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!

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

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 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.

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).
See More

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)

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

History – Read an E-Book Week (REBW) was first registered with Chase’s Calendar of Events in 2004 by founder, Rita Y. Toews.  By having the week officially recognized, e-book authors and publishers acquired a certain extra “legitimacy” during that week to promote the new technology of e-books. The public and media were initially wary of e-books and many doors were closed to promotion. With the week officially recognized by Chase’s, authors reported they now had access to television morning chat shows and were allowed to set up library displays during the week-long event.

ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW WITH RITA Y. TOEWS
(February 2010)

RAWSISTAZ Lit Group:  Rita, thanks so much for the opportunity to chat with you and discuss Read an E-Book Week.  Please share with our readers a bit about yourself and why you decided to start Read an E-Book Week.

It’s a pleasure to chat with the RAWSISTAZ Literary Group.

I’m an author as well as an avid reader. When e-books were new on the scene I released several books electronically.  It was very difficult to promote those books.  I decided that a concerted effort from all e-book authors would have a bigger impact on changing people’s views of the new reading format than one lonely voice.  A week set aside for authors to promote their books has made a huge difference.  Authors now have legitimacy when they approach publicity venues.

RAWSISTAZ Lit Group:  Well, I think it’s wonderful you were willing to step outside the box as you’re not playing catch-up like a lot of the publishers and independent authors are doing now.  What one misconception do people have about e-books?

People often say they think reading electronically will fatigue their eyes.  They haven’t tried the E-Ink screens, which are every bit as comfortable as reading from the printed page.

RAWSISTAZ Lit Group: Yes, I’ve heard this too and agree with you.  I have the first two versions of the Sony Reader and I love the device!  It’s so much easier than carrying books around with me; especially when I travel.  With e-books on the rise and electronic readers becoming popular, how do you think it’ll affect print publishing?

Unfortunately, I think it will negatively impact print publishing.  The major publishers were slow to realize people would accept e-books and weren’t on the ball with a strategy to change the way they present books.  I do believe they have received the message now, but they  have a lot of catch-up to do.  Perhaps the electronic version of a book could be the first to be released, with print coming later if the book proves to be popular.  Certain types of books should never make it to print, and there are certain books which should never be published electronically.  Print publishers will have to make decisions – better sooner than later.

RAWSISTAZ Lit Group: So true! It’s unfortunate it had to happen this way too, but I think in the end, it’ll work out for readers and for the authors.  You have some who may never buy an e-book or those who just love print books! Speaking of…what did you think about Amazon disabling the BUY links for the MacMillan titles on their site earlier this month?  Was it necessary to wake publisher’s up?

I’m not sure if that was it at all. I may be really off-base here, but I wonder if Amazon had something quite different in their minds.  Maybe they wanted to bring the argument to the readers and let them have a voice – or speak loudly with their pocketbooks.  Amazon didn’t have to say much to make a huge point, and yes, they did have to back down in the end but the publishers sure got a taste of the reader’s anger, didn’t they?

RAWSISTAZ Lit Group:  That they did and I have my own speculations on what was really going down, but definitely stood on the side of the author’s with this one.  I get what Amazon was saying, but to disable the print links too? Whew!

What’s your electronic reader of choice or do you read e-books via the computer or cell phone?

I own two e-reading devices – a Sony and a Nook.  The Sony is my favourite.  A lot of that preference has to do with the fact that I live in Canada.  Sony has a terrific selection of e-books available for their reader.  The Nook is a Barnes & Noble device and unfortunately they make it hard for Canadian readers to buy e-books from their stores.  I hope that will get better in the near future.

RAWSISTAZ Lit Group:  I have been admiring the Nook, so if I were to buy another one, it would be that one.  The iPad looks interesting too.  Do you think e-books will continue to gain popularity and eventually become better sellers than print books?

I believe there are some books that will sell better in the electronic version than in print. But, as I mentioned previously, there are books that should never be issued electronically – those beautiful art books for coffee tables, for example. Another would be books for infants.  The “read them and toss” pulp fiction books, on the other hand, are better left to electronic versions.

RAWSISTAZ Lit Group:  This is a great point and I agree.  I think it’s wonderful how many authors, publishers and websites have taken an interest in e-books and Read an E-Book Week and I hope it continues to grow and bring readers to great books they may not have heard about otherwise.  Do you have any other projects in the works?

