Reading At The Grounds

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.