Category Archive » Publishing/Literary
This page contains 125 entries posted under the "Publishing/Literary" category.
ReNEWal means: finding the strength inside of you to reinvest yourself, day in and day out, into a purpose that is bigger than you. The only way to find the commitment to continue down this road, which at times tests your limits, is to have great love and passion for what you are doing.
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The Unlikey Journey by Bomani Jones
Looked up the other day and realized that I've been doing this for 10 years now. I call it "this," because there's really no word for whatever this hustle has been. I still think of myself as a writer, even though I think I've written five full-length pieces in the last two and a half years. I think of myself as an economist, too, though I haven't done a lick of research since 2004.
What ReNEWal means to: Carleen Brice
ReNEWal means: rejuvenation, rest...allowing my spirit to tap into something greater so I can bring that out in the world.
What ReNEWal means to: Kekla Magoon
ReNEWal means: ...Being open to change--both that which is expected or hoped for and that which takes you by surprise--and allowing transformation to occur, within yourself, within your work, and in the world around you.
What ReNEWal Means to: Lisa Rose
ReNEWal means to me: To reclaim, rebuild, readjust from the outside in.
I Create: poetry, interviews, articles, short stories, essays and all things pertaining to the word.
Forget about Talent by Steven Barnes
The fact is that I've seen endless people fail due to lack of honest work. And given those years or decades of work, I've seen few fail for lack of talent.
Because Zora is such a giant in the literary and black arts scenes, my greatest concern was doing justice to her sterling piece of fiction. The irony is that I did the adaptation purely on instinct, without any particular research on how to do an adaptation. I was in film school at the time, and the emphasis there was writing original screenplays. So I did it "flying by the seat of my pants" so to speak.
"Although they had many financial perks," King shares about the wives she interviewed, "quite a few of them were downright miserable and would trade their husband's fame and fortune for the simple lives they once had."
Ray Charles Robinson, Jr. describes his childhood as a Norman Rockwell painting with African-American faces. As the eldest son of iconic musician, Ray Charles, Robinson Jr. lived a life of privilege. One that was also marred by struggle--his father's drug abuse and extramarital affairs, and Robinson Jr.'s subsequent turn to drugs to escape reality. All the while, a son yearned for a relationship and acceptance from his famous father who died six years ago this month.
We're thrilled to launch a new series of interviews featuring creative visionaries talking about, well, stuff. Why box it? Our inaugural interview is with Thembisa S. Mshaka, an entertainment powerhouse who's been in the business for more than fifteen years. And she ain't stopping anytime soon. We thought she'd have a thing or two to say about staying power.
DC: Book Publishing Seminar in July
If you are a writer, you are not only in the business of writing, you are in the business of publishing. The most successful writers understand how the book publishing industry works and know how to navigate the complex waters of the industry.
The Hurston/Wright Creative Writing Workshop for Teens provides new opportunities for students who are interested in creative writing to develop their writing and reading skills in a nurturing group setting that celebrates Black literature. Most importantly, this tuition-free creative writing workshop will enable students to become effective communicators, a skill which will benefit them throughout their educational, and occupational careers.
Thinking About Ownership
I've been thinking a lot about ownership lately. And this subject's position in my mind's space has only been thrust forward with the arrival of my royalty statement.
In celebration of international women's history month five women writers from various regions of the globe discuss the voice and role of women past, present and future, on the page and living life as only women can.
Schizophrenia as Political Weapon?
African-American men are diagnosed with schizophrenia at rates four to five time more than other groups. Schizophrenia is a biologically based disease, with no genetic links to ethnicity or gender. Are black men inherently crazy?
My first YA novel, actually, correction, my first novel, PATTERSON HEIGHTS was recently chosen by the American Library Association as a 2010 Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers.
Recently, I had the pleasure to talk about books on Upfront with Tony Cox.
Happy Anniversary to The Black Book!
