Today we have publishing experts, Mark E. Smith and Sara Freeman Smith. The dynamic duo has published five books and is working on two new books. They provide valuable information to thousands of aspiring and published authors who want to self-publish a book.

Where were you born and raised? Did you attend college or formally study the craft of writing? If so, where?

Mack: I was born in Monroe, Louisiana. I attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and later attended the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, Michigan, where I earned an MBA degree.

Sara: I was born in Houston, Texas, and was raised in Los Angeles and Houston. I earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California and a MA degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.

What would you like attendees to know about you, your background, strengths, or interests that is not included in your bio?

Mack and Sara: We left our home in Houston and relocated to the Chicago area in 2007.

When did you realize that you had a passion for writing, publishing, etc.?

Mack: When Sara asked me to help her write the first edition of “How to Self-Publish and Market Your Own Book.”

Sara: As a kid I would write make-believe stories with me as a character.

How did you get started writing/publishing/etc.?

Sara: I wrote my first book in 1997. However, come to our seminar to hear the full story. It was a life-changing event.

Mack: Sara made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Come to the seminar to hear the rest.

Who is one author that you look up to and why?

Sara: Early on, the author that influenced me was Phillis Wheatley, the first African American published poet. My high school was named after her and my English teacher always reminded us of her success as a writer and slave. She overcame significant obstacles in her life and yet was able to use her gifts and talents as a writer. Reading her poetry and studying her life helped encourage me to believe in my abilities to write and help others. Another author I really admire is Jewell Parker Rhodes. She’s an awesome writer and energizing creative writing college professor at Arizona State University. She’s an award-winning writer of both fiction and non-fiction. She has such a great passion for the art of writing and storytelling that it’s contagious. She’s written several inspiring guides for African American Writers that I would highly recommend: “The African American Guide to Writing and Publishing Non-Fiction” and “Free Within Ourselves: Fiction Lessons for Black Authors.” Her novels draw you into her story and you can’t wait for the next chapter! Check out a few of her novels” “Douglass’ Women,” “Voodoo Magic,” and “Voodoo Season.”

How long have you been writing, publishing, etc.?

Mack: Since 1998.
Sara: Since 1997.

How did you master the topic you’ll be presenting at BWRC?

Mack: My experience in banking helped on the business end. On the technical end, I attended several seminars, read at least a dozen books on publishing, and self-published five books.

Sara: I did tons of research, sought professional advice, and followed it.

If you were to describe your upcoming session/presentation in one word, what would it be?

Mack: Vital.
Sara: Inspiring.

Who is your session particularly suited for, i.e., what skill level, interests, experience should they have to benefit most from your session?

Aspiring writers who are clueless about how to take their first steps as well as seasoned authors who want to revitalize their publishing careers.At what other writers’ conferences have you presented a session?

Mack: BWRC – Atlanta and Dallas; Detroit Writers Guild; Houston Council of Writers; Black Writers on Tour; Los Angeles; and other events in New Orleans; San Antonio, TX; and Monroe, LA.

Sara: BWRC – Dallas; Detroit Writers Guild; Texas Writers League Conference – Houston; Houston Council of Writers Conference; Black Writers on Tour – Los Angeles; and other events in Raleigh, NC; Baltimore, MD; and Monroe, LA.

What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’ conference?Mack: Be prepared to experience an event you will never forget.

Sara: Take good notes and network.

What are some of the projects you have in the works? Are there any in particular you’d like us to look out for in the near future?

Mack: I am working on a new non-fiction book for first-time homebuyers that should be released in early 2008.

Sara: I am working on another edition of “How to Self-Publish and Market Your Own Book.”

What is one piece of advice that you’d give all aspiring authors?

Mack: Be willing to learn from someone who has been where you are trying to go.

Sara: Pursue your dreams and never give up.

What is something you wish someone would have told you about being an author/publisher/poet/etc.?

Mack: I wish I had my 10 common mistakes list before Sara wrote her first book.

Sara: I wish I’d known the real truth about the publishing game.

