Tayari's Blog: Book Tour
May 23, 2008
Philly Bound!
I am off to Philadelphia to attend the 24th Annual Celebration of Black Writing. I'll be on a panel with Sapphire, Nathan McCall, and Chuck D. I'm also givind a workshop called "Opportunities For Writers." If you're aorund, check it out.
Speaking of blogging, I am not taking my computer, but I will take my camera. Full report when I get home on Monday.
Enjoy your holiday weekend, everybody. Be safe.
October 29, 2007
Callaloo-jah!
I'm just back from the 30th Anniversary of Callaloo, the finest literary journal in America. Yes, you heard me, the finest. I know that there are others more fashionable right now, but if you look at the 30 years of Callaloo, you will know what I'm talking about. (Side note: they have the full archive at the Enoch Pratt Library in Baltimore.)
The conference was four days and made up of panels readings, etc. I gave a reading along with David Wright and Emily Raboteau. The higlight of the 
conference was the triple play poetry reading on Friday night featuring more Pulitzer winners that you could shake a stick at. The line-up was Yusef Komunyakaa, Caryl Philips, and blog-beloved Natasha Trethewey. Let's just say they made it clear why art is important.
Now here is a top-secret poetry reading survival tip provided by Major Jackson. If the Q&A is going on so long that you are afraid you will be late for your reservation at a very swanky restuarant, what do you do? Well, according to Mr. Jackson, you just start clapping for no reason at all. The audience will follow and then everyone will leave happy. Trust me. It works.
Other highlights were that I got to reconnect with Ms. Paule Marshall who gave my "big break" back in 2003 when she included me in her famous New Generation reading series. (That is a story for another 
day, but it involves a blizzard and me arriving soaked, shivering, and foty minutes late.) Lucille Clifton was in the house as was fiction powerhouse John Edgar Wideman. Prsiding over it all was Callaloo editor and founder, (Sir) Charles Rowell and his faithful assistant, that cute Kyle Dargan.
Yes, indeed, the glitterati were out in full force. I know this is a super serious literary blog, but you have to admit that the Calalloo writers are a really good looking set of of people. Photos? Of course.
October 21, 2007
The Gwendolyn Brooks Writers Conference
I'm just back from the Gwendolyn Brooks Writers Conference in Chicago. This was my first time attending the conference, but I've wanted to check it out for years.
This is the month for Black writers conference. Next year is the Callaloo conference which is a difference scene. The Brooks 
conference is held at Chicago State University and founded by Haki Madhubuti and managed by the excellent Quraysh Ali Lansana.
It was thrilling to have so many black writers in one place. The 
participants were mostly poets. I suppose you could critique this, but everyone knows that poets know best how to party. Not that the conference was all about partying. (Indeed, there was also shopping!) But really, many serious discussions took place with keynotes by Martin Espada, Cheryl Clarke and Ed Robeson. Haki Madhubuti and Sonja Sanchez put on a heartfelt public discussion that ended with both speakers and even the audience moved to tears.
This year's conference focused quite a bit on the legacy of the Black Arts Movement on writers today. Cheryl Clarke gave a keynote on the 
role of women and while tempers didn't flare, there was a feeling of having your hands too close to a hot stove. I suppose it is progress that we are talking about gender in the Black Nationalist movement, without anyone screaming at each other, but I felt like we were all too gentle with each other and failed to get to the beating, wounded heart of the matter.
All in all, this was a really good experience. I'll be back next year if they'll have me.
Yes, I took pictures,
but, as always, Lillian's are way better.
April 12, 2007
David Sedaris Writes NON-FICTION?
Okay. I feel like a dummy. There is an article in The New Republic which fact-checks David Sedaris's stories and discovers that the guy makes up most of the good parts. Then there is an article in Slate musing over the fact that there is no outrage about this.
And then, there is me. I had no idea that Davis Sedaris's stories were suppossed to be true! I honestly thought he was the author of short, albeit autobiographical, fiction. I loved the Elf at Macy's story and many of the others. I find Sedaris to be hillarious, but I did not know I was suppossed to believe him. Granted, I was never fan enough to actually buy one of his books, but still. I feel pretty foolish.
So this brings us back to the James Frey question, I guess. But really, I am so tired of the discussion. I am from the camp that thinks that if we are going to use the labels fiction and nonfiction, they need to mean something.