Right now my efforts are on Read an E-Book Week.  I do have a collection of short stories languishing in my computer, so I think I should give it some attention next month.  I also create covers for e-books – mostly through Smashwords.  That can take up quite a lot of my time.

Thank you for including me in your Read an E-Book Week activities! The Read an E-Book Week website is located at http://www.ebookweek.com. The website featuring my children’s anti-bully books is located at http://www.thebullybook.com.  A sample of a few of my e-book covers can be viewed at http://www.domokos.com/ebook_cover_design.html.

RAWSISTAZ Lit Group: A special thanks to Rita for taking the time to answer our questions and letting us share in Read an E-Book Week!

Be sure you join us for E-Book Week here on the site as we kick off our E-Book Reading Challenge!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MORE AT THE READ AN E-BOOK WEEK WEBSITE
The Read an E-Book Website provides the latest information on e-books and acts as a collection point where you can list your event or give-away.

- Learn successful business strategies from industry experts
- Network with professionals and make powerful connections
- Grow your business to new heights

The Self-Publishing Symposium’s huge success has secured its presence in the self and small publishing arena as a sought-after event for self-published authors.
Some of the important topics of discussion will be:

- Critical Trends Impacting the Market
- How to be Successful with Virtual Marketing and PR
- Driving Sales in a Tough Market
- Self-Publishing: Things You Must Know
- Maximize Revenue Streams (e-books, audio books, etc.)

The electrifying “Hot Topics” panel affords attendees the opportunity to have their pressing issues addressed by a panel of publishing experts in an open forum.

Visit http://www.selfpublishingsymposium.com for more information.

Read an E-Book Week educates and informs the public about the pleasures and advantages of reading electronically. Authors, publishers, vendors, the media and readers world-wide are welcome to join in the effort. We encourage you to promote electronic reading with any event. These could include: public readings, library displays, reading challenges, school visits, newspaper and blog articles, chat show appearances, internet radio interviews, e-book give-ways, and banners on your website.

E-Books are becoming quite popular with the avid reader and a lot of people are purchasing devices such as the Sony Reader, Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook and more.  No matter which device you prefer or where you stand with print books vs e-books, e-books are making an impact on publishing as we know it.  So, what better way to spread the news than to encourage folks to go out and read an e-book?

So, in our efforts to promote & share information about e-books, RAWSISTAZ is joining the celebration of Read an E-Book Week on March 7-13 with the kick off of our 8-week E-Book Reading Challenge.

We have a host of authors lined up who will be giving away free copies of their e-books and then joining us for a chat & book discussion via our popular Black Book Chats series.  The free e-book downloads will be available directly on the site as well as links to authors who have shared their e-book details & links, and an interview with the founder of Read an E-Book Week, Rita Y. Toews. She is the co-author of three award-winning e-books: Prometheus, The Centurion and The Price of Freedom.  She is also the author of two children’s e-books, Kelly’s Baby Brother and Christmas Stars.

For more information on Read An E-Book Week, visit the site at http://www.ebookweek.com.

January 29, 2010

Dear Readers,

Many across the world have witnessed the horrific destruction that occurred on January 13, 2010 in the nation of Haiti. As progressive humanitarians and social advocates, it is necessary that we take part in the recovery efforts to aid thousands of individuals who are currently without shelter, food, family, and medical attention. RJ Publications is teaming up with some of the nation’s best-selling, prolific, electrifying and avant-garde writers in recent years to help raise funds in this time of desperation.

We are actively requesting your assistance to ensure the success of “Authors for Haiti,” a day dedicated to raising awareness, aid, and atonement to the nation of Haiti during the aftermath of such a dismal tragedy. This event wishes to showcase the works of many authors who have agreed to participate and donate one hundred percent of the proceeds to the upturn efforts in Haiti. Notable authors such as K’wan, T. Styles, Erick Gray, Naija, JM Benjamin, T. Nicole, Azarel, Ayana Ellis and myself have offered to contribute our time to this event. We will be signing some of your favorite books at this special event. In addition, we have also solicited the help of the most influential publicists in New York City to ensure the promotional success of this event.

Unfortunately, “Authors for Haiti” can’t take place without the assistance and support of the readers. In efforts to make this event an absolute success, we are requesting your presence and financial support at the event in order for us to raise enough money to meet our goal.

