While I realize this is all so much bigger than me, I’m proud to be the founder of such a wonderful group of readers, writers & literary enthusiasts. Today marks the 9-Year Anniversary of RAWSISTAZ Literary Group!
What started off as a way of supporting and promoting African-American authors has blossomed into not only just a book club (RAWSISTAZ Online Book Club), but also an online literary hang-out (RAW4ALL), a team of dedicated reviewers (The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers), local chapters (Atlanta, New York, Chicago, Memphis, Piedmont Triad of NC, Detroit, Northern VA, Los Angeles & coming soon in Central Ohio), an annual Readers & Writers Conference (The RAWSISTAZ Affair) and a commitment to excellence in all we do.
I want to personally thank each of you for being a member of our group(s), supporting what we do, sharing/networking with each other and making RAWSISTAZ home. We’ve had some great times and many of us have made friends we wouldn’t have otherwise known. We’ve also found about some great Black writers who we may have missed out on, so here’s to 9 Years!!!
In celebration, we hope you’ll be able to drop in today to introduce yourselves, share your testimonies, favorite moments, or just hang out with us. We’ll be giving away prizes and just having a good time. Initially I had planned to only hold this celebration here, but we will also do our Anniversary Jamz chat via the chat room, so stay tuned for information on that as the day progresses.
You can also sign our guestbook at: http://pub18.bravenet.com/guestbook/1513041776
-Tee C. Royal, Founder
Hey Tee and other sistaz,
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! I know I have greatly enjoyed my time here. Even though I have never met any of my sistaz in person, I look forward to sharing our love of books (and meeting all of you next year) and for many years to come! Here’s to continued success and growth!!
Susan – Columbus, OH
Thanks so much, Susan! I look forward to meeting you one day soon.
(Singing) Happy Anniversary! Happy Anniversary! Happy Anniversary! HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAApy Anniversary!
This is ironic, because I literally had, “Post my testimony on RAW list serve” on my to do list when Tee sent out the announcement to post testimonies for the anniversary…
I have been a member of Raw4All and a stalker of the website for years. I started out as a reader, then I became a literary enthusiast, then a writer and now I am an author. I love to read the daily posts with the ups and the downs of the daily lives of my fellow literary professionals.
I have always been a lover of books, so when I was growing up, an author was like a major celebrity to me. This is probably why I sit back and watch so much of what is going on with out always jumping in. I am honored to be around such talent.
RAW has also acted as a better business bureau of sorts for authors because the other literary professionals in the group have helped me with many of my concerns about the integrity of business practices of companies and individuals I have dealt with.
I have met some awesome reviewers, great friends, mentors who don’t even know that I am watching them and most of all I have received a sense of belonging in the literary community at large.
Tee, I just want to thank you because you have created something that has added infinite value not only to the literary community, but to the world.
Monica Marie Jones
Author
http://www..monicamariejones.com
Monica, thank you, thank you, thank you! I love what I do and I love my RAWSISTAZ family, even those who act up every now and then. ROFL.
-Tee
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY RAWSISTAZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so glad to be a part of a literary group where the members LOVE to read and talk about books as much as I do. I have met some beautiful people while being here and I’m looking forward to meeting you all in real life.
To Tee: Thank you for your brainchild!! For founding a group where readers and authors can come together and talk BOOKS!!! Thank you for keeping us in the know of the happenings in the literary world and all the behind the scenes you do to make RAWSISTAZ a SUCCESS!!!! (((HUGS)))
Here’s to another 9 years!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, sis and thank YOU for everything! You do a lot behind the scenes with The RAW Reviewers and I’m so appreciative.
-Tee
Hapopy Birthday to ya!!
Happy Biiiirthday
Tee C. this group has definitely been instrumental in taking me higher in my literary world.
The friendships and knowledge that I have acquired through you all is a blessing
Happy Birthday
I have to say that the friendships and knowledge that I have acquired through your groups has taken me higher than I ever dreamed.
Continue being a blessing and beacon
Luv ya
Just passing through right now to say CONGRATULATIONS on all you’ve accomplished and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY.
