Friday, March 31, 2006

Niche Jesus

Marina Woods and I had a long discussion last night that was sparked by the unfair treatment the movie ATL had received from certain suburban Georgian malls(my neighborhood mall included,) And the week long discusion over at Dave Long's Faith*in*Fiction Blog about niche marketing and the quagmire for African-American novelists:
- an excerpt from Dave Long's F*i*F discusion-How to Avoid the Niche...
These books and authors[African-American] are in some ways in a no-win situation. If the books don't look "black" enough they might miss their core audience. Yet such covers and title threaten to make them invisible to the majority of the buying audience.

Anybody got any ideas? 
You can read the discussion to find my remarks to Dave and others that chimed in. But the question never was answered. And in all honesty I don't think it could be at F*i*F, since most of the writers there are non-Black, so its revelance and importance doesn't matter as much to them. Correct me if I'm wrong...
There are some African-American writers who specifically only want to target African enclaves in the world. While, others would like to crack the CBA code. With such a predicament to be in, I can see how easier it would be to not approach the CBA publishers, and either self-publish or form partnerships with Walk Worthy Press, Urban Christian, CAABA or other similar in make-up.
However, there is another factor--in my opinion--that is more important then niche marketing, demographics and race. It is Jesus and his commision for all of us(black and white.) 
- an excerpt from Scott McKnight's The Church, Embracing Grace and Racism 1....
If you embrace a kingdom vision of the gospel itself, racism is nothing short of disgusting. If you embrace a judicial perception of sin, the Cross, and the gospel, racism is more tolerable. I’m sorry to put in such bold terms, but it all comes down to how you understand the gospel.
I am not an expert on the topic of racism, nor am I a paragon of a colorless and a raceless (not the same thing) perception of our world. But, I want the Church to be better because I believe racism is a denial of the kingdom vision and gospel of Jesus.
So starting today through next week we will explore this discussion:
Grace & Race in Christian Publishing
Grace & Race in Christian Publishing
It will explore:
  • Book Cover and Local Color
  • Creating a Marketing Incubator for ethnic Authors
  • Reading outside the box
  • writing outside the margins
  • adding characters of different ethnicities in WIP
  • major misconceptions
  •  championing diversity on bookstore shelves
  • what else?
If you would like to join in on this discussion contact me here or off loop at dee at gospelfiction dot com.
OT: This is an open trackback day.               
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Sunday, March 26, 2006

A Sin and A Shame

 
A Sin and A Shame

A Sin and A ShameComing May 2006

After her scheme to break up her best friend's marriage fails, Jasmine is ready to begin her new life. She attends church every Sunday, swears off married men, and begins her mission to find her soulmate. It doesn't take long to meet the one God has chosen for her - a pastor. (Isn't God good!) But when another man from her past threatens to destroy her perfect relationship, can Jasmine leave behind her lying and devious ways? Or will she find old habits hard to break?

 

Click Here To Read a Sample Chapter

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Peretti & Dee's Publishing Dilemma

Book Cover

A movie adaptation of Frank Peretti's The Visitation is in theatres now. He and Ted Dekker coauthored, House, which will be on bookstore stands in April(click pic to preorder.) And his next big project is writing a screenplay for last year's summber hit, Monster. And you can learn more about all that he is up to at Crosswalk.com.

Question: In Peretti's crosswalk interview he speaks on the importance of waiting to hone your writing craft before you seek publication. When do you know that your skills are good enough to become published?

For me I've published articles for national print mags and I have won a few short story contests and even have a short story featured in an anthology(check the sidebar.) But in regards to writing novels, I'm not sure if its my time, yet. Although my published author pals think that it is. When did you know?

Come back for my review of House next month.

Friday, March 24, 2006

Round Robin @ TMA

`Mary DeMuth, Christian author and novelistMary DeMuth started a fun Round Robin this week at The Master's Artist blog. I posted my entry to this serialized story and I encourage you to fly on over and add to it. And if you're a member of the Storyteller's Workshop take a look at it, because we are going to do the same thing next month.
Otherwise, this is a fun writing exercise to jumpstart your writing day.Watching the Tree Limbs :: A Novel of Hope & Healing from Mary DeMuth
 
Writing to see what the end's gon' be,
Dee
 
OT. Has anyone been affected by the latino immigration boycott today?
OT: The State of GA is shutting down an older woman's homemade pie business and she calls it a blessing. More...
 
Open Trackback Alliance
This is an Open Track Back Day.
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Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Happy Birthday, Selah

Happy Sixth Birthday to my darling, baby girl, Selah!!

Selah Skye Stewart - March 22, 2000

Selah

Light, bright girl bouncing,

Smiling, loving all the world

Mommy beams wide proud.

-by Dee

A Note from Tavis Smiley

 
An excerpt from an email to sent to me via Tavis Talks...
This week marks a momentous occasion in Black History which you helped to create. As you may have heard, the Covenant with Black America will debut at #6 on the New York Times Bestseller list (March 26, 2006, paperback-nonfiction). Never before has a Black-authored, Black-published, and predominately Black-purchased NON FICTION book garnered this achievement.

This week, a new shipment of books was delivered to stores nationwide. We want to
make this occasion a phenomenon by moving to #1. If you haven't already purchased your copy of The Covenant, click on the picture above to order your copy
.

