Blacksciencefictionsociety2024-03-28T11:05:19Zhttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/groups/CreatingOurStory/forum/feed/allNarrate Africa Book Clubhttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/groups/CreatingOurStory/forum/narrate-africa-book-club2013-09-10T20:33:55.000Z2013-09-10T20:33:55.000ZKittenishdot Arthttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/kittenishdot<div><p>Thought this would be useful:</p><p>Narrate Africa is a book club for young Africans, designed to stimulate conversations about African culture through literature. Created through a collaboration by Rise Africa and AADAT, Narrate Africa represents a shared belief in the value of African literature as an art form, and a channel for discussion of African social topics</p><p></p><p>This may be helpful for learning, developing & sparking new ideas in writing from the perspective of our global story.</p><p></p><p>Website: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://narrateafrica.tumblr.com/">http://narrateafrica.tumblr.com/</a></p><p>Youtube: <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxCSX-ym8iY8r_Kv6groY2A">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxCSX-ym8iY8r_Kv6groY2A</a></p></div>Madalynn Alexander Books: Call for Submissionshttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/groups/CreatingOurStory/forum/madalynn-alexander-books-call-for-submissions2012-03-18T20:02:38.000Z2012-03-18T20:02:38.000ZVictor Harrishttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/VictorHarris<div><p><strong>Madalynn Alexander, LLC is looking for your short stories.</strong></p><p>We are looking for your tales of speculative fiction.</p><p><strong>How do I submit my work to Madalynn Alexander, LLC?</strong><br/> We have an open submissions policy and encourage submission from all writers. Every submission that reaches us is reviewed by at least two members of the editorial staff. We respond to queries primarily with form letters, in order to handle responses in a timely manner.</p><p>Please read this in its entirety before submitting. Following these guidelines will make certain your work receives a fair examination by the Madalynn Alexander review staff.</p><p>Your submissions should include:</p><ol start="1"><li>Story should be no longer than 20,000 words</li><li>Synopsis of the entire story. The synopsis should include all important plot elements, such as the end of the story, aspects of character development for the main characters, and should run between three and ten pages.</li><li>A cover letter that includes your name and contact information and the title of the submitted work. Explain the genre or subgenre the submission falls into and mention the qualifications you have that are relevant to the work. Please list any previous publications in paying markets.</li><li>Please send only one proposal in each submission. If the submission belongs in a series, please send a proposal for the first book only.</li></ol><p>Send submissions to:</p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="mailto:submissions@madalynnalexanderbooks.com">submissions@madalynnalexanderbooks.com</a></p><p>Address submissions as follows:</p><ul><li>Romance</li><li>Science fiction and Fantasy</li><li>Horror</li><li>Mysteries and Thrillers</li><li>General Fiction</li></ul><p>Generally we respond to unsolicited submissions within 4-6 months. Unfortunately, your manuscripts and our replies sometimes go astray in transit. Because of the volume of submissions, it's not possible for us to track down any individual project; please don't call for a status report. If you have not heard back from us after six months, please resubmit.</p><p> </p></div>The Color Fantasies of Whiteywoodhttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/groups/CreatingOurStory/forum/the-color-fantasies-of2010-03-07T02:14:42.000Z2010-03-07T02:14:42.000ZJon Jolivethttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/JonJolivet<div><p>An interesting article. It' kind of an old article by just a year, but still interesing nontheless since we're still reeling from the aftermath of "Avatar-fever" that has swept through this social networking-obsessed ipod generation. White guilt described here is more or less, ironic creative bias, ignorance, and a hint of pop cultural racism all wrapped up into one. Hollywood's white elite realize that they can't outright be prejudice on screen so instead they do it in subtle ways, by painting whites in comfortable positions where they can easily find themselves engulfed into the society of peopole of color. It's just...*gag* For those of us enlightened ole' folks, I think this is interesting to peak at. Since there's a hint of truth to it.</p><p> </p><p><strong><em>"When whites fantasize about becoming other races, it's only fun if they can blithely ignore the fundamental experience of being an oppressed racial group. Which is that you are oppressed, and nobody will let you be a leader of anything."</em></strong></p><p> </p><p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://io9.com/5422666/when-will-white-people-stop-making-movies-like-avatar">http://io9.com/5422666/when-will-white-people-stop-making-movies-like-avatar</a></p><p> </p><p>There seems to be a major trend throughout Hollywood's history where whites are the "default" by which all normality and behavior, and fictional characterization, is based upon. I know I know, nothing new right? It's still unbelievably disturbing. Brothas and sistah's, please pray for these ignorant people!!!!!! I don't understand how in Hollyood whites live out childish fantasies on screen where they dominate any status quo or dramatic situation through fictional plots like larger-than-life Greek Gods. It's annoying. The black man/woman is not capable of such a thing, according to Hollywood. For some reason they believe the image of a black person as strong characters capable of making sound decisions, being responsible, leading a group to glory or progression, and somehow actually having depth is bizarre. If not that, I believe that somehow see it as intimidating.