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AALBC.com How Are You Doing? eNewsletter - August 3rd, 2004

Celebrating Our Literary Legacy! 

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HOW ARE YOU DOING?

A few weeks ago I asked AALBC.com visitors the question: "How are you doing?".   I hope you will take the time to read some of the responses.  You find everyone has an interesting story to tell and I'm sure you'll find some these messages quite motivating.  Enjoy.
 

Linda Duggins Tells Us about Arts On The Pier
A Celebration of Creative Visions

H.O.P.E. Productions (Helping Others by Producing Entertainment) is an organization of media professionals who are currently enrolled in the MBA in Media Management program at Metropolitan College of New York.  They joined forces to celebrate an evening of artistic expressions whose proceeds will be shared entirely by two not-for-profit, 501 (C) 3 organizations― The Stay Strong Foundation and BCSB Cathie Family Life Development Center.
 
On Tuesday, August 10 at 7:00 pm, special guests and performing artists will share their talent and spirit on the stage at Pier 63 Maritime (23rd St. @ 12th Ave., behind Basket Ball City). The event will conclude with a special premiere screening of What's It Worth?, a short film created, written and produced by H.O.P.E. Productions.
 
Terrie Williams (co-founder of The Stay Strong Foundation), will be present as a guest speaker. She is an acclaimed author, mentor, lecturer, social worker and entrepreneur (President of the Terrie Williams Agency, one of the country's premier lifestyle marketing and communications firms).  Dr. Shirley B. Cathie, founder of BCSB Cathie Family Life Development Center will be in attendance as well. Tickets for the event are $15 per person. For additional information call 212-673-1645 or 212-522-9267 or visit our website at http://www.artsonthepier.com.

From Author Wanda Simon
Well, I've written a read-out-loud series of children's books.  They are called The Adventures of Brownlocki - Brownlocki goes to Great Grandma Simon's House; Brownlocki goes to the Library; and The Game of Hide and Seek.  They each delicately explore the experiences of a beautiful young child named Brownlocki who has beautiful brown skin and beautiful curly brown hair.  Her Cousin Kirean is a big, strong handsome male who shows up whenever Brownlocki or the kids are in trouble.  The vocabulary is suited for pre-school to early grades.  The third book introduces her friends Tahiti Cocoa and G.  I am looking for a good illustrator with great ideas but who will not compromise my concept of what Brownlocki and the other main characters look like as I know that will take the books to an even greater level.  I've tested them in the schools and they received great responses.  My only regret is that I can't be at the Harlem Book Fair 2004 because that is the kind of exposure Brownlocki needs.  I am in the process of writing a fourth story.
From Author  F. Myles
I am "fine as wine and twice as mellow." My novel is being edited by a reputable company that I found because two of the agents I queried took the time to reply with straightforward helpful comments. They could have sent pre-printed form letters or hasty "not for me" notes like the other 18 rejections but they didn't. I emailed my appreciation and assured them that I would take their advice and would like to resubmit at a later date. To my surprise, they responded and encouraged a resubmission. I am so inspired by their compassion for a first time writer that I am excited about the revision of my current manuscript and an idea I have for a second novel. Life is good!
From Author Haywood Fennell, Sr.
Thanks for asking. I have recently completed selling 1,000 copies of my first self-published book entitled "Coota and the Magic Quilt." I am working hard to network with other writers in order to move this book, the first in the trilogy called "The Coota Experiences" beyond Boston where it is receiving a lot of attention. I have not yet gone to Cambridge which is located across the bridge from Boston, but I plan to. (Editor Note Visit http://www.visual-voice.com/BNN/serieswindow.asp?series=9 for video featuring author)
From Playwright Monique Annan
I am doing great! My first performance play is being produced this year and I'm looking forward to performing. I've read a great book this past month Dark Corner - Brandon Massey  Looking forward to doing more reading through the summer

