The Hezekiah Effect For Writers

By Sherryle Kiser Jackson, author of Soon and Very Soon

Someone estimated that everybody gets about 15 minutes of fame. It would suggest that the recognition we receive as writers for our works will ultimately subside to make way for someone else’s time. When does our 15 minutes begin? Is it when you have crystallized a theme or idea in your mind and proudly announce to friends and loved ones, “I am writing a book?” Is it the minute you learn to juggle the creative and business side of writing shopping your completed manuscript and securing a publishing deal. Or does it happen much later when you see your finished product properly bound with your name prominently on the packaging?

As writers we are all somewhere in that process. Even though we may not have submitted our offerings for recognition and fame, we ultimately want someone to read it, right? I mean, we did have something to say. Somehow we are lead to believe that our book’s release date is the starting time and like a Domino Pizza delivery guy we are hell bent to deliver in 30 minutes or less. Is the clock ticking on our book’s relevance? Does the amount of time our books sit on the shelves before being noticed and appreciated by the masses diminish its poignancy? Don’t we all wish that we have written a classic and definitive novel in our particular genre that will receive steady sales and leave our publishers with no other choice but to go into a second, third or fourth reprinting?

New authors, especially those not use to running into that phone booth as a mere citizen of the creative world and emerging as a book marketing expert, are particularly concerned about their book’s shelf life. They may still be on hold with the publicity department trying to figure out what their publisher is going to do to help market their book for them or in the line at Kinko’s printing out a thousand homemade flyers. What is a press release?

In Biblical times, Hezekiah, the King of Judah faced the end of his life. The prophet, Isaiah was sent to tell him, “set your affairs in order, for you are going to die.” A premature death was prescribed to Hezekiah. How does a man face his last and final days? Hezekiah had a mild breakdown, similar to the one many authors have when they think of the thousands of books in the bookstore, or worse, in their living room, that they have no idea how to move. Hezekiah didn’t accept the timeline given to him. It is written that on his sick bed, he turned his faith to the wall and prayed to the Lord, reminding Him at the same time of how faithful he had been.

“Father, remember the countless hours I have spent, writing, researching, editing and re-writing this novel. I got up every morning and completed my morning papers like Julia Cameron suggested in The Artist Way. I cut my ties to the literal and tried my best to show-not-tell as outlined in the Elements of Style, by Shrunk and White. Not to mention the money I spent in conferences, writer’s workshops and retreats. I understand its all part of the deal. The books are not going to sale themselves. Please don’t let them send my book back to the publisher. Please, Lord, I’ve got to make back my advance.”

The Lord heard Hezekiah’s plea and agreed he was indeed faithful to his craft. God promised he would heal him and added fifteen more years on to his life. Another fifteen. What could we do with another fifteen minutes of fame. Maybe we could truly make a coast to coast book tour. That might be just enough time for the producers at Oprah to unearth your book from the slush pile of perspective Oprah Book Club picks. Heck, you need that extra time just to explore the infinite possibilities of on-line marketing-the real New Frontier. So we can learn a thing or two from Hezekiah: don’t let critics mark the time of death for your book, stay faithful to your craft, and take a kneel beside your laptop or PC, stare at that that wall cluttered with pin ups of character sketches, outlines and literary contacts and pray for mercy.










Sherryle Jackson
Author of Soon and Very Soon
ISBN-13:978-1-60162-949-4
ISBN-10:1-60162-949-4
Soon is not just a promised destination, but a journey

First Checklist for Self Publishing

Ahhh. The story is complete. And you are feeling mighty proud. You have gone over it, and gone over it again. You've sent it in your protected manuscript to others and have waited with no response. You've been rejected, but you know that you've got something worth reading. You strive on to publish it ya damn self.


Self-publishing is a market place for many to pursue. There are many vanity presses out there who thrive on aspiring authors, with big dreams, a copyrighted work, and kite-filled hopes. If you are looking for nothing more but to see a physical book in your hand, then go ahead and try a, 'help-you-publish,' service.

Try to aim for a well respected, reputable company with a great package. Shop around first to see what you can live with. And remember, when it's all said and done, it's THEIR ISBN number on the back of the book. It's still your story, but it is their book to sell, or not sell. Your story would still most likely be your responsibility to shop. And if it did start to do well, then there may be issues, and rights to deal with. What's an ISBN you ask?

