The Eleventh National Black Writers Conference - March 29, 2012 – April 1, 2012

I first attended this conference, held at Medgar Evers Collegs in Brooklyn, NY, in 2008. I enjoyed the experience and vibe (still thinking about this tasty vegetarian restaurant across the street), and found the discussions and workshops informative and motivating. While I haven't been able to attend since, I haven't forgotten about this conference and would like to attend the next one, Thursday, March 29, 2012—Sunday, April 1, 2012.

I wanted to share the program details in case it should interest someone enough to register and hear passionate roundtable discussions on The Impact of Migration, Popular Culture, and the Natural Environment in the Literature of Black Writers.

Here's what they have planned for participants:

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Pre-Conference Activities

Spoken Word Workshop
Sponsored by the NBWC and PEN American Center
Edison O. Jackson Auditorium, Medgar Evers College

Youth Programs

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Workshop, readings, and program activities for elementary, middle-school and high-school students.
Founders Auditorium, Medgar Evers College

Call for Papers: Presentations

10:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Exploring Themes in the Works of John Oliver Killens, Ishmael Reed, and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o

Poetry Café

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Central Brooklyn Public Library

Friday, March 30, 2012

Film Screenings: Selected films and shorts based on literary themes
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Edison O. Jackson Auditorium, Medgar Evers College

Elders Writing Workshop

4:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.

Elders Writers Workshop Presentation
Edison O. Jackson Auditorium, Medgar Evers College

Official Conference Opening

7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Featured Speaker and Honoree
Founders Auditorium, Medgar Evers College

Concert: Off-Site Event
9:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Jazz concert and cultural program

Saturday, March 31, 2012

NBWC Reading Series

12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The National Black Writers Conference Reading Series is sponsored by the African American Literature Book Club, the Brooklyn Literary Council, Mosaic magazine, the National Black Writers Conference.

Panels and Roundtable Discussions

Defining “Urban,” “Street,” and “Hip-Hop” Literature: Its Evolution and Impact on American Culture

11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

This panel is based on the concept that the publishing industry, mainly mainstream, and some writers and editors, have labeled “urban literature,” “street lit,” and/or “hip-hop literature as stories with an urban setting that portray the gritty side of black American life. Moreover, they have viewed the new crop of black writers of this literature as not being “literary” and have often characterized their stories as poorly written. Yet, for years, black writers such as Donald Goines, Iceberg Slim, and Chester Himes wrote books that fit into what might be called “urban literature.” Yet white writers such as Richard Price, author of the raw street novel Clockers, and Hubert Selby, author of Last Exit to Brooklyn, wrote books with urban-based themes. These writers did not have their texts so categorized. Are urban-based stories by white writers classified differently than urban-based stories by the new group of black writers? How much does the craft of writing play in the manner in which the books are defined? Who determines the definition? Should we broaden our definitions and understanding of urban literature?
Is this literature here to stay or is it just a fad? We want the participants on this panel to discuss the origins of urban-themed stories, what constitutes them, how are they defined today and what impact these stories reveal about contemporary American culture.

Migration and Cultural Memory in the Literature of Black Writers

1 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the Pan-African Literary Forum

The globalization of today’s society and the migration of black writers to various parts of the African Diaspora have had an impact on our definitions of black writers and on the literature they produce. One theme central to the literature of black writers throughout the African Diaspora is the value of cultural memory. Cultural memories convey the spirit, language, traditions, music, art, history, values, and belief systems of a people. When there is no cultural memory, there is no way for people to survive. The writers on this panel will examine the ways in which black writers who move back and forth among the geographical boundaries of the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe define themselves across cultural boundaries and represent and analyze cultural memory in the literature they produce.

The Impact of Popular Culture on Politics in the Literature of Black Writers
5:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

We live in a society constructed by politics and our nation has developed a political consciousness that informs our elections, our media, our literature, our films, our economy, and our global interactions with the world. Our civil rights, religious, and societal movements are informed by politics. Politics is often at the center of our lives. As citizens of this country, we continually examine the impact of politics in our lives. Black writers have always responded to politics through the critical analysis of politics in the government, popular culture, and world economy and through the creation of political thrillers, suspense stories, and cautionary tales. The panelists will discuss the impact of politics in the literature of black writers from these varying perspectives.

