Thrifted, Not Re-Gifted?
By Sherryle Kiser Jackson
A funny thing happen to me at the thrift store. As I was scanning the bookshelves for the latest literary cast-offs my daughter cried out to me after unearthing a slightly worn copy of my debut novel, Soon and Very Soon-with a signature, no less. I haven't done many of these. This gave me pause. I was insulted. I felt the way I did when I found my favorite cassette tape of all time, New Edition's NE Heartbreak album in the bargain bin at Sam Goody record store. Surely, it was a mistake. The owner must have been like those clueless sad-sacks who give away one-of-a-kind artwork only to find it out its worth later on the Antique's Roadshow.
I made my daughter take me to the exact same spot where she found it. I examine the void it left on the shelf between an outdated volume of the Childcraft encyclopedia and another book as if it would give me some clue as to who could have given my baby away. I want to know this person's identity more than anything. See, my book only came out seven months ago, and we were in my neighborhood. I was sure I could crack the case. That's only a twenty-five to thirty mile radius to cover. Not exactly a case for Scotland Yard. I narrow the field of known residents that I had told about the book or sold the book to. Just when I think I have a list compiled, I think how ridiculous this whole thing is. How do you tactfully ask someone, did you happen to pitch my book out with your argyle sweater and Hammer pants? Was there no one you could personally give the book to? Ever hear of paperback swap, for goodness sake.
There had to be a logical explanation. The writer in me had me sit down at the kiddy desk set they were selling for just $7 to ponder a few possible ones. Maybe this person had a husband like mine who constantly threatens, "Don't bring another book in this house." But of course this person couldn't resist my realistic tale about two pastors that marry and combine their churches. So she took the risk and discarded the evidence immediately after the last page. Yeah, that's it.
Just when I thought I could rest a bit after a major signing at my sorority's convention at the end of this month. Yeah, maybe I'll do the Baltimore Book Festival in September, then the Capitol Book Festival. I've got a sequel to write. I can't possibly create and promote simultaneously. Soon and Very Soon will do alright. Wrong. I got a few more calls to make, connections to follow-up on and weekends to book with signings.
"Look mommy, you've got that book."
That's my six year old who has gotten good at reading the spin of books. She gets caught up on the last syllable of Terri McMillan's last name as she spots the hardback copy of A Day Late and a Dollar Short. I do own that book. I stood in line for hours while pregnant to get it signed at the crowded-to-overflowing Karibu books in the Bowie Town Center (Don't get me started. That's a whole nother lament). I would have loved to get it for $2.10. Just thirty more cents than my book was going for at the Waldorf Thrift Store.
God has a sense of humor. Just as I was about to grab my book up and discreetly pay for it at the counter like it was the last scandal sheet written about me left on the newsstand, I realized I've gotten some real good books here. I wasn't thinking, poor Audre Lorde when I picked her book of poems up and added it to my library. I've found, read and treasured, Grisham, Jakes, Gaines, and Steele.
I could take it home, wipe the red colored pencil price tag off with a bay wipe and add it to the other books packed to go to Florida-for sale for $15 a pop. Generic signature could easily be personalized on the spot. Dead wrong-maybe, maybe not. ( I put this is print so I wouldn't be tempted to do that)
I left the copy of Soon and Very Soon on the shelf next to the outdated volume of the Childcraft encyclopedia and the other book. God has plans for that book right there. My goal was that it would be widely read and that it would be a blessing to the reader. I couldn't think of a better place for that goal to be accomplished.
###
ABOUT SHERRYLE
Sherryle Kiser Jackson is the author of Soon and Very Soon and the soon to be released novel, The Manual (October 2009), which is dedicated to her only living aunt, Janette. Her passion is to one day preserve the graceful elegance of her nine aunts and their churching traditions in a Black Memorabilia collection called Church Lady Ways. THE MANUAL: 304 PAGES/ ISBN: 1601629354/ OCT. 2009/ URBAN CHRISTIAN
Sherryle Jackson describes her novels as too real to be preachy, Biblically based, and out-the-Christian-box. She has also branded herself as a book club’s best friend, making sure to be accessible to book club’s either in person or by phone conferencing during her 2009 book tour schedule. To schedule speaking engagements, book signings, online/telephone conference contact Author, Sherryle Jackson at www.sherrylejackson.com or email: sherrylek@aol.com
Buy Books by author Sherryle K. Jackson at Amazon
THE MANUAL
by SHERRYLE KISER JACKSON
Need a manual on raising children and having healthy relationships? Refer to the Bible. That’s what Deidre Collins’ inner spirit is telling her to do now that Andre, her son’s father, is back in town after deserting them eight years ago.
At fourteen years old, her son, DeAndre, is struggling with his own issues peer pressure, problems at school, and fi guring out how to navigate his first crush. When DeAndre gets suspended from school for ten days, Andre sees it as the perfect opportunity to get to know his son—and to get closer to Deidre. Can this couple overcome the past for the sake of their son’s future?
