Archive for September, 2008

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Welcome back and thanks for participating in Sable Lit Reviews’ Hispanic Heritage Month Book Giveaway! If you missed the two questions be sure to consult the Win Books Page or find them at the following links:

http://www.sablelitreviews.com/hh-book-giveaway-1

http://www.sablelitreviews.com/hh-book-giveaway-2

You will be provided with a question, a few clues, and the answer in a scrambled form. There is only one possible answer. Each week for four weeks, a new question and its supporting details will be provided. At least one of the four questions must be answered correctly and be provided by 11:59 p.m. PST on October 15th to be eligible for the book giveaway. Those answering more than one question will have increased chance of winning in direct proportion to the number of questions answered correctly. Once you have answered at least one of the four email your response to LMReviews@SableLitReviews.com to enter for a chance to win 8 free books from among Hachette’s bestsellers in the Hispanic genre. Here’s a reminder of the books up for grabs:

  • Dream in Color: How the Sanchez Sisters Are Making History in Congress By Linda Sánchez , Loretta Sánchez ISBN: 0446508047
  • Gunmetal Black By Daniel Serrano ISBN: 0446194131
  • The Gifted Gabaldón Sisters By Lorraine López ISBN: 0446699217
  • Bless Me, Ultima By Rudolfo Anaya ISBN: 0446675369
  • Brownsville By Oscar Casares
  • The Hummingbird’s Daughter By Luis Urrea ISBN: 0316154520
  • The General and the Jaguar By Eileen Welsome ISBN: 0316715999
  • Tomorrow They Will Kiss By Eduardo Santiago ISBN: 0316014125
  • Question Three:

    Name the Columbian author who included in his book, One Hundred Years of Solitude, the December 1928 Columbian demonstration that lead to hundreds dead due to the conservative government firing into crowds of demonstrators?

    Clues:

    • He was born during Aracataca’s banana boom in early 1928.
    • His nickname was Gabito.
    • Other books he wrote: Memories of My Meloncholy Whores and The General in his Labyrinth

    Scrambled Answer:

    REIGBAL CARAGI QEURMAZ

    Good luck and thanks for following along. I hope as you solve these you are finding other books you might be interested in reading. Next week will provide the last question in the sequence.

    So until then, happy de-scrambling.

     

        

    With the same intricacy of intertwining tree limbs, Kim Robinson retells the fast lives of those that came before her in the novel The Roux in the Gumbo.

    From the struggles of slavery in 1850’s Louisiana through twenty-first century California, we follow the family’s women and their men while they take on the search for prosperity.

    Each generation of women, including Voodoo darlings, housekeepers, and switch-blade toting club owners manage the antics of their precocious children, freeloading lovers and scheming husbands.

    Robinson not only shows us the power struggles between races but the struggle that exists between men and women. The Roux in the Gumbo reveals the result of faith and perseverance as well as the dangers of maintaining the hustle. 

    I thoroughly enjoyed following the raw emotion that permeated throughout the book. Robinson captured the essence of every character and painted the vivid ups and downs of the Bayou.

    Moments in this book had me laughing out loud and other parts reminded me of times I spent laughing and joking with my own extended family.

    I highly recommend The Roux in the Gumbo for an entertaining read- 5 Sable Seals

    Publisher: Eternal Press

    Format: Ebook, Print 

    Price: 4.99 CA, 16.95 (at Amazon.com)

    Authors Please Support Authors

    First, I’d like to thank ASA (a new group created to support fellow authors in promoting their books) for the opportunity to support a common cause. It’s important that authors come together, for the greater good, which is … supporting literacy and our craft.

    Having said all of the above….Why can’t we come together?

    It is important that we share news, experiences and every so often– give a literary hug to one another. How do we do it? I’d like to give an example.

    In the mid to late 1990’s I was blessed to create friendships with online Guru’s such as Dr. Maxine Thompson, Delores Thornton and Dr. Rosie Milligan. I mention those three although there were several others. However, for the purpose of this piece…they’re the standouts.

    Dr. Maxine Thompson: Without so much as a face-to-face meeting with many of the authors at that time she freely shared information. Long before there was the Dr. Maxine Thompson radio show, there was the Maxine Thompson’s “Black Butterfly” newsletter. In that newsletter, she freely shared promotional ideas, marketing strategies, and most importantly, secrets to the craft of writing. Notice I said, “Free.”

