Friday, January 24, 2014

Adam Henig announces the release of 'Alex Haley's Roots: An Author's Odyssey.'



AUTHOR NAME: Adam Henig


TITLE: Alex Haley's Roots: An Author's Odyssey


RELEASE DATE: Tuesday, January 14, 2014


IS THIS YOUR FIRST PUBLISHED WORK? : Yes


BACKGROUND:  Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Adam Henig attended California State University, Chico, majoring in political science with an emphasis in cultural and international studies. After graduation, he pursued his interest in African American history and literature. In addition to his upcoming publication, Alex Haley's Roots: An Author's Odyssey, a book reviewer, Adam's  writings have appeared in theSan Francisco Book Review, Tulsa Book Review and Blogcritics.



SYNOPSIS: In 1977, when the New York Times declared that the television mini-series Roots was the “most significant civil rights event since the Selma-to-Montgomery march of 1965,” its author, Alex Haley, became America’s newest “folk hero. ” His book was on the Times' Best Seller's list for months, and won the Pulitzer Prize. His story had captivated a nation and then the world. From Idaho to Israel, it seemed everyone was caught-up in “Rootsmania.” Alex Haley was on his way to becoming the most successful author in the history of publishing. That's when his troubles began.


Within a decade and a half following the publication of Roots, Haley managed to alienate most of his fellow writers and at the same time squander most of his wealth.  When he died at the age of 70, his estate was auctioned off and his iconic book went out of print. What happened? Based on interviews of Haley's contemporaries, personal correspondence, legal documents, newspaper accounts, Adam Henig investigates the unraveling of one of America’s most successful yet enigmatic authors.



The Nook: What inspired you to write a book about this particular person?

Adam: My interest in Haley begun when I watched a few clips of Roots in my eighth grade history class. The mini-series, like for so many others, was my introduction to the cruelty of slavery and its inhumane treatment. Roots also sparked a lifelong interest in African American history and culture.

About five years ago, I was watching Roots on television and ended up sitting through the entire twelve-hour series, from start to finish. Afterwards, I wanted to know what had happened to Haley. So, I did what most do and turned to Google and Wikipedia.

I was astonished to discover that there had not ever been a biography published about the well-known author. In our celebrity obsessed society, I had assumed that everyone who had ever made an appearance on television, let alone write a mega best seller, had a biography. Apparently, that was not the case with Haley.

Having always wanted to be a writer, but not having found a subject that I wanted to spend time on, I began digging and never stopped.


The Nook: From what I read about you and your project, the eBook length is 52 pages and 15,000 words. I also read that you are pro micro-publishing. Please explain what this is and how it may be different from digital or self-publishing eBooks.

Adam: As reading devices have evolved, from the bound book to the eReader and tablets, so have our reading styles.

Digital publishers such as Amazon and Byliner have taken the lead in recognizing that readers are still interested in reading books, but, in many cases, prefer doing so in shorter spurts of time. Instead of reading an 800-page biography about someone's entire life, for example, you can now read about a specific event in that individual's life in a much shorter timespan.  Hence, the creation of Amazon's Kindle Singles/Apple's Quick Reads, which is a collection of shortened ebooks (priced between $.99 and $4.99) that range in length from 5,000-30,000 words or 30-80 pages.

And since the manuscript is shorter, micropublishing allows writers over time to publish more eBooks on a variety of subjects--as opposed to spending years on a single subject. Also, micropublishing is almost always digitally-based, but can be published by either the author or a publisher.

The Nook: Since you explored this subject in 15,000 words, could you share how long your writing and publishing process took? Does your book focus on a particular book or period of time in Alex Haley's writing career?

Adam: Once I completed the research, which took about three and half years, I spent the next two years writing the manuscript and preparing it for publication. Having not published a book, I greatly underestimated how long the process would take. The writing involved many, many rewrites. When I was comfortable with the finished product, then the real work began--how do I publish it?

In the digital age, thanks largely to Amazon, the traditional methods of finding agents and publishers, in hopes of having a book on the shelves of bookstores across the country, is no longer a necessity. Even the vanity houses have lost their relevancy.

Regardless, self publishing remains a daunting task. My biggest fear was that I'd spend an enormous amount of time and money only to have no one read or buy a copy of my book!

Ever the researcher, from books and articles to blogs and Twitter feeds, I spent time sifting through as much material as I could, figuring out what worked best for me, especially since most self publishers write fiction. The majority that write nonfiction are in different genres such as "How-to," cookbooks, "Self-help," business, or memoir. This made it even harder since there was not much of a precedent.

In the end, I created a marketing plan that was continuously (and to this day) being revised. I rejoined social media (twitter.com/adamhenig), created a website (www.adamhenig.com), and reached out to as many reviewers and news outlets as possible.

As for the focus of my eBook, since it is only 15,500 words, it was impossible to capture Haley's entire life. Thus, I wanted to focus on the initial question when I began this endeavor--what happened to Alex Haley after Roots? He went from being the most popular writer on the planet to literal obscurity over the course of a few years.






