At Crown Holders Transmedia our family is filled with book loving podcasters, bloggers, book reviewers, vloggers, indie bookstores, book clubs and librarians. We are one huge bookish community. We represent books from all genres and authors from all races and cultures. Diversity is our middle name! We would love to add even more diversity to our community by including BookTubers, Bookstagrammers and Instagrammers of color.
If you are a book lover and would like to be interviewed for this directory and for Black Pearls Magazine, email Ella D. Curry at: edc_dg@yahoo.com for the questionnaire.
Click on any of the categories below to explore this directory. You can also list your book club, reading group, blog, Youtube channel, Instagramnetwork or website in the directory below. There is no charge to be listed here. Your email address will never be sold, rented or shared unless YOU list it on your profile below.
Your written interview will be posted to Black Pearls magazine online and in our printed Black Excellence Legacy Magazine.
Feel free to email Ella D. Curry at any time to arrange interviews with the authors featured on this website. Email Ella at: edc_dg@yahoo.com
We are seeking blog tour hosts! If you would like to join the Seducing the Pen Online Book Tours, go here to see the authors and to sign up: http://smore.com/9yzf
SIGN UP BELOW AND BRING YOUR FRIENDS!
Prominent Women of Color is a group of women dedicated to the exploration of collected written works in all platforms. This a collection of eclectic perspectives dedicated in enhancing the minds of its members and others in the intricate world of literature. PWOC is well versed and well-traveled in all manner of the written word and that devotion is shown in this delicate array of women who make up this sisterhood.
PWOC is located in Jacksonville, FL and St Mary’s GA. And was formed in 1999 and we currently have 14 members. The purpose of PWOC is to enrich and enhance our knowledge through our love for reading and encourage one another through fellowship. We promote literacy in every way possible.
BPM: How do you make your book selection?
Our BOM (Book of the Month) is chosen by our hostess for that month based on the theme for that month. Yes, several members do read other books and they are shared throughout the month with others in the group. We share our BOM on Social Media monthly and a picture of the current hostess with their chosen book and/or author. We also often Skype with various authors when we have chosen to read their book for that month.BPM:
BPM: Do you read books by authors of color only? What genre does the group prefer?
The majority of the books we read are from authors of color. We do support various self-published authors and often borrow books form the local library. The majority of our members have e-readers, but some still prefer hard copy books. We read books of all genres, we have member that prefer romance, Sci-Fi, murder mystery and others who prefer urban lit and biography. So as you can see, we dabble in all types of genres.
BPM: How do you feel about attending book signings, literary festivals and events?
When we hear about a book signing, or literary event we are ecstatic. If it is within a 2 hour driving distance, we are there supporting the author, (we call these Road Trips) We also as a group try to attend most of the literary festivals and events such as Romance Slam Jam, National Book Club Conference, and authors sponsored cruises. These are the things we plan for throughout the year.
Patricia Turner Smith is the presiding president of RARE Book Club. Patricia resides in Memphis, TN and lives each day enjoying retirement. Patricia is an active member of the Orange Mound Energizer Line Dancers, Family and Friends a group of members from various churches that meet to share ideas to improve the community and provide assistance to the less fortunate. Patricia volunteers her time by reading books to elementary school students at various schools and assisting the teachers when administering tests. The ladies of RARE Book Club is located in Memphis, TN. R.A.R.E (Reading And Rapping Experience) was founded September 7, 1997. We will celebrate the twentieth anniversary of RARE this year. There are twelve active, unique and energetic members of RARE. The ladies enjoy reading and rapping about various book selections. They are imaginative, and don’t hesitate to put their twist about a story line.
BPM: What is the purpose of your organization? Does the name have a special meaning?
The ultimate goal of RARE is to read and have book discussions, network with other book clubs, coordinate and host author’s book signing events and all other literary influences as we promote the importance of literacy. The ladies of RARE have a “Reading And Rapping Experience” during our book discussions. They have shown enthusiasm and dedication for literacy by collectively reading 801 books from September 15, 2015 thru August 26, 2016. It is their goal to read books, have intelligent discussions and promote the importance of literacy. RARE was presented the 2016 award by BWABC (Black Writers and Book Clubs) Literacy Rocks Association for “Reading the Most Books”.
