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Brian_egeston
Newbie Poster
Username: Brian_egeston
Post Number: 21
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: 
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 07:09 pm: | 
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Tomorrow, I'm conducting a writing workshop at a local Atlanta high school. It is a class in which the students are not reading on grade level and they are not classified as good writers.
After some investigation into what I should talk about and how to approach the students, I have learned that their most recent reading assignment was... Antigone by Sophocles
Is there any wonder why urban youths who are captivated by MTV and BET are not enthused about reading when their classroom penal system relegates them to reading works such as Antigone? I'm not stating that Antigone isn't an important work, but how do I, as a young kid, get excited about reading when I'm given books that have no relevance to my life and my culture.
I remember reading The Crucible in high school and never once being excited about it. I remember reading Fahrenheit 451 and praying for the day that I would finish it so that I could burn this book about burning books. Had it not been for my mother forcing me to read often, I might have been one of those students not reading on grade level and not being able to write.
Here is my issue/concern/question. How do we bring young readers to the table(other than making parents make them read). What I really want to know is, can we compile a list of books that might be holistically advantageous to young urban youths. (Captivating, well-written, important, relevant to the majority of urban youth, acceptable for classroom and home discussion.) This is more of a call to action rather than a debate, but as always dialouge is welcomed.
Here is my contribution to the list:
Eden by Olympia Vernon
Flyy Girl by Omar Tyree
Native Son by Richard Wright
Brian Egeston
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A_womon
Newbie Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 6
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 07:23 pm: |
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Black Boy--Richard Wright. Native Son is great! I have a first edition.
Man Child in The Promised Land, I read this book when I was in the 5th grade and loved it then. It helped nurture my love of reading,although Im sorry to say I have forgotten the authors name. I will find out though. |
A_womon
Newbie Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 7
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 07:33 pm: |
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manchild is written by claude brown. |
Brian_egeston
Newbie Poster
Username: Brian_egeston
Post Number: 22
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 09:54 pm: |
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Thanks a_womon. Contemporary suggestions for the list will be greatly appreciated as well.
Brian Egeston |
A_womon
Newbie Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 10
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 10:07 pm: |
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you're welcome! Contemporary, hmmmmm. I have been working on my novel for the last year and haven't done much reading lately, sad to say. But, the last great one that I read that kept me up all night was Coldest Winter Ever. It was a good read and it deals with some situations that some of your guys may be able to relate to. if i think of any others, i will hit you back later tonight!
I would love to have your feedback on the question that I posted regarding rejection letters on an earlier post of the same name. Would you mind? |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 351
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, May 03, 2004 - 11:42 pm: |
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Brian, "Makes Me Wanna Holla" by Nathan McCall, might hold the interest as well as inspire these students. |
Kc_trudiva
Regular Poster
Username: Kc_trudiva
Post Number: 49
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 07:27 am: |
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cynique: i agree, Makes Me Wanna Holler, is a good one. very urban.
brian: i know you didn't want debate but i have two-cents. i'm afraid to say that unless a student loves reading, naturally, then it is generally a forced habit. you even said so yourself. *warm smile*
i have a teenager and she did not like to read anything but Vibe or some other hip-hop magazine. as a parent, i don't mind her reading Vibe but she also needed to read other things to broaden her horizon. so one summer we went without a TV. the whole summer. i created a wish list of books i wanted her read and forced her to read them. everyday. for the entire summer. and believe it or not, she actually likes to read now. and that's a habit i didn't mind forcing on her.
dekalb county (GA) schools compile a list, every year, of books students can read during the summer. it's for all grade levels. and since many students don't generally waltz into a library, it's usually up to the parents to take them. many reading contests and programs (Reading Bowls, Debate clubs, book clubs) are implemented in the schools and libraries, too. but again, it's up to the parents to force the habit on their children, or it has to be something they like to do naturally.
i believe the whole point to reading things we don't generally like is to "learn something." in college, i didn't particularly care for text books or the magazines and newspapers i was forced to subscribe to, but i had to read them to learn my lesson. as a result, i still subscribe to some of those magazines today. sure, contemporary novels are fine, sometimes.
so i ask that you impress upon these students the knowledge gained from reading. it may help them with their analytical skills, vocabulary, comprehension, diction, word usage, sentence structure, etc. these are skills relevant to everyday life, i think. it also makes them well diversed on many subjects when they chose to read on different subjects. knowledge is power; there's a lot of knowledge in books (and magazines).
