Wild Women

Lest Ye Be Judged

2010-03-26T07:19:00.000-04:00

To ALL readers looking for more of Adam Omega, the book is now available on Amazon snd Barnes& Nobel. If you haven't met him yet the first two books are also available at the same locations including your local bookstores.

IN THE BEGINNING
IN BLOOD WE TRUST

2010-01-21T13:10:00.002-05:00

Author's Spotlight: Seressia Glass

Dyanne: Seressia, Happy New year. I'm thrilled to be catching up with you and bringing the readers a taste of the first book in your brand new trilogy. Shadow Chase has such a beautiful cover and since I know what a fantastic writer you are I know the story is going to be truly amazing. Can you please give us some insider info on the other two books in the series. Also, please tell us where we can buy the books.

Seressia:Thanks, Dyanne! Shadow Blade releases 01/26/10 and Shadow Chase releases 07/27/10. They're available in both print and electronic format, so I can give you the Amazon link. As for what the first two books are about, the blurbs explain them much better than I can!

Here's the blurb for Shadow Blade:

For Kira Solomon, normal was never an option.

Kira’s day job as an antiquities expert, but her true calling is as a Shadowchaser. Trained from youth to be one of the most lethal Chasers in existence, Kira serves the Gilead Commission dispatching the Fallen who sow discord and chaos. Of course, sometimes Gilead bureaucracy is as much a thorn in her side as anything the Fallen can muster against her. Right now, though, she’s got a bigger problem. Someone is turning the city of Atlanta upside-down in search of a four-millennia-old Egyptian dagger that just happens to have fallen into Kira’s hands.

Shadow BladeThen there’s Khefar, the dagger’s true owner-a near-immortal 4000-year-old Nubian warrior who, Kira has to admit. looks pretty fine for his age. Joining forces is the only way to keep the weapon safe from the sinister Shadow force, but now Kira is in deep with someone who holds more secrets than she does, the one person who knows just how treacherous this fight is. Because every step closer to destroying the enemy is a step closer to losing herself to Shadow forever. . . .

Dyanne: Seressia, Do you have a blurb for Shadow Chase?

Seressia: LOL. Of course I do. Thanks for asking. Here's the blurb for Shadow Chase:

In a job like this, one mistake can cost you everything.

As a Shadowchaser, Kira Solomon has been trained to serve the Light, dispatch the Fallen, and prevent the spread of chaos. It’s a deadly job, and Kira knows the horror of spilling innocent blood. But now she has a new role, as the Hand of Ma’at, the Egyptian Goddess of Truth and Order, and an assignment that might just redeem her.

A fellow Shadowchaser has gone missing, and so has a unique artifact imbued with astonishing magic. Unless the Vessel of Nun is returned, it will cause destruction beyond anything the modern world has seen. Kira’s got a team at her back, including Khefar, a near-immortal Nubian warrior who’s already died for her once. But as complicated as her feelings for him are, they’re nothing compared to the difficulties of the task she faces. And the only way to defeat the enemy is to trust in a power she can barely control, and put her life—and her soul—on the line.

Dyanne: How in the world did you ever come up with this concept?

Seressia: I wanted to create a world in which the Universal Law is about Balance, Light and Shadow, Order and Chaos, and that everything--humans, demons, gods and goddesses--are arrayed somewhere on the Universal Balance. This mythology also explains the many fantastical creatures humans have claimed to see throughout history, and that not all demons or non-human magical beings are bad.

As for what's next, I'm working on the third Shadowchasers book, Shadow Fall. I'm also working on some romance proposals, both contemporary and paranormal. Nothing's sold yet, but if there's any news to share, I'll be sure to announce it on my website, Facebook and Twitter pages!

Dyanne: Seressia, thank you so much for this follow up interview. Where can readers find you?

Seressia: You're welcome, Dyanne. Readers can find me at

Seressia Glass
www.seressia.com
SHADOW BLADE, 01/10
SHADOW CHASE, 07/10

Chatting on RAW

2010-01-06T10:48:00.000-05:00

Please join me tomorrow for a comment chat

The "chat" is scheduled for Thursday, January 7th from 10AM-8PM EST and takes place via the comments section of the site, not via a chat room, so if you have some time, check out the recent ones: http://www.rawsistaz.com/blog/black-book-talks. http://www.rawsistaz.com (and click on Black Book Chat w/Dyanne Davis link at 10AM EST. ()

Please don't think you have to stay glued to your desk all day and chat for 10 hours straight. You don't. You can come in and out as your time allows between 10AM EST - 8PM EST

Thanks

Dyann

2009-04-16T12:56:00.001-04:00

Check it out. A very fun and exciting anthology. My character was a demon whom I found a little too easy to write. That should worry me but instead it makes me smile.

Namaste

Dyanne

Happy Valentine Day

2009-02-13T13:25:00.002-05:00

Wow it's been a long time since any of us have posted here. It's funny how good plans get lost in the day to day busy lives. We all have several blogs, book signings, talks and so many other things that it stops us from doing the one thing that makes us feel connected to the reader. WE forget to blog.

But, I'm going to tell you one reason for me that pushes it to the back of my mind. It feels like I'm talking to myself most times. Granted I do talk to myself but not necessarily through a blog. I think if we had some hint that anyone was reading or gave a darn about what we blogged we would be more apt to do it. Writers write in part to entertain so that means we want readers. So if you're out there and you're reading this how about not letting me feel so lonely or the rest of the authors on this blog. Say hello. PLEASE.

Happy Valentine 's Day everyone.

Namaste

Dyanne

I'm going on tour

2008-11-28T05:08:00.001-05:00

Santa Baby 2008 Virtual Book Tour for Hopeless Romantics
The Santa Baby 2008 Virtual Book Tour allow hopeless romantics to flex their very vivid imaginations and soar as they hear from ten beloved romance writers just in time for the holidays!

All The Buzz Reviews and The GRITS COM Literary Service have teamed up to host the Santa Baby 2008 Virtual Book Tour headlining some of today’s exciting African American romance writers, December 1-12, 2008!

This exclusive ten-day virtual book tour will give romance readers, and new readers to the genre, a chance to hear from ten popular writers about their new and upcoming book releases just in time for the holidays!

This virtual book tour is inspired by the sultry sex-kitten, Eartha Kitt. Her Christmas song, “Santa Baby,” topped the charts in 1953 making her one of the most popular entertainers in the world. The same sensuous mix that Eartha Kitt brought to this Christmas song many years ago, is the same sensuous mix - Gwyneth Bolton, Niobia Bryant, Dyanne Davis, Gwynne Forster, Bettye Griffin, Donna Hill, Andrea Jackson, Deborah Fletcher Mello, Farrah Rochon, and Stefanie Worth - bring to their work and to this tour!

Romance novels made an astonishing $1.4 billion last year, making the romance genre one of the top sellers in the publishing industry. Though some complain that the formulaic plot and “happily-ever-after” endings in romances aren’t always indicative of real life; the staggering number of romances sold each year is testament to its popularity and staying power!

The Santa Baby 2008 Virtual Book Tour begins Monday, December 1, 2008. So join the tour at AllTheBuzzReviews (www.allthebuzzreviews.com) or TheGRITS.com/virtualbooktour (www.thegrits.com/virtualbooktour)
About All The Buzz ReviewsAll The Buzz Reviews is the book reviews and literary event blog of Renee Williams, the CEO & Owner of Literary Signature Service, an event planning business specializing in literary events for authors of every genre.
About The GRITS COM Literary ServiceThe GRITS COM Literary Service is an online book promotion service that specializes in serving the unique web publicity needs of authors and publishers.

CONTACT:
The GRITS COM Literary Service526 Kingwood Drive, Suite 404Kingwood, TX 77339
281-973-6919

Seressia's Interview on Blog Talk Radio

2008-03-01T00:17:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I had the very distinct and real pleasure of being interviewed on BlogTalkRadio by Dr. Niama Williams for her "Poetry and Prose" show. You can hear the hour-long discussion and reading of No Commitment Required by clicking here.

I think I did all right. I've listened to a portion of it and I'm glad that I managed to sound confident and knowledgeable. And Dr. Williams actually invited me back to discuss my paranormal work! God bless her!

Happy Black Folks Month!

2008-02-02T12:49:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year again, the time when people acknowledge the accomplishments of black people then promptly forget when March 1st comes around.

Okay, yeah, that was a little harsh. I've always been of two minds about Black History Month. On one hand, it's the best way to discover little known facts about black folks in the historical context of America. On the other hand, I resent that we have to have a month in which to highlight black people. In my rose-colored-glasses world, the accomplishments of all people would be covered in our schools, history books, and media. But we know that's not the case.

Which means it could and should fall to writers to show just how rich the tapestry of American history is. I personally would love to see more Black historicals.

Unfortunately, when people think of black folks and American History, their minds immediately go to two eras: slavery and the civil rights movement. It's quite easy to ignore that there were free blacks roaming the country. According to BlackPast.org, free blacks came over with Columbus during his second trip to the New World in 1494. In 1526, slaves who'd been brought to work in the Spanish colony of San Miguel de Guadape in Georgia escaped to live among the native Americans. Then there is the rich and proud history of the Black Seminoles.

One great resource was recently published, and I think would be an excellent investment for schools, libraries, and black writers. It's called the African American National Biography, and it profiles some 4000 well- and little-known black folks in American history.

One such figure was profiled in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's coverage of the AANB:

Stagecoach Mary Fields

Photo courtesy of AP Photo/Ursuline Convent, Toledo, Ohio

Stagecoach Mary Fields was a gun-toting, hard drinking, cigar smoking frontierswoman who gambled, brawled and reputedly even killed a man. Well into her 60s, she dependably steered her coach through some of Montana's harshest weather to deliver the mail.

She was also a beloved housekeeper at a convent, tended her own vegetable garden and late in life presented bouquets to men who hit home runs during baseball games in Cascade, Mont.

How could you not want to write a story about this woman?

The African American National Biography is a joint effort of Havard University and Oxford University Press, and is edited by Henry Louis Gates, Hr. and Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, both of Havard. The eight volume set covers the lvies of some 4100 well-known and obscure people. You can order it through the Oxford University Press website for $795. I think it's worth part of an advance, and for writers it's tax-deductible. There is an online version forthcoming, and they are soliciting donations to make the collection available for libraries.

Conratulations, Sandra Kitt!

2008-01-03T18:22:00.000-05:00

For being one of the five romances in Library Journal's best books of 2007!

Sandra's Celluloid Memories is up there with:

Victoria Alexander, Secrets of a Proper Lady
Eve Kenin, Driven
Loretta Chase, Not Quite a Lady
Jayne Ann Krenz, White Lies

In Celluloid Memories:

A writer goes to L.A. to visit her dying actor father, who deserted her as a child, and gains a new understanding of the man she never knew. With insightful flair, Kitt has written a poignant, thought-provoking, but gently humorous romance that illuminates the black experience within the entertainment industry.

The book is still available on eHarlequin.com or you can order it from Amazon.

