A ton of blogs discuss/debate book buying habits of consumers. Some of the book blogs listed to the left of this entry encourage the discussion.
So... for those of you who read and buy books, what makes you choose the books you read/buy? Reviews? Word of mouth? Author reputation and credentials? Author previous work? Where it's placed in the bookstore? The cover? The publisher? The genre?
Just wondering.
fs
cool blogs on books i discovered today:
Dee Stewart
Donna Hill
Monica Jackson
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Monday, March 07, 2005
Youth, Brains, Looks, Lost Potential and the Judicial System
I spent the day in jury duty. I really wanted to fulfill my civic duty, this being my first time, and really looked forward to serving on the case.
I was actually THIS close to getting on the case. The defense was pleased with the seated jury. The prosecution was THIS close to being pleased. I was the deciding factor.
Can't and won't give the details of the case away, but there's a lot going through my mind.
One, how lucky and blessed I am that my family and I have been untouched by the judicial system -- either as victims of crimes, or accused of crimes. I pray it remains this way for us and for all of you.
Two, that the jury system "tries" its best to get unbiased, fair-minded folks to serve on juries... and I applaud that. But the system does not want "critical thinkers" serving on a jury. At least prosecutors don't. I've devoted my life to many social justice causes. I believe that people of color have disproportionately been shuttled through the judicial system without a bean of a chance of getting a fair trial by their peers. I wanted to serve, to be chosen, maybe to be that one juror who could fairly look at the allegations, the people involved, AND the circumstances that lead people to make the choices they make... or are alleged to have made. This leads me to the third thing on my mind...
Three, the young men accused of the crime I could have been a juror for were so young, so good looking, looked smart, and full of potential. Made me wonder what led them to sitting in the defendants chairs. Made me wonder what their mothers and fathers think, feel, wish for for their sons. Made me wonder, if given another chance, would they make different choices of who they hang with or how they spend their time. Made me wonder if I could have been an inspiration for them, as I answered the prosecutors, judges, and the defense attorney questions, and talked about how my professional life is devoted to raising awareness of race, class, gender, and the abuse of power and privilege in society. If they could feel that I felt for them, and didn't look at them as "just another young black/latino boy" destined for a life of crime.
Maybe that's why the defense wanted me. Maybe that's why at the last minute, just seconds before we recessed for the day, the prosecution thanked me, but asked that I be dismissed from the jury.
Maybe I'm too open-minded, fair, and can really look at the gray areas in life. Not just black or white... or brown.
We have to mentor, reach out to, teach, guide, and be brother/sister friends to our youth. Let them know they're not alone. Let them know we care. Let them know we want their youth, brains, looks, and potential to be fulfilled and used for good. And that we're there for them.
Can't let them be just another number.
fs
I was actually THIS close to getting on the case. The defense was pleased with the seated jury. The prosecution was THIS close to being pleased. I was the deciding factor.
Can't and won't give the details of the case away, but there's a lot going through my mind.
One, how lucky and blessed I am that my family and I have been untouched by the judicial system -- either as victims of crimes, or accused of crimes. I pray it remains this way for us and for all of you.
Two, that the jury system "tries" its best to get unbiased, fair-minded folks to serve on juries... and I applaud that. But the system does not want "critical thinkers" serving on a jury. At least prosecutors don't. I've devoted my life to many social justice causes. I believe that people of color have disproportionately been shuttled through the judicial system without a bean of a chance of getting a fair trial by their peers. I wanted to serve, to be chosen, maybe to be that one juror who could fairly look at the allegations, the people involved, AND the circumstances that lead people to make the choices they make... or are alleged to have made. This leads me to the third thing on my mind...
Three, the young men accused of the crime I could have been a juror for were so young, so good looking, looked smart, and full of potential. Made me wonder what led them to sitting in the defendants chairs. Made me wonder what their mothers and fathers think, feel, wish for for their sons. Made me wonder, if given another chance, would they make different choices of who they hang with or how they spend their time. Made me wonder if I could have been an inspiration for them, as I answered the prosecutors, judges, and the defense attorney questions, and talked about how my professional life is devoted to raising awareness of race, class, gender, and the abuse of power and privilege in society. If they could feel that I felt for them, and didn't look at them as "just another young black/latino boy" destined for a life of crime.