Thank you for your time. Your responses are greatly appreciated.

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Mack and Sara will be presenting two workshops at the 2008 BWRC on Saturday, June 21, including a one-hour session from 9-10 a.m. on the “Four P’s of Self-Publishing,” and an extended session on “How to Self-Publish & Market Your Own Book,” which offers an intensive overview of the self-publishing process and business from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

“Four P’s of Self-Publishing” - Want to write a book? OR do you have book that needs to be re-energized? Well, this workshop is designed just for you! If you want to be informed, inspired and even entertained, plan on attending this session on self-publishing. Sara and Mack will discuss the 4-P’s of Self Publishing. Bring your notepad and get ready to be encouraged to stop talking and start doing! You can write and self-publish your own book!

“How to Self-Publish & Market Your Own Book” - This workshop is designed to inform and inspire both aspiring writers and veteran authors. Plan to attend this workshop to discover how the four P’s of publishing will help you publish your book using multiple marketing resources. You’ll learn the advantages and challenges of traditional publishing and self-publishing.

Mack E. Smith and Sara Freeman Smith can be found on the Web at http://www.urgems.com.

Stacy Hawkins Adams wears many hats. She is a skilled freelance journalist, author, and speaker as well as a wife and mother. Her first two books, Speak To My Heart and Nothing But The Right Thing have received acclaim, including Best Multicultural Christian Fiction and selection as a Black Expressions Main Selection. This year, she has two new releases, Watercolored Pearls, the third book in her inspirational fiction series, and a novella, My Mother’s Shadow in the anthology, This Far By Faith. Welcome to BWRC, Stacey!

 

Let’s get right to it. Where were you born and raised? Did you attend college or formally study the craft of writing? If so, where?

 

I was born and raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas where my gift for writing was discovered and nurtured from the time I was about six years old. I always knew I wanted to be a writer, and by the time I entered high school, I had settled on a career in journalism. I majored in journalism/mass communications at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Later, when I decided to begin writing novels, this professional writing experience helped me know how to tell a story and stay focused.

 

 

 

How did you get started writing/publishing/etc.?

 

I had been a newspaper reporter for about five years when the bug to write fiction again bit me. I dabbled in it for a few years, but was never serious. Then at some point, I realized I needed to stop talking about it and make it happen or I would always regret not taking the chance. So I began attending writers’ conferences where I could network with publishing house editors and with agents. That got me excited enough to become disciplined about my dream.

 

 

 

Who is one author that you look up to and why?

 

There is more than one! I look up to various authors for various reasons. Victoria Christopher Murray, whose first book, Temptation, inspired me to believe that I could write the book in my heart - one fusing faith and everyday life in a realistic and moving way. Jacquelin Thomas for taking me under her wing and mentoring me when I landed my first book deal. Anna Quindlen for serving as a model for how to thoughtfully cover social issues as a journalist and weave those themes into fiction in a compelling manner. And J. California Cooper, because I absolutely love and admire her body of work.

 

 

 

How long have you been writing, publishing, etc.?

 

I have been a journalist for 15 years. My first novel was published in 2004.

 

 

 

How did you master the topic you’ll be presenting at BWRC?

 

I am presenting two topics: From Hobby to Career: Crafting an Exit Strategy to Write Full Time and The Writer’s Journey: From Idea to Finished Draft to Publication. I mastered the ability to finish my first book by putting into practice all of those cliches you hear - discipline, perseverance, focus. But there are indeed tangible steps that writers can take to accomplish this goal. For me, the deadline training that comes with being a journalist was very helpful. It’s sort of like being in the military - the rules are the rules. In journalism the deadlines are the deadlines. So a big part of it was giving myself goals and doing my best to stick to my deadlines. We’ll explore this fully in the workshop and will also talk about audience members’ specific challenges to completing their books.

 

 

 

For topic two: Deciding to leave your day job to pursue the writing life is not for the fainthearted. And yet, with some planning, perseverance and focus, I managed to build up my writing, freelance and speaking business enough that it was competing for time with the day job. The key is to then take that to the next level. We’ll discuss various options during this session.

