Bernice L. McFadden's Blog, page 18
April 12, 2011
New Arrivals....and coming soon!
In Stores Now!!
Lanie Price, a 1920s Harlem society columnist, witnesses the brutal nightclub kidnapping of the "Black Orchid," a sultry, seductive singer with a mysterious past. Price, a female 1920s version of Dominick Dunne, soon finds herself elbows-deep in a story in which everyone seems to be either lying or keeping a secret to die for. When hours pass without word from the kidnapper, puzzlement grows as to his motive. Then a gruesome package arrives at Price's doorstep and the questions change. Just what does this kidnapper want--and how many people is he willing to kill in order to get it?
Evil hides behind the genteel façades of affluent Strivers' Row and stalks the ballroom of one of Harlem's most famous gay parties. In a complex plot that keeps you tied to the page, Black Orchid Blues explores the depths of human depravity and the desperation of its victims.
Coming on May 24th
With the opening line of Silver Sparrow, "My father, James Witherspoon, is a bigamist," author Tayari Jones unveils a breathtaking story about a man's deception, a family's complicity, and two teenage girls caught in the middle.
Set in a middle-class neighborhood in Atlanta in the 1980s, the novel revolves around James Witherspoon's two families—the public one and the secret one. When the daughters from each family meet and form a friendship, only one of them knows they are sisters. It is a relationship destined to explode when secrets are revealed and illusions shattered. As Jones explores the backstories of her rich yet flawed characters—the father, the two mothers, the grandmother, and the uncle—she also reveals the joy, as well as the destruction, they brought to one another's lives.
At the heart of it all are the two lives at stake, and like the best writers—think Toni Morrison with The Bluest Eye—Jones portrays the fragility of these young girls with raw authenticity as they seek love, demand attention, and try to imagine themselves as women, just not as their mothers.
Coming July 1st
Following in the footsteps of her idols Alice Walker and Toni Morrison, Kola Boof asserts her own literary prowess with a chilling sociopolitical love story.
Set in modern West Africa, Europe, and the United States, and featuring the kind of heroine readers rarely get to encounter in popular culture—beautiful charcoal-skinned Eternity, a spirited and diabolical young African hellcat whose life is stigmatized by a heart-stopping secret—The Sexy Part of the Bible is an erotically astute novel filled with mystery and adventure.
Enveloped in the arms of a domineering Fela Kuti–type rap star and revolutionary named Sea Horse Twee, Eternity finds herself miraculously surviving several African rebellions—and in the interim, she powerfully unmasks the science of cloning, which becomes a powerful metaphor in the story.
Written with the lush musicality of North African classics, The Sexy Part of the Bible is guaranteed to stay on your mind long after you've put it down.
Lanie Price, a 1920s Harlem society columnist, witnesses the brutal nightclub kidnapping of the "Black Orchid," a sultry, seductive singer with a mysterious past. Price, a female 1920s version of Dominick Dunne, soon finds herself elbows-deep in a story in which everyone seems to be either lying or keeping a secret to die for. When hours pass without word from the kidnapper, puzzlement grows as to his motive. Then a gruesome package arrives at Price's doorstep and the questions change. Just what does this kidnapper want--and how many people is he willing to kill in order to get it?
Evil hides behind the genteel façades of affluent Strivers' Row and stalks the ballroom of one of Harlem's most famous gay parties. In a complex plot that keeps you tied to the page, Black Orchid Blues explores the depths of human depravity and the desperation of its victims.
Coming on May 24th
With the opening line of Silver Sparrow, "My father, James Witherspoon, is a bigamist," author Tayari Jones unveils a breathtaking story about a man's deception, a family's complicity, and two teenage girls caught in the middle.
Set in a middle-class neighborhood in Atlanta in the 1980s, the novel revolves around James Witherspoon's two families—the public one and the secret one. When the daughters from each family meet and form a friendship, only one of them knows they are sisters. It is a relationship destined to explode when secrets are revealed and illusions shattered. As Jones explores the backstories of her rich yet flawed characters—the father, the two mothers, the grandmother, and the uncle—she also reveals the joy, as well as the destruction, they brought to one another's lives.
At the heart of it all are the two lives at stake, and like the best writers—think Toni Morrison with The Bluest Eye—Jones portrays the fragility of these young girls with raw authenticity as they seek love, demand attention, and try to imagine themselves as women, just not as their mothers.
