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Troy
Veteran Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 839
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 4 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 05, 2007 - 12:48 am: | 
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The following email, written by Terry McMillan, was forwarded to me this afternoon.
I emailed Terry and asked if it was okay to post the her email shown below in blue.
The frustration and anger in this email is palpable.
Our exhange follows:
From: Terry McMillan
Sent: Wednesday, October 03, 2007 6:09 AM
To: karen hunter, louise burke, carolyn reidy
Subject: Emailing: RAY-J Tell All Memoir 'Sex Machine' in the Works
The three of you, along with the other publishing houses who have been kind enough to add “special” urban/ghetto imprints are all about to see a major shift in your ongoing and relentless publication of exploitative, destructive, racist, egregious, sexist, base, tacky, poorly-written, unedited, degrading books. Like a number of Black bookstores who are starting to refuse to sell this trash, I, along with other Black literary organizations, supporters, book clubs as well as writers are about to make our opinions known, to aid in making clear to the public just how demeaning these books are and what it means to our community.
It is sad that it took years of selling trashy sexually-driven as well as tell-alls before so-called black writers were ever allowed in the Big Publishing Houses’s Little Rooms enough to FINALLY get our own imprints. Why hasn’t Walter Mosley or Edwidge Dandicat or Barak Obama or Terry McMillan or Jamaica Kincaid among others ever offered our very own imprints, I wonder?
I’ve heard that Simon & Schuster has even gotten some of its authors out of jail just to go on a book tour. Karen, you should be ashamed of yourself, but like Jonathan, I can tell that you (along with your sister-in-law Wendy Williams) are all cut from the same cloth. You care nothing about pride as a Black woman or you wouldn’t align yourself or even put your name on some of the ugliest words and stories possible. You are an embarrassment and for someone going around bragging about being a Pulitizer Prize winner (which I understand you are not, that you were associated with other writers at the Daily News who actually deserved it) you should be ashamed of yourself for relying on such a prestigious literary prize to co-write some of the despicable and outrageously base books that you can. I find it sad indeed when a Black woman of your so-called reputation was willing to help my ex-husband write a tell-all describing “the juicy details” about our so-called relationship. You know he is a liar and a thief and that he played me and you didn’t care. As long as you got paid, and this is precisely why no one (last week I understand according to Book Scan a whopping 600 copies had sold nationwide, and only 87 on the entire west coast) is buying it. Karinne “Superhead’s” book is tanking just like Balancing Act, and RJ’s book is not going to fly either.
This is the beginning of a brand new trend, so be prepared for it. Years ago white folks bought us and worked us as slaves. You’re doing the same exact thing. The only problem is that back then we didn’t go willingly. Malcolm X and Dr. King and Rosa Parks, among others, didn’t fight for us to get to This, and this is precisely why you are beginning to see a lack of support for these disgusting books.
So Karen Hunter, you can put your name on them if you want to, and you along with Louise and Carolyn have already been reading on Black Voices (among others) what they have to say about Simon & Schuster (but they’re referring to all of the Houses with these ghetto imprints) among other sites, how people are getting fed up with these books, even the “reluctant readers” are bored with who’s having sex with whom and degrading tell-alls that show black people in a negative and stereotypical light, have no respect for these type of books, for you Karen Hunter (“run the other way when you see her name”) and you have already seen the beginning of downward spiral in your sales department, I’m sure. It’s going to continue, because with all things exploitative, the reign always comes to a halt.
Jonathan’s reign of terror is. And the publishing industry’s exploitative role in all of this is too. And Karen, there are only so many scandals out there, and people are getting tired of reading about others’ sex lives. Why don’t you write about yours. Give ‘em something to talk about.
Sincerely,
Terry McMillan
From: troy@aalbc.com
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 4:56 PM
To: terry mcmillan
Subject: Is the Letter you wrote an "Open" Letter
Hi Terry,
We met briefly at the Smile Book party on Tuesday. We were on the street speaking and you asked me; was I was Thumper.
I saw the letter you wrote complaining about the exploitative tactics of publishing houses, in general, and Karen Hunter in particular.
I wanted to share this message on my discussion board. Yours is an important voice and folks forget there are actually real people behind the tell all books that are so popular today.
Let me know if it is OK to post the letter on my discussion board. I will not post the names or anyone’s email addresses.
From: Terry McMillan
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 11:51 PM
To: troy@aalbc.com
Subject: RE: Is the Letter you wrote an "Open" Letter
I do remember you! Of course!
I don’t really mind your using this except this was an e-mail and not written for publication. It has errors in it: tense and grammatical. I wrote it quickly and without going back to edit, as should be obvious. But what the he--, go ahead.** News certainly does travel FAST, doesn’t it? I sent this e-mail to the three addressees and I have NO IDEA how it managed to eek its way out of Simon & Schuster’s offices. Louise Burke is the publisher of Pocket Books (as you probably know) and Carolyn Reidy was the Publisher of S&S but is now CEO (she makes my side ache and I threatened to sue them – you want to see some letters !! – it’s the reason balancing act tanked, I scared the daylights out of them. I don’t’ have a slave mentality and they don’t intimidate nor scare me. I even called them bailsbondswomen who gave my ex- his get-out-of-jail free card. They make me sick and I’m sick of them.
**However, I also initially responded to the story on www.blackvoices, which may be what started this, not sure, but I felt bad about how I lashed out at Karen, especially since she’s not singularly responsible for this, which is the reason why I also apologized to her personally, and on the same blog. I did NOT however apologize nor rescind what I said about the publishing industry and the books, etc, just for pointing the finger at her publicly. It was insensitive and I regret the manner in which I did it, and I told her and the public.