    Delores Thornton: Delores Thornton created the first Nationwide Authors Support Group. She made it her mission to help self-published authors gain entry into libraries, Independent bookseller lists, as well as hosting online Writing Symposiums.. She encouraged authors nationwide to send their promotional items to each other for distribution wherever they went. In doing so authors on one side of the nation could have authors on the other side promote their books along with their own. And, it was done long before the rise in gasoline and air travel. It was done to handle a need for greater cross promotion and exposure. There were also large posters created with the bookcovers of many authors. Those posters were displayed at various events. “Free”

    Dr. Rosie Milligan: Dr. Rosie Milligan was and is a “One Stop” for self publishing. She does everything from writing syndicated columns reflecting the current atmosphere for self-publishing as well as how to navigate the precarious industry lane to success. She’s also the owner of Milligan Bookstore on Manchester Avenue in Los Angeles, CA. Every year, Dr. Milligan hosts the “Black Writers On Tour” event. It is an event where there is no stone left unturned on the self-publishing landscape. Although there is a registration fee for the event… the wealth of knowledge and contacts far exceeds the initial layout.

    **Note: It was because of Dr. Milligan’s generosity and need to help self-published authors that my initial “Sister Betty, God’s Calling You” short story book landed a major publishing deal. Dr. Milligan took the initial book and placed it in our Ingram catalogue to ensure it’s exposure.

    I would like to delve into more specificity in my next blog…

     
     
    Essence Best Selling Author
    Pat G’Orge-Walker

    “Somewhat Saved”

    # 6 Essence August 2008 Best Sellers List/ Nominated AALBS 2008 Best Comedy

    Available wherever books are sold.
    www.sisterbetty.com

    “Cruisin’ On Desperation”
    “2007 AALBS Best Comedy of the Year”
    “2007 Disilgold Best Gospel Comedy of the Year”

    2007 September and October Essence Best Seller”

    West Hollywood Book Fair

    Title: West Hollywood Book Fair
    Location: West Hollywood, California
    Description: Attend the 4th annual West Hollywood Book Fair. Join over 400 authors and arts. Participate in over 100 panels and book signings that include a focus on multicultural and LGBT panels.
    There will be 3 live performances and a children’s area. For more info go to: www.westhollywoodbookfair.org
    Start Time: 10:00
    Date: 2008-09-28
    End Time: 18:00

    THEY ARE STEALING THE ELECTION!

    In the past few days I’ve heard and read from many Obama supporters.
    “Oh, they’re gonna steal this election (the Republicans).”
    “They won’t let a Black man in the White House unless he’s cleaning the floors.”
    “He should’ve picked Hillary, etc.”
     
    And from several McCain supporters,
     
    “Well, what Palin does with her family is her family. The press won’t be fair so I don’t care if she never answers a question about her record or stance…”
     
    “HUH!”
     
    Well my Sistahs and Brotha’s, what has this election come to?
     
    Let us be mindful that this is politics. It’s a nasty and yes, very nasty game. If we should be concerned about anything, in my opinion, it should be the way God’s Word and message has been customized and compromised.
     
    At one point in my life I would’ve identified myself as a possible “Evangelical” but then they became too judgemental. I didn’t fit.
     
    On another level I thought I would’ve identified myself as a Conservative. Well I found out that since I truly believe in God’s word where it states that “whatever you do for the least of mine….” Conservatists, in my mind, quickly discounted that rhetoric with the “I got mine and I’m going to do whatever it takes to keep mine…” I didn’t fit in there either.
     
    Now I find that I’m troubled, as I stated before, by some of the comments and conclusions that some have come to when it comes to People of God.  We’ve been all lumped together.
     
    With our Senator Obama and the Jeremiah Wright situation.. Many think, “Black folks secretly preach Black Liberation and they don’t really like white folks.”
     
    With our Senator McCain: Some think At Saddleback church, “I’m forgiven.” So now many think that Christians can go about pushing wars, hair trigger tempers, memory loss.. whatever. (Okay, I might fit in a little with the memory thingy.)
     
    Now with the emergence of Gov. Sarah Palin comes a new dimension. And, I’m not talking about her family situation. The focus is now on her church affiliation. It is reported that her church and its Pastor tells the world that it was God that ordained the Iraq War and its consequences. Not President Bush but God. And almost immediately after her acceptance speech where she enthusiastically called out Obama on everything from his patriotism to his little-ole Community Service Activist role.
     
    It seems that when it comes to politics many of the ten commandments are not only broken but obliterated. Not to bear false witness against your neighbor to :…placing no other God before me” has become a running joke on many blogs when it comes to this election.
     
    But wait a minute… Didn’t Bush say that God whispered to him what to do about governing?
     
    With all of this happening it’s no wonder that those on the fringe of Salvation and many deeply in it with a personal relationship with God don’t know what to make of this election-government mess.
     
