March
4
2010
February was a busy and rewarding month. It began with a visit to Towns Elementary in Atlanta, GA. I met with the 5th graders where I discussed my writing, African history and gave them hints on writing fiction. Later I met with their advanced readers book club. The book club was reading Meji with their teachers and had asked if I would come speak to them, which I gladlydid. It was a great time. The kids had good questions and illustrations from scenes in the book.
I also sold a few books to the teachers.
Later that month I had a book signing at my favorite bookstore, Nubian Books at Southlake Mall. I love working with Marcus, the owner of Nubian. He’s a very supportive brother and goes out of his way to help local writers succeed. His information and support was very instrumental to getting Meji off the ground and he continues to support my efforts by letting me sign books when the schedule permits.
I ended the month with a reading and signing at The Grounds Coffeehouse. It went very well; I got to fellowship with some BSFS members and won a few new readers for Sword and Soul. Saira, the owner, was pleased with the results and has asked me to come again. I can’t wait.
Progess was made creatively as well. My story ‘Bigger’ was accepted for the Black Faery anthology under development by a fellow BSFSer, Purple Zoe. I also have a story under consideration for another anthology, but I won’t say which one unless it’s accepted. Last but not least Chase Conley finally completed my Sadatina commission. I also recieved the painted version of Shange from Kris Mosby.
Young Sadatina by Chase Conley
Sadatina began as an opportunity. She’s one of the lead characters of my upcoming novel, The Face In The Temple. Last year I saw some artwork by Chase Conley and Iwas very impressed. I went to his deviantart site and discovered he was running a special on commision so I quickly contacted him. After a number of starts he finally came up with this final image. It wasn’t what I expected but it was exactly what I wanted. His Sadatina was younger and more confident than I imagined, which sparked a prequel idea for her character. Once I get my current projects settled I’ll begin on that story, tentatively titled ‘Woman of The Woods.’
- Shange and Mijoga by Kris Mosby
Shange and Mijoga came as a pleasant surprise. Kris sent me this image one day as his contribution to Sword and Soul. He had also sent me an earlier image that is just as exciting. I decided to write a story based on both images that evolved into a Changa prequel, Mwanamke Tembo, Swahili for ‘Elephant Woman.’ I’m featuring the story this month as part of my Changa’s Safari build up.
As you can see, February’s been busy. I’m looking to make March just as rewarding. Stay tuned.
March
2
2010
Last Saturday (February 27, 2010) I had the opportunity to do a reading and book sale at The Grounds Coffeehouse, a cool venue located in the West End section of Atlanta. (http://www.thegroundscoffeehouse.com/) When I first visited this establishment and met the owner Saira I had a good feeling about doing a reading there and I wasn’t wrong. In addition to my lovely wife, my equally attractive sister and her friend I was happy to see a few of my Black Science Fiction Society friends in attendance (http://www.blacksciencefictionsociety.com/). We were late, a vice common among writers doing book signings. It was actually a first for me because I hate being late. I’m usually early because it gives me time to mingle with folks and get the interest of those just hanging around for coffee and conversation. I brought my son’s video camera in hopes of posting the reading on Youtube but I overestimated the lighting. I looked like a talking shadow throughout the thing. Vickie took some great pictures which made up for the video debacle. I did get a chance to talk to a
few brothers and sisters before we began and convinced a few to stay and take a listen.By the time we set up we had a good crowd.
Quite a few of the patrons gathered to hear me read excerpts from Meji Book One. A lively discussion followed, instigated by Jali, one of my BSFS friends. We discussed sources of the Afterwards I read a short story, Bigger, which everyone seemed to enjoy. There were more questions and then we got down to the business of selling and signing books.
I personally think the most important relationship in writing is that between the writer and the reader. Everything else is a distraction. That’s why I love to do readings and signings. It gives me a chance to present my stories the way I wrote them, to be read aloud for the listeners enjoyment. The Grounds Coffeehouse was a great venue for such an experience. Saira and her staff were gracious and attentive and the patrons were interesting, interested and generous. I’m looking forward to doing more readings at The Grounds; as a matter of fact I might see if Saira will allow me to use it as an official launch spot for my future books. I can’t think of a better place, except Oprah. 