Go find a soft cover book right now. Turn it over and look at the back. See that barcode? See the set price? That should always belong to you as well as the story itself. Want to learn more?

Follow me next week. I'm trying teach a little game to those who don't already know.
Join me next time as I will give you a second-things-next checklist for self publishing. It's free game baby. That concrete based, foundational game. I'm down here all of the time.
Much luv all the way from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to you.


Happy writing, and do what you gotta do to Get Ya Shine ON!
"Get Ya Shine On!" - Milwaukee's Urban Author, Teresa Rae Butler of, "Don't Even Trip," the sequel, "God, I Respect Ya Gangsta," and the 2008 release, "Entreprenubian Royalty."


www.myspace.com/teresaraebutler
www.text4mpublishing.com
And the
Teresa Rae Butler's CITY SEXY BLOG http://teresaraebutlerscitysexyblog.blogspot.com

Being Professional

With this being African American History Month I got to thinking about how we treat our own. We have had to overcome so much in our time in this country. I am not going to run down every negative thing that has happen to us I am sure you’ll hear about that all month. This is a piece that speaks to the reverse behavior we have adopted in the way we treat each other and conduct our business.

I have noticed that in the various walks of life many African American’s don’t truly know how to act or present themselves in a professional manner. Now you may ask, “K. L. what does this have to do with African American History Month?” Well its simple, with all that we have overcome you would think being professional to another person of color should be the cultural norm. Many other cultures seem to get a charge out of helping another in a professional manner.


I truly believe that so many suffer from the pains of past aristocrats and because of that they have gotten use to being rude to anyone that has the same color as them. It actually has become a norm that too many people of color can’t do business with each other. Many blacks will say openly, “I would rather do business with whites, because you know how blacks are.”


As a new writer I am learning that in the Literary Game, many have seemed to wrap themselves up in acting in whatever way they want regardless of how it appears to others. I see the absence of professionalism in various ways. The term “keeping it real” seems to be a buzz word for speaking and acting anyway you want to someone. The use of profanity and Ebonics in meetings or interviews comes to the forefront which causes the exit of professionalism. When I am listening to many of the on-line shows, like Urban Literary Review where guests have an opportunity to discuss the topics of their books I tend to question the professionalism of the writers.


There is the business aspect of being professional, there are too many who want to try to “Street Hustle” their business instead of pushing their business in a strong professional manner. You can get out in the world and truly push and push to get your product out in the hands of those who you want to do business with and still not have it look like a street corner drug sale.


Some African Americans can’t seem to see that professionalism means coming to the table prepared to offer something to get something. Your book may be about your life on the street but when you are attempting to market it to the public through this type of medium there is a point where even in your own word you need to remain professional.


Just my thoughts. This is not intended to be a attack on any one particular performer, artist or writer .

Respect always,

K. L.

www.myspace.com/klthewriter

'The Holiday Ha-Ha's'

The holidays are a time to come together and share warm and friendly moments and to mainly, well...vacation. Let Famous Milwaukee Author, Teresa Rae Butler show you how to avoid the hassle in a smart, savvy and classy way.

The chestnuts roast on the open flames, winds wind-up crispy leaves into swirls of wonder, and the new fallen snow happily clusters on fluttering eyelashes. The picture perfect settings makes up for good times. This is what makes the holidays worth it. Right? But for many Black families who are underpaid and over worked, the holidays can be a bothersome frenzy equaling one huge headache. Because many Black families already lack a central hub to gather, i.e. Big Momma's House- 'who's in charge for dinner?'

That is just one of many questions that surround the catastrophe of an uncelebrated, season's greeting. And so the scramble begins! 'This year we're having festivities at your house!' What? Since when did I volunteer my crib? Everyone knows that you always have a few problems when you invite people to your house for festivities.

For me, It's the people issues. I don't know about your family, but I have a drunk uncle who is always loud, pushy and aggressive. He always takes about three plates of food home and always needs a ride across town to get there. But we love him still and are always glad to see him. As members come in from the cold, they are welcomed to the early arrivers with good regards. But what about those carpet stains? To keep people from tracking black stuff on your carpet, have a bowl of .99 cent socks, in a bowl with the tiny hanger attached. Y? Because you will always find that someone will not want to remove shoes or boots because of hole filled socks and stockings. There will be children. So to keep from slapping them in the head for running in front of the TV just set aside an area for them to congregate. I use my basement, because the area is carpeted, toy equipped and sealed away from heaters and other dangerous units. There they have their tables, chairs, their own TV and games to sort through. Teenagers are also shifted to this part of the house because they ARE NOT GROWN just yet. Be sure to salt your well-cleared stairs and sidewalks, because your family will still sue you, and on the holidays at that. Keep a variety of music and movies.

