Dena Tyson
The Daily Journal Reviews Dena Tyson’s novel Black Beans ‘N Rice
Black Beans ‘N Rice
Binx—everybody knows her. She is a daughter, niece, sister, cousin,
friend, neighbor, student, co-worker. Young, vulnerable, beautiful, smart,
and trapped by that thing called fear. In “Black Beans ‘n Rice”, the author
takes you on a fast-paced reading journey from pain to peace with all the
ups, downs, twists, and turns in between. It’s just under 300 pages, but
the pages turn fast as you sense every fear when her abuser’s name is
mentioned, every lump in the throat when the phone ring as you scream,
“Binx, don’t answer it.” Only relaxing when you learned it wasn’t “him” this
time.You will hate those who mistreat her and worship the real friends she
has. You’ll cry with her, and in the end, you are right there smiling when
she finally learns to trust again, and allows herself to be loved. Binx finds
happiness while teaching the world how to forgive.
Ron Jackson
Columnist
Kankakee Daily Journal
Y’all Come And Holla at-’cha gurl!!
Today at Waldenbooks Fox Valley Mall-Aurora Illinois 1pm-4pm
I will be signing copies of my new release “Black Beans ‘N Rice”
Y’all come on down and holla at-’cha gurl I would love to meet
some of my blog fans!
I hope you can make it!
~Peace
Escaping An Abusive Relationship…
Black Beans ‘N Rice- is about my life at 17 with a man 15 years older than I was who gave me a place to live when I otherwise didn’t have a place to go. Unfortunately during the time we lived together he began to abuse me both verbally and physically, and even after I got a place of my own I was still afraid to leave him. Later on in my life at 22 I finally found the strength to walk away and the courage to let go so you journey with me as I struggle to overcome the scars of low self esteem and lack of self worth, one day finding real love for the very first time at 25 years old. This story touches all and teaches something that is very important… we are worthy.
Synopsis:
Spooney was old enough to be her father but he didn‘t care. It made him feel like he still had it and that made him feel good. It‘s not all about how you do what you do because Binx was young and didn‘t know any better. She had fallen head over heels for him because he was different. As Binx applied the finishing touches to her face, her mother walked in and stood next to her, a questioning look in her eyes. She glared from the mirror and said something Binx would never forget. “You too pretty of a girl to be with such a old man. You‘re young and smart… he‘s just taking away all of your youth.” She was quite solemn in the way she spoke.What her mother didn‘t understand at that time was the damage had already been done, and she stayed not because she wanted to, but because she had to. She suffered Spooney‘s abuse both physically and mentally, and walking away wasn‘t easy because she was afraid.
Excerpt:
Binx was early to rise and eased out of bed. Spooney was still asleep and this
gave her a running start. She stuffed four pillow cases with her favorite things,
quickly loading them in the car she parked in front of the building.
“I get the dog and I’m home free…” she thought, stepping inside the apartment
door.
“Good morning lady… you up early.” Spooney greeted as she walked in. He
was standing in the middle of the hallway, his back facing the bedroom door.
“So where you headed to so early?” he asked, a suspicious look in his eye.
She held her nerve trying to remain as normal as possible. “I thought I would
go to the laundromat early, beat the crowd you know?” she said impulsively. “I
just came up to get Moosie since he hadn’t been out.” she told him locking the
leash on his collar.
“Aw I could’ve walked him for you this morning. That way you can go on and
get up to the laundromat and come on back here.” he glared toward her
rubbing his hand between his legs, sending a message.
Spooney stood about six feet and weighed two hundred pounds. He was
fifteen years her senior and Binx was twenty-two and very petite. He pulled the
last straw the night before the way he treated his mother at the dinner table.
His behavior replayed over and over in her mind, and made her sick to her
stomach feeling she couldn’t spend the rest of her life in fear. She recalled the
day he struck her face solely based on his speculation that she was seeing
another man much younger than he was, and this took him over the edge.
She smiled back at him taking Moosie in her arms. “That’s ok, I can walk ‘em it
won’t take long.” she said, keeping in mind he never liked the dog in the first
place.
“Well let me help you take your stuff to the car then.”
She quickly replied, “I’ve already done it.” Making her way toward the door.
He turned up his face nodding his head. “I see… I guess you did wanna get
there early.”
“Yeah…” she replied, reaching for the door knob.
He tried to speak through the big yawn he gave.
“What…?”