Alice Walker's Archives going to Emory University

2007-12-19T00:09:00.000-05:00

Local gal (she's from GA) does good. From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

From journals and notebooks of poetry written when she was growing up in Eatonton, Ga., to drafts of her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "The Color Purple," Alice Walker saved every scrap along her journey to becoming one of the leading literary figures of the 20th Century.

Her literary and personal archive contains many letters from such friends as Toni Morrison, Gloria Steinem, Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey, as well as a remarkable volume -- "Poems of a Childhood Poetess" -- that she composed when she was 15.

By the end of this week, her entire archive -- all 122 boxes -- is expected to arrive at its new, permanent home at Emory University. Emory announced Tuesday it had acquired Walker's archive for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition is a "major addition to Emory's collection," which will help students and scholars learn more about Walker's commitment to social activism, literary and personal growth and spirituality, said provost Earl Lewis.

At Emory's Manuscript, Archive and Rare Book Library, Walker's papers will join those of author Salman Rushdie, the late British poet laureate Ted Hughes and Nobel laureate Seamus Heaney as well as significant collections related to Harlem Renaissance novelists and poets Langston Hughes and James Weldon Johnson.

Walker is the author of eight novels, four major poetry collections and many works of nonfiction. She became the first African-American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1983 for "The Color Purple," which was adapted into a critically acclaimed 1985 movie as well as a musical that had its world premiere at Atlanta's Alliance Theatre in 2004 and made its Broadway debut a year later.

"I can imagine in years to come that my papers and memorabilia, my journals and letters, will find themselves always in the company of people who care about many of the things I do: culture, community, spirituality, scholarship and the blessings of ancestors who want each of us to find joy and happiness in this life, by doing the very best we can to be worthy of it," Walker said in a statement.

Walker said Emory's relationship with the Dalai Lama also played a part in her decision. The Tibetan spiritual leader joined the university's faculty in October as a presidential distinguished professor and plans to periodically visit Emory to give talks to students.

Emory is "a place where my archive can rest with joy in the company it keeps," Walker said.

Essence to Honor Writers, Help Libraries

2007-12-14T20:16:00.000-05:00

From Publisher's Weekly:

Essence Magazine will honor African-American writers and help public libraries by launching two overlapping initiatives this winter: the Essence Literary Awards and the Save Our Libraries campaign.

The nominees for the awards--in fiction, nonfiction, children's, poetry, commentary/public affairs, memoir and photography--will be selected by the editors of Essence and will be announced on December 19th. The winners will receive their awards during Black History Month, on Feb. 7, 2008, at a ceremony in New York city that will also kick off the Save Our Libraries campaign. Emcees Hoda Kotb of the Today Show and Dr. Ian Smith will preside over the event, which will honor the winning writers, as well as a "Storyteller of the Year."

Terry McMillan will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to contemporary African-American literature. McMillan, who is writing her eighth novel, Getting to Happy, added, “There are so few venues for African-American writers to get attention. This is a positive way to draw attention to African-American writers whose work is of high standards and merits attention.”

“We love books,” Bass said, describing editors at the magazine as committed to coverage of African-American authors and their work since Essence launched in 1970. Essence currently dedicates at least 3-1/2 pages to authors and books each month, second among women’s fashion/beauty/ lifestyle magazines only to O: the Oprah magazine.

You can still vote. Go to http://www.essence.com/essence/literaryawards/ and pick your choice, or nominate one.

When Your Characters are No Longer Yours

2007-12-04T20:43:00.000-05:00

In an effort to answer the question of "When does a character stop being the property of its creator?" or "How popular does it have to be to become Fair Use?" Stanford's Law school will defend the publisher of the Harry Potter Lexicon against Warner Brothers and author JK Rowling.

According to the press release:

RDR Books contends it has the right to publish the encyclopedic reference book under the fair use doctrine, which safeguards the use of copyrighted material so long as it is used transformatively and does not damage the market value of the original work.

“The Harry Potter Lexicon draws material and inspiration from the Harry Potter series but is an entirely new piece of work,” said David S. Hammer, co-counsel for RDR Books. “It is a companion to Rowling’s work, not a substitute for it. No one is going to buy the Lexicon instead of a Harry Potter book, or instead of seeing a Harry Potter film.”

“This book is a reference work based on more than seven years of research by a distinguished volunteer team of librarians and academics,” explained co-counsel Julie Ahrens, associate director of the Fair Use Project. “Fair use protects scholars’ rights to create such companion guides. It simply is not the case that authors can exploit copyright law to prevent analysis and commentary on their work.”

It will be interesting to see how the ruling goes on this. I think it's one thing if this was a literary criticism of the body of work. That sort of thing has been done to authors and their work for decades. But if courts rule in RDRs favor, any group of people could beat an author to publishing a concordance of their work, as long as one of them is an academic. That might not be good news for authors of popular series, such as J. D. Robb's or even J R Ward.

Harlan Ellison, My Hero

2007-11-29T20:16:00.001-05:00

Don't you sometimes wish you could say what you really feel? Well, Harlan Ellison can. Check out this excerpt from the bioflick Dreams With Sharp Teeth. (I warn you, this audio is not work safe.)

NBC Talks About Black Women

2007-11-26T23:49:00.001-05:00

"NBC News With Brian Williams" will air a five-part series on African-American Women and Where They Stand. Each night will cover a particular topic including education, health, and gender disparity among other things.

Mara Schiavocampo, Digital Correspondent for "Nightly News," will address two hot topics in the African - American community: interracial dating and the impact of hip hop music on black women (For those of you who attended NABJ this year, Ms. Schiavocampo won the Emerging Journalist of the Year Award). Interracial dating is a growing trend in the African - American community. An Essence.com poll found that 81% of participants approved of black women dating non- black men. According to a U.S. Census Bureau report in 2000, 95,000 black women were married to white men. In 2005, that number increased to 134,000. Schiavocampo will talk to experts about the trend and discuss how this defines the "Black family" of the future.

Schiavocampo will convene a panel of leading black men and women from the hip-hop industry for an engaging discussion on whether hip hop lyrics and videos positively or negatively affect black women. The roundtable also will address how these portrayals are affecting relationships between black women and black men.

I guess since Schiavocampo is a Digital Correspondent, her segments will only be available online instead of on TV. Hey, I guess we should be glad these things are being discussed at all.

Thanksgiving Thank-you's for Military

2007-10-18T15:51:00.000-04:00

One of my local radio stations, Q-100, is trying to gather more than 375,000 thank-you letters to be delivered to overseas military personnel during Thanksgiving. In an effort to hit the target (no pun intended) the mission has been expanded beyond Atlanta. Here's the details:

Each letter should be heartfelt, handwritten, original, and free of any political statements. The purpose of the letter is to express thanks to the military personnel serving the United States. We reserve the right to eliminate those messages that are political in nature and that do not reflect a positive message in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Those letters will be destroyed.

All letters must be on 8.5 X 11 paper or smaller. Do not use glue, tape, staples, cardboard, glitter or otherwise attach anything to the paper. Decorate using crayons, pencil, etc. Use both side if you like, but use one page per letter only. Do not send cards or photographs. Feel free to include your mailing and email address, if you like and you may get a response. Individual letters should not be sealed in envelopes.

Do not send anything except letters. We cannot accept donations of any kind, and they should not be included or attached to letters..

You can mail your letters (individually or in bundles of 50) to:

The Bert Show's Big Thank You
3070 Windward Plaza, Suite F 350
Alpharetta, GA 30005

If you're in Atlanta, you can drop off letters to any Taco Mac location.

Again for more information, check out Q-100's website here: http://www.allthehitsq100.com/bertshow/BigThankYou/index.asp

Say What?!

2007-10-15T23:35:00.000-04:00

After my signing yesterday, I decided to take my sister, niece, and a friend to see "Why Did I Get Married?!". I won't name the theater except to say that it was close to where I signed. I wanted to see it opening weekend because I think it's important for Hollywood to know that people will go to see good (black) films that aren't about gangsters or aliens or cops. It was packed, which was nice.

However, before the movie started, an employee came in and did the spiel about cell phones, cameras, talking and babies. Is this a new thing? I don't recall getting the speech before Transformers. At first, I thought it was good, a nice reinforcement of the reel that plays later. Then I realized what movie I was seeing and what the majority makeup of the audience was, and I got steamed.

I mean, if I go to see "Elizabeth: the Golden Age", or "We Own the Night" or "Michael Clayton" at this particular theater, will a theater employee come in and give the same speech? Somehow I doubt it.

It felt a little like the salesclerk in the movie telling these four professional women in fur coats that cash isn't kept in the store.

And yes, I will be writing a letter to the theater company. I'm past the point of just "taking it" when I'm spending my money. Because silence may be golden, but black people know the power of green, and I won't be going to that theater again.

Like Free?

2007-10-14T10:58:00.000-04:00

Some random tidbits from around the web today:

Liquid Story Binder XE is available for free today only at http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/

Here's the blurb from the website:

Liquid Story Binder XE is a uniquely designed word processor for professional and aspiring authors, poets, and novelists. Writing software for those who require the editing ability of a commercial text editor as well as a document tracking system.

It is for those who want the freedom to create, outline and revise but are tired of losing track of their work.

Liquid Story Binder features: Multi-Window Display, Spell Checking, Thesaurus, Reference Notes, Timelines, Story Boards, Plot Outlines, Dossiers, Audio Recorder, Image Gallery, Reader, Manuscript Formatting, Time and Word Count Tracking, Chapter and Book Backups, Paragraph and Punctuation Cleaning, Toolbars, Templates, Portable Drive Install, Universal Search, Repetition Visualizer, External Editing, Project Goals, Playlists.

Also, if you're interested in winning $1500 to cover your expenses for RWA San Francisco, check this out!

***PERMISSION TO FORWARD GRANTED***

Valley Forge Romance Writers
Present

The 1st Annual VFRW

Writer's Rafflemania!

Benefits the
Sheila A. Conway Memorial Fund

The Prize
$ 1,500.00
To Defray Your Costs For.
-2008 RWA Nat'l Conference Fee
Held In San Francisco, CA
July 30 - August 2, 2008

-4 Nights Hotel Accommodations
-Roundtrip Air To San Francisco

Rules and entry information at www.VFRW.com

Snow Job

2007-10-03T22:11:00.001-04:00

In what has to be one of the biggest WTF moments in history, the AJC reported that Coca Cola and Stone Mountain Park were going ahead with their plans to create a Winter Wonderland, complete with SNOW, in the park, located in Stone Mountain, GA. They started making snow yesterday in order to have a good two feet of the white stuff on the ground by November 10th.

We had a high of EIGHTY DEGREES yesterday, and they were making SNOW. By using a contraption that uses 38 gallons of water a minute for 12 to 18 hours a day making snow fater than Mother Nature can melt it, in order to make a 400-foot long ice slide. While there are lakes in the park that are used to water the golf courses, the park decided to use municipal water (i.e., DeKalb County) in order to make really white snow.

In case you didn't know, north Georgia is suffering one of the worst droughts on record. Yesterday, our Governor, Sonny Perdue, issued a proclamation asking Georgians to take shorter showers to help preserve the water supply. There is no outside watering, no car washing. Yet Stone Mountain was using the same water the governor was asking people to conserve.