THE MANUAL: 304 PAGES/ ISBN: 1601629354/ OCT. 2009/ URBAN CHRISTIAN
View the book video by clicking here
Author Sherryle Kiser Jackson is a fresh voice in Christian fiction. Her style reflects an honest commentary on her life with Christ. Soon and Very Soon is her debut novel. She anxiously awaits the publication of her second novel, The Manual, October 2009. Experience her too real to be preachy, Biblically based, out-the-Christian-box fiction at www.sherrylejackson.com or on www.Myspace.com/sherrylejackson
To schedule speaking engagements, book signings, online/telephone conference contact Author, Sherryle Jackson at sherrylek@aol.com or visit her website at: http://www.sherrylejackson.com
Buy Books by author Sherryle K. Jackson at Amazon
The Manual by Sherryle Kiser Jackson
ISBN: 1601629354
ISBN-13: 9781601629357
"Blessed are the children, for they shall inherit the earth."
Need a manual on raising children and having healthy relationships? Refer to the Bible. That's what Deidre Collins' inner spirit is telling her to do now that Andre, her son's father, is back in town after deserting them eight years ago.
At fourteen years old, her son, DeAndre, is struggling with his own issues-peer pressure, problems at school, and figuring out how to navigate his first crush.
When DeAndre gets suspended from school for ten days, Andre sees it as the perfect opportunity to get to know his son-and to get closer to Deidre. Can this couple overcome the past for the sake of their son's future?
EXCERPT: Chapter 1
Deidre Collins was enjoying the click of her freshly manicured nails across the keyboard of her personal computer. She did not know what she enjoyed more about her day off, the invigorating wash, blow dry and curl at Prim Rose Beauty Salon, the luxury of having someone else do her nails or the leisure time she had to delete old e-mails and drift through cyberspace. By the third page of e-mail scams and spam, Deidre was saving time by clicking the button to select all the mail on that page and purging them unless something in the message line prompted her to open it. The top line of page four read, Finding Nympho. She wondered how the web master of this site could get away with exploiting a wholesome Disney title to sell filth. That would be all her fourteen year old son, De Andre, would need to see before his curiosity would have him viewing a lot of things she has tried as a God fearing parent to keep him from. Lord knows he was on the computer more than she cared to be. The devil is everywhere, she thought to herself as she checked the parental control options.
Just as Deidre was about to delete page four, an email caught her attention with a message bar that read, Tardy Notice from Pemberton Middle School. She had remembered thinking how progressive the school systems had gotten when they asked for e-mail and cell phone information on the parent contact form at the beginning of the year. She read the informing her that De Andre was tardy for school on March 19th. That was over a month ago. She wondered why they hadn’t called. Then she remembered that DeAndre typically came in two hours before her. Naturally he had erased the message with no intentions on telling her. She knew her son, he wasn’t a saint. Lately his behavior wasn’t even close.
Deidre examined her e-mails more closely. She found two more tardy notices, March 28th and April 15th. Despite feeling angry, she couldn’t help but feeling a little guilty about not checking her messages more regularly. And when was the last time she had been to his school to check on him? She had only been to Pemberton Middle school twice since he started there last year as a seventh grader.
Deidre couldn’t understand what was stopping DeAndre from getting to school on time. After winning the battle of getting him out of bed each morning, all he had to do was walk a few yards to the bus stop and get on. She purposely worked the swing shift, from 11a.m. to 7p.m., at least three times a week to make sure he was prepared for the day. Most of the time she left nothing to his imagination in regards to what she expected from him when he came in by himself in the afternoon. Head nods and barely audible grunts let Deidre know he had at least heard her to-do lists. God knows how many other notices she had deleted in her haste to empty her e-mail box.
Deidre was up before DeAndre this morning to make her nine a.m. hair appointment and was sitting in the nail shop by 12:30. Her best girlfriend’s wedding was the next day for which she was an attendant. The latter didn’t thrill her in the way she would have been in her twenties or if she was married herself by her present age of thirty eight.
The single phone line she used for both the telephone and the computer rang the moment she logged off of the internet. It was probably Sheila asking her to pick up yet another thing she or her overpriced wedding coordinator forgot.
“Hello, I’m trying to reach Mrs. Hicks. This is Jeff Riley, the principal at Pemberton Middle School where her son, DeAndre, attends.”
“This is Ms. Collins. I am DeAndre’s mother.” Deidre’s upper body tensed the way a person would in preparation for receiving a shot.
“Ms. Collins, DeAndre has gotten himself into trouble and I was wondering if it were possible for you to come down to the school and pick him up.”
“I don’t understand. Are you saying he’s been kicked out of school?”
“Yes ma’am, he will be suspended.”
“Excuse me.” Deidre yielded to a short coughing spell from the lump rising in her throat. “What did he do?”
“This is why we want you to come in. When a child has been suspended, we have what is known as an exit conference where the school explains the circumstances surrounding the suspension.”
“That is what I am asking you. Why was he suspended?”
