Notes On A Napkin #1

• Warner No More

WOW! Talking about reverse order, and no strings attached! Warner Books has changed its named to Grand Central Publishing, reflecting their soon-to-be new address on Park Avenue just north of the station. "It also reflects the publisher's renewed commitment to publishing a diverse range of books and offering readers content through new channels and new formats." If you don’t know by now, foreign companies, most notably French and German conglomerates, own most of our major publishing houses. On the reverse side of the coin, you would rarely see Americans owning anything on the same level of business dealings. Even with the French, there’s a healthy and growing American expatriate community of Blacks, but rest assured we are kept at bay and limited to what we can truly be independent of.

• Coming Soon…

By the time you read this Oprah Winfrey will have already announced a new book club pick. Vintage is the lucky publisher. Lucky?! Shouldn’t that be changed to BLESSED? How much you wanna bet that the book she pick will NOT be one of an African-American entity? It boggles my mind that few of our books and authors are thought enough to be inclusive of Oprah’s ‘generosity’ here in the States. Do we have to live in South Africa for benevolence to be shown to us closer to home?

• Quick Riches the Easy Way

Seems to me the best and quickest way to make a name for yourself and earn more than a fist full of dollars would be to write a NON-FICTION book! Yes, one without drama and the usual nuances associated with call, response, and the all too-familiar waiting game. BUT…you have to have something to say that would garner the support and sensibilities of the general public. Go through Oprah, you say? Sure, and we KNOW how successful THAT would be, right? I say go non-fiction because other persuasions are taking practical and generic lore and making it seem like a new invention, or something just now available to mankind that is a cure-all for anything mentally and physical. The common thread is – you don’t need anyone or anything to steer you away from what has always been there for you in the first place: common sense, and faith in God. Biblical truth is not a time intensive value…it’s there for us anytime we feel the need to take initiatives. Read my essay below on The Secret’.

• The Fly Jock’s Mosquito in the Mix

Mosquitoes are pests and one of the worst kinds of nuances because they have tendencies of staying around. I wonder how Tom Joyner feels about Steve Harvey muscling in on many of his established markets? Here in the Miami-Ft Lauderdale area he (Mr. Harvey) is holding his own, but in recent weeks have been trounced severely according to the Arbitron rating system. I personally think there’s room for another player, but to be competitive newcomers MUST bring their A Game and offer much more than their immediate competition. In my opinion, Steve Harvey is okay, but hardly a Tom Joyner…especially in the sense of his philanthropy work toward education, assisting the HBCU’s, and finding money for needy school children. Steve…are you listening?

• Where’s the Love?

I was invited recently to attend a literary conference and was awed by the number of major publishing house sponsorships. Of course, I’m privy too, and understand the need for publishers to honor and support their writers. This is where the respect and high visibility often comes down to in many different ways. I immediately thought about how Romantic Times and Romance Writers of America (RWA) go to lengths to solicit funds to showcase authors writing the genre. Then I think about our Romance Slam Jam…I mean, I can say more, but is there a need to? One thing I found lacking from what I could see on the surface, was the noticeable absence of a presence from those companies that the AA writers are writing for, save for Parker Publishing. I’m one that would want to SEE the fruit of labor and know that the support is visible and not something done behind the scenes. And to think that RWA owes a lot to a Black woman who inspired it all! Maybe one of these good ole days we will see wholehearted support all the way across the board for the authors who want that equal parity but don’t see a lot of it.

Giving 'The Secret ' A New Meaning

Here we go again…another phenomenon has entered our sensibilities with The Secret. Fueled by the Oprah Winfrey marketing machine, the book, movie, and discourse on many online and offline discussion boards are superlative and getting stronger. We also witnessed just recently Rick Warren and his Purpose Driven Life platforms, which in my opinion are on the same wavelength as the former. This time around, it’s Rhonda Byrne attempting to hit us up side the head with truths that are already prevalent in the Bible and elsewhere in literary lore. Is this a new thing, or do we have other vestiges that can give us just the things we need to enjoy the quality of life we seek? Life-changing information is not new to those that need it most, nor is it hidden where we can’t find it.

People of color have always trusted in the Lord, and have read His word, and have gone out and lived the life to boot. So what’s so masterful about this subject that The Secret has wrought? It’s easy and really doesn’t need Oprah or anybody else of noted fame to bring them to the fore. Getting the concept of The Secret can be assessed along practical lines where children, teenagers and adults of all ages can report a new lease on their lives in a positive way without some entrepreneurial marketing scheme.

