Writers tend to focus on the creative process and creative people can be all over the place with ideas and projects. Inspiration will come at you anytime and anywhere, so it is important to be ready for the charge of creativity and have a place to put it all!
One tool that I have found to be incredibly helpful was a 3 ring binder.My novel notebook. Sound simple? It is. A three ring binder with dividers and loose leaf paper in each section.
For the purposes of novel writing, I divide my binder into synopsis, characters, locations, research, chapters, notes, misc. Based on each section is where I store and compile my information. I also find pictures that remind me of my characters, news articles, magazine pieces and info from the internet all put in their appropriate section for easy reference.
My character bios would be included in the character section and so on. My short descriptions of what occurs in each chapter would be included in that chapter section.
This way all of your information for your novel is always in one place and when your are done with your novel, you can take all of the inserts out, file them away, and your novel notebook is ready for your next masterpiece.
And that's Tuesday's Tip
Monday, December 29, 2008
Intimate Monday with Victor McGlothin
Victor, thank you so much for being part of Intimate Mondays. I know that readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work. So let's get started.
1. What is a typical writing day like for you?
I generally write three to four days a week, starting with a workout while I read over the previous chapter written to stay in the zone. Then, I’ll lock onto the computer from 3-5 solid hours until either my head pops or I finish a chapter. If there is any time left, I catch a movie.
2. Do you need anything special to write? Quiet, music, a special place?
I write to music, usually soundtracks or female vocalists because their pain and growth comes in crystal clear.
3. What is the one thing about you that people would be surprised to know?
Uh… that I get up at 6:30, fix breakfast and get the boys off to school, no matter what time I got to bed the night before.
4. What is your writing process? How does a novel begin for you?
I bang out a one page storyline (what it’s about and how it should affect the reader), then I bang out an outline which usually takes about an hour. Before I write the first word, I know how it begins and ends (in between, things tend to move around a bit).
5. Where did you grow up and do you think it has impacted/influenced your writing?
I grew up in Oak Cliff, Dallas… very humble beginnings. It did allow me to see several layers of life from too much illegal money to boosting chickens from the grocer. Also, it taught me too respect people despite their hard times or mine.
6. Do you have siblings? And if so where do you fit into the mix?
I have two sisters, one older and one younger. They really dig my work and hype it every chance they get but both of them are terrified that their personal business will end up in my novels. Never happen… I can lie too good on my own without heisting second-hand dirt.
7. If you could choose a profession other than writing, what would it be?
I’m looking forward to teaching creative writing on the college level.
8. What is your definition of success?
It used to be getting a book deal and keeping the lights on. Ten books later, it’s staying in the game without missing a beat… and keeping the lights on.
9. Who did you share your first kiss with and when?
Ooh, for real… first kiss? Fifth grade behind the elementary school with Bobbi Eatman… it lasted 2 minutes. I was timed by my best friends who both wanted next up. Yeah, Bobbi was a hottie.
10. If you could have dinner with someone living or dead, who would it be with and what would you want to know?
I would love to sit down with Jesus, break bread and ask him how hard it was knowing that Judas would dime him out to the Roman soldiers.
11. Your favorite past time?
I really dig old movies… good movies.
12. What is your greatest fear?
My greatest fear is not being able to look out for and provide for my children.
13. What writers have influenced you and in what way?
Valerie Wesley Wilson, Walter Mosley and John Grisham because of the way they tell a story by making you walk in the character’s shoes. Regardless of the characters status or lack thereof, readers get something from each of them. No wasted words. No fluff.
14. What is one book that you would insist that everyone read? (other than your own) And why?
Every reader should read Walter Mosley’s “Little Yellow Dog” because it’s a masterpiece and the best of his ‘Easy Rawlings’ series.
15. Your favorite fictional character from someone else's book.
Easy Rawlins.
16. Who is your favorite character from one of your novels?
Baltimore Floyd for “Borrow Trouble” and “Ms. Etta’s Fast House.”
17. What do you want readers to take away from your work--other than being entertained?
I’m a teacher at heart so I want my readers to be enlighten while entertained.