Some may want to hear holiday tunes, some may want jazz and a little blues. To keep from being stuck with feeding everyone and cleaning up every damn thing, make folk bring a dish in a big, tin disposable pan. And when they go- 'Hey! It's not my fault that your macaroni was NOT a hit this year. Take it with you. Thanks. I love you.' This way, everything goes smooth for the picture taking, the video recording and the maximum enjoyment of those good ol' Holiday Ha-Ha's.

Join me next time as I will give you a first-things-first checklist for self publishing. It's free game baby. That concrete base, foundation game. I'm down here all of the time.
Much luv all the way from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to you.


Happy writing, and do what you gotta do to Get Ya Shine ON!
'Get Ya Shine On!' - Milwaukee's Urban Author, Teresa Rae Butler of, 'Don't Even Trip,' the sequel, 'God, I Respect Ya Gangsta,' and the 2008 release, 'Entreprenubian Royalty.
www.myspace.com/teresaraebutler
www.text4mpublishing.com

And the

Teresa Rae Butler's CITY SEXY BLOG http://teresaraebutlerscitysexyblog.blogspot.com

Why Can't I Get A Dag -Gone Book Deal?

Don't even trip! Because you know what? You are here! We see it all of the time. People send a script in to a publishing house and sweat it out everyday to the mailbox. Then it finally shows up. The response letter. You hold it to your chest. You wait before you open it. You praise God and claim it. You talk junk to people like, "YEAH. And I'm finna move out this raggalee house of yours! Cuz Teresa don't need ya! I got my come up right here! Smell me?" You even have nerve to pull out the envelope to rub it in the person's face. You are certain. So deodorant sure that you open it. Your face drops. It reads something like:

Dear such and such,
We everly regret the so and forth.
You may have been rejected because of so and so.
But don't take it so hard, Jack! Life is sweet because ours is good.
We know that you thought that we would be able to get you up out the hood.
Sorry. Not today.
Don'y cry-dry ya eye.
We truly hope that your face hasn't dropped, and would like to invite you to our next book signing for, "Skippy Jip by Silly Sally."
There you can also find anti-hater copies of, "Step Yo Game Up Playa. I Did."
Don't be salty.
Be Blessed. One. Fist up in the air!

Now you look sorry for real. And you know what? They are right. Thousands of manuscripts pour in to these companies monthly, and yes- you may have been passed up because of such and such. BUT SO WHAT! It is a Universe of plenty, and you just have to believe in yourself and do it yourself. Don't be at the bottom of the chain angry and hungry. Educate yourself about self publishing. Sell yourself! Somebody will buy it. Afterall, wasn't it a person who slapped a funky, half of a piece of a smooshed cake between some plastic, and sold to the point of heavy rotation?
Now look at them. Hood rich and then some, chile! That's called, "Faking it till' you make it!"
"We know them lil' generic cakes is nasty," like Madea might joke with a ciggy in the kitchen, but we all have purchased them. Trust me. You have an audience. Just make sure that you step your game up before the next time you step out on faith. Here's a strong tip of what to do with those rejection letters and sent e-mails; KEEP THEM! You never know if there is a snake out there trying to nick your work. You will need proof that you sent work in that was rejected for legal purposes should the unforgivable arise.
As always, DO WHAT YOU GOTTA DO TO GET YA SHINE ON!

NEXT TIME? The Holiday Ha-Ha's
The holidays are a time to come together and share warm and friendly moments and to mainly, well...vacation. The chestnuts roast on the open flames, winds wind-up crispy leaves into swirls of wonder, and the new fallen snow happily clusters on fluttering eyelashes. 'This year we're having festivities at your house!.' As members come in from the cold, they are welcomed to the early arrivers with good regards.
This is what makes the holidays worth it. Right? But for many Black families who are underpaid and over worked, the holidays can be a bothersome frenzy equalling one huge headache. Because many Black families already lack a central hub to gather, i.e. Big Momma's House- whose in charge for dinner? That is just one of many questions that surround the catastrophe of an uncelebrated, season's greeting. And so the scrammble begins! Let Famous Milwaukee Author, Teresa Rae Butler show you how to avoid the hassle in a smart, savvy and classy way.

