Rhymes, Views & News

2/19 RADIO INTERVIEW: Poet Monica A. Hand - Author of me and Nina

2012-02-18T08:34:00.000-08:00

Poet Monica A. Hand - Author of me and Nina 02/19 by DuEwa Frazier | Blog Talk Radio

2/10/12 NYC BOOK LAUNCH: me and Nina by Monica A. Hand

2012-01-29T15:22:00.000-08:00

New York City Book Launch

for me and Nina by Monica A. Hand

Friday, February 10, 2012

Time: 6:30pm until 9:30pm

Where:

Cave Canem 20 Jay Street, Suite 310-A Brooklyn, NY

Celebrate the launch of Cave Canem fellow Monica Hand's debut collection, me & Nina (Alice James Books, 2012), winner of the 2010 Kinereth Gensler Award and lauded by Elizabeth Alexander as a "moving, deeply satisfying, and unforgettable book." Tara Thierry will be performing with Monica A Hand.

$5-10 suggested donation. Wheelchair accessible.

NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK: Ellen's Broom by Kelly Starling Lyons

2012-01-29T15:11:00.000-08:00

Kelly Starling Lyon s, author of One Million Men and Me (Just Us Books, Inc.) and Eddie's Ordeal (Just Us Books, Inc.) has a new book. Read the below description and check out the book trailer!

Ellen's Broom by Kelly Starling Lyons

Hardcover Picture Book
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons (Jan. 5, 2012)
Illustrated by Daniel Minter

Ellen always knew the broom resting above the hearth was special. But after it’s announced in church that the marriages of former slaves will be registered, she hears more about why it matters so much. For her mama and papa, who could be sold away at a master's whim and whose union had no legal protection, jumping the broom was a way to show their commitment to being husband and wife. Now, as the whole family travels to the courthouse dressed in their best, Ellen carries the broom with them. With love, ingenuity and pride, she finds a way to celebrate her parents' right to be legally married and remember their past.

Spring Poetry Workshops with Cave Canem

2012-01-29T14:57:00.000-08:00

Cave Canem Workshops in Brooklyn

Now accepting applications for our spring poetry workshops. Admission is free!

Poetry Conversations
with Kamilah Aisha Moon
Wednesdays, 6-8:30 pm
February 22, March 4 - April 18
Cave Canem / DUMBO, Brooklyn

An open-enrollment workshop for poets of color at the early-to-intermediate stage of their writing enterprise. Participants will experiment with new ways of approaching the page through in-class writing exercises and prompts.

Deadline to Apply: February 1
Details & Application Guidelines || Apply Online

Writing across Cultures
with John Murillo
Mondays, 6-9 pm
March 19 - April 9; April 23 - May 14
Cave Canem / DUMBO, Brooklyn
In this workshop, poets of color & Arab American poets will focus on content and worldview, reading across cultures in order to enact a paradigm shift that may open participants to new risks and realms in their writing.
Deadline to Apply: February 15
Details & Application Guidelines || Apply Online

CAVE CANEM FOUNDATION, INC. • www.cavecanempoets.org • 718.858.0000
20 Jay Street, Suite 310-A, Brooklyn, NY 11201
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EVENT: 12/3 Wordsprouts Reading Series featuring DuEwa Frazier!

2011-11-17T17:20:00.000-08:00

Saturday, December 3, 2011 at 6pm
The Park Slope Food Coop’s Wordsprouts Reading Series
Featuring Author & Poet, DuEwa Frazier

The Park Slope Food Coop Meeting Room
782 Union Street, Brooklyn 11215 (btw 6th and 7th Aves)
(718) 622-0560

Co-curators Paula Bernstein and Paola Corso
Free and open to the public

Join award nominated poet, author and educator DuEwa Frazier for an evening of poetry! DuEwa will read from her latest book, Ten Marbles and a Bag to Put Them In: Poems for Children and facilitate a poetry workshop for children. Books will be available for parents and educators. All children are welcome. The poetry activities are geared toward ages 4-11.

About the Author
DuEwa Frazier is a poet, performance artist, speaker, author, educator and cultural organizer. She earned the M.F.A. degree in Creative Writing at The New School and the M.Ed. degree in Curriculum and Teaching at Fordham University. DuEwa has taught both youth and adults in the areas of English, Creative Writing, GED preparation and Theater Arts. Her published books include Shedding Light From My Journeys, Stardust Tracks on a Road, Check the Rhyme: An Anthology of Female Poets & Emcees (nominated for the NAACP Image Award in 2007 for Outstanding Literary Work - Poetry), and Ten Marbles. She is known for her tireless and consistent efforts in promoting books, poetry and the arts. DuEwa is a literacy advocate who uses poetry as a powerful learning resource for children. Visit her website at www.duewaworld.com for more information.

NEW CHILDRENS BOOK: A Storm Called Katrina

2011-08-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

A Storm Called Katrina by Myron Uhlberg tells the story of 10-year old Louis Daniel through his personal account of how his family survived Hurricane Katrina. This is a great story to share with all children. Teachers will be able to use it in the classroom to discuss tragedy, the affect natural disasters have on people, and how children can become resilient even when facing difficulties. Adults who were directly affected by Katrina, may be inspired to document their stories and help children do the same. The events of Hurricane Katrina have so many angles that can be studied and discussed. It's nice to see a children's book that brings a troubling part of history to light, in a way that children can access and understand.

Read the New York Times review of A Storm...

Chatting with Danette Vigilante!

2011-07-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

Author Feature: Danette Vigilante

The Trouble with Half a Moon by Danette Vigilante

DF: Your first book about a teen girl named Dellie titled The Trouble with Half a Moon, has received great reviews. What inspired you to write this story? What has been the response from your teen readers?

DV: As a kid, my heart had been broken by a little boy who was very similar to Corey, the neglected boy from Trouble. I carried that little boy around with me all these years and though I didn’t know exactly what I was writing when I finally sat down to write The Trouble with Half a Moon, I knew I wanted to give that little boy a chance for a good life. I realized right away that I needed someone brave enough to step up and help Corey and that’s where Dellie came in. Not only is she courageous but she was able to reach beyond her own hard times in order to help save him.

The response from my teen readers has been goose bump inducing! The greatest thing I’ve heard from several students was that before reading my book, they didn’t have an interest in reading for pleasure (one even said she thought reading was for nerds!) but now that has all changed. I think back to when I was a kid struggling with reading and then one day, I stumbled upon Judy Blume’s books and BAM! Everything changed for me. I couldn’t get enough reading in. It thrills me beyond belief that it’s possible that maybe, just maybe, I’ve done the same for someone else.

DF: Your forthcoming book, Saving Baby Doe (2012, G.P. Putnam’s Sons) has a teen boy, Lionel as the protagonist. What was it like as a female author, writing from a male voice? What resources, internal or external helped you to envision and create Lionel?

DV: Writing from a male voice was a challenge. I have two girls which meant that I had to listen more closely to my nephews or to groups of boys hanging out at places like the mall— all while trying not to be too creepy!

As far as envisioning Lionel, I was lucky. For the longest time, there seemed to be this tall for his age, rounded cheek, kid hanging around in my head. Yes, I do realize how crazy that sounds but I was not about to argue. After all, he (Lionel) had waited patiently.

DF: What life experiences do you draw upon as a writer? Do your own children “show up” in any way in your stories?

DV: I grew up in the Red Hook Houses in Brooklyn. It was a scary time and I witnessed some things a kid shouldn’t be exposed to. But still, I wouldn’t change where I grew up for anything. Those apartments, hallways and people (especially the people) run through my veins and make me who I am.

Growing up in a housing project had many negative things attached to it. Starting Junior High School began my understanding that I was from the “other side of the tracks” (or in my case, the highway). I soon learned that people from outside the projects had this preconceived notion of what we were like, or I should say, what we were supposed to be like.

Naturally, when I started to write, I found myself back in my housing project, only now I had the opportunity to show the world that all kinds of people live there. People who work and care about the world, people who love their families and people who want the very best for themselves and for their children.

So far, I haven’t had my children show up in my writing. Maybe when they’re older and out of the house … revenge will be mine! Sorry, did I say that out loud?

DF: Living in New York City is every writer’s dream. How does being a lifelong resident of NYC influence your work?

DV: I think living in New York City is the best place to people watch! What better way to pick up bits and pieces for characters, by watching the many different people who live here or are just passing through?

DF: Any tips for aspiring children’s writers seeking to be published?

DV: Yes, I think it is very important for you to read. Reading and writing truly do go hand in hand. I think of reading like a vitamin. It’ll help your writing to stay healthy and in the game.

Also, NEVER GIVE UP. But, that doesn’t mean you should keep trying to get in the door using the same key over and over again. No matter how painful, you have to be willing to listen to what others have to say about your work. This is especially true if you’ve gotten a rejection from an editor or an agent and they took the time to write you a note regarding what they felt wasn’t working in your manuscript. If you’re lucky enough to have this happen, be happy! You’ve just gotten free advice from a professional.

Read your work over with those words in mind to see if they ring true. This happened to me with TROUBLE just before Putnam picked it up. It was like having the map to a treasure chest I had spent years searching for.

One other thing, read your work aloud. You’ll be amazed at how much you catch this way.

For more information on Danette and her books, visit her website and blog. Connect with Danette on Facebook.

ALA 2011: Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe New Talent Winner!

2011-07-08T13:40:00.000-07:00

ALA 2011: Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon, authors of Zora and Me with Editor Mary Lee Donovan

Zora and Me, the young adult book written by Victoria Bond and T.R. Simon received the 2011 Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe New Talent award. Congratulations to the authors! Check out my earlier blog post on this wonderful book.

Zora and Me by Victoria Bond & T.R. Simon

I'm a huge fan of Zora Neale Hurston and I applaud the authors on their research and re-imagining Hurston's life as a young girl. The authors attended the 2011 ALA Conference where they received the King-Steptoe honor. The late John Steptoe was a brilliant and award winning illustrator of children's books. His son, Javaka Steptoe continues his legacy as an illustrator.

ALA 2011: Editor Andrea Davis Pinkney and Drawing from Memory author Allen Say

ALA is one of the esteemed literary events where authors, educators, librarians, editors and other publishing professionals come together to celebrate books. I imagine that this event for a first time author would be both exciting and overwhelming. The networking and participating in the award ceremonies are probably really nice highlights. All photos courtesy of Publishers Weekly.

Chatting with Cheryl Willis Hudson!

2011-06-28T14:24:00.000-07:00

Author Feature: Cheryl Willis Hudson!

Bright Eyes, Brown Skin by Cheryl Willis Hudson & Bernette G. Ford

DF: Cheryl you are an author, consultant, speaker, and highly respected founding co-publisher of Just Us Books. With your commitment to excellence in publishing and promoting books by African American authors, what keeps your vision as an author and publisher moving forward?

CWH: Sometimes, it’s a challenge to remain positive in the face of all of the negative propaganda that is ever present on TV, in videos, and in the streets of our communities, but as the old folks say “Cream rises to the top.” African Americans have a rich and largely undiscovered history of innovation in the arts and we do have a tradition of excellence within our own institutions despite the pervasive images in the media to the contrary. It’s extremely important to keep that tradition of excellence in the forefront of our children’s lives rather than as a footnote or in the margins of history. For Wade and myself, it was important not only to have our own individual stories published but it was important to establish an institution such as Just Us Books to publish our own stories as a people and spotlight our own history and culture. I once read that freedom of the press belongs to those who own one. That’s a pretty profound idea. As a people, African Americans need to pass down the legacy of that history and the story of the resilience of our ancestors to our children as a reminder of what they can achieve individually and collectively in this time and place. What can be more perfect than a beautiful children’s picture book to convey that wealth? What can be more satisfying to a parent than to watch his or her child experience the discovery of the joy of reading and the wonder that language and literature and music and art can bring into their lives?

I love to see children get excited about reading and the self-knowledge and awareness of their own talents and gifts that the reading experience brings. Knowledge is power, and whatever moves that forward in terms of books and literature motivates me.

Books are vehicles of wonder and self-discovery as well as repositories and conduits of knowledge. Once a child can see herself in the pages of a book, she can also see herself in the pages of history and in dreams for her future. What keeps us moving and what motivates us as publishers is a vision of seeing children blossom in their own space and seeing them move forward to realize their own potential. This is especially true for children of color but very important for all children. The possibilities for achieving fairness, equity and a level playing field within school classrooms also motivates us to keep trying to make our publishing institution even stronger. People like Frederick Douglass, Ida Wells-Barnett, W.E.B. DuBois, Langston Hughes and Mary McLeod Bethune kept their hands on the plow despite tremendous odds stacked against them. If we have the will, we can do it, too. It’s not only important to become published but also to be a publisher and to shape our own institutions and repositories of our own history so we tell the stories from our own perspectives.

My Friend Maya Loves to Dance by Cheryl Willis Hudson

DF: You’ve written and published beautifully illustrated and popular books for children such as the Afro-Bets series, Let’s Count Baby, Langston’s Legacy, The Harlem Renaissance, My Friend Maya Loves to Dance, and others. How much has the push for literacy mastery in today’s youth, been part of your mission as a children’s author and publisher?

CWH: Children born in the 21st century truly live in a global village so it becomes necessary to be literate simply to get through the day. Therefore, literacy is of paramount concern in our contemporary society. Children and adults can’t afford to be left out or behind because of their inability to read and comprehend ideas. People need to be literate and to have the ability to communicate not only to meet their needs but also to realize their dreams.

Technological developments have revolutionized the way business is conducted and in the way that we learn and communicate with others and geographical boundaries are fading away with the digitalization of culture. Therefore all kinds of literacy and fluency are required for human beings to be “present” and active participants in our global communities—whether this is via computer literacy, spiritual literacy, cultural literacy, financial literacy, artistic literacy or other.

Since our thoughts and ideas are conveyed via language, mastery of language via literacy is a skill that will take all of us far. When I create the text for a picture book, say for example, My Friend Maya Loves to Dance, my mission is for the child who reads that book to fully experience the story: the words, the rhythm, the illustrations, the meaning of the narrative and the story behind the story. I want that child to identify with my personal experience of writing the story and also relate it to his or her own stories. This reading experience then incorporates language, music, dance, art and design in a way that takes the reader via total literacy to a higher level of understanding in about his or her own corner of the universe.

Our mission has been clear from the very earliest days of our business—to publish beautiful, authentic, relevant books for children about the Black experience that are accessible and valuable to all children.

Clothes I Love to Wear by Cheryl Willis Hudson

DF: It has been stated that there is a lack of diversity in children’s publishing. What can aspiring children’s writers of color do to break in to the industry? What are the issues and barriers that you see?

CWH: There are a number of things that aspiring book creators of color can do both individually and collectively. Aspiring writers and illustrators of color must first of all educate themselves about the publishing industry and do everything possible to develop and perfect their crafts, and promote excellence and authenticity in their personal work. Writers of color also need to support each other and advocate for diversity and solid exposure of multicultural stories in homes, libraries media outlets and bookstores. There are some wonderful bloggers that effectively promote diversity and support the goals of many writers of color. They need to explore possibilities and support independent presses as well as lobby for presence in larger corporate publishing companies. They need to commit personal time and energy to doing lots of self-promotion at local book fairs, festivals, flea markets, on grassroots level, etc. They need to explore opportunities via the internet and via social media...there's strength in numbers. The issues and barriers are unfortunately the same as there were 40 years ago--lack of diversity within the staffs of corporate publishing professionals & decision makers, low pay, and increasing competition for shelf space and virtual space for multicultural titles.