 

 

If you were to describe your upcoming session/presentation in one word, what would it be?

 

I would describe both of my sessions as “invaluable.” I intend for attendees to leave the sessions with tangible advice that they can actually put into practice to help them move closer to completing their books and pursuing their passion full time.

 

 

 

Who is your session particularly suited for, i.e., what skill level, interests, experience should they have to benefit most from your session?

 

 

My session on finishing a book is designed for new writers, who either haven’t started writing or have begun a book and haven’t managed to finish it. My session on becoming a full-time writer is for writers who are seriously considering making this leap in the near future and for writers who have this pursuit as a long-term goal.

 

 

 

At what other writers’ conferences have you presented a session?

 

I have presented sessions at various writers’ conferences, including the Virginia Festival of the Book, the James River Writers Conference, the Christian African American Booksellers Association (CAABA) Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Christan Writer’s Conference.

 

 

 

What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’ conference?

 

Come prepared to learn and to find yourself among kindred spirits. Writers are a unique bunch, in that not everyone understands what we do or why we do it and the focus and discipline it requires. It is great to be immersed in a sea of like-minded people, who “get” you and are there to encourage you and help you take your dream to the next level.

 

 

 

What are some of the projects you have in the works? Are there any in particular you’d like us to look out for in the near future?

 

My first novella, “My Mother’s Shadow,” is being published in April 2008 in a Kimani Press anthology called This Far By Faith. The anthology focuses on mother/daughter relationships and also features short novels penned by Kendra Norman-Bellamy and Linda Hudson-Smith. I recently finished writing my fourth novel, which is the beginning of a new series. It is tentatively titled “Tomorrow’s Chances” and is slated for release in early 2009.

 

 

 

What is one piece of advice that you’d give all aspiring authors?

 

My advice is to believe in yourself. I know that sounds trite, but think about the people around you who don’t take your dream seriously or who may support you but doubt whether you can succeed. You really have to believe in your ability to write, in the story you want to tell, and in the fact that you are worthy of being published.

 

 

 

What is something you wish someone would have told you about being an author/publisher/poet/etc.?

 

Just because you write it doesn’t mean readers will knock down your door to buy your masterpiece. You really have to be half writer and half marketer. Don’t rely on your publisher’s marketing team to do it all; they are looking to you to lead the way. After all, your book is YOUR baby.

 

 

 

Thank you, Stacy. Look forward to seeing you in Tampa!

 

Website address: www.stacyhawkinsadams.com
Blog address: www.myspace.com/stacyhawkinsadams
Link to article about most recent novel:
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/search.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-09-30-0083.html

Where were you born and raised?

I was born in a small town called Opelousas, Louisiana. I was raised and grew up between New Orleans, LA and Lafayette, LA.

Did you attend college or formally study the craft of writing? If so, where?

I attended Grambling State University for sociology and fine and performing arts.

What would you like attendees to know about you, your background, strengths, or interest that is not included in your bio?

I grew up in foster care so it really taught me to appreciate myself. Writers have to rely on their own instincts; they draw from all of their experiences to bring forth life in their character. All experiences, good or bad, serve as the back drop for stories. A good author realizes this; a great author uses it to create great works. My greatest strength is the ability to use my experiences as a foundation for my writing.

When did you realize that you had a passion for writing, publishing, etc.?

I knew I was a writer as soon as I began reading. I loved the fact that you could be anyone or travel anywhere between the pages of a book. I wanted to be able to offer those same opportunities for other people.

How did you get started writing/publishing/etc.?

I started seriously writing at Grambling State University in Scribia, a writing organization. After school, I lived in Coatesville, PA, and I was able to really submerge myself among serious writers, new and established. Publishing came later when I realized that even though it had been proven that African Americans were reading more, they were still under-represented in the major publishing houses. I began my publishing company so that new writers would have an avenue that supported them and their artistic endeavors.

How long have you been writing/publishing/etc?

