Shelia Lipsey's teen novel is a must read.

I can't let the cat out of the bag, but House of Cars will deliver entertainment and lessons to teen readers. Shelia's book is now available for preorder.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s?field-author=Shelia+E.+Lipsey&i=stripbooks&s=daterank

Taking time to cultivate industry relationships.

Some authors forget to take time to cultivate relationships. Exhibiting people skills helps in brand building in any business, and yes, writing is a business. With the flood of new authors penning books, it's not a bad idea to slow down long enough to indulge in a bit of etiquette. For instance, many authors post links to their books on social networking sites like Facebook. Have they bothered to nurture the online relationship of first? Over time I've encountered many authors who treat others differently, depending on the name attached to the interaction. That's a dangerous position to take in an ever changing industry. The blogger who was once ignored could end up being a key media contact. The individual who worked for publisher X may not work there two years from now.

Consider Michael Baisden's recent announcement that his radio show won't be continued where he'd been for so long. Even an icon like him must start anew. Undoubtedly, he is an author who achieved remarkable things. However, even he wasn't immune to having the plug pulled. While thinking big, we must respect others who invest time and interest in what we're doing, even if we're highly successful at that moment.

Authors should consider that it's simply not good karma to appear ungrateful to anyone who attempts to reach out an help us in any way. We may meet them again in another forum. Why not try our best to let a positive, grateful attitude do the talking? People don't have to help us in life. Doing so is a choice. Those with manners stand out and position themselves to leave lasting impressions.

Writers are rich, right?

I read this article (http://www.salon.com/2013/03/15/hey_amazon_wheres_my_money/) and thought that it was candid and often true. Many who haven't taken a publishing journey probably don't understand that writers are often paid less than initially believed. Even full-time writing jobs are hard to come by, highly competitive, and some employers in corporate America devalue the tasks at hand. I recently read an employment advertisement that warned applicants not to email the potential employer about grammatical errors that he or she may have made. Additionally, the individual openly stated that many writers believe that they can write but really can't. More was said, but the biggest point of frustration is feeling under appreciated in the work force. Communication is essential to every work task. Thus, why is writing so, well, unimportant as a core skill? Why are English and Journalism majors often just deemed to be "those Liberal Arts folks?" It is true that everyone cannot write well in business. On the entertainment side of this post, let us also consider how important reading should be in society. Some individuals are trainable. Others will never be great writers, just as a plethora or people don't have medical, engineering or medical skills.

If authors didn't pen new books, how would the world be? I'm not talking about reality stars who are supported by ghost writers, or celebrities who don't pen their own masterpieces. I'm talking about those who started from scratch to hatch an idea.

Perhaps writing is a dying "craft." Those who love it don't just do it for a quick buck. It's not a branding ploy, or a cash cow moniker, but rather a chance to utilize a life-long passion. Becoming a wealthy writer is rare, but the joy of seeing words in print can be worth the difficult journey.

Book Decisions 101. Before you sign on the line to finalize a book deal, slow down.

Many aspiring authors are extremely excited to land a traditional book deal, but everything that shines isn't gold. The quality of the publisher can greatly impact ones career, success and sanity. Landing a book deal is like landing a new job. Publishing is a business. You'll never forget that if you sign on the line. What you used to do for fun changes instantly. Poof. It's a hobby no more.

There are lots of imprints popping up these days. An imprint does not imply poor quality though. Pay attention to the head of the organization. When you enter a legal agreement with someone, fulfilling the terms of the contract is a two way street. If meeting of the minds falls through, hiring a lawyer is often your only option to officially resolve a given situation. Here are a few things to consider before you click your heels with excitement.

Your intellectual property will be in the hands of someone else. What moral track record does the individual have in the industry? Trust is a part of the relationship. Is the person approachable, antagonistic, or will he or she regard you as part of a team? Find out up front the founder's view on how conflicts will be resolved. Study the answer. Let your gut lead you. Pay attention to business ethics. What kind of things do you hear about this person? Do the majority of their other authors seem satisfied? Consider having your contract professionally reviewed. A seasoned publisher should not be offended by your desire to look over the terms and dissect them.

