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• No End of The Year List Here
• Vital Stats of a Writer
• Thank You P.M.S. Magazine!
• How I Picked The Winner
• So Hard to Say Goodbye to Creme Brulee

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No End of The Year List Here

This won't come as a surprise to anyone: All my life I have been a reader. But this year, I have read almost nothing. I looked at Maud's wonderfully eclectic list of books and essays she enjoyed this year and I just hung my head. I bought a lot of books but I haven't read them. The only consistent reading I've done this year are the books I've read for my classes and the mysteries I read at the gym.

I am trying to figure out why I haven't been reading, since it is one of my favorite pastimes. I think a big part of it is my job. I love working at Rutgers, but it is demanding. We often have to come to campus for evening events. Also, my undergraduate classes require a LOT of reading. (Although on the bright side, reading for my Contemporary African American Lit class reacquainted me with some forgotten gems.)

Also, I've been bopping around a lot lately. I've given lots of readings and the international travel is really demanding. The experiences have been amazing, but they don't exactly lend themselves to cuddling up with a good book. (Of course, the addition of the slanket in my life should up the cuddle-quotient, but every time I slip on the slanket, I pass out on the couch!)

My reading goals for 2009 are modest: a book a month. And since I am going to be on the leave in the fall there will be a lot more time for me to live a writerly life, which in my view involves writing time, reading time, musing time, and sleeping time.

All this is to say that I don't feel qualified to offer up an end of the year reading list, but I welcome any suggestions you may have.

Posted at 07:08 AM | Comments (6)
Category: The Writing Life

Vital Stats of a Writer

This meme was started over at 32 Poems:

Age when I decided I wanted to be a writer: maybe 6? Probably earlier.
Age when I wrote my first short story: 15
Age when I first got my hands on a good word processor: 19. This is a long and sort of tragic story. I was such a nerd that the only thing I ever asked my parents for was a word processor. You wouldn't believe the hoops they put me through for it. You would have thought I was asking for a set of Louis Vuiton luggage.
Age when I first submitted a short story to a magazine: 18
Rejections prior to first short story sale: a couple.
Age when I sold my first short story: 19. I owe it all to the word processor.
Approximate number of short stories sold: Eight or so.
Age when I first sold a poem: I have never sold a poem. I have dated a few poets, that should count for something.
Poems sold: see above.
Year I first published a book: 2002
Books published or delivered and in the pipeline: 2
Number of titles in print: 2.
Age now: 38

I won't tag anyone for this meme; but if you want to do it, by all means, do.

Posted at 07:06 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Thank You P.M.S. Magazine!

The Editors of Poem.Memoir.Story and Honoree Jeffers have generously donated fifty copies of teh journal to the women of FEMRITE, the Ugandan women writers organization with whom I will give a workshop next month!

An all-women’s literary journal, PMS is published annually by the University of Alabama at Birmingham. In addition to publishing established and emerging writers, they also publish a memoir each issue by a woman who isn't neccesarily a writer but is a witness to history.

Right now, PMS is gearing for for its next reading period: January 1- March 30. I urge everyone to subscribe to this terrific journal. Submissions, however, are only open to women. Guidelines are after the break.

Continue reading this entry

Posted at 12:23 PM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

How I Picked The Winner

I am delighted to announce that I chose talented writers, Shelly Oria and Tara Cottrell, winner and runner-up of the Indiana Review short-fiction contest. Contests are a really good way for younger writers to A) get thier names out there, B) get published, and C) score some extra cash. In 2000, an excerpt from Leaving Atlanta won the Hurston/Wright Award for college writers, marking the start of my career and ending a good-news drought that I had lasted about seven years.

Here's how I went about chosing the winner for the Indiana Review contest. Maybe this will be helpful you as you enter competitions like this.

The first thing to know is that as final judge, I only get to see about twenty entries. So, your first challenge is to get past the screeners. These folks are usually younger people who work for the magazine who pretty quickly separate the wheat from the chaff. What does this mean to you? It means that you story needs to be really engaging on the first page. What else does it mean? It means that you could have written a story that you just KNOW the judge will love, but she may never see it. This can be sort of tricky when the judge has a different aesthetic or agenda than the screeners. (Case in point: I entered my story "Best Cousin" to a contest judged by legendary editor Shannon Ravenel. I had a feeling that the story would be right up her alley, but alas, I never made it past the screeners. The next year, Ms. Ravenel discovered the story on her own and published it in New Stories From The South.)

Once the stories get to me as a judge, I go out of my way to make it fair. I only read about three stories in a day. After that, I'm tired and the plots start running together. I don't think it's right for some writers to have thier work considered when I am fresh and stoked with coffee and some others to have their work considered when I am exhausted and hating life in general. (Keep in mind, though, that all judges don't do this, so my best advice is to make your story POP on the first page.)

I start sort of ranking the stories in a loose way. The ones I like, I put in a stack. By "like" I mean the ones that I wanted to keep reading. Stories that aren't all that great craft-wise sometimes end up in this stack. Beautifully written bores go in "like" stack, but at the bottom. By the time I have finished making the "like" stack, I run the rest of the contest like a NBA tournament. I read two stories together, pick which is the best and put it aside. Then I read another pair, pick a winner. Then pit those against each other.

When I get to the final two, I weigh the story's vision-- what is this story, and why does it matter? Is it complicated? Did it encourage me to think about something I've never thought about? Did I care? Was there emotional truth? Did anything impossible happen in tihs story? (This is a pet peeve of mine.)

Next, I consider craft-- Did I fall in love with phrases? Was the structure interesting? How about pacing? Does the title make sense? I look at the first and last lines in particular. I read a few lines of dialogue aloud. You get the idea.

Then, I pick my winner.

Posted at 10:45 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

So Hard to Say Goodbye to Creme Brulee

I just saw an article in The Observer saying that due to the crappy economy, publishers are cutting back on fancy lunches. Oh that makes me sad. It's not that I often dine out with industry folk, but one of my fondest early memories from the start of my career involves those indulgent meals.

When I got word that Leaving Atlanta-- after 23 rejections-- was going to be published, I was told that I should come to New York to meet my editor. I had to do it on my own dime and I had to do it in a hurry because my editor was about 7 and half months pregnant. This was in 1999-- I was about twenty nine years old, and living on about $1,000 a month. I got my act together and bought a plane ticket and a simple dress that was expensive ($89!) but I thought it made me look smart.

This was my first "lunch." I don't remember the name of the restaurant, but it was fancy. Cloth napkins and the waiters pulled the chair out for me, which made me feel really awkward. The other folks around the table were my editor, her assistant, the PR person and her assistant. I was starving and the editor encouraged me to "get whatever you want." I did. I ate the place--apple salad with goat cheese, duck breast with a sweet sauce, creme brulee!-- to the ground. When I paused for air, I realized that I was the only one really eating. Even my pregnant editor nibbled at salad. (Years later, Lauren explained it to me: Women like that don't eat. When they go to lunch, they just lick their BlackBerries.)

Even though I felt a bit piggy as I finished off my dessert, I felt really special and I felt like I had a bright future in front of me. It was a fancy lunch that felt like a coming out party.

I hope this cut back on lunches is mainly for publishing execs who will have to cut down on treating one another outrageous mid-day decadence. Every first-time author should have it written in her contract: One meal in New York. Four courses. Wine. There are so many complications and disappointment waiting for her just up the road. Let's hope the publishers can find it in their hearts (and purses) to retain this one ritual of elegance and celebration.

