Missing on the Literary Scene

Are your favorite authors missing from the literary scene? Wondering what happened to them?  Why are they not around anymore? Is it by choice? Well, let’s talk about it. Be sure to list some of YOUR favorites who are missing in action on the literary scene and share your thoughts on the topic.

Last week, we talked about authors who have been missing from the scenes and we wanted to expand on it this week with not only sharing those authors we miss, but discussing why they’re missing. At the top of my list are Marcus Major, Timmothy McCann, Elyse Singleton, V. Anthony Rivers, Gregory 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??

Literary Round-Up & Black Book Talk Special (September 2009)

There is a lot going on in the literary world these days, so in addition to talking about the YA books we read last month, I also wanted to discuss some of the things in the works, so feel free to share any news or events happening this month.

BOM SELECTIONS
For August, our theme was Through the Eyes of a Child and we focused on YA/Teen titles.  Our books were What They Found: Love on 145th St by Walter Dean Myers and Mare’s War by Tanita S. Davis.

E LYNN HARRIS DAY
Today is the book launch party for the release of Mama Dearest, the newest release by the late E. Lynn Harris.  Friday has been set as E. Lynn Harris Day and bookstores across the country will hold special booksignings, hosted by authors who loved and supported his work.  RAWSISTAZ will be joining in the celebration with a special online tribute & celebration on Friday, so please stop through and join us.

The full tour schedule is HERE.

Also, there will be a memorial celebration on Friday at the Georigia International Convention Center – CLICK HERE for more info.

AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERARY AWARDS SHOW
The AALAS produces an annual  Literary  Awards show to recognize, honor, celebrate and promote the outstanding achievements and contributions that African-American authors and writers make to the publishing, arts and entertainment industries.  This year’s event happens Thursday, so stay tuned for the announcement of the winners.  Click HERE to visit site.

TYLER PERRY & FOR COLORED GIRLS
Did you know Tyler Perry is set to direct a big screen adaptation of the Tony-nominated Ntozake Shange play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf?”
Get More Info

THE COLOR PURPLE
Fantasia and the cast of The Color Purple returned to Atlanta and doing a two week run (Sep 15- Sep 27) at the The Fabulous Fox Theatre.

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Jo Ann Hernandez is hosting a celebration: Rep Your Favorite Latino/a Book for Hispanic Heritage Month. CLICK HERE for more information.

EDI’S  09 SCHOOL READ
Edi is an African American female school librarian in Indianapolis working to improve the literacy of students of color in the US and around the globe. CLICK HERE for more information.

BOOK BLOGGER APPRECIATION WEEK
BBAW is going on and bloggers across the internet are sharing information on our favorite things…books!  CLICK HERE for more information.

LEE AND LOW NEW VOICES AWARD
The Award will be given for a children’s picture book manuscript by a writer of color. The Award winner receives a cash grant of $1000 and our standard publication contract, including a basic advance and royalties for a first time author.  CLICK HERE for more info.

PRECIOUS OPENS IN November
LIONSGATE, the leading next generation studio, announced today that Lee Daniels’ “Precious: Based On The Novel PUSH By Sapphire,” has won the Cadillac People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. The award was announced at the festival’s closing ceremony.  CLICK HERE for more information.

The Death (or not) of Black Literature

What brought about the “death” of black literature? If Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston or James Baldwin were alive today, what would they say/think about the state of black literature?  Would they be surprised at what’s hot & selling? Is it something we can be proud to pass on to our children?

Or, is black literature just fine and simply going through a re-birth of sorts? There is a bit of something for everyone and many readers have eclectic tastes.  So, this could be looked at as a good thing.

What are your thoughts? What is our literary legacy?

August 2009 Chat Schedule

Our August Discussion Schedule is as follows and most will start around 10AM EST.

August 4 – Black Book Talk

The Death (or not) of Black Books

August 11 – Book Discussion 

Maneaters by Mary B. Morrison & Noire

August 18 – Blog Book Chat (w/author)

Intimate Seduction by Brenda Jackson

August 25 – Black Book Talk

Summer Reading Challenge Update #2

Let’s Talk! Favorite Genres

It’s Tuesday, so time for Black Book Talks.  This week, we don’t have an author scheduled to join us, so we’re going to do a subject topic: FAVORITE GENRES. 

Many readers prefer one genre over another, some read several genres, as long as the book is well-written, while others have eclectic tastes and are really particular about their reading choices.

Where do you fall?  Take a few minutes and share with us your favorite genres & why.  Also, include a few titles (and authors) are at the top of your favorites list.