The Nook: You describe your work as "not the traditional life and times hard copy biography." Please explain why you described it this way, and if you learned anything particular about writing in this genre.

Adam: Orginally, I was planning to write a full-length biography, which usually ranges from 350 to 800 pages. Due to time constraints and a limited budget, it was unrealistic. Typically, a biography covers the "cradle to the grave" story. In Alex Haley's Roots, my focus is a particular time period, from the moment the Roots mini-series aired on television in 1977 to his death fifteen years later and the demise of his legacy.

Writing, like anything else, takes patience. Writing biography also requires lots and lots of research, so be prepared that it's going to take longer than you think.


The Nook: The synopsis of the book partially states that Alex Haley squandered his wealth and alienated his fellow writers. What surprising facts do you feel that you learned about the publishing business and Alex Haley as a person?

Adam: Truthfully, the publishing business operates like any other business and maybe that was the surprise. Their focus is to make money. With that in mind, once a publishing house gets behind a product (i.e. Roots), the company will push it until it runs out of steam and then move onto something else.

As for Haley, I was disappointed how ill-equipped he was to handle his newfound fortune (he was 55 years-old when Roots was published), his self-imposed alienation from his family and  his inability to bounce back after Roots. He seemed to have given up and rode out his fame to the very end as opposed to taking on (and completing) a new project. He left so many stories unfinished when he died.

I do admire the adversity Haley overcame as an African American magazine writer working in a white-dominated industry. In the 1950s and early 1960s, there were few non-whites in the business. Before Roots, Haley had written for Reader's Digest, Cosmopolitan, Coronet, Boys Life, and was the inaugural correspondent for Playboy magazine's "Interview" section. Unbeknownst to him, he was a trailblazer.



WEBSITE/BLOG: www.adamhenig.com

Social Media: www.twitter.com/adamhenig

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Alex-Haleys-Roots-Authors-Odyssey-ebook/dp/B00HRN891A/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1390537707&sr=1-4&keywords=alex+haley


Thursday, January 9, 2014

Mother and daughter release a new book. Bully Me No More! An interview with the Daniels duo.




Bully Me No More was recently released in late December, and was authored by a daughter and mother duo. Please enjoy this fabulous joint interview with Damona and Allison!




ABOUT THE AUTHORS


Damona Daniels is a nine-year-old author. She attends Rosaryville Elementary School. Bully Me No More is her first book. She is a member of Cornerstone Peaceful Bible Baptist Church, led by Pastors Daniel and Sabrina Mangrum.  She is a member of Fruit of the Spirit dance ministry and loves her church family.  

Allison G. Daniels, co-author of Bully Me No More, is President and CEO of ADG Enterprises, LLC.  She conducts workshops and seminars that have been presented through the United States and abroad. The workshops and seminars conducted by the institute consist of topics such as Women in Management, Women as Leaders, The Superwoman Syndrome, Leadership Skills, The Assertive Woman, Diversity and Emotional Wellness for Women. Mrs. Daniels has been certified by The Professional Women Network as a Professional Coach and Diversity Consultant.




Andrea: Why did you publish your first book?

Damona: The reason why I wanted to write this book was to help empower and motivate other kids to know that bullying is wrong. It was written to help to bring awareness to bullying and help assist others in how they communicate with each another. It teaches children how to stand their ground and speak up because bullying is wrong.


Andrea: What are your books about?

Allison: Life Goes On How To Maintain Your Faith Through Adversity is a dynamic, step-by-step guide offering powerful tips, strategies, and tools for overcoming your past hurts, surviving motional setbacks, and handling your emotions.  Take back your life, and learn to live again.

However, this book is an interactive book about bullying.  This book will teach you how to handle bullying, facing the bully with confidence, build your confidence to stand your ground and help others.

Andrea: Has bullying ever been a problem? If so, how did either of you handle it?

Allison: Yes, I experience bullying growing up but it was a boy who kept trying to bully me because he liked me.  But when I stood up to him,  I never had a problem again. He kept his distance, although he still had a crush on me, and followed me home and to school everyday.

Damona: Yes. One day I decided to stand up for myself and faced my bully and just said 'bully me no more, I'm not afraid.'

Andrea: Whose idea was it to publish 'Bully Me No More?'  How long is the book? What ages is it for? Did you help your daughter to write it?

Allison: This book is 80 pages long. It is aimed at ages 8 and up. I helped her (Damona) with very little, because this book is written from her heart. It was something that she wanted to share with other kids because it happened to her and she didn't want to see it happen to someone else.

 Andrea: Where can 'Bully Me No More' be purchased?

Click this Amazon link, on Kindle and my website at www.AllisonDaniels.org.







Saturday, January 4, 2014

It's almost time for Zane's Addicted to grace the big screen. Details!

If you are a Zane fan, here is a reminder to save the date to see 'Addicted' finally unfold, compliments of Lionsgate. Note the cast. March is not too far away, so we can all keep an eye out for details to come! http://www.movieweb.com/news/lionsgate-gives-addicted-a-march-2014-release-date

Last February, I had an opportunity to interview Zane. She shared a lot of insight about her wonderful journey, and also provided writing tips. She surely is making her mark in the literature and beyond. Kudos, Zane.



