It appears my feed has had technical difficulties, so for those who follow us on Twitter, the auto-post from FB stopped working recently.  I’ll get it fixed, but in the meantime…here’s what you missed:

• BOGO Free End of Year Ad Specials – http://www.rawsistaz.com/bogo-ads. Lock in current rates with a BOGO free offer thru 12/27/11 (for any ad campaign $69 or above).
• Are you a fan of legal thrillers? If so, be sure to check out author Chris Shella – http://www.rawsistaz.com/chris-shella.
• FYI: http://www.rawsistaz.com/win-amazon-for-life – Win $100 a year for life from Amazon, sponsored by @appsumo.
• Have YOU checked out the Kindle Lending Library? Good idea or bad? Why? http://www.rawsistaz.com/kindle-lending-library
• BLACK BOOK ALERT: Free on Kindle (Mystery) – Darkest Hours by D. K. Gaston.
• Wow…truly inspiring. Makes you want to sit down and shut the heck up!- http://www.rawsistaz.com/life-without-limits

Please listen (audio) to my interview at Literary Wonders!: The Author’s Hideaway – http://www.rawsistaz.com/tee-12-days-of-christmas. It’s also available via iTunes.  I am featured today, Day 10 in the 12 Days of Christmas series, but be sure to check out the other literary folks for the full series. I haven’t done an interview in a while, so it was great hanging out with Yolanda Johnson-Bryant and talking literary stuff. So a big thanks and shout out to her!

(And feel free to comment via the post as I’d love to hear from you, especially the RAW4ALL folks.  I’ve almost completed our new home, so stay tuned for more on that in the upcoming months.)

Members, please visit http://www.rawsistaz.com/rawretreat for full details.  This is a private page, so if you don’t have access, please email me directly.

Looking forward to seeing you all!

-Tee

———————————————
It is with profound sadness that we have to inform you that our beloved sister and friend, Leslie Esdaile, (“L.A. Banks”) is most gravely ill. She is facing an uphill battle in her struggle with serious illness.  Please know that as Leslie needs all of her energy in this fight, she is absolutely not able to receive visitors,answer emails, texts or phone calls, or receive flowers. What she is able to receive is your continued prayers.

Also, Leslie’s medical expenses are mounting at an astronomical rate. If you wish to assist Leslie, a fund has been established to help with these ever increasing expenses.  If you wish to send donations (please note that donations are not tax-deductible) to help Leslie, please see the information listed below:

Leslie Esdaile Fund
Account #81538801
Police and Fire Federal Credit Union
Operations Center
901 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107-2404
215-931-0300

If you live in Philadelphia, PA, you may take donations directly to any Police and Fire Federal Credit Union branch. Please be sure to note the account number. You may also send them to the P.O. Box listed below*.
Police and Fire Federal Credit Union Branch Locations:
Main Branch:
901 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Additional Branches:
eo Mall, 11705 Bustleton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19116-2515
Davisville Shopping Center, Street Road, Philadelphia, PA
Andorra Shopping Center, Ridge and Henry Avenues, Philadelphia, PA
City Avenue Shopping Center, 7604 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19151-2007
Mayfair Branch on Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Northeast Branch, 7500 Castor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Grant and Academy Shopping Center Branch, Philadelphia, PA

You may send good wishes and cards to*:
Leslie Esdaile
c/o Tina Ryan Wise
P.O. Box 37189
Philadelphia, PA 19148-9998

On behalf of Leslie, her daughter Helena, her sister Liza and all of her family and friends, we sincerely thank you for all of your continued prayers and support.
Tina Ryan Wise
Tinarwise@gmail.com

LIT EVENT – May 19, 2011 at 6pm in Detroit

Create, Publish & Market your book. Learn how to be an author in the 21st Century w/o breaking the bank.

Everyone has a book in them! Everyone has a story to tell!

With technology changing and digital printing becoming more and more prevalent, independent publishing has become well recognized.  Writers are now turning to solutions that cut out the middle man and are doing the publishing process themselves… Successfully.

3 Hour Workshop will consist of Step by Step Process, Resources, Literary Services and Giveaways will be awarded to recipients.  Best of all this workshop is: FREE

This workshop will be facilitated by Sylvia Hubbard, Author, Blogger and Founder of Motown Writers Network.

