Pat Advises…Writing and Supporting Literary Arts

Author: LMReviews

Sep 26

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!

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!

  • 0 Comments
  • Filed under: Multicultural Contributors, Multicultural Events, Multicultural Writing

    • Pat Reveals…Her Characters and Fav Books

    Author: LMReviews

    Sep 25

    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

  • 0 Comments
  • Filed under: Multicultural Contributors, Multicultural Events, Multicultural Writing

    • Pat Speaks…About Somewhat Saved

    Author: LMReviews

    Sep 24

    Hey there, Tour takers. In case you weren’t aware, Pat has a new book release that nicely co-incides with this tour.

    SLR: Pat, Somewhat Saved was recently released to your fans, what feelings are you experiencing?

    PGW: I’m one of those authors who places her books into the hands of my pastor.  Once he and the pulpit pray God’s blessings upon it I let it go. I’m then onto the next book.  I know prayer works. This past year I was plagued with the Whooping cough, thyroid problems and couldn’t promote or hardly perform. And but for God, my current novel, Somewhat Saved, entered onto the Essence Best Seller’s List at # 6. It is also nominated for a 2008 AALBS Best comedy award. Last year my novel Cruisin’ On Desperation won.

    SLR: That’s a great testimony. From what you’ve told us, I imagine you don’t have any downtime but when you do find a few moments, what is your routine?

    PGW: I like to just relax. I seldom get to do that. I’m a political junky. With this electrifying and historical election in the making I’m glued to the television and Google.

    SLR: I can relate. I’ve written quite a few political articles here on Sable Lit Reviews. I can’t help it with the ramifications involved for multiculturalism.

    Tell us something we might not expect of you?

    PGW: I got my passport through the FBI.  (true)

    SLR: That’s all you’re gonna say? That is very intriguing. I’d ask you to elaborate, but I don’t want a visit from the black suits with the bluetooth pieces in their ears. LOL

    Well visitors, before we raise any red flags, I’ll adjourn this inquisition for today. Please join us again tomorrow when Pat talks about her books and her characters. If you are curious about what God has to say to Sister Betty, I suggest you check out Pat’s titles at the upper right corner of this page!

    You don’t want to  miss tomorrow!

  • 0 Comments
  • Filed under: Multicultural Contributors, Multicultural Events, Multicultural Writing

    • Pat Shares…Her Inspiration

    Author: LMReviews

    Sep 23

    Welcome back! Pat G’Orge-Walker will be with us all week sharing her literary experiences.

    SLR: Pat, I know many interviews ask about where an author’s story ideas come from, but from where does your inspiration come?

    PGW:My father was a lyricist and a poet when he wasn’t preaching. I believe writing is in my DNA. I have other brothers and sisters in the record industry who are song writers, etc.  One of my inspirations has always been and continues to be Maya Angelou. She once gave me great advice. She told me to “always be honest in my writing.” I’ve tried to adhere to that in keeping my own voice and authenticity.

     SLR: That’s so important, becasue as we’ve all heard, there’s no new stories just new ways of telling them and that’s where your own unique voice connects with readers.
    With that in mind, what keeps the stories moving as you write? Do you ever face ‘writer’s block’?

    PGW: My stories are primarily character-driven. When having difficulty in discerning their thoughts, dilemmas, etc., I try to find a quiet place. With pen and paper I simply listen to them and take notes. When that process is complete I try to translate what they’ve given.  When that doesn’t work I tell everyone in my house to get their own food, laundry and whatever.  “The Writing Diva needs her space.” And because I’m the only female in my house I sometimes have to act a fool. The latter usually works best.

    SLR: That is hysterical! Often non-writers forget that writing is a process. Sometimes it flows, sometimes it doesn’t. I find myself working in fits and starts, it really just depends.

    When “The Writing Diva” has entered, what is her schedule like? :)

    PGW: My schedule is extremely hectic. I’m also a performer and I travel around the country. I have a very delicate balancing act. Currently, I’m also taking care of a premature grandbaby… whew! But my husband is so in love with the little one that I have to sometimes ask him can I do something for her J

    SLR: Traveling, performing and taking care of grandbabies. Yes, the work is never done no matter the occupation is it? That alone is inspirational! 

