Harlem Book Fair: 10 Years

The date for next year's annual Harlem Book Fair (July 19th) was recently announced. The 2008 event is a very special one, as it is the tenth anniversary!

I say it every year, but I mean it this time: I'm going to be there! I'll have two books I'll be signing/selling: my young adult novel (K My Name Is Kendra), which I'll be releasing the first weekend of February (just in time for the 2008 African-American Read-In), and yes, finally, The Brownstone, which I'll actually be releasing the very weekend of the HBF. The Brownstone, as those who have peeped it know, is my first adult novel, and it is set in modern-day Harlem. I'm bringing the heat with this book, I promise. And I can't think of a more perfect place/time to debut it than at the HBF. The second stop, of course, will be here in D.C.

So mark your calendars for this very special celebration of urban literacy. Start planning now. I know I will be!

D.C. Is Chasing the Dream!

Just pitched an idea to myvoicedc.com to write a column called "D.C. Is Chasing the Dream!". Won't post any details just yet, but it'll be interesting to see how it all turns out.

Keep you posted...

Time to Get Black Media Involved!

I haven't been very successful in gathering the funds I need to purchase the laptop and laser printer I require to continue my work. That's not to say I don't appreciate all the notes of encouragement I receive, because I do. People are diggin' my work, and I love that. But I need this laptop. The one I'm borrowing is long overdue in being returned to its owner and it's only a short matter of time before it's taken away from me.

So I wrote Big Tigger for help today. He's someone who has his fingertip on the pulse of the community. If there's anyone who can give voice to my efforts, I believe it's him.

We'll see what happens...

Kimora Lee IS Fabulous!

I'm sitting here watching a Life in the Fab Lane mini-marathon, and I felt like I wanted to write a few lines about Kimora Lee. But as I was Googling her, I came across this post at BET.com, and I can't think of anything else that needs to be said that this blogger hasn't already said.

What A Great Feeling!

No time to spend blogging today, but I just had to post this one thought:

I went to Staples today to print a copy of the new book I'm writing. I cannot even express how great it felt to hold the nearly 150 pages of manuscript in my hands for the first time. I'm going to write another 65 pages or so, so it'll be an even greater feeling then when I add those pages to these. In the meantime, I'm rejoicing in the work I've done so far...

If I Ever Get the Chance to Perform Live I'd Sing This Song

This blog is called, My Pen, My Mic, My Vibe. I've written several posts about my work as an indie author. Several other posts give you a sense of my vibe. But I haven't really talked about my love for the mic.

I sing, you see. And depending upon the day/hour and song, I can really put it down. I've had several opportunities thrown my way that I've thrown a-way, but I won't talk about those here, because I get on my own nerves when I think about where I could be today if I hadn't punked out.

I do know that if I ever got the opportunity again to record one song of my choice, or perform one time onstage with a live band, it'd be this particular sassy, empowering song:

No More
by Kamichi Jackson

(verse one)

To define myself by whether
Or not you’re in love with me
Is to resign myself to failure
A life of insecurity

See now I don’t do confusion
Honey that just ain’t my thing
Mama taught me resolution
In my head her words still ring

(chorus )
It’s not the end of the world if that man don’t want you
He ain’t the one
It’s not the end of the world if that man don’t call you
He ain’t the one
It’s not the end of the world if that man don’t fall for you
He ain’t the one
It’s not the end of the world if that man don’t love you
He ain’t the one

(verse two)

Now I could shy away from being
All that I am meant to be
And I could change my constitution
So that you’d be pleased with me

But that wouldn’t solve the problem
‘Cause then I can’t be myself
Is it really love I’m feeling
If I must be someone else?

(chorus)

(bridge)
I’ve been scorned
By a man who thinks he is too good for me
I’ve been scorned
By a man who is blind to my brand of beauty
I’ve been scorned
By a man whose forgotten that I am a queen
I’ve been scorned
You know what, yall?
I ain’t going through it again
no more

Wish you could hear the melody and the vocal arrangements. You'd love them.

*sigh*

P.S. These lyrics have a copyright, of course (an official one, filed with the Library of Congress and all). Feel free to plagiarize them. The money I win in court from you will give me the funds I need to finally record the song in-studio with a co-producer and engineer. Seriously.

this.sista.is.fierce.

Okayplayer gave artist Muhsinah love recently. Thanks to them, I'm diggin' her sound too and will be looking to see her live here in D.C. soon, I hope. Check her out with your speakers in the on position and become a fan yourself.

Regina King: Guest Blogger on BET.com

As part of the promo for her upcoming movie "This Christmas", veteran actress Regina King is visiting BET.com daily as this week's guest blogger. Who knew little Brenda Jenkins would grow up to be such a prolific talent?

Be sure to stop by each day to view her thoughts on the industry, her current project(s), and why bootlegging really does hurt Black Hollywood.

Writers' Strike Update

This looks promising...