“I said I don’t get a kiss?” he repeated, squinting his eyes.
She gave a short sigh and stepped toward him. Moosie couldn’t stand him and
defended Binx as she moved in growling, then showing his teeth.
“That little joker sumthin else.” he laughed, slightly irritated by his behavior.
Binx held Moosie to her side as she kissed him on the lips.
“You’d better hurry up and come on back here girl.” he grinned, easing one
hand between her legs.
She pulled away giving a polite smile. “It should only take a few hours. Then
we’ll have a wonderful day.” she said, shutting the door behind her. She stood
for a moment releasing a big sigh, her legs shook as she headed down the
stairs, and her heart beat nearly out of her chest. “This is it Moosie…” she
said, holding him tightly. “This is it… I can’t believe how easy that was.” she
grinned, giving a sigh of relief as she left the building.
Spooney stood from the window watching as she led Moosie across the street.
“Don’t give him a reason; just stick to the plan… just stick to the plan.” she
reminded herself, seeing him from the window. She waved as they continued
around the corner on foot, and waited five minutes before heading back to the
car.
She made her move taking a quick glance toward the window, noticing he was
nowhere in sight. She put Moosie on the front seat and quickly shut the door.
She sat behind the wheel and began to panic unable to locate her purse with
her keys inside. She felt beneath the front seat and ran her hands across the
back frantically hoping to find them. She hung her head over the steering
wheel in utter disappointment, her eyes began to swell and she cried hard.
“Oh my god what did I do…? How could I have been so stupid, how could I
have been so stupid.” she repeated in disbelief. She turned toward Moosie,
sitting in the passenger seat, and he hopped over wagging his tail, licking the
tears from her face.
“We gotta go back up there…” she spoke softly trying to pull herself together.
She took a deep breath and stepped out of the car, heading back up stairs.
She knocked on the door and he opened it.
“Oh… you decided to come on back up here and take me up on my offer
huh?” he grinned.
She took hold of her nerves putting her best foot forward. “I forgot my purse
and my keys.” she told him.
“Ok…” he paused, “Now you can stay for a minute if you want too.” he tried to
convince her, giving a boyish grin.
“Old ass fucker!” she screamed inside, wanting to slap him in the face. “Nah I
gotta make it up there before the crowd comes you know?” She grabbed her
purse with keys now in hand, and she stepped toward the door with Moosie by
her side.
Spooney gave her a questioning look. “I thought you walked the dog already?”
“Yeah I did.” she said without thinking.
“So why you taking ‘em with you now?”
She paused for a second trying to think.
“You ok lady?” he said becoming suspicious.
She popped her lips shrugging her shoulders. “I guess I wasn’t thinking I can’t
be walking up in the laundromat with a dog.” she laughed, trying to play it off.
Her heart sank as she led Moosie back into the apartment. She kneeled in
front of him unsnapping his collar and squeezed him gently with her left hand.
The tears pressed hard against her lids but she refused to allow one to hit her
face, she couldn’t at this point she felt her life depended on it.
Spooney stood behind her watching as she came to her feet.
She didn’t turn around sensing he’d notice something was wrong so she
headed straight out and down the stairs. “I have to go but I’ll be back in a few
hours.” she called.
“Alright baby.” he grinned, shutting the door.
Binx took her seat behind the wheel, tossing her purse on the floor. “Moosie I’
m so sorry… I’m so sorry Moosie.” she cried out, starting the ignition. She
headed down Chicago Avenue and noticed a pay phone at the corner of Lake
Street and stopped, parking her car on the side of the road.
“Lord what am I gonna do…” she thought aloud, rocking back and forth,
holding her hand to her mouth. “I can’t go back there… I never wanna see that
man again. I can’t do it…” she shook. She caught her nerve and stepped out
of the car, running across the street to the pay phone, deciding to give her
best friend Hershey a call. Her wallet was empty and she had to call him collect.
“Please answer Hershey… please be there.” she muttered.
The phone was answered by the forth ring.
“This is the operator with a collect call from Bianca, will you accept?”
“From Binx…? Yeah I’ll accept the call.” he replied feeling she’d better have a
good excuse for calling him collect.
“Thanks Hershey.” she immediately spoke trying to keep her composure.
“Aw honey what’s the problem?” The sound of her voice made him nervous
fearing the worst had happened.
“Hershey I need you to do me a favor.” she stated, trying to catch her breath.
