Sunday, February 18, 2007
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
Stepping Up The Game
It is a known fact(to us at least) that there is a racial disparity in the publishing industry. Many Black writers have complained about book segregation in book stores, lack of review site support, etc. I won't bother to go into detail, because WE already know the deal.
Knowing how rare it is for more "mainstream" review sites/blogs to take the time to review Black writers, nothing hurts my heart more than to see a poor review. See, every time they give us (I say us because when it comes to Blacks, we always serve as a representation of the entire race) it justifies their reluctance to review our work.
How many times have we heard a non-black reader claim that they don't read OUR books because they find them inferior? How many times have we heard Black readers make the same claim? It makes no sense to generalize all our work by one or two, since we all can think of several non-black writers that produce nothing but crap (I won't call names but everybody know). Unfortunately we have to prove our books' worth.
WE NEED TO STEP OUR GAME UP!
We need to stop sending out this poorly edited crap and calling in gold. I know, I know, WE don't get good editors. Well Honey, God helps those that help themselves. Invest in a dictionary and thesaurus, then USE THEM. If your writing still needs help, get an editor. You don't have to invest in those con artist editors, go to a local college and find some English majors. It's amazing the work you can get for $50 bucks. Stop depending on the Company editors, I'm sure they will appreciate the effort put behind your work.
Then we come back to the issue of lack of reviews. First of all, STOP GRIPING about "mainstream" review sites not reviewing you work if you haven't submitted any books. Stop jumping the gun. Don't give me that "I only get a limited number of copies". Pardon me, I know I don't have a publishing credit under my belt and all, but I believe that holds true for ALL authors, Black; White; Plaid with purple polka dots. This is a business which means you are going to have to invest in your BUSINESS. Ever hear the saying "It takes money to make money"? They don't say it just cause it sounds catchy. Buy some extra copies of your book and send them out (it's a tax write-off anyway). You don't have to keep sending to that particular review site if they keep refusing your work. Point is, stop accusing people of "hidden racism" if you haven't given them a fair chance. Now if they act a fool with you, that's a different story.
I'm not saying there isn't racism in the publishing industry. Heck, racism can be found any and everywhere if you look hard enough for it. We need to stop playing victim and take charge of our destiny. Work harder, smarter, produce the best darn book we can. Prove to the "mainstream readers" that Our books are just as good if not better than mainstream. Break down those barriers one at a time. But we can't until We make conscious decision to STEP OUR GAME UP.
Knowing how rare it is for more "mainstream" review sites/blogs to take the time to review Black writers, nothing hurts my heart more than to see a poor review. See, every time they give us (I say us because when it comes to Blacks, we always serve as a representation of the entire race) it justifies their reluctance to review our work.
How many times have we heard a non-black reader claim that they don't read OUR books because they find them inferior? How many times have we heard Black readers make the same claim? It makes no sense to generalize all our work by one or two, since we all can think of several non-black writers that produce nothing but crap (I won't call names but everybody know). Unfortunately we have to prove our books' worth.
WE NEED TO STEP OUR GAME UP!
We need to stop sending out this poorly edited crap and calling in gold. I know, I know, WE don't get good editors. Well Honey, God helps those that help themselves. Invest in a dictionary and thesaurus, then USE THEM. If your writing still needs help, get an editor. You don't have to invest in those con artist editors, go to a local college and find some English majors. It's amazing the work you can get for $50 bucks. Stop depending on the Company editors, I'm sure they will appreciate the effort put behind your work.
Then we come back to the issue of lack of reviews. First of all, STOP GRIPING about "mainstream" review sites not reviewing you work if you haven't submitted any books. Stop jumping the gun. Don't give me that "I only get a limited number of copies". Pardon me, I know I don't have a publishing credit under my belt and all, but I believe that holds true for ALL authors, Black; White; Plaid with purple polka dots. This is a business which means you are going to have to invest in your BUSINESS. Ever hear the saying "It takes money to make money"? They don't say it just cause it sounds catchy. Buy some extra copies of your book and send them out (it's a tax write-off anyway). You don't have to keep sending to that particular review site if they keep refusing your work. Point is, stop accusing people of "hidden racism" if you haven't given them a fair chance. Now if they act a fool with you, that's a different story.
I'm not saying there isn't racism in the publishing industry. Heck, racism can be found any and everywhere if you look hard enough for it. We need to stop playing victim and take charge of our destiny. Work harder, smarter, produce the best darn book we can. Prove to the "mainstream readers" that Our books are just as good if not better than mainstream. Break down those barriers one at a time. But we can't until We make conscious decision to STEP OUR GAME UP.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Alma Mater (Not So) Dear
Last Saturday was homecoming weekend for Barber-Scotia. I didn't go, since Scotia and I did not part on good terms. Oh, I received my degree and all, we just didn't have a healthy relationship. If I were to describe my matriculation, I would compare it to living with a crack-whore mother.