Of course it's all market-driven. People like to buy a good story that "really happened." They like so-called true stories that makes people say, "truth is stranger than fiction!" But really, for the most part, it isn't. That's why people make stuff up.
March 24, 2007
In TN, "Race" Means NASCAR
Last week, I went to Johnson City, TN to give a reading. I spent a year at East Tennesee State University in 2003, while finishing up The Untelling. I may have told you all this story before, but ETSU saved my book. 
Imagine this, I had just finished what I thought was a good-looking draft of the novel and was eagerly awaiting the payment that comes upon acceptance of the manuscript. I wasn't planning on buying a porche with the money. It was more like there were some very tasty items on the shelves of the local grocery store that I was hoping to stock my freezer with.
Well, my editor looked at the manuscript, sort of hated it, and gave me a really really disturbing talking to. She gave me some suggestions that went against everything I believed about the story. Well, what to do? I had no job and was counting on that book check.
March 01, 2007
Crossing the Line
Yesterday, Lee Smith and I were on the program at The Margaret Mitchell House. The title of our program was "Crossing The Line." We each gave a short reading and then talked to each other about what it means to be a southern woman writer today.
If you have ever been around Lee Smith, you know what a dynamic presence she is. We talked aout the hard stuff and even managed to make it funny. I think we established that there is such a thing as southern writing-- there is so much common ground between us despite the obvious differences of generation, race, urban/rural. I am usually fairly apprehensive about the question of "what is universal", but talking with Lee Smith made me think that real connections that cross the line are indeed possible.
The crowd at the Margaret Mitchell House was sparkling and just plain fun. The Atlanta Writers Club was in attendance, the Margaret Mitchell subcribers, and just regular folk. Several members of this blog community showed up-- which always pleases me. I took lots of photos, but I lost my page with everyone's name and correct spelling. So, if you see yourself and the name is wrong or mangled, email me and I will fix it right away.
Well, I am tired tired tired. It's only day 2 of AWP. I don't know if I have what it takes to make it through Saturday.
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February 27, 2007
Returning to My Natural Habitat
I'm headed to Atlanta tomorrow for the AWP conference. There are going to be quite a few exciting literary events around town, so don't miss out. I'll be at the Margaret Mitchell house on Wednesday night at 7pm. (Get there at 6pm to score snacks.) I'm sharing the stage with Lee Smith (whom I love.) There's a cover charge for that event-- just FYI. On Saturday night,8:30pm, Grand Ballroom, 2nd Floor: I'll be at the Hilton downton giving a headline reading at the AWP Conference. This one is free and open to the public. If you're around, I hope you can make it. I'm reading from my new novel-in-progress. Friendly faces are very very welcome. (Don't make me beg, okay?)
February 08, 2007
Report From the Road: Hartford, CT
Yesterday, I had the great privilege of giving the keynote address for "The Big Read" program in Hartford, Connecticut. The Big Read is a nationwide program sponsored by the NEA. More than 200 communities will read a book together and host a series of literary events. The wonderful folks at the Hartford Public Library are sponsoring a big reading of Zora Neale Hurston. I love her.
(The Big Read has a blog. David Kipen, the director of the Literature division of the NEA, promised to blog about the Hartford event, but it's not up yet.)
I was really looking forward to the event, so imagine my dismay when I woke up Wednesday morning sick as a dog! Fever, coughing, and (here's the kicker) NO VOICE. I convinced myself that this was the sore throat equivalent of a flash flood. I swallowed a handful of medicine-- natural stuff and old fashioned DayQuil. Feeling sort of high and sort of miserable I boarded the plane.
The event was held in the Mark Twain House and Museum. I wasn't up to taking the walking tour, but I heard all the oohing and ahhing from those folks who got the full treatment. I was just milling around the reception, apologizing to everyone in advance.
The audience was so kind and patient with me as I whispered out my prepared remarks about Hurston and Twain. And they learned forward in thier seats as I read from Leaving Atlanta. (I learned so much about writing folk-speech from Hurston. I felt it was only right to read Octavia!)
After the reading, a tall man walked up to me. "Hi," he said. "I'm William Reeder." I blinked. "William from the 5th grade???" I just love that kind of synchronicity. I hugged him and dragged him around the reception, "He went to grade school with me!" I pointed to the copies of Leaving Atlanta. "He was THERE."
And, of course, there are pictures!