Coming July 1st
Following in the footsteps of her idols Alice Walker and Toni Morrison, Kola Boof asserts her own literary prowess with a chilling sociopolitical love story.
Set in modern West Africa, Europe, and the United States, and featuring the kind of heroine readers rarely get to encounter in popular culture—beautiful charcoal-skinned Eternity, a spirited and diabolical young African hellcat whose life is stigmatized by a heart-stopping secret—The Sexy Part of the Bible is an erotically astute novel filled with mystery and adventure.
Enveloped in the arms of a domineering Fela Kuti–type rap star and revolutionary named Sea Horse Twee, Eternity finds herself miraculously surviving several African rebellions—and in the interim, she powerfully unmasks the science of cloning, which becomes a powerful metaphor in the story.
Written with the lush musicality of North African classics, The Sexy Part of the Bible is guaranteed to stay on your mind long after you've put it down.
April 11, 2011
April 4, 2011
Eat, Sleep, Write: El Gouna, Egypt
Early this year, I announced here that I had been invited to attend the El Gouna Writer's Residency, in Egypt. I was very excited.
And then of course the revolution happened and I thought - 'Oh well, maybe some other time then.'
But things turned around, quite quickly and I took that as a sign that this is a trip I a destined to take.
Of course then I looked at my bank account and thought well, maybe this is a trip I am destined to take at some other point in my life.
But the universe intervened once again when a photographer friend of mine came over to share the exciting details about her recent trip to Ethiopia. She was there for two weeks and she said she would not have been able to take the trip without the help of family and friends and quite a few strangers.
Me: Huh?
Her: I had a fundraiser.
Ding-Ding-Ding!
And so I thought, why not try it. I have family and friends and thousands of readers who may be interested in donating a few dollars for a good cause.
So here are the details:
The story I will be developing during my time in El Gouna is entitled, Winter People.
Winter People is a fictionalized account of the real-life African-American pilot Lieutenant Darwin Nichols, who was shot down, captured and imprisoned in the Gestapo prison in Butzbach. My research thus far has revealed a some-what clouded history of Nichols' final days. Some accounts declare that he was shot and killed right before the end of the war; others claim that his body was never found. My fictional version of his life will return him safely to America, where Nichols' will recount his story of his time in Butzbach.
This story is important because it will give voice to those "forgotten" victims of the Holocaust..
According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, D.C., "The fate of black people from 1933 to 1945 in Nazi Germany and in German-occupied territories ranged from isolation to persecution, sterilization, medical experimentation, incarceration, brutality, and murder."
I believe that Winter People will serve to introduce readers to a larger historical text, which will be appreciated by the widest possible audience.
Please visit CAMPAIGN PAGE to read all about this amazing trip and the book it will benefit.
P.S. I would really appreciate it if you would spread the word to your list of folks!
Bernice L. McFadden
And then of course the revolution happened and I thought - 'Oh well, maybe some other time then.'
But things turned around, quite quickly and I took that as a sign that this is a trip I a destined to take.
Of course then I looked at my bank account and thought well, maybe this is a trip I am destined to take at some other point in my life.
But the universe intervened once again when a photographer friend of mine came over to share the exciting details about her recent trip to Ethiopia. She was there for two weeks and she said she would not have been able to take the trip without the help of family and friends and quite a few strangers.
Me: Huh?
Her: I had a fundraiser.
Ding-Ding-Ding!
And so I thought, why not try it. I have family and friends and thousands of readers who may be interested in donating a few dollars for a good cause.
So here are the details:
The story I will be developing during my time in El Gouna is entitled, Winter People.
Winter People is a fictionalized account of the real-life African-American pilot Lieutenant Darwin Nichols, who was shot down, captured and imprisoned in the Gestapo prison in Butzbach. My research thus far has revealed a some-what clouded history of Nichols' final days. Some accounts declare that he was shot and killed right before the end of the war; others claim that his body was never found. My fictional version of his life will return him safely to America, where Nichols' will recount his story of his time in Butzbach.
This story is important because it will give voice to those "forgotten" victims of the Holocaust..
According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, D.C., "The fate of black people from 1933 to 1945 in Nazi Germany and in German-occupied territories ranged from isolation to persecution, sterilization, medical experimentation, incarceration, brutality, and murder."