I’ll stop by later to post thoughts and all that good stuff.
Wana
Happy Anniversary Tee and thank you so much for starting this wonderful literary organization. I’ve learned so much from coming to your site and reading articles. You have really been a friend to authors. I pray that you & the group will continue and grow stronger.
Wow! Has it really been 9 years???? I guess it has! RAWSistaz gave me the first review I ever had–it was for She Touched My Soul in 2000! Here’s raising a glass that we’ll be 90, still reading (eyeglasses or not) and still posting what we think about what we’ve read. We’ve come a long way, baby! Many happy returns.
Happy Aniv. RAWSISTAZ. Tee you are awesome and I am happy to know such a giving and supportive person. I am proud to be assiciated with RAW and wish for continued success in the future.
Thank you all so very much for not only stopping by today, but being supportive of the group. I apologize for peeking in late today, but I was at Joy’s school this morning and then had a dentist appointment. I’m finally getting home but as a show of appreciation for taking out time in your day to stop by…each of you have WON A PRIZE!! I’ll be back a little later with more info.
-Tee
nine years have just zipped by right before my eyes! lol i’ve been in this game long enough to see a lot of groups come and go, and the fact that RAWSistaz is still standing is a testiment to its fearless leader and devoted and passionate members.
you ladies have helped launch many a writing career. this is a very difficult business it break into, but RAWsistaz was always there for me and others, to offer support and encouragement and even some constructive critism when needed.
thank you so much for doing what you do and for continuing to do it with enthusiasm. thank you for still being here, and i have no doubt that you’ll still be standing nine years from now!
you are appreciated, ladies of RAW!
continued blessings, RAWSistaz.
Sincerely,
JD Mason
Tee,
You know I had to stop by and help celebrate your nine years. I know you didn’t have a clue it would turned into this wonderful thing.
Promoting books is a hard job, but God knew we were perfect for it.
I can still remember the first emails for the RAWSISTAZ communities. We loved talking about books. A lot of us branched off to do our own things, but we never forget our first online friends.
I’m so glad to know you have my back as I have yours and I look forward to many more years of promoting books and their writers.
Congratulations on nine years online and may God continue to bless RAWSISTAZ, you and your family,
A friend forever,
LaShaunda
9 years…WOW and congrats. RAWSISTAZ is a great site and even better book club. I’ve been following the site and/or part of the online RAWSISTAZ group for the entire time…things keep getting better. If you want to be “in the know” about new African American authors/books you have to keep with RAWSISTAZ. Tee, thank you for your vision, patience and hours of hard work and dedication (and money) that it takes to keep this site up and running. Your energy and commitment gives me motivation to keep going on many a day(night).
Now, you’ll get your read on….
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY RAWSISTAZ.
I am Shai Lynn Davis from Detroit. I have been a member since 2003. I found out about RAW on Amazon.com. I used to wonder who are these reviewers. So I stopped over, joined the RAW Yahoo group and it has been a wonderful ride. I have met in person some of my favorite authors at the 2007& 2008 Affairs. I have connected via email and met some wonderful readers and writers. RAW has been entertaining, informative, educational, and inspirational. I have had the pleasure of meeting Tee and she is an awesome asset to the literary world. Congrats on the 9 years and many more to come.
Thank you Tee, and Rawsistaz for giving me my very first review for Saturday’s Child and subsequent reviews for my other two books. But mostly thank you for extending your friendship that I still cherish today. You were then, and are even more so today, a force to be reckoned with. I wish RAW nothing but continued success for being a touchstone in the literary community!!
Love you much!!! Gayle
Happy Birthday RAWSISTAZ
Tee,
I am so proud to be a part of such a wonderful group who have a passion for the literary world as I do. I want to thank you and my fellow RAWSISTAZ for your dedication and inspiration. The 2008 RAW AFFAIR gave me the much needed push to step out on faith with my own literary endeavors. I pray that RAWSISTAZ has many more years of success!!
Happy Anniversary RAWSISTAZ!!!! And many many more years to come!!!!
Happy Birthday RAWSISTAZ!!!