Some people may call that a little harsh, but that's the nicest thing I could think of. The school was falling apart around us, literally falling apart. One of the girl's dorms, Graves Hall, was actually condemned my senior year. The student union (excuse me the college union as unofficially named by the then president) leaked and the ceiling was falling in on the upper level.
I can't even begin to describe what actual classes were like. So it was no surprise when the school lost its SACS Accreditation.
Fortunately they lost accreditation the year AFTER I graduated. Unfortunately they recalled 30 degrees from my graduating class (don't worry, I still have my worthless degree). The past 2 1/2 years have been a comedy of errors as the Alumni Association tries to keep the school going.
This year they celebrated homecoming at a school with only 8 students. I don't know if I should admire their spirit or call them crazy.
Some people may call that a little harsh, but that's the nicest thing I could think of. The school was falling apart around us, literally falling apart. One of the girl's dorms, Graves Hall, was actually condemned my senior year. The student union (excuse me the college union as unofficially named by the then president) leaked and the ceiling was falling in on the upper level.
I can't even begin to describe what actual classes were like. So it was no surprise when the school lost its SACS Accreditation.
Fortunately they lost accreditation the year AFTER I graduated. Unfortunately they recalled 30 degrees from my graduating class (don't worry, I still have my worthless degree). The past 2 1/2 years have been a comedy of errors as the Alumni Association tries to keep the school going.
This year they celebrated homecoming at a school with only 8 students. I don't know if I should admire their spirit or call them crazy.
The Mathematics of Love
Oh this just made my week. One of my favorite songs from the children's math show, Square One. Now if only I could find the "Tapping Out the Rhythm" and the "Infinity" song.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Gimme a J-A-I-L
I know there has to be something in the water. Last week a Ware Shoals High School cheerleading coach was arrested for giving some of her cheerleaders alcohol and putting them in sexually inappropriate situations.
Yesterday, police arrested the principal for obstruction of justice in the investigation.
Yesterday, police arrested the principal for obstruction of justice in the investigation.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Thursday, January 18, 2007
What Cha Really Know 'Bout Da Dirty South?
The lovely building in the background is a Klan museum and memorabilia store. It is located right on the town square, which is why you see the Martin Luther King Parade passing it. Makes you wonder how far we've really come.
*Laurens Advertiser 3/17/07
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Sunday Soul Food
I was trying to think of what would be a fitting song for this Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. Only one song seemed to work with my spirit. Today's offering is "Stand" by Donnie McClurkin.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Friday, January 12, 2007
Daaaaayum, Another One
Another teacher in Laurens County was arrested. This one was a Thornwell teacher charged with sexual misconduct.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Monday, January 08, 2007
Still Don't Get Myspace
I have never understood the appeal of Myspace. Even way back when it was a hang out for teens and pedophiles I couldn't see the point of it. Now everyone and their momma has a Myspace page. Everywhere I turn someone is preaching the values of having a Myspace page. Guess what, I still don't get it.
Last month my stupid behind cousin called me and had the nerve to suggest I set up at Myspace. This is the way the conversation went:
I attended an online workshop where the presenter repeatedly stressed we should get a Myspace page but still never truly explained it. The closest I've gotten to a decent explanation was Candice. She uses it to email newsletters and alerts or something to that effect.
I guess I'm the last stick in the mud refusing to join Myspace.
Last month my stupid behind cousin called me and had the nerve to suggest I set up at Myspace. This is the way the conversation went:
SAC : Man Ginny, You need to get on Myspace.
Me: Why?
SAC: Networking man, networking. I got this writer, spoken
word poet guy that friended (still trying to figure out if this is an
actual term) me.
Me: Uhh huh. So how exactly does this count as networking. I mean do
you exchange email, chat online or anything? Has he hooked you up with
some of his contacts or vice versa?
SAC: Uhh, no. Well actually, I haven't seen or spoke with him
since he friended me.
Me: Oh yes that's networking at its best.
SAC: Seriously Ginny, I'm just saying you should try it.
Me: I'm sorry but until someone can explain how having Peaches69
(sorry if that's an actual name) as a friend with the standard
hootchie club photo with her girls counts as networking, I'm going to have
to pass.
I attended an online workshop where the presenter repeatedly stressed we should get a Myspace page but still never truly explained it. The closest I've gotten to a decent explanation was Candice. She uses it to email newsletters and alerts or something to that effect.
I guess I'm the last stick in the mud refusing to join Myspace.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Soul Food Sunday - Optimistic
Since this is the first Sunday Soul Food of the Year, I decided to make today's meal a little special with a video sized portion of Sounds of Blackness "Optimistic". Enjoy!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Sunday Soul Food
It's hard to believe that this is the last Sunday Soul Food for the year. Today's helping is "Biggest Part of Me" by Take 6. Many of us take this time to reflect on the passing year as well as make plans for improvement for the coming year. This song reminds us that we all can easily "begin anew" at anytime.
Peace and Blessings for the New Year.
Biggest Part Of Me
By Take 6
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Monday, December 25, 2006
Monday, December 18, 2006
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