Happy writing, and do what you gotta do to Get Ya Shine ON!


'Get Ya Shine On!' - Milwaukee's Urban Author, Teresa Rae Butler of, 'Don't Even Trip,' the sequel, 'God, I Respect Ya Gangsta,' and the 2008 release, 'Entreprenubian Royalty.

www.myspace.com/teresaraebutler

www.text4mpublishing.com

And the
Teresa Rae Butler's CITY SEXY BLOG http://teresaraebutlerscitysexyblog.blogspot.com

Author Spotlight on Author Henri Edmonds, "The Georgia Avenue Bus"

HENRI EDMONDS BIOGRAPHY

Henri Edmonds, B.A., M.A. Professor- Theatre Arts Howard University, Author, and Actress
Henri Edmonds, who grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a performing arts major at Fisk University, obtained an M. A. degree in the theatre at Western Reserve University in 1956, taught theatre and speech at Grambling College. There she created the third African-American childrens’ theatre in the country. She came to Washington, DC in 1958 and taught at Howard University in the English Department.

From 1962 to 1972, she was a Speech Pathologist in the Prince George's County School System. In 1973, she joined her brother, Dr. Randolph Edmonds, at the Martin Luther King Hospital in Los Angeles as a speech pathologist.

Henri returned to Howard in 1974, where she is currently a professor of Speech and Theatre. She has served twice as Chair of the department, 1979 - 81 and again in 1999 - 2004. She is committed to the training of knowledgeable theatre artists. She is dedicated to the principle of developing the highest quality of theatre arts, and to the serious investigation and perpetuation of the experiences and aesthetics of Black theatre.

During her tenure at Howard, she expanded her range to include writing many plays and stories for children, most notably Mushy Mouth. She has produced and directed many plays locally and nationally. She composed the music for Brother, Brother, Brother Mine, which won the Maytime Festival in Dundalk, Ireland.

Her acting credits include the role of Mary Thomas in the highly acclaimed movie "Something The Lord Made" which received three Emmy nominations. The Story of Maple Hill was a winner of the 1996 Baltimore Writers Alliance contest. The Georgia Avenue Bus is a collection of short stories about Morris Bernard Fletcher and the passengers on The Georgia Avenue Bus line.

Henri has appeared in several television roles, most notably THE CORNER and THE WIRE. Her writings include the murder mystery theatre play, WHO KILLED RAOUL? and WEARING THE MASK, which was the first drama televised at WHUT Channel 32.

During her career she has taught many now famous students: Harriet D. Foy, Isaiah Washington (Grey's Anatomy), Anthony Anderson (Hustle and Flow), Nikkole Salter (In the Continuum), Marva Hicks, Carla Hargrove (Hairspray), Frenchie (American Idol) and others who regularly appear on television and film.

Contact the author:
Henri Edmonds, B.A., M.A.
Website: www. HenriEdmonds.com
Email: Henried@msn.com
MySpace URL is: http://www.myspace.com/henriedmonds



The Georgia Avenue Bus Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, this collection of short stories highlights the adventures of Morris Bernard Fletcher and the passengers on the Georgia Avenue Bus. With the life of Morris "Fletch" Fletcher intertwined with his regular customers, this series of short stories fleshes out their lives as they commute along DC's infamous Georgia 70s bus line. Through his eyes, we meet various characters who remind us of our own frailty, glory and struggle to rise above the obstacles that life presents to us because we see our own humanity in them. The colorful characters who ride the bus, will make you laugh or break your heart, yet, they will remain in your memory for a long time.


Book DetailsPaperback: 172 pages Publisher: Xlibris Corporation (Oct. 13, 2006) ISBN-10: 1425723330 ISBN-13: 978-1425723330


What Readers are Saying
…Brilliantly funny--A.H. Jenkins…A delightful read full of life, laughter, and love-- K. E. Collie…Captures the spirit of city and its people-- B. H. Hudson…The colorful characters remain in your memory --V. Jenkins



Professional and Media Endorsements

Washington Post Article April 2007At Amazyn Hair Design, one of 70 beauty shops along four-mile long Georgia Avenue, Mary Jeffries, center, and Joyce Fowler flip through " The Georgia Avenue Bus," a short fiction about the people on the Avenue, as it often is called. The book was written by Henri Edmonds, pictured on the far left, a professor at Howard University.