Posted at 07:29 AM | Comments (1)
Category: The Writing Life

Less Amused

You may remember a few weeks ago when I was sort of amused by the idea that amazon was recommending that I read "Mama, I'm in Love... With a Gangsta" since I seem to be a fan of Tayari Jones. Well, after listening to On The Media this week, I am a little less amused and a little more bothered.

The On The Media segment was about Netflix and how they are trying to get people to help them fine tune their computer-recommendation gizmo. (There's a million dollar prize, just FYI.) Anyway, just toward the end of the segment, the guest made a really good point about the whole concept. To paraphrase, he said that these computer programs contribute to narrow-mindedness because people don't really experience new things when they follow the suggestions. Many times people need to experience books, movies, etc. that they don't really like.

So to move the conversation away from movies and back to books, I imagine that this idea put into practise would be like this. Real life suggestion: If you like Gone With The Wind, you may also like Scarlett: The Sequel To Gone With The Wind. But it would be better if the computer said: If you like Gone With The Wind, you need to read Beloved.

So with my head spinning on this idea, I thought about the computer pushing zMama, I'm In Love... With A Gansta on me because I seem to have an interest in African American literature. So, what does it mean if amazon's computers are pushing so-called "street-lit" on anyone who has ordered books by African-Americans? Are there consequences?

Posted at 08:33 PM | Comments (1)
Category: The Writing Life

Countdown to Ghana!

I've only three days remaining until I leave for Ghana. The preparations have been a whirlwind that started with five different vaccinations. The didn't hurt as much as I remember from my childhood vaccinations, but it wasn't exactly recreational. Also, seeing the list of recommended vaccines makes a person feel a little apprehensive about going on the trip in the first place. It's a little bit how going through a metal detector makes you afraid you're going to get shot, although technically it makes you safer.

I have received the program schedule and I must say that it looks pretty good. I am going to be staying in a lovely hotel. I never thought of Accra as a beach front sort of city, but it is. The festivities include a ballet performance by the National Ballet of Senegal and poetry galore. There will also be a screening of Sembene Ousmane's latest film. All of this fits right in with the theme of this year's theme: Manufacturing the New African Future: The Factor of Culture.

I am so excited. I just don't know what to do with myself!

Posted at 07:18 PM | Comments (2)
Category: The Writing Life

I Know it's JUST a Word, But Still...

I spent a lot of time talking to writers about their own work and about the work that they admire. Sometimes, particularly when the writer is a woman or a person of color, the dreaded "J" word comes up.

JUST.

As in, "I don't want to be ready by JUST black people." Or, "I love Toni Morrison so much. She isn't JUST a woman writer. She's an American Writer!" Or, "How can I get people to see not that I not JUST a Southern writer." "My book isn't JUST for Latinas!"

You get the idea and it drives me nuts.

My quarrell isn't with the idea that writers should be seen as having appeal to diverse readerships, but with the inherent put-down couched in that four-letter-word, JUST. I have never heard the dominant readership "just-ed". Can you imagine overhearing this conversation at a cocktail party? "I so love Franzen. I wish he had a wider readership. His work isn't just for white people, you know."

The word "just" implies unimportant, small potatoes, second-, third-, fourth-, fifth best.

But stil, the point is valid. Writers-- particularly writers who have been excluded from the dominant discourse-- want access to other venues. But how to phrase in such a way that doesn't A) insult the readership you have and B) feed your own inferiority complex?

The key, I think is to switch up the language, switch up your thinking. For example, instead of saying, "I want to be read by more that JUST black people," say (and THINK) In addition to black readers, I want to reach the Latina book clubs." How about this: "Ernest J. Gains writes hauntingly about black life in the south. He is a great American writer."

In other words: repsect your readers, respect your community, and respect yourself.

Click here for the soundtrack.

Posted at 07:37 AM | Comments (2)
Category: The Writing Life

How To Do An Email Interview

As you know, the internet age has changed the way that writers communicate with readers. For the most part, this is a good thing. One development is the advent of the email interview. Although they can be done well, this medium really lends itself to sloppy work. I have done my share of interviews in this way, and I would like to share some helpful hints for interviewers.

1) Read the book and come up with a set of questions that reflect your knowledge of the subject and/or the author's career. One obvious reason is that you will have a better conversation if you know what you're talking about. Secondly, authors have better radar than 12th grade English teachers. They know when you don't know about them or their work and it sort of erodes good will.

2) Ask specific questions. It really gets my goat when an interviewer sends me a list of really general questions. Such inquiries include "Tell me about yourself and your book?" "What is your process?" "Who are your influences?" I could write for pages on the answer to any of these questions. When I get such questions I feel like the interviewer just dashed off the email in five minutes, but then wants me to spend all day answering the questions. Not cool.

I did an email interview recently with Superstition Review. The young journalist sent me about twelve questions. Almost all of them referenced something really specific from my books, or from opinion articles I have published. I was duly impressed.

3) Do your homework. Try not to ask the writer a question, the answer to which is already on her website. For example "Where did you go to college?" is not a good question. A better way is to say, "I see you went to Spelman College. Do you recommend women's colleges to aspiring writers?" You'll get a much better answer out of me that way, and it establishes that you really are interested.

4)Try the back-and-forth model. When I do email interviews, I ask the person to send me one question at a time. I answer and then the interviewer can read it over and then ask another question, possibly a follow up. This flows more like a real conversation-- a real interview. It may take a little more time, but it makes for a more interesting experience for both parties and it makes things more lively for the third party, the reader.

5) If you are interviewing someone for your blog, or other publication, remember that the writer has graciously agreed to be interviewed. Don't approach her like you are doing her a favor. An email interview is usually more work for her than it is for you, so be nice. Say thank you.

Posted at 07:59 AM | Comments (1)
Category: The Writing Life

Self-Steam

I ran across a little malapropism while grading undergraduate essays. The student misheard the term "self-esteem" and wrote "Everyone needs some self-steam to keep going." I chuckled did my damage with my red pen, but I have been thinking about it all weekend and have come to regard it as a little present for the universe.

Self-steam is going to be my motto for this week. I'll use my self-steam to get myself to the gym, to get some work done on this novel, to fill out applications for grants and other opportunities.

So there you have it. What are you going to do with your self-steam this week?

Posted at 08:24 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

A Little Q&A Etiquette

I am not trying to be the Manners Police of the book scene, but I have to say that I think it is very rude to press authors to share the autobiographical correlation of a work of fiction. I witnessed a cringe-worthy scene at a recent book signing.

Author has written a NOVEL about a family in crisis-- alcoholism, violence, incest, the whole 9. Reader raises hand. "How much of this is about your life? Was your family like that? Did you just change the names?"

I think this sort of question is way out of line. If a writer has chosen to write a memoir, it's acceptable to ask questions of a more personal nature if these matters are covered in the book. If the writer is a novelist, it is no more appropriate to ask if she has experienced the same violence as her characters than it would be to ask a stranger on the train whether she had experienced incest in her life.

I don't know where it comes from-- this idea that the purpose of meeting an author in person is to get her to confess that the novel is merely a fictionalized version of her real life. I can't imagine that this is helpful to writers as they approach their work. The last thing I need to think about as I explore a storyline is whether I want someone to think it's really about me. Until quite recently, it is a concern that has never crossed my mind.

I am writing a novel now which about a married man who has a secret family. Someone said to me, aren't you worried about how your parents are going to take it? Actually, I wasn't worried at all, but maybe I should be?

Peter Hedges opens his wonderful novel "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" with a dedication that also serves as a disclaimer. "To my mother, who is not fat and my father who is not dead." I have been thinking that perhaps I should dedicate my new novel with a similar defensive strategy. "To my father-- Mack Henry, and to my mother--Barbara Ann, who is his only wife."