I believe that Winter People will serve to introduce readers to a larger historical text, which will be appreciated by the widest possible audience.
Please visit CAMPAIGN PAGE to read all about this amazing trip and the book it will benefit.
P.S. I would really appreciate it if you would spread the word to your list of folks!
Bernice L. McFadden
April 2, 2011
Trokosi
We are just two days away from the official launch of A Chapter A Month.
I'm very excited about the novel I've written for ACAM.
I hope this video will help you understand why I needed to write this story:
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM ACHAPTERAMONTH.COM
Bernice L. McFadden
I'm very excited about the novel I've written for ACAM.
I hope this video will help you understand why I needed to write this story:
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM ACHAPTERAMONTH.COM
Bernice L. McFadden
March 31, 2011
My Name is Butterfly (Coming Exclusively to A Chapter A Month. Com
On April 4th A Chapter A Month will officially launch, revolutionizing the way we read.
No more waiting for a year to hear from your favorite author. Now you have us inside this amazing new experience where reading meets the brave new digital world. As a reader, you will enjoy fresh, exciting chapters every month as we reveal our stories to you one chapter at a time. You will travel with us on our writing journeys and watch our novels come to life on paper...and beyond. Each month the authors will offer you something behind the pages - whether it's a live interview with your favorite character or an ask-the-author-anything session, on this website it's more than just the story.
You will be able to download the stories to your e-readers, Ipads, Ipods, Smart Phones and personal computers.
A Chapter A Month will feature sixteen brilliant authors, offering a variety of stories in just as many genres.
My story, entitled: My Name is Butterfly, takes place in Ghana, West Africa and follows the life of Abebe (Butterfly) Tsikata, the privileged
daughter of a government employee and stay at home mother. When the
Tsikata's idyllic life style begins to take a turn for the worse,
Abebe's father places her in a shrine, hoping that the sacrifice of
his daughter will serve as religious atonement for the crimes of his
ancestors. Unspeakable acts befall Abebe during the fifteen years she is enslaved.
In 1998 the Ghanaian government outlaws ritual servitude, but does
nothing to stomp out the practice - enter Taylor Davis, an unfulfilled
businesswoman. Taylor visits Ghana and is moved by the
plight of the Trokosi. She abandons her slick New York City lifestyle
and she and her best friend Allen, travel to Ghana and become
advocates for the Trokosi.
They rescue, rehabilitate and educate dozens of girls. Abebe will become one of those girls and her life will be gloriously transformed.
Remember you can only download MY NAME IS BUTTERFLY from A Chapter A Month.
Make sure to LIKE the official A Chapter A Month's page on Facebook.
Bernice L. McFadden
No more waiting for a year to hear from your favorite author. Now you have us inside this amazing new experience where reading meets the brave new digital world. As a reader, you will enjoy fresh, exciting chapters every month as we reveal our stories to you one chapter at a time. You will travel with us on our writing journeys and watch our novels come to life on paper...and beyond. Each month the authors will offer you something behind the pages - whether it's a live interview with your favorite character or an ask-the-author-anything session, on this website it's more than just the story.
You will be able to download the stories to your e-readers, Ipads, Ipods, Smart Phones and personal computers.
A Chapter A Month will feature sixteen brilliant authors, offering a variety of stories in just as many genres.
My story, entitled: My Name is Butterfly, takes place in Ghana, West Africa and follows the life of Abebe (Butterfly) Tsikata, the privileged
daughter of a government employee and stay at home mother. When the
Tsikata's idyllic life style begins to take a turn for the worse,
Abebe's father places her in a shrine, hoping that the sacrifice of
his daughter will serve as religious atonement for the crimes of his
ancestors. Unspeakable acts befall Abebe during the fifteen years she is enslaved.
In 1998 the Ghanaian government outlaws ritual servitude, but does
nothing to stomp out the practice - enter Taylor Davis, an unfulfilled
businesswoman. Taylor visits Ghana and is moved by the
plight of the Trokosi. She abandons her slick New York City lifestyle
and she and her best friend Allen, travel to Ghana and become
advocates for the Trokosi.
They rescue, rehabilitate and educate dozens of girls. Abebe will become one of those girls and her life will be gloriously transformed.
Remember you can only download MY NAME IS BUTTERFLY from A Chapter A Month.
Make sure to LIKE the official A Chapter A Month's page on Facebook.
