BLACKBOOKFAIR MAG.Indd

National Black Book Festival

DOUBLETREE HOTEL (DOWNTOWN) June 10 -12, 2011 400 Dallas St. • Houston, Texas www.NationalBlackBookFestival.com • 1-800-340-5454

Featured & special guest authors

Isaiah Judge Mablean Gregg Washington Ephriam Alan Williams

Tananarive Judge Vanessa Pamela Samuels Due Gilmore -Young

Michelle Judge Oswald J. Carleen McKinney Hammond Scott Brice

Joyce Carol Vickie J.M. Thomas Stringer Benjamin sponsored bY: 2 Toneal Jackson Akira Bennett Partici pating Chanda Tracy Lightsey Frank Clay Publishers Sherry Price Toni Cole Raw - The Cheatologist Terrell Dunnum INSIDE Etched In Stone Publications Virginia, K. Jack Lift Every Voice Books Fantasy Victor B. Johnson Sr. Pantheon Collective T . N. Jenkins Nakia Laushaul Zoe Life Christian Communications Jeffery Martin National Black

History Evan Quitelle Barron Smith William T. Everett Book Expo...... Partici pating Periete Todd 4 Robert Moore Authors Avery Washington E. Arabis Zemill Beauty/Health Mainstream Angela H. Brown Fiction Religious/Faith Rapper MD Dr. Anita August Shawn Childers Schedule of Events...... China Ball Kontrena Clark 5 Biography Dominique Barber Leah L. Davis Regina Blackburn Brandy Bullock Nikia M. Dillon Lydia Brew Lawanna Lynn Campbell Elreta Dodds Karen C. Brown Ondrea L. Davis Quinn Dodds Sean Chandler J. R. Holden Cheryl Lacey Donovan Cathy Clay Ted Johnson Samuel Enyia Profile:...... 8 Michael Cowl Gordon J’son M. Lee Robert Forbes, Sandra Hamer Judge Mablean Ephrim Allison T. Moore DeMonica D. Gladney C. S. Hayes Justina R. Page Joy Harris Jacqueline Luckett Jenee E. Hudson John McCrary Business Rowena Jackson Monique Mensah Renee Jean Paul Bax Tamika Newhouse Kimberly Jenkins Natasha Owens Linda Bridgewater Johnson Profile...... 9 Children Tia Reyes Angela Joseph P atricia Enyi Isaiah Washington Michelle Janine Robinson Regina Mixon Michael Hickman Charles N. Smith Willie L. Monnet Sr. Amani Jackson Rose Mary Stiffin, Ph.D. Adrienne Mynatt Robert Lampkin Terri D Taiese L. Nevels Tanya Michelle Greg Alan Williams Lisa Ray Kristy K. Taylor Marilyn Reed Terlene Terry Todd Motivation/ Jan Whitaker Profile:...... 9 Uncle E Adrienne Wilson Self Help Gregg AlAn Williams James J. Adams Romance Carol S. Batey Anna Black Christian Latisha Brown Rashawn Johnson Fiction Charles E. Cox Jr. Rhonda Jackson Joseph Cheryl Faye Vernelle Nelson Stephanie Morris Crystal N. Flanagan Tara Ratney Alicia Wiggins “40 Seasons of Jazz”...... LaTonya G. Green, Oswald Scott 9 Kathy R. Jackson, Stephanie C Teens/Young Adults Fon James Jennifer D. Vargas S. Dodson Audrey McKay Andi Williams Charmette Fontenot Mikasenoja LaShell Williams A. Hansley Jr. Kay Jay Smith Mystery/Thriller Erotica Urban Fiction Literary Breakthrough Jemmie Adams Olayinka Aikens Gregg Burton E. M. Lacey Malachi Allen D. V. Hent Conference...... Monique D. Mensah De’Monica N. Cooper 10 MJL Mark Saint Cyr Claudia Moss Non-Fiction Lawanna Damous Envy Red Orchester Benjamin Alvenia Derban Gwendolyn Suarez Carriere Clifton Dutton Family/ Sheuvonda Gina-Nacole Relationships Nancy Townsend Marcus Henry Playing “The Game” T . C. Carrier Tha Genarall April Gabrielle Poetry Jason Williams Belinda Grimes Stella Alexander K. C. Williams to Win...... 10 G. L. Henderson Scott Antwan