BPM: Do you host special events during the year or do you work for any charities?
The ladies of RARE host an Annual Tea and Social in February that feature spoken word, poetry and local and out of state authors. The authors have included but not limited to Christian fiction authors, EMMA and African American Literacy Awards Winners, Rosa Parks Award Winner and new authors. The authors have an opportunity to expound on how they got involved in writing and provide their experience based on their writing career. The authors and guests have an opportunity to mix and mingle, take pictures and purchase signed copies of books. The fellowship has built lasting relationships thru literary genre. RARE Book Club had the distinguished honor of receiving the 2016 Book Club of the Year Award by BWABC. The ladies do socialize other than at the book club meetings.
My name is Sheryl Towns, President of "Reading With Soul." We are located in Columbus, Ohio. Reading has always been a passion. I had friends, family and co-workers who read all the time. We would share books and discuss them whenever we got together. I was a member of a bookclub previously and I realized I wanted to join another bookclub, but then I choose to start my own. I made fliers, posting them in places where you would see readers (hair salon/work).
In November, 2006 we had our first meeting at Barnes and Noble. We started with five members. Those same five ladies are still members. Our membership has been up and down. Thank God we are blessed to have a total of nine members. Our purpose is to give back to the community and to read for enjoyment, enrichment and knowledge. -Pat, Reading with Soul Member
BPM: What are key factors that help a book remain on your mind long after the last page?
The key factors that I look for and remain long after the last page are, when a book club member relates, and feel happy or sad for a character, or when we want to just say a prayer for when the pain of a character effects our soul. -JoAnna Clark, Reading with Soul Member
BPM: Do you primarily purchase books online or in a bookstore?
I prefer to read hard copy books, because I prefer to read hard copy books and keep them as keepsakes. The price of the books does not matter to me. I would not stop buying hard copies and I doubt that I would switch to digital books permanently. -Deanne Payne, Reading with Soul Member
BPM: Do you serve or donate to any charities?
For our charitable giving, and as our way of giving back and supporting the community, since our book club started we have been involved with a homeless family shelter. A couple times a year we purchase food, cook and serve the residents. In addition to that, we donate items and gift cards to this shelter. -Leslie, Reading with Soul Member
The Real Divas Read & More Social Club, located in Conley Georgia, began in 2013, and currently has 10 members. The conception of RDR was an idea that Diva Wanda established, after not receiving the fulfillment and satisfaction that she truly desired out of other groups, therefore; she blended her love of reading and interacting with other women that shares the same passion as she does.
The Real Divas Read & More Social Club was conceived, to build everlasting friendships with beautiful women who are ambitious, hardworking, optimistic, passionate and enthusiastic about life and reading. As a “Sisterhood”, our book club signifies the words of our mission statement as follows: “Enlightening, Uplifting, and Empowering Women through Fellowship, Service and Support”. The women of this group portray a more positive, sisterly and supportive attitudes with one another to debunk the myths about all of us being catty and confrontational, which ideally sets us apart from groups.
BPM: When accepting members into the group, what are you looking for in the person?
The Real Divas Read social club welcomes women who are authentic. They must enjoy participating in community awareness events, social events, and of course have a passion for reading. We would like to have divas that have the time, dedication, and openness to be a part of our club. Life happens to all of us, therefore ones priorities change because of circumstance, so we understand when a diva wants to leave the group. Ladies request to be a part of the group all the time. Meetup and our Real Divas Read Facebook page are the two ways women who are interested can learn more about our group.
BPM: Do you primarily purchase books online or in a bookstore?
The days of purchasing printed/hard copy books has become obsolete, but in order to support authors that are invited to our meetings we do support them by purchasing their novels and having it signed. Although, the price is cheaper that is not our deciding factor. Ebooks come into play because they are convenient. A member can log on from any device to enjoy a great read on a tablet, phone or desktop at work. Being avid readers who may travel a lot, digital books provide the convenience (no packing) of having several books on hand at once not to mention purchasing a book in a matter of seconds.