Further Details

Date:May 19, 2011 6pm
Location: Virgil Carr Cultural Center
311 E Grand River
Detroit, MI 48226

This workshop is free to participants. RSVP online at: http://detroitliterarynetwork.com. Literary Vendoring will be allowed. For more information, email: motownwriters@yahoo.com or 313.289.8614.

For more information, visit http://pub2011workshopdetroit-eorg.eventbrite.com.
Twitter: http://twitter.com/sylviahubbard1
Facebook: http://facebook.com/MichigansLiteraryWorld

CONGRATS MISS KP, Author of Dirty Divorce – AAMBC’s Urban Book of the Year

In Dirty Divorce Part 1 and 2 readers were at the edge of their seats, addicted to the Sanchez family drama. The Dirty Divorce Part 3 begins with Rich instantly being a mark with a death sentence placed on his head. He s faced with his biggest nightmare when secrets are revealed that he thought were buried. While Lisa spirals out of control more than ever, Marisol and Rich battle their way to be the top dog in the industry that has made their lives a living hell. More than ever they learn that karma is a vicious cycle. The lifestyle of fast money and luxurious things will never prepare them for the new drama that is about to unfold. Get ready for another shocker full of disbelief as you take the final ride.

Photo provided by BUBF committee

Miss KP makes her acceptance speech after being awarded the Urban Book of the Year Award for her series Dirty Divorce which made its way into the scene May 2010 and was instantly a street classic. Launched by Life Changing Books, this three part series soon became a ground breaking high anticipated read making Miss KP an instant star. The AAMBC Literary Awards hosted its 3rd annual ceremony in Baltimore, MD during the Baltimore Urban Book Fest

For more information, visit http://aambookclub.com.

If you are looking for a professional and thorough editing experience for your manuscript, paper, resume, thesis, or article, you have come to the right place. Carbon Copy Editing can assist you with all your editing needs.

For more information, visit http://www.ccediting.com.

Keeping You IN THE KNOW…

At the 2011 National Black Book Festival an author will be presented with the coveted 1st Annual Best New Author Award.  The award will be presented at the Festival’s Sunday Jazz Brunch on June 12, 2011.  This award will be bestowed upon the new author who exhibits superior writing skills and has developed a significant audience based upon online book sales.

BEST NEW AUTHOR GRAND PRIZE
The grand prize for the award includes the following:

• Free travel arrangements to the Festival, including airfare and hotel, paid for by NBBF
• An award plaque indicating 2011 NBBF Best New Author, presented at the Sunday Jazz Brunch
• Special guest featured author appearance on Sunday, June 12, with a specified two-hour signing time
• Live, on-site radio interview at 2011 NBBF
• Photo in 2011 NBBF souvenir program

RESULTS

WINNER:     James W. Lewis, author of Sellout

2nd Place:    Keisha Menefee, author of Blue Interlude

3rd Place:    Toneal Jackson, author of Pleasing Your Partner:  A Spiritual Guide to H.A.P.P.I.N.E.S.S.

For more information about the winners:  http://www.nationalblackbookfestival.com/bna.htm

The following book clubs participated in the judging process:

$25 less for the same #1 bestselling latest-generation Kindle plus special offers and sponsored screensavers

Special offers in the initial weeks include $10 for $20 Amazon.com Gift Card, $1 for an album in the Amazon MP3 Store, and a $100 Gift Card with a new Amazon Rewards Visa Card

Amazon also introduces “AdMash” – the new free Kindle app and website where customers vote for the most attractive sponsored screensavers

SEATTLE, Apr 11, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — (NASDAQ:AMZN)–Millions of people are reading on Kindle, Kindle has more 5-star reviews than any other product on Amazon, and in just five months the latest-generation Kindle became the bestselling product in the 16-year history of Amazon.com. Today, Amazon introduced a new member of the Kindle family – Kindle with Special Offers for only $114. Kindle with Special Offers is the same #1 bestselling Kindle, plus special offers and sponsored screensavers. Kindle special offers and sponsored screensavers display on the Kindle screensaver and on the bottom of the home screen. Learn more about all three latest-generation Kindle family members–$114 Kindle with Special Offers, $139 Kindle, and $189 Kindle 3G–at www.amazon.com/kindle. Kindle with Special Offers is now available for pre-order to customers in the U.S. and will ship on May 3.