“It allows you to meet with a team that includes DeAndre’s teachers and counselor, so that there are many perspectives on how DeAndre can be more effective when he returns to school.” He continued as if he didn’t hear her question.
“And when will he be able to return, Mr. Riley?”
“The day De Andre will be permitted back to school will also be explained at the conference. Rather than upset you further on the phone, it would be best if we sit down and discuss his conduct in detail.”
“Are you telling me you’re kicking my child out of school, but cannot tell me why over the phone?”
“Calm down, Mrs. Hicks. Is transportation a problem?”
“It’s Ms. Collins, DeAndre’s father and I aren’t married. To answer your question, transportation is not a problem. Mr. Riley, I am a supportive parent and I am also a Christian. You can be assured that before I leave for the school I will be praying for an outcome that aligns with my faith. Just like you have prepared your team to be a united front when I arrive, I would like to be equally prepared.
“He’s being suspended for sexual harassment.”
“I’ll be right there.”
####
Reader Reviews for How I Made The Angels Cry
How I Made The Angels Cry by Meleisa Betts
Website: www.myspace.com/433250625
Publisher: Neighborhood Publishing
Pub. Date: April 2009
ISBN-13: 9780615290508
Reviewed By Heather Slocumb
(Official Apex Reviews Rating: 4.5 Stars)
Molly Betts claims to have done two lifetimes' worth of living in her short time on Earth, and, by all accounts, such a remark is a stark understatement. Born and raised in the one-horse town of Marionville, Alabama, she quickly gets used to enjoying a life a relative privilege; her father, the town's largest employer, provides the family with many luxuries and pleasures that others would literally kill to obtain, fostering in Molly a strong sense of pride - and near conceit - early on. Of course, the flip side of her father's success is his numerous, careless dalliances with scores of women from all over the town, often leading to dangerous repercussions for Molly, her mother, and the rest of their family.
Torn between her undying love for her mother and her subconscious emulation of her father's ways, Molly's life soon becomes a reflection of the emotional dichotomy that lingers within her. As such, she begins dating men simply for the superficial thrill of what they can do for her, all the while secretly desiring women for the very same thing – only in the sexual, not the material. At an early age, she becomes aware of her affinity toward women, and her struggles to reconcile the resulting moral conflict yield often disastrous results for her over the course of the various relationships into which she enters to scratch her ever-present sexual "itch." At their beginnings, each of her involvements seem to promise the ultimate spiritual deliverance for which she constantly prays, but they, without fail, only lead her further down the path of confusion, loneliness, and pain.
Eventually, Molly begins to realize that only by searching within – rather than without – can she finally receive the peace for which she longs day in and day out. One would think that only a few episodes of heartbreak, rejection, and brutality would hasten such an epiphany, but Molly's tortuous journey toward ultimate truth serves as proof that the sojourn on the road to enlightenment - and the scope of its learning curve – truly varies from person to person.
How I Made the Angles Cry is one of those rare, invaluable finds that must be celebrated and shared widely once discovered. In it, Meleisa Betts takes the reader on a literal emotional rollercoaster of highs and lows, with all the typical jerks, false starts, and sharp curves caught in-between. At times overwhelmingly heavy and sad, her tome nonetheless offers just the right amount of insight and hope to ensure the reader that, no matter how dark or gloomy the circumstances, light truly resides at the end of the tunnel, and ultimate victory over such circumstances is assured – as long as you keep pushing through the tough times.
A stirring memoir of a life whose amazing story must be told and retold. Highly recommended.
Buy the book at: Amazon.com Barnes and Noble.com or order from your local bookstore, distributed by Ingram Book Group.
An unbelievably engrossing page-turner!, March 29, 2008
By Kenneth K. Barlow (Marietta, GA)
First of all I must say that I am not a fan of memoirs, being more of a fan of novelists such as Pat Conroy (The Prince of Tides, Beach music) or John Grisham (The Chamber, The Runaway Jury) nevertheless I became an instant fan of this book. It was recommended to me by a friend and I, being the skeptic that I am, began reading Ms. Betts book with a skewered vision, thinking that maybe this was a narcissistic view of a life. Let's face it, we all have a story, some more intense than others. Having said as much, I have never heard of or read about any life situation as intense or poignant as the life of Ms. Betts. The most descriptive statement that I can use is "WOW"! I have never experienced as much and I would venture to say that 99.99% of the population has not either. Ms. Betts exposes her soul as deeply as anyone that I have read and the nerves are raw and exposed for all to see and in some cases, feel, although vicariously. I would venture to say that the average person would be pushed over the edge by such an intense life filled with missteps, deception, manipulation and trauma. (for example, she even knows that a person has gotten way with committing a heinous crime and she toils for no personal gain to bring the person to justice)
WARNING!!! This book is explicit and revealing as Ms. Betts pulls no punches and sidesteps no issue, from ethics to her blurred and dubious views on sexuality. The endearing part of the book is that she does not shirk her culpability for what has befallen her and she blames herself for most of her problems. It seems as though she is attempting to vanquish her demons though the revelations and we are the voyeurs who are privy to her exorcisms (though it would seem hard to totally displace the demons which have plagued her.) Ms. Betts seems to offer us a lesson in the book in that we should never be afraid to self-examine, to take responsibility for our role in our personal failures and to use that information honestly to change and ultimately grow from it.
