I celebrated my books 2nd year being published by going to the Harlem Book Fair held here in NYC on July 18, 2015.  I met alot of interesting authors and had some great conversations.  The time has gone by so quickly and I must admit it has really been a learning experience.  The main thing that I have learned is the importance of social media.  Learning about Facebook, Twitter, and blogging.  I still struggle with making time to do part II of my signature novel; I know that I will get it done.  It has been great fun promoting the book.  Thank you to all of my supporters !!

WIN a copy of the book African Venus!

GO TO>>>>>>

http://AfricanVenus.webs.com

Sign guest book to enter.

Drawing held 5/14/15

Dear Readers & Friends:

I am going to giveaway Three copies of my book in honor of Black History Month.  I excited at the response so far and invite groups from Facebook and Twitter to participate by signing my guest book - they must include the name and email address. 

The drawing will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2014 !!

Tell a Friend. The more the merrier !

There a gospel song called "Encourage Yourself" by Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singer.  It comes to mind this cold morning in New York.  I have been encouraged to write this book and received confirmations from so many sources that I am moving in the right direction.  My biggest challenge is making time to write a broader version of the African Venus story/brand. 

If I had my way I would go someplace beautiful like Florida or Hawaii to write. I don't have that luxury.  But I will - like other writers - work  on my outlines, read, and write  and re-write - DAILEY until I get it done. 

 And I will keep in mind what  Maya Angelou said "All great achievements require time." 

So last month I got word that I got won Second Runner Up Impact Writer in

2014 Indie Best Writer Contest.

It was an exciting time as we used the latest social media outlets like Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and telephone conference calls to read our works and market our books. This contest was unprecedented as it used voting, video, and social media to help boost all of the indie authors into new heights.

It was a great experience for this sometimes reserved author. I had to be aggressive in getting votes by handing out a index card size flyer to church members, business acquaintances, friends and family.

What amazes me is the time it takes to do this. Todays new authors – especially self-published ones need a certain set of skills. Time Management and focus being the biggest. It’s not just about writing ; it much more.

I attended the 2014 Circle of Sisters as a spectator.  My friends and I got there early and waited on a long line for the 10:00 am opening.

The highlights of the day for me was listening to the comments from Jennifer Hudson, Tyrese Gibson, and Johnny Gill about The State of Black Music & Culture. 

Johnny Gile grew up in the Church and learned discipline from his New Edition Manager.  And encouraged aspiring artists to learn the business side, read contracts.

Jennifer Hudson also grew up in the Church also and feels today's artist need to more honest in there music.  Stating that songs today a sometimes disconnected and don't relate to reality.

Tyrese Gibson when asked what was his motivation  poignantly stated he was hungery for change  and felt stuck in his environment.   He wanted something better for his life.  He was recommended for The Coke commerical through his High School. 

All of these artist recognize that they have brands and are branching out into acting, writing, and merchandising.

Some interesting vendors that I learned about are Kollide.tv dedicated to content that reflects diverse clultures.  And I learned about Stay Focused Magazine.com that has a writers workshop in NJ every year. 

I also met Sheryl Lee Ralph and got a signed copy of her book "Redefining Diva" which I am looking forward to reading.

It been one whole year since I've self-published African Venus.  I've had a good time talking about the book and getting peoples feedback.

I've accomplised some things like making public appearences to talk about my book, I've sent the book to different magazines, I've worked to attract some book clubs as well.  I've sold some books and I've given some away in hopes of more exposure.  I've even been approached about writing the story as a Play. 

Going foward I am going to focus on  finding a traditional publisher for my 2nd installment, blogging, and finding a Literary Agent.

I just want to thank everyone for there love and support.

Love,

Sheryl

It was held on June 21, 2014 in Brooklyn, NY.  I had met Karen at another Hair Show event last year and she purchased it.  My friend Jacinth told me about her 10th Anniversary.  These type of events I feel are a great way to introduce my book.  I had a nice table and spoke to alot of people about the book. I am hopeful that my marketing card will be used to order the book in the future.  The picture is nice with me, Karen and Renee.  

Karen's Body Beautiful products and in Target Stores across the country.  I love supporting other Black owned business as well.

This was an exciting weekend indeed.  The Book Fair sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Library was so special. It was held at the Barnes & Noble City Center in White Plains on Monday January 20th.

I was introducted by Cora Milles, Co-Chair of the event.  She knew almost as much as me about the African Venus.  I talked about how I discover the African Venus at the Dashesh Museum of Art here in New York.  And shared the book "Facing the Others: Charles Cordier, Ethnographic Sculptor with the audience.  I read the first chapter of my book and I thanked the committee for allowing me to be a part of there program which included African Drummers, arts and crafts for children, and concerts.  I also dedicated a copy of the book to the Library.

Thanks again to all that came out to support this event.

Love,

Sheryl