ess |
Thumper
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Thumper
Post Number: 120
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 07:50 am: |
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Hello All,
I am in total agreement with kc_trudiva. I ditto her whole post. I want to add that it is not up to the English teacher to inspire a love of reading but to teach English, all forms of English. True most of the books, plays, essays, etc students are assigned to read are boring as hell, but there is a method to the madness. Antigone by Sophocles sounds boring as all get out, but what are the reasons the teacher assigned it? It's more important that teachers build a solid English foundation than entertaining the students, and that may include reading the Greek tragedies, Shakespeare, and all those other dead white men. I can only hope that when there is a spot, when a book written by an AA makes the points that the teacher is trying to make, it is used. But in the meantime, as kc_trudiva said, there are summer reading programs sponsored by libraries and other organizations. We should be stirring our children into participating in these programs. |
Brian_egeston
Newbie Poster
Username: Brian_egeston
Post Number: 23
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 09:20 am: |
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Thanks for your contribution to the list, Thumper. I can always count on you when it's time to stop talking and start doing.
KC, great post. Perhaps I love this the most...
"i created a wish list of books i wanted her read and forced her to read them. everyday. for the entire summer. and believe it or not, she actually likes to read now."
Hence the request for a wish list of books I/We think might be appealing to urban students who don't enjoy reading. I've seen the DeKalb county reading list and am of the opinion that it needs to be expanded.
Thanks again KC...oh yeah and you too,Thumper.
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Kc_trudiva
Veteran Poster
Username: Kc_trudiva
Post Number: 51
Registered: 04-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 11:37 am: |
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brian: the school board is always open to suggestions on improving their reading lists...and so are the public libraries. speak either to a library director or a representative of the local school board to voice your concern.
i know they're probably tired of hearing from this "involved" parent, but to be honest it ain't enough of "us" involved so i'm in a sense speaking for the masses.
did i also mention that i forced my child to read The Bluest Eyes? if that's not considered torture to a (then) 12-year-old. but i considered it getting a jump start on things to come...being proactive instead of reactive.
hope all goes (went) well with your workshop.
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Yukio
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yukio
Post Number: 252
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 11:51 am: |
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well...when i was a kid, i wasn't tryin to read sh*t during the summa...also, i'm into teachin good reading and writin skills, but besides the euro-american(white) canon...they need a continental canon., ie african, latin american, etc...
In addition, these kids need to be re-educated about writing and speaking the english language. Rather than our children being taught that the way they speak in the street is "bad" and uneducated or stupid or igorant and formal english is "good," they need to be taught that one is for school, job interviews and your general dealings with "da MAN." We tend to hierachiarzie the language. It is only a tool; a moral judgement (good/bad) should not enter the conversation. They have different purposes. Of course, the inability to speak and write formal english is detrimental, but to valorize it is to miss the point that is only a tool to enter a particular world. This also works with fiction, non-fiction, and general reading materials... |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 355
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 12:39 pm: |
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English shouldn't be referred to as good and bad, but as standard and non-standard. It should be explained that to be able to speak standard English is a great advantage in a situation where it is necessary to make a good impression. |
Akaivyleaf
Veteran Poster
Username: Akaivyleaf
Post Number: 58
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 01:49 pm: |
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AMEN Cynique... I couldn't agree more!
I was teacher in the Atlanta Public School System when dinosaurs still roamed the earth and the major flaw to their whole program in my not so humble opinion, was that the teachers didn't beleive in what they were doing. How can this translate into warm fuzzies for the students or an environment primed for learning? The teachers used non-standard English in the classroom, homework wasn't done- oh well, the assigned reading not complete- take a few more days to do it, no meaningful discussion of the reading anyway because 8 times out of 10 the teachers didn't bother to read it and refresh their memories as well.
Each school district has required reading lists- more of a required genre list and teachers are free to choose which books for their class and you're right those lists need some serious rework. Another point is that the books on the list need to be readily available in school libraries and local libraries because the next complaint to come about is the cost of the books is prohibitive to students obtaining them.