</p><p> </p><p>According to Harry Potter, ya know...just in case ya'll weren't on the up and up: White people have magical powers! Blacks cannot fly, black women can't be strong heroins, or damsels to be saved. No, the future, and fantastical lands of magic as well, are a land of the ivory persuasion. Sorry for the rant. I just find it rather interesting, in a twisted way, that this has been going on for so long. Not only with blacks but especially Asians, Native Americans and others. Thoughts, anyone?</p></div>October Bestsellers at Books of Soul - Where are the black science fiction books?https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/groups/CreatingOurStory/forum/october-bestsellers-at-books2009-11-03T07:06:07.000Z2009-11-03T07:06:07.000ZEric at BooksofSoul.comhttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/EricatBooksofSoulcom<div>Bestsellers by and about African Americans appearing at Amazon.com has been posted at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://booksofsoul.com/" target="_blank">Books of Soul</a>. The bestseller lists includes lists for romances and for mysteries.I did an advanced search for "african american science fiction" posted since December 2008 at Amazon. I got results but nothing that could create a Top Ten list much less a Top Five list. Where are the new black science fiction books?</div>Is it twilight or dawn of the black vampire?https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/groups/CreatingOurStory/forum/is-it-twilight-or-dawn-of-the2009-06-11T06:06:21.000Z2009-06-11T06:06:21.000ZEric at BooksofSoul.comhttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/EricatBooksofSoulcom<div>Interesting article at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.examiner.com/x-10713-AfricanAmerican-Books--Examiner~y2009m6d8-Is-it-twilight-or-dawn-of-the-black-vampire">Examiner.com</a>.</div>May Announcements from Books of Soulhttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/groups/CreatingOurStory/forum/may-announcements-from-books2009-06-08T08:00:08.000Z2009-06-08T08:00:08.000ZEric at BooksofSoul.comhttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/EricatBooksofSoulcom<div>Hello!Our bestseller list is a little different this month - See <a rel="nofollow" href="http://booksofsoul.com/bestselling-african-american-books-at-amazoncom/">http://booksofsoul.com</a>.As always, we have our monthly bestseller list for April. This month's list is headlined by the new novel, Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead. In addition, links to Amazon.com are provided for each book on the list.As a new feature for the lists, we are highlighting the top-selling romance and mystery novels for the year. James Patterson's Alex Cross character leads the pack of mysteries with two books, Alex Cross's Trial and I, Alex Cross. Brenda Jackson shows even more dominance in the romance genre with her novels in the top three slots. Both lists reflect some author favorites, like Eric Jerome Dickey and Carl Weber.Please pass this announcement on to your friends, authors, and book clubs. Of course, your feedback would be greatly appreciated, too.Look for the Books of Soul group on Facebook, too, for highlights of what will be appearing on the site.And, if you haven't joined, please register at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://booksofsoul.com/booksofsoul/wordpress/wp-login.php?action=register">http://booksofsoul.com/</a>Thank you for your interest!</div>Announcements from Books of Soulhttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/groups/CreatingOurStory/forum/announcements-from-books-of2009-04-30T14:38:48.000Z2009-04-30T14:38:48.000ZEric at BooksofSoul.comhttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/EricatBooksofSoulcom<div>Hello!We have a few announcements at the Books of Soul website (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.booksofsoul.com">www.booksofsoul.com</a>), and a surprise on the bestseller list.We are featuring an entertaining mix of five author interviews (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://booksofsoul.com/category/author-interviews/">http://booksofsoul.com/category/author-interviews/</a>):* Bestselling author Cheryl Robinson and her latest novel, In Love with A Younger Man.* Paulette Harper and her debut inspirational book That Was Then, This Is Now, This Broken Vessel Restored.* Joyce Burnett, writer of Adam’s Belle: A Memoir of Love Without Bounds, the autobiography of the late Isabel Washington Powell, dancer and former wife of Adam Clayton Powell.* Charlise Lyles releasing the second edition of her memoir, Do I Dare Disturb the Universe? From the Projects to Prep School.* Bestselling and multi-award winning author Laura Parker Castoro and her current release, Love on the Line.Two bestselling authors, two new authors, and one offering a new insight on her memoir share their experiences and hopefully exciting your interest in their new books.Our bestseller list of March African American books from Amazon.com is also featured: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://booksofsoul.com/bestselling-african-american-books-at-amazoncom/">http://booksofsoul.com/bestselling-african-american-books-at-amazoncom/</a>2009 still seems to have broken away from last year: Books by and about the Obamas are not appearing in our top 20. Maybe the public's curiosity about our First Family has moved on? But, the bestseller list of children's books continues to have the Obamas represented: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://booksofsoul.com/2009/04/bestselling-african-american-children-books-march-2009/">http://booksofsoul.com/2009/04/bestselling-african-american-children-books-march-2009/</a>In what may be a surprise to many that have