I would appreciate your putting the apology behind this piece if would like to use it, because my admission of my own bad behavior is just as important as pointing the finger.
Best regards,
Terry McMillan
P.s. the whole point was to get the publishers to take notice that there time is up. Karen is merely a conduit. Unfortunately she seems to be unaware of this. Or perhaps she is.
From: Terry McMillan
Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2007 00:49 AM
To: troy@aalbc.com
Subject: RE: Is the Letter you wrote an "Open" Letter
Hi Terry,
I appreciate your willingness to share. This is an important cultural issue. Your knowledge and experience in publishing plus being the target of a tell-all book gives you a very unique perspective.
I wrestle with related issues myself. I promote, and sell books I know are not contributing anything of value to the culture, but even worse, may be doing us harm. I attempt to balance the negative titles with books anyone would be proud of but, but I often wonder, if that is enough.
I’m not as confident as you are that the publishers time is up. I see things getting worse before they get better…
Perhaps Smiley Books  will contribute to making the difference.
And yes news does travel fast when it is, like this message, interesting, important and sensational.
Peace,
Troy
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Troy
Veteran Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 840
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 05, 2007 - 01:06 am: |
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Terry McMillan as you can probably guess is a top selling author on this web site.
She was voted in the top 10 for best authors for the 20th century (http://aalbc.com/books/thebestauthors.htm)
Her novel The Interruption of Everything was the #1 selling book in 2005 http://aalbc.com/books/2005_bestsellers.htm
and her Book A Day Late and a Dollar Short was the #1 book in 2001 http://aalbc.com/books/2001_by_month.htm
Terry McMillan
http://aalbc.com/authors/terry.htm
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Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5380
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 05, 2007 - 12:38 pm: |
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I enjoyed "Waiting to Exhale". I have enjoyed listening to Terry McMillan lecture several times.
That said, when I read this email, what I think is, How Soon We Forget.
Everything Terry said in her email was said about her and "Waiting to Exhale". Indeed, people were asking how a college professor and the author of the excellent books she had put out could have stooped to doing gossip/style literature.
To me it smells of all the raunchy artists of the 60's and 70's getting uptight about gangsta rap in the 90's.
I guess it is just human, but I have to take all this with a grain of salt.
We want to blame somebody. It must be the publisher's fault that the public doesn't want the wonderful literature our artists turn out.
Maybe that wonderful literature stinks.
If it was so good, the bad stuff would be crowded off the stands and only the "artists" would preval.
For Terry and everybody else who wants to dictate what the great unwashed reads, I say--You do your thing and let the others do theirs.
If you got something going on you'll put them out of business. |
Mochascafe
First Time Poster
Username: Mochascafe
Post Number: 4
Registered: 08-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 05, 2007 - 02:44 pm: |
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Hey Troy,
This is GREAT stuff. I especially appreciate your honesty in the selection of books that you yourself promote on your site. Its quite a balancing act isn't it? I pretty much had to make a decision on the types of books that I will feature on my show and it hasn't always been easy, especially when you are just starting out and trying get as many interviews as you can, you almost have to take what you can get! Thankfully I haven't had too much of a crisis of conscience yet....(knock on wood). I mean, even on my space, some of the author pages are off the hook! I basically gave myself this rule, I will only "add" authors that my six year old daughter can look on my page and be ok.
Dont get me wrong, its kind of like the whole "Harry Potter" thing, even though you many not like the content, isnt the greater good the fact that folks are reading in the first place? Im certainly not knocking it, I have read my fair share of juicy scandalous literature, but promoting it is a different story. Thats makes me kind of a hypocrite I guess....Hmmm, maybe Ive got to think this through a little more
Thanks for the great information! Great topic for discussion Troy, Kudos! |
Troy
Veteran Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 843
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 05, 2007 - 06:09 pm: |
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This just in: The Vixen Diaries tops the charts.
#2 - AALBC.com
#4 – Publisher’s Weekly
#6 - The New York Times
#7 – The Wall Street Journal
#17 – USA Today
Demand for tell-all books show no sign of waning.
Chris you are right, about the same criticisms being levied against Terry early on. Have you considered people continue to grow and develop based upon additional knowledge and experience? Perhaps Terry views things differently today than a decade ago.
Chris, the publishers are to blame, but so are we. We all contribute to a society where a books like If I Did It is #2 on the New York Times bestseller’s list. Books like The Vixen Diaries are selling like there are no other books available.
In direct, but perhaps perverse sense, Karrine Steffans makes it possible for me to promote Martha Southgate.
Right now Chris, I’m leaning toward agreeing with you – ”…You do your thing and let the others do theirs.”; because the consequence is censorship and I don’t want t start down that road yet.
Nice first post Mocha, and thanks for the kind words. I don’t think you are being a hypocrite. You just recognize that there is a time and place for certain things.
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10189
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 05, 2007 - 07:12 pm: |
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We are not a society of clones. Diversity is constantly be touted. Reading preferences vary, and there's a reason why the masses are referred to as the common man. The have common tastes. When it comes to the literary market, there will always be discriminating readers who for want of a better word constitute the "elite". Quality never goes out of style and appreciation for it will always be with us in all areas of life. IMO. |
A_womon
Veteran Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1940
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 05, 2007 - 07:13 pm: |
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Have you considered people continue to grow and develop based upon additional knowledge and experience?
This is the problem I have with Terry and the rest who are with her. She refuses to remember the past, that she needed an opportunity to rise above the criticism of her work and become a better writer, yet because she has arrived she now thinks it's okay to demean and criticize others who don't write as she would like for them to.
A lot of people thought E. Lynn Harris's books were garbage and no one thought he would rise to the level he has.