Bernice L. McFadden
March 21, 2011
My home...ten years and counting....
I closed on my very first house. It was a day much like today. Rainy and dreary.
I was thirty-five years old.
I remember sitting at the table with my lawyer, the seller and his lawyer. I think the entire process took about three hours. There was so much paperwork! I signed my name so many times it made me dizzy!
I didn't own a car and the closing took place somewhere in a part of Queens I wasn't familiar with. My girlfriend was supposed to come and get me, but she forgot and went to the movies. Of course her cell phone was turned off.
So there I was, alone, in the rain with the keys to my new house. Maybe the gravity of what I had just accomplished was too overwhelming - because instead of feeling happy - I felt, really, really sad.
I began to cry as I walked towards the main thoroughfare and hailed a cab.
When arrived back to the place I had called my home since 1984 - my parents were there to congratulate me. There was no fan fare, no bottles of champagne - just "Congratulations! When are you moving?"
I called my cousin, and he and I went to Home Depot (the first of a many trips I would make there) to purchase cleaning supplies and then headed over to MY HOUSE.
My brownstone was built in 1898. It's a sturdy structure, replete with details that were popular during that era. I have always, always loved brownstones - so to finally own one was a dream come true.
But on that day, my dream was turning into a nightmare. When my cousin and I walked into MY HOUSE, the sound of the falling rain seemed to be just as loud on the inside as it was on the outside. We climbed the stairs to the top floor and lo-and-behold, what did we find?? You guessed it, a small swimming pool in my bedroom!
In the ten years that I have been here, I've replaced the roof (twice) installed two new bathrooms, painted- repainted and painted again. Spruced up the front facade, had paver stones laid in the front and backyards and dealt with two sewer catastrophes (pee-uuu!) And had to fight the fear and anger that comes along with being burglarized.
I've written nine novels in this house. NINE... and I watched my daughter grow from a girl to a woman within these very walls. I've fallen in love ONCE, while leaving here. My house has been shelter to friends in need and it's also been the place were friends came to gather to celebrate life! It was and still is my spiritual sanctuary.
On that rainy, dreary March 21st, 2001 I walked away with keys to my house. Ten years later, my house has become the home I always dreamed of...
Bernice L. McFadden
I was thirty-five years old.
I remember sitting at the table with my lawyer, the seller and his lawyer. I think the entire process took about three hours. There was so much paperwork! I signed my name so many times it made me dizzy!
I didn't own a car and the closing took place somewhere in a part of Queens I wasn't familiar with. My girlfriend was supposed to come and get me, but she forgot and went to the movies. Of course her cell phone was turned off.
So there I was, alone, in the rain with the keys to my new house. Maybe the gravity of what I had just accomplished was too overwhelming - because instead of feeling happy - I felt, really, really sad.
I began to cry as I walked towards the main thoroughfare and hailed a cab.
When arrived back to the place I had called my home since 1984 - my parents were there to congratulate me. There was no fan fare, no bottles of champagne - just "Congratulations! When are you moving?"
I called my cousin, and he and I went to Home Depot (the first of a many trips I would make there) to purchase cleaning supplies and then headed over to MY HOUSE.
My brownstone was built in 1898. It's a sturdy structure, replete with details that were popular during that era. I have always, always loved brownstones - so to finally own one was a dream come true.
But on that day, my dream was turning into a nightmare. When my cousin and I walked into MY HOUSE, the sound of the falling rain seemed to be just as loud on the inside as it was on the outside. We climbed the stairs to the top floor and lo-and-behold, what did we find?? You guessed it, a small swimming pool in my bedroom!
In the ten years that I have been here, I've replaced the roof (twice) installed two new bathrooms, painted- repainted and painted again. Spruced up the front facade, had paver stones laid in the front and backyards and dealt with two sewer catastrophes (pee-uuu!) And had to fight the fear and anger that comes along with being burglarized.
I've written nine novels in this house. NINE... and I watched my daughter grow from a girl to a woman within these very walls. I've fallen in love ONCE, while leaving here. My house has been shelter to friends in need and it's also been the place were friends came to gather to celebrate life! It was and still is my spiritual sanctuary.
On that rainy, dreary March 21st, 2001 I walked away with keys to my house. Ten years later, my house has become the home I always dreamed of...