The Round Table Readers were founded by La Sheera Lee. The book club is located in Danville, VA. The group was founded on the principles of spreading literacy, fostering sisterhood, and assisting their local community. The group was founded in 2010. Currently, we have eight members. Their names are Tora Ballard, Latonya Terry, Hannah Lee, Kay Edmondson, Traci White- Williams, Twozynn McGhgee and Joyce Laverne Mayo.
The Round Table Readers has hosted five events to date. Each event presented their local communities with the opportunity to meet their favorite authors and to learn about the world of publishing. The literary events have also served their communities. One event featuring Zane, raised funds for a Breast Cancer Survivor. Attendees of other events, have donated can goods and school supplies for admission.
The Round Table Readers also likes to connect with other book clubs. The Sisters of the Red Tent, Sistahs of Urban Literature, and Victorious Ladies of Reading are all considered their sister book club. The Round Table Readers have enjoyed organizing book club events with these wonderful ladies!
BPM: Has social media changed how you feel about authors?
Social media has forever changed the literary landscape. Authors, book clubs, readers are able to engage and discuss books. Video sharing platforms have also made it easier for readers to virtually host authors for meetings etc.
However, I think that authors need to be mindful of comments or pics presented online. Everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinions. However, if you are a public figure, you must be mindful of the impact your actions might have own your readership.
BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers starting a book club?
It is essential for all members to respect the time and opinions of all members. It is also important to make sure you have members who personalities click.
In October 2008, the Literary Ladies Book Club was established in Rahway, New Jersey by sisters, Sandi and Maria. As busy career women with little free time to enjoy friends, fellowship, adult conversation and a good “Girl’s Night Out”; the sisters decided to start a book club driven by their love of African American Literature and their shared desire to engage in honest, enthusiastic, enlightening discussions with other individuals that truly enjoy reading. In order to rise to their fullest and purest potential not only as readers but also as women, they encouraged members to empower one another by sharing ideas and materials throughout the month that promote personal growth and enhance awareness within literary, social, spiritual and economic areas.
In a nutshell, the original eight members gathered with the purpose of creating unity, friendship, and sisterhood amongst positive women of color. Presently, we have 11 active members. In addition, our members are busy scheduling authors to participate in future monthly discussions. Currently, approximately 80% percent of our monthly discussions entail author participation either in person or via video or phone conference.
BPM: What is the purpose for your organization? Do you host events during the year or provide services for the community?
The purpose of our group is to gather literary women who enjoy reading. We come together to fellowship and discuss our book of the month along with what is going on in the literary world. We explore many different genres and writing styles. Literary Ladies looks forward to growing the club, possessing a stronger presence in the literary world and to whatever the universe has in store. We host an annual bowling party every August and we host the "Lunch with the Literary Ladies Book Club & Friends” every Fall.
BPM: As a loyal reader, what are some of the things you want to see more of or less of in books?
The African American community includes people from all socio-economic levels; so we’d like to see a broader representation of us as a people overall in African American Literature. We would also like to see more books for teenagers. As loyal readers, our biggest pet peeve is poor editing. Often, there are so many typographical and grammatical errors that it becomes necessary to go back and reread a sentence, paragraph or worse yet an entire page in order to understand and follow the storyline. It is very frustrating to say the least.
The Sankofa Literary Society founded in 2007 consists of authors, librarians, 80 established bloggers, 42 nurses, 15 independent bookstores, 45 reviewing book clubs and has over 2,700 members online and offline in total, with 877 of those members coming from book clubs or established reading groups.
Quarterly the SLS publishes the popular TOP 100 BEST BOOKS lists. Each summer the SLS hosts the annual Chocolate Socials which brings readers and authors to Atlanta, GA and New Orleans, LA for the private literary events. Sponsored by EDC Creations Media Group and the Black Authors Network (BAN) .
The SLS members and BAN Radio guest speakers are dedicated to providing information to black business owners and authors so that they may gain access to the global consumer and to helping promote the growth of black owned publishing related businesses and more diverse literature.
Come join our lively discussions each week as we tackle a number of topics relevant our community. Each week, the Black Authors Network Show interviews special guest authors, community leaders, educators, and experts from various fields in publishing, who want to make a difference in the lives of Americans.