Wow, 9 years! What an amazing journey it has been. Of course, I am proud and very happy to have been apart of the journey for the short time I’ve been with RAW.
When I first joined the Book Club, I had no idea what I was signing up for. I’ve made friends with people all over the world who love books just like I do. When Tee asked me to become a Reviewer, my love for all things literary increased 100%. So Tee I say to you, congratulations and keep doing what you do. You are an inspriation!
I’m so proud to be a READING AND WRITING SISTA! And only nine years old! So young and tender…
Happy Anniversary, family!
Happy 9th Anniversary to Tee and all my RAWSISTAZ. I am so happy and blessed to be a part of such a fantastic growth. I love what RAWSISTAZ does and what the name represents in the literary world. Wishing RAWSISTAZ many more years!
Happy Anniversary Rawsista! A wonderful accomplishment…
Ok I’m back.
I’m Wana in RAWSistaz world because I couldn’t be Tee (smiling at Tee) and I live in Metro Detroit with my hubby of 4 years. I’ve been a part of RAWSistaz for a long time. I wanna say I was here when Tee was first talking about in another group through something else that was yahoo groups but that was too long ago and I’ve had one too many drinks to truly recall it.
I remember in the beginning I was AMAZED by all the AA authors that I didn’t know about at that time I had only read EJD, E. Lynn Harris, Carl Weber and Timmothy McCann. It was a whole new world of books for me and since I had just moved to a state where I knew NO ONE I welcomed it all; discussions, list of new books, friends that I hope to one day meet and everything else along with a healthy book budget. The great thing is after all these years I still cherish those things about RAWSistaz. I can honestly say there are no other groups like this one (not knocking any other group so please don’t take offense) but I took a break from RAW for school and wedding planning and missed it dearly.
I also appreciate all Tee does not just for RAW members but for the literary community as a whole.
With that I say thank you Tee and the family (for supporting you in your endeavors).
I n celebration, we hope you’ll be able to drop in today to introduce yourselves, share your testimonies, favorite moments, or just hang out with us.
Congratulations to each of us especially to you Tee. I have been in and out for a few years but what never ceases to amaze me is the love we show to each other. The pride we feel and share when on of us reaches a major mile stone.
Thank you for sharing your love of reading with me. May we have many more years together.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!! I’m proud to be a member of the online club, the NY local chapter, and a former reviewer. I have met so many outstanding ladies and gents and always had a ball at the RAW Affairs. It’s truly a great group, and Tee, you are truly a phenomenal woman for founding, maintaining, and growing this empire!
When I stumbled across the group, I joined just to get back into reading. I have found so much more. I enjoy networking with authors and other readers. This group led me to the local book club in NC. thanks for creating such a wonderful group where readers and authors can come together and discuss books. Congrats on the nine years. I’m looking forward to many more!
Happy Anniversary RAWSISTAZ!!!
I am Patrice Harlson and I live in Birmingham, AL. I am a member of RAWSISTAZ, RAW4ALL, and the Atlanta chapter. I have really enjoyed my time here with RAW. It is just like an extended family. I have had the opportunity to meet some of the RAW family and it has been great. Tee and the Royal family – Thanks you for all that you do for this great family experience!! Look forward to 9 more years.
Happy 9th Anniversary RAWSISTAZ!
I’am a very proud member of this fabulous club!
The past four years have been absolutely wonderful being among such wonderful people.
May God’s blessings and favor continue to rain down on Tee and RAWSISTAZ.
Hugs! Janice
Today has been one BUSY day! It seems I’ve been running from the moment I got up and I’m still not done. Soooooooooooooo, we’ll build the suspense up a little longer and continue our Anniversary Celebration through the rest of the week.
Thank you all once again for stopping by and for your support!!