Close to 20 years now.

Who is one author that you look up to and why?

Audre Lorde, because she was not afraid to break out of the norms of traditional subject matters.

How did you master the topic you’ll be presenting at BWRC?

READ EVERYTHING. I read everything by everyone on the subject of poetry. I went everywhere that I could to listen to different poetry styles. I attended every workshop and conference that I could. I also didn’t limit myself to just one genre. I have my favorite, but I have learned to appreciate all styles.

If you were to describe your upcoming session/presentation in one word, what would it be?

Entertaining

Who is your session particularly suited for?

Anyone who loves to read, write, and perform poetry.

What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’ conference?

Be open to all information even if at the time it does not immediately affect or pertain to you. All the information you will get will serve you in the long run. Also, writers are part of an elite family; don’t feel threatened by other writers or be overly protective of your work. If you allow yourself to be open to everyone you will really walk away fulfilled and educated, plus you will have a group of people who truly know what you are going through and who can give you excellent advice.

What are some of the projects you have in the works?

A magazine, “We Got Next,” showcasing new artists in their respective categories i.e. writing, poetry, art, drama, music. Also, a series of anthologies, “On the Yard,” geared toward current students and former students of historically black colleges and universities and a Greek organization for those persons in the arts.

What is one piece of advice that you’d give all aspiring authors?

Always carry a pen and a notebook; you never know where your inspiration is going to come from.

What is something you wish someone would have told you about being an author/publisher/poet/etc.?

It’s a hell of a long journey but enjoy the ride. And get used to being alone.

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Shani Lasana’s workshop, “Creating the Poet,” will be presented twice at the 2008 BWRC—on Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21, at 3:50 p.m. For more information about her session, visit http://www.blackwriters.org/program.html

In today’s BWRC Faculty Spotlight, we have Gwynne Forster. Gwynne is a multi-award winning author, including multiple recognitions as a Top Ten Favorite Author by readers of Affaire de Coeur Magazine, culminating in her 2006 selection to the magazine’s Hall of Fame. She has also won an Emma Award from Romance Slam Jam in 2001 and a Lifetime Achievement award from Romantic Times magazine in 2007. Gwynne will present the workshop “Research Methods & Techniques for Fiction & Nonfiction” at this year’s BWRC.

 

Let’s jump right in. Gwynne, where were you born and raised? Did you attend college or formally study the craft of writing? If so, where?

 

I was born in North Carolina, grew up in Washington, D. C. received B.A. and master’s degrees from Howard University, M.A. from The American University and additional graduate credits from Columbia University.

 

When did you realize that you had a passion for writing, publishing, etc.? Who is one author that you look up to and why?

 

I’ve been writing since my teen years. The writers who influenced me most were my mother and Langston Hughes. I wrote because I read all the time, and when I wasn’t reading, I was dreaming up stories. All kinds of stories.

 

What would you like attendees to know about you, your background, strengths, or interests, that is not included in your bio?

 

Professionally, I’m a demographer—one who analyses the determinants and consequence of changes in national populations world wide. Although the subject is taught in universities, the majority of demographers are researchers—as I am—and that involves writing. No one pays you for research if you can’t write the result in a form suitable as bases for polity making and programming. So writing is what I do, and research is second nature to me. The importance of research for novel writing cannot be over stressed, and that is why I chose to give my workshop on that topic at 2008BWRC.

 

Writing demography is a different genre from fiction writing. To begin with, demography demands factual accounts, and facts do not necessarily enter into fiction writing. So the first thing I had to do which I decided to write fiction was to learn the language of the novelist and forget those highfalutin words and expressions I spent years, hard work and a lot of money learning. One thing I have carried over with wonderful results is the ability to do the research required to broaden my knowledge of any topic, place or type of individual.

 

How did you get started writing/publishing/etc.?

 

I used to look askance at popular fiction, until I was in Asia on an assignment, needed something written in English to read and found a novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford. Thereafter, I read novels whenever I had time.