Time and Place:

Saturday, February 13, 2010
5pm – 8pm
Linger Lounge
533 Atlantic Ave
Brooklyn, New York

I’d like to extend a special thanks to Jessica, the owner of the Linger Lounge for assisting in this matter, as well as all the wonderful authors with beautiful hearts who have made this event a priority. I especially would like to thank my main man, Kwan, for standing with me from the very beginning when I mentioned this event to him.
Goal:

The goal for this event is to raise enough money to contribute to the relief efforts of Wyclef Jean’s foundation, Yele Haiti, as well as helping to assist with the cost of traveling and lodging for 10 volunteering, Creole speaking Haitian nurses going to Haiti, along with myself, who speaks the people’s native tongue, to help with the relief efforts in Haiti.

The authors are dedicated to helping with the recovery of Haiti. I have already gathered and collected clothing donations and plan on collecting food and medical supply donations for the trip to Haiti. One of the main goals is to get food, clothingand medical supplies to those people who are in dire need of the basic necessities in Haiti. In the event that we are prevented from traveling to Haiti, 100% of thedonations will be donated to the Yele Foundation.

As always, I appreciate your time, support and love.

Sincerely,

Richard Jeanty
Author

For more information, visit the Facebook Page or the RJ Publications website.

Carleen is holding a contest for book clubs in conjunction with the movie to on her website, www.carleenbrice.com.

Host a viewing party and you could win a gift basket full of fun stuff, including autographed books from a variety of women’s fictions authors including Bernice McFadden, Donna Grant and Virginia Deberry, Connie Briscoe and others!

Orange Mint and Honey was a Target Breakout Book and an Essence Recommended Read, and for it Carleen won the 2009 Black Caucus of the American Library Association First Novelist Award and the 2008 Breakout Author of the Year Award from the African American Awards Show.

More information is at www.carleenbrice.com. There is also an event page for viewing parties on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=197722554268&index=1.

If you’re looking for the chat, click HERE to join us, starting at 10AM EST.

On her blog, she shares:

Dear Book Lover:

You may not know me or my novels, because I am a member of a growing band of African-American writers of literary fiction who are slowly disappearing. And not because I am lacking in talent and credentials; in fact I have already published a number of books with major publishing houses and have been reviewed by national newspapers and well-respected literary journals, and have received critical acclaim and awards for my efforts. My work has been hailed as vivid, thought provoking and brilliant. I have been compared to Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Zora Neale Hurston and Gloria Naylor.

The fact that my novels may disappear is not due to the downward spiral of the economy or the pound of flesh it has taken from the book-publishing industry. No, my demise began long before the floor of the housing market began to rot away and the stock market crashed through.

Why?

I don’t rightly know why publishers market fiction written by African-Americans ONLY TO African-Americans – but it has become common practice. And by doing this, they’ve placed all AA authors in one box forcing them to compete for the attention of ONE audience.

The word that has been coined to describe what is happening to AA writers is: Seg-Book-Gation.  Continue Reading…

For many of the RAWSISTAZ members, Sugar is at the top of the list for favorite books of all time and we’re looking forward to re-reading and discussing the book with Bernice, as well as helping in her efforts to sell 10,000 books.  It is sad (and just plain wrong) seeing one of our favorite (and most talented) authors NOT on the NYT Bestseller lists, not celebrated more and not easily selling 10,000 books to ALL readers.

So, if you haven’t already…Buy a Copy of  Sugar and join us on January 5th via our Black Book Chats for our online celebration with Bernice!

THE RAWSISTAZ REVIEW (from the archives)

Reviewed: May 24, 2001

Sugar by Bernice L. McFadden
Plume, January 2001
240 Pages, Paperback, $14.00
ISBN: 0452282209
Genre: Fiction

RAW Rating: 5.0 (out of 5)

SUGAR is one of the most engrossing novels that I have read in a long time.  McFadden weaves a tale so vividly, the reader is easily transported into the storyline.  1940, Bigelow, Arkansas is where this Southern tale begins, with a scene so disturbingly painful and detailed that it grips your heart and propels you to read further.  SUGAR’s opening line, JUDE IS DEAD, is powerful, and we learn that Pearl and Joe Taylor have lost their only daughter Jude to a horrific event, and Pearl, a once vibrant, loving wife and mother, finds herself devastated over the loss, a piece of her soul, her heart gone forever.