Books will be purchased from your publisher. The print run is in their hands. You will most likely order from them, unless you never plan on having books on hand to sell to readers directly. So clearly understand how much you will pay per copy, when you need to purchase books. A savvy publisher will adhere to a smooth ordering system. One who does sloppy business can have you waiting for months to order your own books. It can be a simple matter or a nightmare. If you never wanted to pull your hair out, how would you feel if you had events lined up, but your emails and calls fall into a black hole? It all goes back to the quality of the publisher, and their interest in taking care of their authors. Is the company interested in your career, or is the agenda getting a percentage of a book that their demographic could snatch up for the moment? There's a difference between the two situations. Some publishers are interested in nurturing their authors...ahem...and not just the favorites. Others will easily replace the medium money makers with the next person with something trendy that may grace the shelf. At the same time, some authors are interested in smaller deals while trying to leverage a bigger one from a top publisher later. Also, what happens if you sell out of your print run, assuming that your publisher isn't using a print on demand system? These are more aspects to consider. That grand plan should be well planned.

Before you sign a book contract, understand how long you are contractually bound. Did you sign a two book deal, three book deal, or some other ? (Hey you! If you've never heard of the right of first refusal, you also may want to look they term up.) Be prepared to deliver what you obligated yourself to. If you can't fulfill the terms of the contract, and your book has been scheduled for release, you can put yourself in a difficult situation. In some cases, a ghost writer will be hired at your expense via your check. I can say that because I have been that person who confidentially stepped up to fill in a gap. Always have another manuscript in mind. If possible, have an outline prepared if you aren't able to write a rough draft at that moment. Time sneaks up on many authors. Even seasoned ones often feel the stress of deadlines.

If you're lucky enough to get an advance, don't blow your money like you hit the lottery. Plan what you will do with it. A publishing check doesn't come every two weeks. You'll probably get paid a portion of monies upon delivering a manuscript, and the other half when the book is ready for the world's viewing pleasure. You won't see a dime of royalties until the publisher recovers the investment in you. That money wasn't really free money. It was like a bank account set up on your behalf. Did you know that when books are returned to your publisher, that's tracked and tallied? Ouch.

Additionally, most authors aren't given a marketing budget. Keep that in mind before you hit the mall. Do you need a new computer to keep doing what you do? If there's something that you need to work, consider making an investment. Unless you've been given a credit card for expenses (smile), chances are that you'll be burning your gas to travel, hopping planes, scouting cheap bus prices and paying for your own tables at expos and fairs to find yourself standing shoulder
to shoulder next to other authors who are in a similar boat. So you want to be an author? This is a part of the fun part. It's called promotion. Most authors are sent out into the world to make it work on their own. Poor sales can hinder the next opportunity, even with a prospective publisher who wants to know your sales history for a previous title. The last deal often matters.

There are pros and cons to advances. The publishers investment in you is step one of a serious commitment. Many small imprints don't offer an advance. That's not always a bad thing. It gives you a chance to test your sales chops with less pressure. Also, your publisher can see how hard you will push to make your project a success. A good publisher pays attention to who works hard and is likely to offer extra help and feedback to those who bring professionalism to the table. Make yourself stand out in a good way. Have a great attitude and work ethic. Don't be known as a difficult diva or gent that someone can't wait to release.

Know why you want to write a book and publish it. Anyone can become an author these days. Technology changed the publishing landscape, so it can be hard to tell who wants to pen something because it was on his or her bucket list, who penned something to help with branding another business venture, and who loves books to the point of wanting to pen them because it's a passion. Be honest about your wants and desires. That can also pay a role in the time and energy you are willing to invest in the publishing journey, and what you expect from your publisher.