     Tour visitors, I hope you’re getting comfortable, because we’re no where near done. Come back tomorrow when Pat tells us a little about her new release and something we may not know about her! I love little-known facts!

    Until then check out Pat’s alter-ego: Sister Betty at http://www.sisterbetty.com/

     

    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“

     

    “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“

     

  • 0 Comments
  • Filed under: Multicultural Contributors, Multicultural Events, Multicultural Writing

    • Pat G’Orge-Walker In-depth

    Author: LMReviews

    Sep 22

    Pat G’Orge-Walker (pronounced Gee-or-jay) is in a league of her own. This accomplished Christian author and comedienne has an amazing mind and talent for turning her observations of church and black church life, in particular, into gems of sidesplitting humor. It is her own special gift from God that enables G’Orge-Walker to depict the often ridiculous antics of church folk. She does it without subverting the Good News or watering down the potency of its message.
     
    Pat G’Orge-Walker has led a colorful life professionally, to say the least. She is a former music industry veteran who has worked for several major labels including Epic, Def Jam and Columbia. She cut her chops as a singer by performing with the legendary 60s girl group, Arlene Smith and the Chantels (“Maybe”) as well as with the gospel groups The Spiritualettes and The Heavenly Two. And she has written as well as acted in stage presentations.
     
    In the 1970s G’Orge-Walker began penning short stories featuring a main character that has an intimate and impacting encounter with God Almighty on the telephone, the now infamous Sister Betty. But it wasn’t until 1997 that she actually self-published the first in a series of books and that book – Sister Betty God is Calling! – is now being sold on Amazon.com as a collector’s item.
    “The fact that there has never been anything like my gospel comedy stories never crossed my mind until I was presented with the BWA 2000 Golden Pen Award for creating a new genre in fiction—gospel comedy.”
     
    God called Sister Betty once more in 2003 and G’Orge-Walker released Sister Betty God’s Calling You, Again! (Kensington Books) thus marking another first for both the author and the publishing house that launched an inspirational department, a result of signing G’Orge-Walker. And G’Orge-Walker was thrust onto the scene in a rocket as a much sought after and highly acclaimed speaker and stand up comedian with her one-woman shows.
     
    Kensington followed its endorsement of G’Orge-Walker with the commission of another novel featuring Sister Betty, “Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin’ is Dead,” which was released in 2004. If the author pushed the envelope with Sister Betty God’s Calling Again! then she mailed the letter with Mother Eternal Ann Everlastin’ is Dead.
     
    “Some people thought I went too far in exposing some of the spiritual flaws of the church by giving the characters names such as a Sister Ima Hellraiser or Bishop Was Nevercalled. Unfortunately, these characters exist and any resemblance to these characters, whether dead or alive, is a doggone shame.”
     
    The characters still exist and G’Orge-Walker continues to pull from a seemingly inexhaustible pool of material to create more novels and build her comedy routine. In between the laughs, Pat G’Orge-Walker the wife, mother and church deaconess is deadly serious about serving God. Some consider comedy to be entertainment first but not G’Orge-Walker who views it as ministry first.
     
    “Promoting books and performing comedy are very arduous tasks particularly when you are trying to expose the church to a new method of bringing people to Christ. No matter how funny my routines or stories may be there will always be a message of God’s love and redemption.”

  • 1 Comment
  • Filed under: Multicultural Contributors, Multicultural Writing

    • Sister Betty One of A Kind Gospel Comedy Experience

    Author: LMReviews

    Aug 23

    Title: Sister Betty One of A Kind Gospel Comedy Experience
    Location: Killeen, Texas
    Description: Join Sister Betty from the hilarious Sister Betty book series, Sister Betty! God’s Calling You Again! and comedian Minister D’Lo at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center for a night of hilarity on the Somewhat Saved Church Folks Comedy Tour. For ticket info at 254-220-9076.

    Date: 2008-08-23

  • 0 Comments
  • Filed under: Multicultural Events