To sum it up, Ms. Betts has created a work which is so incredible in its revelations that it makes it seem like fiction, that it makes the reader have to suspend disbelief in order to absorb the full impact. One must give her credit for being able to place her life on display for us to judge. Whether at times protagonist, antagonist, heroine or anti-heroine, Ms. Betts' life and her book are anything but boring. If you don't believe it, read the book and form your own opinion. If you are anything like me, you will have a difficult time putting it down. One of the most explicit, revealing and engrossing memoirs that I have ever read.
-- Reviewed by Kenneth K. Barlow "Ken the Diesel"
What would you do if you saw gray shadows at night?, August 30, 2008
By Tangelika Bolen (Atlanta GA)
What would you do if you saw gray shadows at night? Would you run and hide? Do you think you could ignore their presence? What if the shadows talked to you and wanted you to do something for them? I don't know what I would do, but just like Molly Betts, I am sure that I would sleep with the lights on at night too.
How I made the Angels Cry, is a very compassionate story. Meleisa Betts aka (Molly) takes you on an unfinished life journey experience that begins with her own demons inside of her, ailing to come out. Born with feelings that she was afraid of yet could not resist, she eventually gave in and lived the life of searching for love by way of other women. Haunted by her dominating Fathers selfishly & dangerous bad habits she sought the arms of many from loving and hurting her male best friends to sneaking and sleeping with a longtime family enemy. Molly went from feeling shame of her attractions towards women to getting any woman that she wanted including those that bedded her own cheating father.
Molly was a very troubled young lady wanting to do what's right in life she married several times trying to run away from the turmoil within, looking towards men to provide her the things that her wealthy father wouldn't. Her attraction towards men, (if I may read between the lines) were stability and to recaptured the lack of love and attention that her father was to busy cheating to give her. Her gullible ways of turning the other cheek and trusting another only continued to backfire in her face as she is financially ripped off twice. And just like when she was young and new that she couldn't win, Molly refused to back down even if the fight was unfair. (All I have to say is if you step on her toes you best be very careful, because this chick may be small, but she will not be bullied).
Through an unfortunate job-related experience, Molly was linked and weaved into a platonic relationship with nothing more than a con "Thomas" and his wife Phyllis that was an unwanted midnight guest into Molly's bedroom, pushing her buttons to find her right due-justice. Molly began to take a look into things a little deeper than most would, doing what she thought was right (solving a crime).
I find this book to be a powerhouse of pain, suffering, embarrassment, spiritual battle and injustice. If you every meet Molly Betts in person, you couldn't even imagine her doing or even enduring the beatings that she took in this book, the temperament she took out on love ones, the miss-treatment at work. Not knowing who you are and why you are the way that you are can cause any one to walk on the wrong pathways or should I say danger zones. Good job Meleisa Betts, I really enjoyed your story.
-- Reviewed by: Tangelika Bolen, Author of Sensation and Justifiable Behavior
A captivating and heart touching story, August 29, 2008
I read this book in one sitting. This book was well written. It took me on an emotional roller-coaster ride. I am not a big fan of memoirs, however-after reading Ms. Betts personal journey, the next book I read will be a memoir. I felt touched by the honesty of Ms. Betts as she gave a bird's eye view of her fantastic and amazing journey. Ms. Betts was very intimate and pulled no punches in expressing her feelings in that experience. At times, I laughed when she was vividly describing her characters physical attributes. I felt sad in her painful telling of her experiences especially when she was raped. I admire her bravery and courage to boldly stand up and bounce back in light of that and many other painful experiences that she had to endure. I am looking forward to her next novel. Thank you Ms. Betts for opening up and sharing your life's experiences. I will strongly recommend this book to my beautiful wife, my family members, my co-workers, and my friends.
-- Reviewed by David A. Jackson, Amazon Reviewer
Avid Reader Reviews for How I Made The Angels Cry by Meleisa Betts
Publisher: Neighborhood Publishing (April 1, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0615290507; ISBN-13: 978-0615290508
Buy the book at: Amazon.com Barnes and Noble.com or order from your local bookstore, distributed by Ingram Book Group.
Website: www.myspace.com/433250625
Shop EDC Creations Bookstores for How I Made The Angels Cry by Meleisa Betts:
http://astore.amazon.com/edcmagazine-20
http://astore.amazon.com/sanklitesoci-20
Apex Reviews Interview: Meleisa Betts (How I Made The Angels Cry)
"Unless you have lived a squeaky clean life, you cannot judge anyone else. No sin is greater than the other. Sin is Sin!"--Molly
Apex Reviews: Thanks for joining us for this interview, Meleisa. We're looking forward to learning more about your book. The book is actually a not-so-thinly veiled memoir of your own life. What inspired you to make your most personal experiences available for the world to view?Meleisa Betts: At first I struggled with the decision of making it a non-fiction work. After many nights of tossing and turning, I came to the decision that not only will this memoir help me, it will help others who have experienced or know someone who has experienced what I've gone through. Whether it be rape, depression, loss of a loved one, or murder.
