Thursday, January 31, 2008

Books are Deceiving

This is a re-post of my article on Blogging in Black

Over the years I must admit that I got swept up in the misconception that the book was a reflection of the writer. How stupid and prejudicial of me, being a writer myself and having told countless people that the stories and the characters that I write about are not me or my life. Yet, I fell into the very mindset that I’d vehemently shouted against–when it came to me.

As with anything,it takes a major jolt, a reality check to jar prejudice from its roots. My jarring came during a bus trip that I took this past summer–the Soul Expression Bus Tour.

The tour was the first of its kind–a bus load of African American writers doing a sweep of Wal-Mart stores in three cities. The trip, the response, the sales, the fans were phenomenal. The trip was historical and has been regarded as the most successful tour that Levy books as done to date.

But during that tour, sharing that time and space with all level of writers and all genres I was afforded an up close and personal opportunity to see beyond the wall of prejudice I’d erected regarding certain writers and their work. And what I discovered changed my mind and attitude. These writers were nothing like the characters on the page or the stories they depicted.

These were smart, classy, fun-loving women who found a niche, mastered it and soared to success. They are brilliant business women who were so kind and giving to me in sharing ideas, offering suggestions and even their help. But most of all they offered friendship.

The bus tour was historic in many ways. For me, it was a turning point, an awakening. I’m happy that I went. I’m grateful that I had the chance to have my eyes and my heart opened. It’s easy to look at something or someone and make a blanket judgment based on personal prejudices or preconceived notions. After all it’s been done to us for centuries.

But now especially during Black History month when we look at where we were and how far we’ve come, it’s a good time to remind ourselves that we have enough against us, out there and we don’t need to be against each other.

I learned a lot during that tour and hopefully I have made some new friends that will last me a lifetime.

On the Line on AOL Black Voices!!!

On The Line featured on AOL Black Voices More than Words by Felicia Pride.

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http://www.blackvoices.com/blogs/2008/01/31/on-the-line-with-donna-hill/

Sunday, January 20, 2008

The Turn Out Was Great


Thanks so all those who came out in the bitter cold to visit us at Hue Man Bookstore in Harlem. The discussion on relationships, the state of black literature and where we are going was inspiring and eye-opening. The brothers from The Flow are awesome!!

My First Book Signing for the Year

Hey Fam,

Well today I venture out on my first booksigning for the new year. Can I just say that even after 18 years in the biz, booksignings still freak me out!! Yes, it's true. I still get the butterflies and the racing heart and that old feeling.... who the heck is gonna come out and see me? sniff.

But I am going to put my best foot forward and head over to Hue Man Books in Harlem. I'm on a panel with Gloria Mallette and Kenda Bell.

So wish us well.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Getting it Together for 2008

Well, the new year is here. I try not to make resolutions that I know I will eventually break. However, I know I need to buckle down. I have several writing projects on my plate and even though the year has just started (two weeks ago), I'm already behind.

There once was a time when I could truly multitask without breaking a sweat! Ha, ha... now I sweat more than task... if ya know what I mean.

So learning to adjust to my new physical self has forced me to reevaluate my mental self and remember that I may get better with age, but there's just some things I can't do anymore...

Like say party Thurs, Fri, Sat and into Sunday morning... get up on Monday and go to work. If I did that now I'd get to work, but on a stretcher!

Or you could remember birthdays, phone numbers, addresses and names without having a million gadgets to store them on. Now... shoot, I can barely remember what I'm supposed to do next!

But life goes on. It's all about change anyway. I'm enjoying mine.. at least when I'm not too tired and get remember what the hell it is I'm supposed to be enjoying!

Friday, January 04, 2008

We're Back with Part Two

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We had a GREAT TIME last week...we hope to have an AWESOME time this week...so come out and join us this Sunday as we chat with the rest of the authors from On the Line!

"On the Line" Telephone Chat
with Donna Hill and Friends
January 6, 2008
Sunday, 8PM - 9PM EST
Call-In Number: 1-712-580-1800
Access Code: 961958

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Yasmin
www.apooo.org
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