18. Your favorite saying?
When a man is ready to marry, no one can stop him including his mama. If he isn’t ready to marry, no one can make him including his mama.
19. Your favorite curse word?
Ass: as in big and dumb.
20 What is the best advice you've ever received?
Be significant and success will follow.
21. One thing that always pisses you off?
Somebody lying on me. If I didn’t hit it, don’t go around saying I did!
22. What are you currently working on and when can readers expect to see it?
“Women of Newberry” is the current name. It’s my eleventh book and the prequel to my very first. I know, that’s a trip that my career has come full circle. I’ll be finished with this novel by Christmas but it won’t hit the shelves until some time in ‘09. Look out for “Sinful Too” in Oct. 08.
23. Where do you see yourself in five years and how do you plan to get there?
I plan on sitting on at least 5 movies sold by then. Starting this January, I will start writing screenplays.
24. If there was only one thing in the world that you could change what would it be?
Laws about men walking out on their children. There aren’t any.
25. If you had the chance to go back and do something over in your life, what would it be?
I would have taken the movie role offered in “Any Given Sunday” rather than the management position with AT&T that happened to be a joke (that’s why they bombed). Yes, I landed a speaking role with one month of guaranteed pay to shoot on location.
Victor McGlothin lives in the Dallas area with his wife and kids. He left a Vice President position with a bank to pursue writing. So far, so good.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Happy Kwanzaa
Greetings One & All,
I do hope that those of you who celebrate Christmas had a joyous one and that we all will have health, happiness and at least some prosperity in the new year.
Today, December 26 is the first day of Kwanzaa. For the next six days, each of the principles are celebrated. And even if we do not "officially" celebrate Kwanzaa, the principles that it represents are worth living on a daily basis.
NGUZO SABA
(The Seven Principles)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Umoja (Unity)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
Nia (Purpose)
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Kuumba (Creativity)
To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
Imani (Faith)
To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
I do hope that those of you who celebrate Christmas had a joyous one and that we all will have health, happiness and at least some prosperity in the new year.
Today, December 26 is the first day of Kwanzaa. For the next six days, each of the principles are celebrated. And even if we do not "officially" celebrate Kwanzaa, the principles that it represents are worth living on a daily basis.
NGUZO SABA
(The Seven Principles)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Umoja (Unity)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.
Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak for ourselves.
Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
To build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together.
Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
To build and maintain our own stores, shops and other businesses and to profit from them together.
Nia (Purpose)
To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness.
Kuumba (Creativity)
To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.
Imani (Faith)
To believe with all our heart in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tuesdays Tip
Hello,
Today's writing tip is, to me, one of the basics that any author should master and that is the synopsis. I've often heard aspiring writers say that a synopsis will stifle their creativity. I say, not having one is like taking a trip to a place you have never been without any direction on how to get there.
The synopsis is not meant to chain you to every word or every scene. Rather it is your road map, your guide to take you through your story without multiple detours and distractions.
A synopsis can be as tight or as loose as you wish. But there are some basics that should be included:
The names of your major characters and their role
The theme or thread that holds your story together
The high points/crisis of your story
How your major characters are going to overcome the obstacles you've put in front of them
How you envision your story beginning and the road to resolution
A synopsis is written in present tense. The opening paragraph(ideally) should read the way you would want the blurb on the back of your book to read.
A synopsis tells your story to its conclusion
It should be no more than 3-5 double-spaced pages (for the average commercial fiction novel--longer for sagas)
For anyone thinking about sending their manuscript to a traditional publishing house, mastering the art of the synopsis is crucial. It is the first thing the editor looks for to decide if they want to read your manuscript. It should be your best writing.
For those who go the self-publishing route, the synopsis still serves the purpose of a guide. It will give your story form, and a line to follow which helps to keep you, the writer focused on the chronological progression of the story.
Don't be put off by the thought of the synopsis. You can adjust it as you make adjustments in your novel. Think of it as your road map to your ultimate goal: a completed novel that works!