Bernice L. McFadden
March 15, 2011
A Chapter A Month.....
Authors you love...all the time.
Introducing A Chapter a Month. The first of its kind website where a team of today's top-selling authors have joined together to give readers the literary ride of their lives. No more waiting a year to hear from a favorite author. Now readers will enjoy fresh, exciting chapters every month as authors unfold their stories one chapter at a time. Readers will travel with the authors on their writing journeys and watch the novels come to life. But A Chapter a Month will take the reader beyond the pages as well...each month the readers will experience their favorite authors in ways they've never been seen before. Whether it's a video of a day-in-the-life of an author or an "interview with a favorite character," A Chapter a Month moves writers from just writing and readers from just reading and takes us all into this brave new world of reading entertainment. And preferred readers will have access to authors through live video streams. There is even something for aspiring writers: "Writers on Writing" one hour workshops each month that can be watched live as well as saved through podcasts. This site allows readers to enjoy the written word, get to know their favorite authors and have a chance to meet a few new scribes as well. A Chapter a Month joins readers and writers together in a way that's beyond the ordinary.
The anticipated launch date is April 4, 2011.
Introducing the A Chapter A Month Sweet Sixteen:
ReShonda Tate Billingsley - The author of twenty-one novels, ReShonda is truly a star. Not only is she one of the Executive Producers for her upcoming movies based on her novels, but she is also currently touring with the stage play, Marriage Material.
Parry "Ebony Satin" Brown - Readers loved her novels, including her first, the Essence best seller, The Shirt Off His Back. Everyone will be thrilled to see Parry back.
Tinesha Davis - is the author of Holler at the Moon which was an amazing debut novel, and a favorite among book clubs.
Virginia DeBerry - Virginia and her partner, Donna Grant were pioneers in the resurgence of Af Am literature in the 1990s with their breakout novel, Trying to Sleep in the Bed You Made. With A Chapter a Month,Virginia is making her "solo" and "non-fiction" debut.
Lolita Files - is the author of the critically acclaimed Child of God. From the sistah girls of Reesy and Misty in her early novels, to the murderer in her last novel, Penn, Lolita Files can write anything and with A Chapter a Month will be penning the first soap opera on paper...the never- ending story of a serial killer....
Trice Hickman - recently signed a multiple book deal with Kensington after having tremendous success as an independent author. Her book, Unexpected Interruptions just received a Starred Review from Publisher's Weekly.
Donna Hill - What is there to say about Donna Hill? There are no words, but her statistics tell the story: started writing in 1987, first book published in 1990, has more than 50 books published. See, no words - except...amazing writer.
Travis Hunter - Many often wonder if Travis is an author or a comedian. But the wonderful thing is that Travis has been able to weave the two together. And though he makes us laugh, he truly has a heart for young men and uses his writing as a way to reach them - through his book for young adult males. At the same time, he has entertained his adult readers for years.
Candy Jackson - is the only one in this group who has never been published. Though she hasn't yet had anything published, she is an avid reader (reading more than 300 books a year) with a dream to become a writer.
RM Johnson - There is only one thing that everyone says about RM's stories - this man can write!!! Even once RM transitioned from the more serious books to the more commercial, he has kept his eye constantly on the craft, penning some of the best written, yet entertaining stories over the years.
Dwayne S. Joseph - Not only is this young man a phenomenal writer, but he has penned some of the most original stories out there. Readers often ask him, "What's going on inside your mind?" An imagination that is only matched by his writing skill.
Bernice L. McFadden - Critically acclaimed and now an NAACP Image Award nominee, for her amazing book, Glorious, Bernice has been winning awards for years, for Sugar, The Warmest December, Loving Donovan...the list goes on and on....
Stephanie Perry Moore - probably has more young adult books in print than any other African American author. She began writing for young adults more than ten years ago and has published a number of series for middle school, high school, and most recently books for some of our youngest readers. Stephanie is our resident young adult writer.
Victoria Christopher Murray - is the author of ten adult novels, including the popular Jasmine Cox Larson Bush series. Her young adult series, The Divine Divas has been optioned to become a movie.
Pat Tucker - Pat's novel, Daddy By Default was a favorite of many readers in 2010. Not only was it well-written and entertaining, it was amazingly informative and one of those books that everyone in the country would benefit from reading.