The public relations manager of the park seemed a bit flippant at worse, or Pollyanna at best. "We've already sold tickets, and we can't just stop," she said. "That would be like a water park just deciding to turn off the faucets."

You mean, like Six Flags voluntarily shutting down Splash Waterfalls and Thunder River last week because of the statewide watering ban?

This was truly ironic in light of the fact that Coke made a big Corporate Pledge earlier this year to be more responsible with water.

In June, Coca-Cola announced a $20 million commitment to the World Wildlife Fund "to help conserve seven of the world's most important freshwater river basins, support more efficient water management in its operations and global supply chain, and reduce the company's carbon footprint."

Like I said, W. T. F.

Apparently all the emails from consumers to Coke, Stone Mountain Park, and the Governor's office made a dent, because the Park announced that they were ceasing operations.

Now excuse me, I need to go wash my undies.

Glamour Hair...Not

2007-09-16T17:06:00.000-04:00

By now, you may have heard about the fallout from comments made a Glamour staffer during a presentation on dos and dont's of corporate fashion at the law firm of Cleary Gottlieb. In case you missed them, here are a few of the gems as noted by Vivia Chen The American Lawyer onAugust 27, 2007:

First slide up: an African-American woman sporting an Afro. A real no-no, announced the Glamour editor to the 40 or so lawyers in the room. As for dreadlocks: How truly dreadful! The style maven said it was “shocking” that some people still think it “appropriate” to wear those hairstyles at the office. “No offense,” she sniffed, but those “political” hairstyles really have to go.

Some people may think this is racist, but really the staffer was stupidly clueless more than anything. Really, what's political about dreadlocks and braids? Maybe she should try living in Atlanta during the summer with black folks' hair and see how long she lasts! But then, we're talking Glamour magazine. I haven't used the magazine as a resource for my fashion, makeup, skin, and hair care in...ever. Besides the general dearth of articles relating to black hair and skin care, there's nothing for plus size women or women not willing to spend a third of their paycheck on a skirt. Even the recent issue of the magazine that a friend left at my house, the issue with Queen Latifah on the cover with Mariska Hargitay and Claire Danes, had a stunning lack of articles helpful to women like me.

And I sure as hell ain't giving money to a magazine that spends 200 pages telling me how my hair, clothes, weight, skin, hobbies, and sex life all suck.

But never fear, Glamour is doing damage control. From Angela, a black romance reader, comes this letter from the Editor of Glamour:

Hello,

I read your post about a Glamour editor’s comments on hairstyles for work, and I’d like to share with you our thoughts. First, we regret the comments were made. The employee, a junior staffer, not a beauty editor, spoke to a small group of lawyers at a private luncheon without her supervisor’s knowledge or approval, and her comment — that Afros are not work appropriate — does not represent Glamour’s point of view.

Secondly, immediately upon learning of it, we sought to rectify the situation. The editor has been dealt with in a very serious manner, and the entire staff has been reminded of the magazine’s policies and procedures for making public appearances.

Glamour is proud of its diverse readership and celebrates the beauty of ALL women. We have responded directly and openly with readers to assure them of this fact. We have also apologized to the law firm, and we extend the same apology to you.

If you know others who were offended by this incident, To ask you to please pass along this letter. So they, too, know how sorry we are.

Sincerely,
Cindi Leive
Editor-in-Chief, Glamour

Wanna bet they do a whole series of articles and beauty advice for black women? More than likely it'll appear in the February issue. You know, during Black History Month.

Comment for the Cure

2007-08-25T12:11:00.000-04:00

Alison Kent - Blah Blog

Author Allison Kent is running a contest in conjunction with Phaze's new anthology Coming Together: For the Cure. Edited by Alessia Brio, the net proceeds of this anthology of erotic fiction will benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

In honor of my bestest friend and her recent battle, here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to buy copies of this anthology and give them away as prizes here. I will buy one copy for every ten comments. So, yes, if there are 100 comments, I’ll buy 10 copies. And I’ll give them away randomly to people who drop in and help raise funds. I will limit the copies to 25 (250 comments/$175) if we go that high, so let’s do it!

Author Jessica Russell is picked up the challenge. She'll buy a copy of the anthology for every ten comments she receives, up to 100 comments. Go forth and comment!

You can also participate in one of several Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk events around the country.

Mavis Allen promoted

2007-08-04T11:52:00.000-04:00

From Linda Gill, General Manager, Kimani Romance:

It is with great pleasure that I announce the promotion of Mavis Allen to Senior Editor for Kimani Romance.
Mavis began her career at Harlequin as an Editor for Silhouette Desire in 2001, and over the next few years contributed to many core series programs before becoming Associate Senior Editor of Silhouette Romance in 2003. Over the past year, Mavis effectively launched Kimani Romance -- one of the most successful series launches for Harlequin. In addition, she strategically published Friends:A Love Story by Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance which reached NYT and Essence bestseller lists, and garnered national publicity for
Harlequin on Oprah, Rachel Ray and other media outlets. She works with Brenda Jackson, Donna Hill, Gwynne Forster, and Adrianne Byrd, all of whom are leading authors in African-American romance, as well as many other growth and debut authors in the marketplace today.

Please join me in congratulating her.

Linda Gill

************************************************************

It couldn't have happened to a nicer, more deserving person--and I don't write for her! Congratulations Mavis and much continued success!

Controversy Over "Tintin in the Congo"

2007-07-16T00:09:00.001-04:00

From Publisher's Weekly

In September, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers will publish the popular colonial era children's graphic novel Tintin in the Congo for the first time in the U.S., despite a controversy that erupted in the U.K. yesterday around the book's racist content that resulted in bookstores moving it out of the children's section and reshelving it with adult books.

The book shows Africans drawn to have a strong resemblance to primates and contains scenes such as one in which a black woman bows to Tintin saying: "White man very great... White mister is big juju man!"

The Tintin books have long been widely read in Europe and are poised to cut a much higher profile in America in 2009, when DreamWorks releases a trilogy based on the comic-strip hero. Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson have teamed to direct and produce the films.

Wonder if they shelved it in the AA fiction section?

:Blinks: Wait, they're making three movies out of this?

RWA Changes, Pt 2

2007-07-12T20:51:00.000-04:00

Okay, there's very little good in this post today. let's just get right to it, shall we?

Some of your favorite publishers are now Vanity presses, according to RWA.

Here's RWA's new definition of vanity and subsidy presses:

The Board updated the definition of Subsidy Publisher or Vanity Publisher to: “any publisher that publishes books in which the author participates in the cost of production or distribution in any manner, including publisher assessment of a fee or other costs for editing and/or distribution.” This definition includes publishers who withhold or seek full or partial payment of reimbursement of publication or distribution costs before paying royalties, including payment of paper, printing, binding, production, sales or marketing costs; publishers whose authors exclusively promote and/or sell their own books; publishers whose primary means of offering books for sale is through a publisher-generated Web site; publishers whose list is comprised of 50% or more of its books written by authors who are principals in the publishing company; and publishers whose business model and methods of publishing are primarily directed toward sales to the author, his/her relatives and associates.

That's right, dear readers. Thanks to that sneaky little clause (that most people probably skipped over because hey, we all know what a vanity/subsidy publisher is) houses like Ellora's Cave, Samhain Publishing, LooseID, and other epublishers are all now considered vanity/subsidy presses. Why? Because their primary means of distribution is through their websites.

So all of us who thought this opened the door to epubbed authors finally getting their due, I'm sorry to report that as it stands now, the door has been once again firmly shut in your faces. The only way to get around this is for epublishers to not sell any of their books on their websites, but have everything link to FictionWise, eBooks.com, or other places.

This is stupid because: publishers have to pay those distributors, which means less money coming to the publishers. Less money coming to the publishers mean lowered royalty rates because they have to recoup their monies somehow. Or they'll just sign less authors to contracts. Or they'll just not give a rat's patootie because they obviously aren't hurting for submissions so not being able to take editor appointments at National will not faze them. It just means that the author is, once again, shut out--not being able to compete in the Ritas, not being able to be in PAN.

Oh, and some publishers whose owners are also authors might want to look at their author stable. If more than 50% of your books are from the owners, you are a vanity press.

I find it ironic that based on these definitions, EC, Samhain and LooseID are out, and Genesis Press is back in.

Of course, I could be wrong, and the RWA board didn't mean for it to include legitimate epublishers. After all, they've told us again and again that they aren't against epublishers or epubbed authors. I sincerely hope that the scuttlebutt from National is that this is just a misprint/miscommunication and will be corrected shortly. I also hope the houses impacted have already cornered board members and the Executive Director and asked for clarification.

For the curious, here's how Science Fiction Writers of America defines vanity and subsidy publishers. Somehow they forgot to include that whole selling from a website thing.

RWA Changes, Pt 1

2007-07-12T00:41:00.001-04:00

Romance Writers of America announced their decisions regarding several major categories of importance to its membership today. If you are a member, log in, then click on the board decisions link. Among the changes were:

Publisher eligibility

Published Author Network (PAN) and PRO (career-focused unpublished writers) eligibility

Rita and Golden Heart contest categories.

There's so much to go into with these changes that it's going to take a while to sort through and organize my responses. But let's start with the easiest ones, the contest changes:

Novella is still in for the published author contest

There's still no multicultural category

There's still no erotic romance category

Word counts were eliminated. Instead you now have Contemporary Series Romance, Contemporary Single Title, and Contemporary Series Romance Action/Adventure.

I'm not sure what to think about categories that were changed in which the rationale for the change mentions one publisher in particular, especially when they are the only publisher mentioned by name in these rules. Like the changes were made for them. They may be the largest publisher of romance fiction in the world, but really, it just seems a little...odd.

MC didn't get a category because people didn't clamor for one, certainly not as much as EroRom writers clamored for a category. Erotic Romance didn't get a category because erotic romance is indefinable. Their word, not mine. I would suggest that the erotic romance writers hijack the Novel with Strong Romantic Elements category, based on this definition:

"Novel With Strong Romantic Elements: This category was retained in both the Golden Heart and RITA contests; however, substantial changes were made. The definition and judging guidelines of this category were edited to read as follows:

Definition: A work of fiction in which a romance plays a significant part in the story, but other themes or elements take the plot beyond the traditional romance boundaries.

Judging guidelines: Novels of any tone or style and set in any place or time are eligible for this category. A romance must be an integral part of the plot or subplot, and the resolution of the romance is emotionally satisfying and optimistic."