“We’re working hard to make sure that anyone who wants a Kindle can afford one,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon.com Founder and CEO. “Kindle with Special Offers is the same #1 bestselling Kindle – and it’s only $114. Kindle is the best deal in consumer electronics anywhere in the world.”

Buick, Olay (Procter & Gamble), Visa, and Amazon.com Reward Visa Card (Chase) are sponsoring the first series of screensavers specially-designed for Kindle’s high-contrast, no glare electronic ink display (for screensaver examples, visit www.amazon.com/aboutkindlespecialoffers). Examples of deals that will be delivered directly to Kindle with Special Offers devices in the initial weeks include:

* $10 for $20 Amazon.com Gift Card
* $6 for 6 Audible Books (normally $68)
* $1 for an album in the Amazon MP3 Store (choose from over 1 million albums)
* $10 for $30 of products in the Amazon Denim Shop or Amazon Swim Shop
* Free $100 Amazon.com Gift Card when you get an Amazon Rewards Visa Card (normally $30)
* Buy one of 30 Kindle bestsellers with your Visa card and get $10 Amazon.com credit
* 50% off Roku Streaming Player (normally $99)

To make sure customers don’t miss any of the offers, a full list of active offers will be available from the menu of Kindle with Special Offers at any time.

Amazon is also introducing “AdMash” – the free Kindle app and website where customers choose the most attractive and engaging display advertisements that will become Kindle sponsored screensavers. Kindle’s sponsored screensavers are specially-designed display advertisements that take advantage of Kindle’s high-contrast, no-glare electronic-ink display. Before these advertisements can be presented to Kindle customers, they are first previewed by customers using AdMash. Users are presented with pairs of sponsored screensaver candidates and asked to select which one they prefer. Screensavers with the most preferred votes qualify to become sponsored screensavers. The AdMash Kindle app will launch in the coming weeks – for a preview, visit www.amazon.com/aboutkindlespecialoffers.

In addition, Kindle with Special Offers customers can give Amazon hints on the style and types of sponsored screensavers they would like to see. From the Manage Your Kindle page on Amazon.com, customers can use Kindle Screensaver Preferences to indicate whether they like to see more or less screensavers that include elements such as landscapes and scenery, architecture, travel images, photography, and illustrations. Together, AdMash voting and Kindle Screensaver Preferences help Amazon present sponsored screensavers that customers find attractive and engaging. For screenshots of Kindle screensavers, AdMash and Kindle Screensaver Preferences, visit www.amazon.com/aboutkindlespecialoffers.

“The opportunity to offer custom-designed Kindle screensavers was a natural fit for Buick because Kindle is such a unique device surrounded by a community of intelligent, passionate people,” said Craig Bierley, Director of Advertising and Promotions, Buick. “Kindle’s high contrast e-ink display eliminates glare and is perfect for emotionally engaging and impactful brand imagery, allowing us to connect with Kindle readers wherever and whenever.”

Kindle with Special Offers includes all the same features that helped make the third-generation Kindle the #1 bestselling product in the history of Amazon.com:

* Paper-like Pearl electronic-ink display, no glare even in bright sunlight
* 8.5 ounce body for hours of comfortable reading with one hand
* Up to one month of battery life with wireless off eliminates battery anxiety
* Kindle Store with over 900,000 books – largest selection of the most popular books
* Seamless integration with free “Buy Once, Read Everywhere” Kindle apps for iPad, iPod touch, iPhone, PC, Mac, BlackBerry, Windows Phone and Android-based devices

Learn more about all three latest-generation Kindle family members–$114 Kindle with Special Offers, $139 Kindle, and $189 Kindle 3G–at www.amazon.com/kindle. Advertisers and agencies interested in learning more about Kindle sponsorship opportunities can contact kindle-sponsorships@amazon.com.

About Amazon.com

Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN), a Fortune 500 company based in Seattle, opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995 and today offers Earth’s Biggest Selection. Amazon.com, Inc. seeks to be Earth’s most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices. Amazon.com and other sellers offer millions of unique new, refurbished and used items in categories such as Books; Movies, Music & Games; Digital Downloads; Electronics & Computers; Home & Garden; Toys, Kids & Baby; Grocery; Apparel, Shoes & Jewelry; Health & Beauty; Sports & Outdoors; and Tools, Auto & Industrial. Amazon Web Services provides Amazon’s developer customers with access to in-the-cloud infrastructure services based on Amazon’s own back-end technology platform, which developers can use to enable virtually any type of business. Kindle, Kindle 3G and Kindle DX are the revolutionary portable readers that wirelessly download books, magazines, newspapers, blogs and personal documents to a crisp, high-resolution electronic ink display that looks and reads like real paper. Kindle 3G and Kindle DX utilize the same 3G wireless technology as advanced cell phones, so users never need to hunt for a Wi-Fi hotspot. Kindle is the #1 bestselling product across the millions of items sold on Amazon.

