Since we have members in the various time zones, we will have today’s chat open for a block of time so folks can come in and share their thoughts, and then ReShonda & Victoria will be joining us at 4-5 pm EST.  You can to subscribe to this post (below in the comments area) so you’ll be alerted when they respond.

Now that everyone has had time to read the book, it’s time to discuss it and pick a team.  Are you Team Jasmine or Team Rachel??

CAST YOUR VOTE!!!

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

From the Authors:

**scroll down to the comment section to join the chat already in progress**

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lena Hunter is not under the influence of drugs, nor is she out of her mind when she aims a pistol at her grandmother’s heart and seals her fate by pulling the trigger. She might very well think about her actions later and wish that she had done things differently, but the fact that the old woman is dead is her one true victory. Through eight mind-numbing years of imprisonment, it is the only thing that makes any sense to her, the only thing that makes it all worthwhile.
Too many years of sharing a tragic past makes Lena and her sister Victoria closer than close, and together they are strong enough to stand up to their grandmother when the time comes. Together, they have the strength to refuse their grandmother’s one constant and sickening request, which is for them to be quiet “good girls.” They find the courage to move on and carve out lives for themselves. Vicky is a successful nurse practitioner and Lena is a computer geek and the mother of a perfect six-year-old little girl. Carrying family secrets around on her own shoulders is one thing, but the prospect of the load being shifted onto her daughter’s innocent shoulders is quite another. The mere thought of it is what ultimately sends Lena rushing over to her grandmother’s house with a loaded pistol—an act that changes her life for better, for worse, and forever.

Author Terra Little challenges those brave enough to step inside of Lena’s world to answer one burning question: What would you have done?

TERRA SPEAKS

I took a lot of risks, or so I’ve been told, in writing this story, but it’s always been

my intent as an author to write stories that touch people in some way and inspire thought. So if a story that I’ve written makes you laugh, cry, scream and cuss, or shake your head, I feel like, in some way, I’ve done what I set out to do. In writing JUMP, I wan

ted to put the spotlight on what it’s like being a woman, a prison inmate, and a member of a truly dysfunctional family, and, though this is a purely fictional story, I tried to stay as close to reality as possible. For you, that might mean

that as you read you’ll experience new, uncomfortable, and/or exhilarating emotions. And you might find yourself thinking in ways that you’ve never thought before, considering scenarios that never before crossed your mind.
I hope so.

But most of all, I hope that you get to know Lena and come to some kind of understanding with her. I hope that her story grips you and shakes you until it’s time to part ways. I hope that her story stays with you long after you’re done reading. And I hope that your book club has a lively, fascinating and controversial discussion about Lena, her life and her legacy.

AUTHOR BIO:
Terra’s rapidly expanding body of work refuses to be bound by a single genre, as she continues to pen novels that appeal to audiences across the reading continuum. With more storylines in the works and upcoming titles scheduled for release, Terra plans to continue carving out a place for herself among the literati and in the hearts of book lovers everywhere.

STAY CONNECTED:
http://www.terralittle.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Terra-Little/182610865123881
http://www.twitter.com/Terra_Little

The chat will start at Noon EST and run throughout the remainder of the day, so please stop through as your time allows and hang out with us.  Don’t have the book yet?  Get a copy of Snapped now!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

To Merlin Mills, his family ceased to exist when his father turned his back on him, and he had to make some drastic changes in order to survive. Now, nine years later, his family is back, and their existence threatens his once stable relationship with his new wife. If Merlin wants to hold on to her, he must face the demons he’s conveniently forgotten and put them in their proper perspective. Can he undo the damage caused by his omission, or will he snap under the pressure?

Gavin Mills always despised his twin brother, but now the fact that they are mirror images might work to his advantage. When Gavin gets a taste of Merlin’s wife, he decides he has to have her, no matter the consequences.Gina Meadows took in the children of her common law husband, Ronald, mainly because she feels guilty that she is unable to conceive. Imagine her surprise when she discovers she’s pregnant. It could be just the thing she and Ronald need to rekindle their relationship . . . or it could spell disaster. With so many demons still plaguing them, this family reunion will be anything but easy.

For more information about Tina and her books, visit her website at http://taboopublishing.com.

I’ve mentioned it several times, but this is the first time we’ve ever requested all our chapters read the same book.  A special thanks to Rockelle Henderson & Harper for working with us to make this possible.  RAWSISTAZ Chapters will be doing this for the 1st month of every quarter, so stay tuned for more or to check out our monthly themes for 2011.

Also check out:  More details on the book & Tionna’s appearance on the Today Show.

For a quick recap of the Twitter Party/Chat Tuesday, see below.  The full transcript will be available soon!

Please note that this post will be open for at least another week.  Sooooo, I’m looking forward to ALL those who read it sharing their thoughts.

