1. So, latest updates. Although this blog is under one of my pseudonyms, and I try not to mix my writing by only announcing my progress on works by a.Kai, versus my other names and psuedos, I have to announce that True Vol. 2 is finally published. I am thrilled. I submitted a short story about one of God's miracles in my life and it is the second story in the compilation (p. 27 to be exact), which was compiled and edited by Irene Dunlap, coauthor of Chicken Soup for the Soul. So, please ask for it in bookstores.
2. Back to a.Kai stuff - I submitted 5 poems to the latest poetry anthology to be release by Poetic Press, an imprint of XPress Yourself Publishing. All five were accepted - yeah!!! THe anthology is due out September 24. Please request it at bookstores, it should be in all of the local stores, but just in case, your requests mean alot.<
3. Last night I went to Karibu to ask for another anthology in which I one of my stories is included (the name of which I cannot release in the same post as True - it would be kinda tacky). So anyway, as I was standing there I over heard two black woman discussing books. While I knew that street lit had taken over, I wasn't prepared for this discussion. They pointed out books from a number of street lit publishers (skipping over Coldest Winter ever, I might add - a street lit classic, genre creating masterpiece). Then, one happened to spot a book by Connie Briscoe. The Connie Briscoe. "Uhmph, her stuff just doesn't cut it for me. She is too dry" Huh? They went on to dis every Black literature foundation writer as they touted the greatness of titles such as "Straight up Gold Digga" and "My woman, his wife."
Now, I don't want to be a literary snob, but what is happening, exactly? After they left, the few sistas in the store and I started having a heart to heart about our people and the street lit crave. I didn't realize that for some it is the "only" acceptable interesting reading material. I am trying not to judge, I mean, ....The whole experience left me sad and more worried about our folks.
3. My church opened its doors to a new gorgeous facility today. And while some may have encountered parking problems and other nightmares, which isn't that unusual, I had a great day. But while I was there this sista in front of me had a child who made some noise a few times. I am a mom, so I really wasn't paying much attention, I just noticed baby boy crying loudly a couple of times. BUT, everytime he cried the "holy" women sitting in front of her shot her the nastiest "take that child outta here" looks. What is with people? Obviously, she had pressed to be there, it isn't easy fighting to get to church with a child in the 12-18 month range. And she heard him crying and tried to attend to him. But these ghetto bamma ignorant rude nasty people would turn full around in their chair, as if her baby child were the most offensive thing there. She left, preferring to sit in the hall that continue under hostile scrutiny. And I attempted to offer her a hand, but I could tell by that point she was completely offended. And I don't blame her, because I have been in that role so many times. I have so many emotions about that situation, because the folks looking were older and obviously childless. Once they ran her out of church, they turned around, right back into "holy women" role nodding their hands and clapping with the pastor. Obviously missing the entire point of the message. While being childless may give them some reason to sit on their high horse and scrutinize, they are also the ones missing out. Enuff said.
4. Speaking of children, my girlfriend brought her baby girl by to see us. I haven't seen her since baby girl was born. I couldn't visit, because the germ pool that is my household maintained some type of cold, stomach virus, pink eye nonesense the first two months of baby girls life. She is absolutely beautiful. Just beautiful. I wanted to keep her, until my son said," put her down mom, we don't need any more." But, I have to admit, just holding her led me to a moment of insanity, wanting just one more. (I have five- so I really am tripping). But, what a blessing.
SO I have a number of things on the horizon. In total I am in 3 books in bookstores and 10 anthologies and compilations. I am shopping one novel and drafting another novel for a publishing company. I have been tremendously blessed.
5. I don't think I am doing NANOWRIMO this year. But please, those of you who are, keep me posted on your progress.
Talk to you soon
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