3 national Black Book Festival event shines spotlight on houston

The founders of the National Black we utilize a variety of marketing ap- work of authors could meet, exchange insight. “It’s normally after writing and Book Festival believe it’s time for Hous- proaches and we specifi cally target book ideas and promote and sell their publishing three to four books that an ton to have a presence in the world of clubs and book readers in our marketing books,” she said. author has a true breakthrough, unless, publishing. efforts,” she explained. “We also consis- “We were brainstorming one day of course, they are already famous,” she Once again, thousands of book lovers, tently utilize social media, like Facebook, and the concept of the National Black said. “Then it’s a celebrity book. But I authors and industry insiders will con- to get the word out on a year-round basis.” Book Festival was born. It made sense think a lot of authors believe that, just verge on the nation’s fourth largest city for NBBF activities include book-sign- to have a national event, rather than because they wrote a book, someone is the festival, which takes place June 10-12 ings, seminars, workshops, exhibits, a local or statewide one, since our going to buy it. Nothing is further from at the downtown Doubletree Hotel. a children’s activity area, a reception, network of authors hails, literally, from the truth. A book, like any product, has The event is the brainchild of husband slumber party, get-acquainted breakfast, every region of the country.” to be marketed. Marketing is the key to and wife team Willie and Gwen Richard- worship service, jazz brunch and poetry One Houstonian who has been any successful author’s career.” son, the owners Cushcity.com, the world’s slam. involved with the event from the begin- She added that it’s important for an largest African-American online retailer More than 100 authors from the U.S. ning is Judge Oswald Scott Jr., author author to perfect his or her craft. “Get with over 20,000 products online. Willie and the Caribbean will attend, including of The Promise: A Black Man’s Guide your book edited by a professional,” is national director of the National Black actor Isaiah Washington, former Di- to Money, Power & Respect and Big she said. “Have your book cover cri- Book Festival (NBBF) and Gwen serves vorce Court host Judge Mablean and the Momma’s Ten Commandments for tiqued before you publish your book. as national coordinator. urban fi ction duo Ashley and Jaquavis. Abundant Living. You want your fi nished product to look Why is there a need for such a Other noted authors scheduled to “The Festival has been a great event as professional as possible. Too many festival? “We noticed that there was intend include Joyce Carol Thomas, in terms of meeting other authors and books, particularly self-published nothing on this scale in terms of literary Michelle McKinney Hammond, Lavaille fi nding out who’s who among Black au- ones, are riddled with grammatical, events in the Southwest region,” Willie Lavette, Carleen Brice, Tananarive Due, thors,” Scott said. “There is no event in spelling and syntax errors. The covers Richardson said. “These types of events Pamela Samuels-Young and K’Wan. America that brings together this many look like they were produced by el- always seemed to take place in New Genres represented include main- Black authors covering every genre ementary school kids, and the plots are York, the D.C. area or Atlanta. We felt it stream fi ction, urban fi ction, mystery/ under one roof.” nonexistent. Don’t half step; strive for was about time Houston made its mark thrillers, children’s literature, Christian Poet and publisher Avery Washing- excellence!” in the book industry.” literature, non-fi ction, self-help and po- ton agrees. Washington, the author of Avery Washington said his experi- etry. Just Speaking My Mind and Letters to ences as a publisher, “have opened my My Daughters, said: “This type of Festi- eyes to how inexpensive it is to become a val is needed to promote literacy in our published author if you do it yourself.” BiGGer and Better communities and also to help showcase, He said beware of certain self- Willie Richardson explained how educate and supply a platform for us to publishing companies that might take NBBF is able to attract so many well- come together and celebrate the art of advantage of eager writers. “Study your known authors. “For more than 12 expression.” craft inside and out. Learn everything years, Cushcity.com has been one of you can about publishing and compare the leading online destinations that your cost of doing it yourself to paying feature African-American literature. aspirinG authors someone to do the very same thing you Over this span of time, we’ve devel- NBBF can be of particular benefi t are capable of