My father used to say, “If you really want to get something done well, do it yourself.” Now this is not to say you should not solicit professional services such as copyediting, proofreading and production from outside sources but aspiring writers also have to be open to creating their own opportunities. Successful publishing is a process not an event. All of us need to be reminded of this fact. Ultimately, aspiring creators of color need to continue the legacy of excellence and expectation in our own work by being the best writers and illustrators that we can while respecting the audiences that we serve.

Kid Caramel Case of the Missing Ankh by Dwayne J. Ferguson

DF: Who are some of your favorite children’s authors – past and present? Which authors (besides you of course) did your children enjoy reading when they were little?

CWH: This is a really difficult question to answer. My favorite authors and illustrators are the ones whose works I’m reading (or editing) at the time. Some of the earliest book creators I was exposed to were Langston Hughes, Eloise Greenfield, Lucille Clifton, Sharon Bell Mathis, Virginia Hamilton, Tom Feelings, John Steptoe, Jerry Pinkney, Leo and Diane Dillon, Pat Cummings, Mildred Taylor, Fred and Pat McKissack and Walter Dean Myers. As the canon has grown so has the circle of talent grown and expanded. At Just Us Books and Marimba Books all of our authors and illustrators are loved and respected and they are our favorites, too!

My children enjoyed some of the same authors as I as well Mildred Taylor’s Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry and Ann Martin’s Baby Sitters Club for our daughter and Captain Africa and Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles for our son. We took our children to the local library and read to them often when they were growing up. They were also fortunate enough to travel with us to ALA conventions and lots of book fairs with us when they were young. So they developed a love of reading early in life.

DF: What’s new and forthcoming for you and Just Us Books?

CWH: We're trying to remain relevant to our readers and their needs. We’ve begun to develop eBooks and apps as well as continue to support our print backlist and further the AFRO-BETS brand. We continue to grow our Marimba (multicultural imprint) forthcoming in 2012 Bottlecap Boys Dancing on Royal Street by Rita Williams Garcia. We plan to update our signature Book of Black Heroes from A to Z. We will continue to publish biographies such as our recent book on the great 19th century Black leader, Bishop Daniel Payne—Great Black Leader. We are expanding our presence via social media. Look for eBook editions of the Kid Caramel series this fall and a forthcoming app of AFRO-BETS ABC Book. We look forward to celebrating 25 years in business in 2013!

DF: Thank you and best wishes Cheryl!

CWH: Thank you, DuEwa, for the opportunity to share some of my thoughts and ideas with you and your audience. Continued success to you as well!

Visit Cheryl's author site at http://cherylwhudson.weebly.com/. For information on Just Us Books visit http://justusbooks.com. Connect with Just Us Books on Facebook and Twitter!

SEMINAR: 8/13 Author Marita Golden's Women WRITE Now! Part Two

2011-06-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

Award-winning and best selling author Marita Golden is offering the second installment of her writing and publishing seminar, Women WRITE Now! on Saturday, August 13, 2011. The seminar will feature Golden, author/bloggers Kyra E. Hicks and Anande Leeke, and senior editor, Tracy Sherrod (Simon & Schuster). Golden is offering one-on-one literary coaching to the first six registrants.

CLICK HERE to visit Marita Golden's blog for more information.

Barbecue & Books Go Hand in Hand: 5 Crazy Ways to Promote Your Book!

2011-06-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

How do author's promote? Well there's the good ole' word of mouth, and then there's email blasts, postcards, in person signing/readings and TV/radio talks (if you're really big time). And what about if you're on a budget? Or your publicist quit? Or you've realized that the world that was formerly round to authors is now flat before there's no more "The Oprah Show?"

If you're an author (self published or not), who has ever wanted to think outside of the box to promote your book but just didn't know what the heck would make your sales "POP!" this post is for you!

Here are humorous yet totally doable event ideas, for the writer who's book marketing game really needs a boost.

*****5 Crazy Ways to Promote Your Book!*****

(Warning, some of these may tickle your funny bone)

1. Host a Book Signing Barbecue - Hey it's summertime and who doesn't love a reason to gather for good food, drinks, laughs and a BOOK READING! LOL Create an online invite that's very snazzy. Insert a picture of you in your most attractive grilling attire, smiling and holding your book. That's right. Reserve your spot at your local park. Get the grill pit/smoker going with dogs, brats, veggie burgers, shrimp and ribs. Bring the ice, coolers, beers, soda and kiddie things. Hire a security guard in case you run out of hamburgers and the crowd gets rowdy. Make sure to set up a table and chair with tablecloth for you to sign books. Have plenty of chairs for folks to eat, relax and hear your read exderpts of your book. Thank everyone for coming and vow to host it again, when your next book is released. Hopefully they thank you for the free food.

2. Host a Book Signing Beauty Bar -- Who cares if your book isn't about beauty or style. Ask your favorite spa or beauty shop to host a party just for you. Nevermind that they still have customers in there getting shined, buffed, waxed, combed and colored. No, just work around them while you work your book hustle. Create a very beautylicious invite - complete with you all dolled up, or a picture of you in hair rollers (getting ready for your close up of course) while holding your fabulous book! Be sure to invite all of the men and women you know who love pampering. Offer some kind of package deal "Spa Special: $85 2 Services + My Book" and they you pocket $30 for each person you bring in who says "I'm here to see Ms. Author."

3. Host a Book Signing Fashion Show -- You betta work gurl, because there's nothing sadder than an out of work writer. You've seen enough of "Project Runway" with Heidi Klum to know how these things go. Pick a venue and schedule several designers to show their collections. Make sure you let them know that YOU'RE THE BOSS! You know how those fashion people get - very testy. Have them "donate" models, you can't pay the $5,000 model fee they're used to getting. If you pick a nightclub, everyone has to pay for their drinks and food when they order. No freebies for anyone, well with the exception of you. Get your BFF or sister to help you with the logistics of it all, but make sure you find some way to get your reading/signing in there. If the attendees like any of the fashions, say a dress for $300 - give them the package deal - for every fashion item sold - you get a cut right off of the top! LOL

4. Host a Book Signing Car Wash -- Everyone likes a shiny, clean from top to bottom set of wheels. Get all your friends together, when it's warm and breezy, dress in matching tees and shorts and take over a car wash on a Saturday afternoon. Your t-shirts should have the name of your book "Ms. Author Becomes a Millionaire Part 1." Make a deal with the car wash, that every car you bring in from the hours of your "book signing", 1 - 3pm you get 60%-%75 of the sales. Don't forget to bring a change of clothes, since you're probably helping to wash the cars anyway. Have your assistant (BFF) set up a podium, mic, table and chair for you to give your signing. You can also set out ten or so chairs for people to listen to you while they wait for their car to be washed.

5. Host a Book Signing Exotic Vacation Fantasy Party-- Well if you can't go to Turks & Caicos you can fake it until you get there!! Reserve a venue and trick it out in the type of decor that is sure to make your guests believe they're in an exotic locale. If you're idea of an exotic locale is Dallas, Disneyland or Topeka, KS I would hire an event planner. LOL Now, you want to make sure to have the proper lighting, and whatever plants and trees might be fitting to totally "transport" your guests. If you have a good friend who's a travel agent, you can have them throw in two tickets to Paris or the Carribbean and then raffle them off.

There's room for you to be as conservative or outlandish as you want with all of the above ideas. I could probably create more event tips, but I think you get the idea. You may have to put out a bit of your own money and ask others to help you, but that's okay. The key word here is "entertainment." Even book lovers want to be entertained. Social networking and bookstore readings are great, but sometimes you have to think outside of the box too. There are a million other authors out there all vying to get their piece of the pie. Wouldn't it be great if you can have your piece and theirs too? Exactly. Now you're thinking.

Children's book memories: Richard Scarry books

2011-06-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Popular children's book author and illustrator Richard Scarry would've been 92 this past June 5th. I have fond memories of my mom reading Richard Scarry books to me when I was very little. We had several of his beloved books in our library along with many other children's books. My parents were educators so literacy was very important.

My favorites were Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks from A to Z , Richard Scarry's Best Story Book Ever!, Richard Scarry's A Day at the Airport, Richard Scarry's Bedtime Stories, The Gingerbread Man and my MOST FAVORITE Richard Scarry book of all - Good Night, Little Bear! What a soothing book that was at bedtime.

I loved A Day at the Airport because my parents started putting me on planes by myself to see my grandmother in the Midwest when I was four!!! Imagine that. A four-year old traveling alone. I always had a stewardess minder so it was okay. I love The Gingerbread Man because I thought it was cool that he was so little and could outrun the big, burly bear. Plus he looked so edible. What can I say, I was a kid.

I'm sure there are plenty people in my generation who remember the Scarry books quite well.

Chatting with Kelly Starling Lyons!

2011-06-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Author Feature: Kelly Starling Lyons!

NEATE: Eddie's Ordeal by Kelly Starling Lyons

DF: You are the author of several children’s books: One Million Men and Me, NEATE: Eddie’s Ordeal and forthcoming Ellen’s Broom and Tea Cakes for Tosh. How did you start writing for children?

KSL: As a child, I rarely saw children’s books featuring African-American kids. That’s why it moved me so much to see them as an adult. The first picture book I read with an African-American character on the cover was Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth. That story spoke to me in such a special way. I knew I had to add my voice.

The first story I wrote for kids was called Butterfly Wings. It was a story about a girl who wanted time to hurry up and make her taller. It was never published, but it still has a special place in my heart. The next was more personal. Isaiah’s Cake was about my brother’s relationship with our grand-dad and how he coped when my grand-dad passed away. For the first time, I started getting personalized rejections. That let me know I was on the right path.

My break came when Just Us Books invited me to try out for their chapter book series, NEATE. I won the assignment to write book #4 about character Eddie Delaney. With the publication of NEATE: Eddie’s Ordeal, I was a children’s book author. A few years later, Just Us Books made another of my dreams come true by publishing my first picture book, One Million Men and Me.

One Million Men and Me by Kelly Starling Lyons

DF: I remember the Million Man March being a highly publicized historic event. What inspired you to write One Million Men and Me? What has been the response from parents and children about your book?

KSL: I attended the Million Man March and was transformed by what I saw. So many images touched me -- a sea of Black men spread like a quilt across the Washington Mall, brothers of all beliefs and backgrounds hugging and praying as the voices of speakers soared around them, an amazing youth addressing the masses like that was what he was born to do. Then, I saw a little girl walk past the Reflecting Pool clutching her daddy's hand. Her eyes, big as quarters, glittered like diamonds. She looked like a little princess among kings.

Years later, when I started writing for children, I thought back to that amazing day and that sweet girl there with her dad. I realized that I was there for a reason that day just like she was.

I’ve been blessed to receive wonderful feedback from parents and children about One Million Men and Me. Adults tell me that it takes them back to that historic day. They thank me for keeping the memory of the March alive and sharing it with young people. Children share special moments they’ve spent with their fathers and father-figures. They tell me how much it means to have books that feature characters like Nia and her dad.

DF: Tell us about your forthcoming books, Ellen’s Broom and Tea Cakes for Tosh. What inspired you to write these stories?

KSL: Ellen’s Broom (G.P. Putnam’s Sons) is set during Reconstruction and celebrates black history and family relationships. It was inspired by a cohabitation register I saw while researching family history in a North Carolina library. When I told my mentor at the Writers Workshop at Chautauqua about the cool record I found, he said there was a story in there. I had never thought of it that way. But I reflected on what he said and started writing Ellen’s Broom that week. I feel so blessed that it’s being published. It feels surreal to see the proofs for the book. Daniel Minter created such beautiful illustrations. Can’t wait to celebrate its release on January 5, 2012.

Tea Cakes for Tosh (G.P. Putnam’s Sons) is probably the story that’s closest to me. Though I made Tosh a boy, my grandma and I had the same kind of relationship Tosh has with his grandma Honey. My Gram made the best tea cakes and told wonderful stories about her own grandma who would carry tea cakes in her apron pockets and pop them into her children’s mouths just when working on the farm got tough. That inspired me to envision a story where the oral history about tea cakes and recipe went back even farther. And when Honey, like my grandma, started to forget things, I made Tosh her memory. Tea Cakes for Tosh is illustrated by E.B. Lewis and debuts fall 2012.

DF: What were some of your favorite books when you were a child?
KSL: As a kid, I loved Miss Nelson is Missing, Wrinkle in Time, Bridge to Terabithia. As an adult, some of my favorite children's books are Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth, Coming on Home Soon by Jacqueline Woodson, Mabel Dancing by Amy Hest and The Memory String by Eve Bunting.

DF: Any tips for aspiring children’s writers seeking to be published?
KSL: I’ll pass along another great piece of advice I got at Chautauqua: “Write the story only you can tell.” So often, we hear about topics that are hot right now. Sometimes you wonder if you should scramble to work on something that will fit those trends. But I believe it’s the story from your heart that will get you published. Dig deep and write about what matters to you.

Visit Kelly's official website www.kellystarlinglyons.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kellystarlinglyons .

ARTICLE: Are Teen Novels Dark and Depraved?

2011-06-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

My answer to this, after taking a very thorough young adult lit class and participating in many in depth discussions during my MFA studies is - "no" with a hint of "yes." The darkness and depravity is what so many readers love. If there's no conflict, where is the journey for the reader? I say "no" to the question understanding that, just because there is "dark matter" in a story, doesn't make it harmful. The story line can provoke a reader to research the subject, feel validated about what he/she is going through and share what they're learning. Other than that most of these epic, series novels are pretty darned entertaining. What teen who's living a dull, routine life wouldn't want to get lost in the life drama of Bella (Twilight) or Katniss (Hunger Games)?

YA novels like other genres of literature represent the ups and down of human experience. Kids are certainly not immune to ups and downs. YA fiction is here to tell the story of the sometimes forgotten segments of our society: teens. These stories remind us with both fun and heart wrenching details, about all the embarrassments, love sickness, fantasy, neverending phases, betrayal, denial, psycho-drama, witchery, bitchery, and trickery that can occur in the life (real or imagined) of any teen.

I read Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, I don't think it's any more dark or violent than say, Lord of the Flies by William Golding which is considered a classic. Every generation has their batch of popular books filled with vengeance, violence, food addiction, prejudice, sexual activity and other themes that we (adults) say has no place in the life or mind of a teen.

Like violent, mindless video games and rated "R" movies, it's a parent's job to know and manage what their teen is viewing, reading and absorbing. And it's the author's job to keep the stories coming. Many adults read and enjoy YA books, so they're definitely not just for kids. Some of my favorite movies from my teen years were all about teens and their angst. Who could forget "Pretty In Pink", "The Breakfast Club," "Weird Science," "Lost Boys," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," and other teen cult classics. There's not much difference in these films and the YA books/films that we have today.

Karen Springen's article definitely poses a question that has been tossed around, I'm sure, for years.

From Publishers Weekly
Are Teen Novels Dark and Depraved — or Saving Lives?

