Dallas, TX/March 4, 2014—In March of the late 1970s, America began formally acknowledging Women’s History Month, a time for celebrating women, their accomplishments and their contributions to society. This month as we again turn to honoring women, the Writer’s Block, a local writers group comprised of aspiring and published African-American writers, spotlights several of its women members through the publication of “Voices from the Block: A Legacy of African-American Literature.”
“This is an important work that accomplishes two things,” states Faith Simone, project manager for “Voices.” “It showcases the talent of our members and it adds more women writers to the literary field, which in some genres is still dominated by men. This is a project that had to happen for those reasons and more.”
Writer’s Block co-founder Ann Fields agrees and adds, “The Writer’s Block is committed to perpetuating the voices of African-American writers. That’s our goal, our mission…to fill the world with Black writers and Black literature. We’re proud of this work for helping us achieve that end but also for giving our member writers, in this case, women, an opportunity to be heard…in written form.”
“Voices from the Block: A Legacy of African-American Literature” is a 168-page book that includes poems, short stories, and essays, original works written by seven of its members or co-founders. The collection is heavy on women’s issues and topics, dealing with such things as the ups and downs of marriage, the emotional trauma of being without child, the questionable mental state of writers, the regrets of murderous decisions, mother-daughter life patterns, and more. The book is available through all the usual ebook and retail sales outlets and all proceeds from the sale of “Voices” are channeled into the organization to support the ongoing work of this 18-year-old nonprofit. “The authors graciously gave up any claims to royalities so the organization can continue to deliver quality educational, charitable and literary programs,” states Fields.
To celebrate the release of “Voices” and to wrap-up another month of honoring women, the Writer’s Block is hosting a book release party on Saturday, April 5 at 7:00 pm at Absinthe Lounge, Southside on Lamar. Copies of the book will be on display and available for sale. In addition, many of the contributors will be on hand for autographs.
For more information, call 214-263-7791 or email info@writersblockinc.org.
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About Writer’s Block
Writer’s Block, Inc. (WBI) exists to support the growth and advancement of aspiring and published, youth and adult, African-American writers of all genres and to promote African-American literature, authors and literary events. Formed in 1996, this membership organization provides educational, charitable and literary events to writers of all races and cultures in North Texas and beyond. Visit WBI online at www.writersblockinc.org.