Got back from the
ALA convention in Chicago on Monday! I had a great time even though Chicago, like most of the country, was hot as HELL! I got to meet librarians from across the country and talk about my book, which was great because none of the librarians who stopped by the booth had heard of my book. My publisher,
BET Books, donated a big box of books for me to sign and giveaway. The books were snapped up in less than an hour. I came home with a big bag full of free books, many of them advanced reading copies for books coming out this fall. As an author I was looking at the promo materials for many upcoming books trying to get ideas for ways to promote my own book. I saw the usual bookmarks, pens, t-shirts, bookbags, even bottled water. But the one thing that really caught my eye was a tiny bottle of hot sauce being used as a promotion tool for an upcoming YA book called LOVE, CAJUN STYLE by Diane Les Becquets. It was so cute and made me immediately interested in looking up more info on the book.
One thing that happened in Chicago I'm almost too embarrassed to mention. I tripped on a patch of uneven sidewalk, right in front of
BLUE CHICAGO and fell. This wouldn't be so funny if it weren't for the fact that last time I was in Chicago, several years ago, I also fell! Last time I tripped and went flying, much like I was diving for first base, and landed flat on my face. My best friend from college, who was with me both times, laughed her ass off. I don't know if that city has it in for me or not. I'm almost afraid to go back now!
One of the things that constantly amazes me is how differently people react to your work. My character Kendra Clayton has been described as everything from boring and nothing special to an exciting new heroine and a strong new voice. The reviews of The Company You Keep have been extremely positive to lukewarm. But I'd have to say that this
review is the best I've received so far!
Hey, check out the July/August issue of
Black Issues Book Review magazine. I'm one of eighteen debut authors profiled.