Collaborative Book Projects: Are You Game?
The first thought that came to my mind when I received word of BlackAuthorsCONNECT was, "This is just what the doctor ordered." I have been part of a number of online writing groups, but none catered to my blackness. But I knew this experience would be different. It would connect me with other black American writers who were using their words to inspire and entertain.
Connecting with other black American writers is important to me because I am always on the look-out for books that help me maximize my potential. And as the father to a four-year-old boy, I seek children's books that let him know that white is not always right. This second point is becoming increasingly paramount to me because the only way he will be able to continue the struggle for equality is to have a healthy concept of who he is and who he can become.
Many people would argue that such an approach is ludicrious. I would tend to agree. We should never let skin color determine how we interact with the world. But these days, we are in a period of deconstruction. We are trying to deconstruct the notion of white superiority and black inferiority. We Blacks find ourselves trying to counter the negative stereotypes that confront us at every corner. We want the world to know that blackness isn't just about basketball dribbling and lyrical grandstanding. It's about using our God-given gifts and talents in a constructive manner.
I look forward to reading entries from this network's members. I know that there will be members with varying degrees of experience in the writing and publishing industry. That beng said, I hope several of us can collaborate on book projects that can be published independently or through more traditional channels.
Jeffery A. Faulkerson, MSSW
www.jefferyafaulkerson.com
Connecting with other black American writers is important to me because I am always on the look-out for books that help me maximize my potential. And as the father to a four-year-old boy, I seek children's books that let him know that white is not always right. This second point is becoming increasingly paramount to me because the only way he will be able to continue the struggle for equality is to have a healthy concept of who he is and who he can become.
Many people would argue that such an approach is ludicrious. I would tend to agree. We should never let skin color determine how we interact with the world. But these days, we are in a period of deconstruction. We are trying to deconstruct the notion of white superiority and black inferiority. We Blacks find ourselves trying to counter the negative stereotypes that confront us at every corner. We want the world to know that blackness isn't just about basketball dribbling and lyrical grandstanding. It's about using our God-given gifts and talents in a constructive manner.
I look forward to reading entries from this network's members. I know that there will be members with varying degrees of experience in the writing and publishing industry. That beng said, I hope several of us can collaborate on book projects that can be published independently or through more traditional channels.
Jeffery A. Faulkerson, MSSW
www.jefferyafaulkerson.com
Yes. I'm game.
I like that idea and you are correct, we are in a time where we are bringing down stereotypes and barriers more progessively in the past couple of decades through literature. That alone excites me as I use my God-given talents to remove the stigmas about mental illnesses as well as educate our people about mental healthcare. We are the LEAST race group to seek mental healthcare.
Instead, we laugh at our family and friends and call them names, we drink to cover up our pain and we "get high" to overcome depression, but we do nothing to help our race overcome mental illness through treatment and medication and education. That contributes significantly to the demise of our families and communities. Let's pull together from every crevice of the country/world and get it done right this time around.
Agnes ~ Too Wise Not To Praise Him!
Author of "Cooling Well Water: A Collection of Work By An African-American Bipolar Woman" ISBN 0975461206 Winter Release Pending - www.myspace.com/coolingwellwater
Founder/President: Levine-Oliver Publisher, the Exclusive publishing home of Swaggie Coleman. Visit Swaggie's Voice© at: http://swaggiecoleman.blogspot.com and win prizes!