August 15, 2011
ONYX CON is a Conference/Convention celebrating the very best of the impact, contributions, and presence of the African Diaspora in Popular Arts and culture.
The Entire event takes place at:
SOUTHWEST ARTS CENTER
915 NEW HOPE ROAD
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30331
AUGUST 19th is the Day for The ONYXCON INSTITUTE and THE OFFICIAL ONYXCON ART EXHIBITION!
The Art exhibition is from 6PM – 9PM and is free & open to the public. We will be honoring the late great writer of Popular Arts fiction, Mr. Dwayne McDuffie. See www.dwaynemcduffie.com for more info on this legend.
ONYXCON INSTITUTE – 9AM TIL 4PM
The ONYXCON INSTITUTE cost is $35 general admission. $25 with proper High School or College ID.
ONYXCON – The CONVENTION is on Saturday AUGUST 20, 2011 from 11AM – 7PM.
General Admission is $10. Ages 6-12 are $3. 5 and younger are free.
Experience Vendors showcasing unique comic books/graphic novels, novels, video games, toys, promotional clothing (T-shirts,etc.), the Arcade, activities, games, displays, the Art Show, book signings, cosplay/masquerades, music vibes and performances!
The ONYXCON INSTITUTE will feature tutorials/workshops by professional Artist in 2D and 3D techniques common in todays comic book, animation, and film industries. There will also be presentations in writing techniques. Finally, there will be a panel Discussions on SEX & VIOLENCE in The Popular Arts & how both are approached, analyzed, challenged, embraced, and the impact on African Diaspora’s creators and consumers of Popular Arts. THIS PANEL WILL CONTAIN LANGUAGE, SUBJECT MATTER, IMAGES, AUDIO, AND DISCUSSIONS FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE! PARENTAL DISCRETION IS ADVISED!
Only 16 years and older are admitted to the Onyxcon Institute with proper ID. Parent or Guardian must accompany anyone under 16. 18 and older are admitted to the Sex & Violence Panel. Anyone younger must present the approval of a guardian for attendance. e-mail to RSVP or for information: onyxcon@gmail.com
For more information, see http://www.onyxcon.com/.
August 14, 2011
Press Release — Book Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: (August 12, 2011)
Eclectic Life Books Exhibiting at the Los Angeles Black Book Exposition Saturday, August 20, 2011
Los Angeles, CA– Author Cherise Charleswell, President of Eclectic Life Books will be exhibiting at the annual Los Angeles Black Book Expo. Ms. Charleswell will be there to debut her book, Real Talk TIPS: Laugh-Out-Loud Pointers & Suggestions For The Morally Challenged, Socially Inept, & The People Who Love Them.
The Los Angeles Black Book Expo is being held on Saturday August 20, 2011 from 10AM to 6PM, inside the Los Angeles Convention Center #403. The LA Convention Center is located at 1201 S. Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015.
The book, just published in May 2011, is a non-traditional, sassy, tongue-in-cheek, and painfully honest self help guide and workbook for the morally challenged and socially inept members of society; as well as those who want to improve on their quality of life. The Adinkra image that graces the book’s cover is called “Mate masie” and it loosely translates to “What I hear, I keep”. The book draws on my experience as a West Indian child, where wisdom was often imparted as a series of “old time” sayings, tips, and proverbs; leaving one to interpret the true meaning and come to their own conclusion and understanding.
The book has always garnered the following praises and reviews:
“Cherise Charleswell is a fresh and funny young voice with wisdom for the ages. The author takes aim at the morally challenged, the socially inept and everyone else and skewers them to hilarious new heights. Highly recommend. ”
Robyn McGee
Author and Educator at California State University Dominguez Hills
“Bug in your ear wisdom, you have lint in your hair or you missed a
button. A good read intent on being more cautious of our attitudes
behavior and Appearence. Whimsical light hearted Examanation
of pop culture from a concerned sister prospective. Real Talk Tips
Is full of timeless tips, Critiques, and Compliments. Noteworthy
Thoughtful solutions , tuff love with a hug. Its Funny Bitterly
Honest The way family is. A must read for all ages that actually
builds self esteem and self worth.”
Yawo Watts
Writer, Poet, Spoken Word Artist
CONTACT:
Contact Person: Cherise Charleswell
Company Name: Eclectic Life
Voice Phone# 818-521-8422
Email Address: eclecticlifediva@yahoo.com
Website: www.createspace.com/3550362
April 11, 2011
The African Voices Cultural Circle Conference connects writers and visual artists with the resources they need to pursue careers in publishing and the arts. The annual conference offers workshops that provide information on exploring opportunities for writers and artists interested in independent and mainstream publishers and using new technology to promote their work. African Voices is a nonprofit arts organization that publishes a quarterly literary magazine.
Registration Fee:$25.
Seating is limited so register now! For info call: 212 865-2982 or visit www.africanvoices.com. The conference schedule and guest bios are online.