In essence, a publishing deal is like a relationship. There are good and bad ones. Do your homework the best that you can. Research and ask questions. Network. Attend book functions. Slow down and think about both sides of the equation. Learn the business enough to make an educated decision about where you want to go, and with whom.
Also remember that you will not be able to monopolize the publisher's time and resources. Expectations should be reasonable for both parties. Becoming a traditionally published author can be the toughest job that you should love, but getting rich probably isn't going to happen.

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Thankfulness and Faith
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Knowledge and Joy
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Mompreneurs
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The Spice Pages
http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/february_s_spice_pages_issue_for_grove_street

http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/blackhistorypagesgrovestreet-1

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Reflecting on Women's History Month. In pursuit of equality.

I've written my share of books about women with fire in their bellies and scandalous behavior on their minds. In the real world though, I can't relate to anything other than striving to earn my place in this world.

My start began with my head buried in school books. I was one of about four minorities in my first year law class--one of two women--out of hundreds of students in the Midwest. I was a spectacle in a racist environment. I didn't see my differences as obstacles, until I was unkindly reminded by them when racist jokes floated into my ears,
when a male classmate turned his back to me during a group assignment, and when I raised my hand to speak but curious eyes fried my skin. With that said, I didn't have a great experience at an HBCU either. I was deemed too light completed and too thin. Would I ever fit in? And according to society, your paycheck reflects what you're worth, not what you are capable of doing. That's why building opportunities can hold incredible value. No, it's not easy to start any venture. However, I'd rather mold clay that sits in my hands, rather than to wait for instructions regarding how to shape it. Growing up, I was always told the world loves a winner. How true. When an idea clicks, a founder is never short on believers, friends or people ready to do business with him or her. An instant fan club appears on behalf of any victor.

As a woman I've learned that my journey entails doing the best that I can to be proactive and diligent. The world owes me absolutely nothing. That's made me accept that my degrees mean less than my ability to navigate through life better. It's my job to uncover every 'yes.'

This month, I acknowledge the sacrifices that brave, determined women of all backgrounds and races have made through old-fashioned hard work. I especially admire those who didn't inherit a Rolodex of contacts, and those who solely made it on their own merit. When it comes to achievement, there is so much I could say about sacrificing to evolve. There is sour to recall, but the sweetest moments come from pounding the pavement, no matter what flavor life brings. Not giving up is a common theme in so many journeys. Pictured below are a few women whom I celebrate. Women often receive less pay and respect than male counterparts. However, the boldest among us try every door until one opens wide enough to walk through. God's grace helps me to persevere. How about you? Celebrate yourself. Believe that your worth is priceless. Perhaps that's where success partially begins.


Note: Rosa Parks is pictured with her birthday cake, compliments of Sweet Bobbies Cake Creations.

http://www.sweetbobbies.com/Sweet_Bobbies/Welcome.html

The Black History Pages

This edition was also posted. It's packed with interesting content.

http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/blackhistorypagesgrovestreet-1

Excerpt from Zane's interview!

How did you get started writing erotic stories, and how many books have you authors to date? It was reported that you have penned 14 New York Times bestsellers. (Please correct the number, if this number needs adjusting.) That’s astounding—especially considering that you began as a self-published author! How did you transition to a major publishing deal? Did Simon and Schuster approach you?

I have 17 New York Times Bestsellers and a total of 30 books published to date. Yes, Simon and Schuster, along with several other publishers, first approached me. The irony of it all is that I never intended to be a publisher author in the beginning. It was a transition that happened very naturally and I fulfilled a prophecy that many of my teachers made in my younger years; that I would become a famous writer because of my imagination and creative writing skills.


I believe that I read in other interviews that coming out as Zane took five years, and a man even masqueraded as you. Were you ever concerned about people’s perceptions of your work, or that topics a woman explored could be considered taboo in the African-American community? What made you feel the time was right to make your identity known to the public?