AR: In the same vein, was it difficult to recount some of the most painful episodes of your life thus far?
MB: Yes. The best thing about it, though, it that it's gotten easier for me to deal with. The day that I began writing, it just got easier and easier. Now, please don't get me wrong, the pain and the memories will always be there, but they're so much better for me to manage. I'm not ashamed anymore of someone finding out that I'm gay. I'm not ashamed anymore of someone finding out that I suffer from depression. I'm not ashamed anymore to talk about being raped, not once but twice.
AR: You mention in the book that you were born with a homosexual disposition. Are you convinced that homosexuality is genetic in nature, as opposed to being a matter of personal choice?
MB: You have to remember one thing, and that is that this memoir is titled "How I Made the Angels Cry," not anybody else. So, I can only speak for myself. One thing for sure, I knew at the age of 5 that I was attracted to women. This just didn't jump out at me one day when I was walking down the street. Remember the match stem scene? Well, I was much younger than five.
AR: What do you think compelled you to seek out so many different sexual partners over the course of your early life?
MB: This is a rather difficult question for me to answer. I don't know if I have a high sex drive or whether or not it could have been the rapes. I'm not repulsed by men. 95% of my friends are straight, and that it is a high percentage. Most never knew until now that I was attracted to women. Back to your question: I can only speak for now, and that is that I was lucky as hell.
AR: Have you had a chance to share your story - in particular the details of the murder - on a widespread scale? If so, what kinds of reactions have you gotten?
MB: The response that I got from the DA's office was "no body." The body was cremated. Although the body was cremated, my intentions are to sell as many books as possible, then use the funds from the sells to hire the professional help that I need in making sure that the DA's office is pressured into investigating Phyllis's murder. I believe that this is a second murder.
AR: What are your future writing/publishing aspirations?
MB: I'm writing my second book as we speak. I had no desire to be a publisher, but the times demand it, for now.
AR: Where can people learn more about your writings and other efforts?
MB: www.myspace.com/meleisabetts, or they can just Google either the title of my book or my name. Also, they can check out my reviews at Barnes&Noble.com, and Amazon.com.
AR: Also, how can people contact you, in case they'd like to learn more about your story?
MB: My email address is on the 3rd page of my memoir. I will be doing a lot of book signings in different cities, so I will keep everyone posted on MySpace. They can email me at: molly.betts@yahoo.com for interviews and book discussions.
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
MB: Yes. Unless you have lived a squeaky clean life, you cannot judge anyone else. Also, no sin is greater than the other. Sin is Sin.
AR: Thanks again, Meleisa, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
Book spotlight: How I Made The Angels Cry by Meleisa Betts
Website: www.myspace.com/433250625
Publisher: Neighborhood Publishing
Pub. Date: April 2009
ISBN-13: 9780615290508
4 and 5 Star Bookclub Reviews for How I Made The Angels Cry
A Woman of Many Colors!, August 14, 2008
By The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers (RAWSISTAZ.com and BlackBookReviews.net)
Molly's story has moments of happiness, sadness, craziness and madness. Betts did an excellent job of sharing not only her life, but also her life's lessons. Betts has the makings of a great writer with this debut work.
--Reviewed by Marcia Brevard Wynn, for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers 3/5 stars The Crying Angel, November 2, 2008
By OOSA Online Book Club
"How I Made the Angels Cry" by Meleisa Betts is one of the most-intriguing memoirs I've read thus far. It's definitely a "must read" book recommended to all readers.
Life has never been typical for Molly. "How I Made the Angels Cry" describes various hardships that she endures during life - sexuality, love and even murder. Faced with each situation, she learns to deal; yet she still remains faithful with her beliefs and is not only empowered as an individual but is strengthened as person.
I am not a really a spiritual book reader, but I will definitely read more books in the future from Meleisa Betts - every word in this story was ultimately powerful. Excellent work!
-- Reviewed by: Tekisha, OOSA Online Book Club
Angels Do Cry, June 13, 2008
By Mashawn Mickels (Columbus, GA USA)
Meleisa Betts story "How I Made The Angels Cry" is one in which I find very inspiring. She tells a number of stories that many can relate to. Some you've may have even found yourself in once upon a time. Either way, as I was reading it, I felt the pain, the sorrow and even the anger or upset. She went through a number of situations that would have the average person thinking about and/or trying to kill themselves. But as you read it you see how even at each and every failed turn she made, she continued to move forward. While going through the various struggles of what we call life, she learned how to become faithful and stay faithful. The former being easier than the latter. But as you read it, you see how she did indeed stay faithful.
Great read. Thanks for sharing Meleisa!!!!