The Black Bottom Blues -
An original poetry/dance performance
created by Monique Annan

Two good books: Leaving Cecil Street, by Diane McKinney-Whetstone and The Darkest Child, by Delores Phillips. Highly recommend.  �Anonymous
My sister lives in Brooklyn New York and has recently been accepted into a program where she will "shadow" a principal for one year and then she will be assigned as a principal to a school. We (her family) are so proud of her. She is currently a teacher in the Brooklyn school system and has worked very hard to get to where she is right now. We wish her all the best and it is important for her to know that she has our full support.
Sincerely,
Jolyn Washington-Walker
Wallingford, Connecticut

My sister
Tyona Washington
Brooklyn, New York
In the last few months I've read:  The End of Blackness, by Deborah Dickerson;   Our Nig, one of the first novels written by an African American woman, Harriet Wilson; Don't Play in the Sun, Marita Golden's new memoir about color consciousness in the African American community.  I am on the third book of a trilogy by British writer Jane Stevenson.  The trilogy started with the story of an African slave brought to the Netherlands in the 17th century, continues with the story of his son, who grows up in the Netherlands, lives in Barbados, and returns to London.  The last novel takes place in present times.  Fascinating views of race relations and consciousness in cultures and times unfamiliar to me.  The Barbados background was especially interesting, and focuses on a slave uprising.
My name is Dana Ross, I own an independent entertainment company which concentrates on writing and producing music, films and books. I am approximately three weeks away from publishing my first book, "Black Fatherhood: Reconnecting With Our Legacy" which explores Black men in their roles as fathers from their time of enslavement to the present. I have utilized my own family history as well as interviews with over 400 men to write the book and film the documentary. For more information about the book you can visit my website http://purequality.com/black_fatherhood__reconnecting_with_our_legacy.

The book is accompanied by a documentary of the same title and includes interviews with hundreds of fathers as well as Authors/Historians Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu and Dr. Ira Berlin. I am currently raising finishing funds for the documentary in hopes that it will be released by November, 2004. You can view the trailer of the documentary via my site, http://www.purequality.com/current_films.

This month I published the first of a monthly series of e-newsletters for fathers, "A Father's Voice E-Newsletter" which provides resources, news and networking opportunities for fathers around the world. To view this month's issue visit our site at http://www.purequality.com/a_father_s__voice_e_newsletter.

This year I have been blessed with an opportunity to present another project to the world via the internet. In August 2004, "Our Families, Our Communities" and "Helping Our Youth Achieve" two new internet talk shows will air on Niavision.com a new Black internet webcast site. "Our Families, Our Communities" will discuss issues concerning Black families and communities around the country and include panelists who will interact with the audience and help find solutions to some of the problems families and communities face today. The show "Helping Our Youth Achieve" is hosted by Paul Grant, an Educator/Mentor/Author from Baltimore, Maryland. This show focuses on issues involving youth of today and provides mentoring, educational and spiritual guidance for them as well.

Upon the arrival of my book from the printer I will forward a copy to your appropriate channels as outlined on your site and register for AALBC's Author's Profile.

Thank you again for providing the opportunity to share "How I Am Doing" and look for me in the near future.

Sincerely,
Dana Ross President/CEO purEquality Entertainment, LLC
http://www.purequality.com
 

I AM DOING. I HAVE A SCREEN PLAY SITTING IN FRONT OF ME THAT I BETTER FINISH SOON. I DO NOT HAVE A JOB, BUT I AM BLESSED TO HAVE A HUSBAND THAT IS GREAT TO ME. IF ANY ONE LIVES IN ATLANTA AND KNOWS OF ANY COMPANY THAT CAN USE A DATA ENTRY CLERK HAVE THEM EMAIL ME.