Create Your Writing Destiny: Novels, E-Books & Niches is the theme of this year’s Circle Conference. Professional editors, publishers and authors will come together to share their successful journeys in carving out a prosperous writing career through finding their niche and voice. From teen novels to business magazines, many writers launch their careers as niche writers specializing in specific genre then exploring limitless possibilities once they establish an audience. Karen Hunter, the president of FIRST ONE Digital Publishing, and Yvonne Bynoe, the founder of SoulAffluence and author of Stand & Deliver: Political Activism, Leadership and Hip Hop Culture, will explore ways writers can live abundantly as artists by building an audience for their work.
Circle guests include Tania Padgett, the small business editor of CNNMoney.com; Atim Annette Aton, publisher of Calabar Magazine; Caren Estesen, founder of the Caren Johnson Literary Agency and a blogger for the GatekeepersPost.com; and Rosalind McLymont, executive editor of The Network Journal. Join us for a day of workshops, networking and fun! The Circle welcomes Richard Fewell, a playwright and author of the recently released novel Everything Happens Today. Mr. Fewell will read excerpts from his work. Reg E. Gaines will also host a second session of his Poetry as Theater workshop at 12 pm.
SPONSORS: WABC-TV, New State Council on the Arts, New York City Dept. of Cultural Affairs and NAACP Roy Wilkins Center. Media Sponsor: The Network Journal.
November 2, 2010
Title: The Annual African American Literacy Movement
Location: Forest Park Community College
Website: www.taaalm.com
Description: First Annual African American Literacy Movement Brings Together Talented Writers and Authors to Promote Literacy
To Promote Literacy in the African American Community and School Districts: From 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., a seminar/conference includes an accomplished group of talented writers and authors.
Teaming up with Smit-T is a group of very talented writers and authors:
J. M. Benjamin: Essence best-selling author of “Ride or Die Chick,” and owner of A Quality Publishing. Benjamin is a successful entrepreneur and motivational speaker from Plainsfield, N.J. He is also the author of the Award Winning novel, “Down In the Dirty,” “My Manz and Em,” “The Run With Love,” “Ride or Die Chick 2,” and a non-fiction book, “From Incarceration 2 Incorporation.”
Ni\’Cola Mitchell: Author of award-winning novel, “Over and Over Again,\” as well as “Mama Don’t Like Ugly, “The Appetizer,” “Strawberries and Stilettos, and \”Steam.” Ni\’Cola is from Kingston, Jamaica, but currently resides in Las Vegas. Ni’Cola is currently pursuing her masters of business in health care and management.
Rennell Parker: Entrepreneur, educator, mentor, and public speaker, Rennell Parker has been writing poetry and short stories for over 15 years. Parker runs nonprofit organization Acts of Random Thought.
Steven Morgan: A full-time writer/author, Morgan has self-published two books that are in circulation currently. He recently signed with publishing power house City Stone Publishing out of
Detroit and will soon release his highly anticipated debut novel, “DISCOMBOBULATED\”
Terra Little: Author of “Where There’s Smoke,” Little worked as a probation and parole officer for nearly a decade before transitioning to the field of education. Terra has a B.A. in Criminology and Sociology as well as an M.A. in Professional Counseling and Secondary Education. Little strives to increase literary awareness and appreciation in youth.
Keisha Ervin: Author of national best-sellers, “Chyna Black,” “Me & My Boyfriend,” “Mina’s Joint,” and, “Hold U Down,” as well as the novel, “Torn,” and the short story, “After the Storm,” featured in the Street Love anthology.
Dana \”Kels\” Kelly: Voted Best Female Poet at the First Annual STL Poetry Awards. Kels has been performing all over the Midwest and abroad spreading her unique blend of life wrapped in poetry. Kels released the first of four books from her Writing Lab Series titled, \”Tatted Up,\” – emotional tattoos of the heart, in October 2010.
Join presenters at this event on Friday, Nov. 5, at Forest Park Community College from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
For more information, contact Jackie “JP” Phillips at 314.477.7926 or e-mail only1jpceo@gmail.com, or call Barron “Smit-T” Smith at 314.517.5739.
The Annual African American Literacy Movement
10346 Ittner Dr.
St. Louis, Mo. 63136
PHONE. 314-517-5739
EMAIL: barronsmth@yahoo.com
October 17, 2010
Location: LAX Marriott in Los Angeles
Website: www.loscon37.org
Description: Welcome to Loscon 37, Dark Loscon.
November 26-28th 2010
at the LAX Marriott in Los Angeles
$45.00 through November 14th
Loscon is the primary Los Angeles Regional Science Fiction literary convention produced by the Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society.
Held each year over Thanksgiving weekend it is our main fund raising event.
The Los Angeles Science Fantasy Society is the oldest continuously meeting science fiction literary society in the world.