Tiffany Warren - The founder of the Faith and Fiction retreat is able to effortlessly write great novels across genres with ease. Not only is she an adult and young adult author, but she has produced the stage play based on one of her novels.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD..............!
Bernice L. McFadden
Introducing A Chapter a Month. The first of its kind website where a team of today's top-selling authors have joined together to give readers the literary ride of their lives. No more waiting a year to hear from a favorite author. Now readers will enjoy fresh, exciting chapters every month as authors unfold their stories one chapter at a time. Readers will travel with the authors on their writing journeys and watch the novels come to life. But A Chapter a Month will take the reader beyond the pages as well...each month the readers will experience their favorite authors in ways they've never been seen before. Whether it's a video of a day-in-the-life of an author or an "interview with a favorite character," A Chapter a Month moves writers from just writing and readers from just reading and takes us all into this brave new world of reading entertainment. And preferred readers will have access to authors through live video streams. There is even something for aspiring writers: "Writers on Writing" one hour workshops each month that can be watched live as well as saved through podcasts. This site allows readers to enjoy the written word, get to know their favorite authors and have a chance to meet a few new scribes as well. A Chapter a Month joins readers and writers together in a way that's beyond the ordinary.
The anticipated launch date is April 4, 2011.
Introducing the A Chapter A Month Sweet Sixteen:
ReShonda Tate Billingsley - The author of twenty-one novels, ReShonda is truly a star. Not only is she one of the Executive Producers for her upcoming movies based on her novels, but she is also currently touring with the stage play, Marriage Material.
Parry "Ebony Satin" Brown - Readers loved her novels, including her first, the Essence best seller, The Shirt Off His Back. Everyone will be thrilled to see Parry back.
Tinesha Davis - is the author of Holler at the Moon which was an amazing debut novel, and a favorite among book clubs.
Virginia DeBerry - Virginia and her partner, Donna Grant were pioneers in the resurgence of Af Am literature in the 1990s with their breakout novel, Trying to Sleep in the Bed You Made. With A Chapter a Month,Virginia is making her "solo" and "non-fiction" debut.
Lolita Files - is the author of the critically acclaimed Child of God. From the sistah girls of Reesy and Misty in her early novels, to the murderer in her last novel, Penn, Lolita Files can write anything and with A Chapter a Month will be penning the first soap opera on paper...the never- ending story of a serial killer....
Trice Hickman - recently signed a multiple book deal with Kensington after having tremendous success as an independent author. Her book, Unexpected Interruptions just received a Starred Review from Publisher's Weekly.
Donna Hill - What is there to say about Donna Hill? There are no words, but her statistics tell the story: started writing in 1987, first book published in 1990, has more than 50 books published. See, no words - except...amazing writer.
Travis Hunter - Many often wonder if Travis is an author or a comedian. But the wonderful thing is that Travis has been able to weave the two together. And though he makes us laugh, he truly has a heart for young men and uses his writing as a way to reach them - through his book for young adult males. At the same time, he has entertained his adult readers for years.
Candy Jackson - is the only one in this group who has never been published. Though she hasn't yet had anything published, she is an avid reader (reading more than 300 books a year) with a dream to become a writer.
RM Johnson - There is only one thing that everyone says about RM's stories - this man can write!!! Even once RM transitioned from the more serious books to the more commercial, he has kept his eye constantly on the craft, penning some of the best written, yet entertaining stories over the years.
Dwayne S. Joseph - Not only is this young man a phenomenal writer, but he has penned some of the most original stories out there. Readers often ask him, "What's going on inside your mind?" An imagination that is only matched by his writing skill.
Bernice L. McFadden - Critically acclaimed and now an NAACP Image Award nominee, for her amazing book, Glorious, Bernice has been winning awards for years, for Sugar, The Warmest December, Loving Donovan...the list goes on and on....
Stephanie Perry Moore - probably has more young adult books in print than any other African American author. She began writing for young adults more than ten years ago and has published a number of series for middle school, high school, and most recently books for some of our youngest readers. Stephanie is our resident young adult writer.
Victoria Christopher Murray - is the author of ten adult novels, including the popular Jasmine Cox Larson Bush series. Her young adult series, The Divine Divas has been optioned to become a movie.
Pat Tucker - Pat's novel, Daddy By Default was a favorite of many readers in 2010. Not only was it well-written and entertaining, it was amazingly informative and one of those books that everyone in the country would benefit from reading.
