Should I query first and then send the manuscript if it is requested or go for the gusto and send a bio, press release, and galley along with promo materials? Essence's guidelines are a little vague. By the way, Essence is featuring a short story con
Read more…In my first novel, Wind Follower, I thought of Loic as a spoiled little kid much like my older son. I liked him but found him a bit exasperating. I wasn't particularly attracted to him. I liked the female character but she was too much like me to rea
Read more…Okay, so I am somewhat of a perfectionist. Alright, that's a lie... I'm an obsessive, compulsive, neurotic maniac when it comes to my writing lol. My manuscript has been edited and is nearing the final print stage. However, I just can't stop tweaking
Read more…I was able to attend the Harlem Book Festival on Saturday and had a great time. Admittedly, I didn't attend to buy, but to network and scope out the authors in the area. Of course I did end up buying some nonfiction:)However, I did notice one thing.
Read more…Why do we struggle so so hard......Why do other races look at us like we just entered the country.......a week ago........Wait a minute now ...I believe we paid our dues....So we should be lqqkn at them....No i'm not going to go there....But anyway I
Read more…I received word about a month ago that a new upstart magazine (launching in October) seeks adventure, sci-fi, fantasy, poetry, and artwork for African American children ages 8-14. Check them out. Their rates are very reasonable as well (about 20 cent
Read more…http://writingforrookies.podcastpeople.com/In this episode, Brandon interviews Geoffrey Thorne, author of STAR TREK: TITAN – SWORD OF DAMOCLES and discusses the ways that new writers can approach science-fiction and the challenges of developing new w
Read more…I read an interesting article about the subgenre of African American literature referred to as Urban lit. It has also been called street lit and ghetto lit. Read the article below and tell me what you think. Is Urban lit ruining or drowning out tradi
Read more…Hey Guys and Dolls:For a limited time the lulu ISBN package is free (usually it's $99). As you know I published through lulu which is free; however if you want international exposure you have to buy an ISBN. If anyone is considering publishing and bu
Read more…Hi all:I was thinking that those of us who have blogs could try to be part of a blog tour for new books created by authors on BSFS. Even a small mention on one of our blogs. That's the key to networking. Little things that mean a lot or at least help
Read more…The following quote is from a Steven Barnes interview given by Locus magazine. Steven Barnes, as many of you may know, is one of a small number of black science fiction writers. Steven Barnes defined science fiction as a "celebration of northern Euro
Read more…http://writingforrookies.podcastpeople.com/In this episode, Brandon discusses the basics of starting a sci-fi short story/novel while also discussing the 5 RULES OF SCIENCE-FICTION WRITING by legendary author Robert Heinlein.Breaking into the science
Read more…Hello all,I just wanted to forward a note to any interested parties who live within the NYC greater metro area. There is a black writers collective called MORNINGSIDE WRITER'S GROUP. Check it out here:http://www.morningsidewriters.com/They are starti
Read more…Guys, I am beginning to really love fame!A student at Upenn is writing a paper on black specfic and she has included me...and a few others on this list. Can't post her entire paper here, cause it's not finished yet but so far ...wow! Anyway, here is
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Coates is a journalist and the author of the new memoir The Beautiful Struggle: A Father, Two Sons, and an Unlikely Road to Manhood, Spiegel & Grau (2008).Here is an excerpt from the blogpost, Blogging TBS: The Uncanny X-Men:"I tell you these days, i
Sunday, Aug. 15, 2004
Drawing a Whole New Image for Africa
By SIMON ROBINSON | Dakar
In a small, muggy room inside a whitewashed house in Dakar, the capital of the West African country of Senegal, eight artists hunch over their drawing boards, sketc
This was posted on the Carl Brandon site this week.Re: Black Science Fiction in WikipediaThe following message is from Jenn (who is having trouble postingmessages to CarlB list):Please Help with Wikipedia issues:I need help! There is currently a figh
Read more…hey BSFS fam!Happy Spring! i just got back from spinnin an off the hook gig, and am feeling open! thought i would play with y'all. this is an invitation to have fun collectively writing something. it can be deep, it can be funny... just have fun, and
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