Thirty-five years ago, Toni Morrison, then an editor at Random House, joined with a team of black memorabilia collectors, helmed by Middleton A. Harris, to assemble what Henry Louis Gates Jr. considers the "ultimate treasure chest of the black experience." The result is a collection of more than 500 documents, photographs and articles that fashion an imaginative narrative of the African-American journey from slavery to the civil rights movement. There are slave sale receipts, patents by African-American inventors, sheet music for "coon songs," images of black war heroes and everything in between.
Producing Precious
Precious was a very political and personal film for me to make. It was political because so many of the issues, from literacy to overall neglect and sexual abuse are so prevalent in the film but not talked about or addressed actively as they should be. The film has provided a tremendous forum for healing and discussion.
Here are a few titles for those looking to water their intellectual growth.
Funny Man David Alan Grier
You probably know him best from his days doing whatever it took to get a laugh on In Living Color. Or maybe from his own sketch comedy show Chocolate News which to the dismay of some, was short-lived on Comedy Central.
Charisse Carney-Nunes writes children's books. Her books, which are published through her company Brand Nu Words, include titles like "Nappy" and "I Dream for You a World: A Covenant for our Children," and are designed to empower kids.
Books to Movies
There's a lot of debate about the movie adaptation for Ntozake Shange's "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf" because of Tyler Perry's attachment to the project. Folks are either supportive or straight up mad.
An Interview with Elizabeth Nunez
I like Elizabeth Nunez. I mean this two-fold. She's sweet, yet direct, which reminds me of many of the matriarchs in my family. And like many of the matriarchs in my family, she's taken on the role of helping others--in this case, black writers--through her work as a professor at Medgar Evers College and as cofounder of the National Black Writers Conference.
Not All Black Girls Know How to Eat
For years, playwright and screenwriter Stephanie Covington Armstrong battled what's considered a "white woman's problem." In her new memoir, "Not All Black Girls Know How to Eat: A Story of Bulimia" she discusses her struggle as a black woman with a severe eating disorder. She talks with Books on the Root about bulimia, her painful childhood, why no woman is immune from an eating disorder, and healing.
Lately, there's been a lot of talk about relationships between Black men and women. Well, actually it's mostly not talk; it's a lot of finger-pointing and avoiding responsibility. What's new, right?
Okay, I'll admit that I haven't seen "Reading Rainbow" in probably twenty years since I was a bright-eyed kid sitting in front of the television following LeVar Burton bring the world of books to life. I did find it a tad corny, but tuned in regularly because I liked books.
Human Observer
In the foreword for his new collection of columns, Leonard Pitts, Jr. writes that he finds it difficult to describe what his twice-weekly column for the "Miami Herald" is about. The best he can offer is a line that he once saw in promotional material that said his column is about "the politics of the human condition."
HIV/AIDS in Jamaica: A Poet Responds
As HIV/AIDS continues to spread across the globe, one project,"Hope: Living and Loving with HIV in Jamaica," commissioned by the Pulitzer Center, aims to show the full lives of people who face the disease daily.
To celebrate its six-decade history of honoring great American books, the National Book Foundation has been posting daily blog entries highlighting the National Book Award in Fiction Winners from 1950 to 2008.
Victor LaValle's Big Machine
Acclaimed, yet underappreciated author Victor LaValle has returned with his third book "Big Machine."The novel, unlike anything I've read before, is a tour de force that's really about redemption. In signature LaValle style, it's also laced with his comedic wit and knack for creating narrators whose journeys you enjoy following.
R. Dwayne Betts was a 16-year-old honor student when he carjacked a man. It was 30 seconds that would forever change lives. Thirty seconds that he, his mother, nor his victim could ever get back. It was 30 seconds that would eventually lead Betts to spend nine years in prison.
Carlotta Walls LaNier was just fourteen when she and eight other teenagers made history by integrating Little Rock Central High School in 1957. Her story of surviving hatred, hostility, and hardships to go on and become the first black girl to walk across the stage of Central High and receive a diploma is recounted in"A Mighty Long Way: My Journey to Justice at Little Rock Central High School," co-written with Lisa Frazier Page.
Do You Know Hubert Harrison?
During the early twentieth century, the Caribbean-born Harrison was an outspoken, complex intellectual. He was a union organizer and former postal worker. He was also a prolific writer well-versed in international affairs. He didn't go to college, yet made learning a life-long journey.