doing. You will see that oped a substantial network of thou- to writers who dream of becoming there is a huge difference in cost.” sands of authors from around the published. In addition to best-selling Oswald Scott said aspiring authors country,” he said. authors, prominent publishers, liter- must also network, and NBBF is a good “We also begin working on each ary agents and marketing experts are place to start. “The National Black nbbF Founders Willie and gwen richardson year’s Festival about 16 months in ad- participating in the festival. Book festival is the place to be for any- vance, contacting high profi le authors Willie Richardson also has some one who has written a book, is working “Also, the events that do take place to get them locked in before their advice for aspiring authors. “Don’t expect on a book or has dreamed of writing a tend to not be as comprehensive, fam- schedules get full,” said Gwen Richard- to become a best-selling author with your book,” he said. ily-friendly and affordable for both the son. “We try to make each year’s event fi rst book,” he said. “Being an author is “You will not only meet some of the authors and the general public,” added fresh, new and bigger and better than like starting a business. Your book is your top writers in Black America but you will Gwen Richardson. “We wanted to make before.” product and you have to get the public be around some of the top Black names in sure all of these elements were present at She also recalls how the Festival to know about you, like you and what book publishing and marketing. You will the festival.” started. “About fi ve years ago, the two you have to say well enough to pay about have the opportunity to learn from some She expects 3,000 to 5,000 people to of us were kicking around the idea of $15.00 for a book.” of the best and discover how others are attend the event. “To attract our audience, having an event where our vast net- Gwen Richardson offered more fi nding success.” 4 Schedule of Events Featured Authors Sunday, June 12 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. Children’s Fun Area Bringing Out the Book In You Saturday, June 11 NBBF Sunday Jazz Brunch Hosted by Uncle E Presenter: Author Cydney Rax Judge Mablean 10:00 a.m. T .V. Host, Actress and Author of 6:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Joyce Carol Thomas Life Lessons From Judge Mablean Facebook Facetime The Immorality of Institutional Author of 15+ children’s books, including The Blacker the Berry Hosts: Fon James, David Brown and Racism in America Special Guest Authors Karen Brown 11:00 a.m. Network during NBBF with your Facebook Isaiah Washington friends --festivities, food and fun! You may be Saturday, June 11 the lucky winner of a Kindle e-reader! Actor, former star of “Gray’s Anatomy” and author of Man From Another Land 10:00 a.m. J. M. Benjamin 7:00 p.m. 12 Noon CEO of A New Quality Publishing and author of Stage Play: five urban novels Faces Within the Mirror* Michelle McKinney Hammond Presenter: Author Elreta Dodds Author of 30+ books, including Sassy, Single Vickie Stringer Location: Ensemble Theater, 3535 Main CEO of Triple Crown Publications and the and Satisfied; Divanomics; and What Women Street queen of urban novels 3:00 p.m. Don’t Know (and Men Don’t Tell You) Tickets: $25.00 Produced by Mo’Vet Entertainment Career Coaching Your Child to 1:00 p.m. Sunday, June 12 www.movetentertainment.com Success Lavaille Lavette 1:00 p.m. Presenter: Author Kristy K. Taylor James W. Lewis Sunday, June 12 Winner, 2011 NBBF Best New Author Award 9:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Sunday Worship Service Changing the World Through the Power of the Written Word: Chris- Official Festival Events Worship Leader: Cheryl Lacey Donovan tian Publishing Workshop All events will be at the Doubletree Hotel Author of The Ministry of Motherhood (Tickets must be purchased for events with *) Worship Speaker: Renee Jean, Presenter: Sabrina Adams, Zoe Life Author of Verse in Motion Christian Communications Friday, June 10 11:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. BOOK LAUNCH PARTIES Literary Breakthrough Con- Sunday Jazz Brunch* Educator, speaker and author of Speaker: Judge Mablean 86400: Manage Your Purpose to Make Every ference Second of Each Day Count Get Signed Get Published Get Publicity Saturday, June 11 2011 Best New Author In Conjunction with the National Black Book 12:00 Noon Award Presentation 2:00 p.m. Festival Judge Vanessa Gilmore Carleen Brice Book: You Can’t Make This Stuff Up: Tales From a Judicial Diva Author of four novels, one of which was 7:00 p.m. adapted for the Lifetime movie “Sins of the Welcome to Houston Mother” Reception* 1:00 p.m. Speaker: GregAlan Williams Dr. Janice Moss Book: In Love, In Pain 3:00 p.m. Actor and Author of Heart of a Woman