MUCH LOVE,

ELIZABETH A HAMIEL

1580 LANGSTON AVE
ATLANTA GA 30310
FAX:404-758-5528
From Rhonda Sewell, Author

Greetings, I am a huge fan of AALBC.com and I think all of you are doing an excellent job at keeping all book lovers, authors, and the like, informed of the latest in African American-oriented publications. I would love to introduce myself and tell you how "I am doing" in the book arena: My name is Rhonda B. Sewell and I am a full-time journalist for The Blade newspaper, the daily paper in Toledo, Ohio, where I've worked for 16 years. I am writing a non-fiction photo/essay book, along with my co-worker Lisa Dutton, a staff photographer at The Blade. The book, "The Soul of Twins: A Celebration and History", is a celebration of the cultural beauty and unique history of African American and African twins. Yes, twins! Did you know that black Americans have the highest rate of twins in the U.S., and that the Yoruba in Nigeria have the highest twinning rates in the world?
I am the proud parent of beautiful African-American fraternal twin daughters, age 4.

My photographer and I have interviewed dynamic individuals for our book, such as Pauletta Washington, the wife of actor Denzel Washington, on being a parent of twins. (she and Denzel have four children, including boy/girl twins, Malcolm and Olivia, age 12).

We will also include a host of other black twins in our book with powerful stories on twin relationships, and a chapter which explores little known black history facts about twins. Many celebrity twin facts will also be included, as well as interviews with stars who are parents, grandparents, or actual twins, such as Billy Dee Williams (twin sister is Loretta); Muhammad Ali (has twin daughters); Will Smith (has twin siblings); Henry Simmons, of NYPD Blue fame (has a twin sister); Ronde and Tiki Barber (NFL twins); Tia and Tamara Mowry (twin actresses); Lena Horne, (has twin grandparents); Nat King Cole (the father of twin daughters); Renee and Rosie Tenison (first black Playboy twins), Walter and Wallace Scott (twin members of the legendary The Whispers singing group), and the list goes on and on.

Please log on to our book's companion website, www.thesouloftwins.com (Coopyright, 2004), which serves as an informational site for black twins and their families.
My photographer and I (along with our literary attorney) are in talks now with several literary agents for representation. Our book will most likely be available on bookshelves in the next 18 months. I'll be sure to keep AALBC.com informed of our progress.

Thank you for allowing me to introduce myself and keep up the great work. Your email newsletter is so informative.

Most Sincerely,
Rhonda Sewell, Author
"The Soul of Twins: A Celebration and History" www.thesouloftwins.com

From Author Edward Lisk
I had published my first novel Adventures of Jonathan Bradfort early this year. There had been little or no sales. Amazon.com would be presenting a spread of books they selling. There will be excerpt from the book. Front and back covers would be presented.. This would be appearing on their Web Site next month. I'm having my own Web Site next month. I appreciate any help I can get.
How am I you ask? Hmmmm.... let's see. Unemployed-still yet not too terribly concerned with it. The Lord will provide the right employment when the opportunity is right for me. I am still typing out poem after poem, story after story and looking for someplace to publish them all. There are so many volumes to go through since I've been writing for quite a few years. Roughly around 30. My contributions to a previous book have only left me with a more desirous longing to publish more. Time consuming process but I have faith in my abilities to touch hearts soft yet strong with my words.

Happy I suppose is the best frame of mind to have when asking how I am. Yes, there are things in the world that are as barbed as any wire but when have we as a people ever let that get us down? I think of Maya Angelou's phrase "...and still I rise..." Are we not reflective of this? I say we are, we rise against oppression. We rise against defeat. We rise against self hatred. We rise and keep going, creating beauty and substance from what others would consider less than nothing. This makes me happy.
How am I doing?