Posted at 02:41 PM | Comments (2)
Category: The Writing Life

Feeling like Royalty

Today, I received a royalty check! Twenty-five dollars and five cents was this quarter's haul for the audio book version of Leaving Atlanta. I can't tell you how happy it makes me.

At this stage in my career,I can say that I am very proud of the work that I have published, so the money I make feels very honest and very clean. The first check I received for my writing was a $100 honorarium I received for my first published story which appeared in a now-defunct magazine called Catalyst. The editor was an up and coming Atlanta writer by the name of Pearl Cleage.

So what will I do with my twenty-five bucks? I'm thinking maybe I will buy myself a new notebook and a fancy chocolate bar. Or maybe two glasses of champagne.

Posted at 08:01 PM | Comments (4)
Category: The Writing Life

Up, Up and Away!

I just wanted to take a second before I dash to work to thank you all for your email and comment hugs when I was having such a hard time with my writing last week. I really recommend that you go and read the comments. There is some serious practical wisdom there.) I think I have found a way to balance my responsibilities.

I am taking it easy on the twittering, as Lauren has advised. When I told her about my Tweetdeck, an application that allows me to twitter with several dozen people at the time she said "DISMANTLE IT." And I had to admit that she sort of had a point. (Y'all, I was twittering so much that the LA Times noticed when I quit.) Also I am blocking off a couple of days in the week to just putter around and write. Other advice I am taking includes not beating up on myself for the times I don't write. (Like today-- not writing, all school work, and I am not freaking out.) And last but not least, a great tip from Laraine, who-- unlike me--, pays attention when the flight attendant says

Put the oxygen mask on yourself first before assisting others.

Posted at 07:30 AM | Comments (3)
Category: The Writing Life

Tayari Jones by Curt Richter

The Universe is really cooperating with me lately. Twice I was sitting here thinking that it would be nice to have a new photo. I love, love, my Ettlinger shot, and the picture on the layout of the blog has tremendous sentimental value, but I was thinking that I would like to switch it up a little bit from time to time. Then, viola! Curt Richter sent me this lovely potrait that we took when I was in Key West in January.

Posted at 10:41 AM | Comments (2)
Category: The Writing Life

JC Book Festival

Today, I spent the afternoon at the first annual Jersey City Book Festival. For the most part, I spent the day sitting at a table waiting for my books to get up and sell themselves. I have to admit, I am not good at the flag-down-and-pitch model of book marketing.

Although many authors argue that self-publishing is terrible for a writer's career, every time I go to a local book festival, I leave with a whole new respect for authors who have made themselves into a one-person book writing, marketing, and distribution team. The authors at Van Horst Park were out there really doing their thing. Some people had T-shirts advertising the books, everyone had bookmarks, and posters. If people pass a table on the way to the pastry vendor, they have to at least hear the author out first. (A couple of years ago, I was at a book festival and an author whipped a credit card machine out of her satchel.)

Pretty impressive.

I left early. I just didn't have the stamina. You should have seen me sneaking out the back with with my paltry little display folded up and stuffed in my tote bag. I sold, like, a book and a half. Before my next novel comes out, I am going to have to take some notes from the writers who are doing it for themselves.

Posted at 07:32 PM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Return to Reality

Well this is the last night before school starts for me. As I scrape together an outfit for tomorrow, I am sadly aware of how far I have drifted from the girl I once was-- new lunchbox, new shoes, fresh pencils. Now that I am on the opposite side of the desk, the start of the school year means the sad end of my summer writing spree.

This year, I plan to teach myself something. I am sorry to tell you that last school year, I only wrote about a chapter or so. This year I am going to do better by myself and my work. I am setting up conrete writing times that are as regular as my office hours. I am also keeping a journal where I check in once a week with my progress. And, of course, I'll keep updating on my twitter account.

There may be a little slow down in the blogging while I get my constitution together, but I will still post regularly. I promise.

Posted at 09:58 PM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Can I Borrow Your Minds For a Sec?

Hey everybody. Greetings from Atlanta, my natural habitat. The trip is going fine. I've spent some quality time with Dear Old Dad and have caught up with some old friends. (I was in a really cute store in College Park and the proprietress turned out to be a grade school classmate!) I have taken pictures, but I don't have my cord. I'll post them when get my act together.

I don't know if I told you, but I am here to give the convocation address at Georgia College and State University, out in Milledgeville. The deal is that the incoming freshmen are all reading Leaving Atlanta. I'll give a few Q&As on Tuesday morning, but in the evening, I'll give a speach. The organizers told me to tell them what I think young people need to know starting college.

My first thought was that this would be a breeze since I have lots of opinions. But I have been working on this speach for almost a month now and it's, well, CORNY. Of course they need to know to follow thier dreams. Of course they need to know to be open to new ideas. Blah, blah, blah. I think they key is to employ fiction writing techniques. You know: get away from abstract ideas and get to something specific.

I am wondering, hoping, pleading, that you folks can share some advice given to you early in your life that made a difference. Tell me who said it and how. If you can still remember it, there was something about that moment that made it stick. Tell me what it was. You can do it in comments, or email.

Thanks!

Posted at 08:55 AM | Comments (4)
Category: The Writing Life

Rushdie's New Roomie?

Sherry Jones asked her publisher, Random House, to send her new book to Islamic studies scholar Denise Spellberg, hoping to get a blurb. Spellberg wrote back telling the editor that Jones's novel, Jewel of the Medina, was so offensive that it would be the same as declaring war against Islam. Random house pulled the book and Jones is madder than a wet hen.

This has sparked the usual conversations about who gets to write what. You know that argument. And we can probably guess that a lot of people who would never read a novel written by an actual Muslim woman would proably read this. I'm thinking about the Memoirs of a Geisha crowd and all those Tony Hillerman readers. This quote from a Guardian article profiling Alexie, should be considered:

He (Alexie) says he has always argued that non-Indian artists doing Indian work should certainly enjoy success, "but I think, for instance, Tony Hillerman's work [mystery novels set around reservations] should be classified as what it is - colonial literature... I think there's an arrogance amongst white Americans about their relationship to the oppressed people that prevents them from seeing themselves as coming from a position of privilege."

On another note, I sort of empathize with the scholar who refused a blurb. I was in that situation once. I was asked to blurb a book that I found so offensive that it made my teeth hurt. Even the letter asking for the blurb was so problematic that I almost hired an exorcist. After a lot of soul searching, I decided to tell the editor that this book wasn't the racial feel-good novel, she was making it out to be. My letter was met with a curt "thank you for your opinion" and the book went on with production. I don't know if I was trying to save the author from embarassment, or if I wanted to make sure that I wasn't condoning with my silence. In the end it didn't matter because they blew me off anyway. And the book did just fine.

Posted at 09:27 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Up and At Em!

I may have mentioned that I like to get up early. Tayari Jones, the mild-mannered novelist is just the secret identity of a super-hero(ine) called MORNING GIRL! Well, someone must have slipped some Kryptonite in my Lillet last night. Although I had my writing room tidied by 9 pm and I was all jammied up and tucked into bed by 10, I didn't wake up until 8:30. That's ten and half hours. Anyway, I got up, had some coffee, and was still feeling a little drowzy until I found this link on Misstra Know It All. Rise and Shine Everybody!

Posted at 08:25 AM | Comments (1)
Category: The Writing Life

Brigdes Over Troubled Waters

Are you halfway through a project and sort of feeling all alone, adrift in a sea of half-way-though-ness? Trust me, I know the feeling. To get to the other side, I have a suggestion for you. Warning: It’s a little bit warm and fuzzy, verging on the touchy-feely, but it really worked for me.

