The Legacy of E. Lynn Harris

A week ago today, the literary world was shocked and saddened by the unexpected death of author E. Lynn Harris. He was on the West Coast in the middle of a book tour when he was found dead in his hotel room. In addition to being a best-selling author (10 of his 12 books made the New York Times bestseller list), he was an educator, activist and benefactor. He was also a trailblazer for this generation of African-American authors, particularly AA male authors such as Eric Jerome Dickey and Omar Tyree.

I will confess that I was never a fan of his work and I don’t plan to jump on the bandwagon now that he’s gone. However, I realize that I have learned a three very important lessons from him.

First, you have to work hard to achieve your dreams. Mr. Harris’ first novel was self-published and sold out of the trunk of his car. He chose to write stories close to his heart, regardless of the controversial (at the time) subject matter. His work found readers and eventually a publisher. But he never coasted on his success. He was always working on the next story or promoting the heck out of the one currently on shelves and his readers and fans loved him for it.

Second, when you achieve success, don’t forget those who put you there or want to get there too. As word of his death spread, fans from all over shared stories of how Mr. Harris would contact them personally and talk with them. Writers and authors shared how he would mentor or offer to help spread the word of their books. He went back to his alma mater and taught writing classes. He helped create scholarships for aspiring writers and lended his name to launch organizations and careers. He was an HIV/AIDS activist, doing his part by raising awareness, education and funds for a cure.

The last thing I learned from E. Lynn Harris, I learned because of his death: you have to take care of yourself. Mr. Harris died as a result of heart disease with diabetes being a contributing factor. It’s been reported that a few days before he died, he was ill and passed out, but refused to see a doctor or go to the hospital. Perhaps he was afraid that taking the time to be checked out would lead to an interruption in his tour and disappointing his fans. Perhaps he thought it could wait until he got home. Perhaps.

Would a trip to the hospital have saved his life? Perhaps. If a doctor’s visit would have sidelined him to help him get healthy, perhaps he would still be here.

I know his family, friends and fans would have gladly accepted a temporary disappointment instead of their permanent heartache.

My deepest sympathies to all those who knew and loved him. The lessons of E. Lynn Harris’ life and death will last as long as the words that he wrote.

Reflections on BWRC ‘09

This was my third BWRC and it was fabulous! Here is my recap of my time there:

Arriving on Wednesday, I checked into the Golden Nugget. I spotted several past BWRC participants including assistant director Monica. The gang is gathering to head out to Freemont Street, but I have to head upstairs. Fabulous room! Nice and spacious and the bed is not too hard. I drop off my stuff and connect with my BFF, Michelle Chester. We head down to catch up to the group, where we are quickly overwhelmed by the laser light and music show. Catching up to the group, it’s a big reunion! Old faces and new faces mix and mingle as we realize we’re all connected by one single thing – the love of writing!

We head back to the hotel and find out where we’re to meet for our morning sessions. Some head off to experience Vegas. Many of us are HONE-gry, so we search for food in the hotel. A group of six, including Vincent Alexandria, Marc Lacy, Venise Berry and Renee Flagler, bum rush the buffet. The food is good (either that or we’re too hungry to care) and the conversation is spirited. Marc becomes a raspberry iced tea addict, drawing Renee and I in. Renee resists the urge; I’m sold.

The next morning, I have breakfast with Michelle and Teowanna Clifton. We’re all teaching at this year’s BWRC and we’re excited. I head up to registration, greeting Monica and Neesha, aka QueenJoya. Tia Ross, BWRC director, calmly signals me frantically. (If you’ve seen Tia in action, you’d understand this.) One of the presenters is sick; do I have my backup presentation ready? Of course, I reply. I go back to my room, grab my laptop, and head back downstairs for my first session. Dr. Anita Heiss has great insight in inspiring our creative juices using props and items in the room. It’s clear that there’s a lot of talent at this conference!

I duck out to prepare for my first session, “Ready, Set, Write”. After a technological glitch, we’re ready to go. It’s a fun, interactive class and I really enjoy teaching it. It’s clear that this is a group who are where I’ve been. They have ideas and stories waiting to come out of them. After the presentation, I give them time to actually write. It was a gratifying experience, especially seeing our teenage scholarship recipients writing in their notebooks. After class, several participants came up to tell me that they felt free and inspired to write. One lady shared that she had only written non-fiction and this was her first venture into fiction. She read what she wrote in class; it was good! I’m looking forward to seeing her finished work.

