A WRITER'S LIFE…
February, 2004
A fantastic day in January, is how I'm beginning this months' "What's New."
The day started off with a live two-hour on the air book club discussion of my latest book "A Journey To Here" hosted by Geri Tolliver of 1230 the Buzz, Sisterspeak Show. Geri Tolliver is a wonderful radio personality I had the pleasure of meeting when I did an interview at her radio station while on tour. The on-air discussion took place in Ohio and I participated by phone.
Talk about lively! Everyone from a seventy-something year old woman to a young lady in her early twenties participated. There were doctors, lawyers and a psychologist in the 'house.' The issue of what is and isn't infidelity caused some sparks and some of the most heated conversations took place off the air!
The best thing about the on-air discussion was getting the chance to hear so many opinions about my book. As an author, that's what I want. I want people to read my books and feel something--anger, joy, sadness, it's all good and hearing the different opinions and reactions to "A Journey To Here" was just that -- all good.
Even though it was two hours long, we ran out of air time before we ran out of opinions. I had a ball and send out thanks to everyone who dropped by or called in to participate. I also want to thank Geri Tolliver for not only selecting "A Journey To Here" as the book club's book of the month, but giving me the chance to share with my readers.
Later that evening I attended Brandon Massey's book release party for his latest novel "Dark Corner". Held at Madison's Grill in Atlanta, I got the chance to hang with some of my favorite authors and book club members. Authors Travis Hunter and Brian Egeston was there as well as Tee Royal of the on-line book club RAWSISTAZ and Shunda Leigh of the literary Magazine Booking Matters.
Tina Brooks McKinney, whom I had initially met at a the RAWSISTAZ affair in Atlanta last year was also in attendance and she had some great news. She'd sign her first book contract and her novel "All That Drama" will be released later on this year.
There were many authors at the event and we crowded around as a group and took photo's with Brandon as he signed copies. With all those light bulbs flashing, it felt like a true paparazzi moment (lol). At the evening's end, Brandon handed out red roses and I'm happy to say that mines is still living and sitting on my desk as I write this. I've read "Dark Corner" and I'm giving it two thumbs up. Great work Brandon, great work.
My glorious day had turned into a glorious night, with more to come. After leaving Brandon's book party, my husband and I headed over to Angela Reid's of Imani Book Club birthday bash, where we danced and feasted on some good eats. A true "Blue Lights In the Basement" party, helping Angela celebrate another milestone was the perfect way to cap off the evening. Dancing to the oldies took me back. Complete with funky lights, a fog machine and a DJ who knew how to mix, we had a 'funky good time.'
The next weekend I caught up Angela Reid again when I met with Imani Book Club at a local restaurant to discuss my novel "A Journey To Here" and Eric Jerome Dickey's "The Other Woman". The book club members traveled to the other side of Atlanta to be with me and I want to thank Angela Reid, Pamela Wilson-Smiththem, Bernadette Headley, Brenda Hines, Teaner Corbett, Monica Downer, Sharon Washington and Charotte Westfield for making the trip.
Once more the issue of infidelity started off the discussion and it quickly moved to other issues I touch on in the novel. The food was good, the conversation great and the love I received from Imani Book club was just fantastic.
It was nice to have my notion that "A Journey To Here" is my best book ever, affirmed. I've always been hesitant to make such a claim, but I didn't even pause this time around. Readers have told me that I "put my foot" in the novel, that the book is the "da bomb" and that they "loved it."
I want to send a great big congratulations to my 'cuz' Cydney Rax on her recent interview in Publisher's Weekly. Look for her debut novel "My Daughter's Boyfriend" coming in June. If you ever wanted to know how a mother gets involved with her daughter's man, then you definitely need to check Cydney's novel out. It's hot!
This month I look forward to upcoming events that I will be participating in. I plan to attend the Circle of Friends II annual party on the 7th and a joint book signing with other authors at Richs-Macy's Department Store at Stonecrest Mall in Atlanta on the 21st. I've gotten a few request to come to New York and I am working on that as well.
