Cardyn Brooks's Blog, page 10
October 7, 2023
TWWBF2023 Is One Week Away!
One week until the 5th annual The Write Women Book Fest! thewritewomenbookfest.org Swag bags for influencers, volunteers, 100+ authors/poets/creatives and the first 50 visitors? Check.
Escalating nerves as day one approaches? Check.
Excitement for two days of bookish fun? Check.
Stress reduction reading options
September 29, 2023
Author Chat with Keka Novales!
A Chat with Children’s Author Keka Novales
I won an author chat with Keka Novales through her Instagram feed, and just like her “Hola, Lola!” series, she delivered thoughtful observations, encouragement, and humor.
Since pressing “record” is evidently beyond my technical abilities, here’s a summary of our engaging exchange:
After introductions, we discussed Keka’s original idea of a picture book. It was her agent who recognized Hola, Lola! as suitable for a chapbook series. As a first-generation U.S. citizen of Guatamalan heritage, Keka’s desire to preserve and share her cultural connections and family legacy with her children inspired her to create this series.
During Keka’s travels and in response to her socials posts, readers of all ages have shared that Hola, Lola! has encouraged them, helped them feel connected to their heritage, and expanded their horizons. For one young reader, reading and rereading Lola and the New School whenever the challenges of being in a new school feel overwhelming reassures and helps build confidence.
We closed our conversation with Keka’s expressions of gratitude for the ways in which so many people have embraced the Hola, Lola! series. Two more books are scheduled for next year.
In addition to substantive storytelling excellence, Keka Novales exudes kindness, generosity, and a sense of purpose that contributes to the greater good.
Weekend Binge Reading Options (on a gloomy Friday)
September 22, 2023
Meeting Some Author Sheroes IRL at the Yale Pop Rom Fic Conference
Flashback Friday to 2 weeks ago when my fandom for romance authors was rewarded while sitting in a Yale University auditorium in a How to Write a Romance Novel workshop taught by publishing phenoms Adriana Herrera & Sarah MacLean! With my sitting in the front row seated next to brilliant Dr. Margo Henderson (Elysabeth Grace*) and Legendary Shirley Hailstock on one side; TWWBF2023 participating author Briana Ellis on the other, who recognized me even with my face half-hidden by my mask! I THINK Nalini Singh was in the audience along with Ms. Bev and so many other super talented, successful authors and book industry professionals. 5th annual The Write Women Book Fest featured panelist Leslye Penelope and I crossed paths in a hallway while searching for the ladies room. WordLink literary agent Macey Howell and I had a lovely chat after a different session. The sister to the documentarian for "Love Between the Covers" was quite engaging as she snapped pics per her sibling's instructions. Rev. Jeania Ree Moore and Dr. Katrina Jackson expanded our intellectual and historical horizons in providing context for the student-curated exhibit of "Black Historical Romance and the Archive" artifacts displayed.
Practical information, thoughtful insights, a palpable sense of community, and fun and laughter and too much goodness to itemize. See some of the content here: https://romancefictionconference.yale.edu/program-september-8-9-2023
https://romancefictionconference.yale.edu/resources
https://www.newhavenarts.org/arts-paper/articles/lit-fest-brings-black-romance-to-dixwell
Oh, and books by featured participants are still available for purchase from Possible Futures until 9/30: https://possiblefuturesbooks.com/events/lit-fest-2023
*Her Cock & Oyster historical cozy mystery series along with her other works are available here: https://www.elysabethgrace.com/egs-bookshop Also, my binge reading inclinations prevent me from ordering the C & O series until AFTER TWWBF2023 is over - like as a reward for surviving the event and resisting that particular reading temptation when there's so much work still to do before 10/14.
[Whenever I spoke to Dr. Margo or Ms. Bev or Ms. Hailstock or Adriana Herrera or Prof. Bly (Eloisa James), my inner dialogue went something like, "Breathe. Make eye contact, but not like a hyperventillating creepazoid freak! Like a sane person!" No one called security so...]
Hope they do it again next year! Even my inner hermit is excited about it.;-)
September 17, 2023
Last Chance MYFANS2023 Discount Code for #TWWBF2023! $10 Tix!!!
It's the last day to use discount code MYFANS2023* to get $19 off tickets for Saturday, October 14 day 1 of The Write Women Book Fest with more than 100 authors of fiction, non-fiction, poetry & kids books! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-write-women-book-fest-author-expo-reader-event-tickets-572092844097?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete In between my co-organizer duties, I'm prepping to moderate the featured panel, "Fantasy & Romance: Myth, Magic, Love, and Steamy Stories as Told by Women Authors" with Golden Angel, Mariah Ankenman, H.L. Brooks, Mary E. Jung, Leslye Penelope, and Maria Vale. Golden's, Mariah's, and Mary's works are my TBR priorities this week.