That whole "beyond the traditional romance boundaries" is what erotic romance writers have been saying their stories are all about. Okay then, you now have a category that you can flood with entries.

~~~

Tomorrow, I'll talk about how the Rita contest is now opened to all authors who have published a romance book, regardless of the publishers' RWA-recognized status.

Or is it?

Deadlines

2007-07-11T07:58:00.001-04:00

"A deadline’s an unnerving thing."
- Marchette Chute, author and poet, NY Times, 1953

I have deadlines all over the place. In the day job, which is also writing based. In this pseudo part time career of mine. The milk, and the eggs that went bad in June but are still in the fridge. Deadlines all over the place!

So why then do I feel ambushed when I realize I have a story due one week from now? It's not like I didn't know the day was coming. It's not like I didn't say, "Sure, I can get it done." So why am I experiencing the panic, the feeling of being in an Edvard Munch painting or a Home Alone movie?

I think I'm a deadline junkie. I mean, of course I've been writing every day and more on the weekends, but still I've let this deadline pounce on me like crocs on a wildebeest. It really isn't any fun, especially since I'd attempted to promise myself I would get this done early. Yet here I am in the freakin' tunnel with the deadline bearing down on me like an out of control freight train.

I must be a deadline junkie. When I do laundry instead of write, you know it's bad.

My tagline on my own blog reads, "A blog a day means I'm not writing." And goodness, I have been all over the place in Blogland in the past few weeks. It hasn't been healthy, dear readers. My brain has become polluted by the drivel/wisdom/diatribes of others to the point where my story has been put on mute.

That's a bad thing. That's a bad thing indeed.

So while much of Romanceland is focused on Dallas this week, I'll be focusing on my need-to-be-done story. I think it will be a lot less stressful, honestly.

Until next time: write on, writers!

Columnists Think Romance is Porn and Women are Stupid

2007-07-02T22:20:00.001-04:00

Today I saw this brilliant piece in my hometown newspaper, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

Woman to Woman: Harm in Reading Romance Novels?

Apparently it was a slow news day or these women have run out of ideas, because, though they are supposed to offer differing views, they seemed to agree that romance novels are porn. Case in point:

"...I was concerned to learn that many romance novels are not as harmless as they look. In fact, some marriage therapists caution that women can become as dangerously unbalanced by these books’ entrancing but distorted messages as men can by distorted messages of pornography. In fact, many of today’s romance novels actually have a huge soft porn influence..."

Yes it's true. Just like music can inspire people to take machetes to each other, apparently romance novels--especially the soft porn ones--can lure women into becoming delusional.

It gets better. How about this?

"Erotica aside, even traditional romance novels promote - almost by definition - an unattainable romantic ideal. The male heroes are all strong, rugged and breathtakingly handsome, yet sensitive, patient listeners and utterly unselfish. Is it any wonder that if we read two or three of those romances in a row, we’d start to be irritated by our real-life husbands with all their wonderful yet exasperating idiosyncrasies?"

Yeah, leaving the toilet seat up is a "wonderful yet exasperating idiosyncrasy," especially when I fall in at 3 am. Or using the life savings to buy a Corvette. Or treating one like a live-in maid, cook, and hooker. (examples all, people. I'm not married.)

You'd think the rebuttal would be better, or would actually, I don't know--defend romance readers. Ri-ight.

"If we’re getting out the protest signs about insipid romance novels, why not rid the shelves of silly self-help books, too. They, too, give women unrealistic and dangerous notions."

I thought she was simply being sarcastic (as in, "if everyone jumped off a cliff you'd do it too?" sort of way) Then I read this:

"I don’t think Harlequin readers believe they’re doing in-depth gender research or that Fabio is going to ride up on his white horse. I think they’re indulging in a little female pornography."

That thud was the sound of my head hitting my desk. But then, in an apparent plot twist, the rebuttal lady gets her genres confused. (Surprise)

"But I’d argue that all porn isn’t equal. Comparing romance novels laced with story lines and plots to visuals of girls bent over motorcycles is unfair."

I think she missed a word or two. Don't you want your romance novels to be laced with story lines and plots? If you take that all out, you're left with...with...a cover flap and a dedication page.

Luckily, readers could comment on the story. Several authors did too. There are more than a few romance authors in the Atlanta area, you know. But someone broke out the big guns, i.e., Nora Roberts:

"Jeez, I’ve been sending a `distorted message’ to women for years by writing about relationships and commitment, about overcoming obstacles and celebrating the discovery and value of love. Thank God somebody clued me in! And all this time I thought the message was love is a vital part of the human condition. Millions of women—who are, of course, irrational, weak-minded and unhappy—have become dangerously unbalanced. Marriages destroyed as they toss aside their husbands in search of fictional characters.

What utter crap.

Neither am I writing female porn. Since when is a novel highlighting two people falling in love, and enjoying each other sexually, pornography?

Oddly, I expect my readers to know the difference between reality and fiction, between pornography and sexuality—whatever their gender."

Do not piss off The Nora. You will get your poisoned pen shoved up your nose, and you'll thank her for it.

Of course, I had to throw in my own two cents. I am a native after all. Granted, it's not as good as Nora's but then, she''s Nora and I'm...well, not:

Wow. Not only am I brainwashing women by writing African American romance, I’m destroying families by writing about how people can develop loving, committed relationships while overcoming obstacles like race, suicide, abuse, and infertility. I didn’t know I was so subversive!

Luckily I give my readers more credit. People are smart enough not to believe everything they read. Like the “commentary” and “rebuttal” at the top of this page, for example.

Okay, so I descended, but I think they realize the truth: romance readers and writers come from all walks of life. They are not stupid, delusional, or wondering why their husbands/SOs/whatever aren't more like Fabio. (Who wants to be more like Fabio?) Romance readers and writers are intelligent, well-balanced women, And they're probably having more sex.

popping in

2007-06-29T16:19:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone,

This message is in code. LOL. Free at last, free at last, thank God Almighty I'm free at last. Well almost. I'm doing the proofing for the LAAAAAST book, which I received on Wed. with an email that said and I quote. "If you don't have it back by Monday the book will be printed with all mistakes.

I had to remind myself to not allow them to control my emotions. It took an entire day and part of the next one. Now I'm doing the dang book. I hadn't know that it was over 114,000 words. But at least I like the story. I have to admit that I believe it's a very good book.

This is my last freebie.

Now some of you might know the code and for the ones that don't here's a little hint. gpsreenssise

LOL

Dyanne

Time Management for Writers

2007-06-24T18:50:00.000-04:00

For a printable copy, click here

Writing a novel is a terrible experience, during which the hair often falls out and the teeth decay.

--Flannery O’Connor (1925–1964)

The Pareto Principle, also known as the 80:20 rule: 80% of unfocused effort generates only 20% of results. Conversely, the remaining 80% of results are achieved with only 20% of effort.

How can you manage your time? Here are a few exercises.

1. Keep a time journal. Like a food journal, this will show you how you spend your time. Journal out your hours, days, then a week. At the end of the week you should be able to see a pattern of idle time.

2. Discover where you have idle time. If the time journal doesn’t make it clear, here are some possible areas:

a. Waiting for the kids

b. Riding public transportation

c. Doctor’s office

d. The hour(s) between sending the kids to sleep and your own bedtime.

e. 6 a.m. Saturday morning

f. Driving/Commuting

g. Waiting in the airport

h. Walking the dog

i. On the Stairmaster

3. Now that you’ve uncovered that time, you need to optimize that time for writing. Here are a few tools every writer can use to optimize idle time:

a. Small notebook and pen

b. Tape recorder (perfect for the car)

c. Post-its. Great for when you’re at your day job.

d. AlphaSmart. Can’t recommend it enough!

4. Two things are critical to optimize your time, idle or not. You need to identify your primetime and your downtime. Primetime is when you’re “on,” when you’re at your highest energy level. If you’ve always described yourself as a “day person,” then your primetime is probably morning to midday. Conversely, if you’re a “night person,” you probably don’t think clearly until the sun goes down.

5. Prepare to-do lists. This is critical for time management, and believe it or not, it is also a necessary component of the writer’s toolbox. As a writer, you need four to-do lists: one for your life, one for your story, and one each for your prime and down times. It sounds like a lot of work, but even a tornado—chaos personified—has structure to it.

a. The life to do list. This is the list for everything you do. The amount of activity in your life will dictate the length of time this list covers, be it daily or weekly. Rank everything by has to be done ASAP, has to be done today, and can be done anytime, but today is good.

b. The story to-do list. This will cover the entire life of the book, from high-concept to promoting the finished product. Using a mind map or Work Breakdown Structure will help manage the genesis of your novel. Of course, this will require sub-lists, which is why you need the primetime and downtime lists.

c. The primetime to-do list. Since your primetime is your most active, this is where you’ll schedule the major components of your book. Plotting, character development, brainstorming, outline and chapter breakdowns—all of these are primetime activities.

d. The downtime to-do list. For your low-energy time, schedule things like re-reads, cold reads, and editing. Even research can go here.

6. Sometimes you have to trick yourself. Let’s face it. We’re visual creatures. If you have four things on your daily to-do list, you’re going to believe you have plenty of time to get things done. WRONG. What you will do is complete the one or two easiest things. What’s left? The hardest, most unpleasant task. The one you’ve carried over from yesterday’s or last week’s to-do list. The one that you REALLY need to get done. The one that if it’s not completed soon will create:

7. The deer-in-the-headlights syndrome. You’re cruising along and you’ve checked off three of the five things on your checklist. You’re feeling good about things in general and then wham! You realize the item that’s still undone is the one that will take you the longest to complete, will use up the most brain cells. The project that you’d trade for a bikini wax or teeth cleaning any day. But now you’re spiraling into your downtime, and you can’t possibly get it done when you’re not at the top of your game… Don’t let this happen to you! Rule number one of to-do lists: Tackle the hardest or most unpleasant task first.

8. Maximize your writing time. Some practical do’s and don’ts to maximize your hard-earned valuable time:

a. Set a realistic goal. Don’t say “I’m going to do twenty-five pages” when you know you’re average output is usually around five. Aim for six.

b. Reward yourself for achieving that goal. Your normal output is five pages, you aimed for six and actually made it to seven? Grab the tequila! (or the Dove chocolate, or the can of Pringles…you get the idea.)

c. Make your workspace clutter-free. The old motto of a cluttered desk being the sign of a cluttered mind is true. You cannot write in chaos. Even if you have to sweep everything into a sort box for later, keep the desk surface clean. Use desktop sorters or storage drawers for pens, paper, and print cartridges. All you need on your desktop beside your computer are a pen, post-its, your calendar, and your beverage of choice. A dictionary and thesaurus also work, but I prefer to use the online versions.

d. If you like listening to music while you write, make it instrumental. Save Aretha and Aerosmith for laundry day. You can’t hear your characters talking to you if you’re singing “Chain of Fools” at the top of your lungs.

e. DO NOT play Solitaire, Taipei or FreeCell to “loosen your creativity.” You’ll only lose valuable writing time. I have been known to play Solitaire for five hours straight. That’s easily two chapters’ worth of time I’ll never recapture.