The Mosaic Literary Conference (formerly known as Re:Verse) provides a platform for literature-based creative thinking and knowledge sharing. Each year we invite educators, arts organizations, and parents to participate. MLC is presented by The Literary Freedom Project, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt not-for-profit arts organization that supports the literary arts through education, creative thinking, and new media.
Although it's still hard to believe that he's gone, E. Lynn Harris's understated impact as a writer, mentor, and truth-seeker can no longer be denied, ignored, or overlooked.
The Itchyfooted Melvin Van Peebles
Known for works like his films "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song," and "Watermelon Man," and his musical "Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death," Melvin Van Peebles is an artist who's unafraid to cross boundaries, disciplines, and traditions in his work. His forthcoming project is no exception. The seventy-six-year-old is gearing up for the release of a graphic novel called "Confessions of a Ex-Doofus-Itchyfooted Mutha" (illustrated by Caktuz Tree).
How To Be A Publishing Superstar
You have a supportive agent and you love your editor. You've written a book fantastic book. It's a winner, for sure to be a bestseller. Now what? "Now what?" is the big pink, purple elephant lingering over every smiling newly acquired author during their celebration dinner. The contract has been signed, when does my fame start? When do the big billboards books go up in Time Square? When am I inducted into the Hall of Fame? When is my impressive moment?
Sharon Draper Interview
Sharon M. Draper has been busy of late, with her new Sassy series for tween girls from Scholastic, as well as the release of Just Another Hero (Atheneum, July), the final book in her Jericho trilogy. The former teacher now writes fulltime, and does school visits and appearances. Children's Bookshelf caught up with the author to talk about her writing life.
Free Books!
Empower your students. Help them to strive for excellence. This summer we're offering two ways for high schools, colleges, and college prep programs to get The Guide to Excellence to their students.
It took me years to actually claim the title: writer. Many of us become published writers, see our names in print, start collecting actual checks. And still, we can't say it out loud: I am a writer.
Summer Reading Recommendations
Looking for some good books to read for the remainder of the summer and beyond? I compiled a list of 30 books, including classic titles, to match a diversity of reading interests.
Interracial America
Deep south, Jim Crow, and interracial marriages. Two new books from Danzy Senna and W. Ralph Eubanks tackle the intersection of race and family in America.
There's talk in the literary blogosphere surrounding the Coretta Scott King Book Award. The reason for the debate: some folk think it's racist. My first reaction: are they serious? Unfortunately, they are.
Former NPR Host Farai Chideya talks with Books on the Root about music, her next moves, and her new book, "Kiss the Sky."
Sag Harbor: Black or Post Black?
A New York Times review of Colson Whitehead's new book, Sag Harbor, explores the collision of books, race and the Internet. Is there post-black lit?
Who's Your Mama?
Even in well-intentioned reverence of mothers, there can be an unintentional diminishing of the fullness of their person. "Too often motherhood books marginalize women's lives aside from their role as mother," Bynoe added. "However it is the woman, her background, her relationships and her experiences that inform her mothering and the type of family that she creates. The women I know, my Gen-X/Hip Hop generation peers had fulfilling lives before they became mothers."
"I identify more with Nick Carraway now than I did when I was younger," Nelson George says about the observant character from F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. Carraway captured George's attention when he was a nerdy adolescent growing up in Queens, a fact he recalls in his new memoir City Kid, which chronicles his coming of age and its influence on his career as a writer.
There are many remarkable things about Staceyann Chin's new memoir, The Other Side of Paradise. But what has hit me the strongest is the bold reminder that you never know what someone has been through.
THE BRIDGE IS OVER is a comprehensive electronic resource for educators and youth workers packed with innovative techniques, ideas, and concepts to engage youth using the power of words. This exciting endeavor comes in response to the growing questions of our times: How do we connect youth with literature and foster an appreciation of words?
Free Book! Put Your Dreams First
Can you beat a free book? For a limited time (until April 22nd), you can download a free copy of PUT YOUR DREAMS FIRST: HANDLE YOUR [ENTERTAINMENT] BUSINESS by Thembisa Mshaka. Visit Hello Beautiful and cop it today!
