A recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts showed that fiction reading is on the rise, especially among 18- to 24-year-olds.
–Newsweek
See Literacy FAQ’s about Detroit | Click here
Grab your tablet while this special lasts at: http://amzn.to/2oCiqLA
See Other Upcoming Literary Events at: http://DetroitLiteraryNetwork.com
Check out local Michigan authors! See A List of Michigan Amazon Pages & Add Yours
Enjoy a strolling afternoon of literature hosted by several venues in our Midtown neighborhood! A range of authors – from poets to jazz and hip-hop artists – will read and perform. Books will be available for purchase and signing at each stop.
All events are free and open to the public. No RSVP necessary. Metered street parking available. Lunch menu items available for purchase at Maccabees at Midtown (1pm) stop.
https://www.wsupress.wayne.edu/news-events/events/detail/wsu-midtown-literary-walk
The Freelance Marketplace Writers’ Group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at the Rochester Hills Barnes & Noble Bookstore at 2800 S. Rochester Road (just north of M59). Different topics and guests each month*, but we always discuss the Business of Writing (we are NOT a critique group).
Come once, once in a while, or every time. It’s FREE and OPEN to new, published, and working writers, photographers, and illustrators (although most of us are writers).
Freelance Marketplace Meeting at B&N in Rochester Hills
Here are the Tuesdays we meet in 2018:
August 21 September 18 October 16 November 20
*Please note we do not meet in December
Want to Receive Monthly Reminders of When the Group Meets?
Sign Up to Receive the Monthly Newsletter
for more information https://rochesterwriters.wordpress.com/freelance-marketplace-writers-group/
by Tim Gleisner, Special Collections Manager, LMIn the last Dispatch article, I told you that the Library of Michigan collects Michigan. Not only do we collect books on the state, but every year we choose the best Michigan books. Every year since 1991, a committee of LM staff, booksellers, librarians, and writers from across the state sit down once a month to debate and haggle as to the next set of Michigan Notable Books (MNB). For the final half of the year it is this committee of 13 people who will be reading numerous titles to determine which 20 truly exemplify the best of the best from Michigan this year. So far there have been more than 180 titles requested from various authors and publishers. At this time, we have received multiple copies of nearly 90 titles. Each title focuses on Michigan topics, or has an author who has a connection to the Great Lakes State. With so much that is being published about Michigan it is hard to keep track of it all. Perhaps that next great Michigan title is lurking out there and it has fallen through the cracks? Staff and committee members are diligently keeping their eyes and ears open to any potential title that is out there – combing catalogs, bookstore aisles, and online sources for new candidates. The problem is that there are only so many staff and committee members to go around. The MNB selection committee is only has 13 members. Yet there are 10 million people in our state, 83 counties, and numerous communities. So many local stories being published and too few eyes to find and read them. That is where we need your help. If you happen on that next potential MNB, email librarian@michigan.gov and provide the author, title, and the publisher. With your help we will find that next MNB. |
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR RED CARPET PREMIERE
Group rates are available. Call 734-686-2744 for more info.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR RED CARPET PREMIERE
It’s a well-known fact that reading benefits writers. It enriches our vocabulary, gives us clues how to use stylistic devices and expressive means correctly, and shows us what good writing structure looks like.
This month of August, Motown Writers Network features, T.J. London, author of The Tory Book #1 The Rebels and Redcoats Saga. Check out the second part of her awesome interview with us, get to know her and then support her by reading and reviewing her book and then sharing this interview with others. If you missed the first interview, click here.
Download the Excerpt | Buy Book | Author Website
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing? Getting what I see in my head on the page. I almost have to method act out the scene before I write it. Its very emotional, but I think those who read and love my books find the experience very emotional and viceral.
Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work? Kerrigan Byrne. While I am not a huge romance reader, her writing just makes me bleed, and hurt and fall in love. Again, I am all about the experience. I also love the great, the amazing and the legendary Judith McNaught. Last but not least John Jakes, he gave me my love of the Revolutionary War.
Do you have to travel much concerning your book(s)? yes, all the time. London, Upstate New-York, Boston. I am a research purist. If I havenet seen it, I dont write it!
Who designed the covers? Myself and my amazing friend Steve Miller. www.lookatmydesigns.com. I call him my Picasso. He’s inspired and he gets my vision.
What was the hardest part of writing your book? Reliving my own pain and making peace with it. And the obvious things, writing style, creating your own voice.
Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? That I can do anything, if I put my mind to it-the Tory is proof of that. Just because you fail and things don’t work out, doesn’t mean life wont throw you another option.
Do you have any advice for other writers? Dont give up no matter what. Just because someone tells you something isnt good, doesnt mean that it isn’t. Everyone has an opinion and they will give you it whether you want it or not. Find people you trust and let them guide and help you.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers? I hope you love The Tory, and know there are two more books to come about these two characters. So it dose not end at The Tory! For me this book was a labor of love. Its deep, emotional story about
Download the Excerpt | Buy Book | Author Website
Can you share a little of your current work with us?
Download the Excerpt | Buy Book | Author Website
His King or His Conscience…which will he chose?
It is the winter of 1776, and Captain John Carlisle, one of His Majesty’s not-so-finest, has gone back to the scene of the crime to right a wrong so dark it left a permanent stain on what was once an illustrious career and left a man broken, defeated, in search of justice…
In an effort to win back his commission, he must discover the true nature of the relationship between the Six Nations of the Iroquois and the Colonial Army. Undercover as a war profiteer, John travels to the treacherous Mohawk River Valley and infiltrates local society, making friends with those he’s come to betray.