By Karen Springen
Jun 09, 2011

It’s been an interesting week in the teen-lit world. On Saturday, the Wall Street Journal published a story that said modern YA novels were “rife with depravity” and “so dark that kidnapping and pederasty and incest and brutal beatings are now just part of the run of things.” The piece immediately set off an Internet frenzy. That night, 13 Little Blue Envelopes author Maureen Johnson started the #YAsaves hashtag with this tweet: “Did YA help you? Let the world know how! Tell your story with a #YAsaves tag. And copy the @wsj for good measure.” Within hours, #YAsaves got 15,000 responses from regular readers and from such big-name writers as Judy Blume and Neil Gaiman. Bloggers — but also writers at major news outlets such as National Public Radio and New York magazine — weighed in.
The brouhaha is likely to heat up again soon when, according to Meghan Cox Gurdon, author of the story, the Wall Street Journal will “probably” publish a Part Two. CLICK TO CONTINUE READING THIS ARTICLE

NEW BOOK: The Kid by Sapphire

2011-06-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

Award-winning poet and novelist Sapphire has a new book - The Kid (Penguin Press HC, The July 5, 2011) I ran into Sapphire in Manhattan several months ago at the subway. This was right after the release of the film "Precious." Sapphire is the first person and writer I sought advice from regarding MFA programs when I first moved to NYC. She earned her MFA degree from Brooklyn College and has been a terrific example of what it means to be a woman artist who is fearless. Sapphire is one of the few writers whose work affects me in such a way that her words compel me to want to go deeper in my own writing.

When we talked last fall, I congratulated her on the success of her works and the film adaptation of Push. I was interested to know what she would turn her attention to next. A new volume of poetry? Another novel? Teaching on the college level? Just from talking with her I could tell she had alot of new opportunities before her. I read both Black Wings & Blind Angels and Push and have been eagerly awaiting her new work. The Kid is the sequel to Push.

About The Kid

Fifteen years after the publication of Push, one year after the Academy Award-winning film adaptation, Sapphire gives voice to Precious's son, Abdul.

In The Kid bestselling author Sapphire tells the electrifying story of Abdul Jones, the son of Push's unforgettable heroine, Precious.

A story of body and spirit, rooted in the hungers of flesh and of the soul, The Kid brings us deep into the interior life of Abdul Jones. We meet him at age nine, on the day of his mother's funeral. Left alone to navigate a world in which love and hate sometimes hideously masquerade, forced to confront unspeakable violence, his history, and the dark corners of his own heart, Abdul claws his way toward adulthood and toward an identity he can stand behind.

EVENT: 6/14 Reading event for Daddy's Home by Solomon Jones

2011-06-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Father's Day, bestselling author and award-winning columnist Solomon Jones invites you to a live reading from his hilarious new e-book, Daddy's Home: A Memoir of Fatherhood and Laughter. The reading will be videotaped for a book trailer starring you as the studio audience! Solomon's ebook will be available for download to your Nook and his novels will be available for purchase and signing as well.

If you missed Solomon's reading at the Philadelphia Writer's Conference, you must join Solomon at Barnes & Noble Willow Grove for an evening of belly laughs as he shares true stories of fatherhood from a decade of comical memories.

WHAT: Daddy's Home -- A Live Reading Starring YOU as the Studio Audience

WHEN: Tuesday, June 14, 6:00 P.M.

WHERE: Barnes & Noble, 102 Park Ave., Willow Grove PA

About the AuthorSolomon Jones is an award-winning columnist whose work has appeared in Essence, Newsday, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Philadelphia Daily News. He is also a bestselling novelist who has appeared on numerous TV outlets including CNN Headline News. Daddy's Home is his second parenthood book. He blogs about parenting at http://www.solomonjones.com/.

EVENT: 6/14 Making Books Sing hosted by Talib Kweli & Cat Greenleaf

2011-06-12T21:41:00.000-07:00

Join Making Books Sing for:

A Summer Night to Support Arts Education!

Hosted by Emmy award-winning TV journalist, Cat Greenleaf

and hip hop artist/activist, Talib Kweli

Tuesday, June 14, 2011 7:30pm-9:30pm

@ Brooklyn Brewery

79 North 11th Street

(between Berry & Whythe Streets)

Brooklyn, NY

Tickets: $15 includes one complimentary beer + tasty treats + private tour of Brooklyn Brewery

Purchase tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1767836/14

RSVP (reserve tix to pay at the door) to events@makingbookssing.org

212-573-8791 ext. 16

This is a 21+ over with ID event!

A large percentage of proceeds will be donated

to Making Books Sing and is tax-deductible.

NEW DIGITAL STORYBOOK for KIDS: A Song for Miles

2011-06-10T13:39:00.000-07:00

The African-American presence in the technology space has been enhanced with the recent release of the first digital storybook for kids, “A Song for Miles.” Written by Dr. Tiffany S. Russell, “A Song for Miles” uses black musical history to teach children important life lessons. Launched to coincide with the start of Black Music Month, “A Song for Miles” was conceived and produced... READ more on this story via NEWS ONE

NEW CHILDRENS BOOK Summer Jackson: Grown Up

2011-06-06T14:15:00.000-07:00

Summer Jackson: Grown Up by Theresa E. Harris

Charming, funny and conceptually strong, this debut picturebook (illustrated by A.G.Ford) establishes Summer Jackson an irresistible new character

Summer Jackson is six years old, and she’s tired of being treated like a little kid. Now it’s time to be all grown up, just like Mom and Dad. With cell phone in hand, a long to-do list, and lots of urgent meetings to hold, Summer sets out to be a businesswoman – especially at recess.

CLICK to see Summer Jackson featured in Sunday Book Review at NY Times.

Jazz, Books & Talking to Strangers in DC

2011-05-31T15:11:00.000-07:00

So during my Maryland/DC excursion this past weekend, I had to step inside of a few local bookstores. The geek that I am wouldn't allow me to pass up a chance to browse through books, some new, some used, all valuable of course. I first stopped into Busboys & Poets located at 14th and V. St. in DC. I wasn't in the mood to sit down and have a drink. I went straight for the poetry section. There I found books that I've never actually seen because my nose has been in my MFA books for the last 2 years. While in the poetry section, flipping through the glorious pages of several books of poetry I made a list of the books I planned to purchase and read : Femme du Monde: Poems by Patricia Spears Jones, Life on Mars: Poems by Tracy K. Smith, The new black by Evie Shockley, Totem by Gregory Pardlo, Blood Dazzler by Patricia Smith and many others. Some of the books I picked up were signed by the author, others weren't. I found myself feeling like a book groupie. I wanted to chase the words, wherever they might lead me. Perhaps they would lead me to write new poems. That's always good.

Later, I found a gem of a bookstore in the Adams Morgan area, Idle Time Books located at 18th Street, NW. The store manager, a bright eyed man wearing glasses who looked like a playwright was behind the counter. I glanced at the DC Jazz Festival poster hanging on the wall near the front door. A picture of one of the featured artists, Bobby McFerrin caught my eye. I've never been to the Jazz Fest, always wanted to go. I asked the manager if they had anymore posters (knowing I could look on the internet for the schedule, but what the heck I was in the mood to collect brochures) with the full festival schedule. "No, we don't generally keep a bunch of them. If we did everyone would give us stuff and we'd have to lay it out all over the counter..." Yeah, I understand. Bookstores certainly don't need extra clutter. There were wall to wall books and carts with books in them. The books outside the store, in a cart, were being sold for somewhere around $1 maybe a little more, maybe a little less. The sign read that you have to come inside and pay for them. Makes sense.

Jazz was playing in the background at the store. There was an elderly black man talking to the manager. The man was enjoying the ambiance. I heard him ask the store manager, "Is that 'Kind of Blue'?" He was talking about the song playing in the background. I grew up listening to jazz music. I knew the song wasn't "Kind of Blue" or even somewhat blue, it was "So What" by Miles Davis - one of my favorite, upbeat jazz songs. So I said so. "It's 'So What'," I told the store manager and the elderly man. "Yep, she's right. She knows," said the manager. "So you like jazz?" The elderly man asked me. "Yes, I do," I said. We chatted for a few minutes about jazz greats. He wanted to quiz me, see if I was really a jazz lover. It was refreshing to talk to random strangers and not worry if they're going to ask me for $1 right after (if you live in NYC you know what I mean).

After talking with the man, I walked the aisles, pulling out all of the books that reached out to me like Mozart and Leadbelly by Ernest J. Gaines, Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, Tina McElroy Ansa's Ugly Ways and Baby of the Family, my friend Gloria Malette's Shades of Jade and a Robert Frost poetry volume. I felt like I had a touch of literary ADD -- I couldn't focus on sitting down with one book. The joy of inhaling the smell of old and used books overcame me. In every aisle at least one person was sitting on the floor reading. A few people were browsing through postcards. We were all synced up to these old books, not worried about tweeting or updating our status on Facebook, it was all about the now-of-books. I kept trying to decide whether I wanted to ask the store manager how a bookstore that primarily sells used and out-of-print books is able to survive in this economy. Let alone the competition from book lovers who've switched to digital e-readers. He told me an interesting story of when poet Nikki Giovanni came into the store to browse the poetry section. "I knew it was her," he said. He knew it was her after checking a recent photo of her on the internet. He said she was really nice. Something else interesting he shared, "authors who come in and buy their own books." It sounds funny, but I'm sure it's a reality. If you're an author and your books are out-of-print, it's a blessing to find a bookstore that still carries them! You may want to round them all up as keepsakes or sell them at some point. The manager remarked that one author even asked, "Isn't it illegal for you to make me pay for my own book?" The nerve. If the author received a book deal, he or she was already paid for the books by the publisher. Everyone needs to make a dollar, even the independent bookseller. Buying your books out of a bookstore wouldn't be an odd thing for an author who's not self published or on Kindle. While browsing, I was amused by the title of a book I had never heard of, Famous Writers School: A Novel. I wondered what the book was about. Well if you can't be a rock star, perhaps the next best thing is being a famous writer. But you can't go to school for that. Can you? (sarcasm).

A couple of hours later after hanging with a friend, I ran into the elderly man I met at Idle Books. He was sitting on a bench in front of Starbucks, enjoying the breeze. Probably humming a little jazz too. "Leaving so soon?" he asked. "Yeah, but I'll be back." I smiled and headed to the Metro station.

Word Count Matters

2011-05-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

Word count matters when it comes to having your writing published. With the exception of poetry, if your preparing to submit to an agent or editor they'll want to know what your proposed or actual word count is. As you're writing it's good to keep this in mind. Knowing that you may have to revise your work many times over anyway, don't assume that because you've written a 500-page novel with a gazillion words that none of it will be cut. This doesn't mean that some books aren't the exception to the rule (ie. Harry Potter). But if your novel or memoir doesn't call for all of those extra words, it's best to revise and save all of your various versions.

Writing forever into infinity with no goal in mind can put you in a precarious position when it comes to submitting your work. If you don't take the time to edit your work down to meet the acceptable word count range, it could be more work for an agent or editor who would rather consider a writer who has done the proper work.

Check out fiction genre word count rules.

Nathan Bransford on novel word counts.

Children's/YA Author Events at 2011 Book Expo America

2011-05-24T14:59:00.000-07:00

Book Expo America (BEA) opens today in New York City at the Javits Center. Among the many featured authors, publishing professionals, panels and exhibits is the ABA's Day of Education, BEA YA Author Buzz, Speed Dating with Children's Authors, Tea with Children's Authors and Children's Book and Author Breafast. Featured children's/YA authors include Walter Dean Myers and son Christopher Myers, Sarah Dessen, Jerry Pinkney, R.L. Stine, Brian Selznick and more.

Check out the schedule of children's book programming here.

YA Writers Meet Audrey, a Teen YA Reviewer with Tips for You!

2011-05-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

Audrey is a teen who writes YA book reviews for Write4Kids! and for her own blog Audrey Reads and Reviews.

I've come across a few of Audrey's tips for YA writers over the last several months. Check out Audrey's new tip for writers: No Perfect Characters, Please!

Barnes & Noble Set to Release Nook Simple Touch Reader

2011-05-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Barnes & Noble will release the new Nook Simple Touch Reader, priced at $139 on June 10th. The reasonably priced Nook competes with the Amazon.com Kindle Reader of the same price. Read more about the Nook Simple Touch Reader.

Parents think the darnedest things! NEW BOOK: Go the --- to Sleep

2011-05-24T14:11:00.000-07:00

New children's picture book Go the --- to Sleep by Adam Mansbach is titled with a phrase that parents may think but not say, when trying to put a child to bed. The book has such a cute cover - sleeping boy cozy on top of sleeping tigers. Check out review and New York Times article "Raising Children Is Heck."

ARTICLE: Making It Online via TNJ.com

2011-05-14T21:46:00.000-07:00

Here is an excerpt of an article I'm mentioned in via The Network Journal (TNJ.com).

Making It Online

Kweli Joins the Ranks of Web Publications

By: CLARENCE V. REYNOLDS

Wednesday, April 20, 2011 Business

For better or worse, the Internet in the 21st century has certainly changed the ways we access information, be it academic, journalistic or literary; challenging the merit of content and offering a place for creative prose to flourish at the same time. The closings of bookstores nationwide along with the decline of print publications — particularly those with an artistic focus and a specific audience in mind — continue to leave readers, writers and publishers wondering about the future of hardcover books and outlets for literary works in general. Although low circulation, loss of advertising dollars, and even concern for the environment have led to rethinking strategies within the publishing market, the Internet has been the impetus behind the emergence of countless online publications. In 2009, Poets & Writers magazine, in the article “From Page to Pixels: The Evolution of Online Journals,” commented that “Today’s best online journals offer innovation as well as visibility.” So with a strong belief on that promise, Kweli Journal (www.kwelijournal.org), in 2009, joined the growing number of online publications. CLICK TO READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE...

After the MFA: 10 things I learned

2011-05-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

My journey as a full time graduate student in the MFA in Creative Writing degree program at The New School in NYC, has come to an end. I'm a graduate!!

So many people asked me, "DuEwa, why another Master's degree - you already have one?" and "Why an MFA, you're already a writer." I felt the need to immerse myself in the writing life in a different way. I wanted to study the craft and expand my knowledge in ways that I hadn't before. I wanted to be linked to serious writers and learn from esteemed professors who have published or at least have taught writing for many years. Did I expand my knowledge? Yes. Did I study and link up with writers I did not previously know? Yes. Was the journey difficult at times? Of course. Am I glad I applied to the program, went through it and finished? TOTALLY!!! A mentor once said to me, "Anything worth having is worth struggling for." And I did.

I was lucky to have already been published in journals, magazines and online prior to coming into the MFA program, but that experience did not prepare me for my two year journey. The MFA program is its own world. They don't care what you've done prior - it's all about what you can show right now as a writer and how you contribute to the program.

10 things I learned from my MFA experience:

1. Listen to the criticism and feedback during workshop without being defensive or arguing. Reflect upon all feedback whether you feel it applies to you or not. If anyone gives you criticism that is disrespectful and more like a personal attack, take a mental note, but refrain from verbal sparring. Let their immaturity show through while you take the high road.

2. Talk to previous graduates - alumni who also attended your school and hear what their experience was like. But do not use what they tell you as a barometer. Go in with an open mind, not baggage from someone else.

3. Stand up for the perspective or ideas you have, even if it differs from that of your peers or instructors. And do it in a way that is mature and respectful. Be prepared to back up what you're saying with research if need be.

4. Do not expect to receive a great amount of help or support from anyone who has *shown* you that they do not *get* or agree with what you're trying to do. You have to believe in yourself and know your abilities as well as your limits.

5. Sometimes, it's best to keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself - no one needs to know everything you think. Your one opinion may not carry as much weight as the group or collective opinion does. Understanding this is part of being a mature student who is willing to grow.