Our mission is to improve literacy in our community and to help improve relationships, all relationships in the African American community globally! If you're not a part of the movement, don't let another day go by without joining us.
Visit our website today: https://edc-creations.com/sankofa-literary-society.html
I'm Bobbi Ramey Founder and President of Sistah Minds In Motion Book Club (SMM). Sistah Minds In Motions Book Club (SMM) was established in November, 2009 by Bobbi Ramey. The first official book club meeting took place on January 16, 2010. Bobbi Ramey is an avid inspirational reader happily married with two children. Her idea was to bring together a diverse group of women who enjoy reading and to bond spiritually. She asked her family and friends if they would be interested in joining and the rest is history! SMM was born! SMM is a small African American book club and social organization for positive, spiritual women who enjoy reading. Sistah Minds In Motion Book Club currently has ten members.
The purpose of Sistah Minds In Motion Book Club (SMM) is to advocate sisterhood and share our love for reading with others. To advocate literacy throughout our community with volunteer efforts, to have women contributing to a collection of wisdom with an environment of lively discussions and to build lifelong friendships, to fellowship and host monthly meetings in order to share ideas and dialogue about a variety of books and finally to build strategic relationships, advocate book clubs, African American authors and other literary organizations and events.
BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month?
Each member is unique and has the opportunity to choose a book and location once a month. Yes we do discuss other books outside of the book if the month. Yes, SMM posts monthly on Facebook & Twitter for the book of the month.
BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you borrow books from the library?
Yes, SMM enjoys reading selections by authors of color. Yes, SMM support self-published authors. No, SMM will mostly purchase each book of the month.
BPM: What genre/types of books do you prefer to read as a group?
SMM reads all genres to include Christian fiction, non-fiction, fiction, inspirational, romance and a wide variety of other topics chosen by our members. No, the types of books have not changed over time. SMM writes reviews on Amazon.com. SMM really does not write bad reviews, like my mother always said, if you cannot say anything good, do not say nothing at all!
Letrise Carter is the founder of Sistah’s Place Entertainment Blog and a fierce entrepreneur, freelance writer, and new author. She self-published her first novel Deceitful: Playing with Fire in 2017. She has featured articles published in Caution Magazine, Black Pearls Magazine and in Beautifully Said Magazine.
Sistah’s Place is located in suburbs of Chicago, IL. Sistah’s Place was launched in July, 2014 to be the source of entertainment news for film, television, theater, and publishing. The blog focused on the talented minority men and women following their dreams while inspiring others to take that leap of faith with their dreams. The blog platform started as Sistah’s Blog2 with so many ideas to inspire and share with others that Sistah’s Place Entertainment was birthed from my first blog. The blog sparked the interest of subscribers and followers to want to hear more about indie talent in entertainment.
The purpose of Sistah’s Place blog is to serve as a platform for indie talent/artists, writers, poets and creators. Sistah’s Place gives indie and national artists the opportunity to showcase their gifts, talents, and projects that gives them exposure to new audiences across multiple platforms and countries. Sistah’s Place represents home and being with your own brothers and sisters supporting their dreams and gifts. Website: www.sistahsplace.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/sistahsplace2
Founders of Sistahs and Friends: Yvette Barrett, Malinda Burden and Priscilla Myers. In December, 2014 we lost our 4th founder, Theresa Jackson. Sistahs and Friends Book Club started in 1997, in Chicago, when 4 young professional co-workers, Priscilla Myers, Theresa Jackson, Malinda Burden and Yvette Barrett discovered they shared a common passion. That passion was the love of reading and the desire to share their thoughts with each other. We had our first book club discussion in a conference room during our lunch hour. It was such a great experience that we decided to continue and called ourselves, Sistahs Bookclub. Later on we had a male that wanted to join us. So in fairness to him and other potential males, we changed our name to Sistahs and Friends Bookclub. We started with 4 and currently have 12 members.
Our members are mature professionals who all grew up from various backgrounds and areas in the city of Chicago. We started this group 19 years ago as "Bubbies" and have grown into mature outgoing, outspoken women who love a great book, with a great meal, a great glass of wine and a great discussion. These is no room and no tolerance for pettiness and or catiness. We may not always agree on the rating of a book but we will always have a great debate regarding the merits of our selections or lack thereof.