Friday, January 3, 2014

How to use anthology participation to get clips & free PR. Tips & submission info. One deadline is today.




Happy New Year!


As we welcome 2014, I would like to thank you for reading this book blog and our ezine www.issuu.com/bloggertime. The word has been getting around. As a result, I have had a great deal of requests.

At the same time, I know that some of our visitors are aspiring writers, too. If you have not put pen to paper yet, but you would like to gain experience, have you considered networking and keeping abreast of forthcoming anthologies? Submitting to anthologies can be extremely productive. While blogging is great, it does not neccesarily help aspiring writers to practice how to submit work professionally. Also, building an effective network is important. It is virtually impossible to hear about every announced opportunity yourself. If you are not a member of any local writer's groups, consider following publishers, experts and seasoned writers who are active on social media.

In my early days of being a recent college graduate who majored in English, I recall a friend giving a magazine subscription to me. It turned out that I became a fan of the publication, and I gained a new writing exercise tradition. I never sent in a submission, but I did develop more confidence through choosing a specific subject and staying in the parameters of 500 words to explore it. At least I knew what it creatively felt like to tinker with a word count. That lesson never left me.

Years later, after suddenly losing my mother, I submitted a story to 'Chicken Soup,' after a fellow writer told me that the company was accepting submissions. I filed it in the back of my mind. Then, I closed off the world one day and poured my heart out onto paper. I never expected to make it to the first stage of stories that were under consideration, and I most certainly did not expect to see my name in the same line as Queen Latifah's and other noted individuals who were a part of the project.

Writing is tough. Rejection is not easy. However, a persistent writer recovers from the word "no" to find a "yes." If you desire to practice your craft, while building your portfolio, becoming a contributing writer can be an effective stepping stone. Plus, if you participate in a project, your inclusion may also lead to free publicity and new networking options, which can be an added benefits. Exposure is often a bigger reward than pay. Some opportunities may pay modestly, while others may offer credit and a specific number of free, printed copies. You may also note that you would typically not be obligated to pay for promotion, but a driven publisher would lead the way, taking your name and bio with them. This can be a nice perk. In another experience, I participated in a project that was picked up by a publisher. When that occurred, it helped to give me more credibility in the genre of my published books. Plus, new readers looked me up.

Even now, I keep my eyes open to submit my work to reputable companies. While I do not specifically endorse any publisher, I would like to cite 4 examples as proof that options are out there. My blogging and book reviewing platform will change this year, so I decided to take a moment to tie together advice of every expert that was featured in Grove Street. You may visit back issues to find tips, and check the blog. Implementation is important. The usefulness of tools can only go so far, if we are not committed to using them.


1.) Do you have a flair for writing about dogs, cats, rebooting your life or forgiveness? Take a look at Chicken Soup's call for submissions.

http://www.chickensoup.com/form.asp?cid=possible_books

Two deadlines are January 5th.


2.) Do you have an inspirational quote to offer? Hurry. One deadline is today! Carla M. Dean is a popular, freelance editor who has worked with many new and seasoned writers. She is branching out to establish her own publishing company called Artistic Words Publishing. Although http://artisticwordspublishing.com/ is under construction, 'INSIDE MY MIND: Axioms For Life' will be Carla's first published book. Like a true pro, she has been promoting it for a while, but I also stumbled upon a message.


Please see below:


"ATTENTION: Here's your opportunity to have your inspirational or motivational quote included in my book, INSIDE MY MIND: Axioms For Life - Book. The quote must be original and not someone else's words.


For authors, this will be a great way to gain exposure, as your name and the title of your book will be listed underneath your quote. For others, this is a chance for you to share your words of wisdom on a larger scale and hopefully encourage others to live a more positive life.


Please send your quotes to submissions@artisticwordspublishing.com with the subject line "Inside My Mind Quote Submission". Also, please include your name, city, state, occupation, and if you're an author, the title of your book. If your quote is accepted for inclusion in my book, you will be notified via email.


DEADLINE JANUARY 3RD.


Uplift others in order to be lifted."



Reference:

https://m.facebook.com/InsideMyMindAxiomsForLife?id=532739283465297&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch&_rdr


3.) Jan Moran is currently seeking success stories and 'rich ideas.' Who is she?

http://www.janmoranwrites.com/2013/12/10/rich-ideas-call-success-story-submissions-entrepreneurs/ Her inspiring story of doing business with Sephora, bringing Scentsa to life, and penning books feels good to read as new goals emerge in 2014. Take a look at her track record in entrepreneurship. http://www.janmoranwrites.com/2013/12/18/a-founders-story-sephoras-new-beauty-technology/


4.) Are you a veteran who wants to write, or are you close to one? Black Star News reported details regarding a forthcoming project via Prashanti Press.

http://www.blackstarnews.com/us-politics/justice/book-publisher-seeks-submissions-from-veterans-of-iraqafghanistan-wars.html

http://www.prashanti10.com/


As I recover from a holiday party (surgery), I want to wish you well with your writing goals, while revisiting mine, too.


Andrea