 

I wrote my first novel accidentally, recording a story I told myself in order to keep myself company while traveling. The experience addicted me to novel writing. I decided to learn how to do it, read some relevant books and sold the next one ten months after I wrote the first word. That was in 1994. Thirty books and novellas later, I still enjoy it.

 

If you were to describe your upcoming session/presentation in one word, what would it be?

 

The best one I can think of is “Basic,” because research is basic, the fundamental substance needed to enhance fiction writing. Why? Because few of us know and understand all the ramifications of the ideas, words and pictures that crop up in our minds.

 

Who is your session particularly suited for, i.e., what skill level, interests, experience should they have to benefit most from your session?

 

My session is suited to writers and aspiring writers.

 

At what other writers’ conferences have you presented a session?

 

I have presented sessions at The Romantic Times Convention, The Seattle Rainbow Bookfest, Romance Slam Jam, Writers Conference at Howard University, San Francisco Writers Conference and others.

 

What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’ conference?

 

If you have never attended a writers conference, list your needs as a writer and check the program well before you leave your place of residence so as to be sure and attend the session that will be of greatest benefit to you. If you want to meet an author or agent who is listed as attending the conference, contact that person in advance tell her/him why you want to meet with her/him and make an appointment. In this way, you will get the most out of your attendance. If you are going because you’ve never seen Tampa, call the Tampa tourist board and find out what you must see.

 

Hope to see you in Tampa!

 

Thanks, Gwynne!

 

Learn more about Gwynne and her books across the Internet:

Website: www.gwynneforster.com

My Space: http://www.myspace.com/gwynnef

Blog: http://gwynneforster.blogspot.com

Today we have Christian novelist/playwright, Mikasenoja.  Mikasenoja hails from TX, where she resides with her husband and four children.  Her pen name, Mikasenjoa (pronounced: My-ka-sen-no-jay), is how many in the writng community know her.  But, as Kimberly Yancy, she is known also as history teacher, pastor’s wife, psalmist, and motivational speaker.  Mikasenoja will be presenting the workshop “Writing Christian Fiction: Ministry vs. Entertainment” at this year’s BWRC.

Mikasenoja, just reading your bio makes me tired!  You wear so many hats, it’s hard to know where to begin.  So let’s start at the beginning.  Where were you born and raised? Did you attend college or formally study the craft of writing? If so, where?

I was born in Austin, Texas on Christmas Day. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Government and African-American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. My first foray into playwriting was for youth events at the church I attended. My first play was called, “I’ve Got to Tell Somebody”.

What would you like attendees to know about you, your background, strengths, or interests, that is not included in your bio?

I love politics and the rule of law. I am a psalmist and dancer who loves holy hip hop, especially the gospel singer Yunek out of Houston, TX. I possess excellent communication skills, both written and oral. I enjoy project management, networking, and building people up.

When did you realize that you had a passion for writing, publishing, etc.?

When I was nine years old I would create scenes in my head and act them out on my stage in my bedroom. My parents had a Murphy bed and when you removed the mattress, the frame became a stage. I had a mic and a chair to go with it. I wrote extensively in my diary and traveled many places through my writings.

How did you get started writing/publishing/etc.?

I begin to write as therapy to help others deal with some of their issues. Both my parents were awesome communicators and organizers so a pad and pencils were always accessible in our household. My mother would have me to recite poetry at church events and my dad would encourage me to watch and learn from the public speakers we saw on television.  My father taught me early on that there was power in the pen and it would become a valuable tool for African-Americans.

How long have you been writing, publishing, etc.? 

I have been writing plays for about 15 years and I published my first novel, in 2005. 

How did you master the topic you’ll be presenting at BWRC?

I mastered my topic by experience and reading other so-called ‘Christian’ fiction. I am very concerned about the exploitation of the church in our novels as America is now faced with its first un-churched generation. I hope to be a voice in the wind, creating a standard for faith-based writing in addition to setting an appropriate standard for our genre. It is important that Christian believers show balance, redemption and conversion when we tell our stories.  We want our stories to lead people to Christ; not have them walk away with scabs and wounds from church hurts. Our goal as faith-based writers should be helping our readers learn how to apply the Word of God to their own unique circumstances. 