6. Network, network, network while you're in the program. Attend readings, support authors, go to events your professors have. You never know who you may link up with who holds the keys to a freelance writing gig, an agent contact or a paid reading/conference gig for you. Send your writing out to publications and people who you believe can help you.

7. Realize that your instructors are people too. They're not superhuman, or perfect or without flaws. If you have a conflict, talk to them and address it either privately or at least in a way that will benefit everyone involved.

8. Revise, revise, revise. Your writing is not *the sho-nuff stuff* unless it goes through the ringer many times over.

9. It's okay to show others outside of the MFA program your writing, to get a different perspective. You can listen to the feedback and decide which way you want to go. Remember the source of creativity is you. Your instructors and peers are there as a sounding board, but you have to be comfortable with the final product.

10. Your MFA experience is what you make of it. No one's going to hold your hand, stroke your ego or serve you up a publishing deal or agent on a silver platter. Writing is work and can be extremely rewarding if you know how to organize your ideas and can devote the time and attention that your craft needs.

Check out The Creative Writing Blog for information and perspectives on getting an MFA degree.

May 5-May 8 NYC EVENT: "Monette" A One Woman Show Feat. Kymbali

2011-04-27T19:17:00.000-07:00

"MONETTE" A one woman show starring Kymbali Craig..No layers, no barriers, no pretense...straight no chasers!!!

KMJ Productions Inc., producers of the mega-hit sketch comedy SKITZ & GIGGLEZZ,
brings you it’s second production “MONETTE” a one-woman show, written and produced
by Kymberle Joseph and directed by Gene Hughes.

On a not so typical Friday night Kennedy Monette settles in for the evening with her comfort essentials: 1 bottle of her favorite red wine, 1 hand-blown wine glass, 1 scented candle and 1 IPod with the perfect playlist. With her divorce papers in front of her and her only son off to college she fights off the chill from her empty nest. Every thought of what is to come is married with a thought of what has past.

Kennedy “Monette”, this comedic-drama, is played by Kymbali Craig who embodies the unique personas of eleven characters explored in this astonishing one-woman show. She has the challenging task of depicting eight distinctive men and three vastly different women. Witness this truly gifted entertainer as she transforms herself from Monette’ silk-tongue father to her folklore tale telling Caribbean mother, to her rigidly uptight best friend, to her Puerto-Rican Ruff-Neck ex-lover to a host of other colorful characters who all have a story to tell. “Monette” takes the audience on a journey filled with laughter, sorrow, pain, love, despair and most importantly…hope. You are invited to join her on her journey.

Kymbali Craig is no stranger to the world of one-person shows. She recently starred in Male Gaze which received rave reviews in the One Dialogue Festival at the Williamstown Theater in Massachusetts. She also recently appeared in the debut of Sonia Sanchez’s play “The Bronx Next” at the Riverside Church Theatre. www.kymbali.com

Tickets are $28. For tickets log onto www.smarttix.com use the code:DREAM2 until 4/27 for $3 off or www.kmjproductions.com

SHOWTIMES
Thursday May 5th    8pm
Friday        May 6th   8pm
Saturday   May 7th & Sunday May 8th, 2011 3pm Matinee for $18 Log onto www.kmjproductions.com for further information.
Saturday   May   7th 8pm

Thursday May 5th - Opening night champagne, cupcakes and catered reception. Featuring light fare catered by Iman Dean of Sweet P Catering (http://sweetpotatopiediaries.blogspot.com/) and mini cupcakes by Ty Freeman of Baked by T. Adele (www.facebook.com/Bakedbytadele)

Friday May 6th - After the show Q&A with the Kymbali Craig & Kymberle Joseph moderated by the award nominated poet and author DuEwa Frazier www.duewaworld.com

Saturday May 7th - Pre-show hosted by Comedienne Extraordinaire seen on BET's Comic View Queen Aishah www.queenaishah.com

Sponsored by: kacydukefitness

4/21 NYC Film Screening: "They Call Me Dae" by Yasmin Shiraz

2011-04-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

Fellow Hampton University alum, award winning filmmaker and author Yasmin Shiraz will be in town tomorrow night to screen and promote her film "They Call Me Dae." The event is part of the Broadway Night Out Showcase and will feature performances, networking and more!

Details from Yasmin Shiraz's blog:

"They Call Me Dae" Film Screening, Thursday April 21 from 7pm-11pm

Private Loft

45 E. 34th St. (Park & Madison Ave) NYC

THIS MONTH’S FEATURED FILMMAKER:

Yasmin Shiraz (Award Winning Independent Filmmaker)

Screening “They Call Me Dae” (A story about teen girls, bullying, & how life causes it.)

PERFORMANCES BY:

Osas Ighodaro (Actress/Miss Black USA 2010)

Toni Seawright (Singer/IFNY Monologue Slam Champion, 2010)

Alfonso Johnson (Tap Dancer/Actor/Poet)

Shaheed Woods (Actor/Poet)

Sabrina Gilbert (Actress/Internationally Renown Poet)

For Tickets --> $10 Adv/$15 Door

Open Bar

RADIO INTERVIEW: 4/16 Poet & Storyteller, Darryl Alladice

2011-04-15T10:36:00.000-07:00

Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio hosted by DuEwa Frazier is all new this Sunday, April 16th at 5pm EST featuring

Poet & Storyteller, Darryl Alladice.

Darryl will share poetry from his latest book Jaundice and discuss his work as an educator and storyteller.

Listen LIVE or call-in to talk with guest author Darryl Alladice at #646-716-9474!

RADIO INTERVIEW: 4/17 Playwright & Novelist, Denis Gray

2011-04-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio hosted by DuEwa Frazier is all new this Sunday, April 17th at 6pm EST featuring Playwright & Novelist, Denis Gray. Denis Gray is the author of thirty books, four novellas, thirteen plays, and over sixty short stories including Lucky. He lives in Long Island, New York with his wife Barbara.

Listen LIVE or call-in to talk with guest author Denis Gray at #646-716-9474!

Books to Know: Pym by Mat Johnson

2011-04-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

Mat Johnson the acclaimed author of Drop, and Hunting in Harlem, the nonfiction novella The Great Negro Plot, and the comic books Incognegro and Dark Rain has penned a new novel, Pym (March 2011, Spiegel & Grau).

Check out the New York Times Book Review of Pym.

SCHEDULE: 2011 NYC Teen Author Festival 3/14-3/19

2011-03-12T21:20:00.000-08:00

2011 NYC Teen Author Festival Schedule

Monday, March 14 - Saturday, March 19th

The 2011 NYC Teen Author Festival kicks off Monday, March 14, 2011 from 6-8pm at the Chatham Square Branch of the New York Public Library. Featured authors and moderators include: David Levithan, Cathleen Bell, Jen Calonita, Jacqueline Woodsoon, E. Lockhart, Holly Black, Libba Bray, Torrey Maldonado, Barry Lyga, Rita Williams Garcia, Philana Marie Boles, Maryrose Wood and many, many other Young Adult Author *Rock Stars*.

Panels and book signings will take place at NYPL, Barnes & Noble, Books of Wonder, Bronx Library Center and other venues.

Visit the NYC Teen Author Festival Facebook page for the complete author line-up, schedule and venues!

3/15 Radio Interview: DuEwa Frazier on Book Talk w/Anjuelle Floyd 3p EST

2011-03-12T20:19:00.000-08:00

Author and poet DuEwa Frazier features on Book Talk, Creativity and Family Matters hosted by Anjuelle Floyd. Frazier will discuss her writing and love for promoting books and the arts. Listen live or call in to speak with DuEwa and Anjuelle at (347) 215-7740.

What you'll hear during this interview:

How to use every available resource to promote your book or business.
How DuEwa created a number of events, websites and social networks to promote books and collaborate with other artists.
All about DuEwa's latest passion projects!
Visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/anjuellefloyd/2011/03/15/duewa-frazier

3/13 Radio Interview: DuEwa Frazier on The Funky Writer Show hosted by Rob Batista

2011-03-12T19:52:00.000-08:00

Author, poet and publisher, DuEwa Frazier will be the special guest on The Funky Writer Show this Sunday, March 13 at 3PM Eastern. The Funky Writer Show is hosted by Rob Batista.

To listen live, go to www.blogtalkradio.com/thefunkywriter or call-in at 347-843-4784. Visit http://thefunkywriter.wordpress.com for more information on DuEwa's interview segment.

Rhymes, Views & News Radio is ALL NEW for April and May 2011!

2011-03-12T19:13:00.000-08:00

The month of April and May is beginning to fill up with wonderful guest authors for Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio Hosted by DuEwa Frazier!

Featured guests include:

Author and playwright, Denis Gray (Sunday, April 10th or 17th @ 5:30pm EST)
Poet and author, Darryl Alladice (Sunday, April 3rd @ 5pm EST)
Author and radio host, Anjuelle Floyd (Saturday, May 7th )

Visit Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio to listen to past archived shows or contact DuEwa to suggest a guest author, life coach, artist or publishing professional.

RADIO INTERVIEW: Children's Author, Kyra E. Hicks

2011-03-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

RHYMES, VIEWS & NEWS TALK RADIO is all NEW!

Sunday, March 6th @ 3pm FEATURING

Children's Author, Kyra E. Hicks

Listen LIVE or call-in to talk with the guest author

at #646-716-9474!

Kyra E. Hicks will discuss her books This I Accomplish: Harriet Powers' Bible Quilt and Other Pieces (Black Threads Press, 2009), Martha Ann's Quilt for Queen Victoria (Brown Books Publishing, 2007, based on a true story) and Black Threads: An African American Quilting Sourcebook (McFarland & Co., 2003) and others.

COMING SOON!: The Chatting with Author Feature

2011-02-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

I decided I'd like to add something new to the blog here at Rhymes, Views & News. I've been interviewing authors and artists on Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio for a few years now. I thought it would be great to have a text interview component for the blog.

So, coming soon I'll have interview posts featuring authors called "Chatting with..." The subjects may provide writing tips or discuss their recent book.

Be on the look out for it!

RADIO INTERVIEW: 2/5 DuEwa Frazier on the Certain Ones Radio Show!

2011-02-04T08:48:00.000-08:00

I am featuring on a wonderful radio show hosted by author, Vanessa Richardson this Saturday, February 5th, 2011 at 6:00pm on The Certain Ones Blog Talk Show. The title of the show is "Poetic Elixir For Your Soul!" Also featuring
Muyiwa Babalola and Acholam Birago. Listen Live!! Check out The Certain Ones Radio Show this Saturday!

2/12-2/23 EVENTS: Black Comic Day in NYC, Chicago, ATL, and Detroit Featuring Notable Comic Authors

2011-02-03T14:35:00.000-08:00

BLACK COMIC BOOK DAY

NEW YORK-- Saturday, February 12, bookstores in Chicago, Atlanta and Detroit will host Black Comic Book Day to celebrate and make more widely available the work of African-American comic book writers and artists. In Chicago, four racks permanently dedicated to African-American comics have been placed at venues around the city, including one in the DuSable Museum. New York holds its Black Comic Book Day on February 19, at the Hue-Man Bookstore and Café in Harlem.

While these inaugural events are being held during Black History month, the display racks are permanent, dedicated additions to the stock offered by the hosting bookstores.

Black Comic Book Day is the brainchild of artists/writers Turtel Onli, father of “The Black Age” comic art movement, and Jerry Craft, creator of the award-winning Mama’s Boyz comic strip, distributed by King Features Syndicate since 1995. The idea developed as the duo brainstormed ideas to promote their work along with that of the many other talented artists and writers in the African-American community.

Onli and Craft believe that these events will have many benefits, such as encouraging reading and providing heroes for young readers to emulate from the African-American community.

“The only reason I, and most of my friends, read regularly was because of comic books,” Craft said. “I still remember the excitement of running to the corner store and seeing the new issue of Spider-Man waiting for me. Reading comics helped build our vocabularies. Playing games pretending to be the Silver Surfer or the Incredible Hulk stimulated our imaginations,” Craft said. Unfortunately with technical advancements in video games and movies, that no longer seems to be the case for kids. Craft laments that kids don’t have to imagine themselves as superheroes when all they have to do is pop a game into their X-Box 360 and become a superhero. As a result, many kids aren’t fully developing their imaginations or reading skills.

“We’re creating the opportunity for our kids to get into comics despite advancements in games and movies,” said Onli. “We’re giving them annual conventions such as Philadelphia’s East Coast Black Age of Comic Convention (ECBACC), New York’s Kids Comic Con, OnyxCon (Atlanta), and my Black Age Comic Convention in Chicago. I wish they would demand more. Readers should go into their local stores and say, ‘I want a different product!’ The more books we can sell, the more people we can hire to produce our products. It’s as much about economics as it is about morality and literacy as it is about being artistic. It’s all connected!”

“One of the other critical goals of these events,” said Craft “is to get us, as artists, to realize that we are not competitors, we’re in this together. The bigger we make our audience, the more we let the world know that we’re here, the better we all do! Our goal is to restock these racks every month so we always offer something new.”

Black Comic Book Day will be celebrated at the following locations:

February 19th (NYC) Join syndicated cartoonists Jerry Craft (Mama’s Boyz), Ray Billingsley (Curtis) and comic book writers and artists N Steven Harris (The Fringe and Ajala: A Series of Adventures), Alex Simmons (The Cartoon Life of Chuck Clayton), comic historian Professor Bill Foster and more as they unveil their rack at the Hue-Man Bookstore and Café in Harlem, 2319 Frederick Douglass Blvd, between 124th and 125th Streets. The rack will also feature work by Andre Batts, David Walker, Keith Miller; Ray Billingsley, Omar Bilal, Joe Robinson Currie and Glen Brewer. For more info on the NYC event, email jerrycraft@aol.com

February 12th (Chicago) Damian Duffy and John Jennings, authors of the art book Black Comix: African American Independent Comics Art & Culture, will be signing and speaking at Afri-Ware Books, 266 W. Lake St., Oak Park, IL 60302, from 6-8pm. For more information on this event, go to http://blackcomixbook.com/ and http://afriware.net/

February 12th (Chicago) Join Turtel Onli at the DuSable Museum Gift Shop at 57th and Cottage Grove Ave, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Signing, "NOG NU" full color cosmic comic book, "Team BLANGA" graphic novel/tradebook, presenting the Black Age of Comics' Rack for collectors and educators, and discussing collecting Black Age Comic Books and Graphic Novels. Free Admission. Info: 773-726-1610 For more info check out http://www.blackageofcomics.com/

February 23rd (Los Angeles) Reggie Hudlin will appear at Golden Apple Comics to launch reggiesworld.com.
Wednesday, Feb 23 from 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. Launch party, comic creators and more...

RADIO INTERVIEW: 1/23 Author Susan E. Ingebretson on FibroWHYalgia

2011-01-20T10:16:00.000-08:00

Listen live on this Sunday, January 23, 2011 @ 7pm EST for a new RHYMES, VIEWS & NEWS TALK RADIO INTERVIEW with author Susan E. Ingebretson (Sue Cramer)! Susan will discuss her latest book FribroWHYalgia: Why Rebuilding the Ten Root Causes of Chronic Illness Restores Chronic Wellness. Join the discussion about fibromyalgia, health and wellness with Susan E. Ingebretson: listener and guest call-in number is (646) 716-9474.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sue Ingebretson has been studying health issues, and fibromyalgia in particular, for fourteen years. Committed to helping others afflicted with chronic illness, she serves as the director of program development for the Fibromyalgia Research and Education Center at California State University, Fullteron. She has collaborated in an assortment of community education projects with local support groups and the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) to promote education and understanding of chronic illness. She has written articles for the NFA's online and print magazine, Fribromyalgia AWARE, which offers advice, research news, treatment options, and lifestyle tips for fibromyalgia patients. She lives in Anaheim, California, with her husband and her 9 1/2 pound Sheltie, Foxy. Sue is available for speaking engagements.