BPM: What legacy will your club leave for those watching in the community?
Sistahs and Friends exemplify the true essence of sisterhood. Our legacy will be that true Sistahs support, lift and motivate each other not tear them down.
BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you borrow books from the library?
In the early years of Sistahs and Friends we only read books by African American authors. However over the years we have developed an appetite to broaden our horizon and not limit ourselves. During the years we have supported all authors as well as self-published authors and invited some of them to attend our bookclub discussions (via in person, Skype, FaceTime and conference calls). Yes, a few of our members still borrow books from the library but the majority have Kindle or a Reader. Website: sistahsandfriendsbookclub.com
My name is Tannie Lewis Bradley, I'm a member of Sistahs BookClubbing in Shreveport, LA. There are 25 active members. Our book club meets the first Saturday of every month to discuss the book of the month. On occasion, authors of the books have joined our discussion by phone.
Sistahs BookClubbing organized Shreveport’s first citywide read, “One Book One City: Shreveport on the Same Page” in 2005. I was a member of the Northwest Louisiana Management Team for the 2009 “The Big Read,” an initiative of the NEA, designed to restore reading to the center of American culture and bring together partners across the country to encourage reading for pleasure and enlightenment.
In response to the need for hair care products for African American service women deployed in Afghanistan, Kuwait and Ships at Sea, our book club organized and implemented Shreveport’s first Sister Soldier Packing Party. A total of 452 hair care packages were packed and shipped from 2009 thru 2012 when President Obama brought the troops home.
I was named 2015 Book Lover of the Year by The Shreveport Times.
Please visit our website: http://sistahsbookclubbing.webs.com
The Tulsa chapter of Sisters Sippin’ Tea Literary Group is committed to providing an opportunity for women from all walks of life to come together for a common and primary goal…reading and promoting literacy through our community outreach programs. Our pledge is to transmit our passion for literary pursuits to future generations.
BPM: How did your organization develop? How many members are in the group?
The African American Resource Center was hosting Roslyn McMillan and extended an invitation for people to read three of her books and we would meet once a month for three months prior to her visit to discuss. We had an awesome time and wanted the group to continue but because of prior commitments and time constraints the AARC Coordinator could not commit. A couple of us located book clubs but they were not a good fit, they lacked structure and consistency. Several months later I attended a weekend Literary Retreat with two friends at a secluded B & B in Texas hosted by Sistah Circle Book Club. We had an awesome time. I decided then that if we couldn’t find what we were looking for I would get a few ladies together and we would discuss starting our own club. My vision was to form a sisterhood who shared a passion for reading, promoting literacy and making a difference in our community. We began as Emerging Minds Books and More.
After a few months I started investigating national book clubs and brought the idea to the group of becoming affiliated with a national group where we could broaden our literary experiences and connect with other sistah’s from all around the globe. I provided the group information on three national organizations and it was a unanimous decision that we join up with Sisters Sippin’ Tea; it’s been a wonderful journey every since! The Tulsa chapter currently has 11 members.
BPM: What is the primary mission of the group?
SST is dedicated to promoting literacy in our community. We are actively involved in various activities that are geared towards raising literacy awareness through mentoring, counseling and outreach programs.
We are Sisters With Books. We are located in Los Angeles California. Our group began in 1995. A group of black women mainly educators decided they wanted to discuss books after they've read them. On roll, we have 25, we average 15 to 20 every month. Sisters With Books consist of black women, ages 40's 50's 60's and 70's. We're high energy, love to debate and generous. The purpose of our reading club is sisterhood, and to read books written by black women. We have made exceptions: Leonard Pitts, Amy Tan, Daniel Black, and Guy Johnson.
BPM: Have you faced any challenges as a group? If so, what and how did you deal with them?
One of our original book club members, lost her only child in a horrific car accident. It was in the month of June, she had just retired from teaching, her anniversary week-end and Father's Day. We rallied around her. There are some books, that are just to difficult for our sister friend to handle. She has started attending book club again. This happened 3 years ago. We had a special meeting just to talk, it was therapeutic. This is an example of how our book club has served many purposes.