Tiffany Warren - The founder of the Faith and Fiction retreat is able to effortlessly write great novels across genres with ease. Not only is she an adult and young adult author, but she has produced the stage play based on one of her novels.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD..............!
Bernice L. McFadden
March 11, 2011
Alicia Keys talks about "SUGAR"
Just yesterday I put up a post about Celebrities shouting out authors and low and behold, I woke up this morning to an email from Liquid Director: Lamont Burrell - with this video clip from 2003 of Alicia Keys singing the praises of SUGAR!
The universe never ceases to amaze me........
Bernice L. McFadden
The universe never ceases to amaze me........
Bernice L. McFadden
March 10, 2011
Hey You in the Spotlight...
Yeah, you!
Actor, Radio Host, Singer..
YOU!
You read don't you? I know you do...how come you never talk about the books you read? You have a favorite author, don't you? But yet I never hear you mention his/her name?
We listen to your radio show, we watch you on the big and small screens, we buy your CD's -- We SUPPORT YOU --
Are you supporting us....the writers?
Think about where you would you be without us wordsmiths?
You sing the songs we write...you become the characters we create....you read the copy we come up with...but yet you don't show us any "Verbal" love...
We need you to talk about us...we need to know that you love and appreciate us the same we love and appreciate you!
Say our names......
Bernice L. McFadden
Actor, Radio Host, Singer..
YOU!
You read don't you? I know you do...how come you never talk about the books you read? You have a favorite author, don't you? But yet I never hear you mention his/her name?
We listen to your radio show, we watch you on the big and small screens, we buy your CD's -- We SUPPORT YOU --
Are you supporting us....the writers?
Think about where you would you be without us wordsmiths?
You sing the songs we write...you become the characters we create....you read the copy we come up with...but yet you don't show us any "Verbal" love...
We need you to talk about us...we need to know that you love and appreciate us the same we love and appreciate you!
Say our names......
Bernice L. McFadden
March 8, 2011
This is why I do it....
I've had a few rough days..you know those days when you question your very existence and purpose?
A little over a week ago, I wrapped up a creative writing workshop I was teaching at Medgar Evers College. The title of the workshop was: Writing from your Spiritual Center.
I made it clear to the class that I wasn't there to "teach" them how to write...they already knew how to do that - my job was to introduce them to a variety of inspirational sources that would most certainly further enhance their creativity.
The seven attendees - all very talented women - seemed pleased with the class and at the end of the workshop, we wished one another continued success and said our good-byes.
I was sorry to see it end. I truly enjoyed the ladies and believe that WE ALL profited on a spiritual level.
Today, as I sat here trying to figure out what my next move would be in this life of mine, which now so closely resembles a chess game - the familiar ping sounded from my computer, notifying me that I had mail.
It was a note from one my students (Eartha) and it brought a huge smile to my face. This is the bit that gave me the most joy:
"...but after taking your workshop, the writing process became very intimate and honest. "Us women folk" all kicked back and we were ourselves...Under your guidance, we definitely tapped into something profound. So we decided to continue to meet, breathe, and write. Hopefully, we will continue to make each other laugh and cry."
Remain encouraged..........
Bernice L. McFadden
A little over a week ago, I wrapped up a creative writing workshop I was teaching at Medgar Evers College. The title of the workshop was: Writing from your Spiritual Center.
I made it clear to the class that I wasn't there to "teach" them how to write...they already knew how to do that - my job was to introduce them to a variety of inspirational sources that would most certainly further enhance their creativity.
The seven attendees - all very talented women - seemed pleased with the class and at the end of the workshop, we wished one another continued success and said our good-byes.
I was sorry to see it end. I truly enjoyed the ladies and believe that WE ALL profited on a spiritual level.
Today, as I sat here trying to figure out what my next move would be in this life of mine, which now so closely resembles a chess game - the familiar ping sounded from my computer, notifying me that I had mail.
It was a note from one my students (Eartha) and it brought a huge smile to my face. This is the bit that gave me the most joy:
"...but after taking your workshop, the writing process became very intimate and honest. "Us women folk" all kicked back and we were ourselves...Under your guidance, we definitely tapped into something profound. So we decided to continue to meet, breathe, and write. Hopefully, we will continue to make each other laugh and cry."
Remain encouraged..........
Bernice L. McFadden