YALSA 2011 Quick Pick Nominations Are In! Guess who's on the list?...

2011-01-12T09:08:00.000-08:00

The ALA - 2011 YALSA Quick Pick Nominations for Reluctant Young Adult Readers are in! Congratulations to friend and fellow educator/author Torrey Maldonado who is featured on this list for his wonderful YA title Secret Saturdays! Go, run to your local library to pick up your copy of Secret Saturdays and some of the other Quick Pick titles, for the teens in your life.

Here are the titles that I personally dig, on this fabulous YA list (shout out to author Matt de la Pena who visited my MFA Lit class last semester to discuss his work )!

Maldonado, Torrey. Secret Saturdays. 2010. G.P. Putnam's Sons/Penguin Group, $16.99 (978-0399251580). Sean and Justin are best friends, but lately things seem really different. What happened?

de la Pena, Matt. I Will Save You. 2010. Delacorte, $16.99 (978-0385738279). Kidd ran from the group home and is living on the beach. He has friends and love, but can he ever escape from the past?

Divine, L. Drama High: Culture Clash. (Drama High Series). 2010. Kensington/Dafina, $9.95 (978-0758231116). Jayd gets multicultural by forming an African Student Union and falling for Emilio, the new Latino boy.

LeFlore, Lyah. Can't Hold Me Down. 2010. Simon Pulse, $8.99 (978-1416979647). Blue was living the dream, but then he lost it all. What will it take to get it all back?

Myers, Walter Dean. Lockdown. 2010. HarperCollins/Amistad, $16.99 (9780061214806). Reese has been sentenced to Progress Juvenile Lockdown facility. But is he making any?

Simone, Ni-Ni. Teenage Love Affair. 2010. Dafina, $9.95 (978-0758241894). Zsa-Zsa is caught between two boys — the abusive Ameen and her ex-first love, Malachi. Who will she pick?

Thomas, Jacquelin. Split Ends. 2010. Gallery Books, $9.99. (978-1416598794). Homeless and scared — but now that Kylie has landed a job at Crowing Glory Hair Salon things might be looking better.

Meyer, Stephenie. Twilight: The Graphic Novel. 2010. Hachette/Yen Press, $19.99 (978-0759529434). Flavor of the original without slogging through all the purple prose.

2011 Kweli Journal Sanctuary Issue is here!!

2011-01-02T12:42:00.001-08:00

The 2011 Fall/Winter issue of Kweli Journal is now here! Edited by Laura Pegram,Radhiyah Ayobami, Naomi Extra, Luivette Resto, Ivelisse Rodriguez, Gena Lue Tsing, and Nicole Vasquez the issue features stunning poetry, nonfiction, and fiction by emerging and established writers. The issue also features a conversation with Angie Cruz and a moving photo essay by Haitham Abdulmajed.

Check out poetry by DuEwa Frazier ("What Light Looks Like" for Pearl Cleage), Santee Frazier, Gloria Amescua, Phillipp W. Aurwand, Shokry Eldaly II, MEH, Cynthia Oka, and more!!

RADIO INTERVIEW: 12/12 Poet, Truth Thomas on Rhymes, Views & News Radio!

2010-12-06T10:48:00.000-08:00

RHYMES, VIEWS & NEWS TALK RADIO is *all new* with your host, DuEwa Frazier -- featuring poet, singer and author, TRUTH THOMAS on Sunday, December 12, 2010 at 7pm EST

Truth will discuss his new book BOTTLE OF LIFE and his writing life. Listen live or call-in with your questions for Truth!

Truth Thomas is a singer and poet, born in Knoxville, TN, and raised in Washington, DC. He is the author of three collections of poetry: Bottle of Life (Flipped Eye, 2010), A Day of Presence (Flipped Eye, 2008), and Party of Black (Flipped Eye/Mouthmark, 2006). He serves on the editorial board of Little Patuxent Review and the Tidal Basin Review. His work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Publications include African Voices, The Houston Literary Review, Mosaic Magazine, The Ringing Ear: Black Poets Lean South, and The 100 Best African American Poems.

RADIO INTERVIEW: 12/3 Poet Derrick Harriell on Rhymes, Views & News Radio!

2010-11-30T20:21:00.000-08:00

Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio hosted by DuEwa Frazier, features poet and author Derrick Harriell this Friday at 8:30pm EST! Listen live or call in to hear Derrick discuss his new book COTTON!

Listener Call-in Number: (646) 716-9474

Upcoming Show: 12/3/2010 8:30 PM

Host Name:	DuEwa Frazier
Show Name:	Interview w/poet and author, Derrick Harriell
Date / Length:	12/3/2010 8:30 PM - 45 min
Length:	45 min
Description:	Derrick Harriell was born and raised in Milwaukee Wisconsin. He holds an MFA from and is currently a dissertator in UW-Milwaukee's English Department where he also teaches Chicago State University Creative Writing. A dynamic presenter of his work, Harriell has read across the country, including Chicago State's Gwendolyn Brooks Conference, Atlanta's Black Arts Festival, and Meir Festival Park's Summerfest. He's worked as assistant poetry editor for Third World Press, and is currently Poetry Editor for the Cream City Review. His poetry has been published in numerous journals and anthologies, including The Cream City Review, Reverie, and forthcoming Main Street Rag. Harriell has recently completed his first full length manuscript, Cotton.

Category:	Books

RADIO INTERVIEW: 11/14 Author T.S. Grant on Rhymes, Views & News Radio

2010-11-06T22:48:00.000-07:00

RHYMES, VIEWS & NEWS TALK RADIO is all new next Sunday, November 14th featuring Author, T.S. Grant! Listen live or call in to talk with my guest! T.S. will discuss his current books and his writing life.

Listener and Guest Call-in Number: (646) 716-9474

Upcoming Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio Show: 11/14/2010 8:00 PM

Host Name:	DuEwa Frazier
Show Name:	Interview with author and educator, T.S. Grant
Date / Length:	11/14/2010 8:00 PM - 45 min
Length:	45 min
Description:	T.S. Grant is the author of An Autobiography of an Unknown Man, 8th Grade, and in other words. . . The U.S. Constitution for Regular Folks. Grant teaches Advanced Placement (AP) and Local, State and National Government in Prince George's County, Maryland. He received his Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Johns Hopkins University (2006) and is currently in a Ph.D. program at an honors university, the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), advancing himself as an educator. In his spare time, he keeps busy, writing for the D.C. Examiner.com. He plans on writing more books once he's out of graduate school! Grant is a husband and father, and his family resides in Bowie, Maryland.

Category:	Books
Tags:	TS Grant author US Constitution memoir history

NEW YOUNG ADULT BOOK: Zora and Me by Victoria Bond & T.R. Simon

2010-11-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

I generally skim through the New York Times online once a day, to find out if there's anything that suits my interests in the books, arts, health, or style section. Reading through the articles in this week's book section I came across a review of a wonderful new young adult (YA) book titled Zora and Me by Victoria Bond & T.R. Simon. Can I just say my mouth dropped open when I saw the cover illustration, it's absolutely beautiful! I love all things Zora Neale Hurston and it's so timely that the authors crafted a story depicting Zora as a young detective. Can't wait to get my hands on the book to add to my collection of children's books. The authors would have been perfect for last month's A is for Anansi: Literature for Children of African Descent conference at NYU last month.

Visit the official website for Zora and Me for more information.

RADIO INTERVIEW: 10/30 Book Marketing with Dave & Lillian Brummet

2010-10-30T00:23:00.000-07:00

RHYMES, VIEWS & NEWS TALK RADIO is ALL NEW on Saturday, October 30th at 5pm EST!!

Join me for an informative interview featuring author/experts, Dave & Lillian Brummet. LISTEN LIVE or call-in to participate in the discuss with my guests! The listener call in number is (646) 716-9474.

SEE BELOW DESCRIPTION!

RHYMES, VIEWS & NEWS TALK RADIO Hosted by DuEwa Frazier

Date / Time: 10/30/2010 5:00 PM

Category: Books

Call-in Number: (646) 716-9474

Dave & Lillian Brummet are the authors of: Purple Snowflake Marketing - How to Make Your Book Stand Out In A Crowd, Trash Talk - Learn how you can impact the planet and Towards Understanding - a collection of 120 poems on society, the environment & overcoming trauma. The authors are also the hosts of Conscious Discussions Talk Radio Show.

Visit their websites:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/consciousdiscussions
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/authorsread
http://www.consciousdiscussions.blogspot.com

RADIO INTERVIEW: Rachel Eliza Griffiths, Poet & Author of Miracle Arrhythmia

2010-10-15T08:18:00.000-07:00

RHYMES, VIEWS & NEWS TALK RADIO hosted by DuEwa Frazier features an interview with poet, Rachel Eliza Griffiths on Sunday, October 24th @ 7pm EST.
Rachel Eliza will discuss her latest book Miracle Arrhythmia (September 2010, Willow Books) and her writing life.

Listen live via radio show's webpage or call in to join the discussion at 646-716-9474!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel Eliza Griffiths is a poet, writer, photographer, and painter. A Cave Canem Fellow, she received the MA in English Literature from the University of Delaware and the MFA in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. She is the recipient of fellowships including Provincetown Fine Arts Work Center, Vermont Studio Center, New York State Summer Writers Institute, Soul Mountain, New England Humanities Council, and others.

Her literary and visual work has been widely published in journals, magazines, anthologies, and periodicals including Callaloo, The New York Times, Crab Orchard Review, Mosaic, RATTLE, Puerto Del Sol, Brilliant Corners, Indiana Review, Lumina, Ecotone, The Acentos Review, PMS: poem memoir story, Saranac Review, Torch, The Drunken Boat, Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry, Inkwell, Black Arts Quarterly, African American Review, Comstock Review, Hambone, and many others.

She is the author of two chapbooks, Turn of Heaven (Paris Boulevard Press) and According to Beauty (Paris Boulevard Press) and two forthcoming full-length collections of poetry, Miracle Arrhythmia (Willow Books, 2010) and Mule & Pear (New Issues Poetry and Prose, 2011. She lives in New York.

NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK: Indigo Blume and the Garden City

2010-10-10T16:26:00.000-07:00

Indigo Blume and The Garden City by Kwame Alexander, Writer and JahSun, Illustrator

SPECIAL PRE-PUBLICATION OFFER!

Order your copy of “Indigo Blume and The Garden City” - 32 page, hardcover children’s book, ages 4-8, includes four track CD with music by SPEECH of Arrested Development and “Read-A-Long” Bonus Track - TODAY for the Special Pre-Publication price of:

$15.00 (price includes shipping & handling within the U.S.A. only)

Retails for $17.95 + shipping and handling. You SAVE over $6.00!

All Pre-Publication orders will be autographed by Kwame Alexander, Writer and JahSun, Illustrator. (Be sure to include personalization notes in the special instructions field when placing order)

ONLY 300 Limited Edition Copies Available!!

* Books to be shipped: Week of November 8th - 12th, 2010

You can also pick up your Pre-Publication Copies in person at:

The “Capital Bookfest Charleston”
Saturday, November 6th, 2010
68 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC, 29401
Event hours: 10am - 5pm

We appreciate your business!

EVENT: 10/8-10/9 A Is For Anansi: Literature for Children of African Descent

2010-10-08T08:46:00.000-07:00

A Is For Anansi: Literature for Children of African Descent October 8-9th 2010
presented by Institute of African American Affairs – New York University

Location for all programs: Kimmel Center-NYU,

60 Washington Square South Rm. 914-Silver

Please RSVP at (212) 998-IAAA (4222)

A Is For Anansi will cover the history, criticism and theory of contemporary books for and about children of African descent, as told by its most influential critics, scholars, teachers and producers. The need for more in-depth analysis and for more information, critical evaluation, and publications on this topic still remain. The conference will look at these and consider other questions and issues as well.

Visit link for Program Schedule

Alice Walker's NEW BOOK! Busboys & Poets 10/2 Furious Dance Event for Alice!

2010-10-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

Award-winning writer and activist, Alice Walker has a stunning new book of poems: HARD TIMES REQUIRE FURIOUS DANCING! It was an honor to be on the scene at Walker's book party for Hard Times, last Saturday, October 2nd at Busboys & Poets in Washington, DC. There were many notable artists and activists there to celebrate Walker's new work. Alice Walker stood as a reflection of pure grace, wisdom, peace, and of course beauty. I was touched when I got the chance to speak to her and dance with her amongst the crowd. After Walker spoke to the audience, we danced the night away to the sounds of house, reggae, Fela, James Brown and other soulful music (courtesy of DJ Eye Am) that makes your spirit jump and your body sway. The above photo features Alice Walker in the center of the furious love vortex at Busboys & Poets and HEY, THAT'S ME TO THE RIGHT OF ALICE SMILING!!!

POETRY: My Old Man Was Always On the Lam by Tony Medina

2010-10-07T14:24:00.000-07:00

I just got my poetry loving hands on MY OLD MAN WAS ALWAYS ON THE LAM. I talked with Tony about his work as a writer and professor of English, at the recent Capital Book Festival in Maryland.

Reviews
My Old Man Was Always on the Lam contains powerful, moving, compassionate poems that spring out of the life of Harlem apartments and streets. It contains deeply felt, evocative poems of loss and mourning. In an era when too much work produced depends totally on the polished surface provided by the use of brilliant language. Tony Medina risks everything with his willingness to tear away the surface skin of relationships and life, to journey to that dark center where memorable poetry lives. My Old Man Was Always on the Lam is the work of a truly original and vibrant poet.

--Maria Mazziotti Gillan, author of the American Book Award-winning All That Lies Between Us

Demonstrating a combination of traits that gives him a voice like no one else, Tony Medina's poems are funny, intense, and tragic, and sometimes make you laugh until you cry. There's a terrible beauty in this book, a sparse and haunting music that stays with you. These poems are brave, and true, and well worth returning to again and again.

--Leslie Heywood, author of Pretty Good for a Girl and The Proving Grounds

Tony Medina infuses his signature wordplay with a heightened aesthetic urgency in these bare-boned, tender laments for his parents, extended family, and humanity or lack thereof. The old folks/In front of/My father's/Building are/ Buildings that/have been/Abandoned - these poems are sober brutal truths as pavement for a long ill-tempered sprint with death. And life. --Quraysh Ali Lansana, author of They Shall Run: Harriet Tubman Poems

About the Author
Tony Medina was born in the South Bronx and raised in the Throgs Neck Housing Projects. He served in the United States Army and earned a BA in English at Baruch College, CUNY, on the GI Bill. He has taught at Long Island University's Brooklyn campus and Borough of Manhattan Community College, CUNY. The author of several books for adults and children, his poetry, fiction and essays appear in over forty anthologies. Medina, whose most recent book is I and I, Bob Marley, earned a MA and PhD in English from Binghamton University, SUNY, and is Associate Professor of Creative Writing at Howard University.

EVENT: 2010 Capital BookFest in Maryland - Saturday, October 2nd

2010-09-21T23:46:00.000-07:00

Join me at Capital BookFest in Maryland on October 2, 2010!