Project Runway

How I got into watching this particular show, I'll never know. I don't have a high interest in couture fashion (what with my most of the time just not "getting" it...and then there's the whole 'these garments were created for a size 0-2 model' thing). But I do like it. I'm down for anything that allows creative minds to run freely.

Oh, and don't let anyone tell you that you can't learn anything from Reality TV. I learned, for instance, that I'm desperately in need of a head-to-toe makeover, especially since I lost all this weight. On a scale of 1 to 10, I'm a 9-1-1.

Anyway, if you haven't already, check it out!

Well, We Knew It Was Coming...

She may be gone from ANTM, but she's not over. I do believe we'll see Ambreal doing other things. I don't know what the future holds for her as a runway model, but doesn't she write and/or perform poetry? Or was it singing? Whatever the specific talent, she's a creative soul. I think she'll pop up on the scene another time another place.

Meanwhile, I was almost dead-on with my ANTM Top Six Pick.

"Nikki Parker" on "Ugly Betty"

At least that's what it felt like I was watching when I tuned in Thursday night.

Mo'Nique was the guest star on this particular episode. She played the role of L'Amanda, the crazed weekend security guard who develops an unrequited crush on Professor Oglevee, er, Betty's boyfriend, Henry. It was a role that could have been played by any random actress in her first prime-time role. I have to say, I was very much disappointed.

I wanted to see Mo'Nique appear on the show in a glam role, say, as the owner of a full-figure magazine, modeling agency or advertising firm that wants to do business with Mode. I wanted to see her enter dressed fabulously, with an entourage, and being led by a sleek black panther with a diamond-studded leash around its neck. I imagined a storyline that would have allowed her to share screen time (not to mention all the narrowed-eyed sharp-tongued catfight-like dialog two primadivas can deliver in a forty-two minute episode) with the deliciously evil Wilhelmina Slater (Vanessa Williams). Now that would have been memorable, and a testament to how far (not how full-circle) Mo'Nique's career has come since The Parkers.

Note to Linda S.: Write On, Girl!

I chatted with a waitress/server named Linda this past weekend during my stay at the Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center in Suffolk (lovely hotel, by the way...would most definitely stay there again...I'll take Room 508 again). I was eating breakfast alone and reading a Mary Higgins Clark mystery when the young woman approached to see if I needed anything. She must've asked what I was reading. Somehow, that lead to the subject of writing (as it almost always does with me). She excitedly admitted that she'd always had a desire to write a book.

You know me.

I encouraged her to get to it. I know nothing of her writing ability, of course, because I'd only just met her. But that was neither here nor there. The point was and is that she wants to write. There are stories running through her head. Stories she wants to share. Stories that can only be told the way Linda herself can tell them.

So, Linda, here's my note to you: write on, girl! No matter what people (including/especially family) may say or do to discourage you, don't let it kill your dream. You have a book in you? Put pen to paper and let the words flow.


P.S. I told you that you'd inspire me! I went upstairs to my room and wrote all day long. Your excitement became mine, and I owe you much appreciation.

I Never Knew Him. I Wish I Had.

I only just returned an hour ago from a weekend visit to Suffolk, Virginia, where my family gathered to mourn the loss of a young man who died violently late last week at the hands of Norfolk police officers. His name was James Raheim Dennis. People called him "Gucci". He was twenty-one years old. He was my cousin. And I never even knew him.

This post is not about the way he died. Officers and witnesses both offer various differing accounts of those moments. And out of respect for my family and what will be a lengthy and emotional ongoing investigation, I won't discuss that here.

This post is, though, about the fact that I never even got to know him. I could kick myself for that! Our families were closer once; saw each other more often when most of them lived in North Carolina; knew all the kids' name. How did we get to the point where so many years could pass and some members of the family never lay eyes on each other until they're gathered to mourn a life cut short? Why was this the first time my cousin's mother and I ever met, and why were my very first words to her "I'm so sorry for your loss"?

I am ashamed of myself for that.

I'm rambling, I know. I guess the point is that families in general have to work harder to keep in touch; to get to know each other better. It's hard, I know. Distance, schedules and health issues make it challenging to keep up on each other's lives. Not to mention the fact that the number of people in my immediate and extended family could form a small third-world nation and it is legitimately difficult to get to know that many people personally. But I've already made a promise to myself that I will work harder to make sure I don't have these same regrets a month...a year...ten years from now.

One thing about large families, though: they do know how to show up and represent! This past weekend, mine drove in from Connecticut, Philadelphia, North Carolina, Atlanta, and other parts of Virginia to offer their condolences to Gucci's immediate family. Bodies everywhere, standing room only. Cars lined up and down the street. Food and good conversation overflowing. Music. Singing. Laughter. Friends new and old. Fond memories shared. The home where Gucci once lived was filled with Love, and lots of it.

I may not have met him in Life, but those who loved him have made sure no one will forget him in Death.

I know I never will...