New Column at The Root
Big news! I am the new book columnist at The Root. My first column launched today and it's called "If We Ruled the (Literary) World."
It's All Love Readings in Baltimore!
This month, IT'S ALL LOVE, the wonderful anthology edited by Marita Golden, is having two readings in Baltimore to celebrate the book. Below is more information. I hope to see you at one of the readings!
Global Book List
Check out a global book list that I compiled for The Root. It features books by/about black folk around the world.
Looking for a Freelance Book Editor?
I'm always getting requests for recommendations for freelance book editors. If you're in the market for one, check out esteemed editor Rakia Clark. Not only is she good at what she does, she's also very cool!
I'm thrilled about this. Percival Everett's book ERASURE, one of my favorites will be heading to the big screen under the leadership of Angela Bassett and husband Courtney Vance.
In an effort to encourage and inspire youth to read and use the power of their voice, Grammy® winner, actor and children's author Common, launches the first national online book club at www.commongroundfoundation.org/thecorner.html. The Corner book club is an interactive way for 8th-12th grade students to learn and to talk about reading materials that are relevant to their life.
Fake Maya Angelou on Twitter
Been following Maya Angelou on Twitter? According to The Guardian, apparently she's a fake.
Kindred Graphic Novel
Beacon Press, the publisher of Octavia Butler's classic novel KINDRED, is looking for help to turn it into a graphic novel.
An oft used African proverb by a well-known fiction author states, "Where there is mud, there is water." Transfer an upstate writing retreat on the shores of Lake Champlain in Essex and Valcour, New York to Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and what is created in the process is the equivalent of an oasis-in-the making; it is a workshop experience with the balanced combination of discipline, reflection, and openness that artists crave.
Walter Mosley on His Latest Book
PW has a web interview with Walter Mosley about his latest, the Leonid McGill series. Here's some lowdown:
Librarians on Street Lit
School Library Journal recently published an article about the opinions of librarians regarding street lit. Here's a snippet:
The Corner: Online Teen Book Club
BackList is pleased to announce that we are the editorial partner for The Corner Book Club, an initiative of the artist Common and his organization, The Common Ground Foundation. Aligning with our mission, this new endeavor is an exciting, and important way for us to continue to connect young people with the power of words.
Words of Wisdom Essay Contest
In celebration of Black History Month and in support of educational opportunities within the communities we serve, Alltel is proud to present the Words of Wisdom essay contest.
Innovations in Reading Grant
Each year, the National Book Foundation will award a number of prizes of up to $2,500 each to individuals and institutions--or partnerships between the two--that have developed innovative means of creating and sustaining a lifelong love of reading.
On the BackList - Week of 1.25.09
This exciting collection introduces the first-ever annual anthology of writing solely by African Americans. Here are remarkable essays on a variety of subjects informed by--but not necessarily about--the experience of blackness as seen through the eyes of some of our finest writers.
New Queen Latifah Book
Grand Central Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group, announced today that they have acquired World rights to publish an inspirational book by Queen Latifah, the Oscar nominated, Grammy Award, SAG, Golden Globe winning entrepreneur. The book, not yet titled, is slated for publication in spring 2010.
The Message Hits Oregon
The Multnomah Public Library in Oregon recently reviewed THE MESSAGE as part of its collection.
It has been years since we heard that poet Sapphire's intensely rich book PUSH was opted for film. Well it recently premiered at Sundance and apparently has been receiving rave reviews. The acclaim has come even with a starring role by Mariah Carey.
Interview with Jacqueline Woodson
PW Children's Bookshelf recently interviewed author Jacqueline Woodson about her new novel PEACE, LOCOMOTION, which is featured in January issue of THE BRIDGE IS OVER.
Q&A with Javaka Steptoe
BackList friend Javaka Steptoe was interviewed by PW Children's Bookshelf. AMIRI AND ODETTE which is a retelling of SWAN LAKE is a beautiful book all around. Necessary for all book collections!