Meet your favorite authors and have your books autographed! I am reading and signing copies of my new book TEN MARBLES AND A BAG TO PUT THEM IN: POEMS FOR CHILDREN. I will be at the KIDSZONE @3:40pm. See the children's author schedule below and visit the official website for the Capital BookFest!

Capital BookFest Largo—Schedule

Borders Books (Indoors and Outdoors)
931-A Capital Centre Blvd, Largo, MD
Saturday, October 2, 2010
10a.m. – 7 p.m.

Schedule Subject to Change
Authors will sign books immediately following their presentation.
For author bios and photos, visit the Fan Page.

ALL PROGRAMS ARE HELD INSIDE BORDERS BOOKS.

KIDSZONE

11 – 11:40 Cassandra Hill- It’s Your Birthday Shyann
11:50 – 12:15 Charisse Carney-Nunes- Nappy and I am Barack Obama
12:25 – 12:50 ROSCOE ORMAN- SESAME STREET DAD: EVOLUTION OF AN ACTOR
1:00 – 1:30 Tony Medina – I & I: Bob Marley
1:40 – 2:00 Carmody Hills Elem Bookinaday Students
2:10 – 2:45 Barbara Alexander - Papa's Penny Party
3:00 – 3:30 Jerry Craft - The Big Picture, What You Need to Succeed
3:40 – 4:05 DuEwa Frazier
4:15- 4:45 Regina Brooks – Everything You Wanted to Know About Writing

2010 Brooklyn Book Festival

2010-09-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

2010 Brooklyn Book Festival
Sunday, September 12, 2010
10AM - 6PM
ALL EVENTS FREE
Programs taking place in the Brooklyn Borough Hall Courtroom and St. Francis College Auditorium are ticketed.
Free tickets will be distributed one hour before the start of the program from the Brooklyn Book Festival Information Booths

Brooklyn Book Festival Bookend Events
September 10, 11 and 12 Celebrate all weekend with parties, music, film screenings, children’s theatre, literary games and author appearances at the Brooklyn Book Festival’s Bookend Events
Click here for schedule

PUBLICATION RELEASE: 2010 Reverie Midwest African American Literature

2010-09-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

The 2010 edition of Reverie: Midwest African American Literature is here! This edition of Reverie is a Special Tribute Issue to Allison Joseph, the 2010 Aquarius Press Legacy Award Recipient. Carolyn Rodgers, Tony Medina, Thomas Sayers Ellis, Patricia Spears Jones, Treasure Williams, Christopher Stackhouse and yours truly are among the fifty contributors. My poem "Lemon Ghazal" is featured.

Reverie is edited by Randall Horton, PhD. Patricia Biela, Qiana Towns, M.A., M.F.A., and Karen Garrette. Support Reverie and purchase your copy today!

BOOKS: Authors get your {{BUZZ}} on!

2010-08-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

I just came across a new resource - AuthorBuzz, which could give a new author quite a return on their investment in promoting their book. Every author needs an arsenal of marketing weapons. The competition is steep, this may help you make through the book marketing jungle! LOL

What is AuthorBuzz?
AuthorBuzz is a marketing service that puts authors directly in touch with readers, reading groups, booksellers and librarians, allowing them to offer excerpts, phone chats or visits with reading groups, material for newsletters, info about contests and freebies, mentions of new reviews — anything and everything authors want to buzz directly to the people who buy, read and sell their books.

And for authors, illustrators and publishers of children’s and teen books, see KidsBuzz.

NEWS: Cast your votes for the 2010 African American Literary Awards Show!

2010-08-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

It was a great honor when my book Check the Rhyme: An Anthology of Female Poets & Emcees was nominated in the poetry category for the 2007 AALAS awards! Well it's time for another round of voting for the outstanding books which have been nominated this year. I voted for my favorites, and a few of the authors who are nominated are in my network which is great! The authors I voted for include: Victoria Christopher Murray, Jerry Craft, and of course the beloved Sonia Sanchez! See below to cast your votes!
The African American Literary Awards Show
is an entertainment event production and marketing company with a focus on writers and authors. AALAS produces an annual Literary Awards show to recognize, honor, celebrate and promote the outstanding achievements and contributions that African-American authors and writers make to the publishing, arts and entertainment industries.

The 6th Annual African American Literary Awards Show will salute Dr. Cornell West, Terrie Williams, Hill Harper and Sonia Sanchez.

The AALAS Awards is the first of its kind. It is the most comprehensive awards show ever to recognize, honor, celebrate and promote the outstanding achievements and contributions that authors and writers make to the publishing, arts and entertainment industries

Click here to vote for 2010 Nominees!

History of African American Literary Awards Show

The African American Literary Award show is the brainchild of Yvette Hayward, president of Y. Hayward, Inc., a public relations company that has been a powerful resource in the literary field for over a decade.

8/8 RADIO INTERVIEW: Zetta Elliott author of A WISH AFTER MIDNIGHT

2010-07-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

Young adult author, playwright and poet, Zetta Elliott will discuss her latest book A WISH AFTER MIDNIGHT during a live interview on Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio hosted by DuEwa Frazier on Sunday, August 8, 2010 at 5pm EST.

Zetta Elliott will discuss the themes within A Wish, her writing life and outreach to young readers. Tune in to listen LIVE and CALL IN with your questions for Zetta at (646)716-9474.
Visit
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/duewafraziershow
for more information on this and other author interviews!

8/15 RADIO INTERVIEW: Torrey Maldonado author of SECRET SATURDAYS

2010-07-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

Young adult author and educator, Torrey Maldonado will discuss his latest book SECRET SATURDAYS during a live interview on Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio hosted by DuEwa Frazier on Sunday, August 15, 2010 at 5pm EST.

Torrey Maldonado will discuss his writing life, the success of SECRET SATURDAYS and the powerful themes within the book! Tune in to listen LIVE and CALL IN with your questions for Torrey at (646)716-9474.

Visit
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/duewafraziershow
for more information on this and other author interviews!

EVENT: 2010 Harlem Book Fair Young Adult Book Panel "Jumping Off the Page"

2010-07-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Harlem Book Fair

Presents

"Jumping Off the Page: Young Readers, YA Books, and the New Literacy" Young Adult Book Panel Discussion

Young adult authors discuss the impact their books have on young readers. The authors will share the ways in which they both educate and entertain today’s teen readers. The authors will give a signing immediately after the panel in the mezzanine area of the library.

Panelists: Tonya Hegamin M + O 4EVR (Houghton Mifflin Books for Children); Sofia Quintero, Efrain’s Secret (Knopf/Random House); and Torrey Maldonado, Secret Saturdays (Penguin Young Readers Group)

Moderator: DuEwa Frazier

Saturday, July 17, 2010 from 11:00am - 12:00pm
Countee Cullen Library 104 West 136th Street (near Lenox Ave.) New York, NY 10030
Trains: 2,3 to 135th Street

About the Authors

Tonya Hegamin is the author of the Young Adult novel M+O 4EVR and co-author of the YA poetic novella, PEMBA’S SONG. Her picture book, MOST LOVED IN ALL THE WORLD recently won both the Ezra Jack Keats and Christopher Award medals. Tonya is the Creative Writing Coordinator at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, NY.

Sofia Quintero is a writer, an activist, an educator, a speaker, and a comedienne. She has written several hip hop novels under the pen name Black Artemis and also writes “chica lit” under her real name. This self-proclaimed “Ivy League homegirl” graduated from Columbia University and lives in the Bronx.

Torrey Maldonado is a teacher and author who was born and raised in the Red Hook projects section of Brooklyn, New York. Overcoming his neighborhood's poverty and violence, he went on to get a BA in Sociology from Vassar College and a Master's Degree in Educational Administration from Baruch College. For nearly ten years, he has taught in the New York City public school system. Before that, he trained teachers and administrators to run conflict resolution programs. Secret Saturdays is inspired by his experiences with youth, city schools, fatherlessness, and poverty. Visit

About the Moderator

DuEwa Frazier is a poet, author, educator, performance artist and speaker. She has taught middle and high school English and Theater Arts classes for New York City Public Schools and non-profit organizations. DuEwa is the editor and publisher of the 2007 NAACP Image Award nominated anthology, Check the Rhyme: An Anthology of Female Poets & Emcees. Check the Rhyme received Honorable Mention from the 2010 Writers Digest International Publishing Awards. DuEwa is an M.F.A. in Creative Writing candidate at The New School.

Contact: 800-796-4369 duewa_frazier@litnoirepublishing.com or 212-490-2070
Web: www.qbr.com and www.nypl.org/locations/countee-cullen

EVENT: "Haiku & Handgrenades: Sonia Sanchez" A Tribute

2010-07-05T13:34:00.000-07:00

Legendary Poet, Sonia Sanchez

The 2010 Harlem Book Fair, Saturday July 17, 2010 from 3-5pm

Presents

"Haiku & Handgrenades: Sonia Sanchez" A Tribute

Saturday, July 17, 2010 from 3pm-5pm

Featuring poets, scholars and musicians: Sonia Sanchez, Haki R. Madhubuti, Max Rodriguez, Willie Perdomo, David Mills, Pineal E. Joseph, Tracie Morris, jazz percussionist Eric Frazier featuring African drummers, Atiba Wilson and the B4 Quartet, and hosted by DuEwa Frazier.

Sonia Sanchez will sign copies of her latest book, Morning Haiku (Beacon Press) after the tribute program. Join us to celebrate the life and contributions of Sonia Sanchez!

Free and open to the public. This event was funded in part by Poets & Writers, Inc. and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Thurgood Marshall Academy 200 West 135th Street New York, NY 10030 (2, 3 to 135th Street)

Contact: DuEwa Frazier 800-796-4369, Harlem Book Fair 212-348-1681

RADIO INTERVIEW: Author, Richard Fewell

2010-06-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

I am interviewing author, professor and playwright, Richard Fewell about his new book EVERYTHING HAPPENS TODAY: Chinaberry Tree this Thursday on Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio. Richard is an accomplished playwright who has received numerous awards for his work. He is also in charge of Audience Development/New Play Advisor for Prometheus Fire theater productions in Stamford, CT. Tune in to listen to the interview this Thursday at 8:30pm Eastern.

EVENT: 6/27 Lit Noire Publishing Presents Womens Mixed Genre Reading

2010-06-15T19:33:00.001-07:00

Lit Noire Publishing
Presents
Womens Mixed Genre Reading
Sunday, June 27, 2010 7pm

Join us for an evening of readings from three inspirational, women authors. Featuring poet and performance artist DuEwa Frazier (Goddess Under the Bridge and Check the Rhyme Anthology), writer and entrepreneur Tracey M. Lewis-Giggetts (Interruption: The Gospel According to Crystal Justine) and writer and multi-faceted artist Omo Misha (Manifesting Things).

Bluestockings Books
172 Allen Street
New York, NY 10002

Directions:
Bluestockings is located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan at 172 Allen Street between Stanton and Rivington - 1 block south of Houston and 1st Avenue.

By train: F train to 2nd Ave, exit at the 1st Ave, and walk one block south.

By car: If you take the Houston exit off of the FDR, then turn left onto Essex (aka Avenue A), then right on Rivington, and finally right on Allen, you will be very, very close.

Visit:
www.bluestockings.com
www.litnoirepublishing.com
www.traceymlewis.com
www.manifestingthings.com

NEW BOOK!: Ten Marbles children's poetry book

2010-06-01T22:07:00.000-07:00

The cover for my new children's book has just been revised! I'm so excited!
Check it out!
Ten Marbles and a Bag to Put Them In
Poems for Children (Lit Noire Publishing)
by DuEwa Frazier

Ten Marbles is a collection of poems for children. The poems cover themes ranging from love for nature and animals to summertime fun and more! The book features writing and drawing activities, in addition to comprehension questions after selected poems. This collection is perfect for bedtime storytelling, classroom literacy activities, and inspiring children to write creatively. Ages 5-8

Publication Date:
May 28 2010
ISBN/EAN13:
097190524X / 9780971905245
Page Count:
52
Binding Type:
US Trade Paper

EVENT: 6/5 Read Out Loud this Saturday!

2010-06-01T21:42:00.000-07:00

I'll be at Read Out Loud this Saturday, sharing poetry activities with the children!

EVENT: DuEwa Performing at Earth Day Celebrations

2010-04-18T07:22:00.000-07:00

ENVIROMEDIA MOBILE- Earth Day Celebrations
SUN APRIL 25th- 1PM-5PM
IKEA/Erie Basin Park in Red Hook, Brooklyn

On Sunday April 25th, 1pm. The ENVIROMEDIA MOBILE- the amazing traveling NATURE and MARITIME Museum on wheels kicks offs its spring/summer weekend fun in waterfront recreation, environment, culture and maritime with EARTH DAY CELEBRATIONS at IKEA/ERIE BASIN PARK in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

5000 people to Join in and help raise the GIANT FLOATING EARTH BALL.
- Come help float a Giant Earth Ball to 100ft in the air; signifying 100%
commitment to mitigation of impacts on Climate Change, Ocean Acidification, and Fostering a New Green Generation in NYC.
-There will also be public tours of the mobile museum,
- RECYCLING- Bring your old junk electronics ( carry-by-hand) items only and your old ready to through away sneakers, plus various environmental recreation activity stations,
- 2pm Live Music from the " Open Piano on The Soap Box" with guest Lyrical Vocalist/Poet DuEwa Frazier.

Detail calendar at http://enviromediamobile.blogspot.com. For more info call 347-224-5828.

IKEA/Erie Basin Park in Red Hook, Brooklyn
at One Beard Street. Accessible by FREE IKEA Buses, NY Water Taxi, B77, B61 to the stop in Red Hook.

A project of The Urban Divers Estuary Conservancy- www.urbandivers.org

EVENT: 4/24 BKLYN Soul Renaissance, 8pm @ Rustik!

2010-04-14T21:21:00.000-07:00

BKLYN Soul Renaissance
Soul, Funk + Hip Hop Artists Rockin’ the Mic
Saturday, April 24, 2010
8pm - 12am
$10 cover at the door

FEATURING:
DuEwa
Tah Phrum Duh Bush
Afterwork Collective Featuring Rakiem
Masauko & Yolanda

Rustik Tavern
471 Dekalb Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11205
Train: G train to Classon Ave
Bus: 38 to Dekalb Ave. and Classon Ave

EVENT: 4/11 Word Canvas SOUL at The Shrine in Harlem

2010-04-01T19:28:00.001-07:00

~Word Canvas SOUL~
Music + Spoken Word + Song
Sunday, April 11, 2010
8pm-10pm

Rock with New York City Poets and Musicians Bringing the Soul Vibe to The Shrine!

Featuring:
Musician/Singer/Songwriter JEREMY JAMES

Spoken Word Artist CHRIS SLAUGHTER

Songstress/Poet ONOME

Hostess/Poet/Lyrical Vocalist DuEWA + BAND

Special Musical Guests: BLUSYDE

The Shrine
2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. (133rd St & 134th St.)
New York, NY
$10 cover at the door

EVENT: NCTE CCCC Convention Writing Reclaimed & Revisited

2010-03-11T11:25:00.001-08:00

Friday, March 19, 2010 12noon
Featured Panel: Writing Reclaimed and Remixed: The Melding of Activism and Art

Panelists: DuEwa Frazier, Sophia Quintero, and JLove Calderon
Chair: Elisa Marie Norris

Panel Description:

This session features novelists and poets who are also activists. The panel focuses on what it means to remix the creative and bring activism into popular realms.