Is there room for improvement in the flood of AA books that have hit the market? ABSOLUTELY.
But those who have acheived should reach back and HELP others reach new levels in their writing careers. Not look down their nose, and moan and complain about not being offered an imprint. Show the new arrivals how they can move beyond where they are, take advantage of having their own imprints to help others outside of the "street lit" urban fiction genres. |
Schakspir
Veteran Poster
Username: Schakspir
Post Number: 1176
Registered: 12-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 01:54 am: |
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A womon: Is there room for improvement in the flood of AA books that have hit the market? ABSOLUTELY.
But those who have acheived should reach back and HELP others reach new levels in their writing careers. Not look down their nose, and moan and complain about not being offered an imprint. Show the new arrivals how they can move beyond where they are, take advantage of having their own imprints to help others outside of the "street lit" urban fiction genres.
Schakspir: A_womon, Please, don't make us laugh. I seriously can't imagine the authors at Triple Crown maturing into Toni Morrisons and James Baldwins. "Room for improvement" is the understatement of the year concerning these literary assclowns who are flooding the market/bookshelves. The only good thing they have done is create alternative ways of selling literature--like on the street, in subways, barber shops, etc. Actually, this was being done in the sixties and seventies, too: Steve Cannon sold his "Groove, Bang and Jive Around" on the streets of the Lower East Side, and even Henry Miller hawked his "Tropic of Cancer" on the streets of Paris, in the 30s!
Remember that these writers who churn out "hot ghetto mess" wrapped between two book covers have distinctly low-brow sensibilities, and any attempt on their part to try and write something a little more serious will just come off as looking stupid. Terry McMillan was right--the first time around. She did put out a few books that had rather shoddy content but literary standards in the late 80s-early 1990s weren't nearly as low as they are today. The new arrivals don't give a shit about being lent a helping hand because they have gotten to where they are by their own wits, which is the only good thing one can say about them. (Most literary writers don't have the balls to hawk their stuff on the streets, and this includes yours truly, P. Lewis: when I visited Harlem I simply deposited a few books at the Triple Crown store on 126th Street, and let the vendors take care of hawking them for me.) To make a long story short: the Triple Crown Crowd got into the literary game strictly to make money, which in fact makes them exactly like the current industrial conglomerates who own Simon and Schuster, Random House, etc. All they give a shit about is money, money, money, money, and more money. In fact they sell their novels exactly the way some of them used to hustle weed/crack/hot jewelry.... |
Abm
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Abm
Post Number: 9711
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 07:49 am: |
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I don’t much mind the existence of the ghetto, gangsta, I’ll fuhk your man (I’ll call it "Black Grit Lit" or BGL for short) books out there. I view all that to be a part of the necessary consequence of a (somewhat) free market system and (somewhat) liberated society and culture.
But I do often wonder which came first, the DEMAND for BGL or the SUPPLY of it.
And I would like to see some the profit margins on the sales of those books.
I don’t know if we can predict whether or not the producers and consumers of that grittier fare will evolve into more worthy efforts. But here’s hoping their desire to read and to write remain long after the (supposed) popularity of BGL diminishes.
I wonder whether Terry would have so vociferously asserted such literary self-righteousness if her ex hadn’t dropped a tell-all books about her.
Terry really outtah just chill and roll with the flow on that. Frankly, at this point it is unlikely her ex Jamaican cabana bonk boi has written anything about her and their relationship most of us don’t already know or presume.
Because I mean, really, did she see herself on OPRAH??? |
A_womon
Veteran Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1942
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 08:33 am: |
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Remember that these writers who churn out "hot ghetto mess" wrapped between two book covers have distinctly low-brow sensibilities, and any attempt on their part to try and write something a little more serious will just come off as looking stupid. Terry McMillan was right--the first time around.
That's painting ALL of these writers with the SAME broad brush, isn't it Shakspir? How do you KNOW what the writing capabilities and the Moivation of ALL these writers are? SOME maybe even A LOT of these writer's sole motivation is money but it's quite ILLOGICAL to try to include all of these writers in your description.
All they give a shit about is money, money, money, money, and more money. In fact they sell their novels exactly the way some of them used to hustle weed/crack/hot jewelry....
You have a point here. This is definitely true of SOME street lit hustlers, not ALL!
Contrary to what you have said, there ARE some very good writers in that "hot ghetto mess between book covers" and TIME not YOU or TERRY MCMILLAN will decide if those writers will emerge from the crowd of mediocre.
Now I haven't read NATE so I can't comment on it. But I have read ALL of Terry's books, including her first one, MAMA. I love her stories and they are among my favorites. And I STILL say, she should be among THE FIRST to understand that you can't lump all writers together and try to shovel them under the rug, just because YOUR GREAT LITERARY WORKS didn't get the recognition you feel they derserve. LIKE AN IMPRINT OF YOUR OWN. This is crabs in a barrel to the NTH degree.
AND I STILL SAY why not take advantage of the fact that these writers have their own imprints and show them how to work it to give others a chance to break into the industry, with good editing, by REAL editors who know what they are doing. This would do more to separate the REAL writers from the ones who only IMAGINE they are writers because they type out a story, scrape together the money to self publish, NEVER edit or rewrite and call themselves authors. THIS is the real problem IMO.
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A_womon
Veteran Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1943
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 08:37 am: |
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I don’t know if we can predict whether or not the producers and consumers of that grittier fare will evolve into more worthy efforts. But here’s hoping their desire to read and to write remain long after the (supposed) popularity of BGL diminishes.
Thank you, ABM. Like I said age and TIME, will be the great equalizer and decider of how this will all turn out. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5413
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 10:15 am: |
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Chris you are right, about the same criticisms being levied against Terry early on. Have you considered people continue to grow and develop based upon additional knowledge and experience? Perhaps Terry views things differently today than a decade ago.