Tribute and Awards Program

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Founders Auditorium, Medgar Evers College
1650 Bedford Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11225

VIP Reception
ABI Bldg., Medgar Evers College
1638 Bedford Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11225

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Talkshops

10:00 a.m.–11:15 a.m. Fiction; Poetry; Book Reviews

11:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m. Dramatic Writing; Creative Nonfiction; Book Proposals

Panels and Roundtable Discussions

Black Writers and Ecoliterature: Stories, Essays, and Poetry Shaped by the Natural Environment

12:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m.

As our global society becomes smaller and the impact of global warming and natural disasters are magnified, issues of conservation and the need to protect the natural habitat and the environment have become more pressing. Black writers have responded to these issues in varying ways. Through their novels, essays, poetry, short stories and plays, they have written cautionary tales that prepare us for what will happen if we do not protect the environment and their works have raised public awareness about crises such as war, famine, and natural disasters. Writers on this panel will discuss the literature that raises public awareness about the need to restore life-sustaining communities.

The Role of Social Media: Black Writers Take Literature to the Web

2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

The use of the social media for marketing, promoting, and publishing in the writing world is well documented. There is an argument that social media techniques have leveled the playing field and have helped to make the writing and publishing of books more accessible for all writers. The writers on this panel will discuss the implications of the Internet for black writers and the ways in which the Internet can be used and/or has been used to affect the marketing and kind of writing produced by black writers.

Being Sold or Selling Ourselves: Black Writers and the Marketplace

4:00 p.m.– 5:30 p.m.

Black writers face a number of challenges in the publishing industry. Publishers, for example, often believe that there is no audience for serious literary fiction. The literature created by black writers is often narrowly defined, thus resulting in the fact that black writers are marginalized from mainstream presses and forced to either self-publish or publish with small independent presses. The literary industry professionals on this panel, from mainstream, independent and small presses, discuss these challenges and offer their perspectives on solutions for overcoming these obstacles.

Playing Fetch All By Myself

I saw this vid of this adorable little canine playing fetch by himself as his owner sat and talked with friends, seemingly oblivious to his companion's desire for him to toss a tennis ball down some steps for it to run and catch.

I couldn't help but relate this little dog's predicament to certain aspects of my life. It occurred to me that for many years I've felt as though I was in charge of fetching my own ball. That ball representing different personal things to me, though I'm not ashamed to admit that compatible companionship is one. While the universe has tossed these figurative balls out to others, some who weren't even in the mood to play and threw them back or away...I've sat patiently, my little tail wagging in restrained anticipation, waiting for my turn. All I've wanted for so very long is to be able to play fetch too.

But a good thing is that I've gotten really good at running after the ones I've made myself, and have observed what the others have received, so that I know what a good throw looks like. And I already know what a great "catch" I am.

Just having one of those moments I suppose. I knew what my four-legged friend was going through and decided to make a post about it. Little dog, someone will toss that ball for you one day, I promise.

If only you could promise me the same.

November Books: An Inferno and One Other Hot Spot

So I headed over to the bookstore the other day in search of a new read. I've been doing the self-help/nonfiction thing for a minute now and wanted to unwind with some fantasy. Note: This sudden desire to buy a new novel coincides with my recent reunion with my short story collection. This is how it usually happens. When I'm on a path to pursuing my own literary passions....other authors start beckoning me to read their work. And, of course, I oblige their requests.

The Inferno of Dante, or Dante's Inferno, was on my list as someone recently presented a possible parallel between its theme and the theme of one of my short stories, "Unspoken Duty"—that of being led into the afterlife. I read some parts of it years ago, but due to my young age, couldn't extract from it what I can today now that life experiences have caused me to ponder who I am and why I'm here.

Midway through our life's journey, I found myself in dark woods, the right road lost.

A captivating introduction, don't you think?


I'd never read a book by author Zane. I knew her erotic novels were very popular, and I was impressed with her success, but never made the move to read her work. After picking up my lengthy translation of Dante's work though, I wanted to wash it down with something more relaxing. OK, I'll be honest, I wanted to read something titillating. And what should I see on a display table as I browsed....the Zane collection. I read the covers of all of them trying to find the one that would best suit my tastes. Love is Never Painless seemed to do. A collection of three novellas that deal with the not-so-loving aspects of relationships. I've read one so far about a faithful, loving man who struggles to maintain his marriage to an increasingly self-destructive drug addict. It was okay. Only because I found myself skipping over some of it to get to the juicy parts.