Move to 1955, where life in Bigelow seems to be normal, and Pearl has buried the pain of Jude’s death deep within her.  That is, until a scandalously sexy and provocative woman waltzes into their small town, right next door to Pearl, creating rumors and upheavals with the women and gawking and lust with the men.  Pearl is struck by the resemblance that Sugar has to her deceased child.  Pearl and Sugar have their own personal demons that have plagued them, and this connection sparks a friendship between the odd couple.  Through their friendship, and the unfolding of their painful paths, the women become more family than friends, but all is not glorious as the past looms over them, bringing pain, grief, and the reopening of old wounds.

McFadden writes with such beauty that it’s easy to get lost in the novel.  The plot is full of drama and realism of the time period and will invoke anger and despair, hope and forgiveness in those who read it.  The town, the people, the dialogue is so vivid, so realistic, that it’s easy to believe every account in the novel, even the truly painful.  SUGAR is an exquisite piece of literature, and it’s definitely deserving of being on every reader’s bookshelf.

Reviewed by Shonie Bacon, RAWSISTAZ.com
—-

Shonie Bacon is the co-author of Luvalwaz, a RAWSISTAZ reviewer and the founder of The Nubian Chronicles.

~You Must Be An Urban Reviews Yahoo Group or Facebook Group Member To Qualify!~

So, be sure you sign up for their group as indicated on their CONTEST PAGE.

Renowned for numerous accomplishments in their respective fields, West and Brown will participate in a lively, interactive discussion facilitated by Charisse Jones, author and national correspondent for USA Today. The evening is an opportunity to take part in a compelling, inspiring conversation which will be focused on West and Brown’s current titles: Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud: A Memoir by Dr. Cornel West, and Role of a Lifetime: Reflections on Faith, Family, and Significant Living by James Brown. Both books are intimate, deeply personal memoirs from men who have forged landmark careers that have paved the way for aspiring young women and men who strive to achieve similar professional and personal goals.

Participants will not only hear from the prominent speakers, but also have the opportunity to purchase copies of their books.

This event is free to all.

For additional information log onto www.cathedralinternational.org and or contact Bishop Donald & Phyllis Hilliard at 732-826-5293.

As a reminder, you CAN count books on the list you’ve already read IF (and only if), you actively participate in the discussions.

BOOK 1

PUSH by Sapphire
Vintage, April 1997
192 Pages, Paperback, $13.00
ISBN-10: 0679766759
ISBN-13: 9780679766759

BUY IT

BOOK DESCRIPTION

TRAPPED IN PARADISE by Deatri King-Bey
Red Rose Publishing, November 2009
Ebook, $2.99 (all proceeds go to charity)
ISBN-13: 978-1-60435-464-5

BUY IT

Book Description

After escaping an abusive marriage, Saundra Write swore never to allow anyone to trap her again. Then comes along Jeremy King, the kind of man any woman would beg to be trapped in paradise with.

Publisher’s Website: http://www.redrosepublishing.com

Author’s Website: http://www.deewrites.com

BOOK 3

ONE NIGHT WITH YOU by Francis Ray
St. Martin’s Paperbacks, November 2009
336 Pages, Paperback, $6.99
ISBN-10: 0312365063
ISBN-13: 978-0312365066

BUY IT

Book Description

Cougars, brush fires, snow storms—rancher Duncan McBride tackles it all without a flinch. But the archeologist who’s come to authenticate cave drawings found on his property is the kind of trouble he’d sworn to avoid. Far from the aging academic he was expecting, Raven La Blanc is a stunning woman…and definitely not sticking around this small Montana town once her job is done.

The primitive drawings at Duncan’s ranch are Raven’s ticket to the tenured position she’s worked so hard for back in Santa Fe. But there’s no denying the attraction between her and Duncan. Maybe, just this once, she can put her work aside and explore the depths of her own heart and soul? One night may be all it takes for Raven to really find what she’s looking for…

Publisher’s Website: http://www.macmillan.com

Author’s Website: http://www.francisray.com

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READING LIST & CHAT DATES
Dec 1st – Push by Sapphire
Dec 4th - Trapped in Paradise by Deatri King-Bey (ebook)
Dec 8th – One Night With You by Francis Ray
Dec 10th - Have Mercy by Earl Sewell
Dec 15th – Bring on the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins
Dec 16th – Lady Jasmine by Victoria Christopher Murray
Dec 17th – His Invisible Wife by Shelia Goss
Dec 22nd – Total Eclipse of the Heart by Zane
Dec 29th – Millionaire Wives Club by Tu-Shonda Whitaker
Dec 30th - Mrs. Black by Angelia Vernon Menchan
Jan 3rd – Reality Check by Eric Pete (time: TBD)
Jan 5th – Who is He To You by Monique Mensah
Jan 5th – Finding Me by Darnella Ford (tentative)
Jan 7th - On My Knees by Dyanne Davis (ebook)
Jan 12th – The Ideal Wife by Jacquelin Thomas

CLICK HERE for more information on the challenge and how you can be one of our 4 winners!