Michael Jackson on the Cover of Ebony Magazine

This picture is, um, well, uh, so, you know, like...

Ahem.

So wow, did you see the game Sunday? Any game...?

This Week on ANTM

Well, for all of Tyra Banks' best intentions, this season's ANTM cycle has just lost its one and only plus-size model, Sarah. I did think she'd go a little bit further in the competition, but she, like almost every other model her size in cycles past, seemed to become uncomfortable in her own skin after being around the thinner models for so many weeks. Unfortunately, it led to her dismissal this week. I'm sorry to see her go, but I hope she can parlay this into a career of some sort. Nigel himself said the camera loves her. Perhaps she'll be able to get some print work somewhere.

Meanwhile, she delivered the best line of tonight's episode, in response to shady Heather-hatin' Bianca, who with fake frustration claimed to be the biggest girl in the house. Sarah gave her the dumb look and returned with something like "Are we really gonna play this game?" Ha! Love that.

Afterthought: Looking at this particular picture of Sarah, I almost wish her makeover hadn't included a haircut. Maybe just a change of color (something reddish/brown/blonde) or a blunt cut would've been nice.

Bad Form, Star!

Sometimes I just love TMZ.com. This particular time, it's because they've provided so much of the documentation that apparently went back and forth between the Full & Fabulous organization and the infamous Star Jones regarding the scheduled appearance she was supposed to make as part of the organization's 2006 Health, Beauty & Self-Esteem event. As is now well-known, Miss Jones chose to not appear because the organization failed to come up with the balance of her speaking fee of $25,000. According to the the founder of Full & Fabulous, Jones was sent a deposit of $10,000 and an additional payment of $6,000, which she claims she never received. She also apparently accepted first-class plane tickets (which cost the organization more than expected because the original flight booked for Jones and her husband wasn't acceptable and Jones' "people" re-booked the flight and, without the permission of Full & Fabulous, charged the $900 difference to the company's credit card...ewww, tacky) and a five-star hotel room reservation, both of which she reportedly utilized to promote her book and enjoy Super Bowl festivities.

Granted, based on the terms of the contract between the two parties, Jones is apparently under no legal obligation to return any of the money given her. But these young girls, who once looked up to Jones and had worked so hard to help raise the money for her appearance, didn't deserve to be caught in the crossfire of all this drama.

For someone so desperately in need of positive publicity, wouldn't it have perhaps been more prudent to make the appearance anyway, based on the partial payments and perks already received--not to mention the audience being served--then work out the details of the balance after the event, so as not to disappoint the attendees? Even if she'd chosen to toot her own horn afterwards and announce to the world that she, out of the kindness of her heart, had made the appearance despite the organization not meeting their contractual obligation, surely that would've been better than this unforgivable turn of events. No one is expecting her to have shown up for free, or even at a reduced speaking fee (though if she'd chosen to do so, again, that would've been great publicity).

*sigh*

Why wasn't this handled differently??

Having Everything You're Ever Dreamed Of

Okay, so you know my Disability check is, like, $2 a month, right? Well, maybe a little bit more than that, but not much!

Anyway, the point is that this book by Amy DuBois Barnett is one I'm willing to scrape my little pennies together for. You've already seen my personal quote about dreams...well, this book fits hand-in-hand with that philosophy. I'm interested in seeing what she has to say and how it can help me reach my own goals.

You might want to do the same!

Who Cares What Those Writers Do?

I just returned from having dinner with my mother and several of her girlfriends. As is always the case when a group of women are gathered, several different conversations were going on at once around and across the table. I asked one of the ladies, who has dabbled in writing for years now, what her thoughts were on the impending Writers Guild of America strike. Before she could offer up an opinion, my mother made a face and--in a voice dripping with disgust--said, "Who cares what those writers do?"

Exactly.

That's exactly the mindset and mentality that has brought on the Writers Guild of America West member strike, which officially begins (picket lines and all) just a few short hours from now. I'm not a television writer, so I definitely don't understand fully the Ins and Outs of it all. What I do understand of it is that since 1984--when Hollywood unions made a deal to accept a really really small percentage of home video sales because at that time it was an untested market and studios argued that production costs were high--writers have been twisted out of alot of money, which is shameful because they are, after all, responsible for the words that come out of the mouths of the actors who make these shows successful. (These days, for example, writers only get about 3 cents on a typical DVD retailing for $20.) Writers just want a little bigger piece of the pie. And why not, considering the way DVD sales have taken off since then, even becoming more profitable for studios than box office receipts. Let's not forget the countless hours of television programming streaming all day every day via the internet. Believe it or not, the writers of those shows don't get paid for that either.

So what will television be like if this strike should drag on and on? Viewers and studios may not fully appreciate the impact of it all until they ask, as my mother did just a couple of minutes after expressing her unsolicited opinion, "So what's good on television tonight?" and find nothing but repeats and--God forbid--even more Reality TV.