Amazon and its affiliates operate websites, including www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.co.jp, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.ca, www.amazon.cn, and www.amazon.it. As used herein, “Amazon.com,” “we,” “our” and similar terms include Amazon.com, Inc., and its subsidiaries, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results may differ significantly from management’s expectations. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that include, among others, risks related to competition, management of growth, new products, services and technologies, potential fluctuations in operating results, international expansion, outcomes of legal proceedings and claims, fulfillment center optimization, seasonality, commercial agreements, acquisitions and strategic transactions, foreign exchange rates, system interruption, inventory, government regulation and taxation, payments and fraud. More information about factors that potentially could affect Amazon.com’s financial results is included in Amazon.com’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent filings.

SOURCE: Amazon.com, Inc.

Amazon.com, Inc.
Media Hotline, 206-266-7180
www.amazon.com/pr

For more information, visit http://www.amazon.com/kindle.

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.

THE GATEKEEPERS POST LAUNCHES
A NEW SOCIAL MEDIA BOOK PUBLISHING COMMUNITY
Email: Press@GatekeepersPost.com
Tel: 347 284 6158

Author and media personality, Jeff Rivera launches The Gatekeepers Post, a new social media community intended to make a significant impact on the conversation of book publishing.

With the decline in print book sales, the increase of eBooks, the rapid closing of independent bookstores and the boom in young adult fiction, the world of book publishing is experiencing a flux few could have anticipated even five years ago.

Industry outlets have struggled to keep pace with the new developments in publishing but the changes are happening too fast for anyone to cover it all.  The industry and public’s insatiable appetite for fresh news on the rapid changes has only increased.

The Gatekeepers Post hopes to satisfy that appetite.  A cross between Huffington Post and Publishers Weekly, the outlet features some of the most important and respected voices in book publishing.

Joined by an editorial advisory board that includes the likes of print and online magazine editor, Neal Boulton, Planned TV Arts’ Rick Frishman, Editor-in-Chief of Publishing Perspectives, Ed Nawotka, Smashwords’ Mark Coker, St. Martin Press’ Brendan Deneen, eReads.com publisher and veteran literary agent, Richard Blakely, Editor-in-Chief of Gawker.tv, Richard Curtis, former Writers Digest Book Editor at Large, Jane Friedman, Authorpreneur Joe Konrath and Hachette’s Director of Multicultural Publicity Linda Duggins.  The new outlet also featuresGatekeeper bloggers, site founder and Editor-in-chief Jeff Rivera handpicked himself.

“The support from the industry has been overwhelming,” says Rivera, “I’m proud of the high caliber of Gatekeepers and guest bloggers who’ll be joining us.”  Veteran agents, major editors, librarians, publishers, publicists and authors such as New York Times bestsellers Zane and Alisa Valdes Rodriguez will be lending their voice to the community as well. Book publishing heavy weights such as Andrea Barzvi of ICM, Harvey Klinger of the Harvey Klinger Agency, Bill Gladstone of Waterside Productions, Glenny Yeffeth of BenBella Books and Ellen Goldsmith-Vein of Gotham Group have also joined.

A steady stream of book-centric reviews, headlining news, articles, and op-ed pieces, will be incorporated within the outlet along with forthcoming special events such as virtual panel discussions and online conferences.

Gatekeepers Post officially launches on February 1, 2011 at midnight.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2010
CONTACT: Lee McDonald
therenaissancegrouplm@gmail.com
678.778.3955

RAISING HIM ALONE PRESENTS “CHANGING FATHERHOOD”

Advocating Responsible Fatherhood and Redefining the Images & Conversations around Fathers of Color

Washington, DC– Raising Him Alone (RHA) is excited to launch Changing Fatherhood a growing movement focused on redefining the role of fathers and placing families at the forefront of community development. Changing Fatherhood defines fatherhood as sober, responsible, spiritually guided men who are courageous enough to support their children and family unconditionally. Regardless of obstacles and or challenges which may arise; fatherhood requires an unyielding sense of commitment to ensure the safety and security of the family.