The Mosaic Literary Conference is ONE WEEK AWAY!

Register at http://mosaic.eventbrite.com.
- 20% discount if you register before Saturday, Nov. 7
- 25% group discount (3 or more)

The Mosaic Literary Conference presents creative ways for keeping books and reading valuable sources of knowledge and creativity. This day of professional-development workshops will help educators and administrators incorporate literature into existing curricula to further explore course work that focuses on cultures, history, and social studies.

For information visit http://mosaic.eventbrite.com or email info@mosaicmagazine.org.

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Conference Date: November 7, 2009
Location: Hostos Community College
450 Grand Concourse at 149th St., Bronx, NY
Trains: 2, 4, or 5 to 149th St/Grand Concourse
Buses: BX1, BX2, or BX19

Black Books Weekend

Black Books Weekend will open Black Friday, November 27, 2009 with live readings from 50 of the most talented writers on the shelves, from all genres. Black Books Weekend, hosted by Ella Curry of EDC Creations features 4 nights of readings and discussions with noted authors, bookclubs and poets. Our mission is to get folks to buy great books for gifts this holiday season, from our featured publishers and imprints. This event is a bookclub, avid readers paradise!  We have confirmed apperances by Victoria Christoper Murray, Bonnie Hopkins, Mary B. Morrison, Pat G’Orge Walker, Marissa Monteilh, Francis Ray, Dwayne S. Joseph, Azarel, Monda Webb, Pamela Samuels Young, Pat Simmons, Shelia Lipsey, Electa Rome Parks and many more. There are 5 major gift bag promotions and one grand prize for the readers who join us November 27-30, 2009 on the phones and the web.

**Authors, have your books showcased on 50 popular sites for $65.00 during  the celebration!

Bookclubs, we have over 200 books that will be given away as REVIEW copies during the showcase. The Black Pearls Grand Prize gift bag, for the weekend, includes 15 of our finest Black Pearls books,  a handmade doll from Sister Inc., book thongs, bookmarks, CDs by poet Marc Lacy, EDC Creations 2010 book calendar, EDC Creations totebag and Godiva Chocolates! Value of gift bag $450.00. To enter the drawing for prizes, sign up to FOLLOW our blog here.
http://edcmagazine.blogspot.com/2009/10/black-books-weekend-full-details.html
November 27-30, 2009, this totally online festival, will present a full authors showcase with live readings, a bookclub panel discussion, and poetry showcase, as we party in the spirit of Sankofa, celebrating our heritage, culture and talents! Join us from the comfort of your home, bring in your friends, make an event of it and chat with today’s hottest authors! All the fun is at Black Authors Network Radio (BAN) www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network

Book Donations and Signed Review Copies can be mailed to:
Note: put your media sheet, business card or postcards in the front of each book.

Ella Curry, EDC Creations
Authors Submission
PO Box 7794
Langley Park, Maryland 20787

**For more information on booking slots as a featured author or advertising, email Ella Curry at: edc_dg@yahoo.com. Do not reply to this email with questions. Only submit to email address above.

Write Away Workshop
Saturday, November 7, 2009
8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: 2191 Northlake Pkwy, Ste 160. Tucker, GA 30084
(Northlake Business Park, Bldg. #11 – Joy of Faith Ministries)

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Don’t wait to add “work on my book” to your list of New Year’s resolutions. It’s time for you to get focused and work on it “write away”!

Join best-selling, inspirational author Tia McCollors and God’s Elect Ladies, Inc. for a Christian-based writing workshop.

You will learn about:
Getting Started
Overcoming obstacles & struggles
Success strategies and tips to stay on task
Setting goals
Determining whether to write fiction or non-fiction and choosing the appropriate genre
Building a plot or organizing your ideas
Researching publishing houses and submission guides
Finding and working with an agent
Crafting a book proposal
Book marketing ideas
…and more

REGISTER TODAY for $40.00

Please note:
The $40.00 investment includes continental breakfast, boxed lunch and workshop materials.

CLICK HERE for more info.