Maybe that's why the defense wanted me. Maybe that's why at the last minute, just seconds before we recessed for the day, the prosecution thanked me, but asked that I be dismissed from the jury.
Maybe I'm too open-minded, fair, and can really look at the gray areas in life. Not just black or white... or brown.
We have to mentor, reach out to, teach, guide, and be brother/sister friends to our youth. Let them know they're not alone. Let them know we care. Let them know we want their youth, brains, looks, and potential to be fulfilled and used for good. And that we're there for them.
Can't let them be just another number.
fs
Sunday, March 06, 2005
News We're Not Seeing
I am just now hearing about the murder of 19-year-old Brooklyn resident, Rashawn Brazell, whose body parts were strewn across various areas in the Brooklyn area. This story is important for many reasons.
1) Stories say Rashawn was gay and was on his way to meet a man he'd met online.
2) Rashawn was black and a victim of an alleged LGBT hate crime.
3) There's been nothing on the news, local, national, and definitely not in L.A. about Rashawn's murder.
This is significant for many reasons when it comes to journalism. Black people don't matter. Black GAY people don't matter.
Now, if this were Matthew Shepherd, or a look alike, we'd see stories everywhere.
Check out these links for more information. I'm shocked, surprised, and saddened I'm just now hearing about this.
1) Stories say Rashawn was gay and was on his way to meet a man he'd met online.
2) Rashawn was black and a victim of an alleged LGBT hate crime.
3) There's been nothing on the news, local, national, and definitely not in L.A. about Rashawn's murder.
This is significant for many reasons when it comes to journalism. Black people don't matter. Black GAY people don't matter.
Now, if this were Matthew Shepherd, or a look alike, we'd see stories everywhere.
Check out these links for more information. I'm shocked, surprised, and saddened I'm just now hearing about this.
- Critical Thinking entry on BlackGayBlogger
- A look at the case on another blog
- Story from New York Newsday
- Tips on dating safe, especially when meeting people from the computer
fs
Saturday, March 05, 2005
Writing Is Not Just About Writing
One of the best pieces of advice I got from someone as I ventured into novel writing and the publishing industry is this: writers who devote equal time to the business side of their writing, as they do with the writing side of their writing, have the best shot of being successfully published.
When Marcela Landres, formerly of Simon and Schuster, shared those words with my fellow VONA attendees last summer at University of San Francisco, there was a hush in the room and a cringe among those who consider themselves "real" writers and artists. They were like: once I write it, it's up to the publisher/editor/name your person with title to handle its delivery to the world; my job is only to write.
I interpreted Marcela's point as this: it's great to develop your skills, however, you have to understand how the industry will work with your skills... that way, everyone has reasonable expectations and a successful publishing experience.
The subject brought up serious debate among my classmates. The "real" writers and artists on one side. The "commercial" writers and artists on the other side. No one willing to budge.
I happened to fall on the side of the room with the "commercial" writers and artists, though I could feel the folks on the other side. Honestly, it's not even about sides. It's about producing the best writing you can, and then, if it's your desire, making sure that people have access to it and know about it.
As Terry McMillan said in the 1988 Poets & Writers magazine article, Publicizing Your Commercially-Published Novel, on her first novel, MAMA, "I worked hard on my novel and I wanted as many people as possible to know it existed... you'll do well to do what I did. Take matters into your own hands." And she went on to be her own sales force, PR guru, and publicist for her first novel. Look at her following now.
Success is defined differently by different people. For some, the success and fulfillment come from the writing alone. And that's cool. For others, success is knowing that other people see, know about, and appreciate (do I dare say, like?) your work. For me, I like the "busy-ness" involved with writing and also with promoting and creating an audience. Love both of those areas a lot.