Now come on! Girl, get your chat on.  LOL…

CHAT HIGHLIGHTS

rawsistaz::	TionnaSmalls, let’s start with you… Sum up Tionna in 10 words or less #blackbookchats
tionnasmalls:	Tionna Smalls is a young, motivated lady from brooklyn. Im the definition of real and example of hard work #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	you have definitely set an example of hard work and getting your message/platform out. #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	Can you share with those who do not know how you got your start? I remember you from the Gawker days. #blackbookchats
tionnasmalls:	I quit my job and decided to be a writer/love coach. I got my first gig at gawker and then career took off #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	tionnasmalls, congrats to you! This is the first time our chapters have read the same book… #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	So girl…let’s get our chat on. Let’s start the discussion. #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	First up…favorite rules? Why? #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	Tionna, share your favorite rule with us too. #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	Don’t everyone jump in at once now… How about Learn How To Use The Word No! ?? That’s a good one… #blackbookchats
femme40:	Rule #9 Stop Comparing Yourself to Her. #blackbookchats w/ TionnaSmalls
hdmurphy:	#15, sis. Don’t lose your friends, honey! #blackbookchats
LindaChavis:	I would have to say rule #18 “Know When He Doesnt Want You”. Too many women dont learn that. #blackbookchats
rainadana40:	one of my favorite rules was know when he doesn’t want you #blackbookchats
dkshine:	rule 11, attitude is everything…because it applies to everything not just relationships #blackbookchats
shawneda:	#17-18 seen too many sistahs without a clue.
rawsistaz:	Now for those of y’all getting the sneak peek inside the tips, be sure to grab the book to get Tionna’s full spill. LOL! #blackbookchats
femme40:	Rule #9 Stop Comparing Yourself to Her. #blackbookchats w/ TionnaSmalls /Like! U dont kno what she went thru 2 b where she is.
jevonbolden:	Like! U dont kno what she went thru 2 b where she is.
rawsistaz:	TionnaSmalls, some of the feedback I saw was the book was too much common sense stuff, but ummm…some folks are lacking. #blackbookchats
rainadana40:	another good rule is know what a good man looks like #blackbookchats
femme40:	Q: TionnaSmalls Do u think more women will pay attention bcuz you’ve written the book as rules? #blackbookchats
tionnasmalls:	I think that they will listen more bc of the voice the book is written in. Rules don’t matter to some. #blackbookchats
tionnasmalls:	lots of people are lacking common sense and yes the book is written totally in common sense #blackbookchats
hdmurphy:	Q: tionnasmalls Is your book directed towards a certain age group, or all women in general? #blackbookchats
tionnasmalls:	I think all women could read #ggymr bc all women go through these issues even women my moms age. So all ages! #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	Common sense ain’t so common. LOL Just saying
rawsistaz:	Exactly! As long as the message reaches those needed. #blackbookchats
tionnasmalls:	I get a lot of compliments about my tell like it is writing. Honestly that’s the only way I write. I’m unique lol #blackbookchats
tionnasmalls:	my favorite rule was don’t lose it all for love. #blackbookchats
YesDadaReads:	I have to agree with the don’t lose yourself rule too. It’s so easy to do. Especially when u have kids. #blackbookchats
tionnasmalls:	@rawsistaz any other confessions or gripes about the book ladies? Let’s discuss lol #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	Aw Tionna, it wasn’t a gripe, just letting you know even w/some of the language I didn’t know, I got the msg #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	And you’ve done a great job of locking in on your target market (and those who keep reading). #blackbookchats
tionnasmalls:	yes I can understand that some of the ebonic usage or creative language could make someone confused. #blackbookchats
femme40:	Q. TionnaSmalls Can you give a little explanation of “the mind wrecker?” #blackbookchats Girl Get Your Mind Right
femme40:	LOL! I think a lot of us could have used Rule #2. Maybe we can help the kiddies with this book. #blackbookchats
tionnasmalls:	mind wrecker is a manipulator, liar, or lame person who tries to play games with ur psyche #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	Q: What rule didn’t you add that you would add to the book now? #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	LOVE IT–>RT dmarbury: Hmphf, we have the whoever gets home first rule; sometimes I make a stop to insure dinner is cooked. #blackbookchats
authordlsparks:	My rule would be: You teach people how to treat you, so watch your actions. #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	What about y’all ladies? If you could add a rule, what would you add? #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	I liked whoever said not to tell your girls your business! But, I want to add, YOUR MAMA either. LOL!! #blackbookchats
Deltareviewer:	My rule would be no false advertising #blackbookchats
dmarbury:	My rule — love and pride don’t mix well #blackbookchats
LindaChavis	My rule: “relax..dont rush if its meant to be..it will be”
rawsistaz:	A special thanks to you TionnaSmalls and to femme40 and HarperCollins. #blackbookchats
femme40:	RT femme40: Thank you!!!
rawsistaz:	If you don’t have the book yet, please pick up a copy at http://amzn.to/gXHpxS. It just came out last month. #blackbookchats
rawsistaz:	For those who prefer the electronic version, it’s available on Kindle too http://amzn.to/e35vpI. #blackbookchats

Okay…let’s get going with the discussion!

If there are any problems via Twitter, we will immediately move the chat here, via this post (in the comments section).  Feel free to post your questions.

TIONNA SPEAKS VIA THE TODAY SHOW

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tionna Tee Smalls, star of the VH1 reality show What Chilli Wants, brings her straight up relationship expertise and no bull attitude to women everywhere in Girl, Get Your Mind Right—offering tell-it-like-it-is advice your love life has been missing. The flip side of Steve Harvey’s blockbuster bestseller Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, Tionna’s Girl, Get Your Mind Right is the book that every woman needs.

After losing herself too many times to the wrong man—after watching too many friends suffer from the lies and games of “mind wrecking” males—Tionna Tee Smalls started the “Girl, Get Your Mind Right” movement. Her goal is to help every woman find the right man—no more settling and no more nights alone. Tionna says it’s time for you to stop blaming yourselves for your toxic love lives and take a deep, hard look at why you’re attracting the wrong men in the first place.

Gathering together all the good advice that made her a star on VH1′s What Chilli Wants, Tionna Tee Smalls sugar-coats nothing, pulls no punches, and tells women how it really is. Girl, Get Your Mind Right will show you the correct ways to deal with every man who worms his way into your heart—from the broke cheater all the way up to Mr. Right.

Got a question or want to share your favorite rule from the book?  Feel free to do it below.

**If you run into any problems tonight, send a tweet to @rawsistaz and I’ll do my best to walk you through any problems, but do try to test it out a bit early.  If you’re attending and already set up, pls take a minute to send a quick tweet using @rawsistaz, @blackbookchats  and/or #blackbookchats so I can follow you.

