Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo published her first book in 2005, The Ins and Outs of the Fashion Industry — From a Fashion Insider. In addition, she recently became a fashion consultant for New Breed Films and fashion editor for He-Motions Magazine.
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When did you attend your first BWRC?
I attended the conference in Dallas in 2006.
How many have you attended?
I’ve only attended one.
What is your most memorable BWRC moment?
My most memorable moment was the first night mixer meeting and approaching some amazing individuals. We were all nervous at first but opened up within twenty minutes of the function.
Have you networked with anyone at the conference and has that contact continued?
Yes, I still keep in contact with about three of the writers who attended. Cards were given but I find many times some of us don’t know about the importance of follow-up. I met some great people but we got lost on the BWRC group site, so I don’t know what happened to some of the people or what they’re up to.
Did you do any writing while attending the conference?
I took in all the knowledge the speakers presented and I appreciated what they came with. I published my first book in 2005, so this conference was still very much needed. After the conference I started on my second book to hopefully be published in early 2008.
Has the BWRC helped you to accomplish any writing goals?
Wow! After the conference I was very busy due to my book “The Ins and Outs of the Fashion Industry – from a Fashion Insider.” I worked with a growing independent Black film company, New Breed Films, as the fashion consultant. The film was picked up by Time Warner Video, and won best feature film at Atlanta’s best Hip Hop Film Festival 2007. I also got a wonderful writing gig thanks to BWRC as the Fashion Editor for Jon Clarke Group’s new magazine “He-Motions- Magazine” which debuted in Fall 2007. I participated in Sormag’s on-line conference in August 2007 as a panelist on motivation. On top of this I’ve teamed up with a writing partner to offer fashion manufacturing symposiums in the local New York areas. Last year, I was rewarded with 2007 Million Dollar Woman Award by LaSmall Concierge Group in New York. Nice!
If you plan to attend the 2008 BWRC, what brings you back?
I would love to see what new speakers have to bring to the table, and mix and mingle and get encouraged yet again with a great group of people. We all need that hand away from home with people in that same creative mix. At times our friends and family may not really understand what the fuss is about in regards to writing and expressing oneself. And my motto is you must always surround yourself with positive, like-minded individuals to make your goals a reality and not a dream.
What would you say about BWRC to influence someone who’s thinking about attending?
This is a great event to see Black writers, and soon-to-be writers, getting together to commence and relate to whatever struggles and adversities that may fall their way. It is so important to have a forum like this to really test our flight in bringing the goal at hand to reality. Taking that trip, and being open to an uplifting and educating experience, is the first step in removing that shell and allowing greatness to open up. The comfort of BWRC is indeed a great step to becoming optimistic and becoming the best that you can be.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Networking is the key and I’ll continue to support organizations that bring clear and concise information to people such as me who thirst for it.
Thanks Yolanda! Hope to see you in Tampa! For more information about Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo, check out the following sites:
Website: www.ybrunson.com
Blog: http://blackwriternew-dreams.blogspot.com/
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Don’t Miss “Confessions of a Preacher’s Wife”!
Friday, June 20, 2008 - 7:30 p.m.
Blake Performing Arts Academy High School Theatre
1701 North Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33607
Tickets to the gospel stage play “Confessions of a Preacher’s Wife” are available now on the website. For more information, please visit www.blackwriters.org