Take a poll from the teachers... ask them what is the latest book they've read and when was the last time they read a book cover to cover, I bet you'll be shocked at the reply. Most of my colleagues couldn't believe that I would be in the break room with a book during my planning session. I already had my lesson plans done and my mind was constantly churning away at ways to make my class exciting and fun within the confines of the system so why not read a good book for 45 minutes.
In my opinion as a former educator, I couldn't expect my children to do what I wasn't willing to do myself. Those in it for the paycheck will never effectively teach the children.
What school are you going (did you go) to Brian? |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 202
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 02:38 pm: |
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Thumper:
They could have assigned Raisin in the Sun, The Piano Lesson, Five on the Blackhand Side, the River Niger any number of plays that are contemporary and acknowledged classics. What job can you get, besides a teaching or theater gig, where anyone will care if you have read Antigone or not? I'll wager 99% of the white American public does not know what Antigone was or who Sophocles is. They would have got more out of reading some Shakespeare. More cultural imperialism is what it is. |
Kathleen_cross
Newbie Poster
Username: Kathleen_cross
Post Number: 6
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 03:42 pm: |
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Last night I watched a public television special about "critical pedagogy." In a nutshell, this instructional methodology places emphasis on what students bring to the learning experience and how teachers can best capitalize on what students already know to engage them more fully in the learning process.
Critical pedagogy is a teaching strategy that seeks to empower students to think abstractly and independently -- and to "become truly humanized social agents in the world. Hence, a major function of critical pedagogy is to critique, expose, and challenge the manner in which schools impact upon the political and cultural life of students." (Antonia Darder, 1995)
I tuned in to the program late, but managed to catch an inner-city teacher using Octavia Butler's novel "The Parable of the Sower". The students were engaged in meaningful discussion about how Butler's future world (it is set in the year 2025) related to current events and contemporary community life. Some students expressed themselves in "standard" English, others didn't, but all of the students who participated in the discussion offered deep, informed and relevant comments that compared and contrasted Butler's novel with the real life political and social conditions surrounding them. It was fascinating and encouraging to watch.
For more info on critical pedagogy: http://www.21stcenturyschools.com/critical_pedagogy.htm
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 356
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 04:15 pm: |
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Along these lines, I've always felt that the Rap mode could be used as teaching technique, because kids quickly key into ideas couched in its cadenced style. No doubt about it, when learning is made fun and has familiar references, it is easier to teach. |
Lambd
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Lambd
Post Number: 108
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 07:30 pm: |
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Amen, Cynique! Amen! I am so proud of your last post. I thought I had lost you for a minute. I knew you had a secret love for rap somewhere hidded in that high I.Q. I wish I could give you twenty stars for that post. I am so in love with you right now. |
Linda
Newbie Poster
Username: Linda
Post Number: 15
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 09:43 pm: |
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Cynique, you are so right. I was asked to talk to sixth graders about poetry. I chose to use rap as the foundation while explaining some of the technical aspects of poetry. I further gained their interest with a little AA history about slavery and the writing of songs to past messages. The hook was getting the entire class to paticipate and write a rap/poem/secret message enabling me to return to Cincinnati from Indianapolis without any of the grown ups finding out. They had a great time, they all contributed, and the time flew by. Not only did they send me letters thanking me, but they told about me books they were currently reading --without being told too! I added a finishing touch of printing the poem they wrote, framed it and it is now placed in the schools hallway with all the names of the students and their teacher, giving them all something to be proud of. LOL |
A_womon
Newbie Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 19
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 10:08 pm: |
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this is not a new idea, putting educational facts to rap music, i know a teacher who has been doing this for years and his students do quite well. So much for rap and hip hip being the downfall of our young brothers and sisters. Here we see a revolution in progress.
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Brian_egeston
Newbie Poster
Username: Brian_egeston
Post Number: 24
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, May 04, 2004 - 10:13 pm: |
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Akaivyleaf,
I went to South Atlanta High and had a GREAT time. Part II is scheduled for Thursday. It’s AMAZING what you can bring out of a kid when you meet him/her at their level.
There was an assistant along with me as part of the writers in schools programs and she told me about the same class of 40 students having a visit form Joyce Maynard who has been a magazine journalist, a reporter with The New York Times, a syndicated newspaper columnist (Domestic Affairs), frequent contributor to NPR's All Things Considered, and a lecturer on writing. The assistant commented that it’s difficult to get the kids interested in a book of which they can’t relate.