Until next time, may your life be filled with love, light, and understanding. Until next time,
Peace and Blessings,
Margaret
The day started off with a live two-hour on the air book club discussion of my latest book "A Journey To Here" hosted by Geri Tolliver of 1230 the Buzz, Sisterspeak Show. Geri Tolliver is a wonderful radio personality I had the pleasure of meeting when I did an interview at her radio station while on tour. The on-air discussion took place in Ohio and I participated by phone.
Talk about lively! Everyone from a seventy-something year old woman to a young lady in her early twenties participated. There were doctors, lawyers and a psychologist in the 'house.' The issue of what is and isn't infidelity caused some sparks and some of the most heated conversations took place off the air!
The best thing about the on-air discussion was getting the chance to hear so many opinions about my book. As an author, that's what I want. I want people to read my books and feel something--anger, joy, sadness, it's all good and hearing the different opinions and reactions to "A Journey To Here" was just that -- all good.
Even though it was two hours long, we ran out of air time before we ran out of opinions. I had a ball and send out thanks to everyone who dropped by or called in to participate. I also want to thank Geri Tolliver for not only selecting "A Journey To Here" as the book club's book of the month, but giving me the chance to share with my readers.
Later that evening I attended Brandon Massey's book release party for his latest novel "Dark Corner". Held at Madison's Grill in Atlanta, I got the chance to hang with some of my favorite authors and book club members. Authors Travis Hunter and Brian Egeston was there as well as Tee Royal of the on-line book club RAWSISTAZ and Shunda Leigh of the literary Magazine Booking Matters.
Tina Brooks McKinney, whom I had initially met at a the RAWSISTAZ affair in Atlanta last year was also in attendance and she had some great news. She'd sign her first book contract and her novel "All That Drama" will be released later on this year.
There were many authors at the event and we crowded around as a group and took photo's with Brandon as he signed copies. With all those light bulbs flashing, it felt like a true paparazzi moment (lol). At the evening's end, Brandon handed out red roses and I'm happy to say that mines is still living and sitting on my desk as I write this. I've read "Dark Corner" and I'm giving it two thumbs up. Great work Brandon, great work.
My glorious day had turned into a glorious night, with more to come. After leaving Brandon's book party, my husband and I headed over to Angela Reid's of Imani Book Club birthday bash, where we danced and feasted on some good eats. A true "Blue Lights In the Basement" party, helping Angela celebrate another milestone was the perfect way to cap off the evening. Dancing to the oldies took me back. Complete with funky lights, a fog machine and a DJ who knew how to mix, we had a 'funky good time.'
The next weekend I caught up Angela Reid again when I met with Imani Book Club at a local restaurant to discuss my novel "A Journey To Here" and Eric Jerome Dickey's "The Other Woman". The book club members traveled to the other side of Atlanta to be with me and I want to thank Angela Reid, Pamela Wilson-Smiththem, Bernadette Headley, Brenda Hines, Teaner Corbett, Monica Downer, Sharon Washington and Charotte Westfield for making the trip.
Once more the issue of infidelity started off the discussion and it quickly moved to other issues I touch on in the novel. The food was good, the conversation great and the love I received from Imani Book club was just fantastic.
It was nice to have my notion that "A Journey To Here" is my best book ever, affirmed. I've always been hesitant to make such a claim, but I didn't even pause this time around. Readers have told me that I "put my foot" in the novel, that the book is the "da bomb" and that they "loved it."
I want to send a great big congratulations to my 'cuz' Cydney Rax on her recent interview in Publisher's Weekly. Look for her debut novel "My Daughter's Boyfriend" coming in June. If you ever wanted to know how a mother gets involved with her daughter's man, then you definitely need to check Cydney's novel out. It's hot!
This month I look forward to upcoming events that I will be participating in. I plan to attend the Circle of Friends II annual party on the 7th and a joint book signing with other authors at Richs-Macy's Department Store at Stonecrest Mall in Atlanta on the 21st. I've gotten a few request to come to New York and I am working on that as well.
Until next time, may your life be filled with love, light, and understanding. Until next time,
Peace and Blessings,
Margaret