(Here is what this email is about--and I copy and paste:
I find it sad indeed when a Black woman of your so-called reputation was willing to help my ex-husband write a tell-all describing “the juicy details” about our so-called relationship. You know he is a liar and a thief and that he played me and you didn’t care"
(So basically it boils down to this: "You are some bitches for putting my business in the streets."
It is okay for her to feel this way and tell them. She is the one who wanted to be a celebrity. This is part of the price. Ask Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, OJ.
Terry is a romantic. She played a bad hand. Easier for me to say since I am not the one sitting in the public wondering if anybody here read that sh*t.
But she has to get over it. The more she adds to it, the worse it gets.
She can keep on crabbing, people will wonder what she is crabbing about--and BAM! It's a best seller.
She needs to let it go)
Chris, the publishers are to blame,
(Blame? Nobody is holding a gun to anybody's head making them do anything. You are getting carried away)
but so are we. We all contribute to a society where a books like If I Did It is #2 on the New York Times bestseller’s list. Books like The Vixen Diaries are selling like there are no other books available.
(What are YOU doing to make it happen. I have not bought it or promoted it. Speak for yourself. You just had Karren Steffans for an interview.
When you got to seek equity your hands must be clean. You are a bookseller. Not an arbitrageur of tastes. If you wish to be, turn the site over only to "literary" work (and have these same people battle endlessly over what it is) get a not for profit incorporation and crawl around to the different foundations and grants begging until they cut you off.
Some people who don't have the money, skill, and stick to it iveness you got are trying to bend you to their purposes.
They are all po' ain't they?
Take heed)
In direct, but perhaps perverse sense, Karrine Steffans makes it possible for me to promote Martha Southgate.
(Quit agonizing about it. Man up!)
Right now Chris, I’m leaning toward agreeing with you – ”…You do your thing and let the others do theirs.”; because the consequence is censorship and I don’t want t start down that road yet.
(Well, let them discuss it. They might be right. I am sure they re not but they might be)
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Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5414
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 10:16 am: |
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And Troy early on Terry was just such a literary type artist. "Waiting to Exhale" was not the first thing she wrote, and people of taste have declared stuff superior and "Exhale" on the Pop stuff.
Do your research.
If she changed, she devolved. |
Urban_scribe
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Urban_scribe
Post Number: 545
Registered: 05-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 10:38 am: |
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ABM wrote:
I wonder whether Terry would have so vociferously asserted such literary self-righteousness if her ex hadn’t dropped a tell-all books about her.
Get outtah my head!
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Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5415
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 10:47 am: |
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But I do often wonder which came first, the DEMAND for BGL or the SUPPLY of it.
(The Demand,obviously!
Before the 60's almost all black authors were writing for white folks.
It could be argued that Iceberg Slim's Pimp, the Donald Goines books, The Spook that Sat by the Door were some of the first books written for a black audience.
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10192
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 11:19 am: |
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They say "you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear". I agree with Shakespir that its unlikely these street lit imposters will mature into genuises. You don't acquire the gift of talent. The only level they will rise to is one where they will maybe learn where to put a period or a comma. They will just continue to be "good" at what they do.
Terry is a woman "scorched" and these kind are even worse than the ones "scorned". But as far as her career goes, she got her success the hard way: she earned it. She had to prove herself. Nothing was never handed to her by a publishing company with dollar signs in its eyes. She's miffed. And people who are miffed aren't usually of a mind to reach back and help mediocre wanna- bes. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5421
Registered: 03-2004
Rating:
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 11:39 am: |
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They say "you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear". I agree with Shakespir that its unlikely these street lit imposters will mature into genuises. You don't acquire the gift of talent. The only level they will rise to is one where they will maybe learn where to put a period or a comma. They will just continue to be "good" at what they do
(Nope. They'll just make a ton of money and keep the print industry, which is hurting, afloat--just like the Danielle Steeles and the Jaqueline Susanns and the Barbara Cartlands and the JK Rowlings and the Ned Buntlines and all of the hack, pulp, sensational scriveners who have been working for the past hundred years or more.
Ain't integration grand?) |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10198
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 12:25 pm: |
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In order for what you say to happen, chrishayden, these street lit purveyors will have to "continue to be 'good' at what they do". |
Urban_scribe
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Urban_scribe
Post Number: 546
Registered: 05-2006
Rating: 
Votes: 1 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 12:57 pm: |
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Chrishayden wrote:
They'll just make a ton of money and keep the print industry, which is hurting, afloat--just like the Danielle Steeles and the Jaqueline Susanns and the Barbara Cartlands and the JK Rowlings and the Ned Buntlines and all of the hack, pulp, sensational scriveners who have been working for the past hundred years or more.
Exactly. Y'know, this is something I've never understood: Why is Black/AA Literature held to a higher standard than "White Literature"? Why are Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, Jackie Collins, James Patterson, Stuart Woods, et al, allowed to write smut, flashy, tell-all, even subpar books and they're bestsellers and everyone sings their praises, but when Black authors write the smut, flashy, tell-all, and even subpar books - "they wrong for dat"?
Why are White writers allowed free literary reign to write whatever they damn well please and allowed to have all the fun, but Black writers must spin profound tales drenched in literary merit? Why is Black/AA Literature expected to uplift the race? Gimme a break!
When I read, I read first to be entertained; second to be informed. Yes, typos, incorrect punctuation, misspellings, poor grammar, poor syntax and so forth do drive me crazy, and I wholeheartedly agree that publishers and self-publishers producing shoddy quality products really must step up their game but, outside of all the technical shortcomings and fallacies, is the story entertaining? Did it make me laugh? Did it make me cry? Did it teach me something; open my eyes to a new perspective? Give me some insight?