-- Reviewed by Mashawn Mickels "CO-Owner & President of SBS Bookclub
Capital BookFest 5th Anniversary
5th Anniversary Capital BookFest
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Time: 10am-7pm EST
Location:
Boulevard at the Capital Centre
900 Capital Centre Boulevard, Largo 20774
Visit www.capitalbookfest.org for a schedule of events
Celebrating 5 Years of Strengthening Families through Reading
Event Description: Presented in partnership with the Department of Parks and Recreation, the Bookfest features author readings, publishing workshops, poetry performances, children's storytelling, teen programs, and over 75 vendors. Free books to the first 1,000 people.
The authors talks include discussions with Nelson George, Tim Reid, Liza Mundy (Michelle Obama: Biography), Sonya Sones, Marita Golden, Lori Nelson, Ronald Cotton (Picking Cotton), Chef Gillian Clark, Sahar Simmons, Le Hinton, Victoria Christopher Murray, W. Ralph Eubanks, Lucille Clifton, Omar Tyree, Kimberly Seals Allers (The Mocha Moms Manual), Charisse Nunes (I am Barack Obama children’s book), and several teen authors.
This year, in response to President Barack Obama’s call to service, the Capital BookFest and the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services will team up to promote healthy homes for children in foster care.
Visit www.capitalbookfest.org for a schedule of events. All ages welcome.
Cost: FREE admission
-----------
Capital BookFest Founder
Kwame Alexander, a poet, publisher, playwright, producer, dynamic speaker, and performer, is the author of eight books -including the best-selling Do The Write Thing: 7 Steps to Publishing Success, Kupenda: Love Poems, Dancing Naked on the Floor: poems and essays, and The Way I Walk, a collection of young adult short stories. He has conducted standing-room only publishing workshops, delivered awe-inspiring keynote speeches, and performed his cutting-edge brand of poetry to audiences at numerous conferences, colleges and venues throughout the world, including: Stratford-on-Avon, Brixton Town Hall, Oberlin College, UC Berkeley, Hampton University, Duke University, University of Maryland, America's Choice National Conference, Baltimore Writers Alliance, and the Gwendolyn Brooks Writers Conference.
Alexander has produced over two-hundred literary related special events, the most recent being the First Annual Capital BookFest, a major literary arts festival sponsored by The Washington Post, Chick-fil-A, and The Literacy Council of Prince George's County. Dubbed a "phenom" in the poetry world by The Charleston (SC) City Paper, Alexander has wowed audiences with his electric readings and performances at coffeehouses, theatres, and universities across the country and abroad. In 2002, 2004, and 2005 Alexander was selected as a special guest author for the Library of Congress Poets at Noon Series, and The Washington Post-Maryland Center for the Book Evening in The Stacks Gala.
The founder of two book publishing companies, BlackWords Press and Do The Write Thing , this publishing veteran of over fifteen years is responsible for some of the most progressive, original and exciting fiction and non-fiction on the shelves today. He has published over forty authors in different genres, including: M. Dion Thompson, former Baltimore Sun reporter and author of the critically-acclaimed historical novel Walk Like A Natural Man; Lalita Noronha, author of the short story collection, Where Monsoons Cry; and Michael Datcher, Today Show Book Club Awardee and editor of Tough Love: The Life and Death of Tupac Shakur . Kwame Alexander has served as a judge for several local and national literary awards, including the Georgia Writer's Awards, and the Washington, DC Parkmont Poetry Awards. Among his many board appointments are The CityLit Project, Baltimore's Artscape Festival, and the Hippodrome Arts & Education Committee. Alexander is a graduate of Virginia Tech, where he studied under renowned poet Nikki Giovanni.
He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and daughter, where he hosts a weekly radio program, Word of Mouth, and serves as poet-in-the-schools for Crossland High School/Prince George's County Schools. When not working on several new and exciting book and tv/film projects, he enjoys reading, writing, and a good game of chess.
Sexual Abuse, Rape, and Incest — What You Don’t Tell May Destroy You
Original post: http://moniquedmensah.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/135
Simone, a shockingly beautiful teen, is on the downward spiral of destruction as she battles incest and self-hatred. She is the 14-year old daughter of affluent parents who expect her to be the perfect, well-behaved child. She can’t tell anyone what is happening to her because it would tear the family apart and ruin their image. She feels trapped. So she keeps quiet and resorts to dealing with the pain on her own terms. Cutting is her only way out.
What could Simone have done differently to change her fate and that of her family? How could she have better dealt with the shame and pain of incestuous sexual abuse? I imagine it must be extremely difficult for some to share this horrific secret, but what you don’t tell may destroy you. Check out the article below; it breaks it all down for you.
Sexual Abuse, Rape, and Incest — Finding Your Voice
By Donna Eder
Sexual exploitation takes the innocence and power from victimized children. There is a way to become empowered again. As long as an abused child remains stuck in guilt and shame, the perpetrator is still in control. The adult survivor of childhood abuse will remain a controlled victim. The key to freedom and empowerment is disclosure. Disclosure means, “telling”. Exposing the truth about sexual exploitation is the victim’s choice. No one has the right to force a victim of a sexual predator to confront him. There are a variety of methods of disclosing the sexual violence in one’s life. There is no one right way to disclose.