So, that's what I'll be busy doing for the next few weeks: working; writing; reading; pondering life; updating this blog (hopefully); fantasizing about love and intimacy; dealing with the woes of my home being covered in fall leaves with only one brave rake to tackle them; and living as best I can in whatever free time I have.

Thanks for reading.


Regards,

Jennifer

The Top Ten Self-Publishing Myths

The Top Ten Self-Publishing Myths


Myth #10: The only authors who self-publish are those whose writing is not good enough to be published by a traditional publisher.

Truth: This was probably never true because the first publishers were in direct competition with rich men who could afford to self-publish. These publishers actually created the concept of the vanity press, and rode that horse to huge profits. Today, however, things have changed. Rumor in the book industry has it that no large publishers are offering contracts to new authors unless that author has a following of at least 25,000 and a large online presence. For most major publishers, this is unofficial policy. Book sales in the 10,000 to 20,000 range used to be enough to make the midlist, but these days, a book with these sales would be considered a failure by large houses. The midlist author of the past is today’s self-published author.

Myth #9: Readers do not like to read self-published books.

Truth: Readers do not want to read bad books, no matter how they were produced. Although publishers and other writers might be biased against self-published books, readers just want to know that they’re going to get their money’s worth. Huge self-publishing successe s like The Celestine Prophecy, and The One Minute Manager prove that readers are interested in the content, not who published the book. The issue is trust. That’s why it’s so important for self-published authors to make sure they get the best book possible out there. If it’s well written and well marketed, readers will buy it.

Myth #8: People who read can tell when a book is self-published because the standards of production are lower.

Truth: While publishing professionals might be able to tell the difference, regular readers will not notice minor differences in binding or laminating, and as long as your book looks more or less the same as similar books and the text is easy to read, most buyers won’t know (or care) about the size of the margins or the gutters.

Myth #7: Self-publishing is expensive because you have to order a lot of books up front and pay for publishing services.

Truth: A book is a product that you are trying to sell, and it has to be comparable in quality to the competition: other books that others are trying to sell. If you know how to format your own book and design your own book cover using software like Photoshop you can probably do a lot of the setup yourself. You will still need to obtain and ISBN, an EAN, a Library of Congress number, and a barcode, and you will also want distribution, and possibly editing. If you can afford it, these services are available through publishing companies. Some publishers do require their authors to order minimum print runs, which can cost thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars. However, POD (print on demand) publishers don’t require authors to order any books. And in some cases, a number of books are included with the publishing package.

Myth #6: No one reviews self-published books.

Truth: In fact, self-published books do get reviews. Some even get reviewed in major magazines and newspapers. However, these are the exception, not the rule. Most POD books get reviewed on radio, in local media, in regional magazines, and on the internet.

Myth #5: Self-publishing is expensive because you have to pay large setup fees.

Truth: Some publishing companies include the actual publishing of the book in the setup fees. If the setup fee includes formatting, the essential administrative numbers (ISBN, EAN, LOC#, and barcode), a custom cover, and distribution then you aren’t really paying for setup, you’re paying for publishing services. Watch out for those companies who tell you a small setup fee that doesn’t include any real services.

Myth #4: It’s hard for self-published authors to succeed because they have to do all their own promotion.

Truth: Here's a quote from a Senior Editor at Harper Collins: "I won't even look at a book unless the author is prepared to do a book tour and book signings..." If that's not work, I don't know what is. All authors are required to do promotion on their books. No one, except celebrity authors, gets their books out into the marketplace without working for it. No large publisher will take on a new writer who isn’t about to do the promotion, the book tours, and the media interviews.

Myth #3: Self-published authors are at a disadvantage because they’re unknown and there’s no quality control system in place on published books.

Truth: Self-published authors are usually unknown; there’s not much that can be done about that. However, there are a few self-publishing companies who do insist on quality in editorial as well as production values. Such publishers don’t take every book that comes in “over the transom,” and because they have standards, it’s easier for potential readers to trust the books they sell.

Myth #2: Most self-published authors can’t get their books into large chain brick-and-mortar bookstores like Barnes and Noble and Borders, and you have to have books on these shelves to be successful.