To say that publishers release these "ghetto" works by Black authors just to make money is pretty phukin lame. Of course they published these books to make money! Duh. Guess what? That's the same reason they publish Jackie Collins, Stuart Woods, Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, James Patterson, Tom Clancy, John Grisham, J.K. Rowling, John Irving, J. D. Salinger, Harper Lee, Mario Puzo, ... Could anyone tell me what those authors' books have done to uplift the White race? Not a blasted thing - but they made money for the distributors, wholesalers, book retailers, publishers, street peddlers, and authors. They've garnered a broad readership that, where applicable, anticipates their next book.
IMO, if a story entertains, stirs emotions, and informs - it's a good book; regardless to whether it's Urban Fiction, Erotica, Chick Lit, Memoir, Expose, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Biography, Literary Fiction or any genre/category. And, the ability to tell a good story does not make one a good writer.
I believe a story can be fantastic while the writing itself is poorly executed. I believe the writing can be brilliant while the story itself is lackluster. Of course, we're all seeking wonderful writing in conjunction with wondrous storytelling. Fact is, few writers can lay claim to both. I think the thing to keep in mind is that good storytelling and good writing are not synonomous.
I've read Mama, Disappearing Acts, and A Day Late and a Dollar Short. No offense to Ms. McMillan but, imo, she's a great storyteller not a great writer; not a bad writer, just not a great one. And, like her White counterparts as well as the books she's up in arms against, her books do nothing to uplift the Black race. They were published to make money.
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10199
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 01:17 pm: |
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I agree with what you say, Urban-Scribe. But it seems that the only poorly-written black stories that make the cut are the ones that revolve around the thug life. Would poorly-written stories about less sensational subjects avoid rejection slips? And if black folks don't demand some standards of excellence when it comes to books, who will? The white literary community doesn't give a damn. They don't have to. They're WHITE. IMO. |
Troy
Veteran Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 844
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 02:12 pm: |
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Fascinating.
Chris your advice is the same I’ve received from others in the industry.
I spoke to a manager of a very popular bookstore who said, in effect, I have no problem selling Karrine’s books; they pay the rent – and if can’t pay the rent you can not have a store.
In the final analysis I’m a book seller. I do not define or create the public’s tastes. I simply reflect it.
But the story is not that simple for me Chris. I do not run AALBC.com strictly for money. I really do want to expose reader to the widest variety of books by Black writers. Of course the more money I can generate the more TIME I have to do this.
As you may know I have a pretty demanding day job and family which comes first (I often wonder would AALBC.com would be like if I were fully engaged in the effort).
I’ve gathered a ton of data over the last decade. Today the best selling books, the most forwarded pages, the most visited pages are related to Karrine Steffans. The reason for the interview was to really bring people more of what they obviously want, which in theory would drive sales.
This is quite different than when I first started when Iyanla Vanzant, John A. Williams, and yes, Terry McMillian dominated the best sellers list
So when I devote my very limited time, money and energy to video taping, editing and publishing an interview with Karrine Steffan’s it is to meet the demands of my visitors. Which I’m confident will be recovered by increased traffic, book sales, etc.
However it comes at the cost of promoting wonderful, critically acclaimed authors like Junot Diaz (http://authors.aalbc.com/junot_diaz.htm); this is still an unrecovered expense that I’m less and less likely to incur in the future. Read: Riverhead – buy some adversting.
ABM, in the entire supply chain, from the author, publisher, retailer the selling of this stuff is driven by demand. Sure some author (perhaps McMillan herself), may have initiated the trend, but the current state if fueled solely by demand.
Cynique’s point though is very important: ”… And if black folks don't demand some standards of excellence when it comes to books, who will? The white literary community doesn't give a damn. They don't have to. They're WHITE. ...and therein lies the rub.
See despite the fact many people here would enjoy reading, for example, the Dominican Republic born author Diaz; neither the author or publisher will purchase advertising, nor will they generate sales, on this site without my active promotion. So If I want to promote this author through a profile page, newsletter mention, book advertising placement, there is a real cost to me in terms of time and money.
It is much easier for me to sell the more commercial authors because they buy advertising, they are in huge demand appealing to broad audiences, they support the web site in non-monetary ways or all of the above. It is MUCH easier for me to support a Zane or Relentless Aaron for this reason.
And it is much harder for me to support the authors who are always complaining that no one buys their books. Over time, as I learn more about book sales, I have less and less sympathy for the so called literary authors… But I’ll continue to devote time to promote the best of their work despite themselves.
Off soapbox and back on topic:
The general consensus on this subject (anecdotal feedback talking to and listening to a wide variety of industry professionals and readers) are summarized below. Having read the above posts I see some of you agree.
- Terry a decent writer, not great. She is terrific with dialog and telling a story. (one buyer said I think this book [an earlier novel, I forget which one] is crap, but told the distributer to send 15,000 copies)
- The attention she is drawing to herself and Plummer’s book will likely have a increase he sales. Some folks even think this is a deliberate tactic to generate more sales. (I think the deliberate piece is a bit far fetched)
- Many believe McMillan's slamming of the “urban/ghetto” genre would indeed not have happened were it not for the Plummer book.
- People sympathize with McMillan, but are less than they would be with the average person because she is a celebrity and because she wrote her own book about the relationship first.
Interesting conversation.
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Jmho
Regular Poster
Username: Jmho
Post Number: 287
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 02:49 pm: |
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A good discussion about books on a book discussion board ...