If you were to describe your upcoming session/presentation in one word, what would it be?

Convicting!

Who is your session particularly suited for, i.e., what skill level, interests, experience should they have to benefit most from your session?

Persons who are interested in writing from a Biblical perspective should attend this course.

Have you presented this or other workshops at any other writers’ conferences?

I have presented this session at the Houston Chapter of the Gospel Workshop of America as well as to local writer conferences.

What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’ conference?

Writers’ conferences serve a two-fold purpose.  First, these confrerences provide an entrée into the vast field of writing.  Second, and equally important, is that you will find a family of mentors and encouragers to help you get to the next level of writing and publishing.   Attending a writers’ conference should be on every writers/authors to-do list.

What are some of the projects you have in the works? Are there any in particular you’d like us to look out for in the near future?

My book, “Confessions of a Preacher’s Wife,” will be released under the Urban Christian imprint in May 2008 and my gospel play will be performed at the Black Writers Conference on June 20^th.

What one piece of advice would you give all aspiring authors?

I encourage all authors to use the power of prayer to help with self-discipline to learn the craft the writing and time management.

What is something you wish someone would have told you about being an author/publisher/playwright/poet/producer/etc.?

I wish someone had told me about the time toll it can take away from your family. You really have to learn to come “out of your world” of writing to make sure you are spending quality time with your family. Balance is very important in the life of a writer. We can easily get caught up in the world of our characters.

Who is one author that you look up to and why?

I discovered Judy Blume when I was a young teenager.  Her books inspired my passion for reading.  As an adult I enjoy Frank Peretti, Toni Morrison, Lolita Tademy, Carl Weber, Reshonda Tate Billingsley, Victoria Christopher Murray and Jacqueline Thomas because they have vivid imagery and a keeping it real edge to their stories.

Mikasenoja, thank you for sharing with us.   Look forward to meeting you in Tampa!

You can learn more about Mikasenoja via her website,  www.mikasenoja.com, or by visiting her blog at www.blogtalkradio.com/mikasenoja.   Tickets for the stage presentation of Confessions of a Preacher’s Wife on June 20th in conjunction with the the BWRC conference are on sale now. 

Ja Crunk Middlebrooks will be facilitating daily early morning meditation and yoga sessions at the 2008 Black Writers Reunion & Conference from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

Meditation and Yoga for Writers is designed to help you awaken your muse through meditation. These sessions will show you how to tap into your inner creative source by beginning each day with a clear and focused mind through the practice of meditation. As physical exercise strengthens the body, so meditation does to strengthen the mind. Through the use of focused meditation one can learn to control thoughts and breathing while improving focus and concentration. Awaken your muse, let go of your stress, and channel your energy to work creatively in a well focused manner in preparation for a weekend of informative life changing, and career changing writer’s workshops.The Basic Yoga Instruction segment will enable you to start each day of the conference by integrating the environment, body, mind, and spirit into one. Begin your day with morning Sun Salutations, light stretching and a consecutive series of Yoga Asanas designed to stretch and strengthen the body. The goal is to relax, gain flexibility and to give into the experience and to embrace the benefits of Yoga. Yoga is a healthy alternative diversion for a writer to break up a busy day of writing while rejuvenating the body, mind, and spirit only to be able to return to one’s work with a fresh perspective.

Judith has been practicing Yoga and meditation for over 20 years and most recently participated in a one week Perfect Health experience and seminar at the Chopra Center for Wellness in Carlsbad, California where she participated in Primordial Sound Meditation in groups of up to 70 people daily. She was also afforded the opportunity of daily participation in the daily Vinyasa Yoga sessions led by one of the Ayurvedic Physicians at the Chopra Center for Wellness.

To learn more about Ja Crunk Middlebrooks, see her bio on the conference site. You may also visit the site to learn more about “Meditation & Yoga For Writers.”