FOR WRITERS | Why You — Yes, You Who Aced English — Need an Editor
Excerpted from the Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success
By Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the HowToDoItFrugally series
“Publishers — even traditional publishers — do not want to edit anymore; they want to print a 99.9 percent finished product directly from the author. It’s a cost-cutting thing. Many publishers can’t afford to give your book that attention they once did.” ~ Leora Krygier, twice-published literary author reviewed in the likes of Newsweek and featured on Connie Martinson Talks Books.
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SNEAK PEEK | Obama: From Promise to Power
Obama: From Promise to Power
By David Mendell
David Mendell has covered Obama since the beginning of his campaign for the Senate and as a result enjoys far�reaching access to the new Senator��both his professional and personal life. He uses this access to paint a very intimate portrait of Obama and his life pre and post Senate, including Obama’s new status as a sex symbol now that going into a crowd to shake hands with constituents carries the added concern of being groped by women, and the toll this has had on his marriage. Mendell also describes the dirty tactics sanctioned by Obama��who has steeped his image and reputation on the ideals of clean politics and good government �� to win his Senate seat by employing David Axelrod, a Chicago�based political consultant (consultant to the John Edwards’s campaign) with what the author describes as “an appetite for the Big Kill.”
Mendell also positions Barack Obama as in fact the Savior of a fumbling Democratic party, who is potentially orchestrating a career in Senate to guarantee him at the very least a vice presidential nod, if not a nod for the top job in 2008. The dream ticket would be Hilary Clinton�Barack Obama given his reception at the Democratic National Convention in 2004. Because he enjoys popularity among Whites (particularly suburban White women) and Blacks, it might not be such a far�fetched idea.
LITERARY NEWS | Grandma Buddy’s House
PICTURE MEMORY BOOK INSPIRES CHILDREN TO READ AND WRITE
Bronx, NY (BlackNews.com) – Grandma Buddy’s House is a beautiful loving picture book written and illustrated by Betty Stallings-Murray. The author, Grandma Buddy, focuses on her own family and the excitement of seeing each other. The book is a celebration of wonderful memories, sweet love, warm hugs, favorite foods and honoring family legacy. This book creates dialogue and can be shared with families. Read more
FAMILY | Bridging the Gap
Bridging the Gap – The African American Learner
by Emily Terry, M. Ed.
Why is Shiquan in the hallway again? How can he learn if he is never in class? Why is it that Shiquan’s teacher constantly asking an African-American peer teacher to help explain proper classroom behavior to the student daily? These scenarios leave one to question whether an at-risk African-American student is having difficulty adjusting to the academic expectations because of cultural differences. Read more
HEALTH | Star Jones' Weight Loss Surgery
STAR JONES’ WEIGHT LOSS SURGERY – A GOOD IDEA?
By Makeisha Lee, Health and Nutritional Advisor
Columbus, OH (BlackNews.com) – You’ve heard about it in the media: Weight loss surgery is sweeping the nation by leaps and bounds. Due to widespread coverage of her rapid weight loss through surgery, Star Jones has become the poster child within the black community and abroad for this option for losing weight. Read more
SPECIAL EVENT – Faith & Fiction Retreat
I just came back from the Faith & Fiction Retreat hosted by Tiffany L. Warren at St. Simon’s Island, GA. I drove down by myself to the King and Prince Resort and wasn’t sure what to expect. Between my crazy roommate, Casandra Belcher Tripp (she warned me) and the wonderful itinerary, I had a great time – with the exception of the incredibly humid weather. There were several AA Christian Fiction authors on hand for readings and book signings including trailblazer Jacquelin Thomas.
Other authors at the retreat were Tiffany L. Warren, Latonya Mason, Mimi Jefferson, Sheila Lipsey, Norma Jarrett and Lacricia Peters.
Several book clubs were in attendance as well. Two or three came from the Atlanta, GA area, while others came from Houston, TX and as far away as Rochester, NY.
I didn’t need any more books, but I came back home toting six more. Tiffany is planning the second annual retreat for 2008 in Destin, FL. Depending how my funds are next year, I hope to attend this one and Jacquelin Thomas’ Faith Based Arts Conference.
Reported by Tyora Moody
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