Troy wrote:
Chris, the publishers are to blame, but so are we. We all contribute to a society where a books like If I Did It is #2 on the New York Times bestseller’s list. Books like The Vixen Diaries are selling like there are no other books available.
I really wonder if people are reading, If I Did It, I think there are sympathy book buyers with this one, as the Goldmans and Nicole's kids are getting the profits. When it was to sold by OJ, I am certain, those same book buyers wouldn't have given OJ a nickel. With the Vixen book, folks are just fascinated with whose having sex with whom and celebrities, and especially celebrities and their sex partners. Go figure.
A_woman wrote:
She refuses to remember the past, that she needed an opportunity to rise above the criticism of her work and become a better writer, yet because she has arrived she now thinks it's okay to demean and criticize others who don't write as she would like for them to.
I haven't read the book but I doubt her ex hubby will become a better writer, with each successive book, given he had a co-writer for this one.
Schakspir wrote:
Remember that these writers who churn out "hot ghetto mess" wrapped between two book covers have distinctly low-brow sensibilities, and any attempt on their part to try and write something a little more serious will just come off as looking stupid.
I so agree. Why change your formula if it's working for you? And, I don't think becoming a better writer is a major concern.
Abm wrote:
I wonder whether Terry would have so vociferously asserted such literary self-righteousness if her ex hadn't dropped a tell-all books about her.
I think so. I heard a few years ago, long before ex hubby book inked a book deal, and she was saying the same thing.
The big difference between his book and her Stella book was that he got compensation and agreed to it's publication. Obviously, she wasn't offered the same consideration.
Chrishayden wrote:
But she has to get over it. The more she adds to it, the worse it gets.
She can keep on crabbing, people will wonder what she is crabbing about--and BAM! It's a best seller.
She needs to let it go.
I agree (but then I ain't the one who feels wronged), though I did read of Marcus Books refusing to stock the book.
Chrishayden wrote:
If she changed, she devolved.
Glad you went there first. I enjoyed her first fiction three books (especially Disappearing Acts) couldn't make it through Stella, amd was turned off with A Day Late, way too much drama, and dysfunctions, thrown into the story, for my taste. I haven't decided yet to read The Interruption of Everything. |
Libralind2
Veteran Poster
Username: Libralind2
Post Number: 925
Registered: 09-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, October 06, 2007 - 03:02 pm: |
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JmHo I enjoyed The Interruption of Everything. She really did a great job of capturing middle age, speaking as a middle age woman. It wasnt perfect but is life perfect.?
LiLi |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5425
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 11:31 am: |
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In order for what you say to happen, chrishayden, these street lit purveyors will have to "continue to be 'good' at what they do".
(All they'll have to do is sell. The people I named weren't good. They just met their customers needs) |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5426
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 11:35 am: |
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Exactly. Y'know, this is something I've never understood: Why is Black/AA Literature held to a higher standard than "White Literature"? Why are Danielle Steel, Nora Roberts, Jackie Collins, James Patterson, Stuart Woods, et al, allowed to write smut, flashy, tell-all, even subpar books and they're bestsellers and everyone sings their praises, but when Black authors write the smut, flashy, tell-all, and even subpar books - "they wrong for dat"?
(PREACH!!!!
After almost 60 years on the planet I have concluded that Negroes don't know what the hell they want.
They want to be great monetary successes. But they also want to have high standards or respect or whatever you call it.
These are often mutually exclusive.
Face it. Amiri Baraka don't have a pot to pee in and all he has been doing is trying to uplift black folks all his life. Langston Hughes--If John Edgar Wideman wasn't teaching he would be broke. This is true about all literary writers INCLUDING THE WHITE ONES.
I chalk it up to Negroes wanting to please white folks. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5427
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 11:38 am: |
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But it seems that the only poorly-written black stories that make the cut are the ones that revolve around the thug life.
(I guess you would be happy if the authors were pimping and stealing and thugging for real.
Do what you do with the rap. Don't read the stuff.
And quit worrying about what somebody ELSE might be reading. You don't worry about them when it's time for them to pay the gas or the light bills!) |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 5428
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 11:45 am: |
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This is quite different than when I first started when Iyanla Vanzant, John A. Williams, and yes, Terry McMillian dominated the best sellers list
(How soon ye forget!
I remember people bemoaning the fact that self help, simplistic Opraistic TRASH like Iyanla and Terry was being sold instead of Harold Cruse and Toni Morrison--perhaps your memory doesn't go back that far--or do you read the stuff you promote, and what do you compare it to?
Maybe it is the circles that I hang in. Talk to the Callaloo crowd, the Darkroom collective, and other literary groups--
And it is much harder for me to support the authors who are always complaining that no one buys their books. Over time, as I learn more about book sales, I have less and less sympathy for the so called literary authors… But I’ll continue to devote time to promote the best of their work despite themselves
(They can't give it to you cause they ain't got it.
The white ones don't have it either.
Wake up and smell the coffee--the majority of adult Americans did not read even ONE book last year.
ANY black book is a good book. At least they are reading SOMETHING!)
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Urbanreviews
Newbie Poster
Username: Urbanreviews
Post Number: 45
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 11:56 am: |
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While I don't care for these tell-all books either, I'm not a fan of telling people what they can and can't read. I saw Terry's post on AOL Black Voices too. The bottom line is this, Terry would not be talking about this if Jonathan didn't put this book out. Did she forget that she based How Stella Got Her Groove Back on their relationship? I'm not defending Jonathan at all but if she made money off of a "fiction" book based on their relationship then so can he. These tell-all books are nothing but a fad that will fizzle out sooner or later. Terry really has nothing to worry about because I don't know anybody that wants to even read his book. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10218
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 12:58 pm: |
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All you are is a pop off, chrishayden, a somebody who can't even give coherence to your posts by giving them a context. Do you ever think about using quotation marks, or saying who it is that you are responding to? The fact that you don't do this is an indication of your disjointed mind. Your eagerness to respond doesn't make what you have to say any more intelligent. |
Troy
Veteran Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 854
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 01:26 pm: |
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JMHO, In my humble opinion people are buying If I Did It to read the gory details; any financial support to the Goldman’s is an uninteresting detail.