Guess I'm doing just fine. Thanks for asking! Hope you're all doing fine too!
M. M. Ake

Like most new writers, I am hanging in there with my first novel, PAGE FROM a TENNESSEE JOURNAL. Though this work placed in the top ten of the Maui Prose Writing Contest of 2003, I am still struggling to find that right agent. (Editor's Note: Visit http://www.mauiwriters.com/prosewriting.htm for more information)
FKH
I am looking for someone in the Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas area that can help me get a book published. I have written a couple of children's books but I am unable to move them to the next level. Any help would be appreciated.
C. Bracken-Williams
I'm mad a hell
telling you all about it
cause you asked
and cause I'm feeling harassed
agents
publishers
ain't a calling
don't understand
why they ain't
falling
at my feet
after all
my book got heat
maybe its too hot
for the masses
scary asses
don't never want to take chance
on a sista
maybe they want to be
THE LAST TO KNOW
want to keep a snow
job
on the secret
of African American molestation
how it's invading
our race
forcing our children into
a dark place
of pain and hurt
and
damn, you asked
so I told you
how I'm doing.

Tina Smith-Brown
I'm fine I think ya'll are the only hottest black site that I've been to so far I have dreams of owning my own black book store here in Tyler myself and from what I've seen on ya'lls website ya'll how boost my dreams. I just wanna let you guys know that and I do plan to purchase or visit your store soon.

excuse the funny words in my message I am from Texas

Rodasha Thomas

I must say, I can�t remember posting my e-mail address on your web site; you must be one of the many sites I visit every now and then for info on African American pop-literature - when ever I�m in search of a good novel. Anyhow, I�m fine and No! I haven�t created any great works of my own, �cause I�m too busy reading the creations of others, it is a much better place to be.

In the last ten months I have become little addicted to this area of literature, and can�t seem to get enough of it, I�ve read the entire collection of AA pop-literature in my local library and have resorted to buying them from Amazon, Borders and any New York Book shop when ever I�m in town. I�m beginning to sound like an African American novel, this unusual because I�m English and I sound a little weird.

In the last month or so I�ve read Fed up with the Fanny by Franklin White, Satin doll and Using What You Got by Karen E. Quinones Miller, Married Men, Lookin� for luv and A Dollar and a Dream by Carl Weber. Carl Weber is an incredible Drama - Trauma Theme writer, of course I�ve enjoyed all the others as well; it�s just that he is incredibly consistent with it.

African American writers are decorated with a lot of academic accolades, they are incredibly skilful writers, the problem is that after the first novel (which is usually incited by their own personal experience) their second and third, although skillfully written, isn�t as exciting as their first. In fact, for me, if they were less qualified and more consistent with brilliant stories, they would have my attention forever. I read novels to be entertained, it is the stories I�m interested in and not their area of discipline.

Written with true intent!
Dizzy

From Author John Bowens
I'm doing fine. Concerning information about books, I've written a math book that covers Basic Math and Pre Algebra. Over the years I've tutored individuals in math. I noticed that math books were written in a manner that made it harder to understand the material itself. In other words, math has a lot of steps and the books that taught it were too confusing. So, I wrote my own in an attempt to make learning basic math and pre algebra as simple as possible. Students, schools and adults are having a difficult time learning/knowing math. Hopefully, through this book that can change.
From Author Constance Tallaha Ekon

I am doing just great. I stay very busy and enjoy the pace that I am in.

My new book ANGELS COMETH is moving off successfully and I am using some of my time in other writings. Please let me know how you can help me market my books. Thank you. Constance T. Ekon

From Author Robin M. Butts
I am doing just great...Thank you.. I am a writer and will have a short story published in The Writer's Post Journal in the July issue. It is entitled, "Coup de Grace" and it is a psychological narrative of a woman's battle to gain back herself from am unscrupulous husband. I am finishing up a novel entitled, "Shades of Blue," which deals with two African American siblings. One is light skin and the other is a darker skin and how they battle with each others perception of ugliness through loving the other from which stems from the root of the others self hate. ex. Sunshine adores her sisters beautiful dark skin but cannot embrace her own light skin.  Cherokee hates her light skin younger sibling because she was not blessed with a lighter complexion.
Thanks again for asking how I am doing. I am just great through the Will and Guidance of the Supreme.