    I certainly pray that people will understand that politics and religion make dangerous bedfellows.
     
    I could say that our solution is in the Word of God… but the way this political atmosphere is going, I’m sure many would have to ask..”Which version?”
     
    Essence Best Selling Author
    Pat G’Orge-Walker

    “Somewhat Saved”

    # 6 Essence August 2008 Best Sellers List/ Nominated AALBS 2008 Best Comedy
    Available wherever books are sold.
    www.sisterbetty.com

    “2007 September and October Essence Best Seller

     

    The College Expo - Chicago

    Title: The College Expo
    Location: Chicago, Illinois
    Description: Also known as the Black College Expo, participate in the vehicle that connects students to college, careers and their future.
    For more information check out http://www.thecollegeexpo.org.
    Groups welcome. For tickets or information about exhibiting and sponsoring call 877-427-4100.
    Date: 2008-09-27

    Happy Friday Everyone! Thanks for coming back for the conclusion of Sable Lit Reviews’ interview with award winning author Pat G’Orge-Walker.

    SLR: Pat, they say that everyone has a book in them. For those who really desire to get theirs into print, what advice would you like to share?

    PGW: Other than the obvious which is prayer I would encourage them to study their craft. And if for no other reason than to protect your finances and your career; be careful when selecting an agent.  Because I’m in the midst of litigation I won’t say anything further. Take it from me…. Check folks out!!! And then check them out again.

    SLR: ‘Nuf said. That’s great advice. Writing is an on-going learning process and it takes time just like any other craft.

    Often aspiring authors have additional questions for authors who write in a genre they are considering. How might someone contact you and who is your publisher?

    PGW: I can be reached via email at pat248@aol.com  or sisterbetty@sisterbetty.com   I’m published by a major publishing house (Kensington/Dafina).  My websites are:  www.myspace.com/sisterbettycomedy   and www.sisterbetty.com

    SLR: Great! Readers, be sure to pick up Pat’s books at Amazon, Barnes & Noble or anywhere fine books are sold.

    Pat, any closing comments for our tour takers today?

    PGW: Yes, I would like to add a heartfelt “thank you” for the support of the readers, retail, radio, internet, television and all who’ve had a strong hand in taking me from level to level. I thank God for a husband, despite all his awards and service to this country in fighting terrorism, does all he can to ensure his wife has an opportunity to shine.

    SLR: Well Pat, it has been a pure pleasure chatting with you here at Sable Lit Reviews. I have no doubt our readers have enjoyed it as much as I have.

    Once again visitors, check out Pat’s books at the links on the right. In addition, tomorrow Pat will provide you a personally crafted post that will give you additional insight into this literary industry, from an award-winning author’s perspective.

    I guarantee it will benefit you! See ya tomorrow!

    Baltimore Book Festival

    Title: Baltimore Book Festival
    Location: Baltimore, Maryland
    Description: In its second year, join such authors as Iyanla Vanzant, Omar Tyree, Walter Mosely, and Dr. Cornel West at the Baltimore Book Festival. Partake in literary walk tours and numerous accomplished literary guest speakers.
    For more information, check out: http://www.baltimorebookfestival.com/
    Start Date: 2008-09-26
    End Date: 2008-09-28

    BET Black College Tour - Bowie

    Title: BET Black College Tour
    Location: Bowie, Maryland
    Description: Bowie State University in its 7th year, BET hosts the back to school college tour. Support BET as it creates excitement and social activites while boosting community awareness regarding the longevity of US Historically Black Colleges. For more information about the tour locations see: www.bet.com/blackcollegetour
    Date: 2008-09-26

    Hi book lovers, this visit with award-winning author Pat G’Orge-Walker has been a so inspiring and motivating.

    SLR: Tell us Pat, how many books have you penned and do you have a favorite?

    PGW: I’ve written about six books. I can’t say which my favorite book is anymore than I can say which of my children my favorite is.  

    SLR: That is an excellent point. We authors often relate to our works as our babies and go through withdrawals when we must release them into the world! LOL!

    We know from your comedy performance and from your writing that you have an exceptional imagination. Is there where your characters come from or is there some reality-based inspiration going on? Hint! Hint!  :)

    PGW: Oh definitely based upon those I know. Ain’t that scary?????

    SLR: (Laughing) Well, they say truth is stranger than fiction!!

    Well Pat Friends, while we’re wrapping up our interview with Pat, she will be with us well into the weekend so don’t fret.

    In the meantime, you MySpacers check out Pat at http://www.myspace.com/sisterbettycomedy