I took a break and went back to the room to relax and prepare for the afternoon. Lunch with Michelle and Teowanna and recapping the morning; why are all the restaurants in the Golden Nugget so slow? Afterwards, I go to Vincent Alexandria’s class. He had the best line of the afternoon: “Life is a buffet but you’ll starve to death if you don’t fix your own plate.”

Next is my class, “Writing Christian Fiction.” It goes well and I’m not the least bit nervous that one of my writing sheroes, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, is sitting in the back. When it’s said and done, many of the participants tell me that they really enjoyed the class. I’m humbled and thrilled at the same time. Thank you God!!

My hubby joins me at the hotel and we spend some time together. Wandering around the hotel, we spot ReShonda Tate Billingsley sitting alone at a table, editing her manuscript. That’s when it hits me: here we are in Las Vegas, surrounded by all kinds of things to do and see, and yet she’s focused on the work. That’s the mark of a true writer.

The next day, I have breakfast with Cherlisa and Sandra, two fellow writers and we continue the conversation about writing, editing and publishing. This is the reason that the BWRC is so special to me; being among writers who understand each other, no matter where you are on the writing journey.

We head upstairs and I join Dr. Jacqualyn Green at a table where we put out displays of our books and materials. Another joy of BWRC is that every time I’ve come, the focus of the conference has always matched where I was on my writing journey. This year, as a published author, I’m allowed to display and sell my novel. Marc Lacy and Renee Flagler give an impromptu marketing lesson at their table. Dr. Green’s family is so wonderful; her husband is a true inspiration and her grandchildren are the best street team anyone could ask for! I witness a hilarious conversation between Mondella Jones and Tonya Evans Walls; someone should put these two in a sitcom! (Two intelligent, professional, humorous black women making it happen? Never on television.)

Anita Heiss shares her “wedding” photos. She and Elvis make a great couple. I suspect her adventures in Vegas are mere ideas to go in her next novel.

I make a few sales, but I am more thrilled to talk with other participants about the conference. My favorite moment? Talking to future writer Oni, a senior in high school who has a story to tell. Not only was she inspired by my workshops, she’s determined to finish her manuscript in progress. I give her a copy of my book and Michelle promises to edit her book for free. Mr. Green tells her he will help her get published and Tonya Evans Walls gives her some valuable legal advice. My God. I love the generosity of the company at this conference! I told Oni I expect to see her on my side of the table at a future conference. Mr. Green reminds me that someone said the very same thing to me at my first conference in 2006.

After lunch, I decide to end my day and decide to spend the rest of the afternoon with my family. My hubby and son came and we hit the pool. Deciding to swim with the sharks, I hit the water slide. It’s been a long time and I almost lose my lunch, but it was worth it. My husband did it twice; I’m over it. We all dry off and after some photos and goodbyes with Michelle, we head over to my sister-in-law’s house.

I’m exhausted as I always am after these conferences. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I look forward to 2011 – wherever BWRC winds up, I’ll be there.

Five Years Ago

Five years ago, I awoke early – earlier than usual. I couldn’t sleep in anticipation, like a kid waiting for Christmas.

Five years ago, I rode along in the car in silence, anxious for your arrival. You, as it turns out, were in absolutely no hurry.

Five years ago, I lay in a strange bed, more uncomfortable than usual. But in retrospect, it was pretty okay.

Five years ago, I experienced pain that only a woman was built to endure – and appreciate.

Five years ago, I dreamed of what you would look like, whether you would be healthy, would I do the right thing.

Five years ago, you made your debut. One cry, then silence. As if to say, “I’m here, what’s the big deal?”

Five years ago, I looked at you in awe and wonder. After so much doubt, so many efforts, you were finally here, exactly as you should be.

Five years ago, you rested in my arms, content. How could someone so busy just hours before be so still?

Five years ago, as tears poured down my face, I couldn’t help but thank God for you, my little miracle.

Five years ago, I had no idea of the ride I was about to embark on. And at that moment, I really didn’t care.

Five years ago, my life changed forever.

Happy birthday my little angel.

Only in Chicago

A 14-year-old boy walked into a police station dressed as a police officer. He then went to roll call, was assigned to a squad, went on patrol and was only busted – after five hours “on duty” -  in the station when someone noticed he wasn’t wearing a star on his uniform.

It’s not the first time he’s done this.

And you wonder why people don’t have faith in the police – when they can’t even detect a 14-year-old impostor for five hours!!!

It’s definitely the makings of a Disney movie.

Reading Challenge

Over at APOOO, they have initiated a first quarter reading challenge – 13 books in 13 weeks (Jan. 1-Mar. 31). Ordinarily, this would be nothing for me. But not now. And yet I still signed up.