“Girl what is it… what’s happened?”
“I don’t have long Hershey I’m scared… I’ll tell you all about it later and I’ll pay
you for this call—”
“Don’t worry about that.” he interrupted.
“I’d like to know if you could three way this call to my house.”
“You mean call you at home?” he listened carefully trying to make sense of it
all.
“Spooney is at the house right now and I want you to please three way me to
him but not say anything on the phone, you can’t say anything Hershey you
hear me?” she warned.
He dialed the number without hesitation, keeping his promise of silence.
Binx swallowed hard feeling the knot in her throat.
“Hello…” Spooney answered.
“Yeah it’s me.”
He grinned taking a seat on the sofa. “You missing me already girl?”
Hershey had a great distaste for Spooney, feeling he was old enough to be her
father. Spooney never liked him because he was gay. He held on strong
trying to keep his lips sealed.
“Spooney I have something I need to tell you.”
“Oh yeah… I love you too.” he said, feeling a bit full of himself.
“No Spooney I want you to leave. I want you to leave my apartment.” she said
modestly, trying not to upset him.
Hershey’s mouth flew wide open and he took a seat at the dining room table.
Spooney took a short pause, thinking about what she’d said. “Now say that
again? No wait a minute…” he stopped in mid sentence. “Where are you, let
me come up to the laundromat.”
Hearing this, her heart raced fearing he’d catch her out on the street and beat
her to death. Her hand began to shake and she held the phone tightly. “I’m
not at the laundromat, I’m at a pay phone.”
“A pay phone where?” his voice deepened to a harsh tone.
Hershey came to his feet pacing back and forth in the room, a complete wreck,
hoping she wouldn’t disclose her location.
“I—I just wanted to call you and tell you that I want you to leave. I want you to
take all of your stuff and I want you out of my house and out of my life forever.
I don’t want to see you again, I don’t ever want to be in the same room with
you.” she told him.
“I don’t understand where this is coming from…” he shook his head trying to
wrap his mind around what he was told. “Have you been talkin ‘ta that mutha-
fucker Hershey?!” he lashed.
Hershey squeezed his eyes clinching his teeth together tightly, raising his hand
to the heavens above. “I can come ovah there and cut ‘yo dick off right now
you old fool…! Lord you’d better help me.” he thought, taking a deep breath,
clutching his chest.
“I can’t believe—why are you doing this? You are calling me from a pay
phone, let me come where you are so we can talk about this… please.” he
begged, trying to lower his tone.
“I don’t want to see you because I’m afraid–”
“Am I that big of a monster?” he said, raising his voice.
“Spooney if you don’t leave I’ll call the police and have them get you outta
there. I mean for you to go, please.”
“…humph, so you would actually call the Oak Park Police on me…? Have
twelve got-damn cars out there waiting to take my ass to jail? You know how
they do out here, this ain’t no Chicago.”
“I’m sorry Spooney I just want you to leave and leave me alone.” she took a
short pause, “If you don’t want to leave the apartment just stay and keep
everything… I don’t want it. Just let Moosie out and he’ll find me.”
He could see Moosie lying across the front door waiting for her to return. “Why
don’t you come and get the dog?”
“No, I won’t be back.”
“Well what’s going to happen to ‘em?” he asked, cutting his eyes in his
direction.
“I won’t be back for a few days that should give you enough time to leave. You
don’t have to worry about Moosie, feeding him or anything he’ll be alright.”
“So you just goan leave ‘yo dog huh?”
“He’ll be fine until I can see ‘em, I won’t be back to the apartment though.” she
explained, hoping he wouldn’t harm him.
“I don’t have much here just a few clothes…” he sighed deeply, taking a long
pause. “You don’t have to leave your apartment, I’ll go ahead and leave.” his
voice weakened and he began to weep, feeling his back was against the wall.
“I wish you would let me see you though, I love you. I wouldn’t do nothing to
hurt you.” he said, then changing his words. “I mean I know I hit you before, but
all I’m trying to say is that’s something I would never do again, if you could just
please…”
“It’ll never work Spooney, I’m too afraid of you and I don’t want to spend my life
in fear like this.
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Check out the trailer for Black Beans ‘N Rice!