Truth: Once, chain bookstores were the only place to buy books, but that’s no longer true. According to a recent poll, only 32% primarily shop for books in chain bookstores. 43% of respondents buy their books online and 9% buy most of their books from small, independent bookstores. 16% bought elsewhere--in drug stores, specialty shops, supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and airports. Plainly, since 68% of buyers buy elsewhere, chain bookstores are no longer the be-all and end-all of bookselling.

Myth #1: Self-publishing is okay for some, but I want writing to be my career.

Truth: The length of the mainstream author’s career is under the control of his or her publisher, and future prospects are only as good as the sales of the last book. If your book doesn’t earn back its advance, or sells only modestly beyond the advance, the publisher will not want to publish your next book. Only 1-2% of all books published become bestsellers. Take a look in any bookstore at the books that are not selling in huge numbers. Take a look at the remainder tables. It may be rare for a self-published book to become a bestseller, but for that matter, it’s rare for any book to become a bestseller. Most books make their money in the long tail of sales, which brings in as much income as the bestseller, the difference being that this money comes in over time rather than all at once. Those writers who persevere no matter what, who continue to write and to publish, who continue to add books to their product line and promote them, can succeed.

A self-published author’s career isn’t over until the author decides to stop publishing. The self-published author’s career makes it or doesn’t based on the author’s work and the author’s willingness to keep writing, publishing, and promoting. It’s not up to anyone else to decide if you’ll be an author; and it’s not up to anyone else to decide when you’ll quit.



*****Credits: Courtesy of PodPublishing.Org

Should Texting Be the Middle Man in Relationships? « Clutch Magazine

Should Texting Be the Middle Man in Relationships? « Clutch Magazine

I ran across this Clutch article and it resonated with me because of something I've been encountering the past few years, much to my frustration: people's inability (or refusal) to verbally communicate in an engaging, reciprocal manner. With these tech advancements we enjoy, we are also losing touch more and more with face-to-face and mouth-to-ear phone interactions. Everyday, I see everyone looking down at their phones for hours each day, scrolling their thumbs across screens, checking out what's happening in other people's lives, replying with what's happening in theirs. All through text and symbols. These same people may say they're not "phone people"; yet, their phones keep their hands company for many hours each day. What they really mean is that they aren't comfortable actually talking to others. When you're texting and emailing, you can create a persona—funny, tough, extremely busy, sassy, whatever you want. But to speak in person or let someone hear your voice is to remove your cloak of invisibility in a way. You expose your eyes, your facial expressions, your intelligence, your true personality. You're expected to deliver in real time. And some of us simply aren't "good" at it.

For those of us who still prefer to communicate verbally and who enjoy stimulating conversations where each participant is inquisitive and engaging, yet are forced to write character-limited messages instead. Or forced to feel like an interviewer on the phone when someone refuses to reciprocate the interest or keep the momentum going....You're Not Alone.

There's a lot of us who remain. I'm not sure what will become of us, but for now, we are here.

Here's to voice-to-voice. The most amazing resource we humans have.

The Artwork of Greg Slade

I met an artist last night at a networking event. His name is Greg Slade, a DC native, who was showcasing his work. It was such a pleasure to speak with him and exchange interests, among which was an appreciation of literary classics. However, the highlight of my evening was viewing his artwork. I hate to sound cliche, but the pieces I saw were unlike other artwork I've seen. His use of bold, vibrant color and detail; the emotion each piece exuded; the way he captures eyes....it was like watching a part of a fantasy; a spiritual journey; a dream.

I made this post to give Greg a shout out and to show my appreciation. I so admire creative spirits....whether they express themselves through pen and paper, the perfect combination of musical notes, molding and sculpting, or through strokes on canvass. I love beauty. I love to ponder. And I love to see and hear things that send me on a journey.

Here is Greg's website: The Artwork of Greg Slade. Check out his work. Show him some love on his guestbook. And most importantly, if you see something you like, I'm sure he'd appreciate your purchase or commission request.

All the best, everyone. I'll be back soon.

Calling All Hip-Hop Heads!!

Mainstream hip-hop is dead, at least to most of us over the age of 30. We hip-hop heads have fled to a thriving underground where, thanks to the internet and word of mouth, we are enjoying life and are listening to good beats and thought provoking lyrics—some actual meaning. I miss when this was the norm.