The goal of the “Changing Fatherhood” website (www.changingfatherhood.com) is to redefine the images and conversations around fathers and men of color.  The website will serve as a tool to engage various aspects of fatherhood and manhood.  Web components will address married, single, divorced, military, incarcerated (coming home), and long-distance dads, as well as the vital role of grandfathers.

On Saturday, November 27th, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., RHA will host the official website launch of “Changing Fatherhood” at Bus Boys & Poets located at 14th & V Streets NW, Washington, DC. The launch will feature an exciting discussion around the role of fathers.  A panel discussion will be led by Harold Fisher host of “The Daily Drum” a weekly talk radio program on Howard University Radio, WHUR 96.3 FM.

Several amazing fathers will help us kick off the launch.  Panelist include:  Kenneth Braswell, father & author of When The Tear Won’t Fall, T.S. Grant, father & author of An Autobiography of an Unknown Man, Matt Prestbury, father & founder of Black Fathers Radio and Rev. Willey F. Wilson, father & pastor of Union Temple Baptist Church, Washington, DC.

Following the discussion, the website will be unveiled and the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions related to responsible fatherhood and manhood.

To get involved in the “Changing Fatherhood” movement and for more information on Raising Him Alone visit www.raisinghimalone.com.

Raising Him Alone (RHA) is dedicated to researching, designing, and implementing a campaign to support the social well being of single mothers raising boys. Through a series of intense community forums, workshops and support group initiatives, RHA seeks to increase access to resources in the areas of Health & Well Being (Mental Health), Educational Support & Advocacy, as well as Financial Literacy. Generous funding provided by  Open Society Institute’s Campaign for Black Male Achievement.

##

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)

The RAWSISTAZ Affair 2010: Ten Years & Counting…
October 1-3, 2010

Doubletree Hotel Atlanta-Buckhead
3342 Peachtree Road, NE
Atlanta, Georgia — 404-231-1234
Event Code: RLG — Rate: $69

REGISTER NOW

Have you registered for The RAWSISTAZ Affair 2010 being held in Atlanta, GA on October 1st-3rd?  If not, you have less than 2 weeks left to do so.  Join us for our 10th year anniversary with keynotes Daniel Black (Perfect Peace), Carol Mackey (Sistergirl Devotions), & Leslie Esdaile Banks (aka L.A. Banks). Other featured authors are Jacquelin Thomas, Pearl Cleage, Angelia Menchan, Shawneda Marks, Yolanda Johnson Bryant, Naleighna Kai, Ja’Nese Dixon (tentative) and Travis Hunter (tentative).  We have a few additional authors pending and hope to announce a guest celebrity appearance, so stay tuned!

Need some time away with the girls? Come on and hang out with your RAWSISTAZ…

All information can be found at the event site, http://www.rawsistaz-affair.com.  For those not able to attend, there are many opportunities to show your support and showcase your book or company. We are requesting promotional items from authors, publishing companies, literary organizations, book clubs, etc., to share with our attendees.  This is a great way to promote yourself, as well as your chance to give back to RAWSISTAZ.  10 years of free services and support of Black books and authors shows our commitment to the literary world!

You can also place an ad in our souvenir journal, make a donation, or send books or prizes for our giveaway and silent auction. CLICK HERE FOR INFO!

**All full page ads in our ad booklet (or those who donate the equivalent amount) will receive free advertising on the RAWSISTAZ site. **

For more info visit http://www.rawsistaz-affair.com.

FALL FICTION FEST 2010
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH 2010 FROM 1PM-4PM
BROOKLYN’S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
4610 W FOND DU LAC AVENUE
MILWAUKEE, WI 53216
FREE ADMISSION – ALL AGES!

HEADLINER:
National Best-Selling Author Reshonda Tate Billingsley

OTHER FEATURED AUTHORS:
National Best-Selling Author Naleighna Kai
Terra Little
Darrin E. Lowery
Monique D. Mensah
Michelle Larks
Venesha
CaSandra Mathis
Khalil Coleman
Barron Smith

Visit website at www.fallfictionfest.com for more information!