Bios:

DuEwa Frazier

DuEwa Frazier is a writer, poet, author, performer, speaker and educator from St. Louis. She is the author of two volumes of poetry: Shedding Light From My Journeys and Stardust Tracks on a Road. DuEwa is the editor and publisher of the 2007 NAACP Image Award nominated publication, Check the Rhyme: An Anthology of Female Poets & Emcees. She earned the B.A. in English at Hampton University and the M.S.Ed. in Curriculum & Teaching – Literacy at Fordham University. DuEwa is now pursuing the M.F.A. in Creative Writing degree at The New School. She is a Contributing Writer for MahoganyButterfly.com and founder of two blogs: Rhymes, Views & News and Mocha Beauty Goes Green.

DuEwa has been a featured poet, author and speaker at numerous programs and institutions including: University of Pennsylvania Kelly Writers House, Temple University Sisters Defining Sisters Conference, The Harlem Book Fair, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Indianapolis Book Festival, Howard University Bookstore, Read Out Loud! Family Literacy Festival, and many others. In 2002, she founded Lit Noire Publishing, a creative arts and publishing organization. Since then, DuEwa has produced and hosted numerous community based poetry and literature talks in the Tri-State area and other locations including bookstores in Baltimore, Philadelphia, St. Louis and Atlanta. She has given professional consultation for writers and entrepreneurs in the areas of self publishing and public relations. DuEwa is the host of an internet radio show titled, Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio. She resides in New York.

Paper title: Finding the Warrior Within: Truth Telling and Writing Yourself Into Being

Sofia Quintero

After graduating from Columbia University with a BA in history-sociology and an MPA from its School of International and Public Affairs, Sofia Quintero began her first career as a policy analyst and advocate. She worked for various nonprofit organizations and government agencies including the Vera Institute of Justice, Hispanic AIDS Forum, and the New York City Independent Budget Office. After years of working on diverse policy issues, however, Sofia heeded her muse to pursue an entertainment career.

Determined to write edgy yet intelligent novels for women who love hip hop even when hip hop fails to love them in return, Sofía wrote her debut novel Explicit Content under the pen name “Black Artemis.” Since then Sofia has penned two more Black Artemis novels (Picture Me Rollin’ and Burn) and has been by critics of all stripes for creating stories that are both intelligent and entertaining.

Sofia also writes contemporary women’s fiction under her real name. Her debut novella “The More Things Change” appears in Friday Night Chicas the first chick-lit anthology by and about Latinas. Her novel Divas Don’t Yield was published in March 2006 by One World/Random House.

Sofia co-founded Chica Luna Productions to identify, develop and support other women of color seeking to make socially conscious entertainment. Sofia Quintero is a socially conscious entrepreneur and cultural activist devoted to elevating the quality of entertainment both through her personal initiatives and business ventures. With her business partner Elisha Miranda, she founded Sister Outsider Entertainment, a multimedia production company that is developing several projects for television, film and stage including the upcoming Internet series Sangria Street. SOE also co-created “Conscious Women Rock The Page” with Marcella Runell Hall and Jennifer Jlove Calderon. Conscious Women is a cutting-edge multidisciplinary curriculum that enables socially conscious educators to introduce feminist hip hop fiction into their learning environments and use it to incite social change among their students.

This fall Knopf will publish Sofia’s first young adult novel Efrain’s Secret about a Latino boy in the South Bronx who goes to questionable extremes to realize his dream of going to an Ivy League college.

Paper title: Beyond Keepin’ It Real: Writing The Feminist Hip-Hop Novel

JLove Calderon

As an author, educator, activist, and Certified Empowerment Facilitator, JLove Calderon has worked passionately on social justice, race, and gender issues for over 15 years. In settings that range from hip hop ciphers to the college classroom, JLove is widely respected for her advocacy of “truth, love, and freedom” for everyday people, especially young people, women and girls, and lovers of hip hop culture.

JLove has authored three books: We Got Issues!; That White Girl; and Conscious Women Rock the Page! Using Hip-Hop Fiction to Incite Social Change. Her articles on hip hop culture, white privilege, and social justice have appeared in The New York Times, Self Magazine, The Source Magazine, among other traditional and new media outlets. She has also contributed to two anthologies: Who’s Your Mama? The Unsung Voices of Women and Mothers (edited by Yvonne Bynoe), and The Encyclopedia of Hip Hop Literature (edited by Tarshia L. Stanley).

As an activist and personal life coach, JLove has helped create practical models for living that are designed to empower people of all backgrounds. Her knowledge is informed by her years of working as a counselor in teen shelters. She has also taught at El Puente Academy for Peace and Justice for over a decade. When she is not writing, JLove serves as the Project Director of 1+1+1=ONE, an arts and social transformation not-for-profit where she focuses on two programs: the We Got Issues! Leadership Institute for Young Women, and the Eradicating Racism program. For her consistent dedication, JLove has received numerous awards, including the Union Square Award for her activism, and Self Magazine’s Self Starter of the Year Award.

JLove graduated Cum Laude from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Africana Studies and received her Master’s Degree in Education from Long Island University. Currently, she lives in New York with her husband Hector Calderon and their two sons.

Paper title: No Matter What!: Turning Your Passion and Pipedreams into Becoming an Award Winning Author & Beyond

Copyright © 1998-2010 National Council of Teachers of English. All rights reserved in all media.

Poet, Lucille Clifton 1936-2010

2010-03-11T09:42:00.000-08:00

Lucille Clifton 1936-2010

The writing community and the world has suffered a loss: the life and brillance of honored poet, Ms. Lucille Clifton will be missed. Clifton's words shall live on in our hearts, poetry we must past down to our children and their children. The Book of Light by Lucille Clifton is one of my favorite poetry books. I planned to apply to a workshop taught by Ms. Clifton this summer, although I will never have the chance to study with her directly, I will continue to read and appreciate her work. I hope that Ms. Clifton is now joyously dwelling in her very own "garden of delight."

Rest in peace Ms. Lucille Clifton.

the garden of delightby Lucille Clifton

for some
it is stone
bare smooth
as a buttock
rounding
into the crevasse
of the world

for some
it is extravagant
water mouths wide
washing together
forever for some
it is fire
for some air

and for some
certain only of the syllables
it is the element they
search their lives for

eden

for them
it is a test

EVENT: StaceyAnn Chin Reads New Book at The New School

2010-03-11T09:28:00.000-08:00

THE OTHER SIDE OF PARADISE BY STACEYANN CHIN

THE NEW SCHOOL CELEBRATES WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH WITH STACEYANN CHIN “Her engaging spirit jumps off the page and captivates our hearts... We’re rooting for her all the way.” Elle magazine raves of Staceyann Chin’s new book, The Other Side of Paradise. In celebration of Women’s History Month, Chin will be reading from her book on Thursday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m. at Wollman Hall, 65 West 11th Street, 5th floor.

Chin, a writer and activist, is a recipient of the 2007 Power of the Voice Award from The Human Rights Campaign, the 2008 Safe Haven Award from Immigration Equality, the 2008 Honors from the Lesbian AIDS Project, and the 2009 New York State Senate Award. She was a stock feature on the Peabody Award winning HBO series Def Poetry Jam. She went on to co-write and perform as one of the original cast members of the Russell Simmons’ Def Poetry Jam on Broadway, which won a Tony.

This reading, co-sponsored by Eugene Lang College, the Office of Intercultural Support, and the Office of International Student Services, is free, but reservations are required by emailing LangSpecialProjects@newschool.edu.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS: 2010 Mosaic Literary Conference

2010-03-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

Conference Dates: November 5 & 6, 2010
Location: Hostos Community College
450 Grand Concourse at 149th St., Bronx, NY

The Mosaic Literary Conference presents creative ways for keeping books and reading valuable sources of knowledge and creativity. This day of professional-development workshops will help educators incorporate literature into existing curricula to further explore course work that focuses on cultures, history, and social studies.

This year we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the birth of Malcolm X and the 45 anniversary of the publishing of The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

Panels • Workshops • Film

Early Registration: $25

Early Group Registration: $20

(Registrations of 3 or more people)

Request For Proposals
The Mosaic Literary Conference provides a platform for literature-based creative thinking and knowledge sharing. Each year we invite educators, arts & community 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.

MLC invites proposals for workshops focused on the literary arts, literacy, and reading comprehension, and how educators and parents can incorporate these subjects to increase the adoption of reading as a tool for understanding of culture, history, and social studies.

Coinciding with the 85th anniversary of his birth and 45th anniversary of the release of The Autobiography of Malcolm X, our secondary focus is on the life of Malcolm X. Submissions focused on teaching his autobiography, life, and legacy are encouraged (but will not be given preference).

NEW BOOK: Morning Haiku by Sonia Sanchez

2010-01-01T08:29:00.001-08:00

I was so happy to read this week that Dr. Sonia Sanchez has a new book! It is titled Morning Haiku and is due for release in February 2010. Dr. Sanchez is one of my artistic sheroes. Whenever I see her speak and perform I feel blessed to be in the same space with her. She is a legendary poet, author, activist and scholar who has mentored so many poets. Check out her new book, it's certainly on my reading list.

A New Year to Create, Live & Learn!!!

2010-01-01T08:24:00.000-08:00

So thankful for another year! This year had many twists and turns for me, creatively and otherwise. I started an M.F.A. in Creative Writing program, I left some things behind, I finished a few creative projects and started new ones! Through it all, I learned that change is good and it is always inevitable. I'm so looking forward to where the ever growing surge of creativity will lead to.

Cheers to the New Year!

DuEwa

Brooklyn Museum 3rd Annual Children's Book Fair

2009-11-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn Museum 3rd Annual Children's Book Fair
Saturday, November 21, 12-4 p.m.

The Rubin Pavilion

Meet your favorite Brooklyn authors and illustrators!

Storybooks, picture books and graphic novels.

Hands-on art activities and refreshments.

Book Readings:

1:00 p.m. John & Wendy, authors of Periwinkle Smith and the Twirly, Whirly Tutu

2.00 p.m. Paul Hoppe, author of Hat

3:00 p.m. Tad Hills, author and illustrator of Duck & Goose

Participating Authors and Illustrators:
Selina Alko, Gail Ablow and Kathy Osborn, Phil Bildner, Sophie Blackall, Peter Brown, Michael Buckley, Shana Corey, Lauren Castillo, R, Gregory Christie, Randall de Seve, Buket Erdogan, Zetta Elliott, Emily Goodman, Melanie Hope Greenwald, Isabel T. Hill, Tad Hills, Paul Hoppe, John & Wendy, Nancy Krulik, Kevin Lewis, Laura Ljungkvist, Andres Vera Martinez and Vito Delsante, Meghan McCarthy, Hiroe Nakata, Roxie Munro, Claudia Pearson, Sean Qualls, Sergio Ruzzier, Shandra Strickland, David Ezra Stein, Lauren Thompson, Dwight Jon Zimmerman.

Illustration by Peter Brown from The Secret Garden

Sponsored by Astoria Federal Savings

2009 Book Fair $0.00

National Novel Writing Month November 1 - November 30

2009-11-03T10:51:00.000-08:00

What is NaNoWriMo?

National Novel Writing Month is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to novel writing. Participants begin writing November 1. The goal is to write a 175-page (50,000-word) novel by midnight, November 30.

Valuing enthusiasm and perseverance over painstaking craft, NaNoWriMo is a novel-writing program for everyone who has thought fleetingly about writing a novel but has been scared away by the time and effort involved.

Because of the limited writing window, the ONLY thing that matters in NaNoWriMo is output. It's all about quantity, not quality. The kamikaze approach forces you to lower your expectations, take risks, and write on the fly.

Make no mistake: You will be writing a lot of crap. And that's a good thing. By forcing yourself to write so intensely, you are giving yourself permission to make mistakes. To forgo the endless tweaking and editing and just create. To build without tearing down.

As you spend November writing, you can draw comfort from the fact that, all around the world, other National Novel Writing Month participants are going through the same joys and sorrows of producing the Great Frantic Novel. Wrimos meet throughout the month to offer encouragement, commiseration, and—when the thing is done—the kind of raucous celebrations that tend to frighten animals and small children.

In 2008, we had over 119,000 participants. More than 21,000 of them crossed the 50k finish line by the midnight deadline, entering into the annals of NaNoWriMo superstardom forever. They started the month as auto mechanics, out-of-work actors, and middle school English teachers. They walked away novelists.

So, to recap:

What: Writing one 50,000-word novel from scratch in a month's time.

Who: You! We can't do this unless we have some other people trying it as well. Let's write laughably awful yet lengthy prose together.

Why: The reasons are endless! To actively participate in one of our era's most enchanting art forms! To write without having to obsess over quality. To be able to make obscure references to passages from our novels at parties. To be able to mock real novelists who dawdle on and on, taking far longer than 30 days to produce their work.

When: You can sign up anytime to add your name to the roster and browse the forums. Writing begins November 1. To be added to the official list of winners, you must reach the 50,000-word mark by November 30 at midnight. Once your novel has been verified by our web-based team of robotic word counters, the partying begins.

Still confused? Just visit the How NaNoWriMo Works page!

Tyler Perry Brings Ntozake Shange's For Colored Girls to the Big Screen

2009-09-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

Tyler Perry is bringing Ntozake Shange's award winning play For Colored Girls, to the big screen. I am eager to find out which actresses will be cast in the roles for the movie.

First staged in New York in 1974, Shange's "For Colored Girls..." became one of the most influential plays of its era. Following its acclaimed production at the Public Theater, the play moved to Broadway in 1976 with playwright Shange playing one of seven women who "reveal themselves, their lives, loves, hardships, and ultimately their discovery of strength and love." The production was nominated for a 1977 Best Play Tony Award, and actress Trazana Beverley won a Tony in the category of Best Actress in a Featured Role (Play), running for two years. In 1982, a version of the play was filmed for television with Shange and Beverly repeating their roles alongside Laurie Carlos, Alfre Woodard and Lynn Whitfield.

Writers Digest Conference (New York City)

2009-09-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

Writers Digest Conference
Sessions
From educated predictions on the future of publishing to concrete advice on marketing and selling your book, this year's sessions are packed with information that's going to revolutionize the way you look at your writing career. Click on each session for more information.

Friday, September 18
4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Opening Address: The Changing World of Book Publishing: An Author-Centric View

4:45 pm - 6:15 pm
Decisions, Decisions: Deciding the Best Publishing Route for You
Do You Have a Meaningful Marketing Platform?

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm
The First Annual Writer's Digest Poetry Slam
Saturday, September 19

7:00 am - 9:00 am
Breakfast with the Stars

9:00 am - 10:30 am
Indie Authors and the Temple of DIY
We Control the Audio: Podcasting Your Way to Book Sales
Working with an Independent Editor: Do You Really Need One?