Here's a couple links for those of you wondering about writing, the business, and if this is your world. Not an exhaustive list... just what I could come up with on a Saturday morning before a day of meetings... with marketing people and a reporter about my upcoming novel.
fs
When Marcela Landres, formerly of Simon and Schuster, shared those words with my fellow VONA attendees last summer at University of San Francisco, there was a hush in the room and a cringe among those who consider themselves "real" writers and artists. They were like: once I write it, it's up to the publisher/editor/name your person with title to handle its delivery to the world; my job is only to write.
I interpreted Marcela's point as this: it's great to develop your skills, however, you have to understand how the industry will work with your skills... that way, everyone has reasonable expectations and a successful publishing experience.
The subject brought up serious debate among my classmates. The "real" writers and artists on one side. The "commercial" writers and artists on the other side. No one willing to budge.
I happened to fall on the side of the room with the "commercial" writers and artists, though I could feel the folks on the other side. Honestly, it's not even about sides. It's about producing the best writing you can, and then, if it's your desire, making sure that people have access to it and know about it.
As Terry McMillan said in the 1988 Poets & Writers magazine article, Publicizing Your Commercially-Published Novel, on her first novel, MAMA, "I worked hard on my novel and I wanted as many people as possible to know it existed... you'll do well to do what I did. Take matters into your own hands." And she went on to be her own sales force, PR guru, and publicist for her first novel. Look at her following now.
Success is defined differently by different people. For some, the success and fulfillment come from the writing alone. And that's cool. For others, success is knowing that other people see, know about, and appreciate (do I dare say, like?) your work. For me, I like the "busy-ness" involved with writing and also with promoting and creating an audience. Love both of those areas a lot.
Here's a couple links for those of you wondering about writing, the business, and if this is your world. Not an exhaustive list... just what I could come up with on a Saturday morning before a day of meetings... with marketing people and a reporter about my upcoming novel.
- MJ Rose blog on marketing and the publishing industry, complete with other great links.
- An unnamed publishing industry exec's blog, on being a publisher and working with writers.
- A new, up & coming blog on black-focused books.
- Donnell Alexander's take on the industry.
- Jervey Tervalon's take one and take two.
- The Southern Comfort marketing blog... not the drink, but books
fs
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Booking Atlanta
So one of the cities I discussed with my publisher about hitting on book tour is Atlanta. Hub of the south. Cultural. Artsy. Bohemian. Neo-soul. Lots of folks in our "target demographic" (wink wink) who'd get into my novel about boy-boy love drama in L.A. And lots of my high school classmates from Detroit who relocated there after attending Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, etc... (silly me chose not to attend an HBCU, wish I had for undergrad at least...)
Digress about undergrad and grad school... another blog, another day.
Anyway, we discussed planning my Atlanta visit around National Black Arts Festival or In The Life Atlanta. That way we could have an anchor event around which to schedule bookstore, library, and organization readings and events. Well, just nabbed the ITLA gig. So I'll be hitting Atlanta around Labor Day weekend, plus or minus a few days. Hope they're Down For Whatever. Now just gotta get Outwrite, Medu, and who else? while I'm in Atlanta. Quite a haul from L.A. Can't just hop east every day. And still waiting to nab NBAF interest... any leads? Tour guide volunteers? "Target demographic" tips, wink wink? My last visit to Atlanta was like 1999 or 2000. Let me know.
What to do? What to wear? Now I have an incentive to lose the final 8 pounds (since I'm down 32 since September 2004). Hmmm... rambling too much. Many more important things in the world to worry about... so let's just stop there about shallow appearance and looks issues.
Atlanta... I'm coming!
fs
Digress about undergrad and grad school... another blog, another day.