Join many of your favorite National Bestselling authors along with some authors that you definitely should get to know for the 1st Annual Fall into Books Literary Conference in Kansas City, MO.

Host hotel: Holiday Inn at the Plaza, One East 45th St, Kansas City, MO
Room rate: $89 per night!

Go to http://www.fallintobooks.com/ for all the details!

Join featured authors: Victoria Christopher Murray, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, L.Y. Marlow, Trice Hickman, Lyah Beth LeFlore, Vincent Alexandria, Jihad, J.D. Mason, Andre’ Coleman, Clarence Nero, Frankie Nicole, Ebony Farashuu, Laverne Ballard, Shay Nolon and Rachelle Law.

Along with appearing authors: M.W. Moore, Renee Daniel Flagler, Jean Holloway, Esauren Phyer, James A. Jimason, China Ball, J.M. Benjamin, Toshia Shaw, Marc Lacy and Arlivia White.

Itinerary:

Friday, September 17th
~ Public booksigning at Willa’s Books
~ W.E.B. DeBois Learning Center Reading Program Poetry Slam Benefit

Saturday, September 18th
~ Breakfast & Lunch Guest Speakers: Victoria Christopher Murray, ReShonda Tate Billingsley and L.Y. Marlow.
~ Panel Discussions
~ Workshops
~ Author Breakout Sessions
~ Fall into Books Literary Salon Booksigning
~ Dinner at the Country Club Plaza ( on your own)

Sunday, September 19th
~ Inspirational Breakfast Buffet
~ Book Discussion with Trice Hickman
~ Panel Discussion

*Fall into Books Literary Conference is owned and operated by Literary-ly Speaking Events & Services.
*Fall into Books Literary Conference coordinators are Barbara Anne Washington & TaNisha Webb.

Four years ago when I published my first book, I started surfing the net looking for African-American book clubs. The first one that incorporated on my computer was RAWSISTAZ. I filled out the form and sent it forth and received, ‘you are accepted.’

Well, I didn’t have a clue, was as green as the proverbial rain forest. In short order just by being part of the group, I learned there was more to writing a book than writing a book. Some of it was quite painful, particularly, learning how little I knew.

But there were so much more that was immeasurably beneficial. Tee C. Royal and many of the authors who participated in RAW4ALL, provided me with so much information on how to truly self-publish, how to market and mostly how to interact with others in the sometimes upside down world we call publishing.

Four years later, and I must say that Tee and RAWSISTAZ are still the most avid supporters of authors and readers in the literature game. They provide many services, such as Black Book Chats, simply for the love of the written word, they also provide honest, concise reviews that make readers want to pick up your book and read it.

Most importantly, they have gotten the word out to the community about how viable African-American literature is and has opened doors for other such entities to go forth and prosper. I simply want to say;

CONGRATULATIONS, TEE C. ROYAL AND RAWSISTAZ, for opening the door for so many of us and continuing to support all writers and readers with integrity, professionalism and love of the written word. I sincerely THANK YOU for supporting me.

Be sure to check Angelia out at http://www.angeliamenchan.com and http://acvermen.blogspot.com.

The 10 Year Anniversary of RAWSISTAZ is later this month and we have kicked off our 30 Day Anniversary Celebration which is being held online the entire month of September.  I wanted to take this time to thank those who contacted us to participate, donate books and/or who have been sharing our information via the various social media outlets, their sites, blogs & more.  Also a special thanks to all our members, friends, and those who have supported us over the years.  We love and appreciate each of you!

In addition to what we’ll be doing throughout the month, you will hear from some of these supporters, win prizes, learn some things you may not have know about RAWSISTAZ, the lit industry and who knows what else?  LOL!  So, get ready to get your R.A.W. on with The Reading and Writing RAWSISTAZ…

And be sure to sign up to our Fan Page for exclusive giveaways & specials.