Keep in mind, not one of the students in the class looks like Joyce Maynard, and none of them look like the characters in her book. Now, is it any surprise that five out of forty students read the book before she visited to discuss the novel? Not taking anything away for Joyce. She’s a beautiful writer, but isn’t this selling electric heaters in the desert? They were able to do some activities with the book eventually.
I would rather someone assign the class to read A Raisin in the Sun(as Chrishayden suggested) and preface it with, “You know Puffy is doing this play on Broadway right now, don’t you?”
Hence the need for a list of books(hint hint—insert more suggestions here) that are relative and captivating to urban youth.
Brian Egeston
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 362
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 12:21 am: |
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Lambd, I never said I didn't like Rap. But I am an adult and I can keep it in perspective. And who said I have a high IQ? Duh.
Linda, you really are doing your thing, aren't you? You Go, Girl.
A-womon, yes, I hear that there are teachers in Chicago schools who have been using Rap as a teaching tool for quite a while. (In fact, back in prehistoric times, during my grade school days, we learned our state capitals and multiplication tables by singing them.) |
A_womon
Newbie Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 22
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 12:30 am: |
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Cynique-hahaha! now that was funny. Also i would like to read your book. Were you a little afraid of putting your book out there at first? Did you try the traditional routes before you self published? ie,agents, publishers. What made you self publish? I have just begun sending out my manuscript, and I was just curious. |
A_womon
Newbie Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 25
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 01:17 am: |
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Dang Brian! I know you don't need me to tell you this but,YOU GOT SKILLS. Here are some additional contributions to the list: whippins switches and peach cobbler, grandaddy's dirt, and that short story that's on your website about Uncle Shotgun and Auntee D and 'nem! I know you included those.
I wish I had known about this board before I sent my manuscript off, i would have asked for some input first. |
Thumper
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Thumper
Post Number: 121
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 07:48 am: |
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Hello All,
Brian: I have a couple of suggestions for the reading list:
1.) Lion's Blood by Steven Barnes
2.) Dakota Grand and Dark by Kenji Jasper
3.) Damn near any book by Walter Dean Myers and Jacqueline Woodson
4.) Miss Ophelia by Mary Burnett Smith
5.) The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips--I know the subject matter may be a little strong but I still think this novel is a good choice.
6.) Not Without Laughter by Langston Hughes
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Linda
Newbie Poster
Username: Linda
Post Number: 16
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 10:30 am: |
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Cynique - Yeah, I'm still plowing along, though the ground is always hard. *wink* My second novel will be released this fall - so hit me at my email - Linda@aalbc.com. I want to make sure I still have your correct address to send your copy. LOL
A_woman - It's never too late to get input. After reading your posts I am now curious as to what has you so passionately defensive. Can you email me as well so I can take a peek? Or perhaps give us a excerpt on the board? |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 365
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 11:53 am: |
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Linda, what is it I'm passionately defensive about?? If it's my book, I'm actually passively disinterested. LOL (My short attention span has spilled over into all areas of my life except for crossword puzzles and LOTR trivia. Writing books is no longer a priority. Been there, done that.) |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 204
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 01:47 pm: |
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All:
I learned my alphabet by learning the alphabet song. Even now, when I am alphabetizing, I will sing the song to find the latter (what comes after "l"?