Tananarive Due 2:00 p.m. Author of 10+ supernatural thrillers, including 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. Winner: James W. Lewis Blood Colony, Joplin’s Ghost and the classic, Private Slumber Party* Justina R. Page My Soul to Keep Book: The Circle of Fire with Authors, Ashley & Jaquavis 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Ladies only - Ages 18 and up 4:00 p.m. Meet the Kings of Literature 3:00 p.m. K’Wan Dwayne S. Joseph, Jihad, Rickey Rose Mary Stiffin, Ph.D. Teems II, Brian W. Smith, Moses Book: Walk In Bethel Miller, Vincent Alexandria, Marc Lacy 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Dr. H. L. Stewart Spoken Word Poetry Slam B ook: Poppy: A Story of Courage, Determina- Poet/Host: Victor B. Johnson Sr. tion and Faith (Ashley & Jaquavis will also sign books on Saturday, June 11 @ 4:00 p.m.) Sunday, June 12 Workshops/Seminars 2:00 p.m. Doubletree Hotel Author of 10+ novels, including Section 8, Saturday, June 11 Jenee’ E. Hudson Gutter and Still Hood Book: Strip Tease: A Liberation to the 8:00 a.m. Saturday, June 11 Woman’s Soul 5:00 p.m. Get Acquainted Breakfast* 12:00 p.m. Pamela Samuels Young Marketing Experts Show Authors How to How to Bounce Back From Set- 3:00 p.m. Maximize Their Festival Experience Author of 5 legal thrillers, including Buying backs Olayinka Aikens Panelists: Oswald Scott, Troy John- Time and Murder on the Down Low Presenter: Author Bernice Dickey Book: Unfinished Business: The Smooth son, Brian Smith and Dana Pittman Operators Return 5 6 7 Mablean Ephriam