Twitter Chat w/Tionna Tee Smalls to discuss Girl, Get Your Mind Right is tonight at 8:30PM EST (Quick Link).  If there are ANY problems, we will move the chat IMMEDIATELY to the RAW Site in the Black Book Chats section (Quick Link)

For those who can’t make the Twitter Chat, don’t/won’t do Twitter, you can join us via the site starting Thursday at noon and it will be up the remainder of the week (and after) for you to participate.  The link will go live after tonight’s chat, for those who want to jump in early.

Twitter Tips for Black Book Chats w/RAWSISTAZ

For those not familiar with Twitter or who missed the Twitter 101 classes via the main group we held last Fall, I have a quick guide below to help you make the best of our Black Book Chats and Parties being held via Twitter.

Step 1 – You’ll need to sign up for a Twitter account at www.twitter.com.  It’s free and I would suggest you use a name that will make you recognizable to other members.  You can find RAWSISTAZ under @rawsistaz and @blackbookchats.

Step 2 – Set up your account and update your profile.  Please keep in mind that if you make your account private, we will NOT be able to see you in the chat.

Step 3 – You’ll want to look around Twitter, check out how things work and send a few test tweets.  (Your messages or status updates are called tweets).  The one thing to keep in mind is that you only have 140 characters to share your thoughts and other comments.  Yeah, I know, this is my biggest struggle w/Twitter.  LOL!! I’m a wordy-lit-diva.

Be sure to follow us and send a shout-out to us by typing something like: “@rawsistaz, we’re following you to stay IN THE KNOW with Black books, authors, & events.”

**When you type in @ and a person’s acct name, it will automatically put your message in their stream.

Step 4 – The hashtag for most of our chats is #blackbookchats. A hashtag is basically what identifies the topic/chat and the # symbol is used in front of it.  To participate in a twitter chat/party, you must use the hashtag given or you will not show up in the chat stream, various 3rd party tools (like Tweetdeck & Tweetchat) or searches. Your tweets will be out there, but may not be seen by the organizer and other attendees.

Step 5 – Now that you have the basics, it’s time to chat.  The easiest way to chat is to use one of the 3rd party tools I mentioned above like Tweetdeck or Tweetchat.com. What these do is allow you to log into Twitter via their platform so you can focus on only the tweets which have to do with the #hashtag you’ve indicated. Or you can use links like the ones below which have been set up already and automatically puts the hashtag in for you in all your tweets.

http://www.twebevent.com/blackbookchats or  http://www.tweetchat.com/room/blackbookchats

That’s it! Feel free to share your twitter names below so we can follow you!!

*Please note that everyone who is following you (and the hashtag) will receive ALL the tweets you send out via the chat room.  So, it can be a lot if you’re heavily participating in the discussion.

ABOUT THE BOOK

ZEN COOPER is known for being, different, smart, a genius even. She also lives in a precarious situation, with a mother she adores but who she isn’t sure loves her. However, her faith, books, photography and guardian angel, named ‘Crazy Charlie’ are enough to keep her smiling. But, there is so much for her to know and discover and nothing and no one will be able to stop the child from becoming a woman, and the genius from feeling the pain life offers.

-

-

BOOK TRAILER

AN EXCERPT

Several weeks later Zen walked into the house and immediately her mom slapped her. Grabbing her face, she had to swallow down tears and rage. She also had to force herself not to hit back. That was her mother. She didn’t say a word.

“You are so ungrateful, I work my butt off so you can have a good life and the thanks I get is finding you have been lying to me about how much you make…”

Zen remained quiet. She knew someone had gone through her things. She knew it wasn’t her mother, one thing her mom didn’t do is snoop. It must have been Alice. The last few weeks had been very tense between Alice and Zen. Frieda had pretended not to notice but she was worried. She was also worried about the way Frieda’s eyes followed her daughter’s every move, when she thought no one was looking.

“I want ten dollars a week…”

“No ma’am…” Zen was as surprised at her words and her mother was.

“What did you say to me?”

“I said, no ma’am. Mama I take care of all my own needs all you do is put a roof over my head and let me eat and sleep here. I buy all my own clothes, pay my own lunches, I pay for everything. Mama, I won’t do it. Does Frieda pay you to eat and stay here?”

The words hit Frieda hard. She advanced towards her daughter, but, something told her not to hit her ever again. The look in Zen’s eyes was sure and steady. Frieda walked into her room, immediately she was back with 300 hundred dollars in her hand. She threw it at Zen.

“I don’t need your little five dollars, but as soon as you turn eighteen…”

“I will be gone for two years by then…”

Excerpt from Zen Cooper Woman-Child Ghetto-Genius
For use by RAWSISTAZ Literary Group

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Waverly Sloan is a down-on-his-luck lawyer. But just when he’s about to hit rock bottom, he stumbles upon a business with the potential to solve all of his problems.

In Waverly’s new line of work, he comes to the aid of people in desperate need of cash. But there’s a catch. His clients must be terminally ill and willing to sign over rights to their life insurance policies before they can collect a dime. Waverly then finds investors eager to advance them thousands of dollars—including a hefty broker’s fee for himself—in exchange for a significant return on their investment once the clients take their last breath.

The stakes get higher when Waverly brokers the policy of the cancer-stricken wife of Lawrence Erickson, a high-powered lawyer who’s bucking to become the next U.S. Attorney General. When Waverly’s clients start dying sooner than they should, both Waverly and Erickson—who has some skeletons of his own to hide—are unwittingly drawn into a perilous web of greed, blackmail and murder.