BPM: Do you post book reviews? How do you handle bad reviews or books that flopped?
Individuals have posted reviews. We give suggestions and identify what we didn't agree with. In 2011, Sisters With Books participated in DIGG INTO BOOKS web show, created by 4 Hearts Productions. It can be found on YouTube.
BPM: What type of books have generated the most interesting discussions?
The historical fiction "Wench" was the book we discussed on YouTube slavery vs enslaved. "Gathering of Waters" by Bernice McFadden, spirits, and so many of the women experienced spirits. "Before I Forget" by Leonard Pitts Jr., a Black man realizing he wasn't a good father.
BPM: What legacy will your club or blog leave for those watching in the community?
Sisters With Books' legacy will be black women coming together through adversity as well as celebrating each other.
Soul Sistahs Book Club was founded in 2011 by Kenya Ervin of Chattanooga, TN. Initially comprised of coworkers, membership has been extended to close family and friends that share a passion for books. Soul Sistahs Book Club's mission is to promote literacy and encourage sisterhood among women of all ages and backgrounds through the love of reading and lively conversations. Currently, we do not have officers assigned, but everyone comes together to get things done. We have five active members.
BPM: When accepting members into the group, what are you looking for in the person? Do you have an online version of the group?
When accepting members into the group, we explain all of our requirements in detail. We look for people that love to read and are willing to commit to attending meetings once per month. Over the years, it has been difficult for people to stay in the group due to their lack of commitment and participation. We do not offer an online version of the book club at this time but we do have dedicated Facebook and Twitter pages to interact with other readers and authors.
BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month? When do you select the books?
SSBC: When we started the book club, I would search online and best sellers lists to choose our book of the month. I would choose three books and allow my members to vote on the book they would like to read for the following month. Recently, I started a "Book Box". I allow my members to write names of books on a slip of paper and drop it into the box whenever they like. Each month, I draw from the box and that's what we will read. It's been very interesting so far.
Mo'Red Production - Where Creativity and Originality meet Promotion
Stacy Johnson-Leonard is a wife, mother and entrepreneur. Stacy started Mo Red Production in 2006 because she was Momager to her young daughter and music artist Young Star. Stacy’s greatest strengths are her creativity, drive and leadership. She thrives on challenges, and looks forward to prevailing over them.
Before deciding to her work full-time at Mo Red Production, Johnson-Leonard was an avid reader and supporter/friend of several authors. With encouragement from friends, Stacy incorporated author promotions under the umbrella of Mo Red Production. Stacy is a Blog Radio Co-Host at Jones Vlog Spot.
Fast forward to the present; Mo Red Production, is a now a positioning and branding firm that helps authors and business owners increase their sales volume. Stacy Johnson-Leonard is a content marketing professional who is responsible for, increasing client Brand by converting readers, consumers, attracting visitors to website and closing them as customers. In other words, Stacy sees herself as an Industry Liaison because Stacy connects authors to their readers and readers to their authors. Stacy loves promoting author brands and events. Stacy often refers to her books as babies and the autographs of the authors as their birth certificates. Mo Red Production has worked with music artists, Marcus Devine, Tiffany Bryant, Dorrell Mays,Young Star, Dion Black, Branu, and Music and Film executive, Tanya Robinson.
In 2017, Stacy was recognized with the Community Leader Award by Black Pearl Magazine and Tour Coordinator for JL King. Facebook: www.facebook.com/moredproduction
Intimate Conversation with Shana Plummer Chapter Secretary of The Sweet Soul Sisters Book Club. Shana, how did your organization develop? How many members are in the group?
In October 2005, four ladies that enjoyed reading books by African American authors decided to change their causal conversation about the latest book into a formal monthly meeting. They named themselves The Sweet Soul Sisters Book Club. Over time, they opened these discussions to other friends and family and now The Sweet Soul Sisters Book Club has 9 members.
The primary mission of the book club is to broaden our literary experience by reading books written by authors of African American descent. Keeping abreast of the latest books and meeting the author that wrote them all while building life long relationships.
Ella: Ultimately, what do you want members to gain from your union?
