TO READ ABOUT NEW CHILDREN'S BOOKS CLICK OWL. (soon you'll be able to click
their names and head for their very own web pages. Promise, right now only
Warren and Gayle.)or just plain recommending.... because I know them personally and can vouch for their writing and their character (smile)
TO READ ABOUT NEW CHILDREN'S BOOKS CLICK OWL. (soon you'll be able to click
their names and head for their very own web pages. Promise, right now only
Warren and Gayle.)
Thrillers are my favorite books to read.
Eric Lustbader, David Morrell and Warren Murphy (appearing at the HAWC this year, July 20, 2001) are the folk I read most. I love The Grandmaster, by Warren Murphy and his wife Molly Cochran. And don't forget one of the other female thriller writers, Gayle Lynds, who has a new thriller coming this summer, Mesmerize. I also love the writing of Barbara Neely -- she is hilarious and the Queen of beauty and brains. Barbara was recently honored in Paris by scholars writing dissertations on Blanche. Can't beat that! She actually has Blanche reading What a Woman's Gotta Do in her new book. And you must read J. California Cooper, she's not only a great writer but a "darling" woman. One day I'm sure she'll be on top of the charts. You'll be able to link to her books from here soon.
I hope you'll all read my cousin Brooke Stephens anthology, Men We Cherish (I've got a piece in it too) And don't forget her, 365 Days to Financial Freedom. My good friend Kate Cronkite writes lovely books along with Val McDermott. Also my good friend Gwen Hunter. John Head must be checked out too.
For men who care about your health try Charlene Shucker's book. For one of the best books of the year, try Tananarive Due's book, My Soul To Keep -- a sequel is out now. I couldn't put it down. Check out her husband, Steve Barnes' science fiction while you're at it.
If you're a cozy lover, read Mama Stalks a Killer by Nora DeLoach (or any of her books). Grace Edwards (a past EDGAR NOMINEE) and Penny Micklebury knock you out with their mysteries. Penny is also working on screenplays too. Eleanor Taylor Bland is still pumping them out -- she is the First Lady of Mystery. Jackie Banks swept the floor with her debut mystery, Maid in the Shade. She also does great children's books. Other friends writing in Mystery are: Paula Woods in addition to her mystery series (she has also wrote Spooks, Spies and Private Eyes ( a must have on any mystery lover's shelf. Gary Phillips is also a super writer (slightly more hard edged)
Angela Benson(and one of my dearest friends) is superwoman, she writes romance and Christian romance, plus check out her book on writing that will be of special interest to people of color. Not to mention Angela's writing her dissertation for her Ph.D. in Instructional Technology.
For literary fiction Ernest Gaines, Toni Morrison are always on my list. And now don't pass on my sister, Phyllis Perry with Stigmata. And don't forget Shandra Hill's book, Action Speaks Louder has garnered rave reviews. Shandra is like a daughter to me. Cliff Chandler's book is out and selling so try it -- he's a friend too.
Oh, we can't leave out the romance writers like Donna Hill, Shirley Hailstock, Margie Walker, Francis Ray, Gwen Forster and so many others I'll add later. A must read is my play son, Vincent Alexander's forthcoming book Postal Blues. And my other play son Timmothy McCann's Until and Forever. You also want to check Brandon Massey out (AAWOG award winner) Speaking of the writing group did you know Tia Shabazz (my play daughter) started that organization alone. Wow!
There's Sharon Ewell Foster doing Christian fiction, she has gotten great reviews and sold a lot of copies too. These writing books are a must, penned by Jewel Parker Rhodes, Bell Hooks, Angela Benson, along with their many novels. And where would we be with out the wonderfully gifted Anita Bunkley. Oh, don't forget Sandra Jackson Opoku and Bernice McFadden
Buy and support Denise Stinson's new line of Christian fiction. Some of my friends are writing for that line like Jacquelin Thomas, a talented writer.