Mablean Ephriam was born to Robert and Mable Lawyer Association of Los Angeles (WLALA); Ephriam in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. She is no 1990 Outstanding Leadership-Board of Directors, stranger to achievement. Through hard, consistent Harriet Buhai Center & Outstanding Contribution and dedicated work, she strives to perform and do to Pro Bono Legal Services-Board of Governors, her God-given best. Since a child, she has always California State Bar Association: 1985 Outstanding had that “spirit” of excellence Service-National Association and liberality about her. The of University Women and the ninth of ten children, you 1978 Achievement Award-State could always find her some- Youth Department, Churches where reading, studying, and of God in Christ 1st Jurisdic- asking countless questions that tion. If that is not enough, could drive you crazy. When Judge Ephriam has volun- she wasn’t doing that, she teered in numerous organiza- could be found fighting for the tions and worked many jobs, rights of strangers and family such as: Hearing Examiner- members. Her strong thirst City of L.A. Civil Service Com- for knowledge, equality and mission; Board of Directors- unselfishness parlayed into a Union Rescue Mission (first rewarding, challenging, some- black woman); Member of time agonizing and exhausting American Bar Association career in the practice of Family and National Bar Associa- Law. tion; Lecturer-Upward Bound Program, CSUBL; Motivational Twenty-five years ago, Judge Speaker-L.A. City Schools; Co- Ephriam was admitted to the Founder-Harriet Buhai Center California Bar and in 1992 she for Family Law which provides was admitted to the United States Supreme Court. free legal services for economically disadvantaged At the age of 13 years, she knew she wanted to be- persons); Board of Directors-Southern California come a lawyer. She set a plan in motion and went to Women’s Dept./Retirement Center Committee, work - allowing no obstacles to defeat or dissuade Churches of God In Christ - So. Calif. 1st Jurisdic- her. She worked her way through the system, begin- tion, Advisor to Pastor Ron Hill-Love and Unity ning in law enforcement for the Federal Bureau of Church of God In Christ; member and Past (1982- Prisons as a Correctional Officer in the Women’s 1983) President of Black Women Lawyers Associa- Prison at Terminal Island. From there, she became tion of Los Angeles. skillful in preparing documents for civil litigation and workers’ compensation as a secretary for the In October of 1998, Twentieth Television selected Law Offices of Eric Parkan. A few years later, she this experienced, distinguished law practitioner progressed to the Law Offices of Stanley Sand- and mediator to sit as Judge on the newly, revised ers and Sandy English as a paralegal, where she half hour syndicated show “Divorce Court”, where engaged in researching and drafting contracts and there is no script, nor actors, just real cases and real partnership agreements in corporate and business litigants with Judge Ephriam rendering legally- law. Moving right on up the ladder, yet remaining binding decisions. This all came about by God’s focused, Judge Ephriam became a Certified Law divine will. Judge Mablean did not seek the posi- Clerk and performed duties that were second na- tion. Through word-of-mouth regarding her legal ture to her - research, writing and arguing criminal talents and referrals from strangers, Fox executives misdemeanor appeals. sought Judge Ephriam, liked what they saw and the rest is (herstory). Taking a break from school, she became a young wife and mother of three. She then decided it was After ending her seven season run on Divorce Court time to enter law school. She enrolled in the night (1999-2006), Judge Ephriam is a much sought after program at Whittier College School of law in Los public speaker for Women’s Conferences, Church- Angeles earning her Juris Doctor Degree in 1978. es, Community and Civic Organizations, Colleges She participated in Moot Court and her team won and Schools, Dealing with Relationship Issues and second place in statewide Moot Court Honors motivating others to pursue their dreams. Program. This was accomplished without neglecting her family and making sure that her children kept Additionally, she is working on the mission of her their school studies up to par. The completion of law nonprofit foundation, The Mablean Ephriam Foun- school was just the beginning of an illustrious career dation, to build stronger families, educate minds, heightened by countless awards and recognition. increase economic power among disadvantaged and lower economic persons and thus create better Because she is such an unselfish, people-conscien- communities. She is most thankful for the oppor- tious woman, who is well respected by colleagues tunity to provide day-to-day care to her 95 year old and well known for her contributions, she has mother who is in need of her assistance. earned such awards as: 1997 Alumni of the Year- Whittier College; 1996 Zephyr Ramsey Award- This hard-working woman is an entrepreneur. She Harriet Buhai [bew-high] Center of Family Law; is the owner of Mablean’s Limousine Services; co- 1996 Spencer Brandeis Award from the Family Law owner of Jubilane Guest House, a Bed & Breakfast Section-Los Angeles Bar Association (she was the in Johannesburg, South Africa; and founder of an youngest recipient and first Black woman); 1996 awards program, Honoring Unsung Fathers. Award of Excellence-State Women’s Department, Judge Ephriam attributes her success to God, her Churches of God In Christ 1st Jurisdiction; 1995 family and close friends. Her faith, religion and Woman of the Year-California State Assembly trust in God keep this mother of four and grand- 48th District; 1993 Distinguished Service-Women’s mother of nine, meek and humble. 8 Mablean Ephriam Isaiah Washington “40 Seasons of Jazz” Award-winning actor, author and activist Isaiah Washington shares his As part of the 40th Anniversary celebra- ensembles, public speaking and more. story of discovery, triumph and find- tion of Jazz Education Inc.’s Summer Participants are exposed to many subjects ing true purpose with his upcoming Jazz Workshop, Houston’s Public Central not fully covered by private and/or public bestseller “A Man From Another Land: Library will host the “40 Seasons of Jazz” school programs. How Finding My Roots Changed My photo exhibit June 6 to July 9. Life”, with contribution from Lavaille Led by an all-star faculty, 100 students are Lavette. The book, published by The The photo exhibit is free to the public instructed in theory, writing, orchestra- Hachette Group, was released on April and includes an historical perspective of tion/arranging, improvisation and jazz 27, 2011 and is available online at http:// the 40 seasons making the Summer Jazz idiom/ career development at beginning, www.amazon.com and most major Workshop from its humble beginnings in intermediate and advanced levels. outlets. 1972 to today. Since its inception the Summer “I wrote this book because I want cur- Jazz Education Inc. was founded by Jazz Jazz Workshop has graduated nearly rent and future generations of African artist Bubba Thomas, who saw a need to 10,000 students. Many distinguished Americans to know that our spiritual, fill a void where music education and alumni continued on with professional cultural and economic freedom is in youth were concerned. With a grant jazz careers including Brandon Lee, Rex our DNA”, says Washington. In addition from The National Endowment of the Gregory, Amber Sarpy, Horace A. Young, to the DNA connection, this literary About the Author Arts, he started a 8-week “Summer William G. Thomas II, Jason Moran, Kyle movement takes a look at the impor- Isaiah Washington is an award win- Program for Youthful Musicians” at St. Turner, Walter Smith III, Chris Dave, tance of finding purpose, mentoring, ning actor from stage to television to James Episcopal Church. Roseanna Vitro, Stephen Richard, Joe self identity and redemption for all the silver screen; having most recently Carmouche, Stephanie Sanders, Gilbert people. starred in the successful television Today’s HEB Tournament of Sedeno, Jr., and Ramon Del Villar. series Grey’s Anatomy, and appeared Champions Summer Jazz Workshop is Washington, the first African American in Soul Food, Touched by an Angel and an five-week instructional program for The photo exhibit is open during normal to be granted dual citizenship based New York Undercover, in addition to middle school, high school and college Central Library hours. For more informa- solely on DNA testing, says “it is my others. His movies credits include, but students which includes master classes, tion visit www.jazzeducation.org or call hope people will attribute their life’s are not limited to, The Least of These, lectures, field trips, small and large 713-839-7000. experiences to destiny, which defines Exit Wounds, Out of Sight, Love Jones, us all, instead of serendipity and luck, Jungle Fever, Get on the Bus, Clockers, after reading A Man From Another Crooklyn and Strictly Business. Wash- Land.” Following his own destiny, ington also founded the Gondobay Washington started the Gondobay Manga Foundation, which advocates Manga Foundation after discovering for cooperative planning to achieve his direct genetic link to the people of positive and timely improvements in Sierra Leone. the lives of the people of Sierra Leone.