Our meeting are held every Thursday night at our clubhouse on Burbank Blvd in North Hollywood:
11513 Burbank Blvd North Hollywood, CA 91601
Date: November 26-28, 2010
October 17, 2010
Location: State Capitol Building in Austin
Description: Several African American authors including Pulitzer Prize winners Eugene Robinson and Isabel Wilkerson will be appearing at the Texas Book Festival being held October 16-17 at the State Capitol Building in Austin. Here is a list of some the African American writers (and the names of their latest books) that will be there in order of their appearances:
October 16
* Eugene Robinson, Disintegration: The Splintering of Black America, 11:15 a.m.-12 noon, C-SPAN/Book TV Tent
* Naomi Mitchell Carrier, “Go Down Old Hannah” The Living History of African American Texans, 1 p.m. -2 p.m., Family Life Center, 1300 Lavaca
* Isabel Wilkerson, The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration, 2:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m., C-SPAN/Book TV Tent
October 17
* S. Craig Watkins, The Young & the Digital: What the Migration to Social Network Sites, Games, and Anytime, Anywhere Media Means for Our Future, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Capitol Extension Room E2.026
* William Jelani Cobb, The Substance of Hope: Barack Obama and the Paradox of Progress, 12:15 p.m. – 1:15 p.m., C-SPAN/Book TV Tent
* Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, The Thing Around Your Neck, 2:45 p.m.-3:30 p.m., Senate Chamber
* Varian Johnson, Saving Maddie (Young Adult book), 2 p.m.-3 p.m., Capitol Extension Room E2.012
Start Date: 2010-10-16
End Date: 2010-10-17
April 3, 2010
By FELICIA R. LEE
Published: March 22, 2010
The New York Times
The 10th National Black Writers’ Conference begins on Thursday at Medgar Evers College in New York, an anniversary that prompted Walter Mosley to remember his first conference, in the 1980s. He was just one of many unpublished, struggling writers who showed up, he said. An editor had passed on his first novel, about the detective Easy Rawlins, with the rationale that the publishing house already had a black detective novel.
“Terry McMillan said you have to sell books out of the trunk of your car,” Mr. Mosley said.
But in the age of President Obama, when successful black writers can be found across genres and a Nobel Prize winner, Toni Morrison, can be tapped to be the honorary chairwoman of the event, do black writers still need a conference to call their own?
In interviews, many black writers and editors, and others in the book world said yes. Black authors are part of the broader society’s struggles with the legacy of discrimination and exclusion, they said, and often need a more strategic approach to getting their work promoted, reviewed and sold.
The conference, expected to attract 2,000 people, is a chance for writers to study and celebrate one another and for readers to hear writers presenting their work and dissecting social and literary themes. Over four days of workshops and discussions, the participants can also grapple with issues like the value of black sections in bookstores, the paucity of black editors in publishing and how to expand the list of black writers taught in schools.
For the full article, see The New York Times.
December 13, 2009
Title: 2010 AAMBC National Conference
Location: Chicago
Description: AAMBC presents the AAMBC National Meeting, a black author literary event that will be held June 12, 2010, in Chicago, Illinois.
The event will cater to the AAMBC Organization, fellow book clubs across the nation, and new and seasoned authors throughout the United States. Attendees will experience a family-oriented atmosphere and a social gathering that will build great connections with nationally and locally recognized authors and publishers. This is the 2nd annual event and it is sure to please, with a mixture of nationally best selling authors and independent authors alike. This year, the event takes place in one full day of fun-filled book signings, poerty showcases, beauty tips, and book club themes.
AAMBC, which stands for African Americans on the Move Book Club, is pleased to host a highly anticipated literary event that will bring readers and authors together in a more personal setting. To experience great food, music, book signings, and build new relationships, all while in the great city of Chicago, register today!
Date: June 12, 2010
April 2, 2009
Title: BookExpo America (BEA)
Location: Jacob K. Javits Center, New York City
Click here for more information
Description: Event for the North American publishing industry. Meet 500+ authors and discover hundreds of new titles on a Show floor bristling with 1,500 exhibitors and featuring the NEW Downtown Stage and Uptown Stage and the ever popular BEA Autographing Area. Learn the trends during 60+ focused sessions at the NEW “Big Ideas at BEA” Conference and don’t miss this year’s Global Market Forum: Books & Publishing in the Arab World. Experience the buzz of the book business at dynamic Special Events (buy your Special Events Tickets now).
Start Date: 2009-05-28
End Date: 2009-05-31
April 2, 2009
By Calvin Reid — Publishers Weekly, 3/31/2009 8:04:00 AM
The current downturn in the economy is creating problems for the African-American Book Publishing Professionals Conference, an annual event attracting a wide variety of black authors, self-publishers, booksellers and other book professionals, held each year at BookExpo America. This year’s event is scheduled for May 28 and offers an afternoon slate of events that include a panel on African-American books and social networking and another on comics and graphic novels for the African-American market.
Publishers Weekly