Butterscotch Blues author Margaret Johnson Hodge (a dear friend too) is not only a wonderful writer but a kind and generous person. Parry 'Ebony Satin' Brown, the Queen herself is making waves with the new imprint, Striver's Row. And let me introduce my wonderful friend and play daughter, Sister Betty, for those of you who want a laugh, good old Christian style. And read, of course, Robin Allen's books.
For literary mystery reading I do Robert Greer. Chassie West--an EDGAR NOMINEE twice over, you must not forget. She is a super writer and has penned more books than most of us.
To read great children's books about Africa get Cristina Kessler's books. Cris also has YA, No Condition is Permanent (set in Africa also) She will soon be leaving Africa after almost 20 years. She says she misses it already. She is my sister. Yep, I have a lot of sisters.
For all you Hale fans, Valerie Wilson Wesley, still writing mysteries but has also branched out with a contemporary book that I'm sure you'll love.
Lolita Files, Eric Jerome Dickey, E. Lynn Harris, Nathan McCall, Tina McElroy Ansa (Don't miss Tina's new book) and Kevin Powell need no introduction.
Let me mention a writer I just met named Mel Taylor. What a super brother. His book Mitt Man has some of the most glowing reviews I've ever read. Check him out. His book is now available in paperback.
For cookbooks and children's books, other than mine, you must read Angela Shelf Medearis' work. She is like a sister to me and has supported my writing ever since the day we met. Angela is moving to Hollywood and will be doing children's television soon. She is the best "pitch" person I know. Talk about ideas!
Of course, everyone knows I don't cook, so never buy a cookbook penned by me. Other children's book authors to buy would be JDM Walton, Eleanora Tate, (she's got a new History Mystery) Irene Smalls, Pat Canterbury, Elizabeth Jones,(History Mystery writer too) Jackie Turner Banks, Carole Weatherford, Jerdine Nolan, (my favorite is her book, Raising Dragons) Harriette Gillem Robinet, Pat Cummings, Melodye Rosales, (see her new book by clicking the owl) Tom Feelings, Ashley Bryan (in a league all his own of course)
Some other illustrators/writers of children's books that I adore are: Aminah Lynn Robinson, my sister too, and mentor of my youngest daughter (just did an education bio about her) Tyrone Geter, James Ransome, the super fabulous Daniel Minter (who is writing now) Gail Gordon Carter and even though I named Pat Cummings already I must include her just one more time. Kevin Henkes is a super friend and wonderful writer/illustrator.
Speaking of the real deal, check out A'Lelia Bundles writings on her own great-great grandmother, Madam C. J. Walker and her daughter, A'Lelia Walker. Wow, huh. A review of her latest book in the NYTimes Review, April 1. Check that out. I'll add other names soon.
Other new writers, who are very talented are Tricia R. Thomas, Tracy Thompson and Kathleen Cross. Pick up and read their books today.
Of course, you can't read anything until you've read TaRessa & Calvin Stoval's books -- TaRessa is one of the most generous and gifted writers I know and man what a marketing genius. She is also a sister to me.
Dr. Janice Liddel has a new scholarly tome out that you must read: Arms Akimbo. And you must read Delores Thornton's book, Ida Mae.... Speaking of scholars, Dr. Cornell West is the most gifted, brilliant, talented scholar living today. Unfortunately his last book was penned with someone I don't feel the same way about but because of Dr. West we bought the book anyway. I am not one to cut off my nose to spite my own face. But I tell you it was hard for me to do. It was like buying a book that George W. Bush helped write. YUK! Of course, that would mean a book with few words now wouldn't it.
*A MUST READ: Carrie Allen McCray's The Confederate General's Black Daughter. We owe a lot to this writer. And I mean a lot. She, Ernest Gaines, Ashley Bryant, Walter Mosley, Gloria Naylor, J. California Cooper and Eleanor Taylor Bland have paved a path for us folk. A wide, wide path.
Coming Soon: Guest articles about writing. Featured BookClubs like my favorite Tabahani and much, much more.
JOIN Tia Shabazz's newly named organization African American Writers Alliance. And support Mosaic and AALBC. For more mystery titles try links page aamystery.com. Val Daniels maintains this site for no pay.... she's a true mystery fan.