First, we want our members to gain the desire to expand their literary choices. Since each member has a choice of a monthly selection it allows for a good variety. Second, we want our members to gain a connection. The Sweet Soul Sisters are more than just a book club, we are a family and we treat each other with sisterly love and respect.
Ella: Shana, what do you define as Quality Literature?
Quality Literature is piece of written work that has the ability to withstand time and be passed down through generations. This is a book that you would want to pass on to your children and your grandchildren. Quality Literature also has the ability to evoke emotion. It can provide you with a feeling of joy because of a happy ending or a tear because of sadness or sympathy. It draws you in and holds a place in your heart and memory.
I am Shabrika Mitchell, The Secretary/Treasurer of The BookWorm Diva's Book Club. We are The BookWorm Diva's which consists of Val Hinton as The President, Tamika Cloud as The Vice President, and I, myself, as The Secretary/Treasurer. The BookWorm Diva's Book Club is located in Newnan, Georgia. In March, 2010, Val, Tamika and I started the club because we all had an interest in reading. We now consist of 9 members.
Our name has its own special meaning each letter stands for something different. BOOKWORM DIVAS means Brilliant. Obedient. Observant. Kind. Women. Outstanding. Reliable. Mindful. Dedicated. Intelligent. Vibrant. Awesome. Sisterhood.
BPM: When accepting members into the group, what are you looking for in the person?
We are looking for a commitment and passion for reading and helping others. We have an Cyrus probation period before you become a member. Basically a trial period to see if your heart is really in it. We have a Facebook page which is open to the public.
BPM: How do you feel about attending book signings, literary festivals and events?
We love attending book signings, literary festivals, and author meet & greets. We enjoy hearing the authors reading from their books.
BPM: Do you host special events during the year or do you work for any charities?
Yes, we host several events yearly such as an Easter Egg Hunt, Family and Friends Day, Thanksgiving Dinner, and a Christmas Toy Drive. We sometimes do a girls night out or just hang out.
BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers starting a book club?
Yes, make sure everyone has love and passion for reading and set goals and achieve them. Also set rules for everyone to follow and it should help the club last a long time. We are 5 years and counting and we love it!!
Books are the very stuff of human civilization and it seems almost improper to be in a position of not sharing insights I have obtained from them. Yes, there are those for whom books are mere items for collection. For me, it is so much more. It is a way of escape. Being able to secretly slip into a magical, sacrosanct work of fiction is sheer bliss. Moreover, it became the release of my ever stressed and fretful soul into distant places. Books, digital or physical, are a talisman for my psyche.
The Literary Apothecary blog started out as a requirement to read ARCs. But, it has become my online journal, traipsing through my thoughts and stamping the blogosphere with its footprint.
You may find something that piques your interest and you may not. Either way, you are welcome to travel the path of questions, concepts, and random thoughts my scientific brain creates.
Pro-blogger Erica Watkins is from Maryland, where she spends time with her loving husband, awesome son, and four rambunctious four-legged friends. She blogs about books and frequently hides books in the Little Library's around town for children and adults. She dreams of becoming a Book Riot contributor, where she would bring attention to black authors. Blog address: www.theliteraryapothecary. blogspot.com
Owner Tomeekha Pitre
Website: www.tomeecarddesign.com
Established in 2015, after five years of creating thank you note cards, invitations, menu cards and more for friends, family and myself. In 2014, I began creating cards for referred clients. Everyone I've designed for always commented how I should make this my business. In March of 2015, that's exactly what I did.
I enjoy scrapbooking and making all sorts of cards. What makes TOMEE CARD DESIGN so special is that each card is unique. Love and attention to detail is put into each card.
TOMEE cards become keepsakes and pieces of art to the receiver. Each card is hand crafted and assembled piece by piece. Your guests will be talking about their TOMEE card months and years after they've received it.
The name of my company is a tribute to my father.
About Tomeekha Pitre
Tomeekha is a successful business professional within the corporate world of medical healthcare. She is a zealot for multi-media art and community advocacy for artists. She has curated and represented emerging visual artists, produced theatre productions, and spearheads HUEMANITEE, Inc., a non-profit that focuses on visual, performing, and literary art education and its ability to heal the mind, body and soul.