February
16
2010
Immortal Fantasy by Winston Blakely
If you’ve followed my work you’ve heard about Winston Blakely. He’s the artist whose outstanding illustrations are bringing Changa to life. Unlike me Winston is not new to the fantasy field. His bio reflects the life of a talented artist who has made and continues to make his mark in the industry.
Winston, a native New Yorker, holds a B.A. degree in Fine Arts which he originally put to use as a teacher. He taught art appreciation to inner city children and lectured at Four Towns College on comic book history and pop culture. Winston eventually found himself at Valiant Comics, where he inked for Visage Studios where he inked on titles such as Eternal Warrior, Ninjak, Bloodshot, Harcorps and Solar, Man of the Atom. Later he inked at Visage Studios headed at the time by the legendary Rich Bucker. As a result Winston traveled to many conventions where Little Miss Strange, his original creation and first black female alien character, was born.
Immortal Fantasy is Winston’s newest project. It’s a collection of past and present projects, including titles such as Little Miss Strange, Kotas the Dragon and Pozitron. Winston’s full range of talents are on display here. He wrote, illustrated, inked and colored each story. His style reflects his influences, artists such as Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, Wally Wood and Jim Starlin. His unique style is what drew me to his work and I was flattered when he asked to illustrate Changa. His skill and experience shows in each illustration.
Immortal Fantasy can be purchased athttps://www.createspace.com/3413513. Purchase Little Miss Strange at https://www.createspace.com/3357531. Contact Winston at pozitron45@yahoo.com. Check him out. You’ll be glad you did.
February
13
2010
Although I purchased Imaro IV a few weeks ago, the opportunity to read it came last week. I had a business trip to LA and it was the perfect time to read a good book. No let me change that. It was the perfect time to read a great book. By the time the wheels of the 767 touched the LAX tarmac I was almost done reading, and I was blown away.
I’ll preface my review by stating that Charles and I are good friends and fellow sword and soul writers. Having said that, the following words have nothing to do with the preceding words. I’m not a person to post a bad review because as a writer I know how much effort goes into creating. I take my grandma’s advice; if you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all. Well, I have plenty of good things to say about Imaro IV. This novel was the perfect conclusion to the Imaro story began in Book One. We finally get to see Imaro confront his nemesis Bohu, as well as resolve the multitude of relationships that have encircled him. Imaro IV is a very emotional story, more an epic that your usual sword and sorcery book. Charles does an outstanding job blending action and drama, the individual battles just as exciting and engrossing as the large battles. He never forgets a detail. I was surprised at how I connected to Imaro on an emotional level in this book. I found myself laughing out loud at times and wondering if my eyes were glistening at others.
I was also impressed with how Charles drew you into the the lives of the other characters as well. Each character had his or her own story which Charles expressed efficiently. Even Bohu, Imaro’s nemesis, deserved some sympathy despite his intentions.
I’m not going to give a blow by blow evaluation of Imaro IV. I’m not that kind of reviewer. Besides, I don’t want to spoil the story for those who haven’t read it. If you are an Imaro fan, you have to read this book. If you are not an Imaro fan, you have to read this book, after you’ve read the first three. With Imaro IV Charles confirms his position as one of the great sword and sorcery writers. His works stand alone and shouldn’t have to be mentioned in comparison to other writers to define him. To purchase Imaro IV and learn more about Charles R. Saunders, click here: http://www.charlessaunderswriter.com/
February
8
2010
Painting by Andrea Rushing
February has started like Usain Bolt. I’m barely two weeks into the month and well ahead of my expected book sales. I have one more event scheduled for the month, a book reading/question and answer session at The Grounds Coffeehouse (http://www.thegroundscoffeehouse.com/. I think this is going to be good one. The coffee house is located in the West End section of Atlanta, a few blocks away from the AU center. It has a cool vibe and I’m looking forward to being there. If your in Atlanta on the 27th come check us out.
