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Shamontiel
3/16/2008 3:56 PM UTC
On page 46 of the February 2008 issue of VIBE magazine, Terry McMillan gives her take on street fiction and Karen Hunter tells the other side. I hadn't noticed this article until the April 2008 issue (Janet Jackson on the cover) when folks told their opinions in Letters to the Editor. Check it out!
2/20/2008 6:37 PM UTC
I do disagree with one part of what Nakea said though: the comparison from books to "I Love New York 2." We all know that there is mindless television on, and we expect to flip through channels of shows that are superficial. However, I don't believe the average reader (especially hardcore bookworms) would expect to pick up mindless literature. I see where you were going with your point, Ella! (-http://www.shamontiel.com)
2/20/2008 3:55 AM UTC
Thanks Ella for agreeing to do this show with Ms. Murray. You two were a great tag team interviewing team, and not only was it entertaining, I'm getting that itch again to be on my hustle like I was for "Change for a Twenty." I'm ashamed that I got off of it considering the turnout of the first novel, but again, an extremely important topic made me put on my reporter hat and take off my novelist hat. But as Ms. Murray stated, sales will be noticed.
2/20/2008 3:54 AM UTC
...their books that readers can learn from (as one of your featured authors said). It's difficult for me to read street fiction because it's a red flag reminder of stuff I grew up seeing (I can't even watch "The Wire" for that reason, that and cops annoy me to the point where I can't even tolerate fictional stories about them), but I don't knock any writer or any genre as long as it's quality material. Much respect and best of luck to every one that was on tonight.
...folks who I knew who were living that lifestyle couldn't have given a damn about a book. They were going to do it regardless of whether it was in the book or not. It took my parents, my (crazy) older brother, and other family/friends to keep me focused along with being raised to have my own mind. A book is a way to use my imagination. I don't feel like any type of literature should be held accountable for a person's actions. However, I do hope that any writer of any genre puts something in th
2/20/2008 3:53 AM UTC
...enjoyed. They are also the type of parents who realize that I was going to be around some of the language and people that I read in these books. I didn't grow up in the best neighborhood (surrounded by four gangs, had more than a few friends/associates be murdered during my childhood years), but reading those books did not deter me from having a positive lifestyle. I say that to say that when people say street fiction will make a child want to go out and do things, I'm not buying that. The fo
But back on the topic of street literature and parental responsibility, I did an interview awhile back with a book club called Insight, and the interviewer asked me what types of books I read growing up. I told her stuff like Stephen King, Donald Goines, and more mature literature, along with the Babysitters Club and Fear Street Books. She was shocked that I was reading such mature material in elementary school. My parents have always encouraged me to read various literature to see what I enjoye
2/20/2008 3:48 AM UTC
...area, several Barnes & Noble were open to ordering copies of my first book (once again, I was seriously on the grind with "Change for a Twenty") to see if it would sell. It did, and that's when they FINALLY gave me the opportunity to put me on B&N's website. Before that, they weren't trying to hear me.
2/20/2008 3:47 AM UTC
...determination that I had in 2006 that were moved into other avenues. Much respect to all of the authors. By the way, for new authors (not that I'm a vet), there is a little something you can do with print-on-demand companies that some people may not know. There is a deal that companies such as LuLu.com will do that will get your books available with Ingram/Lightning Source. This will make stores like Barnes & Noble more likely to purchase your product. I know this because in the Chicago
2/20/2008 3:45 AM UTC
Ella, I really enjoyed this show. It got me thinking a LOT about my own marketing strategies. I was really on the grind with "Change for a Twenty," but due to articles that I wanted to write on a very important topic, I slacked off with marketing "Round Trip." My sales reflect that, and I'm slightly frustrated with that because I believe "Round Trip" is a better book. I love the hunger and hustle in the featured authors' voices tonight. It was the same hunger and de
2/20/2008 3:43 AM UTC
If Nakea checks out these messages, I have to say that I have a whole new line of respect for you. You are a businesswoman to the core. All I could do was smile when you made a point of showcasing each author, asking questions that would compliment their material, and notifying new callers about who is on the line. Now THAT is effective marketing. I see why you do what you do.
2/20/2008 2:06 AM UTC
...white. If I were her, I'd have been shocked and sympathetic to such a title, but to each his own.
2/20/2008 2:05 AM UTC
I'm glad Rosalyn told people the history of the word "cracker." I was talking to a co-worker about three weeks ago who said she found that term to be hilarious. I looked at her oddly and asked her if she knew the history behind it. She said she didn't, so I told her. She goes "Oh, well it's still funny." I said, "You think people who are called a name because of their reputation for punishment is funny?" She gave me this retarded smile, and I walked away. She was wh
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