February 01, 2007
Report From The Road: Oakland, California
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of visiting Mills College, in Oakland at the invitation of Cornelia Nixon, a terrific novelist and cool individual. In short, I had such a wonderful time. The campus is beautiful, green hills, mountains in the distance, architecture like something out of a romantic movie. But the real treat was interacting with the people.
The MFA students at Mills interact like friends. Most of the time, MFA programs are more like families-- over-run with politics, favoritism, and complicated rivalries. (Remind me one day to tell you about my own MFA experiences, including the time I was accussed of stealing an overhead projector.) But the students at Mills talked shop, and talked life with nothing but respect and genuine affection for one another. The regard crossed racial lines, gender lines, and (gasp) GENRE! (Here's the website for the MFA program at Mills.)
Of course, I have a photo album from my visit. Sadly, I ran out of batteries before we went to a huge family style dinner in Oakland's China Town. I wish I had a picture of the disco-inspired lazy-Susan in the middle of the table. I also wish I could have gotten photos of all the dinner guests. Benjamin's eagle-shirt alone was worth the price of admission.
The visit was wonderful in every way, but there was also a trace of sadness. I asked to check my email and I was directed to the English graduate student lounge which was dedicated to the memory of Amanda Davis, a young writer who passed away four years ago. Time flies doesn't it? (You can read my remembrance here.)
Okay. Enough of that. As Amanda herself used to say, "Back to work, lady."
November 18, 2006
Report From The Road: Portland, Oregon
Last night, I returned from Portland where I gave a reading at Reed College. This wasn't my first time in Portland. About ten years 
ago, at the AWP conference in Portland, I met Jewell Parker Rhodes who offered me a chance to get my grad degree in creative writing. So, I like Portland. It's a lucky place for me.
Although I had never been to Reed, the campus looked familiar. The reason is that it has the sort of stately old buildings that you see in movies about English majors who find thier souls through reading. My hostess, Jean Thompson, told me that Sean Penn was in town last month filming a commencement scene for his new project.
November 15, 2006
Tayari Reading in Portland
I'm headed to the airport again. Tomorrow I will be reading at Reed College in Portland, Oregon. When I get back, I am slowing down. Really.
November 05, 2006
M- I - crooked letter- crooked letter- I
I'm apologizing in advance for the slow down in posting. I'm in Mississippi tonight through Tuesday morning to tape an episode of "Writers" on Mississipi Public Broadcast. Here is how the producers of the show describe it:
“Writers” is a series of hour-long television programs. It’s a gentle and intelligent show shot in the roundtable format. Host Gene Edwards moderates the discussion among the three guests. Each author speaks about his own work and his own experience as he interacts with the others. “Writers” is distributed to public television stations across the country by the National Educational Telecommunications Association. In our first two years of production, we won three Emmys. Some of our guests have included Julia Reed, Edward P. Jones, Barry Hannah, Jeffrey Lent, Tim Gautreaux, Kent Haruf, William Gay, Diane McWhorter, David Anthony Durham, Tom Franklin, Ron Rash, and Alistair MacLeod.
I wonder if the episode will be available on youtube....
October 29, 2006
Homeward Bound
I am headed home just as fast as I can. Next week, posting will be back to normal. Mark your calendars. The Brand New Heavies will be playing Los Angeles on November 10. Yes, I will be there. Want to see photos of me and my girls getting ready for the DC show? Tomales Bay pics will be up soon.
October 28, 2006
The Mighty Rutabagas!
Any major team has a mascot and my class at Tomales Bay is no exception. In homage to Claire Davis's excellent short story, 
Labors of the Heart, we have chosen the mighty rutabaga as our class mascot.
But seriously, I wanted to take a minute to say how much I am enjoying my classroom sessions here at the Tomales Bay conference. We are twelve writers from different generations, regions, and races. Most of us had never seen each other before last Wednesday, but we have come together as a reading and writing community.
There is much to do here at the conference: drinks to be drunk, 
elbows to be rubbed, and sleep to get caught up on. Despite this, the class members have taken their time to read all twelve of the manuscripts-- clocking in at about fifteen pages each-- and give one another thoughtful criticism.
You hear so much negative press about writers' behavior when they are together. There is so much made about back-stabbing, competition etc. This class has been the antidote. I feel at once exhausted and renewed.
October 26, 2006
It's So Lovely Here
Greetings from Tomales Bay Writing Workshops in 
Marshall, California. As you can see, it's gorgeous here. I snapped the photo you see on the left right outside my bedroom door.
