Best Laid Plans

Still haven’t left the hotel yet, so I’m taking the time to add that we’re I’m also posting pics from BEA this weekend. But since we haven’t actually left our rooms, the best I can do at the moment is offer a view from my room.

On Our Way To BEA . . .

BookExpo America, the largest annual industry fair in the US, takes place this weekend in NYC.
Publishers (large and small), authors, retailers, distributors, libriarians, agents, PR folks and just about anyone connected to the publishing industry will be in town to network, showcase, discuss trends and buy and sell all weekend.
We just checked into our hotel [...]

Hurston/Wright 3-Day Writers’ Workshop

I had a great conversation on Tuesday with an African-American literary agent on Plenary Publishing submission needs, as well as the current state of African-American literature and the challenges facing African-American authors. One of the key topics of discussion is the need for writers of color to invest in their craft through attendance at workshops, participation in writing [...]

The Game’s Cancellation

Last week, The CW announced its fall schedule, which essentially features an updated rehash of the 90’s hits 90210 and Melose Place, and a slate of shows featuring models, vampires, and angst-ridden 20-somethings. Officially gone are the long-rumored-to-be-canceled Everybody Hates Chris and The Game.  
The CW’s official reason for The Game’s cancellation is its decision to eliminate half-hour shows. Mara Brock-Akil, who created [...]

Breaking News: President Obama To Nominate Sonia Sotomayor To Supreme Court

NBC news just reported that President Obama will nominate Second Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the United States Supreme Court. The official announcement will come at 10:15 a.m. today.
No word, however, on when the Republican opposition to her nomination will officially begin, or how conservative they will be in their attacks on her (as a [...]

Worth Reading: Colson Whitehead’s “Sag Harbor”

I got up this morning and did a few miles on the treadmill as part of my training for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk (60 miles in 3 days, pray for me). Since treadmills infamously lead you nowhere, I usually distract myself by alternating between Without A Trace, Cold Case or reading. 
This morning, [...]

The Art of Storytelling: Word Counts

We’re thisclose to making an announcement regarding our 2010 list. I’m excited and proud to be working with these authors (as soon contract negotiations close), and we’re still knee deep in submissions as we think ahead to 2011.
I get emails in our submissions box regarding our submissions process and writing in general, and I’ve decided to address some [...]

Worth Reading

This weekend, I came across a great Washington Post article on Leah Ward Sears, Chief Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court (a major accomplishment in and of itself), and her unlikely friendship with US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, after he telephoned her to offer support when she faced political attacks in the ’90s :
Many years after that [...]

The Morning Papers

On Sunday, CNN.com posted an article regarding America’s literacy problem.  Last week, I posted about Save The Children’s recent study that found 68% of fourth graders are reading below their grade level, and CNN’s report puts a face on the problems facing adult readers.
About 30 million people – 14 percent of the US population16 and older- have trouble with basic [...]

Videos of The Day: Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms!
Today’s video is an easy one, but I had to play The Intruders for my mom, who continues to be my best friend, my spiritual guide, my voice of reason, my cheerleader and the one who’s not afraid to check me when I need it.  
Side note: I feel a Gamble  [...]