f. Don’t wait for inspiration or creativity to strike. There will be days when you’ll wait a long time for inspiration, and that day can become a week or a month very quickly. Sometimes your muse will not speak to you, and you’ll have to accept that. THERE IS NEVER A RIGHT TIME, so you have to make the time you have, the right (or write) time. However:

g. If inspiration strikes, milk that cow for all it's worth. You may have experienced this. You’re trying to drift off to sleep or you’re in the grocery store, and an idea pops into your head. Suddenly you’re buzzing with scenes, dialogue, and the perfect ending. DO NOT SAVE THIS FOR LATER. Use your recorder or post-its, but get it out. If it’s in the middle of the night, get up. Write it down or fire up the computer, then work until you hit the wall. For most of us, these divine strikes are few and far between. That being said, managing your to-do lists will help you manufacture inspiration.

h. Build contingency time into your to-do lists. Unexpected things will pop up. That’s life. Flexing your time allows you to handle emergencies or inspiration by shifting tasks and priorities.

i. Delegate what you can. Mommy doesn’t have to do everything. There are microwaveable foods and sprays that make it look like you ironed. Designate a laundry day. Buy more undies if you run out. Use paper plates. If you family complains, show them how the broom, vacuum and can opener work, then retreat to your writing space.

j. Make sure people respect your writing time. Whether you have a day job or not, writing is your career. If you take it seriously and approach it professionally, so will those around you. Do not answer the phone. Do not flip on the TV. Do not let others interrupt you until your designated time is up.

k. To reiterate, this is your career. Published or pre-published, do not think of writing as a hobby. This is your business and you are the sole employee putting out your product.

9. Know when to walk away. Sometimes you have to give yourself a break. The difference is making sure you’re walking away because your body needs a break, not running away because you don’t feel like tackling the project.

I wasted time, and now doth time waste me.

-- William Shakespeare, Richard II, Act 5, scene 5.

Katherine D. Jones

2007-05-22T22:39:00.000-04:00

"I don't think I am the same person emotionally as when I wrote Love Worth Fighting For five additional books down the line. I'm still confused about where to put the darned commas, but I hope I've given readers characters that are three-dimensional that you can root for, situations that are funny, or exciting, or dangerous, and used words that are thought-provoking. My goal in 1997 when I first started to write is the same now in 2007--to entertain from the moment in time that you first pick up my book until you get to the last word. Simple. I'm not here to save the world, but just to give ya a little spice, a little drama, and a little excitement in your day."

Katherine D. Jones, author of six romance novels, wrote those words on April 4th of this year. She died last week.

Thank you for your stories, Katherine. You will be missed.

Romance in Color 2006 Reviewer's Choice Awards

2007-05-09T09:42:00.000-04:00

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR
Brenda Jackson

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

NEW AUTHOR OF THE YEAR
Gwyneth Bolton

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

BOOK OF THE YEAR
BEST KEPT SECRETS - Rochelle Alers

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

BEST COVER ART
WHEN YOU WERE MINE - Adrienne Byrd

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

NOVELLA OF THE YEAR
“Heat” in VEGAS BITES – L.A. Banks – Parker Publishing (Nov)

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

INSPIRATIONAL FICTION/ROMANCE OF THE YEAR
SHADES OF GRAY - Jacqueline Thomas
Harlequin/Steeple Hill (Jan)

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

ANTHOLOGY OF THE YEAR
YOU NEVER KNOW – Niobia Bryant, Melanie Shuster & Kimberley White
Harlequin Kimani/Arabesque (Jan)

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

MAINSTREAM FICTION OF THE YEAR
DIARY OF A MISTRESS – Miasha
Simon & Schuster/Touchstone (Aug)

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

WOMAN'S FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR
BEST-KEPT SECRETS - Rochelle Alers
Harlequin Kimani/Sepia (Jan)

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

KIMANI ROMANCE OF THE YEAR
NIGHT HEAT - Brenda Jackson (Sep)

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

KIMANI ARABESQUE OF THE YEAR
LONG DISTANCE LOVER - Donna Hill (June)

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

DAFINA ROMANCE OF THE YEAR
GOODBYE HEARTACHE - Doris Johnson (Feb)

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

GENESIS PRESS BOOK OF THE YEAR
ROCK STAR - Roslyn Holcomb (Sep)

~   ~   ~   ~   ~

Interracial Marriages Surge Across the U.S.

2007-04-12T22:43:00.000-04:00

Click here to read the full article.

On June 12, 1967, the Supreme Court made a landmark ruling in the case of Loving v. Virginia. In their decision, the highest court in the land struck down a Virginia ruling that criminalized the union of Richard Loving, white, and his wife Mildred, black.

(Hope no one thinks these were activist judges)

Since that ruling, which also toppled laws in some 15 other states, IR marriages have climbed: marriages between blacks and whites have increased from 65,000 in 1970 to 422,000 in 2005, according to Census Bureau figures.

Unfortunately, it is still more acceptable for black male-white female pairings than white male-black female. The article states:

"In some categories of interracial marriage, there are distinct gender-related trends. More than twice as many black men marry white women as vice versa, and about three-fourths of white-Asian marriages involve white men and Asian women."

Really, why is it okay for the male to go outside of his race, but not the female? Someone needs to do a paper on that.

As a writer of interracial and multicultural romances, I've always tried to show that, despite apparent differences, there are common things that unite us: the quest for love, acceptance, and family. Whether you find that with someone who looks like you, has the same parts you do, or just accepts you as you, my wish is that you do find that.

The article concludes:

"Malignant racial biases can and do reside in interracial liaisons," [Harvard law professor Randall] Kennedy wrote. "But against the tragic backdrop of American history, the flowering of multiracial intimacy is a profoundly moving and encouraging development."

I don't think I can add anymore to that. Peace and blessings.

Romance in Color Reviewer's Choice Nominees

2007-03-31T01:40:00.000-04:00

THE BEST OF 2006

The Romance in Color reviewers are pleased to announce the nominees for its annual Reviewers' Choice Awards. The winners will be announced on 15th April 2007. At that time the winner of the BOOK OF THE YEAR and BEST COVER ART will be announced.

The staff of RIC congratulate you on your nomination.

KIMANI ROMANCE OF THE YEAR

AN INNOCENT MAN - Deirdre Savoy (Aug)

NIGHT HEAT - Brenda Jackson (Sep)

SHE'S MY BABY - Adrianne Byrd (Sep)

FINALLY, YOU AND ME – Lisa Harrison Jackson (Oct)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

BEST KIMANI ARABESQUE OF THE YEAR

A TIME TO KEEP - Rochelle Alers (June)

LONG DISTANCE LOVER - Donna Hill (June)

ALWAYS A CHANCE – Angela Weaver (Nov)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

DAFINA ROMANCE OF THE YEAR

GOODBYE HEARTACHE - Doris Johnson (Feb)

DEPTHS OF DESIRE - Sophia Shaw (May)

TROUBLE - Ann Christopher (July)

BITTER SWEET – Candice Poarch (July)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

GENESIS PRESS BOOK OF THE YEAR

THROUGH THE FIRE - Seressia Glass (March)

ROCK STAR - Roslyn Holcomb (Sep)

NO ORDINARY LOVE - Angela Weaver (July)

CAUGHT UP - Deatri King-Bey (Feb)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

INSPIRATIONAL FICTION/ROMANCE OF THE YEAR

A SIN AND A SHAME - Victoria Christopher Murray – Simon & Schuster/Touchstone (May)

SHADES OF GRAY - Jacqueline Thomas – Harlequin/Steeple Hill (Jan)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

ANTHOLOGY OF THE YEAR

VEGAS BITES – L.A. Banks, Natalie Dunbar & J.M. Jeffries, & Seressia Glass – Parker Publishing (Nov)

YOU NEVER KNOW – Niobia Bryant, Melanie Shuster & Kimberley White – Harlequin Kimani/Arabesque (Jan)

BACK IN YOUR ARMS - Sandra Kitt, Deirdre Savoy & Celeste O. Norfleet – Harlequin Kimani/Arabesque (Jan)

CHOCOLATE KISSES – Renee Luke, Francis Ray & Marianne Reid (Jan)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

MAINSTREAM FICTION OF THE YEAR

THE DAMNED - L. A. Banks – St. Martin’s Press (Jan)

DIARY OF A MISTRESS – Meisha – Simon & Schuster/Touchstone (Aug)

A DEAD MAN SPEAKS - Lisa Jones Johnson - Genesis/Vibe (July)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

WOMAN'S FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR

BRASS ANKLE BLUES – Rachel Harper – Simon & Schuster/Touchstone (Feb)

BEST-KEPT SECRETS - Rochelle Alers – Harlequin Kimani/Sepia (Jan)

WHEN YOU DANCE WITH THE DEVIL – Gwynne Forster – Kensington Dafina/Fiction (Aug)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

NOVELLA OF THE YEAR

“Heat” in VEGAS BITES – L.A. Banks – Parker Publishing (Nov)

“Double Down” in VEGAS BITES – Seressia Glass – Parker Publishing (Nov)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

NEW AUTHOR OF THE YEAR

Ann Christopher

Roslyn Halcomb

Deatri King-Bey

Gwyneth Bolton

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

AUTHOR OF THE YEAR

Brenda Jackson

Rochelle Alers

Ann Christopher

Seressia Glass

L.A. Banks

Love is Universal

2007-03-26T00:22:00.001-04:00

This shirt came about as a result of much discussion and debate regarding multicultural romance. If you're a reader or writer of African-American and multicultural romances, then this t-shirt is for you:

You can buy this in the fitted style or regular t-shirt by going here. The design was created by Roslyn Hardy Holcomb, the author of Rock Star. The price is set by Cafe Press, no profit is being made from it. So, if you love romance in all its forms, buy a t-shirt today.

Look for me wearing mine at the RT convention in Houston in April!

Racism in Publishing Survey

2007-02-05T20:44:00.000-05:00

Are you an African American author who’s been published for at least one year? If so Karen Scott wants to hear from you.

She’s conducting a survey based on the racism within the publishing industry, and whether or not it’s as prevalent as some believe. She’s looking for black or African American authors who have been published for at least one year.

She would like to know about your specific experiences within the industry thus far. She wants to know how AA authors feel about the current shelving policies, and niche marketing. She wants to know who you feel is to blame for the problems that you face. She also wants your suggestions on how things can be improved upon.

In all, there are twenty questions in the survey, and all that she asks is that people be as honest as possible. Confidentiality is assured if requested, but for the findings to yield more weight, she would request that she be granted permission to directly quote from the answers given by the authors.

She’s hoping to poll at least 100 AA authors, in an effort to ensure that a fair representation is achieved.

If enough authors agree to partcipate, (and depending on the findings) the results may well be sent to representatives within media and press. No promises that Oprah will hear about it, but all efforts will be made to get the message out.

If there are AA authors out there interested in participating in this poll, please e-mail Karen at hairylemony @ gmail. com (without the spaces) with the subject header ‘Please send me the survey'.

The deadline for the survey to be completed and returned to Karen is March 1st 2007

The Golden Globes

2007-01-15T21:02:00.000-05:00

Jennifer Hudson won--woot! Big ups to her!

And Justin hatin' on Prince like that--shame on you! I wish I could see the moment when he had to hand the Globe to Prince.

EDIT: And Hugh Laurie just won for HOUSE. I love him! And he's funny!!!

Boo hoo that Masi Oka didn't win, but I love him anyway. And Heroes comes back NEXT MONDAY!!!!

EDIT: Eddie Murphy deafeated Jack Nicolson for the Golden Globe? Is that a sign of Armageddon?

EDIT: America Ferrara was so cute when she won for Ugly Betty. And Forest Whittaker was absolutely flummoxed by winning for his portrayal of Idi Amin (sp) for The Last King of Scotland.

Real Hero

2007-01-04T21:40:00.000-05:00

We write stories about our ftahers and brothers, men who are heroes and the women who love them. Then there are stories like these, stories that should be shared because of their pitiful rarity:

Man saves teen at subway station

I'm glad he's getting publicity. I'm glad this story wasn't buried under stories of brothers behaving badly. I hope the film school remembers their promise to his girls, and they get their scholarships.

Wild Women's RT Reviews for December

2006-10-25T20:26:00.000-04:00

Dyanne Davis for Let's Get It On (4 stars)

Deatri King-Bey for Beauty and the Beast (4 stars)

Angie Daniels for A Delight Before Christmas (3 stars)

Barbara Keaton for Nights Over Egypt (3 stars)

Gwyneth Bolton for Divine Destiny (3 stars)