A Cat & Bones fan? Jeaniene Frost will be a panelist on the "Women Authors & Storytelling: FIction" and "Been There, Done That: Making Romance Stories New and Relatable" panels. Start thinking about your questions now. (Hey, we would've invited her as a featured panelist for the "Fantasy & Romance..." chat but she registered without any don't-you-know-who-I-am fanfare! We didn't realize we'd been granted the gift of her participation until after that panel was set. We feel so lucky to have her presence along with that of all of the 100+ other talented, exciting authors.) https://www.thewritewomenbookfest.org/2023-attending-authors.html
This is the 5th year of TWWBF and we've grown significantly in authors and attendees each year. What hasn't grown? Our two-person organizing team beyond a brilliant part-time assistant for Heather (with week-of and day-of support from family and friends as voluntolders). Going to two days with day one at a hotel is a huge leap for us. We're working hard to make sure it's a soaring success and not a crash landing.
We can't wait to see you on Saturday, October 14th at the Bowie Comfort Inn Conference Center from 12 noon - 5 p.m.!
P.S. The time-sensitive nature of the discount code expiration bumped my planned post about my experiences at the Yale University Popular Romance Fiction: Literature of Hope Conference to next week. So much greatness packed into 48 hours! Connecting with #TWWBF2023 participants Briana Smith and Leslye Penelope was a delightful bonus.
*A few people have had problems applying the discount code. If you're charged full price, please give us until the first week of October to issue the $19 (per ticket) refund. Our apologies for the inconvenience and malfunction are profuse and immediate!
September 3, 2023
Time to DIY Swag & Read More Books!
Six weeks until the 5th annual The Write Women Book Fest on Saturday, October 14 & Sunday, October 15!!! thewritewomenbookfest.org
Use discount code: MYFANS2023 until Sunday 9/17 to get $19 off, making tickets only $10 each! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-write-women-book-fest-author-expo-reader-event-tickets-572092844097?aff=ebdshpsearchautocomplete
My DIY decorated shirts for book lovers are given in thanks to people who buy my books at events. TWWBF2023 next month, then a TBA library event in November. I'm overdue for restocking.
And of course, more books borrowed even though the two book stacks shown in last week's post are only half-read, but the library is closed for Labor Day on Monday and there's no such thing as having too many reading options (according to book hoarders and binge readers).
Also, celebrating the fortitude of SAG-AFTRA and striking workers in other industries https://aflcio.org/strike-map who are standing up for themselves and their fellow laborers--present and future. For anyone who defends unconscionable, unliveable wages by saying, "It's Capitalism." My pushback is this: Actual Capitalism requires equitably compensated laborers in the workplace to act as robust consumers in the retail marketplace. That's how legitimate Capitalism is structured. Siphoning wages from the workers and redirecting them to finance exorbitant executive compensation unbalances the whole system along with excessive consumer revolving credit debt and too many other financial disasters to list here. [soapbox moment end]
additional binge reading options
August 27, 2023
Calls to Action, a Goodbye Summer Feast & Books
On Saturday, the 60th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech, I spent a delightful evening at Wolf Trap listening to Mary Chapin Carpenter's enchanting voice with appreciation for her upbeat spirit and musical talents in addition to her acknowledgement of this significant historical date, along with reminders about the importance of voting, and the ways in which the events of that day improved life for everyone. Also, hearing her new "A Girl and Her Dog" song generated anticipation for her next project.
Then Sunday was all about hanging with close friends (with pool benefits) who also provided a delectable buffet in celebration of the upcoming end of summer and the start of school tomorrow for the teachers and students in our group.
And finally, here's photo evidence that shows why it's always better for me to return my borrowed library items using the book drop rather than going inside the library where enticing book displays tempt me beyond my ability to resist even though there's already a big stack of unread books at home waiting for me to read them. [Background stack is of the older books; foreground stack newer books.]
August 20, 2023
Making Space for Everyone at the Table of Creativity
"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." Shirley Chisholm https://www.bringyourownchair.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/SeatattheTableFacilitationDiscussionGuide.pdf
Almost two decades before Marvel Comics introduced Black Panther in 1966, All-Negro Comics, Inc., created to "... give Negro artists an opportunity gainfully to use their talents... glorify Negro historical achievements..." introduced Lion Man in 1947. That's only one of a long list of intriguing facts shared in this compact history book about the evolution of comics after World War II. An introduction, six chapters including images from multiple comic strips and books of the era, and the conclusion peel back layers of sociopolitical context that likely will inspire readers to pursue additional books about Black journalists and news publications, particularly Orrin Cromwell Evans. Delving into the tropes and satire of the times makes it impossible for this text to avoid mentioning racial slurs (no n-word) and demeaning stereotypes, although those direct references are rare. The formal syntax is consistent with the generation being studied and the superlative declarations echo the author's contagious enthusiasm for the subject matter. It's an essential read for lovers of comics, superheroes, history, art, politics, and sociology that entertains as it educates.