purchased his book, Steve Harvey's Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://booksofsoul.com/2009/01/act-like-a-lady-think-like-a-man-by-steve-harvey/">http://booksofsoul.com/2009/01/act-like-a-lady-think-like-a-man-by-steve-harvey/</a>) is NOT on the list. After all, it has been steadily represented on Amazon.com's Bestseller List. Before everyone starts to call his radio show and blaming us.... On second thought, Books of Soul could use the publicity!Most self-help and relationship books, like Steve Harvey's or Lisa Nichols' No Matter What (<a rel="nofollow" href="http://booksofsoul.com/2009/04/no-matter-what-by-lisa-nichols/">http://booksofsoul.com/2009/04/no-matter-what-by-lisa-nichols/</a>) do not key in on the author's ethnicity or represent the author's ethnicity in the book description. For you science fiction writers, we probably expect the same thing.Of course, we may miss representing an author or a book accurately. That's why we would appreciate hearing from you. And, with the book festival season kicking off (See our calendar of events under Events in the sidebar for our list!), let us know if a new book or author has captured your interest.Please pass this email on to your friends, agents, and book clubs!Look for the Books of Soul group on Facebook, too, for highlights of what will be appearing on the site.And, if you haven't joined, please register at <a rel="nofollow" href="http://booksofsoul.com/booksofsoul/wordpress/wp-login.php?action=register">http://booksofsoul.com/booksofsoul/wordpress/wp-login.php?action=register</a>Thank you for your interest!Ericeric@booksofsoul.comBooks of Soul - <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.booksofsoul.com">http://www.booksofsoul.com</a>New releases of African American books and authors</div>Can the Shareware Model Work For Us?https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/groups/CreatingOurStory/forum/can-the-shareware-model-work2008-11-22T02:47:35.000Z2008-11-22T02:47:35.000ZTerrence Walkerhttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/TerrenceWalker<div>I'm sitting here working on a book (not fiction, but about indie animation) and I came across a story I had written some years ago about a guy who spent six months creating simple, yet innovative and original puzzle game and released it on his site as shareware, meaning free to download and play, and probably nagging the user to make a donation. He made hundreds of thousands of dollars from that project.We all know, or at least heard of, Id Software, the makers of Doom and Quake video games. They started with shareware. The first Doom game was released on their site as shareware and quickly rose to 800,000 downloads. You can imagine that if even ten percent of those people paid, they made millions.Could this type of model work for black science fiction writers and multimedia artists? Could we create something, whether electronic book, video, game or what have you, and follow the shareware model to attract viewers and gain their support of our work?What do you think?</div>I'm So Tornhttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/groups/CreatingOurStory/forum/2010448-Topic-147422008-07-14T13:40:17.000Z2008-07-14T13:40:17.000ZTerrence Walkerhttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/TerrenceWalker<div>Having worked in the mainstream and without, I am always torn as to what to do with my talents and abilities. There is always this tug of war between doing what you <b>want</b> to do and <b>surviving</b>. Many things that I encountered during my time in mainstream land were quite disgusting and a lot of it turned me off.So I have ideas. So what? Who <b>are</b> they really for? Who is really going to watch them, benefit from them? I have this vision, one that is not so hard to imagine. For those who know the pinnacle anime film, <i>Akira</i>, picture a black science fiction animation on that level, done so well. What would that mean?Very little stands in the way of me making such a film, just time really... I am technically able. So why am I not making it? I have come to the conclusion that the only way this film will be made is when I am truly ready to make it and release it for <b>free</b>. I believe that when I am able to expect <b>nothing</b> from it, I will get the most out of doing it.When I was a child, I used to just create, and nothing else mattered. I want that back again.</div>So . . . Let's Get to Writing!https://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/groups/CreatingOurStory/forum/2010448-Topic-92682008-05-15T21:19:09.000Z2008-05-15T21:19:09.000ZDianehttps://blacksciencefictionsociety.com/members/Diane<div><p>One of the many things that get me on my soapbox is hearing about another story with fairies and elves. These sprites don't look or even think like me - they are truly foreign. Don't get me wrong here, I goobled up all that I could read as a child - The Brothers Grimm, Aesop's fables (never once noticing a clue that Aesop was indeed an African), Robin Hood, King Arthur and that blankety-blank sword - and I loved every one of them.<br/> <br/> I knew very well the princess was not like me- she let down her golden hair, but I read on. I loved the tales of Asgaard, moved on to the comics and cheered for that thunderous god Thor. Even today I follow Harry Potter to the end reveling in the creativity of the story.<br/> <br/> NOW I'M DARNED TIRED! Can't we think of African sprites? Can we not design and create a world with our own legends? I especially wish to read more historical-based fantasy based in Africa. No more blonde, flying fairies that grant the wishes of the occasional character of color. GIVE ME A NAPPY HEADED FAIRY WITH FLAVA!!!<br/> <br/> Okay. I suppose this has turned into a minor rant, but can you see what I'm getting at? We have to write it. Nalo and Charles and Carole and Oz and Ed cannot be alone. There are worlds that need creating - now.</p></div>