Today's writing tip is, to me, one of the basics that any author should master and that is the synopsis. I've often heard aspiring writers say that a synopsis will stifle their creativity. I say, not having one is like taking a trip to a place you have never been without any direction on how to get there.
The synopsis is not meant to chain you to every word or every scene. Rather it is your road map, your guide to take you through your story without multiple detours and distractions.
A synopsis can be as tight or as loose as you wish. But there are some basics that should be included:
The names of your major characters and their role
The theme or thread that holds your story together
The high points/crisis of your story
How your major characters are going to overcome the obstacles you've put in front of them
How you envision your story beginning and the road to resolution
A synopsis is written in present tense. The opening paragraph(ideally) should read the way you would want the blurb on the back of your book to read.
A synopsis tells your story to its conclusion
It should be no more than 3-5 double-spaced pages (for the average commercial fiction novel--longer for sagas)
For anyone thinking about sending their manuscript to a traditional publishing house, mastering the art of the synopsis is crucial. It is the first thing the editor looks for to decide if they want to read your manuscript. It should be your best writing.
For those who go the self-publishing route, the synopsis still serves the purpose of a guide. It will give your story form, and a line to follow which helps to keep you, the writer focused on the chronological progression of the story.
Don't be put off by the thought of the synopsis. You can adjust it as you make adjustments in your novel. Think of it as your road map to your ultimate goal: a completed novel that works!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Intimate Monday with author Taressa Stovall
Taressa,
Thank you so much for being part of Intimate Mondays. I know readers will love getting to know you.
1. What is a typical writing day like for you?
When time permits, I take time to look over what I've written the day before, then at my outline/note cards, and spend a few minutes meditating (either sitting quietly or while walking the dog) on what I want to write for the day. What challenges are my characters facing, how will I make their dilemmas compelling, etc.
2. Do you need anything special to write? Quiet, music, a special place?
Mostly quiet, sometimes music. No special place, just anywhere people won't talk to or bother me.
3. What is the one thing about you that people would be surprised to know?
That although I'm not Christian, I love and collect Christmas music. And sometimes play it throughout the year!
4. What is your writing process? How does a novel begin for you?
A novel (or any writing project) begins as an itch, a burning question, an annoyance and/or an attitude of "I can tackle that subject better" than another writer has. Also something I want to play with, explore and tease people's minds with.
5. Where did you grow up and do you think it has impacted/influenced your writing?
I grew up in Seattle, Washington. Seattle is a great place for any creative person--the city itself is eccentric, moody, very creative, funky, diverse and challenging. Also, very literate: every few years some survey is released that says folks in Seattle drink more coffee (home of Starbucks), see more movies, read more books and wear more sunglasses than the rest of the country. Seattle is full of quirks and ironies, which I hope describes my writing.
6. Do you have siblings? And if so where do you fit into the mix?
I have a younger brother and an older half-sister, but my sister is like 20 years older than me with kids my age so I'm a VERY typical first-born child of a single mom!
7. If you could choose a profession other than writing, what would it be?
Producing for TV, film & radio.
8. What is your definition of success?
Doing what I love, living on purpose, with enough money/wealth/resources to enjoy people and writing and dancing and appreciating life. Being able to immerse myself fully in my creative endeavors.
9. Who did you share your first kiss with and when?
Ray Taylor. I was about 14. He was a local boy who professed to like me a lot. The kiss was nothing interesting, but I felt I'd reached a milestone.
10. If you could have dinner with someone living or dead, who would it be with and what would you want to know? Nelson Mandela. I'd want to know anything he chose to share. He's my favorite living hero, because of how he has lived his life and the fact that he walked out of prison to lead his nation and in so doing, changed the world.
11. Your favorite past time?
Reading, writing, dancing, hanging with my kids and friends.
12. What is your greatest fear?
The same as any parent: losing a child.