I haven't done a post like this in a while. It's just my little way of saying "thank you" to the folks who give us great music to reflect on, stir our creativity, mellow us out, hype us up, whatever we need it to do.

For today's homage, I'm taking it back, sharing three oldies (but goodies) that have made me wish that I was living in NYC in the 90s and able to travel locally to see these dudes perform these "joints" in person. Just wish I could have been in the crowd, soaking up that energy.

Jeru the Damaja



KRS-One



De La Soul

No Longer On the Outside Looking In

Well, gentle readers, Jennifer has found a graduate program she can call her own. After repeated graduate school rejections, I've finally found acceptance of my work experience and career interests. Starting in January, I'll begin work toward earning an MS in management with a public relations specialization. I'm pleased.

As I've shared with you, for years I've been dogged by the existence of my undergraduate transcript, which bears a low cumulative grade point average, and offers an inaccurate portrait of who I was back then. But as they are saying nowadays, "it is what it is." I'm tired of apologizing for it, which I had to do over and over again as part of my applications to graduate admissions committees. I was beginning to think that I'd never be forgiven for a undergraduate career that ended almost 10 years ago.

My career goals have changed, and I've sought a degree that reflects that and speaks for who I am now. This school has been there all along, but I never gave it much consideration as I felt it didn't have the clout as some of the other more prestigious schools in the area. But after more research, I discovered that it indeed held its own as far as reputation and alumni and would be very welcoming to a student like me. Just a weary traveler who wants to continue her education, and has the skills to back up what she claims she can do.

So, here I am, preparing to embark on a new journey. As much as this means to me, I won't be neglecting that part of me that doesn't care about a degree or networking or resume building. The part of me that just wants me to finish writing my book. I haven't forgotten you.


Love,

Me

Happy Halloween!!

In honor of Halloween, I decided to actually celebrate it this year instead of just stuffing my face with ghost and witch shaped candy. I like Halloween but never buy a costume or go to a spooky party or haunted house. You know, have a scary good time. So a couple days ago I decided to change that for Hallows Eve 2011.

After work, I headed over to the Crime & Punishment museum for Fright Night, a haunted house which featured the actual retired electric chair from the Tennessee State Department of Corrections. Now, I'm a girly girl, but I'm not afraid of house of horror stuff like other females seem to be. While waiting in line outside (by myself mind you) the other ladies where clinging to each other in nervous anticipation. Asking one of the guys who was working the door for confirmation of what awaited us so they could shake in fear some more. I stood fearless and when it was time, walked in there like a boss. Two minutes later......the screaming I heard was coming from ME. Man, all manner of ghosts and ghouls were jumping out at us. One was even revving up a chainsaw. We had to crawl through a dark tunnel into an even darker room where at any moment, someone or something could leap at us.

Needless to say, I was relieved when at the end of the ordeal, a "corpse" laying on the floor pointed his hand toward the exit door. And there I stood on the sidewalk again, having escaped Fright Night.

But wait......there's more.

Feeling as though my Halloween had just started, I walked myself a couple blocks to the movie theater to see Paranormal Activity 3. Yes, I did this immediately after the haunted house (by myself mind you). Now, I'd seen the first installment and wasn't exactly impressed, as it was like watching Blair Witch Project all over again. But I figured what the heck it's Halloween.

During the movie I was creeped out a bit. There were a few jolts. But for the most part, I didn't consider myself scared. But the audience was a different story. The participation was incredible. They screamed, they jumped, they yelled, they cursed. It helped me get into it more. Afterward, I was pleased that I'd gotten out and enjoyed myself. I just knew that I'd left my frights where I'd found them and that I'd enjoy a good night's rest.

I was wrong.

I wasn't at home 20 minutes before I started to hear sounds that unnerved me. What was that?....a bump? What was that?...is there someone upstairs? What the hell?...did something just land on the roof?

Readers, I tell you this. I DID NOT SLEEP A WINK. As I lay in bed, worried that the Paranormal ghost had followed me home, I vowed that I would never again try to be all big and bad and go to a haunted house and scary movie back to back just because it was Halloween.

Some things just aren't worth it. And now I'm exhausted and have a lot of missed sleep to make up for.

Yep, next year it's back to candy corn and the SyFy channel.