Anyway, we discussed planning my Atlanta visit around National Black Arts Festival or In The Life Atlanta. That way we could have an anchor event around which to schedule bookstore, library, and organization readings and events. Well, just nabbed the ITLA gig. So I'll be hitting Atlanta around Labor Day weekend, plus or minus a few days. Hope they're Down For Whatever. Now just gotta get Outwrite, Medu, and who else? while I'm in Atlanta. Quite a haul from L.A. Can't just hop east every day. And still waiting to nab NBAF interest... any leads? Tour guide volunteers? "Target demographic" tips, wink wink? My last visit to Atlanta was like 1999 or 2000. Let me know.
What to do? What to wear? Now I have an incentive to lose the final 8 pounds (since I'm down 32 since September 2004). Hmmm... rambling too much. Many more important things in the world to worry about... so let's just stop there about shallow appearance and looks issues.
Atlanta... I'm coming!
fs
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
Monica Palacios
Had a really cool treat tonight. Got to see Monica Palacios in her one-woman-show, GET YOUR FEET WET. If you don't know Monica or her work, read on.
She is a writer and performer, and a Post-Doctoral Rockefeller Fellow at UC Santa Barbara's Center for Chicano Studies. She recently completed the world premiere of her play, SWEET PEACE, which received an Indie Award from the Santa Barbara Independent Newspaper.
She's also the creator of several one-woman-shows, including Queer Souls, a 20-Year Perspective; Besame Mucho: My Body and Other Parts; and Greetings from a Queer Senorita. Monica is also an adjunct professor at The American Academy for Dramatic Arts, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, UC Riverside, and will be teaching a course at Cal State L.A. this spring.
Monica is also available for performing, writing, and directing gigs. She's so cool, down-to-earth, a critical thinker (wait'll you hear/see her Bush critiques), and so darn smart and funny. She can be reached at monicapalacios@earthlink.net.
fs
She is a writer and performer, and a Post-Doctoral Rockefeller Fellow at UC Santa Barbara's Center for Chicano Studies. She recently completed the world premiere of her play, SWEET PEACE, which received an Indie Award from the Santa Barbara Independent Newspaper.
She's also the creator of several one-woman-shows, including Queer Souls, a 20-Year Perspective; Besame Mucho: My Body and Other Parts; and Greetings from a Queer Senorita. Monica is also an adjunct professor at The American Academy for Dramatic Arts, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, UC Riverside, and will be teaching a course at Cal State L.A. this spring.
Monica is also available for performing, writing, and directing gigs. She's so cool, down-to-earth, a critical thinker (wait'll you hear/see her Bush critiques), and so darn smart and funny. She can be reached at monicapalacios@earthlink.net.
fs
Mario-Anwar-Travis
Mario. Anwar. Travis.
Those are my top three American Idol picks.
If you find any cool blogs or fan sites devoted to the three, let me know. Found a couple on Mario, and Mario again.
Good morning everyone :-)
Those are my top three American Idol picks.
If you find any cool blogs or fan sites devoted to the three, let me know. Found a couple on Mario, and Mario again.
Good morning everyone :-)
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Lawn Service
I'm a morning person and usually am out the door for my office by 7 am. Today, I'm taking a rare day off. Decided I would start my day at 8 am instead. Looked forward to the extra... say 30 minutes in bed. No biggie.
Yeah, biggie.
At 7:15, the roar of the lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and hedge clippers woke me. Tuesday is lawn service day at my place. Totally forgot this is their work day here. When I was a kid, I hated Saturday mornings, when everyone in the neighborhood had yard work to do or had their lawn service guys over. Always woke me up... or interrupted my date with "The Smurfs."
Oh well. I'm up now, about to head over to my favorite coffee shop for a day of writing and people watching.
So much for 30 extra minutes of sleep.
fs
Yeah, biggie.
At 7:15, the roar of the lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and hedge clippers woke me. Tuesday is lawn service day at my place. Totally forgot this is their work day here. When I was a kid, I hated Saturday mornings, when everyone in the neighborhood had yard work to do or had their lawn service guys over. Always woke me up... or interrupted my date with "The Smurfs."
Oh well. I'm up now, about to head over to my favorite coffee shop for a day of writing and people watching.
So much for 30 extra minutes of sleep.
fs
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