——————————-

CELEBRATION SCHEDULE (Week 1)

September 1 - A RAWSISTAZ Tribute by Hope Murphy

RAWSISTAZ Member & RAW Reviewer

http://www.rawsistaz.com/blog/black-book-talks/a-tribute-to-rawsistaz/

September 2 - Angelia Menchan **Book Giveaway via her Blog**

Author of Re-Rambled: Food and Thought: Ramblings Special Edition

http://acvermen.blogspot.com

http://www.angeliamenchan.com

September 3 – Electa Rome Parks

Author of Diary of a Stalker

http://www.facebook.com/electaromeparks

http://www.electaromeparks.com

September 3 – Stacy Deanne

Author of Melody

http://www.stacy-deanne.net/

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1345316653

September 4 – Michelle Larks **Book Giveaway via her newsletter**

Author of Faith

http://www.MichelleLarks.com/

September 5 - Lissa Woodson, writing as Naleighna Kai

Author of The Pleasure’s All Mine

http://www.naleighnakai.com/

http://www.macrompg.com/

September 6 – Yolanda M. Johnson/The Author’s Hideaway

Author of Circumstances

http://lwtheauthorshideaway.blogspot.com/

http://yolandamjohnson.com/

Saturday, August 28, 2010 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm – Sunday, August 29, 2010 from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

The love of a good book has the power to change lives. The festival will promote literacy awareness and education through the Suwanee Festival of Books Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

Over 100 Authors – Including over 40 Award Winning Authors and Illustrators.

Saturday, August 28th – Keynote address by Terry Kay,Georgia Hall of Fame author

Sunday, August 29th – Keynote address by Rick Smith, best-selling author and innovator
http://www.suwaneefestivalofbooks.com/
http://www.facebook.com/SuwaneeFoB
http://twitter.com/SuwaneeFoB

BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE
Exhibitor-Authors-Educators

Visit http://www.suwaneefestivalofbooks.com/ for more information or call the Suwanee Festival of Books Office at 678.232.6156 (Ask for Nicole)

Three additional ways you can show your support to the Suwanee Festival of Books:

1) Attend the Suwanee Festival of Books (http://suwaneefestivalofbooks.com/) on August 28th or 29th and purchase a book at the Barnes & Noble Book Marketplace,
…
2) Shop at any Barnes & Noble location with a voucher on August 28th or 29th (Visit: http://suwaneefestivalofbooks.com/images/files/SFoB_-_Bookfair_Flyer_-_2_Vouchers.pdf to download the flyer and voucher), or

3) Shop online at bn.com/bookfairs from August 28th – September 3rd and enter Bookfair ID: 10263036 at checkout.

*Proceeds benefit the Suwanee Literary Foundation, a 501(c)(3).
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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 (and Brothaz), we have created a RAWSISTAZ group on the Written site, so if you haven’t already, definitely join us as we share what we’re reading and the progress (and no, email and the many messages do not count).  We’ll check in here on the site weekly and also use our regular groups for the “juicy stuff” we may not want to post publicly.

And for some of you super-fast-reading-RAWSISTAZ…don’t think the rest of us can’t hang.  LOL!!  Let the noise-talking and the reading begin!

Top African-American authors gather for the Black Writers Reunion & Conference Book Signing

June 26 – Multi-author book signing at W Perimeter Hotel is free and open to the public

Atlanta, Georgia – June 12, 2010 – America’s premier Black writing conference for professional, freelance and aspiring writers is hosting an exclusive book signing featuring several of the country’s top African-American authors and novelists.

The Black Writers Reunion & Conference is proud to present the BWRC Author Expo on Saturday, June 26, 2010 at the W Perimeter Hotel (111 Perimeter Centre West, Atlanta) from 1 PM – 3 PM. This free event is open to the public and boasts a roster of some of the best names in African-American literature!

This multi-signing event features Angela Benson, Sharon Ewell Foster, Kathleen Cross, Stacy Hawkins Adams, Tonya Evans, Gwynne Forster, Venise Berry, Sara Freeman Smith, Linda Beed, Chiquita Board, Melanie Trausch, Bryan-Keyth Wilson, Jacqualyn Green, Marc Lacy, Nakia Laushaul, Dwan Abrams & more!

Come out with your book club and speak with your favorite novelist or purchase a book or two. This is one dynamic and innovative book event you won’t want to miss.

ABOUT THE BLACK WRITERS REUNION & CONFERENCE
Summer 2010 marks the 10th Anniversary of the BWRC. From June 23 to 26, the W Atlanta Perimeter Hotel will host the 6th Black Writers Reunion & Conference. Over two dozen informative seminars and hands-on workshops will present the craft and business of writing, publishing, and self-publishing.