Here’s the idea: Right now, today, WRITE YOUR ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS as though your book is all finished and being published tomorrow. The purpose of the exercise is not so that you can fantasize about what it would be like to have your book coming out; this is a time for you to take stock of all the people who have helped you along the way. It’s easy to feel all alone out here and forget that lots of people are pulling for you.

Take your time with it. Thank people that you don’t even talk to anymore. Don’t do the negative spin. For example: “Special thanks to my ex, who taught me everything I will ever need to know about betrayal…” That is not in line with this assignment. Instead, thank that loser for how supportive he was when he first met you. But don't call him a loser. This is an attitude-banishing endeavor!

Craft the document. Make it beautiful. This is no time for a laundry list. Imagine that you are telling the world how much your support group means to you.

Okay, once you have written your acknowledgements, write a letter or send an email to someone on the list and tell her thank you. I recommend that you thank someone who won’t be expecting a thank. Don’t choose your partner or your writing group. Do something special for the laundrymat lady who always says “Hey there, book writer! Hurry up! I need something to read.” Or what about the secretary at your job who looks the other way while you score extra paper and padded envelopes to help you make submissions. Try taking it way back and giving a shout to somebody who encouraged you when you were just a little tyke scribbling around. Remember, just as that person encouraged you, you can actually encourage that person by letting her know what she means to you!

For kicks, here are my acknowledgement pages from Leaving Atlanta.

Posted at 04:58 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Let Us Tweet!

I've had my Twitter account for about a year or so, but haven't really figured out what to do with it. For those of you unfamiliar with Twitter, it's a website where you can enter a couple lines of text. The prompt question is What Are You Doing? I could sort of see how it was a neat idea, but then I couldn't quite get the point. Everyone in the blogosphere was into Twitter for a while, but the whole thing felt a little bit pet-rock, if you know what I mean.

But for the last couple of days, I have been updating my twitter with the progress I am making on my writing. I put it over there and not here on the blog because everyone in our blog community isn't writing a novel and it's hard to imagine that people would be all that interested to know that I wrote so much today I had to refill my inkpen. (Although this was a happy little milestone.)

Then I had the idea that any of us that want to, should use twitter to track our progress. We can all be twitter friends and send encouragement, and just to sort of keep each other going. You can tweet anything you want-- word count, problems you meet along the way, celebrations when you finish a chapter, a poem, a stanza, whatever!

Here's my twitter page. Feel free to "follow" and I will add you and I'll follow you back! (Get started with Twitter here.)

Posted at 08:50 AM | Comments (1)
Category: The Writing Life

Sunday Summer Links!

Are you in NY today? I want to go to this!

Got poetry? Well, Patricia Smith is judging the Kore Press first book poetry contest. The winner will get her book published and $1000 in cash! Deadline is July 31.

Margot Raab was thrilled when she found out that Random House wanted to publish her novel. Then, she found out that they wanted to publish it as YA.

The Hurston/Wright Foundation needs your help to keep their High School Writers program alive. All they want is $10 from 1000 people.

Sometimes publishers like to keep a book on the DL until it drops. The problem is that bookstores have to make orders in advance. So what do they do? The bookstores order up thousands of copies even though they have NO IDEA of what they're buying. You think I'm lying? It's true.

Posted at 11:01 AM | Comments (1)
Category: The Writing Life

This is "Classic"

Just when you thought there was nothing more to say about "street lit", Omar Tyree steps up to the plate. He likes to call his books "urban classics", though. (I don't know if you can declare your own work to be "classic", but I don't want to split hairs.)

So Mr. Tyree is calling it quits. Apparently, the market has gotten to raunchy for even him. Although he believes himself to be the founder of the genre, he says that the readership has failed to evolve. Apparently he tried to write a wee bit more seriously and the readers gave him no love. He says women readers wrote to him having tantrums because he is not as exciting a writer as Zane. (Entire article here.)

Here's a snippet:

That replacement of significant voice had nothing to do with the publishers preferring "street lit" over "responsible lit." It had all to do with an urban audience who preferred grit over polish. And that love for grit, crime, sex, broken hearts, drama, and other bullshit, reinforced the sales that I enjoyed for Diary of a Groupie in 2003, and What They Want in 2006. These were both books where I wrote about the subjects of sex, idolization, blackmail, and black women getting their fantasy freaks on, that urban readers had begun to love from my good friend Zane, and her various Sex Chronicles. Again, I can't knock a sister for expressing her inner freak. I would want a woman confident enough to show me what she got as well, just not on every other page.

As you all know, I am chillaxing in the Adirondacks, so I can't spend too much time thinking about this drama. But check it out. Tell me what you think in comments.

Posted at 03:13 PM | Comments (4)
Category: The Writing Life

Is this procrastination?

I made a Wordle of what I wrote today!

Posted at 09:47 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

An Explanation and An Apology

Cross My Heart and Hope You Die (love the title!) is a forthcoming collection of personal essays about break up. When Michael Taeckens asked me to contribute, I jumped at the opportunity. For one, I am crazy about Michael and also the other contributors are so fabulous. Sadly, when it comes to break up stories, I’ve got lots of material. Jaw-dropping material. Don’t even get me started.

Well, I couldn’t even get myself started, even with such great material such as the boyfriend who snorted my diet pills when I was at work. (After years of on-and-off again, that was the last straw. Forget the pun.) I even had garden variety drama like the One Who Wouldn’t Commit. Or the one who was committed, but to somebody else. (That’s a heartbreaker. Funny. Tragic. And it involves AWP, a fake chinchilla coat, Rita Dove, a historic Baltimore blizzard, a boy named Sue, and a drink called a “Green Sneaker.” There’s even a coda. Yesterday, he had the nerve to try and add me as a friend on Facebook!) So there was no shortage of inspiration.

But I couldn’t write it. Not one of the stories. It seems I have a block against writing about people I know. Maybe this is why I am a fiction writer, rather than a memoirist. I felt like I was narc-ing on these men, although they are a loutish bunch and by and large deserve to be shamed in a public forum. But I just couldn’t do it. I can’t explain it even to myself. It’s not like I am too high-minded to explore the revenge angle. I sat at my computer and had no idea where to start. I don’t know how to write first person when it’s me. My mind was racing, full of ideas, and I couldn’t cough up a word past “I”.

So sorry, Michael. Cross my heart, I really wanted to participate. I guess I am just not cut out to tell the truth. Sigh.

Posted at 08:43 AM | Comments (3)
Category: The Writing Life

Boo Hoo!

Due to low enrollment, Split Rock Arts Program has canceled the last week of workshops and that includes the one I planned to teach. In a way, I am glad to have my summer back, but I was looking forward to the experience. I have never been to Minnesotta. Sniff. Sniff.

Posted at 02:01 PM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Rejection Correction: The Playlist

Posted at 08:22 AM | Comments (5)
Category: The Writing Life

Take Some Advice from Soul II Soul

Remember that song? Keep on moving/Don't stop/like the hands of time. It's track 1 on my rejection recovery CD. I am posting a version of it today in honor of all the folks who have emailed to say that Bread Loaf has sent out its rejection letters. At least six friends didn't get in this year. I am giving the same message to everyone. IT DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING.

Rejections happen. Rejections hurt. And I am not saying that it wouldn't have been fabulous for you to have been accepted with a scholarship. It would have been a great experience, but not being admitted does not mean that your writing is not good, that your book is not important. (Just think about the way you evaluate other people's work. Would you say Gee, I thought this book was really good until I found out the author didn't get into Bread Loaf!)