But a chance meeting with a beautiful half Oneida innkeeper, whose tragic history is integrally linked to his own, will provide him with the intelligence he needs to complete his mission—and devastate her people.
Now, as the flames of war threaten to consume the Mohawk Valley, John has the chance to not only serve King and country, but to clear his name. When the truth he uncovers ties his own secrets to those in the highest positions of the British military and threatens the very life of the woman he’s come to love, he will be forced to make a choice…
two lovers who have lost everything and together they find a way to make it in a war torn world. I hope you have laugh, cry, fall in love and learn a little about the Revolutionary War.
Download the Excerpt | Buy Book | Author Website
Don’t forget if you haven’t read the first part of this wonderful interview with the awesome author, click here
Subscribe to The Motown Writers Network to get more interview . Please don’t forget to support her literary endeavors by purchasing her book, reviewing and sharing your review or this interview with other readers.
To be a spotlight author, click here
The Path of Consciousness is a spiritual and writing conference and retreat that will help you transform your writing life with the help of various ancient, sacred and creative teachings, including writing and storytelling. Choose to stay for the one-day conference or the 3-day all-inclusive retreat (Oct. 5-7, 2018)
The event is close enough to drive to and far enough to find peace, spiritual growth, and writing time at an affordable price. For more information, and to register, visit www.ThePathofConsciousness.com
It’s almost back-to-school time and time to get busy…
You want more PR so you can get more calls to speak?
Here’s an invitation to join Speakers Magazine Publisher,
Pam Perry’s Branding Accelerator Program….
If you’re serious and think it’s time, fill out the application
and let’s have a conversation.
Apply TODAY at: www.Brandingacceleratorprogram.com
Applications ONLY being accepted until AUGUST 31.
For much (all) of my life, I lamented being born in an era my mind did not belong in. Le sigh!
I’m sure many of you are the same. You dreamt about being a beatnik riding your thumb, a lady in repose on the chaise lounge, so forth and so on. But now it’s 2018 and we have to work on something called your “author brand,” so sniff your smelling salts and let’s do this.
You can still live in a dream world. But, you know, sometimes you have to think about your social media presence while you pretend to sip martinis in the ’30s.
The nature of selling books is changing. Much of the responsibility of selling those books is being pushed onto the author. This means you, dear author, who has probably wasted good social media time on reading books or trying to enjoy your life.
Create an image of yourself. This image should be how you want the reader to view you (within reason—erase those abs). What do you write? Mystery? Fantasy? Romance, thriller, nonfiction, erotica, bathroom trivia? How do you see the perfect stereotype of an author in your genre? Think about these things, and ask yourself more questions to find out what image you’re going to try and sell to prospective readers.
When creating the different places on the Internet people can find you (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, personal website, blogs), keep this image in mind and try not to stray too far from it. The readers who enjoy that image, who enjoy your brand, will return to get more. If you write gore-filled horror, maybe keep the gifs of kittens to my inbox instead of your social media.
Read Now https://www.inkitt.com/writersblog/the-writers-toolbox-author-branding/
In Praise of the Black Men and Women Who Built Detroit https://nyti.ms/2xNZTxF
BLACK DETROIT
A People’s History of Self-Determination
By Herb Boyd
Illustrated. 416 pp. Amistad/HarperCollins Publishers. $27.99.
Detroit has found its griot in Herb Boyd. Traditional West African storytellers, griots carry their people’s traditions from generation to generation, and are renowned for their encyclopedic knowledge, their wit and their ability to bridge the past and present. In the tradition of the griot, Boyd has written a song of praise to what he calls “the city’s glorious history.” BUY BOOK NOW
Herb Boyd, second from right, at Wayne State University in 1977, as his daughter reads to Alex Haley. Also in the group is Rosa Parks, second from left.Creditvia Harper Collins
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Some writers try to write 2000 words before lunchtime, and some schedule a block of time for writing every day. I’m not that kind of writer. I’m a busy mom, blogger, and novelist whose schedule — and energy level — can turn on a dime. Despite that, I am the kind of writer who writes every day. And I have two books and a successful blog to show for it.
10am to Noon at Detroit Public Library | Free to the public
(Please forward this to a friend and bring several friends with you.)
Topic: How I brought my stories to Film with Author & Indie Filmmaker Phette Ogburn
Phette Hollins is a self-proclaimed Human Vault, and Head of the Storytelling Ministry. She empowers people to be brave and courageous in the pursuit of their authentic selves through her books and films, where she shares stories of healing and getting unstuck by removing the layers and getting to the core of our “issues.” Learn more at: bit.ly/phettewritesbooks.
(Project) Seven Whole Days Movie Trailer –
www.facebook.com/phettehollins
www.instagram.com/phettehollins
www.twitter.com/phettehollins
See ya Sat and please bring a donation to help us out.
Also bring your literary challenges, new books to announce and achievements.
Networking is key to our survival as writers and authors! This is your chance to learn, network and connect!
Ready to RSVP?
Michigan Literary News & Events
Founder’s Posts & Notes
Michigan Lit Radio Show (Listen Live (646) 915-9177) MichLiterary Monthly Events (Contact us to add yrs) FaceBook Member Activitiy
Agents, Editors and You: The Insider's Guide to Getting Your Book Published (Writers Market Library)
Alan M. Schlein: Find it Online: The Complete Guide to Online Research, Third Edition
Jack Neff: Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript (Writer's Market Library Series)
Kathy, Henderson: Market Guide for Young Writers: Where and How to Sell What You Write
Novel & Short Story Writer's Market 2007 (Novel and Short Story Writer's Market)
click here for details
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