I'm teaching a class of about twelve students from various backgrounds. A couple have finished MFAs and some people are retuning to writing after years of pursuing other careers and there are folks representing all the places in-between. We met for the first time this morning-- three hours, but the time was over before we knew it.
I'll be giving a reading tonight along with Dorianne Laux and Judith Ortiz Cofer. Judith Ortiz Cofer was my mentor when I was in school at The University of Georgia. I hope she knows how proud I am to be working here beside her. It feels just, round and right.
October 05, 2006
The Short Version
Day-before-yesterday, I gave a reading at Emory University. I'll write a longer post tomorrow. But, Ladylee was there. Check out her post on the event.
October 02, 2006
On My Way To My Natural Habitat
Tomorrow, I hit the road, bound for Atlanta, Georgia where I was born and raised, to read at Emory University. This means I have to pack. While I was waiting on my clothes to finish drying, I was clicking around YouTube and guess what I found: a black woman on the Colbert Report. Amazing. And funny too.
Also, before I hit the road, I'll give you an update on the mysterious watermelon slice on my back porch. I still don't know what's up with that.
At the urging on friends, I called the police who arrived quick fast in a hurry. (So that answers your other question: I don't live in a black neighborhood.) Well, the officer, a brother, fairly easy on the eyes, came and took a look around.
"It's a watermelon," he said.
"Sure is," I said.
"Hmm," he said, "It would be different if it was, like, a cantaloupe."
"Or even a honey dew," I said.
Brother-Officer was kind enough to dispose of the offending slice. "I am going to file a report of suspicious activity," he said. "That way, if things escalate, we can have a paper trail."
"Escalate?" I said. "You mean like next time they might leave a fried chicken dinner?"
"I don't think they'd go that far," said Brother-Officer.
"Well, what about a two piece snack with biscuit?"
"Light or dark?" he asked.
"But really," I said. "What if there's a cross burning?"
Brother-Officer said, "For something like that, you'd definitely want to give us a call."
Fine print: details have been embellished for the sake of drama.
September 03, 2006
Report From The Road: Atlanta
Yesterday, I participated in the AJC Decatur Book Festival. It was a good time. Our beloved Pearl Cleage gave us a sneek peak of her new novel, speaking to a packed house. (They wouldn't even let me in, even though I tried to pass myself off as her personal assistant!) Tina Ansa was in the house as was my favorite poet, Natasha Trethewey.
I participated in two events. The first was about writers who blog. Laurel Snyder, of the blog JewishyIrishy was the veteran blogger on board. She's been blogging since before blogging software. We are talking HTML here. Also on the panel was Amy Guth. She told a great story: after complaining on her blog about so-called ergonomic pens, a pen company gave her an endorsement deal: they'll keep her in free pens as long as she uses their pens to sign books!
The second of my events was a reading with Lisa Teasley. I was so pleased to look out and see readers that I recognized, including members of Circle of Friends II and also lots of writer-friends. Lisa Teasley will be guest blogging next week, so keep an eye out.
P.S. Ladylee took photos, but she doesn't have them posted yet...
May 08, 2006
Do You Take Reading For Granted?
Last week, I traveled to Bridgeport, Connecticut to visit the Mercy Learning Center. Those of you who know me personally, can testify that as of last week I was beat down, worn thin and all traveled out. I called my publicist and begged, “Please clear my summer.” But the visit to Mercy Learning Center has been planned for months and, as you may know literacy is an issue that is close to my heart. So, I stepped over the two suitcases I hadn’t unpacked from my last junkets, and stuffed my clothes into the grubby bag that I normally use to carry my books to work. I got up at 6am, walked to Union Station, hopped on a train, embarking on the most heart-warming, soul-stirring, and activism-inspiring trip of the year.
May 01, 2006
Carolina On My Mind
The stars were out over Durham, North Carolina this weekend. The NC Festival of the Book was under new management, and let me tell you, the new guy, Aaron Greenwald, really put his foot in it! The line-up was stellar, the accommodations lush, the audience intelligent and warm, the vibe southern in a good way, and the food southern in the best way.
March 30, 2006
Party Pictures!
I've posted some snapshots from my paperback launch party for The Untelling! If you are feeling sad because you couldn't make it, send me an email and I'll send you a few of the party-favor buttons. (I can send enough for you, your family, your bookclub..) And if you like the pictures, email the photagrapher, Jati Lindsay, and let him know. And if you're in D.C., keep him in mind when you need someone to shoot your events.