THE AUTHOR SPEAKS

Why I Wrote the Book

This is not the first time I’ve written about cheaters; Roux cheated on Sassy in Cajun Moon, Caleb Walker dropped his ladylove in Rainbow’s End because he thought she was married and Dylan Pryce felt like she was cheating on her dead finance with her new love Jared Jaymes in Living Inside Your Love.  So in Never Been To Me, I decided to explore a cheating woman who is usually presented as a low-life, low-self-esteem having woman who is used to taking scraps from some other woman’s table. With Persi Sinclair, I took a new twist on an old theme as she is educated, urbane, owns her own house, car, volunteers etc. yet….she’s the “other woman.”  Why?  That is the question.

NEVER BEEN TO ME illustrates that despite our class distinctions, we are more alike than different. It is a story of love, denial, deceit, friendship, social expectations, personal growth and redemption. When I write I seek to captivate the reader as the novel unfolds and transports them into another realm.  At the end of a GiGi Gunn novel, I want women and men to feel good about themselves and their place in the world.  To feel proud and hopeful which is a perfect read for this holiday season, the cold months ahead, the beach and beyond.

Read More About the Book or Purchase a Copy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

GiGi Gunn, a native of Washington, D.C., began writing when she could not find books that celebrated the black women and men she knew. Her genre is the positive portrayal of African-American life and three of her novels have been required reading by schools and universities. She creates strong yet flawed women who defy the odds and refuse to be defined by others. Women like us all~ complicated and multi dimensional who do the best they can AND she gives them men who deserve them.

Ask anyone familiar with Aidan Sebastian, Caleb Walker, Jared Jaymes and now the charismatic Nick Betancourt of NEVER BEEN TO ME.

Website: http://www.gigigunn.net

UPDATE:  Because of of Twitter issues, we’re going to pick up with the chat right here Friday from noon-8PM EST.  So, definitely stop back through and we can get to the book discussion part of things.    Shawneda will be stopping in and out to answer any additional questions.  Just jump down to the comments.

Tonight (Thursday 12/2) at 8:30PM EST, we are chatting with Shawneda Marks about her book, IT’S IN MY BLOOD which she wrote in honor of World AIDS Day.  Don’t have it?  Grab a copy now for 99 cents on Kindle http://amzn.to/dtZ4Zx & Nook http://bit.ly/ezMUR7.

The discussion is being held via Twitter using hashtag #blackbookchats, but if there are any problems — we’ll move it back here to the site. To access the Twitter chat, CLICK HERE.  If you have any problems, give a shout out to us @rawsistaz and we’ll try to help.

ABOUT THE BOOK

It’s In My Blood by Shawneda Marks

A mother twisted by fear.

Naomi has prayed for God to send her daughter home to restore the relationship they once shared. Almost ten years of praying fasting and pleading has her face to face with her greatest desire and worst fear.

A father left in the dark.

The only thing more important to John than his wife and child is his relationship with Christ. Everything else in his life is going in the right direction he hopes that his daughters need to come home will be the start of a new chapter in their lives.

A daughter betrayed Rocked to the core by the loss of the last man she loved, Rosalyn isn’t sure how to continue on. Tragic news destroys what she thought would be the happiest moment of her life. Scared and alone she contemplates doing the worst thing possible in her mind, going back home.

Will faith be able to heal these broken hearts when there is no one and no where else to turn and home is where the hurt is?

THE AUTHOR SPEAKS – Why I Wrote IT’S IN MY BLOOD

There are several reasons I wrote It’s in My Blood. I’ll tell you the top five; five is one of my favorite numbers because it represents the grace of God. I’ve needed a lot of that like the lead character in my novel, Rosalyn, she is loosely based on me. I’ll get back to that in a moment.

The first spark for It’s in My Blood was the death of a good friend at my church. He contracted HIV and it developed into full blown AIDS but he only told a few people because he was afraid of being ostracized. I knew if God provided the means for a few or a multitude of people to read it I wanted them to know about a beautiful person who loved the Lord, served Him in their youth who happened to be infected with HIV/AIDS.

Second came the character of Rosalyn herself. She came from my first novel LOVE IS…and although I had plans to write a different story next, she wouldn’t leave me alone. When I prayed about it God showed me, I could’ve easily been her, at one point in my life I was her. Minus the HIV and a few other details her anger, rage and self destructive behavior was based on who I used to be before I gave my life back to Christ.

A third motivator is my desire to write stories that raise awareness about what is happening in today’s society as it relates to health and wellness.

Fourth is my abnormal interest in how the Body of Christ does or doesn’t address the health issues of the members who make up the Body. My lifelong battle with obesity makes me compassionate towards others with physical ailments preventable and otherwise. I think as a faith based community we need to talk about these things.

My final reason for writing IT’s in MY BLOOD was to start a conversation in the churches across America particularly those catering to African Americans. Whether God drew a lot of people or a few to this novel, I wanted a dialogue to begin because it is spreading fastest among our women and we need to stop it.

For more information about Shawneda, visit her website at www.shawneda.com.

View the transcript from the chat.

Join us at 8:30PM EST tonight for our Black Book Chat with Lisa Wu Hartwell & Miasha as we discuss their debut title, When the Cake is Made. The chat is being held via Twitter using hashtag #blackbookchats & #teamcake — CLICK HERE to join in.

If there are any problems whatsoever with Twitter, we will immediately move the chat here to the site, via this post. Follow us @rawsistaz and @blackbookchats for the latest information or check out the Facebook fan page at http://www.facebook.com/rawsistaz.

**CLICK HERE to join the chat...

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sheryl, a battered and broken beauty, finally musters the strength to leave her abusive husband. Now, all she needs to do is win custody of their daughter. Remarrying a man who can help her do just that seems to be the answer until her ex shows up at the wedding to show her once and for all who has control.