Trailer for Black Beans N Rice
My Tribute to Michael Jackson
Such a talented genius. As I think back to a time in my life when I was much younger, a pre-teen in fact, back in Memphis. The buzz around town was quite interesting because the Jackson Five were in Tennessee and actually in my neighborhood. We had seen them on television earlier that day talking about a show they were doing and later that evening I got wind that they were going to be at the Southgate Shopping Center. I lived within walking distance and told my dad and we all piled into the big tan striped Winnebago aka. Camper and headed for the shopping center.
Oooo… I cannot tell you how excited I was as my father drove in anticipation of seeing them up close and personal. Honey I thought I was sumthin else you hear me? I was in the back of the camper lookin outta that window grinning like bucky beaver hoping to meet the Jackson Five!
We get to the shopping center and so many others had already arrived.
As my dad pulled into the parking lot there they were… The Jackson Five, on top of the roof waving at everyone that was standing in the lot. My dad didn’t park the camper immediately instead he paused and he and my mom laughed at the way myself and all of the other people were carrying on. They only stayed on the roof for about 10 minutes and then they disappeared. My dad drove around back of the shopping center and no one was back there at all except a limo that eased out of the lot. I knew they were in there, they had to be right…? Well as the limo drove away some of the crowd made their way to where we were and someone yelled… “there they are inside the camper” and everyone ran toward us! I couldn’t believe it and my dad drove off as fast as he could because we were being bombarded by these people… the same folks we had just seen moments before in the front of the lot!! A few people ran behind that camper for at least a few blocks finally giving up. We laughed about that much later on but I remember that as if it were yesterday.
Michael I thank you for inspiring me back then that like yourself I could reach higher than I could ever imagine and achieve my god given talent and dream. I thank you for all of the memories both then and now, as I continue my journey through life.
Michael you will truly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers to your famly.
~Dena
Beaten But Not Broken…
They say that love doesn’t hurt but why does it always seem to leave a large sting across my face or blackened my eye.
To love is to encourage, and most times I have found none.
Love should be felt from the moment we’re born no matter how we were conceived, life is a blessing.
Each day that I live and breathe I know I am not alone.
I put myself out front and I stand among so many that have suffered hanging our heads in shame, but no longer will I hold myself to these types of methods.
No longer will I allow my life to be chosen by anyone except the one for which I pray to each morning when I open my eyes giving thanks for a day that I have to make a new start.
I choose to make the most of this day for which I have been given for now and for always.
Make the best of your day people and live for many others to come because we are worthy… trust me I know.
My best to you always and
“Continue to Greatness!”
Written for the Novel Black Beans ‘N Rice
A novel about escaping an abusive relationship and finding love for the very first time.
*In Theatres Soon!*
©2009 Written/Created by Author: Dena Tyson
The Power and the Glory
I extend my hand as you turned away
tossing the last few pieces of my possessions
I quickly fell to my knees grabbing hold of each
piece stuffing them into the green duffel bag
that once belonged to a man most claimed was
my father
Still I am lost, but one day I hope to find him
I am broken as I journey the streets unknown
You used the power to turn my life, my world
upside down, and today you’ve won
Time heals all wounds but we never forget
Today I am woman
I stand proud completely unashamed of the
world I left behind
I hear a knock and find you at my door on
bended knee calling out my name
Once again I extend my hand
as I open my heart, my soul
only this time you bear no resistance
You stare into my eyes with shame on your face
as I help you to your feet.
You ask me why…
In my humble response
I face you, and I smile
The “Glory” is mine to give.
Written/Created by Best Selling Author:
Dena Tyson 12/21/08
This describes the day I was thrown on the
streets to survive at 14 with no place to go and
no one to turn to. It only made me stronger in my
journey to survival, and I held no hate in my
heart. I learned I am worthy and that all things
are possible when we believe.
For the short list of those that cared and have
always had my best interest at heart, I thank you
and wrap my arms around you with tears of joy.
For those that still hate and try to tear me down,
and that list for sure would extend from where I
live to the Himalayan Mountains, …know that it
only gets better from here.
See you at the movies!
*In Theatres Soon!*
Today For The First Time I Am Free
As I turn the key, I feel my journey has just
begun…
Today for the first time I am free
I make my way pass the doors of the
crowded room
I see your face… I notice your lips, your
smile
As I make my way in your direction you smile
I Take your arms reaching out to hold me,
drawing you near
The room becomes silent as we lose
ourselves over come with the emotion we
feel inside
Today for the first time I am free
We pause, taking a moment to find our way
beyond the corners of the back room, then
up the stairs
We meet again, this time your legs wrapped
around my waist As I gently hold your thighs
in my arms, wanting you, needing you…
My heart compels me to think that I had a
right to be here
death was not my sentence.