March 21, 2006
About Last Night...
Note to self: No more weekday parties. I have to teach in a few hours and I am BEAT DOWN.
Thanks to everyone who came out to the paperback launch last night at Busboys and Poets. Everything was just right. The room was packed, the music was right on, and the nice folks at Busboys threw in a huge platter of double chocolate cake!
Photos will be posted soon! (Ladylee, I tried to get the photographer to take a picture of my shoes, but he balked.) But meanwhile, you'll have to take my word for it. A great time was had by all.
March 20, 2006
DROP-SHIP!
IF you are at tonight's party, know that the books that are on hand were rushed to Busboy's, literally HOT OFF THE PRESS. (Much love to my editor Caryn who said, "We can get the books in time for the party, but they will have to drop-shipped from the bindery.")
I spoke to the UPS guy and he verified that the shipment of The Untelling paperbacks were *actually warm*. I am on my way out the door to go the venue. I can't to get a copy in my hot little hands!
March 17, 2006
PARTY FAVORS!
Come on out... We've got goodies!
Monday, 6-8pm. BUSBOYS&POETS. PAPERPACK LAUNCH PARTY
March 09, 2006
Party Countdown!
Okay, this is bringing out my inner fifth-grader. Will you please come to my party?? RSVP here! I am having a book launch event on Monday, March 20th at Busboys and Poets. 6-8 pm. Here in my home-away-from-home Washington, DC. We'll have food, beverages, party favors!
February 20, 2006
Can't Nobody say I forgot where I came from...
ladylee calls me out on my TRUE S.W.A.T.S. ATLien fabulousness....
February 19, 2006
Report From the Road: Atlanta, GA
Whenever I am looking forward to something, I try and squelch my expectations, telling myself that I am just setting myself up for disappointment. As all of you know, I was really looking forward to the “Sisterspeak” event at Spelman with Pearl Cleage. All of the day before, I kept trying to keep my excitement in check. I ran through all the possible worst case scenarios in my head. What if it snows? What if no one shows up? What if, what it, what if…
What do I do this to myself? Why do I ever doubt? Sisterhood is powerful, Pearl is a jewel and Spelman is magic. This is one thing I know for sure.
February 14, 2006
Be No One's Darling
Alice Walker is interviewed on Democracy Now. While I must admit that I have had a hard time connecting with her more recent fiction, Meridian is one of my Favorite. Novels. Ever. And her political and social commentary, as always is right on point.
ATLians ATLiens Mark Your Calendars
Don't forget that Pearl and I are doing a reading and Q&A at Spelman this Saturday at 4pm in the Cosby Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public. If you're around, I hope that you'll come out. This will be a special event. Pearl, as you know, is both a mentor and friend to me. We'll talk about writing, life, and the writing life. And since it is at Spelman College, sacred ground for both of us, you know that the words spoken will be real.
February 10, 2006
Love Is In The Air!
As Valentine's Day is creeping up, I thought that I would take a moment to blog about love, glorious love! (Love in literature, of course.) Here are some of my favorite couples and the books in which they live. (But let me warn you, my taste in love tends to be a little *off*.) I think I'll post about one couple a day until Valentine's...
December 09, 2005
Report From The Road: Poughkeepsie, NY
About three months ago, I received an email from Eve Dunbar, an English professor at Vassar College. Her class on Black Women Writers was putting on an end of semester finale-- the students were going to put on a recital in which they read from the novels studied over the semester and a few students were going to read from their own work. She wanted to know if I would be willing to come and read from as part of the festivities. I told her that I'd be glad to. Isn't this the sort of English class you wish that you had taken?
December 03, 2005
Tayari & Pearl!
Here's some exciting news for 2006! Pearl Cleage and I will be doing two appearances together in the coming months. The first is on Saturday, February 18, at Spelman Collge. The second will be on Sunday, April 30, at the North Carolina Book Festival in Durham. I have say, the NC Book Festival looks so hot that I am going to have to give it its own entry closer to the date.
November 20, 2005
R.E.A.D. Divas Book Club
The R.E.A.D. Divas of Bloomington, Illinois invited me to their monthly book club meeting. They made the invitation way back in August. When I accepted, I had no idea how exhausted I'd be by November. But being a woman of my word, I traveled the 70 miles to Bloomington to attend the meeting. I am so glad that I did.