13. What writers have influenced you and in what way?
Ntozake Shange: The sheer force and genius of her wordplay never ceases to amaze. Langston Hughes: my first Black poet, demonstrated the music in words and the power of simplicity. Gwendolyn Brooks: Class, brilliance, such talent. And subtlety in writing. Pearl Cleage: Her unwavering sense of purpose, quietly powerful voice, sense of humor, politics and her steadfast belief in the wonders of true love. Donna Hill: Writing that is stylish, sexy, romantic and funny. David E. Kelley (TV): The way he dives into complex issues and character contradictions is simply the best.
14. What is one book that you would insist that everyone read? (other than your own) And why?
Every Black person: The Spook Who Sat by the Door by Sam Greenlee. Everyone in general: The Prophet by Khalil Gibran.
15. Your favorite fictional character from someone else's book.
Only one? C'mon! OK, um.......Janie Crawford, "Their Eyes Are Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston.I'd love to hang out with her for awhile.
16. Who is your favorite character from one of your novels?
I only have one novel, THE HOT SPOT, that's been published. So let's see...I think my protagonist, Kendra D. Harrell, because she's a very entertaining mess and I loved having her in my head.
17. What do you want readers to take away from your work--other than being entertained?
This varies with each work. With THE HOT SPOT, a sense of fun and sensuality. In general, I want people to feel or think something specific, and to feel uplifted in each way and happy to have hung out with my characters for awhile.
18. Your favorite saying?
How can I not be aware of this? I should ask my children. OK, I think it's "Thank God!" Seriously.Then again, I'm always reminding folks of all races of what Malcolm told us: "South of Canada is South." And lately I've taken to quoting Jay-Z: "Only God can judge me, so either love me or leave me alone."
19. Your favorite curse word?
The one I use most often and can't live without? Shit. The most fun to say? Ri-damn-diculous.
20 What is the best advice you've ever received?
Turn a negative into a positve.
21. One thing that always pisses you off?
People who deliberately harm others, especially children and women.
22. What are you currently working on and when can readers expect to see it?
When? Not sure. The sequel to THE HOT SPOT. More hilarious and sexy troubles for Atlanta's most divalicous sistahs.
23. Where do you see yourself in five years and how do you plan to get there?
Writing my books and and producing (TV, film, radio, theater).
24. If there was only one thing in the world that you could change what would it be?
In the world about the world? That we humans had been living more in concert with Mother Nature and were not busy destroying the planet. So that's the main thing I'm ready to work to change on a global scale. 'Cause if we can't live here, nothing else really matters much.
25. If you had the chance to go back and do something over in your life, what would it be?
I would be better at setting boundaries and standing up for myself in relationships with men. Oh, and I would have invested my divorce money into something like a Curves franchise.
Now, tell us a bit about your current book on the shelves and why should readers buy it?
OTHER PEOPLE'S SKIN: Four Novellas, with Tracy Price-Thompson, Elizabeth Atkins and Desiree Cooper, presents four very diverse tales of how the skin/hair thang affects Black women and ways in which we can begin to heal this left-over legacy from slavery. Readers should buy it because, unfortunately, this is still very much an issue for us as a people, it's genuinely entertaining and uplifting, and we need to resolve this issue and get to the really urgent things facing us as a people, a nation and a world.
TaRessa Stovall, a writer since age 7, has been a writer all her life. In addiition to honing her skills in such positions as Director of Public Relations for Spelman College; Speechwriter for former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Louis Sullivan; and Director of Communications for the Children's Defense Fund Black Community Crusade for Children, TaRessa has authored an eclectic array of books. These include co-editing and contributing to Other People's Skin: Four Novellas; contributing to the upcoming On the Line by Donna Hill; her debut novel, The Hot Spot; co-editing the short story anthology Other People's Skin; co-authoring A Love Supreme: Real Life Stories of Black Love; authoring a children's history text, The Buffalo Soldiers; and co-authoring a health book, Catching Good Health: An Introduction to Homeopathic Medicine. A native of Seattle and graduate of The Evergreen State College, TaRessa also published Soulsong, a collection of poetry, in her teens.Today, TaRessa is Community Editor of The Montclair Times newspaper and lives with her family in Montclair, NJ. Visit TaRessa at taressa.com, and learn more about Other People's Skin at empowerourselves.org.