A prisoner no more, locked within the walls
of my soul yelling, pleading, trying to get out!
Dare I question the man that I once was,
would be the man that I am before
but I am determined, and now I surrender-
“Father I stretch my hands to thee”
and then it happened,
this day I know…
Today for the first time I am free
Written/Created by Author Best Selling Author:
Dena Tyson
11/19/08
*This is actually a revelation from a man that
was once in a coma. He lay with his body
frozen in time, locked within the walls of his
soul, trying to get out, wanting to be free. He
remembers his life, his love and longs to be
with her once again… to feel her, to touch
her. He had much to learn during his time of
departure, and renewed his beliefs,
surrendering himself to the heavens above.
Finally he awakens… a chance to start his
life once more, now much stronger and
wiser he realizes
“Today For The First Time I Am Free”
Based on the novel “Give Me the Strength” which is also based on a true story
*In Theatres Soon!*
Church “Booty” Easter Sunday
Back when I first got married, we lived on the south side of Chicago for a short while.
It was Easter Sunday “our first” and Zion Lutheran Church was three blocks away, so we decided to walk.
I had on my Sunday best. A beautiful knee length cream colored dress, with shear long sleeves that slightly belled at the wrist. It was tapered at the waist with a silk tie, and although I can’t recall the true fabric the dress itself was made of, it just flowed with the wind and every step I’d make. It reminded me of one of those glamorous dresses you’d see on tv, that just danced behind you when you walked. Oh… that dress was so beautiful. Made me feel extra good when I was in it ‘cuz y’all know I thought I was lookin cute that day right…?
I made one last pit-stop before we headed out the door and we were on our way. We walked hand in hand yuckin-it-up the whole time grinning like buckey- beaver. Tony (my husband) had on this suit and y’all know that man was lookin good and smellin good too. ‘course he always smelled good any way, but it was sumthin about that suit that brought out all the senses!
Further down the block we came across other couples that had the same idea. I smiled and spoke, making eye contact with each one. The men blushed as they spoke and for some reason the women pulled them along cutting their eyes in my direction as if I were a church hussy or some type of heathen. I thought to myself; I don’t want ‘yo man… I got this fine brotha right here by my side… “my husband” so goan ‘bout ‘yo long-head, heifers! (you know folk can make you lose your religion)
The church was in clear view and this woman paused next to me for a moment before she passed. “Excuse me…” she pointed to the side of my dress. “You have something on your dress.” she continued, now making her way to the church steps. I thanked her and immediately began brushing the side of my dress. Y’all know I was about to panic, because I just couldn’t imagine a spot on that beautiful dress, and not one that I myself had missed!
I asked Tony if he saw anything and he said he didn’t. You know how men are, they don’t see stuff like we do, so I stopped this woman as we approached the steps, and asked her if she saw anything on my dress. I told her what the other woman said that I had something on my dress and wanted to know if she saw anything. (I’m country folk and we don’t mind stopping and asking stuff)
The woman was nice and seemed down to earth, an old skool sistah ‘ya know. She looked at me and said… “Ain’t nuthin on ‘yo dress and I don’t know why that woman would say that, but the whole back-ka ‘yo dress is inside ‘yo pantyhose.”
‘Y’all can imagine the look I had on my face right? I was completely mortified!! There we stood pulling the back of my dress outta my pantyhose! I had walked for 3 blocks, only to discover at the church steps, my ass was showing the whole time!
The woman told me not to worry and thanked the heavens above that I was at least wearing a pair of cute “little pannies”.
Tony stood behind me raising my dress once more… “Aw yeah, those are nice…” referring to my pannies like a nutt!! I took hold of my dress and cut him a mean look…
“Now you notice!”
And Then It Happened…
Mmmmmmmmmm…. yesssssss-s-s-s…
You explore my body touching every inch of my soul,
From the moment I enter you waste no time
Making your way down my spine,
I take a deep breath and bare no resistance
I put on a girlish grin as you tap-tap drip-drip
Making your way across my body
I quickly shut the door
My eyes held tightly as I surrender myself to a place of no return
Lifting my arms high in the air I feel your touch,
You’re warm as your tongue lashes every piece of my soul
I can’t stop myself from wanting more, needing more
And then it happened—
“Aw hell… I done ran outta hot water ya’ll! I gotta git up outta this shower. We’ll have to pick this up tomorrow- You did know I was talkin ‘bout the shower right…? Ya’ll so n-a-s-t-y!