November 09, 2005
Report From The Road: Raleigh, NC
Yesterday I gave a reading at Quail Ridge bookstore in Raleigh, NC. What a nice event. As I was driving over with Carol Hiscoe of Peace College, I warned her. "Don't worry if there are no people there. I happens sometimes. I won't cry."
November 07, 2005
Report From The Road: Raleigh, NC
I think I am becoming addicted to B&Bs. Check out my digs.
Report From The Road: Raleigh, NC
I am blogging live from Raleigh, NC. I've returned to lovely Peace College to give the Goodmon Lecture. It's quite an honor. Since 1981, the Goodmon family have endowed this annual event in honor of Betty Lou Fletcher Goodman, a 1940 graduate of Peace College. It's a wonderful way to honor a family member, a gift that goes on and on, keeping the memory alive. I'll give a reading tonight. More details in the morning.
November 05, 2005
Report From The Road: Milledgeville, GA
When I was a little girl in Atlanta, kids would tease each other about Milledgeville, as it is the site of the state mental institution. A common taunt: "You better quit before they send you to Milledgeville." Well, I was sent to Milledgeville last week and I you know what? They've got something good going on there.
October 23, 2005
Report From The Road: Concord, MA
Well, I am in here in Corcord, Massachusetts. I would say that I am here at the book festival, but so far, I have no evidence that such a festival is taking place. I am in an adorable Bed and Breakfast just across from the house where Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women ad I have seen a couple of fliers that would suggest that a festival is happening.. happening RIGHT now as I type this, but I haven't seen a thing. My reading is at 3pm. Word on the street is that someone will pick me up at 2:40. I'll keep you posted.
September 09, 2005
Report From the Road: Crawfordsville, IN
Despite the political tone I've recently adopted, I really am a literary blogger. Right now, I am at Wabash College serving as the Will Hays Visiting Writer.
August 22, 2005
Report From The Road: Chicagoland
This was a rough weekend. The Thrilla in Manilla was unexpectedly relocated to San Francisco and I spent most of the weekend in the ring! All was not lost. I almost got to meet George Kellyfrom Negrophile and I did get to spend some time in Hotel Monaco, my favorite SF spot! At 4 am, I headed to the airport because I had a 6 am flight. Why did I leave so early? Because I had to meet with the YOU GO GIRL bookclub in Chicago. I had such a good time.
August 14, 2005
Coming to Chicagoland!
The You Go Girl Book Club of Chicago have invited me to do a reading/signing/discussion! The women of YGG are hosting, but everyone is welcome to attend. Here's the info:
Sunday, August 21. 3:00 pm - Oak Park, IL
Afri-Ware Bookstore
948 Lake Street
708-524-8398
Reading, Discussion, Signing
I hope to see you there.
August 08, 2005
NBBCC: Who Was There?
I have never seen such a broad cross-section of the African American literary scene. It was really interesting. Black folks who write everything from "urban lit" to romances to mysteries to memoir.. everyone was there.
National Black Book Club Conference
Home at last! This weekend was great, but the National Black Book Club Conference was so intense and hometown visits always have a little bit of extra drama. I am beat down tired and rejuvinated at the same time.
The National Book Club Conference offers authors and readers a rare opportunity to really connect. It was such a unique experience.. I'll try to let you know how it was. Let me warn you.. it will probably take more than one post.
August 04, 2005
Report From The Road: NBBCC
Hi everyone, I am writing from Atlanta, my natural habitat. I'm here for the National Black Book Club Conference. The hotel is ultra-fabulous. I was just here last month when Nikki G was doing her thing with the HistoryMakers. But something is a little bit different this go 'round.
June 17, 2005
My Double Life
Here's an essay I wrote a couple of days ago for Conversational reading:
http://esposito.typepad.com/con_read/
My Double Life
By Tayari Jones
Publicity is a weird thing for writers. I’ve just come back from the second book tour of my career. The first time, in 2002, I went out on the road to promote Leaving Atlanta, a coming of age story set against the backdrop of the Atlanta Child Murders. My publisher, Warner Books, decided to package me as a “southern” writer. For the last couple of months, I’ve been on the road with The Untelling, another novel set in Atlanta. But this go round, I’m doing it as a “black” writer.
June 11, 2005
Report From The Road: Chicago
In all honesty, I'll have to say that Chicago wasn't really the highlight of my book tour. It hurt my feelings a little bit. Afterall I live in Illinois now.. I am even gung-ho about my new state. I changed the tags on my car! I left my OBAMA sign in my yard until it started to fall apart in mid-Feb.