Love, gratitude and blessings,
T
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Publishing Certificate Program
The Publishing Industry is Looking for You!
Certificate in Publishing Program
Adult and Continuing Education (ACE)
School of Professional and Community Development
Sponsored by the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College
For INFORMATION or REGISTRATION: 718.270.6400 – Adult and Continuing Education
Publishing Certificate: The Publishing Certificate Program, created by the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, provides students with an awareness of the publishing industry in totality and the skills to obtain an entry level position. Students will have an opportunity to take courses with experts in the field. Required courses include an overview of the publishing industry, online publishing, copyediting, the role of the agent and graphics and typography. Students are also encouraged to take an internship. The Program is designed to increase the percentage of writers of color in the publishing industry.
Admissions Criteria: A minimum of a high school diploma is required and an AA degree or the equivalents are desirable. Students should be motivated and highly proficient in English and should be interested in the book business. All students admitted to the program will be required to submit with their registration an essay describing their interest in the program.
Course Requirements: Students must complete required courses 1) Introduction to Publishing 2) Online Publishing/New Media Workshop 3) Fundamentals of Copyediting 4) Role of the Agent to attain certification.* Students may enroll in individual courses, ranging from 2 to 7 sessions.
Introduction to Publishing $295
____________________________
This course will introduce students to the world of book publishing. Students will study the current issues in the publishing world, including the impact of bookstore chains, consolidations and international conglomerates, and alternative publishing ventures. Students will also examine the economic, financial, and marketing issues related to publishing and the role of the editor, agent, author, and graphics designer in the publishing industry.
ED-PC100 March 20th Friday, 6:00– 9:00 p.m. ( 7 sessions)
Online Publishing/New $150
Media Workshop
____________________________
This fast-paced, hands-on workshop will be an introduction to basic skills in online journalism for media and non-media professionals. The two-hour, once a week course will allow students to upgrade or learn new skills through group discussions, case studies and hands-on sessions. In addition to ethical and theoretical issues in online newsgathering and the changing media landscape, the course will focus on the basics of Web design using standard industry tools. (Students will be required to work in the computer lab).
ED-PC101 March 24th Tuesday, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. ( 5 sessions)
Fundamentals of $150
Copyediting
____________________________
The course will help students develop the editing skills required for trade, reference, and other types of print work, as well as those of online editing. The course will cover standard proofreader’s and copy editor’s marks; common word usage problems; style sheets or house styles; use of reference works; and the interrelationship of copy editor and editor to production editor.
ED-PC102 March 25th Wednesday, 6:00 – 9:00 pm ( 3 sessions)
Role of the Agent $150
____________________________
The literary agent has become one of the most important players in the book-publishing world. Topics include an overview of the agent’s role and functions; how to become an agent; steps in the acquisition process; specifics of contracts and contract negotiations; subsidiary rights; genre publishing; packaging; and the editor’s perspective on the agent’s role.
ED-PC103 April 24th Thursdays, 6:00pm – 9:00 pm ( 4 sessions)
Graphics and Typography $150
____________________________
This course will examine how books are designed both from the inside typeface and flaps to the outside covers and flaps; the reasoning behind key decisions on author’s photo placement, cover lines and use of fonts and color.
ED-PC104 April 1st Wednesdays, 6:00 – 9:00 pm (3 sessions)
History of Blacks in $100
Publishing
____________________________
This elective course is an overview of the role that blacks have played in both the established publishing industry, and the black owned press.
ED-PC105 Tuesdays, 6:00 – 8:00 pm (2 sessions)
Publishing Internship $295
____________________________
This internship provides an opportunity for students to apply their skills in the workplace or in an organization related to publishing. Students are supported by scheduled meetings with the Publishing Certificate Program Director.
ED-PC106
TOTAL: (Publishing) $895: Total cost if paid all at once, including processing fee and certificate fee. Courses may be taken on an individual basis without applying to the Certificate Program.
Registration is on a first come first serve basis. Non-refundable $25 application fee applicable. For Certificate Program Candidates: At the time of registration, bring a copy of a GED or High School Diploma.