10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Click This! Build an Effective Author Website
Do You Have a Meaningful Marketing Platform?
Panel: How Agents Discover Talent and What They Really Want

1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Keynote Address: The Book as Platform: Seeding Your Future

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Break Free of the Bookstore: Drive Your Online Book Sales
Effective Marketing and Promotion for Fiction Writers
Panel: Moving from DIY to Traditional Publishers

4:00 pm - 5:30 pm
"The Editor Will See You Now": One-on-One Critique Appointments
Sunday, September 20

7:00 am - 9:00 am
Breakfast with the Stars

9:00 am - 10:30 am
Blog Hogs, Social Twitters and Online Tools for Authors
Panel: eBooks, Kindles and the Digitization of the Industry
Top Five Legal Issues You'll Face as an Author

10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Effective Marketing and Promotion for Fiction Writers
Indie Authors and the Temple of DIY
Twitter, Facebook, and I Really Should Update My Website

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
"The Editor Will See You Now": One-on-One Critique Appointments

3:00 pm - 3:45 pm
Closing Address: Show Me The Energy: Finding the Energy to Write and Complete Your Writing Projects

Mosaic Literary Conference

2009-09-01T12:49:00.001-07:00

The Mosaic Literary Conference presents creative ways for keeping books and reading valuable sources of knowledge and creativity. This day of professional-development workshops will help educators incorporate literature into existing curricula to further explore course work that focuses on cultures, history, and social studies.

Early Registration: $30
Regular Registration: $50
Registration includes gift bag, continental breakfast, and lunch

Conference Date: November 7, 2009
Location: Hostos Community College
450 Grand Concourse at 149th St., Bronx, NY

No Party Like a Brooklyn Party!: Big Daddy Kane at Prospect Park

2009-08-09T12:58:00.000-07:00

There's no party like a Brooklyn party people, and I've been witnessing that all summer long! I was in hip hop heaven last night, at Big Daddy Kane's concert at Prospect Park sponsored by Celebrate Brooklyn. One of our biggest hip hop icons, Big Daddy Kane, featured in a FREE concert! Yes, free! There is NO PARTY like a BROOKLYN Party for sure! There are few places where you can get this type of live entertainment and inspiration for FREE! Presented by The Lyricist Lounge, the event featured a film screening of the short documentary BDK: The Big Daddy Kane Story (directed by Anthony Marshall), Retro Kidz, Emilio Rojas, Blitz the Ambassador, Rahzel and Ralph McDaniels’ Video Music Box. Ralph "Uncle Ralph" McDaniels video mix was on fire. The mix featured such hip hop classics as: MC Lyte "Paper Thin" , Special Ed "I Got It Made", X Clan "Funkin Lesson", Black Moon "I Got Cha Open", Mos Def Feat. Talib Kweli "Definitition", Dead Prez "It's Bigger Than Hip Hop", and more.

Big Daddy Kane, wearing a crisp white suit, came out to a roaring crowd. He performed the classics we all love such as "Raw", "Set it Off", "Smooth Operator" , "Young, Gifted and Black" , "Ain't No Half Steppin" and others. Kane was warm to the crowd, giving periodic shout outs to people he knew and at one point he even said "Happy Birthday" to a woman in the front row who shouted that it was her birthday. One of the highlights was when Kane performed with his dancers, choreography that included some smooth and daring jumps and turns. Kane's performance was as fresh as his high top fade from back in the day. Check out this video clip from the BDK documentary.

WRITING: Children's Book Insider

2009-07-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

The Children's Book Insider has valuable information for writers of children's books.

WRITING: Sarah Lawrence College Writing Institute

2009-07-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

I'm on SLC's mailing list, so I thought I would post the information:

The Writing Institute
Non-Credit Courses for Adults
The Writing Institute offers adults the opportunity to improve their skills and become part of a community of writers. Classes are small (14 or fewer students) and employ the workshop method. Through interaction with a skilled and sensitive faculty and with other adults for whom the art of writing well is important, participants become more proficient at thinking precisely, hearing language clearly and expressing themselves effectively.

The Writing Institute offers classes in two 11-week terms, one in the fall and one in the spring. Workshops meet weekly in two-hour sessions, which are held during day and evening hours and on Saturdays. Occasionally, readings and special programs related to publishing or other topics of interest to writers are offered.

Every term at the Writing Institute includes workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, memoir writing, and children's literature. In addition to these, the Writing Institute offers, on a less regular basis, workshops on topics like screenwriting, magazine writing, editing and the personal essay.

Writing Institute Open House
Monday, September 14, 2009
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Living Room, 45 Wrexham
Meet our faculty, choose the workshop that is right for you, enjoy a light lunch, and converse with other writers. RSVP by phone (914) 395-2205 or email cce@sarahlawrence.edu.

REVIEW: He's Gone...You're Back

2009-07-30T15:28:00.000-07:00

NEWS FLASH! Attention all single ladies, and women in relationships - He’s Gone…You’re Back by Kerika Fields is truth telling, inspirational guide for women on the path toward healing from unsatisfying, painful, and toxic relationships. Fields, a writer and photojournalist, reveals her personal experience with healing from break-ups. She advises women to release the habit of being a “Queen of Denial” in an unhealthy relationship. Instead, Fields asks women to turn inward and pamper themselves mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

Fields tells women how to recognize when you have had enough in a bad relationship. She also advises women to seek support from friends and loved ones during a break up period. Fields recommends putting as much energy as you can into yourself, your goals and dreams once a relationship is over. He’s Gone…You’re Back also features an inspirational recommended play list of songs, natural foods recipes and a reading list.

NEW ARTICLE: Beatiful Summer Nails with Non-Toxic Nail Color

2009-07-30T15:24:00.001-07:00

Check out my new article:

"Beautiful Summer Nails with Non-Toxic Nail Color"

Published at MahoganyButterfly.com

READ ON!!!

Creative Genius: My New T-Shirts/Accessories!!

2009-05-07T01:58:00.000-07:00

Well I am having a ball generating new ideas to put color and vibrant energy out into the world! Here are my new T-shirts, called CREATIVE GENIUS. They come in beautiful colors, with words that make simple yet ENERGIZING statements! Some of the items are organic (eco-friendly). For the ladies who are dancers you will love the "Dancing Diva" and "Bellydance" T-shirts! They come in ALL sizes, and they are all for you!

"Angela's Mixtape" is a must see hip hop play!

2009-04-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

Eisa Davis has become one of my Supersheros! She's now in the same category of high genius art and inspiration for us emerging women artists, as Suzan Lori Parks, another creative sista I deeply admire. Eisa is an accomplished playwright, actress, poet and singer/songwriter. Her latest play "Angela's Mixtape" is a memoir, which in its genius, blends her perspective of life growing up as a post-civil rights/hip hop music loving/braniac girl, her thoughts on the meaning of her aunt's life (Angela Davis), and all that young Eisa aspires to be despite her family's criticism. I loved the play, which I saw this past Saturday night. It is running at the Ohio Theater until early May, featuring Eisa Davis and a full cast of actresses playing Eisa's family members (including Angela Davis).

"Angela's Mixtape" is produced by the Hip Hop Theater Festival. You'll love the music featured in the play - a mix of 70's soul, 80's pop/rock and 90's hip hop. Eisa and her castmates are energetic, powerful and present the range of emotions many of us women in arts and letters have gone through to develop into the women we want to be in life!

I won't try to write a play review here, but I must tell you: GO SEE IT RIGHT AWAY!

My Mic Sounds Nice...CHECK ONE!: D's upcoming events

2008-09-29T17:38:00.001-07:00

Well here I go again - being both a poet and a performer, merging the two and enjoying the rhythm that is created on this path. Here are a few of my upcoming events!

October 5th
Hybrid Poetry Concert
Featuring: DuEwa, Shakka, Carolyn Baxter, Heloise & Karast Is
$15
Times Square Arts Center
300 West 43rd St 5th Fl Theater
New York, NY 10036
For tickets visit www.theatermania.com

October 12th
DuEwa Frazier in “Cooperative Village” written by Frances Madeson, directed by Emmitt Thrower
A one-woman comedy about dead neighbors, library cards, husbands, and running from the law.
Free
River View Players at Café Largo
3387 Broadway @ 137th Street
New York, New York 10031

November 1st
Live Soul, Hip Hop & Rock
Featuring: DuEwa, Boo Boo Cousins & Band, Derick Cross and special guests
$8 at the door
Solomon’s Porch Café
307 Stuyvesant Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11233

9/7 River View Players Performance Event!

2008-08-24T22:50:00.000-07:00

Sunday, September 7, 2008 from 4-6 pm, The River View Players will present an afternoon of performing arts, the beginning of a weekly community arts presentation in West Harlem. Featured artists include actors,dancers, poets, playwrights and filmmakers presenting their current works.

The event will feature award nominated poet, author and actress, DuEwa Frazier (Founder, Lit Noire Publishing), Grace Jones of The AUDELCO Awards, and a screening of a short film by Ka'ramuu Kush. Improv and monologue performances by The River View Players Associate Artists.

The event will be hosted by noted playwright, Laurence Holder (distinguished playwright). The program is produced by Laurence Holder, Emmitt Thrower (President of Wabi Sabi Productions Inc.), Aaron Joy (International director and Musician) and Summer Hill 7 (Published poet and Director of “Platanos and Collard Greens”) under the River View Players banner.

This event is free and open to the general public. There will be a free food tasting of some of their delicious wares compliments of Cafe Largo. Come out and enjoy an early evening of live arts performances!

Address of Cafe Largo is 3387 Broadway (bet. W. 137th and W. 138th Streets) New York, NY.

Following this opening you can find the River View Players every Sunday at Cafe Largo from 4-6 sharing a rotating array of multi-cultural works. Participation and financial sponsorship welcome.

Rhymes, Views & News

2/19 RADIO INTERVIEW: Poet Monica A. Hand - Author of me and Nina

2/10/12 NYC BOOK LAUNCH: me and Nina by Monica A. Hand

NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK: Ellen's Broom by Kelly Starling Lyons

Kelly Starling Lyons, author of One Million Men and Me (Just Us Books, Inc.) and Eddie's Ordeal (Just Us Books, Inc.) has a new book. Read the below description and check out the book trailer!

Ellen's Broom by Kelly Starling Lyons

Spring Poetry Workshops with Cave Canem

EVENT: 12/3 Wordsprouts Reading Series featuring DuEwa Frazier!

NEW CHILDRENS BOOK: A Storm Called Katrina

Chatting with Danette Vigilante!

ALA 2011: Coretta Scott King-John Steptoe New Talent Winner!

Chatting with Cheryl Willis Hudson!

SEMINAR: 8/13 Author Marita Golden's Women WRITE Now! Part Two

Barbecue & Books Go Hand in Hand: 5 Crazy Ways to Promote Your Book!

Children's book memories: Richard Scarry books

Chatting with Kelly Starling Lyons!

ARTICLE: Are Teen Novels Dark and Depraved?

NEW BOOK: The Kid by Sapphire

EVENT: 6/14 Reading event for Daddy's Home by Solomon Jones

EVENT: 6/14 Making Books Sing hosted by Talib Kweli & Cat Greenleaf

NEW DIGITAL STORYBOOK for KIDS: A Song for Miles

NEW CHILDRENS BOOK Summer Jackson: Grown Up

Jazz, Books & Talking to Strangers in DC

Word Count Matters

Children's/YA Author Events at 2011 Book Expo America

YA Writers Meet Audrey, a Teen YA Reviewer with Tips for You!

Barnes & Noble Set to Release Nook Simple Touch Reader

Parents think the darnedest things! NEW BOOK: Go the --- to Sleep

ARTICLE: Making It Online via TNJ.com

Making It Online

After the MFA: 10 things I learned

May 5-May 8 NYC EVENT: "Monette" A One Woman Show Feat. Kymbali

4/21 NYC Film Screening: "They Call Me Dae" by Yasmin Shiraz

RADIO INTERVIEW: 4/16 Poet & Storyteller, Darryl Alladice

RADIO INTERVIEW: 4/17 Playwright & Novelist, Denis Gray

Books to Know: Pym by Mat Johnson

SCHEDULE: 2011 NYC Teen Author Festival 3/14-3/19

3/15 Radio Interview: DuEwa Frazier on Book Talk w/Anjuelle Floyd 3p EST

3/13 Radio Interview: DuEwa Frazier on The Funky Writer Show hosted by Rob Batista

Rhymes, Views & News Radio is *ALL NEW* for April and May 2011!

RADIO INTERVIEW: Children's Author, Kyra E. Hicks

COMING SOON!: The Chatting with Author Feature

RADIO INTERVIEW: 2/5 DuEwa Frazier on the Certain Ones Radio Show!

2/12-2/23 EVENTS: Black Comic Day in NYC, Chicago, ATL, and Detroit Featuring Notable Comic Authors

RADIO INTERVIEW: 1/23 Author Susan E. Ingebretson on FibroWHYalgia

YALSA 2011 Quick Pick Nominations Are In! Guess who's on the list?...

2011 Kweli Journal Sanctuary Issue is here!!

RADIO INTERVIEW: 12/12 Poet, Truth Thomas on Rhymes, Views & News Radio!

RADIO INTERVIEW: 12/3 Poet Derrick Harriell on Rhymes, Views & News Radio!

Rhymes, Views & News Talk Radio hosted by DuEwa Frazier, features poet and author Derrick Harriell this Friday at 8:30pm EST! Listen live or call in to hear Derrick discuss his new book COTTON!

Listener Call-in Number: (646) 716-9474

Interview w/poet and author, Derrick Harriell

RADIO INTERVIEW: 11/14 Author T.S. Grant on Rhymes, Views & News Radio

Listener and Guest Call-in Number: (646) 716-9474

Interview with author and educator, T.S. Grant

NEW YOUNG ADULT BOOK: Zora and Me by Victoria Bond & T.R. Simon

RADIO INTERVIEW: 10/30 Book Marketing with Dave & Lillian Brummet

RHYMES, VIEWS & NEWS TALK RADIO is *ALL NEW* on Saturday, October 30th at 5pm EST!!

RADIO INTERVIEW: Rachel Eliza Griffiths, Poet & Author of Miracle Arrhythmia

NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK: Indigo Blume and the Garden City

EVENT: 10/8-10/9 A Is For Anansi: Literature for Children of African Descent

Alice Walker's NEW BOOK! Busboys & Poets 10/2 Furious Dance Event for Alice!

POETRY: My Old Man Was Always On the Lam by Tony Medina

EVENT: 2010 Capital BookFest in Maryland - Saturday, October 2nd

2010 Brooklyn Book Festival

PUBLICATION RELEASE: 2010 Reverie Midwest African American Literature

BOOKS: Authors get your {{BUZZ}} on!

NEWS: Cast your votes for the 2010 African American Literary Awards Show!

8/8 RADIO INTERVIEW: Zetta Elliott author of A WISH AFTER MIDNIGHT

8/15 RADIO INTERVIEW: Torrey Maldonado author of SECRET SATURDAYS

EVENT: 2010 Harlem Book Fair Young Adult Book Panel "Jumping Off the Page"

EVENT: "Haiku & Handgrenades: Sonia Sanchez" A Tribute

RADIO INTERVIEW: Author, Richard Fewell

EVENT: 6/27 Lit Noire Publishing Presents Womens Mixed Genre Reading

NEW BOOK!: Ten Marbles children's poetry book

EVENT: 6/5 Read Out Loud this Saturday!

EVENT: DuEwa Performing at Earth Day Celebrations

EVENT: 4/24 BKLYN Soul Renaissance, 8pm @ Rustik!

EVENT: 4/11 Word Canvas SOUL at The Shrine in Harlem

EVENT: NCTE CCCC Convention Writing Reclaimed & Revisited

Kelly Starling Lyon s, author of One Million Men and Me (Just Us Books, Inc.) and Eddie's Ordeal (Just Us Books, Inc.) has a new book. Read the below description and check out the book trailer!

Rhymes, Views & News Radio is ALL NEW for April and May 2011!

RHYMES, VIEWS & NEWS TALK RADIO is ALL NEW on Saturday, October 30th at 5pm EST!!