Cynique, if you really have a short attention span, how do you pay attention long enough to know? |
Linda
Newbie Poster
Username: Linda
Post Number: 17
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 03:26 pm: |
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Cynique - that second statement was for A_woman. Sorry you thought I was aiming it at you. Could it be your short attention span zoomed in before you read that *spank Cynique's hand* it said A_woman - not first row down, starting with a "C." LOL |
Yukio
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Yukio
Post Number: 257
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 03:51 pm: |
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thats funny, but I'm afraid our sista cynique is not the only poster with lil attension
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 368
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 04:00 pm: |
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Linda, OK, I see now. My bad. How did I miss that? Does drinkin wine affect one's attention span???LOL
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 369
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 04:21 pm: |
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Chris, I start out just fine and then my attention strays because for some reason whatever I'm focusing on suddenly doesn't seem worth my time. I guess I'm just crazy. I am absolutely riveted by patternless crossword puzzles which I've come to regard as exercises in Zen because when I complete one, I'm in a state of nirvana. I'm also fascinated with anything that has to do with forensic sciences and gory unsolved murder cases. But I have an unnatural revulsion to all of the hoopla the final season of "Friends" is generating. I hate all of those simple-ass people. I also hate all of these fools getting extreme make-overs. Well, don't get me started. I'm obviously turning into a misanthrope. Grrrr. |
Eviana
Regular Poster
Username: Eviana
Post Number: 46
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 04:55 pm: |
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Cynique,
Why is writing a thing of the past for you? What are some of your titles? I'm always looking for new authors so that I can get their perspective on whatever topic they desire. A lot of times these books are better than the repetitive books from established authors. Do tell so that I can read your book and boost about it. |
Linda
Newbie Poster
Username: Linda
Post Number: 19
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 04:57 pm: |
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Cynique, no problem. Now about that wine . . . hmmmm . . . let's hope it does. For those golden moments one spends with the nectar are meant to be pure solitude, carefree, and selfish. No writing post allowed - less we forget where we are. lol |
A_womon
Regular Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 29
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 08:47 pm: |
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I will post the prologue of my book online, even though nothing else has scared me on this board, doing this does.
But first I must know. If I have submitted my manuscript and someone has professed interest that they may even buy it, would I somehow be sabotaging my chances? What I mean to ask is, can I do that without causing myself trouble with my perspective publisher? |
Passion
Newbie Poster
Username: Passion
Post Number: 11
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 10:19 pm: |
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A-Womon:
You sound pretty "absent minded" to be making so much noise.
First of all, if a publisher buys your manuscript, which I doubt they will from all that you've told us (mark my words)...
...they won't want portions of it "serialized" for free on the internet. Unless it's from an already published book.
Then again, there's the more than likely chance that they'll never even realize it's on the internet. If you keep your mouth shut.
You shouldn't post it.
Also...did it ever occur to you that the publisher read your 2 page query....realized how GREEN you are...and thought maybe they'd let you send in your manuscript so they can STEAL all the good stuff out of it and then...send it back to you?
Don't be surprised.
And I can't believe you're raising kane about all these trashy, worthless, hip hop exploitation books on the market of late???
It's like Jill Scott said. She had to work her butt off FOR YEARS to get a record company to even let her audition as a backup singer.
But any talentless black ghetto girl with a blond weave, wearing only a WASH CLOTH and a clear voice can RAP herself into a recording contract...as long as she's willing (in her work)...to degrade her sex, pander to the worst stereotypes about her neighborhood and exploit the lowest of the lowest "cool black" situations for ENTERTAINMENT VALUE.
That's what these hip hop books pretty much are. White people's EXCUSE for not publishing real writers with real talent. So they can make millions feeding us trash. Books that talk all day but say NOTHING.
Don't reply, because I won't be back to continue this conversation with you. I'm gone for good.
But think about all that.
GIRLFRIEND
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Brian_egeston
Newbie Poster
Username: Brian_egeston
Post Number: 25
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 10:43 pm: |
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Thumper,
I am humbled and appreciative. Just when I think I've got you figured out, you castle your rook.
A-Womon. With regards to Passion's post. Welcome to the world of publishing where you're fair game for any and all comments. Get that thick skin ready.
Brian Egeston |
A_womon
Regular Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 32
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 10:51 pm: |
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LOL! Thanks Brian, but my skin has already been thickened. Though this is my first novel, I have been writing for a local magazine for over a year, and I know bitter people when I see them!! Or read their posts--passion!
Do you agree with her about me not posting any of my novel? |
Solomonjones
Newbie Poster
Username: Solomonjones
Post Number: 21
Registered: 02-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 11:22 pm: |
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A_womon -
There are probably better ways to get feedback than posting pieces of your novel online. I wouldn't do it. Rather, you may want to join a writer's group, or even have someone whose judgment you trust take a look at it. Just make sure that it's someone who has an understanding of the English language, and someone who will be honest and constructively critical without being vicious. If you're trying to go with a major publisher, you will first need an agent, which means that you will need a ONE PAGE query letter that acts as a commercial for the work. It should explain what the work is about, why the agent should represent it, who you are, why you're qualified to write it, and if you're feeling especially creative and market-savvy, it should compare the work to other successful works in the same vein. That will speak to the most important aspect of the work (sadly, it's not the writing), which is its marketability.