Fire & Ink Request for Proposals
Fire & Ink: Cotillion will bring together hundreds of LGBT writers of African descent whose work spans the genres, including: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, multi-media arts and performance arts. Attendees include writers and scholars, as well as editors, publishers, curators, audio and visual artists, students, teachers, thinkers, media professionals, readers and art lovers.
People Don't Buy Your Books Because They're Lousy. That's one of the prominent opinions expressed in the comments section of author Carleen Brice's Washington Post article "Reading Too Much Into Race."
Comics in the Classroom
Publishers Weekly has a great article about the use of comics and graphic novels in the classroom. With the literacy work we do with young people, BackList sees this shift as VERY NECESSARY.
On inauguration day, Graywolf plans to publish the poem as a chapbook commemorating the event and Alexander's participation in it with a minimum first print run of 100,000 copies.
Holiday Book Suggestions
Books are fool-proof gifts. Not just because they virtually last forever, unlike that fruitcake or sweater that shrinks after one wash, but also because they're affordable in these tough economic times. And, just think, you can take care of everyone on your list with one trip to your local bookstore. That alone should relieve some of the pressure of getting through this holiday season.
On the BackList - Week of 12.14.08
It's an incredible collection of words of wisdom from a diverse cross-section of visionaries. Must-have.
More Books for Black Teens
Talk to a YA editor or take a stroll through that section at your local bookstore and it's evident that there's a growing number of books aimed at the young adult market--and those numbers include more titles geared specifically to African-American teens.
The Hemingses of Monticello
The New York Times has a Q&A with National Book Award winner Annette Gordon-Reed, author of THE HEMINGSES OF MONTICELLO.
By Fellina Pride For as long as I can remember, whenever I would hear people mention Atlantic City I would automatically think of the boardwalk, the casinos and the hotels. That changed on November 21st when Felicia and I traveled to the city to conduct a presentation at Viking Academy High School and at the Atlantic City Free Public Library for THE MESSAGE.
Author Carleen Brice has designated December National Buy a Book by a Black Author and Give it to Somebody Not Black Month.
Author Lori Tharps has an interesting article in The Root about whether or not Obama's presidency will open up opportunities in publishing for black writers.
Then I took a step back and started to think about some of the issues facing the book publishing industry. Besides being very slow about everything, the book publishing industry has been publishing way too many books for a some years now.
On the BackList - Week of 12.7.08
Defining a cultural dialogue that will be prevalent well into the 21st century, these writings celebrate life and the living by humanizing the effects of HIV and giving powerful voices to the affected and afflicted.
Back in the day, the library was a hang out for me and my crew during middle school. We'd tell our parents we were going to do homework and sometimes would actually do some. Most of the time, we flirted with boys and were told by librarians to keep it down. At that time, I didn't see the value in the library, nor did it seem like there was much there for me. I wasn't into books all like that and there didn't seem to be any programs targeting my adolescent curiosity. We bought the fun to the library to the displeasure of the librarians.
On the BackList - Week of 11.23
Tony Pellar, a man of former style and fading beauty, has fled to the subway tunnels beneath New York. There he makes an even more perilous interior journey convinced the key to his sanity lies in retracing the events of his North Carolina childhood.
HBO's The Wire came out of left field and captured the attention of hundreds of thousands of devoted viewers in Black communities throughout the country. The question is, "Why?" On one level, the show gave numerous Black actors the opportunity to showcase their talents and to breathe life into nuanced, three-dimensional roles.
Barack's Plan for Artists
If Barack Obama's plan for the arts is really made a reality, some of the pressures put on us artists may be alleviated. Additionally, our young people will be reintroduced to the power of the arts in their schools. Our kids desperately needthe arts in their lives.
A recent issue of Publishers Weekly featured an article by 13-year-old Max Leone which urges authors to "read this b4 u publish."
On the BackList - Week of 11.16
Although he's best known for writing the Negro national anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," Johnson was a renaissance man who, through words, contributed to American politics, society, literature, and music. If that doesn't epitomize BackList's mission, we don't know what does.