Visit us online at www.mec.cuny.edu/spcd/ace to print out the registration form and send it by mail, fax or email.
FIVE EASY WAYS TO REGISTER
Phone –In: 718.270.6400 – Register by phone with Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express
Walk-In: Register in person at Medgar Evers College, 1150 Carroll Street, Room 111
Fax: 718.270.6187 – Register by fax with Visa MasterCard, Discover Card, or American Express
Mail –In: Register by mail by completing the attached registration form
Online: Visit our website at www.mec.cuny.edu/spcd/ace to print out the registration form and send it by mail, fax or email.
By Mail:
Medgar Evers College
The City University of New York
School of Professional and Community Development
Adult and Continuing Education
1150 Carroll ST., Room 111
Brooklyn, NY 11225
Contact ACE For information or registration: 718.270.6400
MAIL SUBMISSIONS TO:
THE CENTER FOR BLACK LITERATURE
Dr. Brenda M. Greene, Executive Director
1650 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
Phone: 718-270-6976
WRITERS@MEC.CUNY.EDU
Certificate in Publishing Program
Adult and Continuing Education (ACE)
School of Professional and Community Development
Sponsored by the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College
For INFORMATION or REGISTRATION: 718.270.6400 – Adult and Continuing Education
Publishing Certificate: The Publishing Certificate Program, created by the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College, provides students with an awareness of the publishing industry in totality and the skills to obtain an entry level position. Students will have an opportunity to take courses with experts in the field. Required courses include an overview of the publishing industry, online publishing, copyediting, the role of the agent and graphics and typography. Students are also encouraged to take an internship. The Program is designed to increase the percentage of writers of color in the publishing industry.
Admissions Criteria: A minimum of a high school diploma is required and an AA degree or the equivalents are desirable. Students should be motivated and highly proficient in English and should be interested in the book business. All students admitted to the program will be required to submit with their registration an essay describing their interest in the program.
Course Requirements: Students must complete required courses 1) Introduction to Publishing 2) Online Publishing/New Media Workshop 3) Fundamentals of Copyediting 4) Role of the Agent to attain certification.* Students may enroll in individual courses, ranging from 2 to 7 sessions.
Introduction to Publishing $295
____________________________
This course will introduce students to the world of book publishing. Students will study the current issues in the publishing world, including the impact of bookstore chains, consolidations and international conglomerates, and alternative publishing ventures. Students will also examine the economic, financial, and marketing issues related to publishing and the role of the editor, agent, author, and graphics designer in the publishing industry.
ED-PC100 March 20th Friday, 6:00– 9:00 p.m. ( 7 sessions)
Online Publishing/New $150
Media Workshop
____________________________
This fast-paced, hands-on workshop will be an introduction to basic skills in online journalism for media and non-media professionals. The two-hour, once a week course will allow students to upgrade or learn new skills through group discussions, case studies and hands-on sessions. In addition to ethical and theoretical issues in online newsgathering and the changing media landscape, the course will focus on the basics of Web design using standard industry tools. (Students will be required to work in the computer lab).
ED-PC101 March 24th Tuesday, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. ( 5 sessions)
Fundamentals of $150
Copyediting
____________________________
The course will help students develop the editing skills required for trade, reference, and other types of print work, as well as those of online editing. The course will cover standard proofreader’s and copy editor’s marks; common word usage problems; style sheets or house styles; use of reference works; and the interrelationship of copy editor and editor to production editor.
ED-PC102 March 25th Wednesday, 6:00 – 9:00 pm ( 3 sessions)
Role of the Agent $150
____________________________
The literary agent has become one of the most important players in the book-publishing world. Topics include an overview of the agent’s role and functions; how to become an agent; steps in the acquisition process; specifics of contracts and contract negotiations; subsidiary rights; genre publishing; packaging; and the editor’s perspective on the agent’s role.
ED-PC103 April 24th Thursdays, 6:00pm – 9:00 pm ( 4 sessions)
Graphics and Typography $150
____________________________
This course will examine how books are designed both from the inside typeface and flaps to the outside covers and flaps; the reasoning behind key decisions on author’s photo placement, cover lines and use of fonts and color.
