Behind the scenes with Patricia Johnson-Harris
RAABN: What you do?
PJH: I am the founder and
visionary for the African American Authors Expo and Multi-Cultural Book
Festival.
RAABN: What is your mission?
PJH: Our
mission is to create a platform that exposes local and independent authors of all nationalities
to the general public, and have dedicate ourselves to helping authors connect
with national and local book clubs, organizations and readers abroad.
RAABN: How did you get started with the
African American Authors Expo?
PJH: I was working with my husband, Roger
Harris, producing jazz concerts and my first
contacts with independent authors were as vendors at the various jazz
events. That’s where my vision through
pray came to fruition.
RAABN: Why did you do it and when?
PJH: I began to talk with the authors when they would vend at our events. I
discovered the struggles they faced in publishing, editing, printing, and
getting recognition. It heavied my heart and something needed to be done to help
these authors, but I had no experience with authors or publishing, so I did
the one thing I knew at the time, to do
and that was pray. I prayed for months and was finally given an answer to have
an event that highlight and showcase local authors. Why do we have to always
pick up a book by a national author, when we have so many talented authors right
here In our own back yard? This platform to support authors at the time was for
our local authors, but it has grown so much for authors all over. My very first
expo was in August of 2009 in Columbia, Maryland. Today, we are still going strong.
RAABN: Do you have a favorite book genre?
PJH: I do. Romance. It's nothing like reading a good love story because you also get
a little bit of suspense in romance novels.
RAABN: How many authors will be at the
expo? Are they all local? Are they traditionally and self published?
PJH: At the 6th Annual African
American Authors Expo, we will have about 50 exhibiting authors from all over
the states like New Jersey, New York, Cleveland Ohio, North Carolina, Atlanta
and Pennsylvania. Yes, we will have just as many authors who were published
through a traditional publishing company as self-published authors at this year’s expo.
RAABN: Tell me a little about the event and
activities that will be held.
PJH: The
event is a great networking opportunity for authors, aspiring authors and
entrepreneurs. We are hosting 7 workshops for the author and business-minded
individual. You can attend a workshop on
how to start your writing project, to branding your book or business, so there is
a workshop designed for almost everyone. We have author speaking panel, a book club
panel for anyone wanting to learn how to have a successful book club, and a
publishing panel. We also host the Youth Writers challenge. We support our
youth who have a desire to write. All of the participants get school supplies to
prepare them for the upcoming year.
There are games and actives for children. The expo is a free, family fun
event.
RAABN: Why should book clubs and readers attend this?
PJH: I encourage
books clubs to attend the expo so that they get the opportunity to meet our
independent authors, and the authors get to connect with clubs who enjoy
reading. This is the place where we bring the clubs and authors face-to-face
and make connections.
RAABN: What is one thing people don't know
about you?
PJH: Let’s see. One, I love roller skating. I get on the floor and
just skate away. It’s a great way to exercise, but it also allows me to leave
everything at the door and just have fun.
I also love to sit at home with a bowl of popcorn in the middle of me
and my husband, Roger and watch Law & Order SVU. I love that show.
Please visit www.aaaexpo.netHave you read my recent interview with Victoria Christopher Murray? She will be there, too. Click here.