LA Banks, JM Jeffries, Seressia Glass, and Natalie Dunbar for Vegas Bites (4 stars)

Abuse and Worthy Causes

2006-09-30T05:37:00.000-04:00

Today I will be joining several of my friends to raise money for an organization called, Southwest Women Working Together. Barbara Keaton, of Cupid and Nights over Egypt coming out in Dec from Genesis Press is on the board. She asked me to....I'll have to take that back. She told me that I was going to be there as well as Lisa G, Riley of At last and her newest, part of an erotica anthology, Wicked Delights, Deatri King-Bey of Caught Up and, her newest, Beauty and the Beast coming out from Parker in Dec, that we were all to come to this event and being the good little friends that we are we said sure.

I almost forgot. She strong armed Nikki Woods of Easier Said than done into being the M.C. Then she got Angie Daniels and Earl Seawell to be our guest. She managed to get great prizes one including a dinner with Earl for whoever brings in the most guests.

Okay, I know you're wondering where the heck I'm going with all of the above but you know how friends are mention one's name and not the other and well....things can get pretty ugly. LOL. OOPS. Sorry. Kelle Z. Riley author of Dangerous Affairs is also a participant.

Anyway back to what the reason was for me writing this. Barb gave all of us jobs to do and kept adding to them I might add. The latest thing was to go to the dollar store and buy ten red bags. She had earlier asked us to post all of the information on all of our sites which I will admit here in public that I didn't do. I try to walk the line between spamming people and telling them things that they might not want to hear so I only posted it one place.

Well yesterday I was in the dollar store and besides the red bags I found tons of things that I will use later when I'm making up gift bags for my readers. So the cashier finally asks me when she's ringing up the bag what they were for so I told her about the event today.

She proceeded to tell me with a full line of customers behind me that she was a survivor of spousal abuse, that her throat had been slashed, both legs broken, ear drum shattered and numerous other things. Then she told me that her fourteen year old daughter was being abused by her fifteen year old boyfriend and that her daughter ended up in the hospital because she had begun cutting into her flesh. The boy was telling this child where she could go, whom she could see, and what time she had to be home. I was in stunned disbelief even as I stood there looking on the woman's battle scars.

It was then that I knew that spamming or not this subject is important enough that I said it. If anyone out there needs helps getting away from an abusive partner and that include men who are abused by women please contact me if you can't find any of the many places that offer help on your own. For the people living in the Chicago area I will post the information on my website.

If you're an abuser please get help, if you're a victim of abuse, you're not alone there are people willing to show you a safe way out of your situation. Please call someone. No one knows you have a need unless you tell them.

Dyanne

If Women Ran the World

2006-09-21T20:01:00.000-04:00

God bless Ted Turner.

Say what you like about the man, he's never short of an opinion. Like the one he gave during a Reuters Newsmaker appearance. You can read the entire article here but let's talk about this gem:

"Men should be barred from public office for 100 years in every part of the world. ... It would be a much kinder, gentler, more intelligently run world. The men have had millions of years where we've been running things. We've screwed it up hopelessly. Let's give it to the women."

So that begs the question...what would the world be like if women ran it? Do you agree that it would be better? Would we have a kinder, gentler universe? Do you think Ted's been eating too may buffalo burgers? Let me know!

Authors Cite Problems with Publisher Genesis Press

2006-09-20T22:44:00.000-04:00

Click here to read the PW article, then come on back.

It’s not an easy thing for writers to complain about their publishers, especially to this extent, which goes way beyond the “teacher’s lounge” decompressions of many a writers group meeting. It may be even more difficult for women, most of whom aren’t raised to be anything other than decorous and polite and long-suffering.

However.

For most of us, writing is not a hobby. For most of us, writing is something we want to make a career of doing. We all dream of combining our love of something with making a living. While many of us write because we can’t not write, we publish and enter into contracts because we want to make money. When we agree to a contract, we believe what it says, that if we do our part, they will do theirs.

We expect to get paid the advance as contracted, before the book comes out (which is what “advance” means).

We expect to receive royalty statements and payments as specified in those contracts.

We expect to be notified of book club sales, reprints, and new publishing editions, because all of those impact our career, and our monies.

We expect to get our rights back when the book is no longer available to purchase through regular channels. This is a good definition of “out of print.” Having a few dozen misprinted copies in a dusty corner of a warehouse where someone may be able to get a copy if they call the publisher and the office staff can track it down if they can even find it in their database does not count as being “in print.”

I think these are reasonable expectations. I would hope most people think these are reasonable expectations. I hope people understand why authors felt they had to speak up. I’d like to think that people would sympathize with an author who hasn’t seen any information from the publisher on a book published in 2000 that is still making sales. Or the book in 2002, or 2004.

Writing is an art, but I don’t want to starve for it.

Monica Jackson wrote in her blog about it. I don’t think I can add anything more than that.

I Pledge Stupidtiy

2006-09-12T19:05:00.000-04:00

File this one under "What Were They Thinking?"

According to the Associated Press and UGA's Redandblack.com, the University of Georgia suspended the Chi Phi fraternity last Friday for flashing images from a porn magazine at passersby on campus.

Here's the kicker: the magazine is called Black Tail, so you can guess the ethnicity of the women in the magazine. And the pledges photographed people's reactions as they flashed the photos.

Chi Phi president Matthew Hughes said the fraternity is "embarassed" by the incident, disavowed any prior knowledge, and refused to explain why the pledges were showing this magazine in Tate Plaza in the first place.

WTF?

1. SHowing porn to the unsuspecting and photographing their reactions without their consent.
2. Showing this particular magazine, as if no one would be upset at a predominantly homogenous university (which is actively seeking diversity) who has pledges who think this is "funny." (Yes, one of the pledges actually said that to a reporter. Funny.)

Don't women have a hard enough time as it is? Especially black women? We're either objects to decorate a rap video or overweight grandmothers playing the movie going audience for laughs. And don't get me started on the MTV cartoon that showed black women on leashes squatting on all fours. It's one thing to be into bondage, but this was something else.

At least in romance novels, black women can be portrayed as the intelligent, successful, well-rounded women we are. Women who demand and receive respect. Women who get wild because they choose to, not because it's the only option. Women who are not objects, but object to being treated like one.

So to my romance-writing sistahs, thank you.

Survivor Series

2006-08-26T06:47:00.000-04:00

I have been reading a lot of posts about the new survivor series. First I was never a fan of the show. I have never liked having people pitted against each other and stabbing each other in the back to win something. The idea then of someone being voted off of something... Well... Lets just say it doesn't appeal to me. Hang-ups from childhood and being one of the last picked for teams...I don't know. I just know that I don't like it.
Now it seems as if I took a nap and the world has started a backwards movement. In case you haven't heard the new show will feature groups based on racial lines. Their reasoning, they received complaints about not having enough of a cultural difference.
I have no idea what they plan to achieve with this divisive tactic other than create discord. But my real objections concern the participants. Doesn't any of them know what this is going to do? Do they care? Is the thought of being on television and the chance to possibly win a million dollars worth so much that nothing else matters?
The thought that are in my mind about the outcome of a show like this is so horrendous that I can only see polarization. Have we as a people sunk so low that it only matters what we do in our lives if it will advance us or get us some sort of publicity.? Do we not and I mean every single human being, do we not have a responsibility to this planet to try and at least keep it here for our children? MY God!!! What are they thinking? We're worried about a terrorist missile, I hate to see the fallout from this show. If I were a terrorist group I would just wait around while we destroy ourselves.
Dyanne

The Unrequited Love Mix Tape, Volume I

2006-08-19T19:41:00.000-04:00

The Unrequited Love Mix Tape, Volume I

Okay, we have all heard them throughout the years, those songs that wax lyrically about the one that you love who doesn’t have the good sense God gave him to love you back. As much as I love me some romance, even I know that the road to love isn’t always paved with gold. So I started thinking about what songs I would put on a mix tape to help tender hearts deal with the perils of unrequited love. Here it is, a mix tape from me to you that is a mix of old school and new.

1. “Just My Imagination,” a classic from the tasty Temptations. Because we all know that when you’re knee deep in unrequited love you can’t stop imagining what it would be like if…
2. “Ex-Factor,” new school for sure but also a classic from Lauryn Hill. This song is a classic because there is nothing worse that unrequited love when you are in a relationship. All give, no get, not cool…
3. “If Only You Knew,” a classic from Patti LaBelle. “I must have rehearsed my lines a thousand times…” Because we all know that you have all the things you would say to that special someone if you ever got up the nerve to approach them…
4. “In My Mind,” new school from Heather Headley. Now the sister is just a little close to the crazy edge here and in serious fantasyland. Because the brother has moved on to another. But we all know that sometimes it’s hard to tell the heart that it is really over and you can still have love for someone even if it is over…
5. “Love Song,” new school from Jean Grae. This song is all about a young girl trying to come to grips with the disappointments of love and relationships but still remaining in the game. With lines like “Sees things through her pink-tinted glasses,” and “send Prince Charming please,” I had to include it on my mix tape.
6. “If You Still Love Her,” another classic from Miki Howard. Because we all know that if his heart is with another, he can’t love you the way you need to loved…
7. ‘So Gone,” is a new school joint from Monica. She may be caught up in the love thang, but sista girl is too through and ready to go! Unrequited love is for the birds and Monica is about to bring wreck!
8. “This Love,” is new school from Maroon 5. I had to throw a little blue-eyed soul in there. Really the entire Songs about Jane album is an ode to unrequited love if I ever heard one.
9. “I Wish I Wasn’t,” another one from Heather Headley make this a double play on the mix tape. Sista girl knows he doesn’t love her the way that he should so she’s wishing her own love away…
10. “Get It Together,” is a new school joint by 702. With lyrics like, “I don’t really wanna go. I don’t really wanna stay,” this song shows what too much time in “Unrequited Love Ville” will do to ya! It’ll make you so confused you won’t know if you’re coming or going…
11. "Silly," old school from Denise Williams. "Silly of me to think that I could ever have you for my guy. How I love you..." That classic song has to cap off the mix tape.

And that’s it for my mix tape devoted to all the lovers who have yet to find their perfect someone, the one who will love them back. Pop it in. Press play. But don’t give up hope. Love is just a touch away!

And if you think I’ve missed an important track, let me know. There’s always Volume II.

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth

RWA Literacy Autographing in Atlanta

2006-07-12T14:17:00.000-04:00

Attention romance readers in the Atlanta area! Romance Writers of America is coming to Atlanta at the end of July and some of your favorite authors will be participating in the literacy signing. Come out and meet the authors.

