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Elaine Flowers at (972) 662-7068
The Writer’s Block, Inc.
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The Nominees for the Best in African American Literature in Texas Are. . .
Writer’s Organization Announces Literature Award Nominees
(Dallas, TX/July 23, 2007) – Have you ever wondered, “What is the best Murder Mystery, Biography or Poetry book written by an African American author in Texas?” Wonder no more. The Writer’s Block (WBI), a nonprofit organization working to advance and promote African American literature and authors, announced today its list of nominees for the “Best Of” in African American literature.
A total of 32 books in eight different genres of literature are nominated in the organization’s first annual recognition of outstanding African American literature. Nominated books can be self-published or published traditionally and had to meet the following criteria:
• Published within the past five years
• Written by an African American, Texas author
• Display excellence in writing
An anonymous group of judges, ranging from publishing professionals to avid readers and writers chose the following selections.
Murder Mysteries/Romantic Thriller
Black Rain by Vincent Alexandria
Pickin’ Ground by Jeanetta Britt
Everything in its Place by Evelyn Palfrey
Romance Campaign for Love by Celya Bowers
Lottie by Jeanetta Britt
You and No Other by Francis Ray
Mainstream/Contemporary/Historical
Mirrored Life by Anita Richmond Bunkley
When A Sistah’s Fed Up by Monica Frazier Anderson
They Dance Alone by Christine LeVeaux
Down On My Knees by Victor McGlothin
More Than You Know by Rosalyn
Story Christian/Inspirational
Let the Church Say Amen by Roshonda Tate Billingsley
The Bankrupt Spirit: Principles for Turning Setbacks into Comebacks by Vivi Congress
Put On Your Crown by Sheron C. Patterson Boaz Brown by Michelle Stimpson
Unleashing the Blessings of God in Your Life by Daryl A. Tate
Children/Teen
I Wish I Had Waited by Sylvia Lett
Chester’s Casa by Angela Shelf Medearis
The Cheese Chase: Why Dogs Chase Cats by Toni Simmons
Letters to Young Black Men by Daniel Whyte III
Biography/Autobiography
Farther In and Deeper Down by E. K. Bailey, Sheila Bailey & CoKiesha Bailey
Hate Crime: The Story of a Dragging in Jasper Texas by Joyce King
When Race Becomes Real: Black & White Writers Confront Their Personal Histories by Bernestine Singley
Dear Mama: Through the Eyes of a Child by Sydelle Richard
Self Help/How To/Creative Nonfiction
Brotha 2 Brotha, Becoming Healthy Men from the Inside Out by W. Eric Croomes
Checkmate: The Games Men Play by Mark Crutcher
The Ten Commandments of Working in a Hostile Environment by T. D. Jakes
Nappyisms: Affirmations for Nappy-Headed People and Wannabes! by Linda Jones
Poetry
Poetry from the Bottom of my Heart by Vincent Alexandria
Under the Influence, Spoken Praise by Jeanetta Britt
Dance in the Dark, Poetic Reflections on Love and Culture by W. Eric Croomes
Book of the Year
Farther in and Deeper Down by E. K. Bailey, Sheila Bailey & CoKeisha Bailey
Hate Crime: The Story of a Dragging in Jasper Texas by Joyce King
When Race Becomes Real: Black & White Writers Confront Their Personal Histories by Bernestine Singley
“What a surprise and how nice to be nominated for the award,” says Linda Jones, author Nappyisms: Affirmations for Nappy-Headed People and Wannabes! Jones’ book was nominated in the Self Help/How To/Creative Nonfiction category.
Jeanetta Britt, who has several books nominated for the prestigious award, echoes Jones’ sentiments. “I am honored. I was shocked to receive the announcement but very honored.”
Winners in each category will be announced at the annual WBI Book Awards Gala and Ceremony Friday, November 2, 2007, 7 p.m. at The Cooper Guest Lodge Hotel, Spa, and Conference Center, 12230 Preston Road, Dallas, Texas. In addition to the genre winners, two additional awards will be given: The Book of the Year Award and The Literary Achievement Award.
The WBI Awards Gala will be the opening event to The Writer’s Block 4th Annual On The Cusp Writer’s Conference, Saturday, November 3, 2007, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., at The Cooper Guest Lodge Hotel.
The public is invited to join in this celebration of great literature! For ticket information, please visit www.writersblockinc.org or call (972) 662-7068.