Established in 2000, the Black Writers Reunion & Conference is well known for its engaging workshop presenters, outstanding topics, inspirational ambience, and professional organization. While BWRC does not discriminate against participants of any race, BWRC is the only touring conference with the added cultural bonus of being presented both by and for Black writers.

BWRC’s mission is to educate, support, and motivate aspiring, emerging, and published writers. We promote and encourage artistic expression and growth through skill development in the art, craft, and business of creative writing in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama as well as business and career endeavors in professional writing.

For more information: www.blackwriters.org.

After a fun and successful two month E-Book Reading Challenge, we took a few weeks off from our Black Book Chats to rest up and get ready for sharing even more books and reading challenges.

Well, we are back this week, starting at Noon (EST) with two book chats/discussions:  Tiffany Warren (author of our May BOM) and  the authors of the anthology Coffee Confessions (featured Black Book Chat).

Tuesday – BOM Discussion for In the Midst of It All by Tiffany Warren

Thursday – Book Discussion with the authors of Coffee Confessions edited by Dana Pittman

ABOUT IN THE MIDST OF IT ALL

All her life, Zenovia has struggled with the burden of caring for her schizophrenic mother, Audrey, alone. Until one day, God seems to offer support in the form of two members of a church called the Brethren of the Sacrifice, who knock at the women’s door preaching an unconventional version of the Gospel. Despite having questions, Zenovia agrees to join the church along with her mother. Soon afterward, Audrey stops taking her medication when fellow churchgoers deem her illness a demonic possession. Unable to watch her mother’s mental deterioration, Zenovia flees town, only to receive a fateful phone call several years later telling her of her mother’s suicide. Heartbroken, Zenovia must now make a soul-altering choice: accept “God’s will,” or return home to confront the demons she’s worked so hard to leave behind….    Read the first 4 chapters HERE.

ABOUT COFFEE CONFESSIONS
Coffee Confessions is an anthology featuring original short stories from JA Adams, LMBlakely, Darine Davis, Ja’Nese Dixon, Jean Holloway, TL James, and DeiIra Smith-Collard.  It is set in a small fictitious coffee shop in Houston, TX. Owner Sandra James serves up coffee, books, music and good ole’ fashion customer service that keeps her shop full of eclectic patrons.

Readers will enjoy this page-turning read of seven stories ranging from inspirational to speculative fiction and just about everything in between.  Sit back, grab a cup of your favorite joe and prepare to be entertained by the authors of SIR.  Get Your Copy at http://www.shhimreading.com/.

Featured Stories Include:

* Caramel Surprise by Ja’Nese Dixon
* Death by Espresso by TL James
* Latte Lady by Jean Holloway
* A Second Cup Please by Darine Davis
* A Double Shot of Darkness by DeiIra Smith-Collard
* More Than Coffee by JA Adams
* Suite Mocha by LMBlakely

Tuesday, May 4th - BOM Discussion with Terra Little (Where There’s Smoke 2)
Tuesday, May 4th -  Blog Tour with Vanessa Richardson (Love Found Me)
Friday, May 7^th – Black Jack by Jean Holloway
Monday, May 10^th – Blog Tour with Stacy Hawkins Adams (Who Speaks To Your Heart?)
Tuesday, May 11^th – Blog Tour with C. M. Jones (Nothing is Too Hard for God)
Tuesday, May 11^th – BOM Discussion with Lutishia Lovely (Reverend Feelgood)
Thursday, May 13^th - Beautiful Rage by Janaya Black
Friday, May 14^th – Carol Mackey Book Launch Celebration (Sistergirl Devotions)

E-Book Store @ ebookweek.com – official site of Read An E-Book Week

African-American Electronic Literary Network (AAELN) - created by Sylvia Hubbard to promote African-American e-book writers and publishers.

Epic - Electronically Published Internet Connection

Kobo B00ks – e-books specifically for your mobile devices

Smashwords – e-books from independent authors and publishers

MORE LINKS

Ebooks.com
Sony E-Book Store
BooksonBoard
Microsoft Reader Library
eReader.com
Book Glutton
Mobile Reads
Feedbooks
Barnes & Noble Nook
Amazon Kindle
Apple iPad

Nomination is open to African-American Literature published during the year 2009. The winners of each category will be recognized at a special Literary Award Ceremony during Afr’Am Festival slated for May 21-23, 2010.

Nominations must be received by March 15, 2010. For the complete guidelines visit 2010 AFLA Guidelines