Like the artwork? That’s a piece from Andrea Rushing, a very talented artist from San Diego. I met Andrea at the National Black Arts Festival (http://www.nbaf.org/) almost two years ago. His paintings were displayed at the Artists’ Market and revealed his Sword and Soul spirit. His work inspired a story, The King’s Man, a project I’m anxious to work on with him. My hope is for Andrea to paint the covers, which would be a true honor. You can view more of his work here: (http://andrearushingfinearts.com/)
Changa Sketch by Winston Blakely
Project Changa continues. Winston Blakely has begun work on the cover art. He’s doing an oil painting which I’m really excited about. The challenge will be digitizing it so we can use it. If anyone out there has a suggestion, please let me know. I’m editing the manuscript, aided by my friends at the Black Science Fiction Society. I got some good ideas from them; I just hope I don’t have to do too much rewriting to incorporate them. I’m still on schedule on a May/June release date. Expect a Changa prequel story next month on my blog. I think you’ll like it.
January
25
2010
I can’t believe January’s almost over. I must not have been paying much attention; it seems like I missed the month. Still, I got a few things done. I finished the second edition of Meji Book One and I’m now patiently awaiting the revised manuscript from my copy editor. Once I receive it I’ll upload it to Lightning Source and make both books available on line through LSI’s distribution program. That means both books on Amazon, B&N online and Ingram. I will also have access to Baker and Taylor, although I was disappointed to find out B&T is not a full partner, meaning they can refuse to carry my book. I’m really hoping they’ll accept it. I have quite a few libraries and school systems interested in the Twins.
Changa’s Safari is moving slowly but surely. Winston Blakely will begin the cover artwork in February and I’m almost done with editing. I plan to work with a local editor, one who will not only do the grammatical stuff but also a critique. Editing is the achilles heel of self publishing and I’m trying to do my best to eliminate that weakness. I plan on sprinkling a few Changa sequel stories about, stories that give background on Changa and his co-horts. One story, Mwanamke Tembo (The Elephant Woman), will post on my blog, so stay tuned. As far as Changa’s world is concerned, here’s a peek:
Once Changa’s complete I have a number of projects waiting. The Sword and Soul Anthology is one that I’m really excited about. It’s a chance to display new visions of Sword and Soul by new and established writers. The other project is The Face In The Temple, my first Sword and Soul novel with a female main character, Sadatina. Sadatina is a warrior/priestess endowed with the ability to find and kill kindoki (demons). I figured Dossouye needed some company. Here’s a sketch by Chase Conley (http://saintchase.deviantart.com/):
Outstanding, isn’t it? I’m getting good feedback on the excerpts I posted for this one. I’m also working with a young artist by the name of Jason Zampol for the cover art. He’s an outstanding artist. Don’t take my word, check out his site; http://www.zampolart.com/.
But the pressure is on for Amber. She’s my first young adult sword and soul novel and my wife’s favorite. Every time I do a book signing a parent asks me if I have something for young adults. My response is Amber. It’s fun story to write and I think it’s going to get great response. The artist, Paul Davey (http://mattahan.deviantart.com/), is a very talented young brother and has done an excellent job bringing my girl to life. Of course if y’all go out and buy my books like doughnuts maybe I can do them both!
I have more plans, but not enough time (or money) to pursue them all. Besides if I get too involved this stops being fun. I’m doing a couple of book signings in February. Go to my site and check the dates. Until then, if you keep reading I’ll keep writing.
January
20
2010
“Four times Wagadu rose. A great city, gleaming in the light of day. Four times Wagadu fell. And disappeared from human sight. Once through vanity. Once through dishonesty. Once through greed. Once through discord.”
Thus begins Gassire’s Lute, a West African epic poem of the Soninke, the rulers of the ancient kingdom of Ghana. Gassire’s Lute tells the story of Gassire, a vain warrior obsessed with immortality. He gives up everything to gain immortality through the Dausi, a song that would allow his exploits to live on forever.
The epic was originally documented in 1905 by Leo Frobenius, a German anthropologist. This most recent adaptation is done by anthropologist Alta Jablow, Professor Emeritus of Brooklyn College . It also includes an essay by Jablow that gives special insight to the epic and the history it represents. I found it amusing that Mr. Frobenius used Lute to describe the musical instrument of Gassire. Today this instrument is widely known as a kora. This book is an interesting read, one of a few that gives a view of the nobility, dignity and history of the Soninke. Professor Jablow does and excellent job bringing this epic tale to life and explaining its worth. A must have for anyone building a Sword and Soul reference library.