Leslie, a no-nonsense, materialistic, opportunist is fed up with her married boyfriend, Frank. But that doesn’t stop her from giving him one more chance. And this time he proves his love for her is real with a proposal and access to his Titanium American Express Card to plan the wedding of her dreams. But in the nine months it took to plan her perfect day, her fiance was busy making a third baby with his wife. Will Frank join his wife in the labor and delivery room or will he meet Leslie at the altar?

Angie, an independent, free spirit, seeks out a man for protection after a dangerous encounter with a stalker. She is set up with Bobby Fuller, the host of a popular wedding show. Although they hit it off, she later realizes that it isn’t a man she wants. Too bad this realization comes at the couple’s live broadcasted wedding ceremony with hundreds in attendance and millions more watching.

Written with Miasha’s trademark gripping-action combined with the celebrity lifestyle Lisa Wu Hartwell knows all too well, this story exposes the dark side of wealth, fame, and power. A heart-wrenching tale with explosive twists that heighten anticipation of what every page will reveal, When the Cake is Made will have you on the edge of your seat to the very end.

Since Monday, our main group has been discussing best/worst (most disappointing) books read this year and while I agree worst may be a bit negative, in the end, does it really matter? Some folks are going to have issues anyway.

Please hear me out…

The consensus seems to be that some authors only want to hear “this book is great” and while I understand the author worked hard on it, sometimes there are things that would’ve made the story better for the person reading it.  (And sorry, sometimes the book is NOT great for many of the people reading it.) Should the reviewer trash the book, the author, and take it personal? No!  But, should it be okay for the reviewer to share their likes AND dislikes about the book? Of course!  Respectfully and constructively? Yes, definitely!

I believe in sharing the good/not so good about a book and clearly understand my opinion (or anyone else’s) is subjective.  However, If I see a reviewer who only gives glowing reviews, I pay less attention because we all know all books are not great books. Same thing for all negative reviews. I don’t pay that reviewer any attention.  IMO, if you’re a reviewer, I say review ALL books.  How does the writer (or publisher) know about issues or weaknesses in the book if it’s not pointed out (or if only the “good” reviews are posted)? How do you grow as a writer if you’re not open to feedback? 

As readers of reviews, can’t we decide for ourselves what we will read and not be totally swayed by a review? How much weight does a reader really put on a review? Is it what’s said in the review or who’s saying it?  As a reader, what do you think about only reading glowing reviews?  As a writer, how do you feel when you get a less than favorable review?  I truly believe in what we do as a review team and I think there is a place for reviews. 

Let’s discuss!

If there are any technical problems whatsoever with the speed of Twitter or problems getting the hashtags to work, we will immediately move the site here via this post.

TANYA SPEAKS

The book, BUTTERFLY RISING, came after I wrote the screenplay and shot the movie version. There was a moment years ago when it was clear t me that I could have a career as a writer OR as an actor–it so happened that an acting job was what I got first (I played Theo’s girlfriend on ‘The Cosby Show,’ LOL!) so I went with it, but writing was actually my first love. Acting requires other people and interaction; it also satisfies my ‘extrovert’ side. Writing, for me, is quieter, something I can do alone and satisfies my ‘introvert.’ I also feel like I can create worlds on the page–something I have the power to create and control. I don’t always feel like I have control over my life as an actor.

I always knew I would write a book, but I thought it would come much later in my life! I was surprised that the book, BUTTERFLY RISING, came out of me after I made the movie. But there are things you can do in a book that you just can’t do in a movie: you get a real history of the characters– in this case, Rose Johnson and Lilah Belle– and get to experience their ENTIRE lives, all fleshed out. I am fascinated by what makes people do the things they do and was excited to explore this in the book.

I have amassed a stockpile of feature films scripts, television pilots and reality shows– I admire Tyler Perry. In a way, he revolutionized Black Cinema by taking control of his destiny in a very powerful way. Some may not be a fan of his content, but I am an ardent admirer of his business saavy, skill and devotion to his audience. He knows who they are and what they want. My readers –and the people who watch the TV shows I am on and the movies I write and direct– are important to me in the very same way. And I love to hear from them!

Drop me a line after you’ve read the book at butterflyrisingthemovie@gmail.com and join us on FB! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Butterfly-Rising/166995178653?ref=ts

The goal with the book is to cultivate, grow and develop an organic audience for the movie. Your support ensures this will be a reality.

FOR MORE INFO

Follow Tanya on Twitter http://twitter.com/tanyaTTwright

Butterfly Rising Website: http://ww.butterflyrisingthemovie.com

For those who may need assistance or aren’t as familiar with Twitter, CLICK HERE to log in to the chat.  If you’re not using Tweetchat or a similar application, be sure to use our hashtag #blackbookchats so we can see you.  If you have any problems, just send out a tweet with @rawsistaz or @blackbookchats – Chat Help and I’ll find you and try to offer instructions for getting in the room.

If for whatever reason, you still can’t get in, feel free to post your questions (and comments) below and we’ll do our best to make sure they are passed along to Daniel.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The heartbreaking portrait of a large, rural southern family’s attempt to grapple with their mother’s desperate decision to make her newborn son into the daughter she will never have

When the seventh child of the Peace family, named Perfect, turns eight, her mother Emma Jean tells her bewildered daughter, “You was born a boy. I made you a girl. But that ain’t what you was supposed to be. So, from now on, you gon’ be a boy. It’ll be a little strange at first, but you’ll get used to it, and this’ll be over after while.” From this point forward, his life becomes a bizarre kaleidoscope of events. Meanwhile, the Peace family is forced to question everything they thought they knew about gender, sexuality, unconditional love, and fulfillment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Daniel Omotosho Black is a native of Kansas City, Missouri, yet spent the majority of his childhood years in Blackwell, Arkansas. He was granted a full scholarship to Clark College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he majored in English. He was awarded the Oxford Modern British Studies Scholarship and studied abroad at Oxford University, Oxford, England. Upon graduation from Clark College (magna cum laude in 1988), he was granted a full graduate fellowship to Temple University in pursuit of a Ph.D. in African-American Studies. Completing this phase of his academic career in 1993, with Sonia Sanchez as one of his dissertation advisers, Dr. Black returned to his alma mater in order to help establish the tradition of top-notch scholars who publish and remain at historically Black institutions. As a tenured associate professor, he now aims to provide an example of young African Americans of the importance of self-knowledge and communal commitment. 