Since one’s trust is grossly broken in sexual abuse, rape, and incest, it is particularly important for one to carefully and delicately decide for herself how to go about “telling”. The critical point is to tell, tell in one’s own timing, and in one’s own way. Perhaps a listener will be a sister, lover, or good friend to share one’s “secret”. Perhaps the victim of sexual abuse will find help expressing her thoughts about her sexual exploitation to a teacher, minister, therapist, doctor, or another person of authority. Perhaps one will find solace through writing, painting, or composing music to disclose the pain.
One thing to keep in mind is this, “You are only as sick as the secrets you keep.” It does not matter how long it takes someone to tell. The sexual victim’s empowerment only depends on telling her story of sexual abuse, incest, and/or rape, sometime, and in some way. Now may not be the right time to disclose. There will be a right time later, when the sexually abused victim feels it is safe for her to tell her story. When one is able, take the time to disclose. Empowerment, fulfillment, and happiness throughout one’s life depend on it.
Without disclosure, the victim’s pain will stagnant and seethe, crippling one emotionally. “Survivors of abuse are six times more likely to become abusive parents. Forty-five percent of abused children become adult alcoholics.” (http://www.pcao.org/whatis/stats.cfm)
Nondisclosure has been shown to have long-term consequences for the sexually exploited. These consequences can include, but are not limited to: difficulty trusting others, trouble expressing emotions in a positive manner, difficulty coping with stress, poor impulse control, addictive behavior, destructive behavior, self mutilation, anger, anxiety, depression, PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), psychiatric disorders, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts and actions, difficulty with authority figures, sexual problems, sleep disturbance, low self esteem, isolation, shame, confusion, fear, and many other dysfunctions.
Long-term consequences can be averted, or positively transformed, through disclosure. When one expresses and tells her abuse story, she begins to have a recovery story. Telling allows the devastated soul and inner child to have a voice. A person who chooses to live victoriously validates her life with her own voice. She denounces the perpetrator and claims back the power that was so viciously stolen from her. To break free from remaining a victim of sexual exploitation, claim your voice (http://thevoicesareloud.blogspot.com).
About the Author of This Article
Donna Eder is a published author and internationally juried artist. Her passions are compassion, teaching, and creativity. She has a Master of Arts from Columbia University, NY.
To learn more about Simone, order a copy of Who Is He To You today at www.MoniqueDMensah.com
AUTHOR BIO
Monique D. Mensah is a native Detroiter with an innate love for the written word. After earning a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Michigan she completed her first manuscript, Who Is He To You. Shortly after, she launched Kisa Publishing and published her debut novel. Monique now resides in Southfield, MI where she is raising her daughter and working full-time as an enrollment counselor for a private university. She is also a freelance copywriter and copyeditor and is currently working on her second novel.
Check out Monique Mensah Online
Book: Who Is He To You; Genre: Dramatic Fiction; ISBN-13: 9780578023489
Media Room:
http://www.blackpearlsmagazine.com/moniquemensah.htm
Author Website: http://www.moniquedmensah.com
Email: monique@moniquedmensah.com
Fanclub: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=84945652309
You’ve been working on your novel for months, maybe even years, and lately you feel more discouraged than ever. Perhaps it’s the disappointment of not having finished the book yet. Maybe you don’t know where to go next with your story. Or it’s possible that you’re just physically and emotional drained from all the time and effort you’ve poured into this dream. I’ve been there!
Each time I fall into the writing dumps, I wonder if I’ll ever dig myself out. Fortunately, I always do. You’ve put too much time into this venture. Now is not the time to give up.
Here are my top five tips for re-energizing yourself when you feel like giving up.
Read Inspirational Stories About Writing and Writers
Take a writing break and read about other successful writers who weathered the storm. Here are two excellent books to get you started:
Knit Together: Discovery God’s Pattern for Your Life by Debbie Macomber.
This book was such an inspiration to me. Macomber, a best selling writer with more than 100 million books in print, openly shares her story of writing rejection. Once you read about her writing journey, you’ll close the book anxious to get back to your own novel.
Rotten Reviews & Rejections, edited by Bill Henderson and Andre Bernard.
This book shares the rejection letters and stinging reviews received by many successful and prolific writers, from Stephen King to Upton Sinclair to James Joyce and more. You’ll scratch your head at the discouraging rejection letters these wonderful writers received. They didn’t give up, and you shouldn’t either.
Don’t Strive for Perfect Prose
Many new writers think that everything that flows from their computer must be golden. Hence, if they write a few pages which doesn’t sound worthy of a Pulitzer, they’re disappointed. Forget about writing a perfect first draft. The most important part of writing is rewriting. Just concentrate on finishing a first draft. Then revise until you’re pleased with the final product.