-Tee
I havent been online all day and feel late to the party. I have ejoyed being a member of RAW for so many years that I have lost count and it really doesnt matter because I plan to be a member forever. LOL Tee is the bomb-diggity and I am so happy I asked her one day in a chatroom “what book club?” I like to read and want to join. When READ, an after school literacy program I ran needed funds, books, food to feed the kids, MEMBERS of RAW stepped up and assisted us and I am forever humbled by that support. I will be the first President of Ohio Rawsistaz-Central Ohio chapt launch on Oct 17, 2009 11am at The Book Suite on Long Street but plan to groom others to take my place and have sites all over Ohio. Im proud to be a member and I know that for years to come Rawsistaz will be a force online and offline in the literary community. Thank you Tee for all you do…I cant thank you enough..! Oh and make sure you show my pic to Joy and Little man so when I come to visit I wont scare them..LOL
Love Linda
WOW it is hard to believe that it has been 9 years. RAW has been such a great experience for me. RAW made it possible for me to connect to the secret avid reader in me (my book addiction developed later in life) and has connected me with some great people many of who I consider friends. My own book club would not be what it was if it was not for Tee and RAW. If one woman could do all this there is no way I could not maintain my own little online world.
I think I have been a member in some way shape or form for about 8 years I still can’t believe it has been that long. I wish I could be as active as I was a few years ago but life gets in the way. Still I always knew there was a place for me as long as RAWSISTAZ exisited and one of these days when the kids are a little bigger I am going to rejoin NYRAWSISTAZ and attend another RAW Affair. It is an experience you do not want to miss. I have only been to one and I can not wait to go to another. Tee is a class act and RAWSISTAZ is the bomb
OK I am beginning to ramble it is late and I am tired but I could not let the day go without adding a little something
Thank you Tee for creating this world for us all.
Happy 9th Anniversary Rawsistaz! Even though I just joined it pleasure to be a part of a book club like this. You sisters keep real on alot things regarding books and other things.
As the old say goes, time flies when you’re having fun!! I’ve only been apart of this group of special ladies for a short time and they instantly became my freinds and family. Congratulations to the successful years that have flown by and to the many more to come.
Tee, thanks for being you!!! Your hard work, dedication and support hasn’t gone unnoticed!!!!!!!!
Happy Anniversary, RAWsistaz!!!!
Jaime
Congrats Tee!!! I can’t believe it’s been nine years. Thank you for Rawsistaz and thank you so much for being you.
My Rawsistaz are a part of my life….they’re my extended family. The people I’ve met and the books I’ve read…..all because of my sistaz, it’s just amazing….lol
Happy 9th Anniversary to Tee and all my Rawsistaz……as I said before…look for the word sister in the dictionary and beside it you’ll see…….RAWSISTAZ….
Kim
Happy Anniversary RAWSISTAZ!!!
Tee,
Thanks for introducing us all to a positive group that not only promotes literacy but sisterhood and unity. I have truly enjoyed my years as a member of this group and I wish us many more years of success. Keep doing what God has given you a talent for.
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
I’m a new member so no memories to share but I am glad you’re here. Glad to know there is another sista committed to promoting writers who are underrepresented in the industry and marketplace.
Kudos, Tee.
Tee,
I wanted to pop in and say congratulations on the success of RAWSISTAZ. I have enjoyed being a part of the Yahoo group the past few years, as well as former guest book reviewer.
From the bottom of my heart I wish you continued success in everything you do…….
Wow! I can’t believe it’s been nine years. Tee, you and your organization have been so supportive of my books, as well as so many other authors. Congrats and thanks so much for your support. It is both admired and appreciated.
Tee,
Nine years is such an accomplishment! I’ve seen your online organization develop over the years and you should be proud of yourself, I know I am. Please continue to use your gift for the benefit of the literary community and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
All the best and I will see you in another nine years
Happy Anniversary RAWSISTAZ . . . . woo-hoo!
Momma Tee, is it 9 years already? WOW! Times flies when you’re having fun and I must say that it has been a lot of fun networking with you and RAW over the years. Please forgive me for not getting over here sooner to join in the celebration, but this sista has been working like a Hebrew Slave on quite a few online and offline projects.
BUT . . . . Momma Tee, THANK YOU for all that you’ve done for me and the success of my online reading community. I could not have done this or been online for as long as I have been without you. So I wish you continued success and many years of all things literary to come!