POV

So in case you haven't heard Harlequin International caused a big storm when the company decided to start a vanity publishing arm. At first called Harlequin Horizons, the aim is to offer aspiring writers a chance to see their golden words in print. For a price of course. RWA, MWA and SFWA all quickly condemned the move. RWA even announced that Harlequin would no longer get free space and perks at their huge annual national conference. Harlequin authors soon added their voices to the outrage, concerned that their "brand" as professional and accomplished authors would be stained by a flood of badly written vanity published novels rejected by the editors of Harlequin. Harlequin bigwigs expressed sadness and disappointment over the reactions. However, to allay the concerns of their authors they changed the new company's name to Dell'Arte. Well, that should fix things, right? Uh, no. Doesn't fly with anyone who jumped on their you-know-whats about the whole "let us help you publisher your masterpiece" idea.

A lot of the comments from published authors say the whole vanity publishing "scam" and self-publishing is such a trap, waste of money, etc. Umm, sorry but it depends on your POV.

You see black authors have a long history of self-publishing because of the old "black people don't read, and white people won't read books by black people" attitude of publishing companies. So black authors and readers don't have this knee jerk bad view of self-published authors. See an insightful post on self-publishing at Blogging In Black.

Yes, there are a lot of "never should have seen the light of day" self-published or vanity published books (part of the discussion is about the difference between the two; frankly I don't see it. But that's another post). Yet because black authors have had such trouble getting stories sold and told, black readers and book store owners don't assume- (1.) That the author can't write work a fig and that's why they couldn't go through the traditional publishing process. They know the myth- we can't read, certainly can't write and there is no market. No. No. and No. (2)If the story was worth being told a major publisher would have bought the book. Okay, so just read the post at Blogging in Black to find examples that disprove this theory.

I know for every author that self-publishes/vanity publishes there are literally hundreds with books collecting dust. Many more authors never meet more than frustration and don't get very far. BUT- it's so interesting how different cultural history can give one such a different POV on the same subject?

Gratitude Attitude in Tough Times

Author Virgina DeBerry posted An Open Letter To Oprah about the struggles of midlist black authors. While I feel her pain, literally since I'm one of the authors she's talking about, I have to say two things. One, Oprah most likely won't bite. Not because she's an uncaring person (proven by how often she cries on screen in front of millions). Even if the letter somehow makes it to "O" through her people, odds are it will be filed with all the other sincere appeals. Why? Oprah is very clear on what kind of books she likes. I'm thinking that even if she does read the letter she won't be moved to act. See number one.

I will not be holding my breath that Oprah (or my other fantasy, Tyler Perry) will come to my rescue and discover me. When I was writing romances I accepted that Oprah doesn't like romance novels, and that's putting it nicely. I wasn't angry as some of my fellow authors were, or offended. How could I be? I've got my preferences and choose what causes I support, too. Oprah has the same prerogative. And though it would be nice to have her have a change of heart, wonderful if she included one of my backlist novels as an undiscovered gem, I won't be sitting by the phone waiting for that call.

And that's okay. I will keep writing and keep submitting. I've been in this business too long to have starry eyes, and I won't spout out about dreams coming true- blah, blah. Hard truth- not everyone who writes will be published by a major publisher or even a small press. Not everyone who sells a book or publishes using the alternatives will become a bestselling author (or even make a living at it, never mind get rich). I will encourage writers to love what you do, find out about the publishing business and work hard at becoming a better writer. The only thing I can guarantee is that if you're proud of your work you'll find fulfillment. You have so many ways to share your writing than ever before. I just recommend that you don't wait around for someone to make it happen for you. If it does happen, fabulous! I'll help you celebrate. While you're submitting, keep writing. When you're published, reach out to your readers. Resist becoming discouraged because Oprah hasn't called or any of the other jackpot events that happen to a handful of authors. Life is too short. Enjoy where you are and not grow sad or bitter about where you could be.

Give Thanks!

More on Writers Conferences

Generally speaking attending writers conferences away from home, even in a city close by, is pricey. Much. Unless you can stay with relatives or friends and sponge off them, er, I mean economize with their help. Specifically speaking most writers are of the starving artist variety (can I get an "Amen"?). The days of living off our credit cards should be over- in case you didn't get the memo. Anyway, that said there is no denying that the personal touch and face time are enriching. Networking in person has more umph, even as we embrace tech networking.

I've enjoyed Words & Music although I have no big news like selling my book or having an agent fall in love with my voice. I did get good, thoughtful critiques from the two appointments I had. They read and actually thought about my characters, etc. See these weren't pitch sessions. They were critique sessions. I'm still working on the sale. I have a solid way to improve the first scene of my mystery novel. I also have some ideas about maybe looking for a small publisher. This from the quite kind and smart editor I talked to. Onward and upward, or maybe sidewards.

Words & Music

I'm right now in a session at the Words & Music conference. Read my article at Blogging In Black about my loss of love for writers conferences in general and why I chose this one. I'm sitting in a session with a panel of authors who are also musicians. Very interesting talk about melding the two and how one inspires the other.

Music has always been a true passion for me. I've gotten several great book titles from songs, Tell Me Something Good, All I Want Is Forever, Kiss Lonely Goodbye. This is because I love music so much. In fact a palm reader once told me my love of music was off the charts and he'd never seen such a strong line on a palm.

Anyway, I've been to so many writers conferences that I needed something very, very different. Trust New Orleans to fit the bill just right. Btw, some of the best street musicians I've seen around!

Dennis Lehane was awesome in a session last night. More later.

Great Cause, Fun Time

On yeah, we enjoyed ourselves!

Congratulations to Frances & Friends Book Club on their two year anniversary. They celebrated by having a benefit luncheon for Beautiful Black Girls, Inc. and supporting local authors (Baton Rouge that is). They are a group of special ladies for sure.

We were at Vincent's City Club (caution: music so hit mute if you visit the site at work). Check it out if you visit Baton Rouge. The food was yummy. Authors in attendance were CJ Domino, LA Lewis, Stacy Renea Greer, Yvette Jasmine, Gisele Haralson and Dr. Raynando Banks.

The girls of BBG, Inc.served at little hostesses and did a fabulous job. We had a wonderful time. The authors are one talented group. Thanks again to Frances and Friends.