ED-PC104 April 1st Wednesdays, 6:00 – 9:00 pm (3 sessions)
History of Blacks in $100
Publishing
____________________________
This elective course is an overview of the role that blacks have played in both the established publishing industry, and the black owned press.
ED-PC105 Tuesdays, 6:00 – 8:00 pm (2 sessions)
Publishing Internship $295
____________________________
This internship provides an opportunity for students to apply their skills in the workplace or in an organization related to publishing. Students are supported by scheduled meetings with the Publishing Certificate Program Director.
ED-PC106
TOTAL: (Publishing) $895: Total cost if paid all at once, including processing fee and certificate fee. Courses may be taken on an individual basis without applying to the Certificate Program.
Registration is on a first come first serve basis. Non-refundable $25 application fee applicable. For Certificate Program Candidates: At the time of registration, bring a copy of a GED or High School Diploma.
Visit us online at www.mec.cuny.edu/spcd/ace to print out the registration form and send it by mail, fax or email.
FIVE EASY WAYS TO REGISTER
Phone –In: 718.270.6400 – Register by phone with Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express
Walk-In: Register in person at Medgar Evers College, 1150 Carroll Street, Room 111
Fax: 718.270.6187 – Register by fax with Visa MasterCard, Discover Card, or American Express
Mail –In: Register by mail by completing the attached registration form
Online: Visit our website at www.mec.cuny.edu/spcd/ace to print out the registration form and send it by mail, fax or email.
By Mail:
Medgar Evers College
The City University of New York
School of Professional and Community Development
Adult and Continuing Education
1150 Carroll ST., Room 111
Brooklyn, NY 11225
Contact ACE For information or registration: 718.270.6400
MAIL SUBMISSIONS TO:
THE CENTER FOR BLACK LITERATURE
Dr. Brenda M. Greene, Executive Director
1650 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
Phone: 718-270-6976
WRITERS@MEC.CUNY.EDU
Monday, December 15, 2008
Holiday Contest Winners!!!
The winners of my first ever holiday contest were selected today. I was so very pleased by the number of people who sent me the proof of purchase for SEDUCTION & LIES. I only wish I could give out prizes to every one who entered!
Well here we go.....
1st. Prize Linda Allen, from Baltimore Maryland--Victoria Secret Gift
Certificate
2nd Prize Michele Asbury from Conway, S.C.-- Gift Basket of Body Products from Sand & Silk
3rd Prize Danyell Legaux from Stanton, CA-- Autographed copies of 3 of my hardcover novels.
Thanks to all who supported me during the release of Seduction and Lies and throughout the years and thanks to everyone who participated in my very first holiday contest! Congrats to all the winners.
Happy holidays!
Well here we go.....
1st. Prize Linda Allen, from Baltimore Maryland--Victoria Secret Gift
Certificate
2nd Prize Michele Asbury from Conway, S.C.-- Gift Basket of Body Products from Sand & Silk
3rd Prize Danyell Legaux from Stanton, CA-- Autographed copies of 3 of my hardcover novels.
Thanks to all who supported me during the release of Seduction and Lies and throughout the years and thanks to everyone who participated in my very first holiday contest! Congrats to all the winners.
Happy holidays!
BUSTED!
This is just for laughs. Sent to me by my good friend Gwynne Forster
A Southern preacher said to his congregation, 'Someone in this congregation has spread a rumor that I belong to the Ku Klux Klan. This is a horrible lie and one which a Christian community cannot tolerate. I am embarrassed and do not intend to accept this. Now, I want the party who did this to stand and ask forgiveness from God and this Christian Family.'
No one moved. The preacher continued, 'Do you have the nerve to face me and admit this is a falsehood? Remember, you will be forgiven and in your heart you will feel glory. Now stand and confess your transgression.' Again all was quiet.