Yes, I did live a double for five years and there were several people masquerading as me, including at least one male who did book signings and visited numerous book clubs. I was never concerned but I realized that publishing my first book, The Sex Chronicles: Shattering the Myth, would cause an uproar. Now publishers are constantly seeking someone to dethrone me but the horse left the stable about four laps before another one put on its blinders. :-) I only came out, so to speak, because I felt the need to promote my other authors in some capacity. If I had remained merely an author, instead of a major publisher, I would still be totally private. In many ways, I am still a very private person. Fame is of no interest to me and it is simply not that serious.

Erotica is sometimes criticized. However, while doing a bit of background research on your career, I read that you once stated that The New York Times called Addicted the hottest paperback in the country in 2000. When I saw the rising popularity of Fifty Shade of Grey, I automatically thought of stories that you already told. How did you feel about the mainstream, enthusiastic reception of Fifty Shades of Grey?

Actually, that article ran in 2001 and I have not read Fifty Shades of Grey so I have no feelings on it. The one thing that is clear is that it cannot possibly be the first time that erotica has gone mainstream or made the Times list. That fact is not in dispute.

Do your novels cross cultural and racial boundaries like your anthologies? Do book cover appearances influence buying decisions, or is exposure in
chain stores more important?

Yes, they do crossover but not as much as books by my white counterparts. All I can say is that that is a tragedy, not simply in my case but in the case of other authors of color who do not receive recognition for writing that should be embraced globally. Exposure in chain stores is important as well and one reason why books like Fifty Shades take off is because they are put in the line of vision of everyone. Rarely do you even see African-American titles in certain stores like airport chains and even at large retailers like Wal-Mart and Target, we are sequestered to a particular section. That includes those of us who are Times Bestsellers. It is amazing that authors that I have actually placed higher than on the lists are given prime placement and I am placed on side aisles.

I also read that you say that your novels have very little do with sex. Addicted is indeed full of page-turning drama that proves your ability to tell good stories, period. Can you tell readers the status of Addicted coming to the big screen?
What keeps you grounded from day-to-day?

Addicted has completed principal photography and is anticipated to be in theaters nationally in 2013. The exact release date has not yet been determined by the studio. I stay grounded because I work around the clock and because fame is not of importance to me; not at all. I love to create and that is what it is all about for me.


As a publisher, what is the number one tip that you would give a struggling author who is striving toward a publishing deal, in these economic times?

Not to over think the process and not to concentrate on a publishing deal more than honing the craft of writing. Even in tough economic times, when a publisher or agent reads something exceptionally, they make exceptions. It is as simple as that. As a publisher, it amazes me that material that some people submit. If they are not taking a writing career seriously enough to even read back through their work, use spell check or to have it properly edited first, then why should I take them seriously and expend time and effort on their work?


What’s your latest book release or project?

My latest hard copy book is Z-Rated: Chocolate Flava 3, the third in a four-part series of erotic anthologies. Busy Bodies: Chocolate Flava 4 comes out in August. For the first time, I did an original ebook for Christmas called Everything Fades Away about two people who meet on Black Friday and embark upon a tumultuous and sensual love affair.


Please tell us a little about Zane’s The Jump Off.

Zane's The Jump Off premieres on March 29th on Cinemax and once again I set out to challenge myself and to accomplish something ground-breaking. I feel like I have done that. It is about five fraternity brothers in their early to mid-thirties who reside in Miami, FL, their bond with each other and their relationships with the women in their lives. One is married, one is divorced, one is legally separated and two are single and ready to mingle. I am excited to see the audience reaction to this show. If nothing else, it is unlike anything that has EVER been done but I am sure it will be copied like my first series.

To all Zane lovers, don't forget to tune in to her new show this month. Would you like to read more?

See: The Spice Pages
http://issuu.com/bloggertime/docs/february_s_spice_pages_issue_for_grove_street


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