Why?

Because I have a short story due in a couple of weeks to my publisher and I’m stalling. The writing fire has gone out. And reading usually lights my fire but good.

So even though I’m late to the challenge, I’m still up for it. Plus, I’ve got so many books on my TBR list (and it keeps growing) that I’ve got to get started.

I’m working on my list now, but I do know the authors that I will be reading, some new, some familiar: Bettye Griffin, Kimberla Lawson Roby, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Angela Benson and Tiffany Warren to start.

As eager as I am to read their works, I’m more excited about getting my own work going again. It’s a win-win situation.

I invite everyone to join in on this challenge. What will you read?

Journey to Jordan – New release date

My debut novel, Journey to Jordan, is being released in April 2009!

Preview copies will be available in February; interviews and reviews will be done in February and March leading up the launch in April.

Wahoo!!!

The Jackson 5 Redux

So, it’s being reported that Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. has been working with the feds to nail Hot Rod on his pay-to-play scheme. Apparently, Hot Rod ticked off JJJ when he wouldn’t appoint Sandy Jackson (JJJ’s wife) to head the Illinois Lottery unless JJJ raised major loot. Also, it’s reported that Hot Rod pulled out support for the Peotone airport (JJJ’s pet project since he went to Congress) because JJJ wouldn’t cough up cash to Hot Rod’s campaign.

Hmmm…

If this is indeed true – and I really hope it is – Hot Rod is really in the hot seat.

It’s a Jackson 5!

The newest story out of the Hot Rod story is that Jesse Jackson Jr. is allegedly Candidate #5 in the list of those involved with the “pay-to-play” charge.

From all the current evidence, JJJ is not actually accused of anything, but there were alleged conversations by an “emissary” who hoped that JJJ would raise funds for Blago.

I’m a fan of JJJ, and I really hoped he would run for mayor. He chose to stay in Congress and with the new Senate seat in play, I thought he’d make a great choice.

But as much as I admire him, I don’t think – under this cloud – he would be the best choice. I don’t necessarily think he’s guilty, but it certainly doesn’t look good.

Hot Rod in the City

Last week, Rod Blagojevich stated that he thought George Ryan should be set free from prison.

Two days ago, Rod Blagojevich stated that there was nothing but sunshine over his head and dared the Feds or anyone else to tape him.

Apparently, they took him up on his offer.

Yesterday, Rod Blagojevich was arrested and charged (I prefer indicted) with trying to sell Barack Obama’s vacated Senate seat, among other things.

I’m sure he’s hoping that someone will ask President Obama to set him free in a couple of years.

But I doubt it.

Wonder if those are storm clouds over his head.

Lest We Forget…

I remember September 11, 2001 clearly from the moment I first heard Felicia Middlebrooks on WBBM-780 announce that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. I remember thinking it was probably a small plane, an accident. I started to go to the TV to watch the news coverage, but I had to get going or I’d miss my train and be late for work. It was a beautiful, clear, warm sunny day.

And then I arrived at work. I saw the newscasts. I remember, the shock, horror and awe and the whole surrealness of what was happening. I remember thinking that this kind of thing only happens in the movies and surely we were watching a movie, right? Will Smith is going to join forces with everyone and save the day, right? I remember the panic and the fear and the unbelievable quiet in the streets as downtown Chicago seemed to come to a standstill. Then going home and walking through the park and seeing kids out playing basketball and thinking, “Don’t you even realize what’s happening in the world?”

Older people can tell you where they were when they heard about Pearl Harbor, or JFK, King, RFK and Malcolm being assassinated. My first big “where were you” moment was when Ronald Reagen was shot. Then came the Challenger and Columbine and Oklahoma City. But they were nothing like 9/11.

Even after watching “United 93″ and “Flight 93″ on television and all the 9/11 specials on the History Channel, seven years later, it still hits me sometimes in the pit of my stomach: the horror, the loss, the senselessness, the heroism, the sacrifices.

My son was three years from being born. When he’s old enough, he’ll see news footage and archival pictures. He’ll look at 9/11 the way I look at footage from Pearl Harbor and the Civil Rights Movement and the assassinations of the 60’s: it was important and meaningful, but it didn’t impact me in a personal way. I wasn’t there. My son will watch the movies and they will be interesting, but it won’t mean anything to him personally. He won’t understand what it means when I say we’re living in a “post-9/11 world” anymore than I can understand what it means to live in a “post-Pearl Harbor” world.

I will always have those “where were you” days. God-willing, my son will never have them.

May God bless and keep us and grant us peace today and forever.