Romance Writers of America is proud to host the “Readers for Life” Literacy Autographing at the 26th Annual RWA Conference in Atlanta, GA on July 26, 2006 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the Atlanta Marriott Marquis hotel. Over 500 romance fiction authors will be signing books donated by publishers with the proceeds of the sales going to literacy charities. RWA has raised approximately $450,000 for literacy – help us reach the $500,000 mark! Check out the list below to see if your favorite authors will be there.

Please note: Since this is a literacy fundraiser, please do not bring more than a total of five of your own books for the authors to sign. We want to raise as much money as possible to help fight illiteracy!

Here are some of the African American Romance writers who will be participating in the signing:

Renee Alexis
Janice Angelique
Gwyneth Bolton
Ann Christopher
Dyanne Davis
Dara Girard
Seressia Glass
Shirley Hailstock
Brenda Jackson
J.M. Jeffries
Wayne Jordan
Marcia King-Gamble
Sandra Kitt
Kim Louise
Renee Luke
Michelle Monkou
Kayla Perrin
Candice Poarch
Kim Shaw
Jacquelin Thomas
Phyllis Bourne Williams
Alice Wootson

Interview with Chris Esler- book cover designer

2006-05-20T06:34:00.000-04:00

Hi Chris. Thank you so much for agreeing to do this interview. I’ve admired your work not only on my own book covers but also on some of the other genesis authors. It is your work that’s seen first and it’s that first impression that will get the reader interested in picking up the book. You are the first line as it were. Your work is a direct partnership with the author even if you’ve never met them. And it is your work that the readers ask a lot of questions about.

Q: So tell me Chris How did you first get into this field?

A: I got into graphic design after realizing I didn’t want to take accounting in college. I knew I loved computers, and yet I loved to draw. I was a sophomore and really didn’t know what I wanted to do after changing my major. One day my father gave me a newsletter from his university (University of Eastern Washington) and there was an interview was with someone my father thought I might be interested in. The interview was with a fellow alum named Todd McFarlane. Some may not know him, but I was amazed. He was a talented comic book artist and writer who became extremely well known for doing Spiderman for Marvel Comics. The article was about him and his fellow comic artists starting their own comic book company called Image, and Todd’s new comic hero was named Spawn (you might have seen the movie). Anyways, Mr. McFarlane also elaborated about how he studied Graphic Design. Immediately I knew that was what I wanted to do. At least the publishing part of it. And to be able to still draw was a plus too!

Towards the end of graduation I managed to get a lucky call from Wilbur Colom of Genesis Press who was fishing my university for designers to work on some book covers. My first book cover was called “Lasting Valor” by Vernon Baker and Ken Olsen about the first African American to win the medal of honor. It’s an autobiography that turned out to be a big deal – there was a foreword by General Colon Powell and a few notes by President Clinton. This ended up being the start of something that I fell in love with.

Q: Was this a lifelong dream of yours

A: Growing up I always liked to read. I was reading Moby Dick and Jack London when I was seven years old. My parents were very supportive of my appetite for reading. Did I know that this would possibly lead me to a calling that I was passionate about? At the time, no. But after having actually done my first book cover, I was hooked and a lot of it is due I believe to my early attraction to reading mixed in with my desire to create something visual. A business partner and myself started a company called Interlink Media Group to take on the demand for our design services for both print and for web.

Late in 1999, I had a disagreement with my business partner and I decided to part ways. I took a new job that was strictly web oriented. I thought I would be ok without doing books. But I really did not know how much I would miss it.

After a couple of years of being away, I called Genesis again to see if there was any overflow work that I could possibly help with. As fate would have it, they did need help, and this is what I consider to be the truly defining start of my book designing career. Most of the books that I have done from this point in time have been some of the best work I’ve ever done. Part of it has to be that I had grown in skills with designing with the computer, but another part was the fact that I realized that this was something I loved, and I put all my passion into it and was able to produce some amazing covers. The feeling of being able to go to a book store and see something that you did, or to even get letters from the authors thanking me for making their cover really did make it a dream come true.

The work has grown to such a level, that my wife has become a key player in helping me keeping up with things by scheduling, researching, and doing basic administration of what has become our small family book design business that we call Dibolmi. In case you are wondering, Dibolmi is the internet name of my wife that I knew when we had first met online 7 years ago. It stands for her full name, Diana Teresa Bolivar Millan. That was a mouthful, so she came up with Dibolmi. But I digress.

So I would say yes, book design was a lifelong dream, but it took me a little bit of time to realize it. I don’t want to ever step away from it again. I would like to be designing books fulltime, and slowly I am creeping my way towards being able to fulfill that dream.

Q: Can you name some of the other books that you have designed covers for? Of course I know that you’ve done, The Color of Trouble, The Wedding Gown, Misty Blue and my next book, Let’s Get it On.

A: I have designed probably close to 200 books. I can’t really name them all. One of my favorites though is of course my first book Lasting Valor, for sentimental reasons. Probably some of the newer covers I’ve done for mass market paperbacks have been pretty good. I’ve done covers for Gwynne Forster, Donna Hill, Beverly Clark, and of course Dyanne Davis. J

Q: Chris, can you tell us if the author has any input at all on the covers?

A: Well it depends. If it is a reasonable request that won’t have a terrible impact on the marketability of a cover, I would say the publisher will consider an authors request. However, if for some reason the request is whimsical and not entirely relevant to the story or characters, the publisher may pull rank and say no. I’ve seen it go both ways.

Personally, I like to get some feedback from the author because it helps me capture the essence of their book. Obviously I have to design a cover that will sell, but I also want to make the soul of the book apparent. The old adage of “don’t judge a book by its cover” holds no merit in this day and age

Q: What do you use for your inspiration for covers? Do you use back cover blurb or marketing information?

A: I generally get a tip sheet that has basic information about the book. I tend to pull most inspiration through lots of research and gut feeling. My wife and myself sit down and take the name of the book and dissect it. Writing out many synonyms for the title as well as reading the synopsis and writing out synonyms for the basic plot of the story. We use these as our keywords and begin a massive search for images on all the various image libraries. Most of the time I’ll know when I see an image that it is the one. But sometimes a image will only be good for part of my vision so I have to use more images to develop the cover into a collage. And there is the occasional moment where I actually do a full blown illustration.

There are times though where I can’t seem to get the cover. This is definitely where I get in touch with the author to help lead me out of my block by helping me understand their characters and the situations they are in.

Q. I’ve visited your website just to get an idea of what else you’re working on. Could you tell the readers what it is that you’re working on and what they can expect to see when they visit your website?

A: Well I have two websites actually. I have my personal website (http://www.chrisesler.com) which is more of a reflection of my thoughts regarding work in the internet field as well as book design. Not much in the way of photos unless they are of my adorable two year old daughter Isabella.

My new site that I am pushing for my design work as a book designer and illustrator is called Dibolmi (http://www.dibolmi.com). To get an idea of what I’ve done and what I’m doing is to check out the Portfolio section. I am currently adding all the books I’ve ever done there. So far I’m on 1999 with some 2003. I plan to have them all uploaded soon so you can see what I’m working on.

The Dibolmi website will have a lot more information about the services I offer and news about my covers. I think the biggest new lately is that one of my covers was going to be featured at Book Expo of America by Kensington Publishing Group.

Q: Of course, I know that you’re a genius with the romance book covers. Are there any other romance publishers you work with?

A: Only recently have things gotten to a point where I am pushing to do this full time. I currently only work with Genesis Press. I work with Kensington Publishing Group, but with them I am still work on Genesis Press books…just their mass market books.

I’m really looking to get my name out there as much as possible among the publishers to be able to get more covers to work on. Maybe I can become the next Chipp Kidd…hehe. Or at least reach some level of notoriety (hopefully good) that I can work with many many publishers. Know of any other publishers that might need some book design help? ;)

Q: Are you working on any other genre, --non-fiction, sci fi, paranormal?

A: The primary genre I deal with is romance due in part to Genesis Press who focuses mostly on romance. But I have done and still do some general fiction, autobiographies, anthologies, Christian and lately scifi.

Q. Chris , I’m jut curious and you don’t have to say romance (smile) what are your favorite covers and what covers make you cringe?

A: That’s a tough one. I don’t think there is any particular genre that is better than others. Its more about the design. I’m an artsy person, so I like things to be different. I like some things that are busy and some things that are simple. Handling of color and typography is very important as well as knowing what sort of media you are going to be printing on.

Probably the genre though with the least attractive covers are self-help books – think “Books for Dummies”. A great designer that I aspire to his level is Chipp Kidd who works for Random House – There are a couple of books out now that actually chronical his work over the past 10 years.

Q: There are a lot of self published authors and I’m sure they’re going to want to know if they can get you to do covers for them. Is that a possibility?

A: Give me a call, shoot me an email. I’d be happy to design their book covers. You can reach me at my agency website http://www.dibolmi.com or at my personal website http://www.chrisesler.com

Q: Do you read any of the books before you design the cover?

A: I used to read them more when I was typesetting the books as well as the cover. But not so much anymore. But I do look through the insides when I get my copy, and if it peaks my interest I have read them.

Q: Would you take an author’s idea for a cover? Example: landscape and make a cover from that?

A: maybe. If it is explained poorly, maybe not. But if there is some well thought out explanation of what they would like, it’s a good possibility because now I have a better understanding of the story. Someone who says they want a cover with a field of grass and blue sky and that’s all they say will probably not get my ear. But if someone states that the grass and blue sky have some sort of meaning on the story like the main character always finds peace by thinking of a blue sky with green grass. Sure, I am more inclined to listen to their wants.

Q: What works best for you when you’re conceiving a cover-do you like images-general concepts, specifies-as in specific colors…?

A: The best inspiration for me is a well thought out title with maybe a paragraph or two of the story. Of course I need to know about the characters and general appearance. I don’t like specific colors, because that limits me a lot and can cause me to freeze up on a design. I like generalities such as locations, maybe income level or occupation, and general appearance. That gives me enough information most of the time for my own imagination to take control and I can see in my head what I want for the design.

Q: What type of cover do you like doing-cartoon, illustration, photo…
Do you have a favorite style? And if so do you think a particular style is more effective?

A: Lately I’ve been trying to do more illustration, but the drawings are based off photos. But I still deal mostly with photography. That is where my strengths are in photoshop. I’ve used that program since version 2, so I’ve gotten it down pretty good. I use it to merge photos and change peoples races or take someones face and put it on anothers body.

Probably the most effective style is some sort of high contrast. And some illustrations do this nicely. A good example is to look at some artwork by Frank Miller (known for his books Sin City). Amazing high contrast illustrations.