January
18
2010
I was eight years old when Dr. King was assassinated. At the time my reaction was probably the same as most eight year olds, somewhat interested because of the commotion going on among adults and somewhat angry because my favorite shows had been preempted for the newscasts. I lived a sheltered life in Columbus, Georgia, an all black life in an all black neighborhood attending an all black school and playing with my black friends. My only direct encounter with white people was when I went to the doctor for my regular asthma treatments. My parents did their best to protect us from the worst of growing up in the South and they did until 1972, when the city of Columbus decided to integrate the school system, setting up each school at a 70% white, 30% black student ratio to reflect the racial mix of the city. So instead of attending 6th grade with most of my friends, I was sent to St. Mary’s Elementary to fulfill the city mandate.
It was a time of fear and bravado for us all. We spent that summer preparing ourselves, talking about how we were going be ready if someone confronted us. When that time came, it was everything we anticipated and everything we didn’t. I remember the first time I was called the N-word in anger and the name of the white boy who said it. I fought that boy every day for a week. By the end of the school year we were friends. Some of the people I expected to be my eternal enemies also became my friends. Others never moved beyond their prejudices and remained what they were taught to be.
As I grew older and had the chance to reflect on Dr. King and the struggle, I realized what a great man he was. When the first King Day parade was held in Atlanta I was front and center wearing my sweatshirt proudly and singing “We Shall Overcome” in my loudest voice.
Today I hear young black youths actually denouncing King, spouting rhetoric about FBI conspiracies and such. As a person that lived through the civil rights movement and was an early recipient of the results I’m appalled at their disrespect for those people that made it so they could express such opinions. But this is the result of people not knowing and respecting their history. This is the result of people looking at a situation out of context of the environment in which it occurred. For those people I offer advice; don’t read about it, talk about it. Talk to an elder that lived through this time. Get a true picture of how life was for us then. If you have no access to elders, watch the documentary “Eyes On the Prize” and hear about the movement in the words of the people who participated. You’ll hear about and see the dangers those marchers put themselves through not for their own betterment but for ours. You’ll see the people who died for you and what you have today.
Happy birthday, Dr. King. Thank you for everything that I am today.
January
13
2010
It’s been almost two years since I published Meji Book One. On that day in May 2008 I reached the end of a long process and the beginning on another, selling and promoting my baby. It’s been an interesting journey full of surprises, opportunities and joy. As I prepare to release Changa’s Safari, I thought I’d write about a few things I’ve learned and enjoyed during this experience.
The Inspiration – Meji was initially to be a Zulu story, but as I did more research on African history I was spurred to write a story that would display the diversity of African history, people and culture. Meji is my celebration of pre-colonial Africa, the home of our ancestors. I also hoped that by writing a fictional story based on this knowledge it would ignite readers curiosity on the source. So far it has.
The Names – I probably have more discussions about the names in Meji than anything else. Despite a glossary that spells each name phonetically, people still have difficulty pronouncing them. Well, I did, too, at first. Practice makes perfect. One more note: each name has a meaning that relates to the characters personality, position or purpose. In most of precolonial Africa naming a child was a serious affair, so I tried to take naming my characters just as seriously.
That’s it for now. More musing later. We’ll talk about book signings and book clubs.
January
11
2010
I decided to share my library beginning with the first African history book I purchased. The Washing of the Spears is considered a comprehensive source about the rise of the Zulu nation and its subsequent defeat by the British. I purchased this book because in its original form Meji was to be a Zulu based story. At the time the Zulu were the only nation in Africa I could find any substantial research on. As I developed the story it began to resemble Shaka Zulu too much for my taste so I set it aside. I’m glad I did because later I discovered more sources of African history that expanded my knowledge and enhanced the story.
Washing is a detailed account of the Zulu nation, but it is also filled with misconceptions of African origins and tainted with veiled prejudice. The ‘Hammite’ theory is used to explain the difference between the Bantu and other East Africans. If you haven’t heard of the ‘Hammite’ theory look it up. It’s been been discredited but for time it was used by many historians to explain the ‘uncharacteristic’ behavior of East African people. There’s also terms that raise an eyebrow, such as the Zulu chief, or inkosi, ‘mating’ with his concubines.
One of the main strengths of Washing is its detailed account of Zulu military organization. I relied heavily on it for this information and on Zulu battle tactics. It’s a good place to start and provides good overall information. I won’t say it’s a must read unless you’re gathering information on Zulu history, especially pertaining to their encounters with the British and the Boers.