Washington Post Article May 2007Featured in the "Our Picks" segment of the Washington Post's weekend spots and events not to miss each weekend. Henri Edmonds, author of The Georgia Avenue Bus, was featured as the Literary pick of the week.


Author Henri Edmonds available for cyber chats, book signings, literary events, and speaking engagementsEmail: Henried@msn.com
Book can be purchased online fromOnline at: Amazon, Borders, Books-A-Million, Barnes & Nobles, Target, Xlibris, Olsson's, in stores at Howard University Bookstore.

"Scar Face the Movie Made More than Scar Face the Rapper" Jay Z "American Gangsta Sound Tract"

Looking Deeper at what’s being said when a poster or billboard is all that is speaking…

Today while driving around Brooklyn, listening to Jay Z’ American Gangster Soundtrack. He made the above statement and no sooner did I start to wrap my mind around that powerful thought something reached out and spoke to me as a New York City bus went by and I looked at the ad. I am not a fan of anything that has to do with supporting the so called “Gangster” way of life. I see too many young men affected by this. Listening to a copy of Jay Z’s C. D. (I didn’t pay for the copy it was given by a friend, I don’t support bootlegging in any fashion, that’s another story for another day) I wanted to hear what our children are listening to. This gives me a chance to shape my lessons in the classroom. And I started to think about this as I watched the bus go by and listened to Jay speak on being an American Gangster.

We talk often about the divide in the country between the races. We watch on T.V. about the so called “Race Card” that is played by both sides to create emotional connection or disconnection. Well, as a man of color who works very hard in trying to get young men and women to not end up in a system that doesn’t want them to be successful I have to pay close attention. Let me explain what I am talking about. In Brooklyn and around all of New York City, the upcoming new television series called Terminator is being promoted. “The Sara Conner Chronicles”. Well I am a fan of science fiction and actually enjoyed the movies but that is not the point of this article. On the sides of New York City buses are large bill boards of one of the female stars holding a large pump action shotgun like the one used by the character Sara Conner from the Terminator 2 movie. The questions I bring to the table is why is it okay for people of non-color to promote guns as their attention getters while people of color, who want to promote music, videos, or movies the same way are blurred or blacked out? This goes all the way back to the movie “Juice” which starred late rapper Tupac Shakur who was one of the main characters. The billboard was criticized for promoting violence. Does anyone see the double standard here? Over the years many movies with people of color suffered the same fate. So I ask this, are the powers that be saying the men and women of color are more prone to commit violence by seeing the black man with a gun compared to the white woman? I say no, not at all. I say be consistent all the way around. The flip side of this and maybe it is discussed in secret rooms of men who secretly want slavery back in effect, which many people of color truly believe, is if you say its ok for the white woman and not ok for the black man, you are creating a situation where the black man becomes more angry of his situation than he already is. There are so many factors that lead in the destruction of people’s mentality. I am not removing the role of personal responsibility. It is still each woman or man’s responsibility to govern their actions and of course what they allow to affect them. However, when you have marketing that speaks opposite those feeling what are our young men or women to think. For the record, I don’t believe that guns should be promoted by anyone. It’s not needed to great stories to be told or shown.

I write this not to play the race card but to bring attention to those who either are using it for greed purposes or using it by mistake and not accepting the damage simple posters or bill boards can do to individual perceptions. If they didn’t affect people’s behavior why would they spend so much money and research on where to place them to receive the best response? Isn’t that part of the allure of Time Square with all the fashion model billboards strategically placed for visitors to see?

Well in closing I would ask that we bring things to the table that can defuse the race issue and make it better for all us that have to occupy this planet. The “Race Card” will always be played it doesn’t have to create such an emotional reaction if we are prepared. Please look deeper at the things that are being promoted to you and ask yourself: What are they really trying to get me to see and feel? You might not like the answers.


Take Care and God Bless
K. L.

myspace.com/klthewriter
Trying to be creator of the stories that touch your soul.