Created By: Dena Tyson 11/23/08
From My Hands To Yours…
The one thing I learned in my journey as an Author was to help my fellow writers/authors with as much knowledge as I could. Knowledge that I found was very hard to come by simply because so many were unwilling to give.
I guess I could understand that in some way so I’m not here to bad mouth any one, but am about to extend a free hand. I probably won’t be able to cover my whole journey in one blog so this will more than likely extend over a few. I will ask that others please extend your hand as well with whatever information you are willing to give.
Please note… in this forum we are not here to judge or be judged but simply here to gain and share knowledge. My journey may not be your journey but I am here to share and to learn as well.
With that said, let’s get ready to rock ‘n roll people!
So your book is published, where do you go from here?
Please know the success of your book starts with “you” . If you don’t believe in your product 200% no one else will! Not only do you have to believe but you must also be willing to work and work extremely hard to move closer toward your success, and don’t allow anyone to take away your momentum! You’ll have some good days and bad days but stay encouraged.
After I self published my book I sought many markets to put them in, starting with the bookstores. Numbers count and that’s how we make the best seller lists by the “numbers.” Soliciting the book stores may pose somewhat of a challenge especially for the self published Author, so you must educate yourself before you solicit those types of markets because they are not there to coach you along or teach you anything, after all you’re the Author, so be ready for that type of response, especially if your book is self published through a print on demand publisher aka POD Publisher, but know this…
If you worked with an online publisher make sure the deal you signed included Baker and Taylor as one of the warehouses used to carry your books as well as Ingram, and that you are also listed with Bowkers Books in Print. Most if not all of the bookstores and libraries will be able to get copies of your books and stock their shelves if they are available through those ware houses. If you didn’t publish through an online publisher and still self published your book then you will have to register with each warehouse separately and work out a deal. Be sure that your deal does include a return policy so stores will feel comfortable ordering your books and having the ability to return them if they overstocked their shelves etc., as long as the books are returned in saleable condition.
Read your contract information, compare notes and chose wisely! Again no one (meaning those industries) is there to teach you anything, so do your homework and be prepared. Even after you have paid for and signed to have your books carried in the warehouses still doesn’t mean that they will go ordering your books to fill their shelves and that’s where your foot work come in. Know that in this industry everybody is in it to make money and warehouses stocking books on their shelves for the possibility of a store calling them to order your books are not great. Unless you are among one of the greats i.e., Harry Potter, etc., so be prepared for that as well. The warehouses will begin to stock your books based on the need/popularity. They will not stock your books on their shelves if only a few books are being ordered so get out there and make those calls, solicit the stores, the independent stores as well because they order from the warehouses as well. Increase the popularity of your books by exposing them on the websites, your personal websites, other sites you’ve joined. Relentlessly get the word out about your books and make sure they are being purchased. Solicit your family and friends, make a book trailer for your book, print/create flyers to pass along to everyone that crosses your path in the grocery stores, shopping malls,doctors office hospitals, dentist office, parking lots, bus stops, train stops, the cleaners, coffee shops, your neighborhood, schools, car dealerships, the post office, just to name a few. It can be done and your books will sell in addition to your getting a following and people with begin to know you and your work and they will pass the word along as well.
When you want to have a signing at a book store call the store up and tell them you are an Author and you’d like to have a signing in their store and for them to order your books. Please be sure and tell the store just how many books you think they should order because remember that store has a budget to adhere to and even though they can return books that were unsold from your signing some stores will order a very small amount and there is nothing quite as embarrassing as having a signing without enough books on hand.
Don’t be the Author that sits behind the table waiting on people to come by and notice you, you be the enforcer and approach them. After all you have a product that they need and cannot be without so make sure they have it!
I like to make sure I have my crew in order for every signing especially when I do a signing in the bookstores in the malls. When I arrive people are already waiting for me outside the store because of the hype and can’t wait to see me, hug me, kiss me, have me meet their family friends, husband’s wives and children! And all because of my crew. They already know about me and my books and have decided which one or both they want me to sign. I love it when I see people walking in the malls with my flyers in hand or when I approach them and they tell me they got my info (and show me) from two or three other people and they were coming in to meet me. I love it!!