I’ve discussed this issue with various members of my inner circle and we all came to the same conclusion that this theme is attributed to Faith-based initiatives. As quoted by one of my friends -- “All The Secret is to me is the Faith concept repackaged to make someone really rich. You can get the same from the Bible…’name it and claim it’ was introduced by the Bible, and Mark chapters 4 and 5 are excellent examples of Faith”. I agree. All one has to do is decipher what the Lord wanted to be discerned by reading the Parable of the Sower, Mark 4:1-12; The Seed, Mark 4:26-29; and The Mustard Seed, Mark 4:30-41. These passages are adamant with explanation giving reasons why we should have faith, and why believing solely in Him is all you’d need. There's nothing monetary, of egotistical value, nor the need to sell anything other than Divine Order.

The laws of conjecture I'm sure, will have people believing what they want and using other examples of faith to draw upon. So, do we really need Oprah and Rhonda Bryne giving us something supposedly new, that we can readily find on our own through Biblical reference? I keep harking back to that which has always been a staple in my life when it comes to relying thusly on the Lord's dictates. It's all about the Bible stating without question that whosoever asks in Jesus' name, and believes wholeheartedly in Him shall be prosperous and live a great life. And that’s all I’ll ever need without me having to seek a ‘secret’!

A Young Man Of Destiny

As the world turns it also waits for a certain aspect of history to repeat itself, except this time around the color schemes are changed for historic posterity. If the Lord is truly willing, a little over a month from now history will have served yet another purposeful venture for an achievement worth discussing long after the fact. A Black man, the youngest to have flown around the world will be feted. There have been other notable people to have done this, and being among the likes of Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post, and most recently Steve Fossett -- notoriety will not be lost. You will be hearing about his accomplishment and marvel at the fact that it was done with little fanfare outside of normal circles. He will fly 25,600 miles while we wait in anticipation. His name? Barrington Irving. 23 years young, and determined with inspired vigor to complete a dream. For additional information, refer to my feature on him by turning your attention to the section 'LINKS TO ME'...go down to the the last entity and click onto Yahoo! 360.

Mind Over Matter, and Why it Really Mattered to One Homeless Man.....

A couple of years ago a friend of mentioned to me that the publishing industry would go to great lengths to perpetuate and air a good story. I shot back – How do you define a ‘good story?’ We went back and forth jockeying for position trying to substantiate one idea over the other. I eventually gave up the ghost and realized that he had a point, especially when I gave it much in-depth thought. Newspapers, magazines, and the people who publish books only need the one hook, or the very entity that would give them a grasp on the public’s sensibilities. And this is where New York City’s premiere newspaper comes to mind.

The New York Times can be much to many, and may hold less for others, but for me I always find interesting tidbits of knowledge, satire and literary lore. Perusing it one day I came across the title, 'A Writer Driven By the Streets' and subtitled, 'The Cadillac Man’, who has been homeless in Queens for about a decade, has his eyes on a book deal'. You may remember this story. A man homeless who endeavors to have a book published, and with an Agent, no less who was blessed with taking his writing to the next level! How interesting and intriguing to say the least. But a book deal...sounds crazy, huh?

”The publishing industry will go to great lengths to air a good story”. Here we go again! This is a man without a place to live, persisting on anything he can get his hands on, and one certainly disdained by those who pretend not to see him. So enterprising was he, that Esquire Magazine published parts of his memoirs, and had the temerity of mind to secure him an agent...and not just any agent. Mr. Cadillac Man's agent represents literary stars like the erstwhile Miami Herald writer/reporter, and current novelist Carl Hiaasen and Toni Morrison.

But the most poignant part of this story for me is the fact that an ordinary situation extrapolated into an extraordinary occurrence. It proved my friends' point exactly about how publishing executives would go to any lengths for a blockbuster, and a story that will entice readers to buy, buy, and buy more! Albeit, life on the streets are full of stories and adventures that hold imagery and real-life collages, each with individualistic meaning to staying alive – to get a book published! It reminds you that there IS a God above, for sure.

Racism: Dead or Alive?