Set a Writing Goal
Make a commitment to write a set number of pages per week. Can you commit to writing 10 or 15 pages per week? Or maybe committing to write three hours a day or three days a week works better for you. Whatever goal you set, make sure it’s realistic. Start out small and once you get into the flow of things, increase the goal. And if you fall short one week, don’t beat yourself up. There’s always next week.
Start a Writer’s Group
Put the word out that you’re looking to start a writer’s group. Tell friends, family members and colleagues that you’re looking for three or four serious writers who would like to build a supportive writing environment for themselves and other writers. You’ll probably have a lot of interest in the beginning, but only the serious writers will be around for the long haul. Establish a regular meeting time (at least once a month) and require at least two members to produce work for the group to critique each month.
Think About Your Story
Most people assume that if you’re not putting words on paper, then you’re not “writing.” I don’t feel that way. The next time you’re taking a long walk, standing in a grocery store line, or stuck in traffic, use the time to mull over your story. Think about your characters or your plot. Imagine your protagonist having a conversation. Think about how you might describe a room. Challenge yourself to invent a predicament that creates conflict for your character. If you come up with some great ideas, don’t forget to write them down.
Hang in there!
About the Author
Pamela Samuels Young is a practicing attorney and author of the thrillers, Murder on the Down Low, and the Essence bestsellers, Every Reasonable Doubt, In Firm Pursuit and Buying Time. A desire to see engaging African-American and female attorneys depicted in today's legal fiction prompted her to begin writing despite a busy legal career.
Every Reasonable Doubt won the Black Expressions Book Club's Fiction Writing Contest and In Firm Pursuit was a finalist for Best African-American Novel of 2007 by Romantic Times Book Reviews. The Compton native and former journalist is the legal columnist for Global Woman magazine and served as legal consultant to the Showtime television series Soul Food. You can find Pamela’s articles on writing at BizyMoms.com, where she is a featured fiction writing expert. Visit her website at www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com
CONTROVERSIAL NEW THRILLER TACKLES IMPORTANT TOPIC FOR BLACK WOMEN
-- Are men on the down low solely to blame for the high HIV infection rates among African-American women?
-- Is the black community ignoring the AIDS epidemic?
-- What will it take to stem the high HIV infection rates among African-American women?
-- Is promiscuity to blame for the high HIV infection rates among African-American women?
Please share your thoughts on these questions after reading the message below. Pamela Samuels Young, author of Murder on the Down Low speaks.
Los Angeles -- When Los Angeles attorney and Essence bestselling author Pamela Samuels Young began writing her third legal thriller, Murder on the Down Low (ISBN: 978-0-9815627-0-4), she was not prepared for the impact that it would have — on her.
“I consider myself fairly enlightened,” says Pamela, “but I realize now that I was completely ignorant about HIV and AIDS.”
Murder on the Down Low grapples with the devastating impact of HIV on African-American women and also takes on gay bias in the African-American community. The idea for the book stemmed from an Oprah show featuring JL King, author of On the Down Low: A Journey into the Lives of “Straight”Black Men Who Sleep With Men.
“I listened to King describe this secret world of African-American men who engage in sex with other men, but who insist that they aren’t gay and I was completely floored,” Pamela recalls.
While listening to King’s frank conversation with Oprah, Pamela’s emotions went from shock, to anger to fear. She was even more astonished to learn that African-American women were the fastest-growing segment of the AIDS population. “I just didn’t understand how that could be. Once I started talking to people, I realized that African-American women are being infected at such alarming rates because we think HIV is a gay disease that can’t touch us. That’s just not the case.”
The day after watching that Oprah show, the idea for Murder on the Down Low came to Pamela while stuck in traffic. In Murder on the Down Low, a brazen gunman is targeting prominent African-American men on the streets of L.A. The victims are all quintessential family men, well-educated, attractive and successful. But appearances can be deceiving. When the baffling murders are linked to a high-profile lawsuit, the frantic search for the killer exposes a scandalous tale of lust, lies and vengeance.
“I didn’t begin writing Murder on the Down Low with the goal of sending a message about HIV,” Pamela says. But after researching the subject, she quickly realized that the novel provided an excellent opportunity to educate as well as entertain.
“I hope readers are intrigued by the mystery that unfolds in Murder on the Down Low,” Pamela says, “but I’m also hoping they’ll learn something that might just save their lives.”
About the Author
Pamela Samuels Young, an attorney who specializes in discrimination law, is the legal columnist for Global Woman magazine and a member of the Board of Directors of the Southern California Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. The Compton native is a graduate of USC, Northwestern University ’s Medill School of Journalism and the University of California Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law. She is married and lives in the Los Angeles area.
For a review copy of Murder on the Down Low email: publicist@pamelasamuelsyoung.com
Read an excerpt of Murder on the Down Low at: www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com
Note from Ella: Author Pamela Samuels Young is available for literary events, speaking engagements, tele-conferences, bookclub chats and interviews. Submit all requests at: www.pamelasamuelsyoung.com
My Groups
-
African American by association Updated: 2 hours ago
-
The Thinking Woman Updated: 4 hours ago
-
Seeking Knowledge - Updated: 4 hours ago