Then slowly, a drop-dead gorgeous blonde with a body that would stop traffic rose from the third pew! . Her head was bowed and her voice quivered as she spoke, 'Reverend there has been a terrible misunderstanding. I never said you were a member of the Ku Klux Klan. I simply told a couple of my friends that you were a wizard under the sheets.'
The preacher fell to his knees, his wife fainted, and the congregation roared!
www.gwynneforster.com
A Southern preacher said to his congregation, 'Someone in this congregation has spread a rumor that I belong to the Ku Klux Klan. This is a horrible lie and one which a Christian community cannot tolerate. I am embarrassed and do not intend to accept this. Now, I want the party who did this to stand and ask forgiveness from God and this Christian Family.'
No one moved. The preacher continued, 'Do you have the nerve to face me and admit this is a falsehood? Remember, you will be forgiven and in your heart you will feel glory. Now stand and confess your transgression.' Again all was quiet.
Then slowly, a drop-dead gorgeous blonde with a body that would stop traffic rose from the third pew! . Her head was bowed and her voice quivered as she spoke, 'Reverend there has been a terrible misunderstanding. I never said you were a member of the Ku Klux Klan. I simply told a couple of my friends that you were a wizard under the sheets.'
The preacher fell to his knees, his wife fainted, and the congregation roared!
www.gwynneforster.com
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Virtual Tours and Events
As we depend more and more on technology to keep us connected, there are many groups and individuals who are using technology to the utmost. I had the pleasure this past week of participating in The Grits.com and All the Buzz Book Reviews "Santa Baby tour." It was fun, professional and in addition Marlive Harris (Ms. Grits) actually gave all the participants a breakdown of how many hits the site received, unique page views and more. Which really shows the effectiveness of virtual tours when they are promoted well and folks participate.
Simultaneously Tee Royal of Rawsistaz was hosting an online conference that was fabulous to say the least. The level of information and interaction was amazing. Even, for me, having been around for a minute learned a bunch of stuff. It was great.
The links to both of these wonderful online events are located here on my blog in earlier posts. I'm sure if you check them out you will still be able to see some of the information, listen to some spicy reading and learn tons about the industry.
LaShaunda Hoffman of SOR Mag is also a major player in online promotion and workshops, as well as Yasmin Coleman of APOOO and of course Ella Curry of EDC Creations. Ella also hosts coaching classes for those who want some one-on-one info on promotion. (Check out Rawsistaz Affair on line conference to download Ella's tips)
So please be sure to support these dynamic women who are doing the damn thing!!
Simultaneously Tee Royal of Rawsistaz was hosting an online conference that was fabulous to say the least. The level of information and interaction was amazing. Even, for me, having been around for a minute learned a bunch of stuff. It was great.
The links to both of these wonderful online events are located here on my blog in earlier posts. I'm sure if you check them out you will still be able to see some of the information, listen to some spicy reading and learn tons about the industry.
LaShaunda Hoffman of SOR Mag is also a major player in online promotion and workshops, as well as Yasmin Coleman of APOOO and of course Ella Curry of EDC Creations. Ella also hosts coaching classes for those who want some one-on-one info on promotion. (Check out Rawsistaz Affair on line conference to download Ella's tips)
So please be sure to support these dynamic women who are doing the damn thing!!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Rawsistaz Online Writers Conference!!
Hey hey everyone! Don't forget our readers & writers conference going on this week ONLINE. We have a well-rounded group of participants, great panels & workshops, as well as book discussions, spotlights and more. This is our first event being held online, but hopefully it'll be just as much fun as our other six offline events have been. Hope you can join us!
RAWSISTAZ Literary Group presents
their 7th Annual Readers & Writers Conference
The RAW Affair 2008 ONLINE
December 8-13, 2008
http://www.rawsistaz-affair.com
RAWSISTAZ Literary Group presents
their 7th Annual Readers & Writers Conference
The RAW Affair 2008 ONLINE
December 8-13, 2008
http://www.rawsistaz-affair.com
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Marlive Harris of The Grits.com
Marlive Harris founder of The Grits.com took time out to share some of her internet wisdom with me and my readers on the benefits of virtual marketing. Check it out.
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