elyse Singleton
Slim Lambright
Michael Baptiste
Bertice Berry
Franklin White
C. Kelly Robinson
Danyel Smith
Patricia Jones
Jaqueline Jones LeMon
Linda Dominique Grosvenor
V. Anthony Rivers
Gammy Singer
OMG…you have a great list, Candace and have a few I had forgotten about. Thanks girl. When I get some time, I’m going to have to look for a few of them.
Tee, add Felicia Mason to that list I loved her writings
V Anthony Rivers – Random Discoveries: Stolen Moments in the Philippines: http://sheliagoss.com/2010/05/28/random-discoveries-stolen-moments-in-the-philippines-by-v-anthony-rivers/
.-= Shelia Goss´s last blog ..Read an eBook & Give at the Same Time =-.
Honestly I can’t think of any specific author I just feel like I am missing something I used to get from my AA fiction. Everything seems to be blending together. Very few of our authors seem to be writing outside of the box even in the genres they are comfortable with. I feel like those that are out have found a comfort zone and have just stopped there and I find myself branching out. Branching out has been good for me however. Though I have found myself reading less AA autthor I have found more variety in my reading. Still I want more. Sue me a good book is like crack I gotta have it.
DD, I agree with this to some extent. Thankfully, I organize a great review team and we get in lots of books that I wouldn’t otherwise have heard of, so I get to see the “out the box” stuff as it comes in. Plus, I’ve gotten queries in that were like WOW! I don’t see myself branching out simply because I have so many books I want to read that I just haven’t had time, but I just think that more readers will continue to feel the way you do if the major publishers don’t put out some of these awesome books…take a chance! Even better, Ms Oprah, Denzel, Queen Latifah, Wendy Williams, Mo’Nique and all you rich celebrities out there, give Lit Diva Tee a call and let me tell you about some of these great books and authors so you can help us get the word out.
You know what makes me sad when you hear about writers not writing because “it’s not what people want to read” Shoot who in the heck are they talking to? It’s definitely not me and from the looks of it not a lot of people posting here. I’m hope I’m not offending anybody but dang it I want some quality books to read and everyone listed as MIA were quality writers who took your places in their books that you never thought about. They wrote stories that left you with a message, whether they were trying to or not and that’s what I miss. I know people read for entertainment but sometimes you need unintended enlightenment.
Ok I’m going to step off my soapbox now and go read This Side of the Sky.
I’ve tried to think of authors who I’m truly missing on the scene and couldn’t…
But what I will say is this, I do miss having a choice of really, really good books on the shelf that make me laugh, cry, cuss, and do everything else. While there are some terrific books and good authors out there, I have to say that as a reader first–and author second–I would love to have more of a selection of curl up in the bed-don’t nobody say nothin’ to me-sippin’ me a glass of wine–books!
LOL…you and a lot of folks, Tu-Shonda! Better yet, I just want the time to curl up with the ones I have. LOL! Thanks so much for stopping through. I’m going to link to the 3 Chicks on Lit Show where the topic was on a lot of these authors missing on the scene.
Hi Tee,
Thanks for the shout out!
I miss Jamellah Ellis, is she still around?
~Tanya
I haven’t seen anything about her in a while, Tanya. I’ll add her to my list to check out though.
-Tee