Today Jeff Chang was named a 2008 USA Ford Fellow in Literature by United States Artists, a national arts advocacy organization that invests in America's artists and illuminates the value of artists to society.
Writers: It's Worth the Struggle
Career Days. Those are the days I dread most, standing in front of a classroom explaining what I do for a living. To avoid the blank stares of middle schoolers, or the bored yawns of high schoolers, I've learned to arrive armed with a poster to explain what it takes to be a journalist.
Here's an interview I conducted in 2004 with one of my powerful and dynamic sistafriends Black Artemis aka Sofia Quintero. She was representing as a writer and activist way before I met her. But since our interview, she's gone on to co-found Sister Outsider Entertainment with another changemaker Elisha Miranda. Their company has been involved with a plethora of edutainment projects including the recently released hip-hop fiction curriculum CONSCIOUS WOMEN ROCK THE PAGE. I could go on and on about Sofia's accomplishments, but for right now, take some time and check out the interview. As always, she's droppin' science.
Alice Walker Launches New Website
For over forty years, Alice Walker's works have touched the hearts and minds of people across the world through her writings, and through the movie made from her Pulitzer Prize winning book, "The Color Purple." Alice's website is a garden of inspiration for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
On the BackList - Week of 11.9.08
Since BackList is a publishing term which loosely means "those books which remain in print" we want to start our own BackList so to speak. Weekly, we will highlight a great book. It won't always be new. It won't always be expected. But it will be worthy of attention.
I'm super excited! Last week, I received my galley of IT'S ALL LOVE: BLACK WRITERS ON SOUL MATES, FAMILY AND FRIENDS, a new anthology edited by Marita Golden. The book, which benefits the Hurston/Wright Foundation, includes my short story "Geraldine's Song."
The "Urban" Debate
Author Paula Chase Hyman has an interesting piece on Ypulse about the marketing of young adult novels, particularly those that feature African American protagonists.
Fall Book Suggestions at The Root
I hear it all the time. In coffee shops. On panels lamenting the decline in reading. In educational centers. On the street. While out with friends. There aren't any good books published anymore.
When Boston-based playwright, poet and Simmons College English professor Afaa Michael Weaver returns home to Baltimore, he often can be found doing tai chi under the trees at Lake Montebello. The martial art, which he has practiced for 20 years, is representative of his life and work, which seamlessly bring together different worlds -- Chinese culture, the African- American experience and poetry.
During the very rainy Baltimore Book Festival (which we need to blog about), I had the chance to interview Ron Kavanaugh of Mosaic Literary Magazine. Ron has been in the game for 10 years and counting.
Tina Fey and Little, Brown
Publishers Weekly has reported that former Saturday Night Live star Tina Fey has inked a book deal with Little, Brown. Fey, who stars in the sitcom 30 Rock, but who has been all over the place because of her Sarah Palin character on Saturday Night Live, is said to have received six million for the deal. Although that number hasn't been confirmed.
Video Games and Reading
The New York Times recently published an article that discusses the emerging role of video games--especially those based on books--as a tool to get young people hooked into reading.
So there's been lots of talk about the lack of titles for African American teens. BackListed recently discussed what HOTLANTA co-author Denene Millner called a "dearth of books written for African-American teens."
Renowned poet Nikki Giovanni is releasing a new book this October called HIP-HOP SPEAKS TO CHILDREN.
New Sex & The City Book?
According to Publishers Lunch, Candace Bushnell, author of SEX AND THE CITY, has just sold a new book called THE CARRIE DIARIES which will chronicle Carrie Bradshaw's high school years
Percy Carey Talks Comics
Percy Carey, known to the hip-hop world as MF Grimm is starting a new column about comics for Complex Magazine online. Last year, Carey released SENTENCES, a graphic memoir that detailed his rather eventful life. It's described as a cautionary tale.
Ishmael Reed in Conversation
Had I not received a copy, I wouldn't have known that this past July Ishmael Reed released a collection of essays entitled MIXING IT UP. The pieces were first published in the 'New York Times' and 'Playboy.'