Okay, let’s get real. Yes, it exists and thriving amid seemingly subtle vestiges of the status quo. Racism amid the literati is a hot topic nowadays and with good reason. Quite a few authors are grousing over situations where equal parity is nothing more than an afterthought. Authors Gwyneth Bolden and Donna Hill touched on this subject recently in an online article from BLOGGING IN BLACK http://blogginginblack.com, as well as the many comments that were elicited by it. The former initiated it in her superb ‘Publishing While Black’ article, and the latter gave good commentary that rang true in seconding the motion. We should not forget how and where lines of demarcation are drawn up all around us in life. We see the old guard maintain bastions of authority in all levels of society, the literary field notwithstanding. For all intended purposes, the bottom line can be traced to control and boardroom entrepreneurship. To fully understand this, know that just like any other analogy, one should readily attribute bias attitudes to societal mores as it has always pertained to people of color. The emanations are the same.

As writers and authors striving to allow the craft to serve us well, we shouldn’t have to take a back seat to no one striving for the same sense of notoriety where expertise should be warranted with the aforementioned equal parity, and a chance to bask side by side. After all, a good book is just that – a good book no matter who wrote it, and what ethnic background they hail from. Hard work and perseverance is par for any course. The book industry has some hard lessons to acknowledge allowing change to challenge equal playing fields. One can pointedly look at the times and know that the aforementioned old guard syndrome permanently changed shifts 25 years ago dislodging the ‘ole boy’ network and putting a chink in the armor of institutionalized racism, smacking segregation squarely in the face.

But did they really? We know that gone are the days of segregated buses, but racism in my mind has not fully disappeared and is just as prevalent but with a sophisticated veneer that’s shining with blinding effect. We look around us and the books that are written by those that looks like you, and possibly live where you live are all being circulated within the same Diaspora. Not enough ‘other folk’ are taking us seriously enough to evoke acceptance outside of their sphere of influence and comfort. White folk plain and simple are not reading our books in greater proportion to suggest that any perceived amount of racism is not prevalent. They don’t gravitate in the same places you do, they haven’t invited you to dinner lately, and they just might plant that proverbial ‘for sale’ sign so readily available to them in their front yards should you decide to live among them. Mention any bastion of unequaled machination where biased intent is evident through your eyes, and you will get a denial, perhaps a shifting of weight, and always there will be the ‘my best friends are Black’ adage that is just as worn as the idea that spawned it.

We know too, that some people might want to segregate because of different interest – I will give that to them, especially if compatibility is so far removed from any compassioned compromise to adapt beyond reasonable doubt on their parts. Others might even have been raised to consider another group inferior, and we definitely know that this premise exists; and some are actually working to stop segregation. But the question remains: When will literary racism disappear? We cannot purport for chance to challenge change if we continue to accept the separateness in the industry.

Remember to Read to the Little Ones

Rarely am I at a loss for words, but recently while involved with the children I mentor, a young lass no more than 9-years old cornered me and told me how frustrating it was to her reading books and encountering words she didn’t understand. She pondered that for a moment and immediately whipped a book out of her book bag and asked me ever so politely would I read to her. You know I did…but the real story behind this story concerns me to the point that for every fourth-grader that approached me the way Rachel did, there are many more her age that do not have the opportunity to read and be read to.

The purpose of this essay is for us to be mindful of how and what we give the younger generation to ponder as they live and learn. I wanted to give examples and objectives to remind parents, individuals working with children, and other people interested in the welfare of kids just another premise to enhance effective child advocacy. I take an active part in family literacy, and as a matter of fact my non-profit organization partners with a local child advocacy group for interested adults to become more involved. Rachel’s poignancy and eager spirit overwhelmed me. I do not regret the decision to be an advocate for literacy in children. I stand as a beacon to their development in all things literary, the humanities, and their being the progenitors of our future. A child’s heart knows no limit in meting out unconditional love. Their playful demeanor often has no boundaries when it comes to me affording affection and catering to their penchant to say and do the darnest of things! Children tend to be innocent, precocious, and ever so naïve in our minds, though.

We coddle them and purport to give them the love and nurturing in preparing them for life’s growing pains. We see them, but have you ever wondered how they see YOU? Are you providing all the necessary examples for role model status? Are you living the type of lifestyle that you’d want them to follow…or for them to emulate what they see you do? When was the last time you read a bedtime story…or acquiesced to their badgering to read to them? Remember, if none of the above is prerequisites in your life, children will not do as you say, they will do what you do! They size us up and determine whether you are worthy of their time. The aforementioned happens without premeditation despite the ongoing rituals of parents teaching them to be wary of strangers.