Chris, you are on a tear. Your arguments are strong and passionately appealing. Good posts, however I disagree few of your points. For example you describe “monetary successes” and “standards or respect..” as often mutually exclusive.
I completely reject the premise. While there are high profile examples to support the point, there are way too many examples, in all fields of endeavor, which lay waste to the argument.
To the point of the literary authors not having the money – please. There is nothing that leads me to believe that the literary author are less well healed than any other author – particularly the self published author.
Besides, as I mentioned, promoting your book does not have to always cost money there is such a thing as barter. The street vending author is much more inclined to explore these avenue than your average bitching literary author…
“ANY black book is a good book” I disagree with this too. But the argument is academic because there are so many choices available today – which is good.
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A_womon
Veteran Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 1952
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 03:16 pm: |
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A_woman wrote:
She refuses to remember the past, that she needed an opportunity to rise above the criticism of her work and become a better writer, yet because she has arrived she now thinks it's okay to demean and criticize others who don't write as she would like for them to.
JMHO wrote: I haven't read the book but I doubt her ex hubby will become a better writer, with each successive book, given he had a co-writer for this one.
JMHO,
I wasn't speaking about TM's hubby, cuz I haven't read his book. I was speaking about all of the urban/street fiction writers who are being lumped together under the heading of "don't know how to write a good book" I still say time will be the judge of who can write and who can't
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Jmho
Regular Poster
Username: Jmho
Post Number: 290
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 08:00 pm: |
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Libralind2 wrote:
I enjoyed The Interruption of Everything. She really did a great job of capturing middle age, speaking as a middle age woman. It wasnt perfect but is life perfect.?
Thanks for the recommendation. |
Jmho
Regular Poster
Username: Jmho
Post Number: 291
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 08:15 pm: |
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Troy wrote:
JMHO, In my humble opinion people are buying If I Did It to read the gory details; any financial support to the Goldman’s is an uninteresting detail.
When the news first broke of it's publication, many folks said they would never consider buying the book, and in fact, the original release was canceled, due to the outrage. Then the Goldmans were awarded the rights, to the book, and decided to sale it, to collect on their judgment against OJ. It may be uninteresting detail (to you), but it seems that most folks don't mind the Goldmans or the kids profiting but certainly didn't want OJ to make any money off the sales. If the readers were/are only interested, in the gory details, why did/does it matter who profits? |
Jmho
Regular Poster
Username: Jmho
Post Number: 292
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 08:32 pm: |
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I think that advertising, product placement and availability can't be ignored, in this equation, and it's just not solely the readers'/buyers' demand. If more literary books were given front and center space in bookstores, on the end caps, listed as bestsellers, etc., then sales may increase. If those books are on the back shelf, or in the back of the store, then that could be a good reason why they aren't selling. May not the only reason, but definitely has to be a factor.
It maybe the classic chicken or egg question. Are publishers publishing more of a certain type of books because those books are selling or are sales related to number and type of books that are being published and advertised.
If I wasn't a reader and stumbled into a bookstore, I would think the books that are on the front shelves or tables, or those genres/types, in an abundance, must be the thing to read, and further must be good and well-written. And, if they aren't, and I have no knowledge to know the difference, or to make a comparison, then I'll continue to more of those books.
If advertising didn't work or influence, then there would be no ads. That tell-all book, by one of those rappers' baby mama, has been on homepage here for months, it seems.
I liken it to songs played, on the radio, if you hear a song enough times, it can starts to sound good to you. (Or you start to hate it more. LOL) You'll even find yourself humbling the song thoughout the day. So while browsing music, to buy, that song is in your head. |
Troy
Veteran Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 856
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 08:47 pm: |
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JMHO, Actually it is an interesting detail for me; just seeing how people will say anything to justify making profit off this book.
I'm sure a very small portion of the proceeds will be going to the Ron Goldman Foundation for Justice, a lot of people will be making money off this book.
Again I submit the detail of where the profits going are about as interesting to the average consumer as the name of the publishing company.
People who wanted to support the Goldman family or foundation financially could have done so without buying the book - the impact would have been greater.
Also, the first time around customers were CALLING me about the book trying to get a copy!
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0825305888/ref=nosim/aalbccom-20
I don't have that much faith in humanity. But we will never know for sure...
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Fgoodwin
First Time Poster
Username: Fgoodwin
Post Number: 4
Registered: 10-2005
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 09:11 pm: |
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As with rap music, albeit degrading, derogatory, insane; whatever WE touch turns to GOLD. (Sports ie. Tiger Woods, Tennis ie. Venus and Serena, Boxing, most genres of Music, Talk Shows ie Oprah) However, if you don't like a particular thing then don't buy it, don't read it, don't watch it and don't listen to it, that's the bottom line. We sit in judgement of our own-selves/others too much. Let's face it because essentially, it is what it is, and all WE are doing is finally getting our portion of "The American Pie." Let us not forget the talented Tyler Perry yet my female African American theater prof. at Temple University called him a chittlin circuit playwright in a room full of mostly Caucasions students. |
Jmho
Regular Poster
Username: Jmho
Post Number: 295
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 09:18 pm: |
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Troy wrote:
People who wanted to support the Goldman family or foundation financially could have done so without buying the book - the impact would have been greater.