But the snub of a certain bookstore aside, some really good things happened in the Windy City.
June 09, 2005
MY APOLOGIES
I am sorry to report that my reading tonight at Afro-Centric Books, has been canceled. Yesterday, I read at the Harold Washington Library to a small, but enthusiastic crowd. The book seller, Desiree Saunders of Afro-Centric Books, let me know that because the crowd at the library was small and because the weather in Chicago is so hot this week, that she would rather not host me at her store as we had scheduled. I am very sorry to anyone who may have been planning to attend the book signing. Please accept my apology and know that I am very embarassed about this.
June 01, 2005
ON THE RADIO...
Did you know I was a Donna Summer fan? When I was ten I saved for the double-album "Bad Girls." But that's not the point. Tomorrow I am doing about ten radio interviews. A few are live, some are not. But I'll post them here so you can listen out if I am in your town:
May 23, 2005
Report From The Road: San Francisco
Today is the next to the last day of my cross-country adventure. The schedule is hectic: a reading at Alexander Book Company at twelve-thirty, then on a plane to LA for a 7pm reading at Eso Wan in L.A.
Yesterday was terrific. A Clean Well Lighted Place for Books rocks.
May 21, 2005
Report From The Road: Oakland, CA
I wonder how difficult it would be for me to relocate to Oak-Town...
May 20, 2005
Report From The Road: Phoenix
Okie Dokie. I wrapped up the Phoenix leg of the tour with a reading at the big library downtown. Perhaps I've gotten cocky-- I do so many readings. I think I have my little routine down. But then, in the Q&A, a woman raised her hand and said something utterly disconcerting.
May 19, 2005
Report From The Road: Tempe, AZ
I used to live in Tempe, you know.
May 14, 2005
Report From The Road: ATL, Home Turf
Two more terrific events: Charis Books and More in Little Five Points and Decatur Pubic Library. I can't decide what I love more, indepedent book stores or public libraries!
May 12, 2005
Report From the Road: Hotlanta
I have to tell you. I just love my hometown.
May 08, 2005
HOME AGAIN, FOR A MOMENT
Okay, I know I promised that I wouldn't use my blog for personal therapy. But I have had a sort of break through today, that I think may be worth knowing to someone else. I am home on a couple-day breather before I leave for a two-week stretch. Last night, unable to sleep, I came up with a 42-item to-do list. It's time to let myself off the hook, wouldn't you say?
May 06, 2005
Report From The Road: Richmond, VA
I've just returned from Richmond, VA where I participated in the Junior League 60th Annual Book and Author Dinner. Would you believe me if I told you that I had a great time?
May 03, 2005
Need Your Book Signed?
If you have a copy of The Untelling or Leaving Atlanta and would like a signature, please email me info@tayarijones.com and include your address. I'll be glad to send you a signed bookplate! There are self-ashesive, you just peel off the backing and Voila! Signed copy!
April 29, 2005
Report (not) From The Road: Urbana, IL
Last night was my reading and launch party here in Urbana, IL. "Popular" wisdom is that artists never get love at home. Well, whoever came up with that theory wasn't at the event last night. What a great night, what a great crowd, what a great town.
April 28, 2005
Report from (not the) Road: Champaign, IL
Sweet Celeste Quinn interviewed me this afternoon for afternoon magazine for FM580 WILL here in Champaign-Urbana.
Yesterday, after reading my blog entry on larngytis, she called me on the phone. After I croaked, "Hello", she said, "Are you going to be up to an interview tomorrow?"
I assured her I was, but she didn't sound so optimistic. "You sound pretty bad."
MORE ON MY THROAT
When I started this blog, I swore up and down that this would not be a space used to work out my various obsession and fixations. But this larngytis thing is really getting me down. I was up all night, and am still up this morning. Finally, after a middle-of-the-night cyber chat with Cydney Rax, I decided to get proactive.
LATE-NIGHT JITTERS
It's 1:40am. I've turned my phone off so that I will be able to rest my voice. I boiled up a horrible concoction, politely known as "grapefruit tea." So far, I've downed two pots of it. I've been to the doctor. (Lord, I hate going to the doctor.) I've taken my medicine right on time. I WILL BE READING TOMORROW. I WILL, I WILL!