Join Mosaic Literary Magazine as we celebrate ten years of presenting the literary arts by writers of African descent. This series of readings; which will take place in the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Harlem; will display the diversity of content Mosaic has showcased since 1998. For more information visit http://mosaicmagazine.org.
Omar Tyree: Children's Book Author
Best-selling author Omar Tyree makes his children's book debut this month with 12 BROWN BOYS, a collection of short stories that focus on the lives of Black pre-teen boys. The book is published by Just Us Books, leading publisher of Black-interest books for young people.
Faith Evans Tells Her Story
I've always wondered many things about Faith Evans. Particularly what drew her to marry Notorious B.I.G., after only knowing him for a short time; what she thought about the overhyped east-west coast rap beef; and what she thinks about the legacy of her her former husband and child's father, Christopher Wallace.
One of our favorite literary events is rapidly approaching. The Baltimore Book Festival will take place September 26-28. BackList will be exhibiting. We'll be selling copies of my book, providing more information on many of services, selling copies of our newest resource The Bridge is Over, and much much more!
YA for Black Teens
Author Denene Millner takes on the dearth of titles for black teens in this week's Publishers Weekly. She and coauthor Mitzi Miller released HOTLANTA, the first book in their young adult series that's published by Scholastic.
I've blogged about this event before, but one of my favorite literary gatherings is Hot Book Fun in the Summertime. The first annual one, which was held a few years back, was a ball! I brought my mother with me and she and I danced like we weren't going to dance again.
All of my work has classical elements in it. My parents are Guyanese, and Guyana is a former British colony. So, I grew up with my mother quoting Shakespeare and through my own reading I just developed a love for timeless themes. I am also very influenced by fairytales and other archetypal storytelling. People used to try to discourage me from this path, particularly in my work as a filmmaker, saying that as an African American storyteller certain things may be too high brow. That's nonsense.
The Darker Mask is Here
BackList has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Christopher Chambers and Gary Phillips' THE DARKER MASK. Talk about a star-studded anthology.
When I was leaving in Brooklyn (which seems like a lifetime ago), I had to pleasure to attend the first Ft. Greene Literary Festival. Got to get autographs from Amiri Baraka and Sonia Sanchez and even showed Baraka the original BackList t-shirt. He raved about it!
New Mosaic Issue: Nikki and Walter
A new issue of Mosaic Magazine, the literary journal founded by Ron Kavanaugh and that I have the pleasure of editing, will be available on September 1. It's a stellar issue and I'm not just saying that.
Educator and artist Gabriel "Asheru" Benn has a dope program that uses hip-hop to teach and reinforce literacy skills.
Editor Opportunity in South Africa
Amazwi is looking for South African and International writers and editors interested in working as a short-term volunteer with Amazwi's community newspaper, the Amazwi Villager (print and web editions). If you're interested in gaining experience in rural South Africa and working alongside journalists early in their career, seeking mentorship and guidance, this is a wonderful opportunity...
Re:Verse Festival Call for Proposals
The Re:Verse Literary Conference & Festival provides a platform for literature-based creative thinking and knowledge sharing. Each year we invite educators, community and arts organizations, and artists to participate.
Coldest Winter Ever Sequel Coming
Atria Books has announced plans to publish Midnight, the long-awaited sequel to Sister Souljah's bestselling 1999 novel The Coldest Winter Ever.
So You Want to Be Published?
If you are a writer, you are not only in the business of writing; you are also in the business of publishing! The most successful writers understand how book publishing works and know how to navigate the complex waters of the industry. Education is power. By understanding the realities of publishing you'll be able to maintain a successful writing career. Attend the "So You Want to Be Published?" seminar conducted by Felicia Pride on Saturday, June 21st...
Felicia Pride on ReNEWal
BackList Shop
Resources to inspire your inner creative (that includes you too, educators!)... (read more)
Creative Entreprenuers! Spark Your Fire
THE FIRE STARTER SESSIONS is: an e-book meets video transmission of acumen and love. You: are likely sitting on an empir... (read more)
THE MESSAGE Hip-Hop & Literarcy Enrichment Program
Order Your Signed Copy of THE MESSAGE today! Educational institutions around the country--including high schools, out-of... (read more)
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