I was rejected from Bread Loaf three times before I was admitted with a juicy fellowship. Just think about that. Three times, I wasn't good enough to get in, but then, *bam*, a fellowship? You have to know there is a certain randomness there. Another example: Three times I wasn't even chosen as a runner-up for the Hurston/Wright Award. I looked at their yearly rejection as the antidote to my New Year's optimism. Then, in 2000, *bam*, first prize. The year before when I sent excerpts from the same novel, *goose egg*.

So, to all of you that got the thin envelope from Bread Loaf yesterday, have yourself some ice cream. You can email me and I'll send you a cyber hug. Then, get back to your desk. You have important work to do.

Posted at 07:48 AM | Comments (5)
Category: The Writing Life

The Mentoring Campsite Rules

I must confess that I love reading Dan Savage's advice column. I read it on line and I also listen the "Savage Lovecast." Great stuff. I never post about it here because, well, it's not that type of blog! However, here is an exception.

I was checking out the column today, and he referred to the "campsite rule." He meant it in reference to dating much younger people. The Campsite Rule is that you have to leave them in better shape than you found them. I nodded in agreement, as that seems like a pretty reasonable boundary.

Then, I thought that the same should be true for writing mentors and workshop leaders. I have seen people just broken down in workshop by a cruel workshop leader. I have seen people get critiques of thier work that leave them never wanting to write again. These mentors/leaders have broken The Campsite Rules.

My beloved RC always obeyed TCR. I couldn't quite understand it when I was a student. There was once this guy in our workshop who was TERRIBLE. He wasn't in the program; he was more of a gate-crasher. His work was some of the worst I have seen to date. You should have seen the eye-rollling from those of us In The Program. And even worse from those of us With Aid. But RC lead the dicussion and even silenced the student who was prepared to go through line by line pointing out cliches.

I went to RC's office after class, as I was prone to do. He was such a wonderful teacher that I wanted to get all the face time I could without crossing the line over into stalking territory. I asked him why he didn't tell that guy how terrible he was. RC shrugged and said, "Why?" He then explained that the goal of the creative writing class is to get everyone jazzed to revise. "I am not in the business of getting anyone to quit."

Posted at 07:59 AM | Comments (5)
Category: The Writing Life

Way Back Wednesday

When I was in the eleventh grade, I wrote a short story called "The Pursuit of Michael Thomas." I wrote a lot of short stories back then, but I submitted this one for a contest at Pace Academy, an exclusive Atlanta private school. So exclusive, in fact, that I had never heard of it.

Short version of this story is that I won the contest. In my bio, I mark this as the start of my writing career. And perhaps it is.

I am posting here the story. It's short. Just about five pages, double spaced. It contains every mistake I warn my undergrads about. I am really fast and loose with the adverbs, for example. My characters have rather fancy names. (What is it about being a young writer that makes you want to name characters "Mignon" and "Angelique"?)

I remember my mother typing it for me. We argued about a line on the first page. The character in my original said, "Don't talk so loud!" and my mother made me change it to "loudly". (No one had told us about the adverb rule.)

I am sort of proud of this story, bad as it is. I wasn't a happy teenager. By the time I made it to tenth grade, I have been to four schools in as many years. I was sort of an invisible girl. Medium brown complexion, hair that wasn't tossable. Only one pair of designer jeans-- a gift from neighbors for whom I babysat. Picture me, writer in a school that stressed math and science. Every term I brought home my report card, 2As, 2Bs, 2Cs. Enough to get by.

I would not have had the confidence to enter the contest were in not for Mrs. Patricia Ramon, the English teacher who noticed that I was the only person to finish East of Eden, all 400-some pages. (I loved it.) She showed me the contest notice.

"Would you be interested in something like this?"
"Yes, ma'am."

So here it is. My little story. My precious beginning.

Posted at 11:40 AM | Comments (2)
Category: The Writing Life

I, Too, Have Had The Assistant's Blues

Like KJA over at The Root, I have also served as a writer's assistant. I won't say too much about my experiences, but I will say that it is a hard and personal job. Most people end up with the assistant's gig because they respect the writer whom they assist. I don't think anyone comes out the other side with that shame sheen. How could you? As the assistant, it's your job to keep the person's public self looking good. This, of course, means you see the private self which isn't always so cute.

I am not giving any clues as to which sister-writer I helped keep it together, but I will tell you that I did get my feelings hurt sometimes. But more importantly, I learned a lot about what was ahead of me as a black woman writer. When I read KJA's article in The Root, I cringed at the anecdote about the writer being afraid to praise a black student's writing for fear of seeming "biased."

I watched my own boss deal with such situations, and there is no good way out. I watched her navigate a lot of treacherous highway. I didn't always agree with how she handled it, but I was paying attention, and taking notes. I don't look back at my time as a writers assistant as the happiest time of my life, but I am glad I did it. Although the publishing world has on a few occaisions shown me nastiness that caught me by surprise, my assistant years gave me, at the very least, a glimpse of what was to come and I've done my best to be ready for it.

Posted at 07:50 PM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Writers & Readers, DC

This is a photo I just received from an event I did in DC last year. I didn't post about it at the time because I was waiting for the photos, and then life happened. You know how that is.

I want to report on it anyway, because it was such a wonderful and enriching project. "Writers & Readers" is a book club/lecture series for GED students in the Washington, DC area. It's sponsored by the State Education Department. If you are a writer in the DC area, see if you can work with this organization. Get your books to people who need them.

Posted at 12:50 PM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

24th Annual Celebration of Black Writing

Just a heads up for those of you in Philly. I'm going to be participating in the 24th Annual Celebration of Black Writing in Philadelphia. May 22-24.

I'm on a panel called "Violence In Our Communities" along with Sapphire, Nathan McCall, W. Marvin Dulaney, Solomon Jones, Chuck “D”. My child of the 80's heart is going pitter-pat. I am dying dying to ask Chuck D (would I call him "Mister D?") what he thinks about his former co-revolutionary, Flavor Flav. Do I dare? Will be able to keep from bellowing "Bass! How low can you go?" (That was my jam, freshman year.) And Sapphire! I was crazy about her when I was in college.

Oh, and also, I am giving a panel called "Opportunities For Writers." It's basically what we do here. I want to get the word out to writers about opportunities like artists colonies, workshops, grants, etc.

Posted at 11:34 AM | Comments (2)
Category: The Writing Life

PEN Blog Posts

I am running out the door to today's PEN events:

Fiction from Fact: This is a panel about using historical events in fiction.

Memoir and Reportage: An African Perspective: This is about the mix of public and private history.

Believer Magazine Event. (You know I love me some Believer.)

The Pen Cabaret: Starring BILL T. JONES. (I'm all over it.)

Meanwhile, you can see my reports from yesterday over at PEN.

Posted at 09:19 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

PEN Festival Here I Come!

Today I am headed over to the PEN World Voices Festival. Many thanks to Dr. Alexandrova who got me on my feet again. I am going to hop on the subway loaded down like an old lady on the Greyhound. I'll have my cough drops, my aspirin, some trail mix (so I won't be taking drugs on an empty stomach), water bottle... but I will be there!

Here is the agenda for today:

3:30-5pm: Writing The Story of Life in Fact and Fiction.
Writers who have used the same material for fiction and for autobiography are going to talk about the choices and process. This summer I read A.M. Homes' novel "In A Country of Mothers" and her memoir "The Mistress' Daughter". I was sometimes quite disoriented because there were whole passages in common between the two books. I am eager to hear her talk about it on the panel.

5:30-6:30: Leaving Home
Debut novelists from five different countries talk about writing from a country other than home. As a person whose debut was called Leaving Atlanta, you can see how I would be into this.

