We Have Already Won

RAWSISTAZ is up for Book Club of the Year in the African-American Literary Awards Show and I will admit, it’s pretty cool to be nominated for an award by a group of your peers, members and others for the very thing you have a passion for doing.  But, is it necessary? No? Not really. Earlier in the week, I posted to our groups: RAWSISTAZ is up for Book Club of the Year…This is our 10 Year Anniversary and anyone who says we aren’t deserving of this award, as one of the few book clubs that has been around for 10 years, starting one of (if not the first) organized review teams to promote... 

Missing on the Literary Scene

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... 

30 Books in 90 Days Challenge 2010 (Written Mag)

Ready to get your READ on? Many of you participated in our Holiday Reading Challenge, the E-Book Reading Challenge, and even the 30 Books in 90 Days Reading Challenge of 2009, presented by Written Magazine.  Well, today is the kick-off of Written Magazine’s annual reading challenge (30 Books in 90 Days) which will run June 27th-September 27th. This is the 2nd year RAWSISTAZ online members, reviewers and local chapters have participated.  While yours truly didn’t get in the 30 books last year, I do plan to give it another go this year. I ain’t scared!! To keep up with our RAWSISTAZ... 

Clarifications on The RAW Affair 2010

Originally posted May 25th via Facebook in an effort to clarify confusion regarding author participation at our annual event. The 10-Year Anniversary Celebration of RAWSISTAZ is scheduled for October 1-3, 2010 and it is our 8th Annual Event which we will hold in Atlanta, GA. We are celebrating, right? Well, if one more person asks “why wasn’t I invited to the event?” I’ma have to simply stop replying. Technically, I only INVITE the keynotes to our event and everyone else I TELL ABOUT it and hope they can attend. I am not slighting you, or you, or you. I merely don’t... 

Call for Reviewers – Spring 2010

It’s that time again and RAWSISTAZ is looking for avid readers who want to share their thoughts & opinions on books read. Want to review for RAWSISTAZ? We’re in need of quick readers who can read and write reviews in the given deadline (2 weeks or less) and are open to feedback from our staff.  You should also be an avid reader and read least 3 to 5 books a month (not that you’ll have to review this many–unless you want to), and lastly, you must answer email promptly. ** This is not a paid position, but books are supplied and your byline is on all reviews. Can you... 

Let’s Talk: Writing Tips (from readers & writers)

Readers, what tips would you like to share with writers?  Writers, what tips would you like to share with other writers? This includes newbie writers in addition to the veterans. In one of the RAW Groups, we did Tuesday Tips for Writers earlier this week and a lot of wonderful, wonderful tips were shared.  Since I haven’t gotten permission to post tips from others here, I wanted to extend the offer to those who would like to add to the list. Here are some of mine: - Always follow directions — Nothing annoys people more than to get a reply saying “go to my website”... 

Yolanda Johnson-Bryant and Literary Wonders! (Lit Spotlight)

Yolanda is one of our members and a staunch supporter of writers, so we’re glad to spotlight her on RAWSISTAZ today.  I’ve shared a lot of laughs with Yolanda and also quite a few conversations on the many things in the industry that concern not just us, but the market as a whole.  With organizations like Literary Wonders! surely we can continue to make a change in the African-American literary market and beyond. Be sure to also check out her articles here on the site: Articles by Yolanda Johnson-Bryant. RAWSISTAZ Interview – Winter 2010 Interviewed by Tee C. Royal RAW:... 

Heard It All Before by Michele Grant (Book Review)

Reviewed: Feb 28, 2010 Heard It All Before by Michele Grant Dafina Books, January 2010 320 Pages, Paperback, $14.00 ISBN: 0758242190 Genre: Street Fiction RAW Rating: 4.0 (out of 5) After successful suburbanite, Jewellen Capwell and her ex-fiance went their separate ways two years ago, she couldn’t wait to get back into the dating scene. However, she quickly learns dating can be emotionally draining. Jewellen has heard it all before; the games and lies from the men she’s dated. When her best friend Renee invites Jewellen to attend a basketball game on the Southside, she is reluctant... 

Amazon, Publishing & Popcorn

I’m sorry (okay, no I’m not), but I need a nice comfy spot and a bag of popcorn.  I am one of the biggest advocates you’ll find for all things literary; especially when it comes to African-American books & authors, but the last few weeks have taken me over the edge. The literary industry is REALLY going through some things and either I’m left in awe with my mouth hanging open, or I’m pissed the hell off or I’m ready to grab a bag of popcorn and just watch it all, because truly it’s just a movie or something and I simply don’t realize it. It... 

On No They Didn’t… Tee Speaks Out on BIB

**My apologies, but I didn’t know the Blogging in Black site would be down for maintenance today, so for those who have emailed me, I have updated this post to include the entire article. So, feel free to comment here if the BIB site isn’t up.** For those who know me, you know I try to steer toward the positivity in things, stay away from drama, and do my absolute best in everything I do.  I am the same with my family, with friends, and with business.  I’m passionate about the literary industry and also when it comes to raising my children.  Sometimes though, I just... 

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