Nevertheless, it’s us adults who at times are not doing the proper things to allow them to adhere to parental guidelines. Here’s hoping that somewhere down the line you reach out and touch a kid where they would feel and benefit from it most – from the pages of a book as you model and mentor to them!

Slammin', Jammin', and Romancin' in Miami!

The allure of Miami in spring and Romance Slam Jam's (RSJ) natural appeal was too much for those that wanted a bit of sunshine this time of the year in 2007. This year was the 12th anniversary of this conference and Miami had it's moment to shine. I spoke to a few that informed me that they had a good time and truly enjoyed themselves. Albeit, the trip back home for many wasn't pleasant having to sit long hours waiting to get out of the city, and for connecting flights back home.

This year's RSJ lacked many of the amenities and sheer vivacity of past Slam Jams, but Terry McMillan was in the house, and her allure was just as captivating as her reputation assured. Though not a romance writer, it mattered not as she talked like the veteran writer she is! Notwithstanding, when given the opportunity to make the best of what Miami had to offer though, the conference survived! I must give the host committee shout outs because they did a great job based on several things out of their control. They were able to plug holes, stop leaks, and basically go on as planned wearing smiles accordingly. New on the scene and with a greater degree of success was vendor Deborah Owsley, she of SIMPLY SAID fame who interacted with the authors selling her now famous book marks. Several scheduled authors couldn't make the connection because of inclement weather in New York and points north, among them Donna Hill, Gwynne Forster, Angie Daniels, Nathasha Brooks-Harris, Marcia King-Gamble, et al. Those that supported this year's soiree gave notice that they wanted to be in place. As usual, I was there to meet, greet, and smooze with authors I have enjoyed platonically over the years.

I was able to see again J.M Jeffries, the duo of Miriam Pace and Jacqueline Hamilton who have always welcomed me warmly. Deirdre Savoy, whom I met for the first time in Dallas for last year's Black Writer's Reunion Conference dropped a bombshell and told everyone that she had given up smoking! I mention this because the two of us were lamenting then how harmful smoking could be to one's health. She by the way, gave a heartfelt, if not witty Keynote speech. It was a pleasure seeing Sabrina McAfee, the talented author of MATTERS OF THE HEART. I also met paranormal author Seressia Glass for the first time and found her to be most engaging and congenial of spirit. Evelyn Palfrey -- what can I say about this whimsical writer. I chuckle everytime I think of, and see her because of her penchant for telling good stories that have you splitting your sides! Evelyn, if you're reading this, I STILL owe you pictures from Dallas! Gwyneth Bolton, my BLOGGING IN BLACK columnist mate -- girl, you did it! I'm most happiest for this writer because I feel that we've yet to see what she can do with a pen, four Emma Awards notwithstanding.

Now, that crew from Chicago - namely Ann Clay, Dyanne Davis, and Barbara Keaton were downright party animals at the Emma Awards banquet. I know for a fact, anywhere music is being played Ann will shake a leg...she even got yours truly up for a round or two! The torch was passed to this group and we will be looking forward to Chicago's turn at the bat next year. All in all, RSJ is here to stay. I DO feel that changes must be made for it to truly be indicative of what we've always expected. The powers that be know what is at stake and what needs to be done. Some of romance's greatest authors were not in the house this year, or last year for that matter, and this could be attributed to various changes in their writing careers having moved on to mainstream priorities.

Is this conference gearing up for change? This is a matter of conjecture, and those that would want to participate will do so as a matte of choice. As for myself, I hope that they come back to add more seasoning to the mix. I will continue the support because this conference is mine -- I've adopted it, and no matter what goes on, I'm about finding soluble solutions for greater awareness in upholding this conferences' legacy. I hope you do too!

What I Know So Far: Vibrant Voices--Robert Fleming

What I Know So Far: Vibrant Voices--Robert Fleming

The erudite journalist and writer, Robert Fleming shares poignant moments of his literary litany on author, Deidre Savoy's blogspot, 'What I Know So Far' . Suffice it to say, there should be those in this literary industry that one could shadow for emulated success, both as a mentor and idol. Robert Fleming is that person for me. I've admired his work afar, and ever so close since the early part of this millennium, and I'm still awed by how he can shape words effortlessly.

I love words, and writing is just one of the bailiwicks of my expressionistic muse. If you have the time, check out this writer and add him to your literary lore! Better yet, check out Dee Savoy and one of the many avenues of her writing life: http://deirdresavoysays.blogspot.com