When you do the big arenas like the huge convention centers, the one here I did was the McCormick Place which had thousands upon thousands of customers I had my crew hitting the escalators, stairways, doorways, main entrance, major walk ways through the center, I mean they covered all basis. That was a huge event and people like Les Brown were there (his booth was right next to mine) and other big name Authors and speakers but I’ll bet you half of the people that were there in attendance had my information. The reason only half had it was because I ran out of flyers!
Stand out among the rest of the Authors. I’m not saying block their sales because that’s not polite because you want to always be respectful, but create your own uniqueness in such a way they have to stand back and take notice of you! Always go over and introduce yourself to the Authors around you and give them a flyer/brochure of what you have and take one of theirs. And please don’t go to any event looking drab! Ladies become more of the glamorous beauty inside you and smile at the fellas and approach them they love it!! Make sure you don’t leave out their wives or girlfriends but make that first approach. Fellas same thing. Accent what you have working for you and I mean that literally and make them want to come on by and holla at you and buy ‘dem books! Stand out in the sharpness of your appearance that people will want to know “who is that movie star?” and will flock to your table to find out. You ever go to something and notice something else going on and wondered what it was…? And you found yourself making your way to the action. You have to be that person at your signing. I’ll tell you there were so many people taking pictures of me at McCormick place that knew me they had people walking by taking pictures just because. This one guy cracked me up. He didn’t even wait to talk to me he just smiled and was like I’d better take this picture because she must be somebody! …hahahaha
First time Authors I know you’re afraid and maybe even shy but that don’t make the book sell so dive in! practice in a smaller avenue like the grocery stores approaching people/shoppers. Have your biz cards in hand or book marks or flyers. There’s a way to do anything so make it work for you and get the word out. Never miss an opportunity to sell. When you are lucky enough to reach a mainstream publisher with your books they will love your willingness to work!
One of the most important things I’ve learned in my journey is realistically you have less than a minute to attract attention to your story and gain their interest.
We writers/artists are so excited and have so much we want to say especially when it’s our turn at the mic. (you know what I mean…?)
The flip side to that is for the most part, the agent, mainstream publisher or whatever powers that be you’re trying to reach have heard it all… get hundreds if not thousands of queries and are looking for, craving for something to jump out and bite them on the ass!
Make ‘em holla people! Make your work count! Keep it short but powerful so you are not forgotten among the pile.
Here’s an example of my book “Xceptance” since its release in July 08 it has done exceptionally well and still climbing the charts:
In the 1960’s, Mississippi born Loraine would take Chicago by storm. This gal was built (as they would say), like a coke-a-cola bottle and could belt out a tune that would make Aretha Franklin stand up and take notice. Chicago wasn’t the only place. The folks down in Memphis gave her praise and would come from miles just to listen.
All that glitters ain’t gold and after having six children, she would eventually have a lot of explaining to do, particularly to Walter her husband at the time in Chicago. If the Panama Limited could talk a lot could be said, especially about Stigg who worked the 57 line from Chicago to New Orleans.
She walked away from her children more than 13 years before, and now has to face her lies and deception head on struggling to seek forgiveness.
So many lies had been told about who Augie’s father really was, Loraine didn’t have a clue and Walter wasn’t about to claim ownership and didn’t give no never mind about the situation either, and would not be moved.
This tells a lot about the story, gains interest, zooms right in on the main characters and forms a strong foundation for the basis of the story.
What makes it different is the time line and the nostalgia. It projects the “All hell naw” factor because you already know its goan be some mess and it’s about to be on! You know the author would not disappoint as you travel through time in this story because you were given a taste of some of the references all ready. Even though the characters are black it projects a universal story. That being drama, family dysfunction, and destruction at its best. And y’all know ‘erbody like drama and getting all up in somebody else’s business! Shameless but true! This also sparks curiosity and they will want to know more. Once you have their attention bring it home and seal the deal!
Like I said… stand out, keep things short, gain interest, keep yours at the top in the “contact Author folder”!
Useful sites:
http://www.absolutewrite.com/
www.vistaprint.com (get your free flyers,biz cards etc) so check them out!
Wordhustler.com (seeking a mainstream publisher they can help with your submission)
www.authortreehouse.com
www.booktour.com
www.bookcatcher.com
www.ifreelance.com
www.jiffyshirts.com