Visit his website at www.danielblack.org.

The holiday season is right around the corner and we are kicking off our 2nd Annual Holiday Reading Challenge a bit early this year with our 8-week reading challenge, November 16th-January 11th, featuring black book chats & discussions via our website, twitter & possibly facebook. We hope you’ll join us.

The rules are simple. Read. Discuss. Read. Discuss. Yep, that’s it.  We are including our BOM reads too, so some of the earlier ones most of our members have already read!

Choose as many of the books as possible and read and then join us as we chat with the authors one-on-one via our Black Book Chats section on the site on the dates indicated, starting around noon EST and lasting throughout the day. Some chats will be held via Twitter & Facebook at 8:30 PM EST, so stay tuned for more info.

The final schedule will be announced within the week.

BOOKS
Perfect Peace by Daniel Black – Twitter Chat – November 16th at 8:30PM EST
Butterfly Rising by Tanya Wright – Twitter Chat – November 18th chat at 8:30PM EST
For Colored Girls (the movie) – via website – November 19th or 23rd at Noon EST [being rescheduled]
When the Cake is Made by Lisa Wu Hartwell & Miasha – Twitter Chat – November 30th at 8:30PM
It’s In My Blood by Shawneda Marks – Twitter Chat – December 2nd @8:30PM
Snapped by Tina McKinney
Inside Rain by Monique Mensah
Glorious by Bernice McFadden
Josephine By Beverly Jenkins
The Secrets of Newberry by Victor McGlothin
Buying Time by Pamela Samuels Young
Not Quite What It Seems by Mari Walker
Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
Never Been to Me by Gigi Gunn – December 14th
Sing About That Black Rose by Janet “Jaize” Brown
32 Candles by Ernessa T. Carter
The Promise by D. K. Gaston

Join the chat to find out more about this prolific author and her new book, When the Sun Goes Down.  3 participants will receive a free copy of the book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gwynne Forster was born in North Carolina, grew up in Washington, D. C., and has lived, studied and worked in New York City ever since she came of voting age. She considers herself a humanitarian, a perspective that she inherited from her mother, a high school principal, and which she also attributes to her work and education in the social sciences, more specifically, demography. Her fiction writing reflects her training in the sociology of the family and her understanding of inter-personal relations. It should not be surprising then, that quite a few of Gwynne’s novels and novellas are set within the context of the family.

Gwynne relaxes best when she is near—but not in—the water. She loves boating and would spend hours fishing daily if she could. Oddly, she never learned to swim, and she always wears a lifejacket when boating or fishing. Her bedroom faces a river, and if she didn’t work, she would spend a lot of time sitting in the bedroom gazing at the water and the passing boats. Moving water, she thinks, is soothing and relieves stress.

ABOUT THE BOOK

“When the sun goes down on my life, you’ll all come apart like ripped balloons.”

When self-made millionaire and widower Leon Farrell dies, he leaves behind a legacy of family dysfunction—and a missing will. The possible loss of a fortune only increases the tension between his three grown children. While handsome slacker Edgar kicks back in anticipation of his windfall, middle child Gunther struggles to safe his software business, and fiercely independent Shirley unsuccessfully tires to stay out of the fray. But things soon take an explosive turn.

Caught in the middle of her brothers’ ill-will, and doing her best to keep the peace, Shirley is further unsettled when she falls for Carson Montgomery, the smart, sexy private investigator Edgar hires to tract down the will. And when Gunther suddenly falls ill, Edgar’s attempt to manipulate him causes a conflict of interest that will shock them all—and either bring them closer together or tear them apart for good.

Website: http://www.gwynneforster.com

Butterfly Rising is an inspirational story of redemption and friendship as readers follow two women whose lives are changed forever as they embark on an unlikely spiritual journey; also slated for release as a feature film.

FROM THE PRESS RELEASE

LOS ANGELES – Actress Tanya Wright is thrilled about the publication of her gripping debut novel, BUTTERFLY RISING (978-1453650363; $15.00; Paperback; 257 pp), which was inspired by her own experience with personal tragedy and transformation.  Known to fans worldwide through her recurring role as the saucy, outspoken Deputy Kenya Jones on HBO’s hit series True Blood—as well as numerous other television and film roles including 24, NYPD Blue, ER and The Cosby Show—Wright channels her powerful sense of drama and human emotion into the unforgettable and compelling story of two women who form an unlikely, life-long friendship and their fateful encounter with the mysterious ‘Lazarus of the Butterflies.’

When singer Lilah Belle’s brother dies, she decides to leave her hometown of Lucasville to find solace on the open road. Seeking a companion for the journey, she coaxes Rose Johnson—whose provocative reputation with other women’s husbands is the stuff of legends in the small town— to come along for the ride. These two broken souls steal a vintage truck and head toward a town called Newhope, where a chance encounter with the mythical—and possibly magical—‘Lazarus of the Butterflies’ brings about riveting changes for Rose and Lilah, altering their lives in ways  that neither could have expected. The journey results in an unforgettable spiritual awakening which binds the women together forever.