Also, you'll want to realize that whenever you're trying to do something that others want to do but can't, haters will emerge. Use their venom as fuel to propel you to the top. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 371
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, May 05, 2004 - 11:58 pm: |
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A-womon, what is the name of the publisher you submitted your manuscript to? Was it one that ran an ad soliciting book manuscripts? How long did it take this company to reply to your query letter? |
A_womon
Regular Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 34
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 01:39 am: |
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cynique,
it's not a publishing house. i was fortunate enough to get my manuscript read by an actress. I really don't want to say too much here, but the process has been a long one,(i guess it would really not be considered long by some) beginning last october. it took about a month. and she has been more than gracious. I think cynique you are thinking that a self publisher approached me? Or that I approached one of them? the answer is no. forgive me if I misunderstood you.
solomonjones
thank you for your valuable advice!! I did all of those things accept one. i had some doubts about my query because i did a comparison with books already on the market so your advice reinforces the route I took. once I have gotten this person's final decision on my work, whether it is ultimately accepted or not, I will share more with you all.
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 375
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 02:05 am: |
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Oh, OK, A-womon, I thought since you were wondering about a rejection notice that you had sent your manuscript to a publishing house. Are you looking to sell the rights so the it can be turned into a screen play? Or do you want to reveal that. |
A_womon
Regular Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 36
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 02:06 am: |
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solomonjones i meant except of course :D |
Bookgirl
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Bookgirl
Post Number: 80
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 02:26 am: |
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Don't post it on line. If you want Big Daddy;LOL(thought that was kinda funny) I mean Thumper to critique it; send it to him by e-mail @ AALBC.
Good Luck! |
A_womon
Regular Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 37
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 02:29 am: |
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I would have to reserve answer on that until I see what, if any offers are forthcoming. I asked about rejection letters because I was assuming that if they didn't like my work it would follow a similar process as a publishing company. im new on this journey so im not really sure. |
A_womon
Regular Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 38
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, May 06, 2004 - 02:33 am: |
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LOL thank you book girl!! |
Eviana
Regular Poster
Username: Eviana
Post Number: 50
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 02:01 pm: |
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A_womon,
Just thought you should know not all of us have the same views as that of Passion. I believe that whoever this person is, is nothing less than a coward who can't handle people telling them their opinions, but have no problem in saying what they feel no matter how harsh the post is. I don't think poster like that should be allowed. If you can dish it than take it, but to say 'don't respond because I won't be back to further discuss it' is only a way to humilate the attacked poster and that's not fair.
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A_womon
Regular Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 40
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 05:53 pm: |
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Eviana,
I don't ever sweat the small stuff, but thanks for the positive flow. It's obvious to me that passion is bitter about something-hmmmmmmmmm maybe she spent the day drinking haterade and didn't have anything to sweeten it with? whatever the case, my skin is pretty thick so her comments just rolled off like water off a duck's back! |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 383
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 06:17 pm: |
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Judging from some of her other posts, "Passion" sounds like a certain hissing diva who has returned to the board and who shall remain nameless. heh-heh |
A_womon
Regular Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 41
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 06:50 pm: |
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Cynique,
I am liking you more and more! You are so crazy!! So when do I get to read your book? |
A_womon
Regular Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 44
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 05:23 pm: |
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solomonjones
no disrespect intended to your wife but after visiting your website i just got to say it.
YOU SHO IS FOINE!!!!!! i read in the bible that King solomon was black and handsome and if any of our black brothers or sisters make a movie about him, well you already got the name and i think you could definitely play the role, my brotha!
anyway, i saw that one of your books is titled pipe dreams, my book is about a person who is addicted, so i was wondering if you would like to be the person to give me some honest feedback on it?
I will be buying your book this friday when a sistah git paid! (yes i am still living from paycheck to paycheck unfortunately)
ps i am writing the sequel to my first book and have outlined a third. i will be more than ready for the book world if in fact my opportunity has arrived. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 385
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 06:51 pm: |
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a-womon and Eviana, I never put my little generic self-published paperback into widespread publication and currently the only way you can check it out is to supply me with a mailing address and I'll send you a complimentary free copy. To do this, you can e-mail me at LanPbls130@aol.com. |
A_womon
Regular Poster
Username: A_womon
Post Number: 45
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, May 08, 2004 - 08:04 pm: |
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ok cynique i just emailed you my address. thank you! |
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