...To read more about The Covenant and to find out when The Covenant tour will stop in your city, visit http://www.covenantwithblackamerica.com.

All best,

Tavis Smiley

Why do you think this book is important to not only Black America, but to all America?

Related articles:

Technorati Tags : , , , , , , ,

 
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Monday, March 20, 2006

Spring Reads Nominations Open

I'm at The Master's Artist Today praying about my Mind and Soul.
Over at Gospel Fiction I'm seeking books to nominate for great Spring and Summer reads. If you have a book that you think deserves to be on this list, hit me up here or at either Gospel Fiction or Christian Fiction Blog.
 
I added Kate Mosse's Labyrinth to the list. She also has a fantaberific site. They you can learn more about over at Gospel Fiction. Note: this book is not a CBA title or what you would call Christian Fiction. Be advised.
 
Check out my book review for Jacquelin Thomas' Defining Moments and Kendra Norman-Bellamy's More than Grace in Romantic Times Magazine's April edition, which are on major magazine stands and your local public library.
http://a1204.g.akamai.net/7/1204/1401/05110915011/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/10370000/10374508.jpghttp://a1204.g.akamai.net/7/1204/1401/06020911011/images.barnesandnoble.com/images/10770000/10777124.jpg
 
And I have two more slots open for Dee's Storyteller's Workshop. Contact me for details.
 
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Sunday, March 19, 2006

Fiction for the Heart

Fiction for the Heart

Tiff Amber Miller is giving away a free book to her blog readers. Click here to find out how to participate in this giveaway. The deadline is Monday at midnight. Leave a comment there and tell her that Dee @ Gospel Fiction sent you.

Dee

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Cush City New Author Nomination

bookcover

Two Christian Fiction Authors made the cut for the Cushcity New Author Award Nominations. Head over to Gospel Fiction to find out more about these books and how you can help them become finalists.

Related article:

Gospel Fiction's 2005 Top 10

 
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Wednesday, March 15, 2006

April 06: Nothing but the Right Thing

"Adams' Nothing But the Right Thing is surely that...the right thing for women struggling with long-suffering, maternity, family responsibility and faith - to not only read, but to study and to comfort their souls.  Illuminating with great integrity. Blessed!"

 - Dee Stewart, Christian Fiction News

Book comes out in April.

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Monday, March 13, 2006

The Storyteller in You

Dee's at The Master's Artist Blog today. Check it out and comment, if you will.
 
Reminder: this month I'm hosting a storyteller's workshop that will help participants discover themselves as storytellers, determine what themes speak to them the most, and show them different methods to help get these stories told. Two seats are still available. Contact me here.
 
 
 
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Friday, March 10, 2006

f a i t h * i n * f i c t i o n: Establishing a Career as a Writer: Part I

Dave Long, AE at Bethany House is answering our questions on How to f a i t h * i n * f i c t i o n: Establish a Career as a Writer: Part I at his faith*in*fictio blog.

Yesterday, he discussed why it is important for an author to write a novel before seeking to become published. Up until a few months ago, I wasn't aware that you could gain an agent without completing the book first.

From my experience working with editors and published authors, I have been on the middle of an editor possibly cutting an authors contract short, because they were disappointed with the book series--mainly the quality of the authors ability to tell a good story--and they wanted me to consult with the author on how to take third novel in the series up a notch. Flattered at the thought I was. But, really...I'm not a published novelist, yet. And I have enough authors a little upset with my views on writing.
But after that experience and Dave's message yesterday, I'm still a little gunshy. Because I know there is a Dee/the Reaper out there, who may have this some conversation over my work.
So I'm still revising my old novels, children. :)
Anyone out there agree or disagree with Dave?

Dee

Thursday, March 09, 2006

Mike Yorkey Interview

By the Sword --Interview
Answers by Mike Yorkey, co-author of By the Sword, released in January 2006 by Broadman & Holman. Click here to be directed to Gospelfiction for the interview.

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Monday, March 06, 2006

I Walk the Line

Today I'm over at the Master's Artist talking about conversion stories and Walk the Line the Movie.

Dee

Friday, March 03, 2006

Wish Fullfillment Fiction

 

Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen in Focus Features' Pride and Prejudice

Kiera Knightly and Matthew Macfayden star in the 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice.

Last year my F*i*F buddies and I shared a discussion ruffly about the fluffiness of some Christian Fiction, particularly on the part of happy endings. We questioned whether Christian fiction needed happy endings, since our stories were ultimately happy endings. God always wins.

However, I watched another movie version of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice and adored it.  More ...

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Thursday, March 02, 2006

The Covenant w/Black America



The Covenant with Black America is the #1 book sold on Amazon.com, Borders, Barnes & Noble, and Books A Million websites. You may have a challenge picking the book up at your local bookstore, because most stores didn't stock very many and they are flying off the shelves. This book was published by the oldest African-American publisher, Third World Press. If you haven't ordered your copy, you can order it here or through Third World Press or Amazon or your local bookstore. B's Books and More here in Atlanta has it. They have a website as well. Proceeds of this book goes to supporting Third World Press, a landmark company and institution that will(finally!!) start accepting manuscripts in July 2006. Let me remind you that the great Walter Moseley, Gwendolyn Brooks, Gloria Naylor and Derrick Bell have written for Third World. Wow!

Related article:
The Covenant at Gospel Fiction

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