8pm: "Wristcutters"
This is a screening of a film based on Etgar Keret's short story "Kneller's Happy Campers."

Posted at 08:56 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

So Disappointed!

I was so thrilled a couple of weeks ago to be chosen as a special correspondent for the Pen World Voices Festival. I was assigned a certain number of events and I was to attend the sessions and the blog on the pen site. Today at 6pm was to be my first assignment: "History In The Mirror" --three writers talk about art and activism. I was dying to meet Kenyan writer, Binyavanga Wainaina.

Sadly, I think I am just too sick to go. Even if I were to try to be a hero, my coughing would disrupt the event. I went to the doctor today and she prescribed me some cough medicine with codeine--guaranteed to know me out-- but I didn't take it because I was hoping to be healthy enough to go.

Well, I'm not.

(And I'll just end with that pun.)

Posted at 03:33 PM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Dare I Take the "ONE STAR CHALLENGE?"

John Scalzi is daring writers to post the skankiest amazon reviews posted about their books. My first thought was "How funny! I'll do it!" Afterall, self-deprecating is the new black these days. So I tootled over to amazon to look at the one-stars. It wasn't as funny as I thought it would be. So then, I thought I wouldn't participate. But THAT is the same as backing down from a challenge. Besides, not participating would be in the category of "fear/shame" and am I not working hard to get those nasty trolls out of my life and my consciousness?

So, with no further ado. Here are my ugliest amazon reviews for The Untelling. Weirdly enough, nobody hates on Leaving Atlanta. Well, almost nobody...

See, look at me. Stalling. Why is this so hard? Okay. Here goes.

Continue reading this entry

Posted at 12:03 PM | Comments (6)
Category: The Writing Life

An Opportunity, A Remembrance

I've just found out that McSweeny's is taking applications for the the Amanda Davis Highwire Fiction Award. The award is for a woman, 32 years old, or younger. Amanda was a friend of ours who passed away in 2003, at the age of 32.

thx, Erika.

Posted at 08:31 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Mom Friendly, I Swear!

I got a google alert today letting me know that somebody was blogging about me. I must say those little notices warm my heart. I happily clicked the link to find that The Shelf Life was commenting on the fact that "50 States of Literature" picked Leaving Atlanta as the best of Georgia.

Then, I looked more closely and saw what she had written. I would be lying if if I didn't say it didn't hurt my feelings a litle bit. The long of the short of it is that she didn't approve of the choice. I would still be whimpering if she was basing this on having read the book, but her objection was that she just didn't like the description. She even asks readers for other suggestions of what better represents Georgia. "As a mom" she doesn't think she could stomach my book.

Sigh.

Posted at 08:34 AM | Comments (5)
Category: The Writing Life

Fantastic Things Are Happening

to people who read this blog!

Jelani Cobb won the race for delegate in the 5th congressional district and he will be representing it as a committed Barack Obama delegate at the convention in Denver. (Y'all rememeber Jelani, right?)

Sarah Schulman has been elected as a Fellow of the New York Institute for the Humanities at New York University.

Shelley Ettinger won a summer residency from the Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts. (I had never heard of it, but now I want to apply!)

Camille Dungy's second book of poems will be published by Red Hen Press in 2010.

Sibongible Lynch is doing her first reading at Clayton State University as part of the launching party for the literary journal, The Cygnet. (They're publishing two of her poems and a short story.)

Dolen Perkins-Valdez will have her first novel, Wench, published by HarperCollins!

Got more news? Tell me about it!

Posted at 08:02 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

SCHOLARSHIPS TO SPLIT ROCK!

I've just found out that there are scholarships available for the Split Rock Summer Arts Programs! I'll be teaching a class all about the coming of age story, so you can just imagine how thrilled I was to find out about the scholarships. You should visit the site to see which one is best for you to apply. There is even one designated for African American artists.

And how did I find out about this opportunity? Erika over at Practicing Writing! You should sign up for her free newsletter.

Posted at 07:56 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Ah, Youth!

Every now and then, I run into some artifact from my past. In this case, it was the 2001 edition of Grants and Awards Available to American Writers. Nowadays, the Grants and Awards is a searchable database, but back in the day, it was a soft-bound book you could hold in your hands.

I found my copy in a box labeled "Leaving Atlanta." I ordered the book in 2001, when my first novel had been accepted for publication, but had not yet been produced. My copy of the book is full of highlighted passages and notes scrawled in the margins. You would not believe my level of fabulousness. Pulitzer Prize? Highlighted in green. Beside such awards as The Rome Prize which were designated as internal nomination only I wrote "research this." I even identified prizes for which my friends would be eligible.

That year, I applied for everything. With my tired desk jet printer I produced letter after letter... "Dear Sir/Madame, I am writing to find out more information.... enclosed is a SASE..." I loved working so hard on creating opportunities for myself. I even wrote to George Washington University to inquire about the Jenny McKean Moore Writer in Residence position. Six years, and three application cyles later, I actually ended up with the job-- and loved every minute of it.

There is something to be said for the wide-openness with which a young writer approaches the world. I want that self back. I want to be that young lady who has the confidence of having a book accepted for publication, but hasn't yet known the heartbreaks that come along with putting herself out there.

I still apply for everything, but it's different now. Not as much fun. Years ago, a jaded older writer said to me, "Apply for everything. Every day I hear about someone getting something they don't deserve. It's only a matter of time before the same thing happens to you!" I am ashamed to say that I have even repeated these words as my own.

I know it's almost April, and a little late to make New Year's resolutions, but I am hereby resolving to recapture the eager young writer who lives somewhere inside of me. I am going get that joy back. I am going to cup all that optimism in my hands like a winking firefly.

Posted at 04:26 PM | Comments (2)
Category: The Writing Life

Back Up Plans

Since I got the ixnay from MacDowell, I did some research on writers retreats that you have to pay for. (MacDowell and many others are free; this is why there is such a rigorous admittance process. For the ones listed here, the only issue is whether your money is green.)

"My Retreat" in upstate NY. Looks pretty nice and the room rate is about $50 a night. No services. This seems to be just a lovely place to crash. You have to feed yourself.

OMG. "La Muse". This one is in France! If the US Dollar wasn't in the toilet, it would be almost sort of affordable. George Bush is ruining my summer!

This is the "Porches" retreat in Virginia. It looks pretty, but the sort of old-Virginia, plantation vibe weirds me out. But $300 a week....

Who would pay $2700 a month for this?????

Okay, that's all I could come up with. Anybody else know a good place? I really need to get away this summer.

(Photo is from my stay a couple years ago at Gibraltar Point Artist Retreat in Toronto!)

Posted at 11:11 PM | Comments (1)
Category: The Writing Life

REJECTED!

I got my rejection letter from MacDowell yesterday. I can't say I was shocked-- I've applied about six times, and only been accepted twice. And hardly anyone gets in two years in a row. But still, rejections suck. A lot.

March-April make up the high season for rejections. Late December and January is application season and everyone walks around all high on what-if. But reality hits in early spring. Thank goodness for the time change. When I came home from work and saw the thin envelope from MacDowell, the sun was still out and it was warm enough that I didn't have my coat on.

I am walking around now on pins and needles. I only applied to two colonies this year because I was embroiled in all manner of personal drama and failed to get my applications in on time. The best bet is to apply to four colonies in order to get a summer spot. So, this time I may be forced to *gasp* write AT HOME.

Fingers crossed for Blue Mountain, y'all.