April 26, 2005
Laryngitis: If It Ain't One Thang...
I've lost my voice. I don't mean in the sort of philosphical sense. I mean in the literal sense. I can't talk. What a thing to happen smack in the middle of book tour.
April 24, 2005
Report From The Road: NYC (Uptown)
The setting: Chocolat a funky uptown martini bar, on the corner of 111th St. and Fifth Avenue. Yes, that's Harlem. What a great event.
April 23, 2005
Report From The Road: NYC (downtown)
Last night I read with Maude Newton the blogista and novelist at Bluestockings book on the lower east side. It was a really cool event.
April 17, 2005
Report From The Road: Baltimore, MD
Yesterday, I found myself at the Enoch Pratt Free Library in downtown Baltimore as part of the CityLit Festival. It was an eccelectic event. Three venues for presentations all happening at the same time. It was an energetic event. Not what you expect from a public library... and for the most part, this was a good thing.
April 16, 2005
Report From The Road: Hyattsville, MD
Yesterday, I read a Karibu Books in P.G. Mall. When I arrived at six in the evening, the store was bustling. People of all ages browsed the shelves, picking up books, deciding what to buy. I have to tell you that it did my heart good to see an black indepedent book store popping on a Friday evening. I know they NEA says reading is on the decline, but if what I saw last night is any indication, it's making a comeback in PG County.
April 15, 2005
Report From The Road: College Park, MD
It was a Poet's Ball last night at The University of Maryland.
Major Jackson, author of Leaving Saturn and I read as part of the Here and Now Reading Series. Dinner was with more poets than you can shake a stick at, including Stanley Plumly and Michael Collier (aka The Silver Fox.)
April 14, 2005
WIN A COPY OF THE UNTELLING!
What will they think of next? My publisher, Warner Books, is giving away five free copies of The Untelling. All you have to do is answer a little trivia question.
April 12, 2005
CHOCOLAT LITERARY SERIES
I know that the usual procedure is that I blog AFTER events, but when my publicist sent me this cool invite for the Chocolat Reading Series, I just had to post it. If you will be in NYC on Saturday April 23, I hope you will try and make it. Don't forget to RSVP!
And speaking of NYC, I'll be reading on Friday April 22, at Blue Stockings
April 10, 2005
Report From The Road: Oxford, MS
I'm just back from the Oxford Conference on the Book. Not the most diverse writers event I've ever attended. (What's the deal with these self-identified "southern" events??) But at the end of the conference, I can say that I am glad that I went. It's always great to visit Square Books, the coolest indie bookstore in the region. Jamie, Lynn, and Katie make it obvious that for some people, bookselling is not just a job-- for them, it's a calling.
April 09, 2005
Report From The Road: Birmingham, AL
This entry should be subtitled, "In Praise of Brian Ingram." He was my host in Birmingham as I visited the city to participate in the Red Mountain Reading Series. I arrived smack in the middle of a tornado watch, but there was Brian, waiting at the gate.
April 06, 2005
Report From The Road: Cincinatti Airport
Well, here I am, at Laptop Lane at the Cincinatti Aiport, using a computer for like a dollar a minute. Why? Afterall, I was just home about two hours ago. Well, being on the road makes me lonely as I-don't-know what. Lonliness is pretty bad in general but airport lonliness is the worst.
Tomorrow, I'll be in Birmingham, reading at Jefferson State at 11pm. At 8:30 or so, I'll be making an appearance on Good Day Alabama. If you're in the area, tune in. If you have Tivo, tape it. I've never seen myself on TV. (A friend took a snapshot of a television on which I was appearing, but it's not quite the same.)
Anyway, I checked my blog comments and there was a note from Mrs. Patricia Ramon, the only teacher in my high school who noticed that I was sharing the planet with her. The message, "I am so proud of you."
Thanks for the love, Mrs. Ramon. Today and way back in 1986 when I needed it even more than I do now.
April 01, 2005
Billboard?
When you have a book coming out, everyone who loves you has an opinion on the best way to market it. Even people who don't love you have thoughts on the matter. Many a stranger, having somehow gotten wind of what I am up to has advised: What you need to do is call Oprah.
Anyway, my dad, not one to be to be left out or outdone, has a bright idea of his own: We'll get you a billboard!
March 01, 2005
Report From The Road: Raleigh, NC
I think my recent reading at Peace College marks the official kick-off of the Book Tour for The Untelling. Things are off to a good start.