Maybe but I don't know if those book buyers actually made a finanical contribute to the Goldmans or OJ's kids, or even how much the families will receive, with the sale of the book.
But why do you think when it was revealved that OJ would write a book, the outrage caused it's publication to cease, yet now that the profits instead are going to the families, of the deceased, and not OJ, that book buyers made it a bestseller?
Troy wrote:
Also, the first time around customers were CALLING me about the book trying to get a copy!
You may have had folks asking to buy the first book, but there were obviously more who didn't want it released, or they yelled louder. |
Jmho
Regular Poster
Username: Jmho
Post Number: 296
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 09:24 pm: |
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Fgoodwin wrote:
We sit in judgement of our own-selves/others too much
We make judgments every single day, all day long. When one makes a choice of one thing over another -- that's a judgment. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10229
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 09:31 pm: |
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Are you implying that calling Tyler Perry a chitlin circuit playwright is an insult, fgoodwin? You seem to subscribe to the "keepin-it-real, is-what-it-is" school of thought so why would this offend you? White people don't go to see Tyler's trite melodramas or do these plays appear in white venues so why wouldn't the "chitin circuit" classification apply to his traveling troupes? You must associate chitlins with negativity, in which case you are being inconsistent. |
Fgoodwin
First Time Poster
Username: Fgoodwin
Post Number: 5
Registered: 10-2005
Rating:
Votes: 2 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 11:30 pm: |
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I don't want to debate anyone I'm just trying to make a point that everything we dislike does not have to be magnified, studied and or discussed in such a way that it causes unnecessary tention amongst/within the AA community. I have heard that certain heavy metal songs contain suicidal and sadistic lyrics. However, I can not tell you the singer, the song, nor the producer because it's not my thing. Yet, everyone who dislikes rap music and these new street lit books can recite the words, artist, producers, titles and publishers. Why? If you don't like it stay away from it...
F. A. Goodwin
Author of You reap What You Sow
www.fagoodwin.com
PS
It's not street lit but it is self-published should this be frowned upon too?
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10237
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, October 08, 2007 - 11:46 pm: |
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Yes, LOL.
Seriously, we may not like snakes and can choose to stay away from them, but unsuspecting kids may be bitten by them and infected with their venom. As responsible adults we have an obligation to try and guide our children and bring balance to their lives so they'll stop killin each other.
I'm done.
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Na_imah
First Time Poster
Username: Na_imah
Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, October 11, 2007 - 09:14 pm: |
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What gets me is that Terry's books are somewhat like those but they are fiction and not tell all books suppose to be about someone elses life also. The books that Terry wrote then are more pg 13 comparted to what is out there right now in what is called street lit or urban lit. Her books were more like romance novels than the genre she was just talking about. But I do understand people read what they want to read but like the old folks use to say is that we still have to bring people to the mat for what they are doing. Look at Master P he is calling rappers to the mat for the same things he started out doing but as you grow you are suppose to try to help other not go the same path you have been down. |
Batmocop
Regular Poster
Username: Batmocop
Post Number: 97
Registered: 03-2006
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, October 12, 2007 - 07:26 pm: |
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Chrishayden wrote: "Wake up and smell the coffee--the majority of adult Americans did not read even ONE book last year.
ANY black book is a good book. At least they are reading SOMETHING!)"
Cynique Wrote: "As responsible adults we have an obligation to try and guide our children and bring balance to their lives so they'll stop killin each other."
These are two of the best points made in this thread in my opinion. Books with a less than positive message are being marketed to our kids and they are eating up all of that glorified violence and debauchery. The only thing I can say positive about it is that they are READING!
Maybe it's like everything else and although the authors of these types of books won't go on to be prolific writers, the readers of that mess will move on to Literature one day as they will outgrow it. Reading about the glorification of drugs, violence and irresponsible conduct is counterproductive to what we are trying to teach our kids. I fully understand the market, but the question I ask is does anyone here with kids want their young ones reading these kinds of books?
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Wfcooper
Newbie Poster
Username: Wfcooper
Post Number: 2
Registered: 12-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 12:20 pm: |
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I wish I would have seen this earlier... Better late than never I guess.
I allow my 14 year old daughter to read Urban Fiction novels, YES, but with a reality check disclaimer of sorts, because she knows the life that's glorified in that print is not what she leads.
You know, maybe I can try to spin this another way, and see if it makes sense. While understanding a lot of the lack of the disdain, 1) The genre is providing a source of rehabilitation of sorts for some of the writers, and 2) it's getting people to read that normally would shun literature as a whole.
In a perfect world I would love to see Triple Crown or many of my fellow writers enhance the intelligence of their ever growing crowd by learning the craft. If they grow as writers (SUBSTANCE), maybe, just maybe (am I spitballin' here?) The reader will grow as they grow. Am I stupid for saying this?
But as it stands now, I feel like some of our Literature is bastardized for the love of money. Tons of quality works are being pushed to the curb, in large part because a lot of writers are feeding the thirsty masses dark water. And when you are constantly drinking this as a reader, sometimes that's all you know.
Living in a mystery wrapped in a riddle buried inside an enigma mired in a quandary trying to figure out the jigsaw puzzle known as African American Literature. Oh, what to do?
William Fredrick Cooper
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 10970
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 05:56 pm: |
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You, yourself, provided the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle. Just fit them together, and your mystery will be solved.  |
Wfcooper
Newbie Poster
Username: Wfcooper
Post Number: 3
Registered: 12-2007
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, December 27, 2007 - 06:31 pm: |
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I'm trying to... with what I write. But I realize one person can't solve this dilemma. Like you said, we have to demand more from ourselves both as readers and writers. |
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