I have recently been blessed to watch a screening of Sam Greenlee's novel, "The Spook That Sat By The Door" at Harriet's Alter Ego. An afrocentric clothing boutique in Clinton Hills in Brooklyn, NYC. The last novel I read was by Tananarive Due," The Good House."

Robin M. Butts

From Author Sonjia Marshall
I am on top of the world by Gods Grace. I'm currently finishing my first novel entitled "When Crying Eases The Pain". by Sonjia

I am doing the finale corrections, and preparing it for the editor . I did not realize all the work involved with creating a great book. But I prayed on it and asked my Higher Power for guidance with my creative skills. You literally have to step outside of your box to get down with perseverance and your imagination. The book should be ready by late fall. I do hope I can send you all a copy for your honest feedback. Here is a brief look at the books description:

Enter at your own risk into the life of Dole Jenkins; After being molested as a child by his mother�s boyfriend, he battles with his demons day and night.

He travels through life with caution, but decides to become a Chicago Police Officer. His mind is consumed with deep desires and hidden secrets.

He meets the queen that sets his world on a straight path (Taylor) a Registered Nurse. She sprinkles love on him that makes his groins throb at the mere sight of her. They become inseparable. A match made in heaven. A gorgeous, young, successful couple ready to live, love, and multiply.

Taylor and Dole got married to pursue a life of matrimonial bliss together. Everyone was elated for them, friends, family and even strangers�because they appear to be the epitome of a dynamic match.

Unbeknownst to his wife Taylor, Dole takes her on a roller coaster ride through hell and high water as he leads a double life. Now, the life they lived as one, becomes overpowered by lies, deceit, lust and shattered dreams.

I think it will be great entertainment, you can't put it down is what one of my colleagues told me. With much love and thanks giving ;

Sincerely,
Sonjia Marshall

I visit the site monthly. It's informative and helps determine what books I will add to my TBR list.

Shelia M. Goss
Author of ROSES are Thorns, VIOLETS are True
and My Invisible Husband
http://www.sheliagoss.com

From Author Rita Woods

Just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoy aalbc.com and to let you know 'how I'm doing'
My debut novel THE COLOR OF CLOUDS was released in January by PublishAmerica and is getting good reviews.
Am hard at work on my second novel in between shuttling the kids to swimming, camp, soccer and tracking down the dog. (a quick National Geographic note: grass makes dogs puke and it ain't pretty)

Book Expo was held here in Chicago and the writers convention portion (held before the actual expo) was a mixed experience. While some of the actual seminars were helpful. The anticipated pitch, in which writers were to be allowed two minutes to pitch to East Coast and West Coast agents was a disastrous disappointment. Think an authors American Idol.  And that's the news from a black soccer mom/writer/reader in suburban Chicago.

Murder gave him his dream. Love may take it away.
www.ritawoods.biz

From Author Adisa M. Omar

Alafia!
To Troy & the aalbc Family,

Well, I guess I haven't been in touch for quite awhile. I guess after 911 I decided I needed a break from 'BUSH' country, so I relocated myself to South Korea to teach at a University in the city of Daegu. Presently, I'm doing some consultant work here in Seoul and getting out the writing pen to publish a new edition of "Ultimate Mental Power."

I thank Troy & the aalbc.com for helping make UMP a success and we are now getting ready for our third printing of the 1st Edition. The forthcoming book (slated for April 2005) will be titled "Ultimate Mental Power Revisited."

Also in the works, are additions to the Slumber of Osiris -- Meditation tape/CD series.

With Much Love!