Q: Do you show your work to the authors before the final decision is made?

A: That generally is left up to the publisher. But if I am conversing with an author via email, I will email them a proof as it moves forward.

Q: Do you illustrate any of the really racy covers?

A: Christian Romance? Yes, although they are the hardest to do. Interracial Romance? Yes, and these can be hard depending on the setup. Steamy Romance? Yes. Erotica? Yes. The racier the cover, illustration seems to work better. It kind of works likes a tease and makes the readers mind take control and ask the question “what do they mean by that?” which in turns causes them to pick it up.

Q: What would be an option other than one with people for historical romances?

A: Historical romances are hard. You almost always have to use people, but you can use objects that are referenced to that time such as spectacles, corset, white gloves, etc. Illustration works well here too. If you are going to use people, you will be hard pressed to find appropriate photos.

Q: Does the author have the option of using an abstract covers and then putting pictures on the first inside page?

A: Hrm. That probably is up to the publisher, but I’ve never seen that really.

Chris, I want to thank you again and wish you continued success. You are truly gifted. you again. Please if there is anything at all you’d like to leave the reader with that wasn’t asked in this interview go ahead and tell us.

Where can readers reach you? And what other sites can they view samples of your work?

I’m putting up all the examples of my book covers and web designs on http://www.dibolmi.com/portfolio/index.php

They should all be up there in the next couple of days.

I can be reached a variety of ways.

Email: chris.esler@gmail.com

Website: http://www.dibolmi.com & http://www.chrisesler.com

Phone: 425-220-7738

Skype: chrisesler
Skype Phone #: 425-296-6590

MSN Messenger: chrisesler2

Yahoo Messenger: chrisesler_2000

I would give my address, but we are about to move to about 30 minutes north of Seattle.

Life a Book (and you thought a thug's life was bad)

2006-04-24T15:22:00.000-04:00

Anna Genoese, editor at Tor, makes an eye-opening blog about a mass market book and the effort put into it. Read the blog posting here.

Hobbies and Work

2006-04-14T22:21:00.000-04:00

Hello!
This is my first blog, so welcome to it! As time allows I'll probably come back and make this look better.

I'm sitting at home on my computer and I've taken the day off from work. I have a manuscript due at the end of the month for Silhouette Bombshell for a book tentatively titled, "Serial Avenger". Loved the idea when I started, but a lot of the fun has disappeared as the deadline looms. Something my husband once said to me really rings true. Think twice about turning your hobbies into jobs. It can take all the fun out of it.

My writing hobby, which I usually love becomes more like a chore when I have to stick to deadlines, write on demand (so I can meet a deadline), or make changes that alter what I really want to do with my work. Understand, if you write for a publisher other than yourself, some editing, changes, etc will be necessary and they need to know when you'll be done so they can put it on their schedule. These are things you don't have to worry about when you're writing for fun and your manuscript doesn't have to sell. I'm glad to be published and writing the books I like, but I sure miss those days of waiting for the writing muse to strike and not writing until it did.

Natalie

Free April 8th?

2006-04-01T18:36:00.000-05:00

If you're free on Saturday, April 8th around 2pm, I'm doing my first signing for Through the Fire at the Barnes and Noble at the Forum on Peachtree Parkway in Norcross. I'm signing with USA Today Bestselling author Leanne Banks, Berta Platas, and Raven Hart. Hope to see you there!

Store info

Its March

2006-03-01T21:31:00.000-05:00

It’s March!

And I’ve got the first review for Through the Fire! Okay, I don’t have the words, but I do have the result:

4-1/ stars-Top Pick from Romantic Times Magazine!

I’m doing the happy dance here in Atlanta, let me tell you. This weekend, I’m going to do a few drive by sightings. If you happen to see the book anywhere, please let me know!

Honoring the Legacy by Living the Dream

2006-02-01T20:47:00.000-05:00

In 1986, as a high school senior, I wrote an essay on the theme of “Living the Dream.” That essay, describing how the need to believe and achieve our dreams is part of what unites us, finalled in an essay contest celebrating the first national Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. I was invited to go to the King Center and read my essay, along with five other finalists from across the city.

I won.

That day, I realized the power of words to persuade, enlighten, to motivate, to change. The power of my words. I received a plaque and a certificate. I still have my certificate, signed by Coretta Scott King, framed and hanging in my office.

I will never forget that day. I will never forget the feeling of accomplishment, empowerment. I will never, ever, stop living the dream. It’s the least I can do to honor two people who have done so much for so many.

Naked in Front of the Crowd

2006-01-19T19:54:00.000-05:00

No, I'm not stepping out nude before large groups of people. Heaven forbid! LOL

No, the title is a short line from Anna Nalick's song, "Breathe." The song tells three small stories. One is about a friend who's made a mistake with some guy she met. Another is about a young man who's an alcoholic. The third is about the songwriter who realizes that as she's writing the song the words are her private thoughts and emotions and that the audience will take from them what they will. Even before I began writing, I understood that songwriters got their inspiration from somewhere deeply personal. Maybe that's why my favorite songs have always been the ones that told a story.

With the release of my debut novel, "Love Lasts Forever," Anna's lyric has taken a stronger meaning for me. While flipping through my novel, I was struck with a flashback of moments that brought the story to life. I remembered the people in my life, the songs that I listened to, and the hours of research. A read a sentence and distinctly remembered stopping in the middle of it to do a quick search on the Internet to double check something. I sat there stunned. Of course, no one reading the book will know this, but I do. Then, other things started coming at me from all sides. This book of my heart is a part of me. Now, I'm sharing it with the world. It makes me feel kind of naked. That realization made me wonder if other authors feel this, too. Like they're releasing a part of themselves? Regardless the answer, I know that from now on I'll read their words a little differently and offer them a silent "thanks" for their g

Happy Holidays

2005-12-25T17:59:00.000-05:00

I just wanted to take a moment and wish everyone Happy Holidays. No matter what path you walk and what stirs your heart, I wish all of you all the best this and every season.

Seressia

NaNoWriMo Total: 904

2005-11-01T22:06:00.000-05:00

What scares authors?

2005-10-30T13:09:00.000-05:00

Halloween---a day of fright and fun. But everyday can be scary for authors. What you say? What scares a writer? Have I got a litany for you! As an aspiring author, you're scared you'll never get published. No one but your mother will like your stories and those who do say they like them, you question. Do they really like it or, like your newborn who they say is cute, but tell everyone else it looks like a little old man, tell others your work is horrible? Then you work up the courage to submit to a publisher and get a full manuscript request from an editor. Now you fear the mail. Your hand trembles as you reach out to take in the mail and find a thick envelop containing a contract for your work. Now you're euphoric, calling everyone and announcing the sale. Once the list is finished, you begin to fear that someone put the wrong stuff in your envelope. They can't want you? Can they?
But it is reality and you are on the road to publishing. You work over the manuscript, making line edits and changes. Now your fear is that the mean old line editor has taken out your voice from you work. But it works and now you've reach the place where you have to submit advance reading copies for review. Will they like it? Or will your 'baby' be disparaged all over the internet? You hold your breathe when you receive an email subject heading "I just finished your book." Are they going to say nice things or hate you? But it is a rave reveiw!
They like me! They like me! Now you're scaring everyone with a bad Sally Field impersonation!
Fear sets in again when you think too hard about the good reviews and fan mail. Are they just being nice? Don't want to hurt my feelings? I'm not good. I can't write. I'll never sell another manuscript.
But, what do you know? You do! And the terror starts all over again.
It may not be blood and guts, pain and screams, (then again maybe it is), but it's a roller coaster ride and adrenalin rush with no comparison.
Bring on Halloween!
You can't scare me.
I'm an author.

Preparing for NaNoWriMo

2005-10-22T14:27:00.000-04:00

There are plenty of things to consider when preparing for the grueling flow of creativity during the month of November. Here are a few of my tips and suggestions. Use them at will.

1. What to write?

If you're like me, you have a bunch of voices and ideas swirling through your mind at any given moment. Various scenes plague me throughout the day. I always keep a pen and pad nearby to jot everything down. The characters demand attention and since I need them as much as they need me, I have to take note. With all this activity happening inside my brain, how do I choose which story to focus on? Do I use the coin toss--heads is "XXX" or tails is "ABC"? Or should I put the titles in a bag, shake and reach in? What to do?

2. I know what I'm writing, what's next?

I write by the seat of my pants until about the 3rd or 4th chapter. By then, the characters are leading me where they want to go and I'm clear enough on how they'll probably get there. When I'm writing on a "normal" timetable, that's fine. We (the characters and me) have the time we need. But in November, we have to speed things along. There's no time for dilly dallying around. NaNoWriMo means there's no time for nonsense! So what can a pantser like me do??? (Without freaking out at the thought of [YIKES!!!!] plotting ahead?!?!?!) I'll tell you what works for me. I do a goal, motivation, chart. I get to know the characters and do a basic outline of the chapters...an outline that I'm pretty sure won't be followed to the letter because I'm a pantser and pantsers can't be bogged down with strict rules on her creativity!

3. It's October 29th and I'm ready to write!

GET THOSE FINGERS AWAY FROM THE KEYBOARD! No cheating is allowed! The actual writing doesn't start until November 1st and if you're really eager, make that midnight, November 1st. So no matter how loudly the voices are talking and how ripe and ready you are to dig into the story--DON'T! There's the entire month of November for that. ;-)

Happy writing and good luck!

2005-10-21T23:03:00.000-04:00

November 1st kicks off National Novel Writing Month. You can find more information about it here. Basically, it allows you, dear readers, to step into my shoes. You are encouraged to write your little hearts out for thirty days, the goal being to produce a 175-page, 50, 000-word novel.
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Go on, I dare ya. I'm joining. Let me know how it goes for you

Wild Women

Lest Ye Be Judged

Chatting on RAW

Happy Valentine Day

I'm going on tour

Seressia's Interview on Blog Talk Radio

Happy Black Folks Month!

Conratulations, Sandra Kitt!

Alice Walker's Archives going to Emory University

Essence to Honor Writers, Help Libraries

When Your Characters are No Longer Yours

Harlan Ellison, My Hero

NBC Talks About Black Women

Thanksgiving Thank-you's for Military

Say What?!

Like Free?

Snow Job

Glamour Hair...Not

Comment for the Cure

Mavis Allen promoted

Controversy Over "Tintin in the Congo"

RWA Changes, Pt 2

RWA Changes, Pt 1

Deadlines

Columnists Think Romance is Porn and Women are Stupid

popping in

Time Management for Writers

Katherine D. Jones

Romance in Color 2006 Reviewer's Choice Awards

Interracial Marriages Surge Across the U.S.

Romance in Color Reviewer's Choice Nominees

Love is Universal

Racism in Publishing Survey

Disclaimer: The survey is by no means "scientific," as in not put together by a professional surveying company like Gallup or whatnot. Karen Scott is a reader from Great Britain who has a widely read and commented upon blog.

--Seressia

The Golden Globes

Real Hero

Wild Women's RT Reviews for December

Abuse and Worthy Causes

If Women Ran the World

Authors Cite Problems with Publisher Genesis Press

I Pledge Stupidtiy

Survivor Series

The Unrequited Love Mix Tape, Volume I

RWA Literacy Autographing in Atlanta

Interview with Chris Esler- book cover designer

Life a Book (and you thought a thug's life was bad)

Hobbies and Work

Free April 8th?

Its March

Honoring the Legacy by Living the Dream

Naked in Front of the Crowd

Happy Holidays

NaNoWriMo Total: 904

What scares authors?

Preparing for NaNoWriMo