Greg Alan Williams

Please come and meet, Greg Alan Wil- liams, Emmy Award winning actor and award winning author.

Veteran of more than 150 films and primetime television episodes, people across America recognize Greg Alan from projects such as, Remember The Titans, with Denzel Washington, The District, opposite (the late) Lynn Thigpen, and The Sopranos, alongside James Gandolfini.

Author of the books, A Gathering of Heroes and Boys To Men ‐ Maps For The Journey, Greg Alan’s new novel, Heart of a Woman, breathlessly probes the depths of grownup love, men’s fear of intimacy, and, the loving possibilities that await every woman’s heart. A great fit for media interviews, book An official ambassador of The Mini signings, speaking, hosting, and fea- Twelve Step House, one of Los Angeles’ tured artist presentations, Greg Alan oldest residential rehabilitation cen- is more than a celebrity. As a riveting ters for women, during the month of speaker, he has shared the podium with February, Greg Alan will donate 100% the likes of Noble Laureate, Elie Weisel of his royalties from the sale of Heart and the Rev. Joseph Lowry, President of a Woman to the Mini House. Since Emeritus SCLC. A broad list of keynote 1971, this culturally rich community venues include: The American Federa- has helped hundreds of addicted and tion of Teachers, US Department of abused women of color and others, Health and Human Services, Harvard, rethink and redirect their lives. (www. Howard, UCLA, Purdue, the NAACP, mini12step.org) ADL, and the American Red Cross. 9 Get Signed Get Published Get Publicity Literary Breakthrough Conference