“I hope the message in BUTTERFLY RISING inspires people to believe in their dreams, no matter how far-reaching they may seem,” Wright says. “In today’s world, it’s easy to put our dreams last on our daily list of ‘things to do.’ BUTTERFLY RISING—a bumpy and emotional journey towards hope and rebirth— is a story that suggests our dreams may actually be the bridge to leading a productive, fulfilling and extraordinary life. The journey of Lilah and Rose also exemplifies that second chances are infinitely real and deserved,” Wright says.

An accomplished actress and writer, Wright found the inspiration for BUTTERFLY RISING in the loss of her brother and the transformation she experienced in her own life at that time. Originally penned as a screenplay, Wright directed and stars in a film version of the story that is awaiting national release. To learn more about the movie and the inspiration behind it, visit www.butterflyrisingthemovie.com.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tanya Wright is an actress, writer and director. Currently featured in a recurring role on HBO’s True Blood, the Bronx, N.Y. native is a multi-talented, creative force. Since Wright moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, she has appeared in ground-breaking shows including 24, NYPD Blue, ER and the Morgan Freeman-produced NBC feature Mutiny. Wright is also the writer and creator of several screenplays and television pilots, a soap opera, a web-based series and a reality show. She enjoys physical activities such as yoga, dance, bike riding and hiking, and is committed to mentoring projects for young girls and other artists.

MOVIE TRAILER

To order a copy of the book, CLICK HERE.

To download the movie soundtrack for free (limited time only), CLICK HERE.

Check out the Facebook Page, CLICK HERE.

Follow Tanya on Twitter, CLICK HERE.

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For those not familiar with Twitter Chats, we suggest using www.tweetchat.com and our hashtag #blackbookchats to keep up with tonight’s Black Book Chat.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lifelong friends Coco, Nita, and Audra have spent years looking for love in the arms of flashy pro athletes, hoping to land a baller but ending up with a stream of failed relationships. The beautiful and demure Coco has endured years of physical abuse from her boyfriend, Sonny, while Audra, a single mother, has dated her fair share of cheaters and yearns for a stable companion who will be a father figure to her son. And feisty, seductive Audra is tired of being the million-dollar mistress and wants to settle down—if she can find someone worth coming home to.

Changing the Game . . .

Now that the women are approaching thirty, they’re finding it harder than ever to compete with the pro groupies. Determined to change the game and find some worthwhile men, Audra hatches an outrageous plan. Soon the trio is “holy rolling,” masquerading as God-fearing churchgoers at a local conference for young ministers in the hopes of snagging a prominent pastor. But will their big gamble pay off? Men of the cloth are still just men, after all. As the three friends meet their potential life partners, they will have to decide how far they want to take their holy rollers scheme—each risking heartbreak while taking a chance on finding a reliable, responsible man to love and cherish, flaws and all.

IN HER OWN WORDS

I am a former news reporter in Houston. But I recently left to pursue my true passion full time – writing. I’m the author of twenty books and a mother to three young children. Two of my books are currently being made into movies. I’m also a proud University of Texas at Austin graduate. Not only do I love writing, I love reading almost as much!

Visit her on the web at www.reshondatatebillingsley.com

The RAWSISTAZ Anniversary Twitter Party last month (hashtag #rawsistaz) was so much fun and such a huge success that we were contacted to do a few more for various authors.  So, in addition to our Black Book Talks & Black Book Chats here on the site–quick link is www.blackbookchats.com–we will also be doing them on Twitter using hashtag #blackbookchats, #rawsistaz, or one for the author/book.

We have been testing out the chats since June 2009 and are very glad to see how well they’ve done. We are just as pleased to add this service to our 10 years online supporting Black books and authors.  Contact us directly if you’re interested in scheduling one and if you’d like to see some of the previous ones we’ve had with authors like J. D. Mason, Brenda Jackson, Carleen Brice, Beverly Jenkins, Zane, Victoria Christopher Murray, Bernice McFadden, Ja’Nese Dixon and more.  Just go to www.blackbookchats.com and catch up!

Also, our Holiday Reading Challenge is starting up soon and we hope to announce the books we will be reading and discussing (with the authors) before the month is over, so stay tuned.

For now, save the dates:

Upcoming Black Book Chats

October 12th – Holy Rollers by ReShonda Tate Billingsley (book discussion) at noon

October 19th – Tanya Wright (author & book spotlight) on Twitter at 8:30PM EST

October 21st – Gigi Gunn (author/book spotlight) – rescheduled for November – Date & Time TBA

October 28th – In My Blood by Shawneda Marks (book discussion)

November 2nd or 4th – BOM Discussions

November 9th – When the Cake is Made by Lisa Wu Hartwell & Miasha (book discussion)

November 18th – Butterfly Rising by Tanya Wright (book discussion)

If you’re on twitter, please do a quick @rawsistaz reply so I can make sure I’m following you! If you’re not a fan on the RAW fan page, please like us to become one. We do recommend that you use tweetchat.com (and hashtag #rawsistaz) to follow the chat which will only show tweets of those participating in the party.  Be sure to CHECK IT OUT.  You can actually go there now and it should pull up any #rawsistaz mentions.  No, you do not have to sign up for an account OR log in via Twitter there.  Just type in rawsistaz in the top box and you’ll be good to go.

Our Twitter Link – http://www.twitter.com/rawsistaz

Our Facebook Fan page – http://www.facebook.com/rawsistaz

Hope to see you ALL in the place tonight.

CONTEST PRIZES

If you’d like to give away a book or a literary service to our attendees, please reply via email at info@rawsistaz.com with PARTY GIFT in the subject line. Include book title or service, how many you’re giving away and a public email I can give out, AND your website address. 

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 our books, and how we continue doing what we do DAILY to keep folks in the know regarding Black books, authors, book reviews, and more…well, they’re misinformed.