Tomeekha is the co-owner of Black Cotton, LLC where she is Publisher of literary projects for the Black Cotton Publishing division. Her expertise in business and the arts allows her to enjoy consulting for startup businesses and creative projects.
Her robust creative background has made her an astute observer and writer. Her debut novel, Earth’s Quiet Chaos, is a fictional narrative inspired by life experiences. She is spirit-led to share stories that will uplift, empower, educate and inspire individuals to live in the highest version of self.
Tomeekha resides in Los Angeles, California, where she enjoys writing, painting, making happy birthday video's, singing and dancing in the company of family and friends. She has recently begun the study of songwriting and the art of vocal instrumentation.
"We heal ourselves and others by sharing our stories. We are both the educator and the student of everyday life experiences. I simply want to be used as a vessel to inspire and heal as many as I can in this life that is gifted to me."
U.S.G.I.R.L.S. Interview conducted by Founding Members: Karen Lewis, Jennie Blue, Valerie Jefferson and Ardee Harris. Unique, Sophisticated, Girlfriends Inspirational Reading and Literary Society, located in Jacksonville, Florida formed in October 2004.
It all began with an email from founding member, Karen Lewis, in September 2004 entitled: “Calling All Bookworms.” With the new phenomena of book clubs forming throughout the city, Karen visited several, with intentions of joining, but was not impressed with any of them. She called upon her friend, Jennie who was in another book club and her sister-in-law Ardee “Dee” to consider forming a book club. Jennie then called her friend, Valerie who was also in a book club at the time.
Karen hosted our first meeting in October of 2004. During this meeting, the four of us formed by-laws for our book club and gave suggestions for a name. We were nameless and simply referred to ourselves as “the book club” until 2007, when Karen came up with our clever name and acronym “U.S. G.I.R.L.S.” During the formation meeting we also agreed that we would not elect officers, and preferred to have the "Founding Members" designated as the governing body. We currently have nine active members.
We are all professional women of color; our youngest member in her early 40s. We have various undergraduate and graduate degrees, and possess strong, diverse personalities which always make for an interesting meeting. We enjoy debating and agreeing to disagree on various book discussion topics.
BPM: What legacy will your club or blog leave for those watching in the community?
Founding Members: As our mission statement says, our main focus is to bring attention to issues of interest to women of color, while encouraging and increasing an appreciation for literature. Over the years we have become more than a book club. We are not only “black women who read” but we are have also extended our involvement through book drives and other community outreach ventures. We feel that those watching in the community see us an active group of black women operating with a spirit of excellence in our endeavor to uplift, inspire, promote and encourage women both young and old, while building lifelong friendships and relationships. Website: http://usgirls04.wix.com/usgirls
Michelle Chavis is a native of Brooklyn, New York and now lives in Creedmoor, North Carolina. Michelle Chavis is the President of Victorious Ladies Reading Book Club. When she started reading novels it gave her a peace of mind and helped her relax. She has encouraged and helped others to also fall in love with reading. Recently Michelle has become a Total Life Changes (TLC) Representative. Her genuine, honest spirit allows people to feel comfortable talking her about anything. She has also been called a “Life Coach”. She is very passionate about helping people find their true purpose and becoming their best.
Victorious Ladies Reading is located in the Raleigh/Durham North Carolina area. God gave Lacha Mitchell the vision to start the book club, through that vision we started the Victorious Ladies Reading Book Club. We currently have 10 members. We are group of beautiful women, of all personalities, that mesh well together.
BPM: How do you make your book selections for the month?
When I first joined the group the President and Vice President alternated months and picked the books, we now take suggestions from the members. Yes we have read other books that was not the book of the month and had a call to discuss the book. We may post book covers and suggestions on our own Facebook post and share them.
BPM: Do you prefer to read books by authors of color? Do you borrow books from the library?
Yes, I prefer to read books by authors of color, but I will read others also. Yes, I support self published authors and I also borrow books from the library. To add to that, I give the library a list of AA authors and their books every quarter for them to add to their selection.
BPM: Do you have any words of wisdom for other readers starting a book club?
Communication is the key to every relationship, when you have that you will have a successful book club. Be passionate about your membership, participate as much as you can.