D.C./Maryland/Virginia-area Connections
Zora Books Her Happy Ever After by Taj McCoy contemporary fiction, women's fiction, romance Mira, April 2023
from chapter seven: Whether suited and professional or laid-back and casual, the swag of Black men in D.C. was beyond sexy to Zora...
All. The. Feels.
This love letter to booklovers, booksellers, authors, entrepreneurs, ancestors, mentors, families by blood and by choice, communities, and the multifaceted beauty and complexities of Blackness offers a celebration of nearly every type of female-centered relationship within the framework of a very modern love story as a journey. It also examines and celebrates intimate connections between all kinds of people. Emotionally layered, utterly charming, totally satisfying.
Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly by Marie Bostwick contemporary fiction, women's fiction w/romantic elements William Morrow Paperbacks, May 2023
from the prologue: "You don't need to worry about me, mister. I'm a Baltimore girl..."
Upcoming Weekly Reads (Thanks, National Book Fest 2023 panelists for adding 2 of these to my TBR list!)
August 13, 2023
Booklovers Paradise 2023 National Book Festival
Apologies for cropping off your name, Tiphanie Yanique! 
The Library of Congress did it again! So many authors, books, and booklovers gathered in Washington, D.C. (IRL and virtually) yesterday, Saturday, August 12th to celebrate all things bookish. My attempt to watch as many sessions as possible in real time was only somewhat successful because just about every creative and topic interested me. I'll spend the next few days catching up with the recordings. https://www.c-span.org/video/?529568-2/national-book-festival-kickoff-librarian-congress-carla-hayden
A few highlights: Tananarive Due and Grady Hendrix's chat with the host of NPR's Code Switch (apologies for not knowing that brilliant human's name) offered an engaging jackpot of insights, personal revelations, and humor. It also led me to add Due's Civil Rights nonfiction title, which I'd somehow missed, co-written with her mom to my TBR list. from the Poverty, By America chat between Matt and Fred about why poverty persists in the U.S.: "We like it this way... More for me. Less for we."
from the Q & A portion of the TJ Klune session after sharing a humorous story about a Zoom book club appearance with a very welcoming church group--minus one person: "Make them so mad about something else that they forget about the gays!"
from the beginning of Elliot Page's chat with Gina Chua about stepping into one's true self: "Why did it have to take so long?"
People focus on before and after [transition] versus integration of all the various aspects of oneself.
"The shame you're holding, it is not yours."
from Behind the Scenes with Black Writers chat with Jericho Brown, Camille Dungy & Tiphanie Yanique about a key motivation for How We Do It, Black Writers on Craft, Practice, and Skill: "... I want you to have what I always wanted" [when I started writing].
There was too much bookish excellence to share so make time to watch, listen, read the closed captions yourself!
Happy celebration, support & proliferation of literacy!!!
August 5, 2023
Black Books Matter Day Library Haul
The library never disappoints!
Celebrating Black Books Matter Day in gorgeous Prince George's County Maryland with books borrowed from the Prince George's County Memorial Library System and also the Anne Arundel County Public Library.
My summer book binge continues. More actual reviews this fall after the 5th annual The Write Women Book Fest Saturday, October 14 readers experience day at the Bowie Comfort Inn Conference Center & Sunday, October 15 authors professional developing & networking day at Marietta House Museum. https://www.thewritewomenbookfest.org/
Happy reading & creating!
July 30, 2023
Shameless Self-Promo + Binge Assortment
Many thanks to Studio B Arts & Activities Alliance in Boyertown, Pennsylvania https://www.studiobbb.org/ for selecting "Words Echo History Loops" for inclusion in their Legacy: Remembrance Matters anthology edited by Jane E. Stahl and Mish Murphy! This collection offers an assortment of engaging, prose, poetry, photographs, artistic renderings, and essays from talented creatives. Poetry isn't my usual format, but so much of the news reminds me of the bad old days of oppression from centuries past (as learned from educators, classes and books sourced from legitimate historic documents) that this piece flowed from my heart and mind in one short writing session.
Not the Ones Dead (Kate Shugak #23) by Dana Stabenow mystery Head of Zeus - Aries Books, April 2023
Once again Mutt*, Kate, Jim, and their overlapping circles of family, friends, and associates work hard to unravel interwoven oddities that just might strangle them and their intimate community. Multiple threads about individuals and groups with conflicting intentions set against the physical backdrop of Alaska and within the historical context of extremism create an intricate story that satisfies the high expectations set by this outstanding series.
*Still hoping for a novella from Mutt's POV about surviving after getting shot.
bumpy roads to travel from friends to loversCan't Let Her Go by Kianna Alexander romance Montlake, June 2023
The Book Proposal by KJ Micciche romance Sourcebooks Casablanca, May 2023
more money, more problems The Missus (Mister & Missus #2) by E.L. James romance Bloom Books, June 2023