So…support us as we’ve supported the African-American Literary Community for a decade and vote for your other favorites, too. Vote by September 2

I was not trying to take away from any of the other nominees listed as I support ALL entities who join us in the promotion of literacy and promotion of books…all books. And, I commend each one of them for everything they’re doing with their sites/groups as well.  But yes, I do think RAWSISTAZ is deserving.  Is it necessary to win? No, not at all.

The idea for RAWSISTAZ came about over 10 years ago with just a desire to talk about Black books with other like-minded folks.  Reading is something most of us have done for as long as we can remember and it’s natural to want to share your thoughts with others. And, it’s also necessary to show that there are books reflective of us, our experiences, our dreams and more, not just the few you see scattered on bookshelves or stuck in a tiny section of the bookstore.

Over the years, I’ve never really questioned the book thing or my love of reading and learning new things. I’ve always done it and see myself doing it for life.  As for the award, I’m grateful to those who nominated RAWSISTAZ for Book Club of the Year in the African-American Literary Awards Show, not only this year but in years past.  And, I appreciate those who voted for us. I also appreciate all the other nominees and what they do for the literary community.   No, RAWSISTAZ has never won the award before and it would be nice to win it, but again, is it necessary? No.

It would be cool, but even if not…we’ve already “won” it.  We’ve done so much, helped so many, and I’ve made great friends, seen authors write their first books, get published, get 6 & 7 figure book deals, others start their lit businesses, folks get married, buy their first house, and so much more—you can’t put getting an award above that. Ya know?

So, to all those who have joined our groups, read along with us, supported us as we support Black books and authors, I thank you now because truly…RAWSISTAZ has already won! A big woo hoo for book clubs everywhere and what we all do for the literary community!! What books have you read because of a book club? What new authors have you learned about? Who hasn’t made life-long friends within their book club?

If you haven’t purchased a copy, be sure to do so via Amazon.com or via Smashwords.

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MOTHER WIT explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters, stepmothers and stepdaughters and it encompasses the romantic and family relationships that bind, separate and bond them one to the other.

Angelia Vernon Menchan is a wife, mother, mentor, writer, publisher, and child of God; whose goal is to reach as many as she can through the written word and do what God has asked of her, Mentor by Writing. Angelia resides in Jacksonville, Florida with her love of 32 years; Maurice Menchan. Mother Wit is her 10th book published through her company MAmm Productions since 2006.

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Dera R. Williams lives, works and plays in the Oakland/Bay Area where she is employed at a local community college. Proud of her southern roots, she is the family historian and storyteller. As a writer she has contributed to several anthologies and journals, most recently, Go, Tell Michelle: African American Women Write to the New First Lady. Dera had also done academic writing for reference manuals.

She is a book reviewer in print and online publications, and active in local literary events. She is the proud mother of a daughter and soon to be grandmother.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Never judge a book by its cover. . .

Xavier Preston is tall, dark and handsome and the problem is that he knows it. He’s a best-selling author who is accustomed to adoring female fans, both young and old, flirting with him, throwing themselves shamelessly at him and trying to get between more than the covers of his novels. And he has always been more than willing to accommodate their needs and desires. However, his womanizing days have finally ended. . . he’s engaged to a beautiful woman, Kendall, and he’s decided to walk the straight and narrow. Or has he?

You can view more about the book at our BOOK SPOTLIGHT.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Electa Rome Parks currently resides outside Atlanta, Georgia. After successfully self-publishing her debut novel, The Ties That Bind, New American Library, a division of Penguin Group, bought the rights. Electa signed a three-book deal with New American Library. All three books were immediately chosen as Black Expressions Book Club main selections and embraced as Books of the Month by book clubs across the country. Dubbed a “book club favorite,” avid readers have embraced Electa’s true to life characters that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues.

Since then Electa has become a bestselling author of several other mainstream (Loose Ends and Almost Doesn’t Count) and erotic (These Are My Confessions and Ladies’ Night Out) novels with Penguin Group and HarperCollins. The self-proclaimed, Queen of Real, Electa has been a frequent guest on radio shows, has been nominated for many industry awards and has been interviewed by newspapers, AOL’s Black Voices, Vibe Vixen, Upscale Magazine, Today’s Black Woman, Rolling Out and Booking Matters, to name just a few. With a BA degree in marketing and a minor in sociology, she is following her true passion and working on her next novel.

MORE INFO

To find out when and where Electa will be in your area, check out her website at www.electaromeparks.com or www.myspace.com/author_chick. To share your thoughts with Electa regarding her work or to schedule an event, please e-mail her at: novelideal@aol.com.

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??

ABOUT THE BOOK

Camille Blackwell, an undercover FBI agent, poses as a jewelry purchaser in an international diamond trading company in hopes of identifying the domestic players in a vicious rebel group suspected of trafficking conflict diamonds. The Bureau requests CIA renegade Marc Fulton’s assistance with sweeping international intelligence to identify the major rebel organizations with the finances and stateside connections strong enough to evade criminal prosecution, despite Camille’s objections.

Their attraction is instant and tense; both resolve to focus on the case. But when Camille receives an encrypted memory stick from a murdered co-worker Marc may be the only person she can trust.

Black Diamond is the eagerly anticipated debut novel by Ja’Nese Dixon. True love, like black diamonds, is rare and precious but when murder and a persistent criminal threaten a frail relationship, will love triumph?

THE AUTHOR SPEAKS

For the past year, I have entered several contests.  I haven’t won, but I’ve come extremely close and have received great feedback from literary agents.  Their comments encourage me to work at perfecting my writing abilities in hope of writing books like those that line the shelves in my home and office.

Closet writing is fun, but not for me. I find encouragement in the ups and downs I’ve experienced. I am enthralled with reading and writing. And most of all, I am falling in love with the writing again.

I hope to build a small audience who will be honest with me. Learn with me. And that will share in my love of writing and creative expression.

Website: http://www.janesedixon.com