Adisaji (Adisa M. Omar, aka Roger Davis)

New Contact Address & Phone:

AKU Press International 5257 River Road #140 Bethesda, MD 20816

(202) 549-6498
 
 

From Robin Green

It's Robin Green of Felicia Polk & Associates, formerly of Sibanye, Inc. Since closing the store last December, I've become a partner in this wonderful public relations and marketing firm. We're hard at work on campaigns for Mary Morrison's new release, and J. California Cooper's fall release. I miss the store -- particularly my customers and the author events. But I'm still involved in the industry, so I'm peaceful. I'm also chairing the Ripe Harvest Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit cultural arts education foundation geared toward establishing opportunities for education, entertainment and exchange between the community and African American literary, visual and performing artists. Our annual events include a children's book fair (Jambo, Watoto), a literary conference (Write Now) and a tent and stage at the Baltimore Book Festival.

Thanks for the fabulous work you do with AALBC -- our literary community is deeply indebted to you.

Blessings,
Robin

I'm doing just fine, thank God. Summer has arrived and I find myself in mental "overdrive" trying to accomplish so many things while the weather is good. Ironically, I don't get a chance to enjoy much activity outdoors as I am so consumed writing my books. I've created a fiction series for teens of color--targeted primarily to African Americans--ages 13-18. These are urban contemporary full length novels written for both boys and girls. Series name is TOPEKA HEIGHTS. Book one entitled "Princess' Journey" and book two entitled "Christopher's Dilemma" will be available by the third week of July. Books three and four are scheduled for publication in December. Parents, schools, adults and teens are screaming for quality literary works for teens that encourage and represent who they are in the 21st century. I'm still amazed when I walk into major bookstore chains and I see nothing for young adults of color on the shelves. This has got to change.

I do intend to read some of your suggested "favorites" when things slow down a bit. That's the down side to being a writer--no time to read other great books. I will be at the Harlem Book Fair. Hope to see you there. Take Care.

Warm Regards,
Jennifer Burton

My name is Rev. Cheryl Denise Ward and I have just completed and released a fiction love story. It has been received with great acclaim and also some dissent from some members of the religious community.

It is intentionally written as a steamy love story about an African American man and woman working through everyday life issues. I challenge the church to begin talking openly and honestly about relationships and sex!

The press release is attached to this e-mail to give you a little more insight.
I am doing GREAT! I'm excited that people across the country are picking up the book and asking "where is the sequel?"

(Editor's Note Photo Obtained from BETHEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH http://www.bethelamesf.com)

AALBC,
I love the information you bring to the up -and -coming writers. I login to your site all the time.  I am an unpublished fiction writer and the more I look at your website, the more it inspire me to continue writing. Hopefully, my novel will make its debut this fall and I would like to know, how to get my book out on the African American market. I need the connection because I'm self-published.

Your information will be greatly appreciated

Kareem Khalis
From Author KaShamba Williams

I'm doing well. Just informing you about my two books, Blinded & Grimey! Both are selling well!!

"Blinded" by KaShamba Williams in stores now!
"Grimey" the sequel to Blinded by KaShamba Williams in stores now!

Check out the official website of KaShamba Williams
http://www.precioustymesentertainment.com/

Stay connected with hottest Hip-Hop Fiction Publisher... http://www.triplecrownpublications.com/!

Support the Triple Crown Team
Titles available now...

A Hustler's Wife by Nikki Turner
Black by Tracy Brown
Blinded by KaShamba Williams
Dollar Bill by Joy
Gangsta by K'wan
Grimey by KaShamba Williams
Project Chick by Nikki Turner
Rage Times Fury by Trustice Gentles
Road Dawgz by K'wan
Sheisty by T.N. Baker
Me & My Boyfriend by Keisha Earvin

Check out the CEO's titles...

B-more Careful by Shannon Holmes
Bad Girlz by Shannon Holmes
Let That Be The Reason by Vickie Stringer
 

Graphics, Photos and hyperlinks may have been added to compliment the above messages.  Minor editing may have been performed

 

Peace, 
Troy Johnson, 

Founder AALBC.com

55 West 116th Street #195
Harlem, NY 10026

(866) 603-8394

 

 

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