Posted at 07:18 AM | Comments (5)
Category: The Writing Life

Ouch. Deborah Gregory's Sad Story

I met Deborah Gregory about a million years ago at the very start of my writing career. I was about twenty-six at my first paying gig at a community college in Baltimore. She was on a panel talking about "The Cheetah Girls" and also liposuction. All I remember is that she was dressed from the rooter-to-the-tooter in cheetah patterned clothing and I thought "what is THAT all about?" Well, it was about The Cheetah Girls, a gizzlion-dollar empire based on Gregory's books. Apparently Disney is making all the money. (and I mean ALL of it.)

Gregory said she's pocketed $125,000 over the last nine years in option fees and payments for her title as co-producer of the movies. Although she's asked for them, she has never gotten "net profit participation statements" from Disney, spelling out details of expenses and revenues. If anyone is getting rich on this formidable franchise, Gregory noted, it's not the woman who created it.

Here is the GalleyCat quick-and-dirty summation and the longer article in the LA Times. And just in the interest of keeping it real, you have to make note that Black Enterprise called foul way back last year.

Posted at 01:07 PM | Comments (2)
Category: The Writing Life

Just Say No... Nicely

Here's part three of my what-do-when post. I'm thinking of starting a little advice column. So email me your writing related questions. Okay, onto the post. Here's the scenario: you have just read the letter from an events organizer inviting you to give a reading. You have carefully evaluated the offer and you have concluded that these people must be crazy. What's the best way to say no?

Always say "no, thank you". Never say "hell, no!" Whenever someone asks you to do a reading, it is a compliment. Even if it is a really really crappy offer like "We would like you to travel to the middle of nowhere, teach a workshop, give a reading, and have lunch with our graduate students for $500, excluding travel." Think about it. The organizer could have asked any writer in the country to perform this unreasonable task, but for some reason she chose you. (And most likely because she likes your work, not because she thinks you're a cheap date.) So when you decline, do so graciously. Use the word thank you. Use it twice. If you can, google the organization and say something about it in the message. All you want is not to do the gig, you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

If the money isn't sufficient, offer to do the gig, not for more money, but for reduced responsibility. If they ask you to do a reading and a workshop, tell them you'll just do the reading. They will get the message that you'd be willing to do more if they come up with more cash. (Chances are, they are offering you all they have, anyway.) If they can't alter the terms, refer to the first point of this post.

Do not send them your resume to make the case for more money. If they are inviting you, they probably are aware of your credentials. Sending your resume is the equivalent of donning a English accent and saying, "Have you any idea who I am!!!" If you have evaluated the offer and you just don't want to do it, just say no... really nicely.

The honorarium offered is usually an expression of the resources available, not an expression of your worth. So don't give yourself a complex if you get asked to read at a public library for $100. That's probably all they have. Even if the reading is at a major university, you could be getting the offer from a junior professor who is using the cash in her personal book budget to invite you out. If this is the case, she won't tell you because she doesn't want you to know that the Department wouldn't sponsor your visit. (This has happened to me.) Furthermore, the person inviting you may have never been asked to speak for money, so when you turn your nose up at $100 for what is essentially an hour's work, you will alienate that person for life. And what's the point of that?

Never forget: All you want is to get out of doing the gig. And remember this-- someone who asks you to read for free today, may very well hook you up with something really attractive in the future-- if you play nice.

Posted at 08:25 AM | Comments (3)
Category: The Writing Life

You're Invited... Now What?

This is part two of the post I started on Monday concerning opportunities offered at AWP and other conferences. It is not unusual to meet someone who may promise to invite you to give a reading. Imagine yourself in the hotel bar and someone says, "Hey, would you like to come to our campus and give a reading." Of course, you'll say "yes," even though you don't know the terms of the invitation.

A few days, or weeks later, you may receive an email from the person formally inviting you. This letter should have the terms-- how much your will be paid and what is expected of you for the visit. Hopefully, they are offering you a zillion trillion dollars. Sometimes the offer is more modest. How do you decide if you want to do the event? Here are some things to consider.

Who is inviting you? If the invitation comes from someone you respect and admire, definitely consider doing the event even if the money is too low and the workload is a bit too intense. You may even go so far as to google the person. If someone is asking you to work for little or no money, they know it's a favor and they will remember you as "gracious". (And for women, especially, that's a really good reputation to have. A double standard, I know, but it's true.)

Where is the event located? Key West in the winter? Well you should offer to pay them for the opportunity. Chicago in February? Not so much. But also, look at how far you will have to travel and factor in time, effort, and wear and tear.

Do you need publicity? As an organizer of a reading series which works on a very limited budget, I try and approach authors who have brand new books. These writers are more likely to give a freebie in an effort to boost sales in the crucial six-months after publication.

Is the asking organization one you respect? If the organization is a worthy cause donate your time if you have it spare.


Next: How to say no.

Posted at 10:09 AM | Comments (1)
Category: The Writing Life

See You Sunday?

Hello, New Yorkers. I'll be reading at Sunday Salon, on February 10 along with Tony D'Souza, Matthew Cheney, and Frances Madeson. It happens this coming Sunday at Stain Bar, located in 766 Grand Street in Williamsburg. Time: 7pm.

Posted at 07:19 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Post AWP Advice

First off: don't worry. I will not blog about AWP all week. This will probably be the last one, particularly since we got hundreds of applications (amazing!) for the MFA at Rutgers-Newark and I will be crazy busy sorting through the pile choosing our next exciting group of writers. (Maybe I'll post on do's and don't for applications. Does that sound like a good idea?)

But meanwhile on to the the question at hand. Often after attending conferences, writers will start receiving invitations to read, conduct workshops, submit to journals, etc. Several of my younger writers pals have asked me how to handled these situations. Today's installment is about what to do about editors and agents who are on the make at the conference.

An agent invites you to submit. Go ahead and do it, if you feel the work is ready to be seen by the public. Don't get all carpe-diem and send it out too early. The agent is not holding her breath waiting for you submission. She's much rather see it when it is ready. If it makes you feel better, you can send her a note, thanking her for her interest and promise to send it on when the manuacript is it in tip-top shape. If she says send it anyway. I'd advise you to beg off. Also remember, sending to an agent isn't agreeing to representation. It's like going on a date. Just do a little look-see and determine if you're interested. Also, it's good to keep in mind that agents invite lots of people to submit. So, be hopeful, but don't become too invested.

An editor invites you to submit. If you have an agent, call her right away and do whatever she says. If you don't have one yet, it might be a good idea to get one first, particularly if the editor is from a big scary cut-throat NY house.
I have a brilliant-but-young friend who got a cold call from an editor who read an article his community activisim in The Washington Post. Well, actually, the editor called me because she heard that I know everybody and while I don't, I did know this kid. I told her that I was going to put him in touch with my agent before letting her talk to him. Afterall, can you imagine what would happen if a big publisher were to call a young, 20-something, writer out of the blue? He'd agree to anything. I put my terrfic agent on the case and I am happy to report that there is a happy ending to ths story. Rather than limit the process to the cold caller, the proposal was submitted broadly and several editors were interested. The manuscript ended up at auction. And in a year or so it will be in bookstores!

Posted at 08:28 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Opportunities

This just in:

Woodstock A-I-R, a residency program for photographers of color, is taking applications. (thanks Sarah for the tip!)

The gorgeous journal, Ninth Letter, is doing a special issue on music. Tyehimba Jess is editing. For the first time, they are accepting email submissions.

QWOCMAP is offering 4 free video Training Workshops for queer women of color. (Thx Maria!)

And remember, if you take advantage of an opportunity you found here, let me know so I can spread the good news!

Posted at 03:12 PM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Off To Key West!