The Literary Breakthrough Conference decades. Currently, the co-host of From is held in conjunction with the National Cover to Cover literary talk radio show Black Book Festival. This year the con- and an editor for the Houston Defender ference will take place on Friday, June Newspaper, ReShonda has worked as an 10, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at anchor and reporter for NBC, ABC and the Doubletree Hotel, 400 Dallas St. in FOX television stations in Beaumont, Houston, Texas. TX, Oklahoma City, OK and Houston, TX. She left her job at FOX News in If you are serious about taking your • Book Industry Agents: Hear from M. has utilized guerrilla marketing and Houston in 2007 to write full-time. book(s) to the next level, this is the con- influential book agents on how to locate grassroots techniques to sell thousands ference for you. Early registrants receive and identify the best agent for you; sub- of books, vital information for self-pub- Literary Agents Session a 15-minute, one-on-one session with the mit your book proposal; and how much lished authors and budding publishing 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. panelist of your choice. of a book advance a first-time or repeat firms. Some of the company’s success- author should expect. ful titles include Dutch: The Sequel and Maxine Thompson is a literary agent, Top book industry experts share infor- Heaven and Earth. writer and editor. As a literary agent, mation and strategies on how to make Book Publishers Session she has brokered more than 60 book your literary breakthrough and turn 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Pam Perry is the Chief Visionary of deals for herself and other authors. your existing or future book(s) into a Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc. and Several of her clients’ books have been bestseller! Malaika Adero, Vice President and the nation’s premiere Christian literary Black Expressions Book Club selections. Senior Editor of Atria Books (Simon & PR Coach. She has worked with clients Conference includes three powerful ses- Schuster), is also founder of Up South, such as TD Jakes, Bill Winston and Dr. Regina Brooks is the founder and sions, lunch and a closing reception. Lit- Inc., an organization that promotes and Suzan Johnson Cook. She is an online President of Serendipity Literary Agen- erary Breakthrough Conference sessions presents authors and artists. A writer media strategist working on movies cy LLC. Equally at home in the techni- are as follows: as well, she has authored books, essays like “The Secret Life of Bees” for Fox cal world of engineering as in the liter- and poetry. SearchLight films. ary world of writing and editing, Ms. • Book Publishers: Hear from editors Brooks has over a decade of experience at major publishing houses on what Vickie Stringer, CEO of Triple Crown Luncheon Keynote Speaker in senior positions at major publishing they are looking for in a book proposal; Publications, is the queen of urban 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. houses including John Wiley & Sons how they determine which author and novels. After writing her first novel, she Inc. and the McGraw-Hill Companies. which books to publish; and how they sold thousands of copies independently ReShonda Tate Billingsley determine whether an author receives and subsequently launched Triple Bestselling Author, Movie Producer Janell Walden Agyeman is a veteran a 2-book deal or a 5-book deal. Crown, one of the largest urban fiction ReShonda is the national bestselling in the New York publishing industry publishers. author of 18 books. Her sophomore circles and a native of Kansas City, • Book Marketers and Promoters: novel, Let the Church Say Amen, is be- Missouri. Among her past and current Hear from book marketing experts on Book Marketers/Promoters ing made into a movie of which she is clients are Tananarive Due (science how to receive maximum, targeted ex- Session Executive Producer and actress Regina fiction and fantasy author), Sharon posure for your book; how to get radio 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. King is the director. Draper (Coretta Scott King Literary stations, newspapers and televisions Award winning author) and syndicated to contact you for interviews; and why J. M. Benjamin is CEO of A New Qual- A former television and radio news columnist Leonard Pitts Jr. She runs you should/should not aspire or expect ity Publishing, a New York-based firm reporter, ReShonda has been in the the Miami branch of the Marie Brown to be on Oprah. which specializes in urban fiction. J. journalism business for more than two & Associates Literary Agency Playing “The Game” To Win!

Could the reason why are so many edge on how to achieve their dreams So if you or a young man you know young men not achieving success is and goals. And it is there lack of this are searching for a breakthrough on that they lack the knowledge of how to knowledge that is keeping them from how to overcome the obstacles that navigate life’s journey. achieving the life they are seeking. you or them may be facing in your respective, lives or are looking for the “It is not their fault that a lot of them In their workshop entitled “Playing motivation and inspiration to believe continue to believe that there is no The Game To Win!” Michael Beau you can achieve your goals and your way out of the hopelessness, despair, Williams and Judge Oswald J. Scott, Jr. dreams then Playing The Game To and the poverty they find themselves share with their audience rules for suc- Win may provide you or them with in says Michael “Beau” Williams and ceeding in America that will give any the spark needed to put you on the Judge Oswald J. Scott, Jr. two dynam- man greater success in life. path to winning. ic and enthusiastic speakers who are motivating their audiences by telling In the Workshop You Will Learn: them that they can Win! For information on their next work- • The Importance of Dressing shop or to contact them about speaking Throughout their lives they have for Success at your upcoming event you may reach been taught many things. They were • The Power of believing in Self Beau Williams at (281) 630-1487 and taught how to read and how to write. • How Taking Responsibility is the Judge Scott at (713) 227-8060; They learned how to walk and how to Key to Winning or you email them at: talk. Unfortunately for many young • Secrets to Landing Your Dream Job [email protected] or Michael “Beau” Williams men they have not learned the knowl- [email protected]. 10