Inauguration Day & Other News!

Today is history in the making as Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th president of the United States! I'm currently at work but we're having a party here today and will be glued to the TV screen with the rest of the world.

Today is also day two of the auction for author Sharon Cullars. I've donated a Kimani Press messenger bag with autographed copies of all three of my books as well as other goodies. I'm not sure how much longer my books will be in print. So, if you'd like to read the series, or know someone who might, click here to make a bid. It would make a great Valentine's Day gift for the reader in your life and it's for a great cause ; ).

Check out this article about black film makers. They seem to be suffering from the same issues black authors are in trying to break out of the niche to mainstream audiences.

Speaking of movies, I always love to see black authors books being optioned for TV and the big screen. Here is the latest book by a black author to hit the jackpot.

And I can't wait to read this book this summer.

Later,
Angela

Trifecta

Jan. 15, 2009, was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 80th birthday.

Today, Jan. 19, 2009, is the 23rd national observance of Dr. King's brithday.

Tomorrow, Jan. 20, 2009, the country will observe the inauguration of our 44th president - and the first African American elected to the office.

Now, that's what I call a trifecta.

Where will you be during the inauguration? Will you watch it at home or somewhere else? Will you be with family and friends, or will you watch it alone? Will you tape the inauguration?

I'm going to tape it. I've started a new job, so I don't have any vacation time yet - drat! But my boss is opening the auditorium for people to view the inauguration. I'm still taping it, though. It's too significant an event for me not to.

Where will you be during the inauguration, and with whom will you observe history?

Patricia

From Blogger Karen Scott


AUCTION FOR SHARON CULLARS

Hi Guys

First of all, I'd like to thank everybody who has so far donated to Sharon Cullar's Chip In fundraiser. In two weeks we've managed to raise over $1500, which is fabulous. So thanks loads for that.

Unfortunately, we're a little off the target that Sharon needs to help her stay in her home, so some of Sharon's fellow authors are organising an E-bay Auction to help raise the rest of the funds required.

With this in mind, we need freebies from bloggers, authors, editors, publishers, web designers, etc, so if you have items you can donate - books or book baskets/collections, critiques, ARCs of upcoming releases, review spreads, mentoring opportunities, web or promotional material design work etc., please email the item description either to myself, at hairylemony@gmail.com, or to author, Roslyn Holcomb at roslynholcomb@mac.com.

All the items donated will be added to the auction that will be taking place from Monday 19th January on the For Sharon website, which can be found here: http://forsharoncullars.com/. As a small way of thanking you for your generosity, all donors will be listed on the website, with links to your own sites. You guys have been amazing so far, and I think it would be fantastic if we could help Ms Cullars keep her home. If any of you still want to donate to the Chip In Fund, you can do so here.

All donations will be gratefully received. For those who have nothing to donate, don't worry, you can aid us, by helping to spread the word on your respective blogs. And for those of you, who may not be aware of Sharon's story, here are the relevant links:

http://karenknowsbest.com/2009/01/03/sharon-cullars-needs-help-to-keep-her-home/

http://sharoncullars.blogspot.com/2009/01/appreciation-as-some-of-you-know-ive.html

http://sharoncullars.chipin.com/sharon-cullars

I'm very aware that Sharon isn't the only person who's struggling, during this economical downturn, but I'd like to help in any way I can, and I'm hoping that some of you feel the same way too.

Thanks very much for taking the time to read this e-mail, and I'm very hopeful, that we can make this happen for Sharon.

Yours sincerely,

Karen Scott

www.karenknowsbest.com

Happy 2009

Wow. I had no idea I've been gone for almost a month. I'm really sorry about that. Time flies when you're trying to get your act together.

How were your holidays? Did you receive any gifts that will help with your 2009 goals? Exercise equipment? Writing craft books?

I'm really jazzed. My husband bought me office furniture. Now, I can get organized, which I'm convinced will increase my productivity. I also received a very generous Borders gift card from my father-in-law. I'll use it to buy at least one craft book.

Speaking of 2009 goals, this is the fifth day of the New Year. How are you doing with your goals?

I haven't written as much as I'd hoped. Perhaps my weekly page count is too ambitious, but I don't think that's the case. I just have to get more focused and remember this first draft doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to give me content to work with; a direction for the story, which I can fine tune during the revisions.

So, how are you doing with your goals?

Patricia

AN AUTHOR IN NEED

From blogger Karen Scott:

Sharon Cullars, the author of Again and The Object of Love needs our help. Since losing her job, she has been unable to find another. As a result, Sharon is about to lose her home to foreclosure.

Any donation you can make to help out will be greatly appreciated. You can make a contribution via PayPal by stopping at CHIP IN: SHARON CULLARS.

If you’re not familiar with Sharon and would like to learn more about her and her work, you can visit her web site (Sharon Cullars) and blog (Sharon’s Muse).

It would be great if you guys could help spread the word, so please feel free to copy and paste this info onto your blog.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Later,

Angela