I am on my way to the Key West Literay Seminars. I'll be back in a few days, but I am taking my laptop and my digital camera, so there will be reports and photos. One member of our blog community, Jaci, won a scholarship, so I will be looking forward to seeing her there.

Meanwhile, I better sign off and find my sunglasses and sunscreen!

Posted at 06:46 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Sweet Carleen

Carleen Brice, friend o' the blog, and author of the Essence Book Club pick, Orange Mint and Honey, noticed that I seemed a little, well, exhausted here on the blog. She sent me a perfect pick me up-- homemade orange-mint bath salts. Big hugs Carleen. I really really appreciate it.

Posted at 05:01 PM | Comments (1)
Category: The Writing Life

To AWP, or not to AWP

I recently got an email from a blog community member with one line: Should I go to AWP? My answer: It depends.

"AWP" is the annual meeting of the Associated Writing Programs and this year it is in NYC and it is sold out. So, any answer I give is probably for next year.

I went to my first AWP back in 1997, when I was a graduate student at The University of Georgia. While I was there, I struck up a friendship with Jewell Parker Rhodes who offered me the chance to be her protege at Arizona State University. A month later, I was driving across the country to start a new life.

So, this would make it seem that my answer is YES! GO TO AWP.

But not so fast. I think the question is what you hope to gain. AWP is a good place for finding out a little more about the business of writing and teaching writing. You are not likely to meet an agent, but you may meet someone who runs a really cool small press. If you are a "literary" writer or poet, you may make connections that can lead to invitations to give paid readings at universities.

Some people complain that AWP is to cliquey. I cant say this is exactly false. You will see lots of people squealing "Oh my God!" while hugging enthusiastically. Your first time out, you may feel like a gate-crasher at a family reunion. But folks are generally pretty nice, particularly at the bar.

AWP also gives you a chance to meet the directors of various MFA programs, pick up brochures, meet students in the programs and ask them real candid questions. (Talk to them at the bar, after 10pm, and you'll get the truth!)

The diversity factor can be an issue, but I am happy to report that AWP has come a long way since it was jokingly referred to as "All White Poets." There are many panels discussing the issues that affect writers of color, and you will often find writers of colors on panels that have little to do with ethnicity. (imagine that!)

One real drawback is the matter of cost. By the time you pay to register, get your plane fare, and hotel-- this little venture can easily run you in the area of $1000. That's about how much it costs to be a bridesmaid. (Ask me how I know.) I wouldn't recommend that you go into debt to attend AWP, but if you have the cash (or outside funding), I'd say go ahead.

Okay. Those are my thoughts. I've got to scram. I'm headed to the Key West Literary Seminars tomorrow!!

(Here's a link to the pictures I took at last year's conference.)

Posted at 12:06 PM | Comments (2)
Category: The Writing Life

Do The Hustle!

I was cruisng Galleycat when I saw a picture of a black person and almost choked on my croissant aux amandes. Tbe brother in question is Troy Tompkins who managed to get himself a profile in the NYT. What's his claim to fame? Apparently, he managed to get Simon and Schuster to take a look at his self-published YA novel by writing a press release and signing it "Alan Chase". There is no Alan Chase; he just thought that it would make him seem classiser if he seemed to have a real publicist. (It's cheaper, too. Let me tell you.)

Now, there is a little controversy as to whether Tompkins is being rewarded for being dishonest. That whole part of the conversation goes into the yawn-zone for me.

The thing that makes me wonder is whether or not it seems to other folks that black writers seem to get attention for thier ability to hustle, self-promote, and beat the system, but how much talk is happening about our actual writing?

Posted at 06:48 PM | Comments (4)
Category: The Writing Life

Much Love to Our Guest Bloggers!

This year, a number of members of our blog community were kind enough to share thier experiences with the rest of us. As we bid goodbye to 2007, I wanted to thank them for thier contribuitions. Here's a little recap of thier generous offerings:

Ladylee kicked off the year by taking an artist date to The Junkman's Daughter in Atlanta. (Remember when we were all doing The Artist's Way? We might have fallen off the wagon, but we all fell off together.)

Remica Bingham wrote about bringing her family together with her of book of poems, "Convergrance."

Camille Dungy wrote in memory of Phebus Ettienne, who passed away last March.

Jacqueline Jones LaMon fell in love with her novel all over again.

Renee Simms-- writer, mother, teacher-- reminds us that sometimes, when it comes to writing, you just have to "jazz your way through."

Summer Reports: Nicole sang the Cave Canem Song; LeConte and Terri went to VONA and said it saved thier lives; and Felicia brought back the 411 from the Tin House Workshops.

Martha Southgate provided the "Director's Cut" of her NYT article, Writers Like Me.

Tara Betts gave a brief history of Slam, and a glimpse at the future of poetry.

And just last month, Sarah Schulman reminded us why everyone loves Grace Paley.

Thank you, thank you, so much for sharing with us. I look forward to more group-love in 2008!

Posted at 10:40 AM | Comments (0)
Category: The Writing Life

Holday Dos and Don'ts

It's that time of year again. It's time to go shopping for the writers in your life. As we all know, there is a fine line between a good gift and one that sort of sucks. Here's a little help to get your good intentions on track.



DON'T give a book on How to Get Published. The last thing a writer needs is outside pressure to produce results. It's like giving your single sister and book called "You, Too, Can Find A Man!" It's just not nice.

DO give a book about writing. For beginners try Bird by Bird by Anne Lammot. I also recommend On Moral Fiction for people who are father along. This gift shows that you take their writing seriously, that you respect thier intellectual activities.



DON'T give a book that is very similar in plot to a project that he or she is working on. I know you just want the writer to know are thinking of her, but it is such a buzz-kill to find out just how many people have already explored your idea. For example, when I was working on Leaving Atlanta, the last thing I needed was a copy of Toni Cade Bambara's book on the same subject. Of course I understand that there room enough for more than one book on the same topic, but Those Bones Are Not My Child, would have been a disaster as a holiday gift.

DO give a book that is thematicaly related. If your friend is writing a story about mother-daughter relationships, she couple probably enjoy a book on the same theme set in a completely different era or setting.



DON'T give a pen just because you like what it looks like.

DO give a gift certificate to a pen shop. Many writers like a nice pen, but choosing a pen is like choosing a pair of jeans or a handbag. You really need to handle it and try it out first.



DON'T get too specific. The writer in your life will appreciate writing-related gifts, but dictionaries, thesauri, pens, and journals may be just a little on-task sometimes.

DO give her something just shows that you appreciate her and know that she works hard. You can make any gift a meaningful gift for a writer if you affix a card. A sinple gift like a bath set can become a vote of confidence for the writer in your life if you put a little note saying "I know you have been working hard on your novel. Here's a little something to help you relax."

Posted at 10:31 AM | Comments (2)
Category: The Writing Life

Tonight's The Night!

Tonight is the National Book Awards dinner! Natasha T., who is judging the poetry award, invited me to come along. (Yes, she asked me. I did not beg. Very much.) I won't be live-blogging the event--I don't want to be blackberrying under the table like I never been nowhere before-- but I will take pictures, but only when it seems appropriate, as I would not want to embarrass my host by going all paparazzi on Edwidge Danticat.

Luckily for everyone, some of my favorite bloggers are not so reserved, so for the blow by blow, visit Ed over at The Return of The Reluctant.

P.S. After having to be almost CARRIED OUT of the Hurston/Wright Awards due to my high heel situation, I am sort of taking it easy on the shoes this time.

Posted at 07:13 AM | Comments (1)
Category: The Writing Life

This is NOT my Lucky Sweater