Tracie Christian, author of THE BLACK COLLEGE SABBATICAL trilogy, co-founder of “Five Ladies of Literature” tour and Detroit’s Coffee, ARTS & Entertainment Talk, on-air personality for 7mileradio.com, and BWRC Tampa 2008 participant, shares her thoughts and accomplishments since her experience with Black Writers Reunion & Conference and offers heartfelt advice for aspiring authors considering attending BWRC.

When did you attend your first BWRC?

I attended my first BWRC in 2008 in Tampa, Florida. I was floored with the professionalism demonstrated throughout the duration of the conference. Everything from the hotel accommodations to the workshops and special events was very well-organized and visibly planned to assist struggling new artists as well as the seasoned veterans alike.

Tracie Christian and THE BLACK COLLEGE SABBATICAL series

Has BWRC helped you to accomplish any writing goals?

Indirectly…absolutely. Being the author of a continual series of novels, I learned at BWRC the vitality of turning my titles into a brand rather than simply promoting them as individual books. I learned that I needed to spice up the cover of my books to generate interest on sight. I also learned the importance of surrounding yourself with people passionate about the business of writing and selling books with a different skill-set than myself. I enlisted a literary partner, re-designed my cover for the supplementary installments, and turned my novels into THE BLACK COLLEGE SABBATICAL trilogy book series brand. So YES attending BWRC definitely helped me to accomplish writing goals that I didn’t even know I had at the time.

Tell us about your book and other achievements since joining the BWRC family.

My book series is an urban fiction trilogy entitled, The Black College Sabbatical. It’s a fast-paced story chronicling the tips, slips up, pitfalls and positive progression of four young women during their first year attending a historically black college. A Guardian Angel serves as the reader’s traveling companion and challenges the reader to join him on journey to discover which of the four young women needs the Angel’s guidance most.

Since joining the BWRC family, I have established a firm partnership with my literary partner & Sister/Friend, Authoress-Educator, Adra Young (pictured below). Together, Adra and I have kicked off the ever-popular LIVE LADIES of LITERATURE traveling tour. As a result of the tour, we have launched a series of seminars for youth and adults including “The Guide to the Book in YOU” independent publishing seminar, “The Say it Loud…I’m Black College Proud” black college tips for teens interactive rally, and also creative writing, poetry and acting workshops are available.

We recently completed the 3^rd installment of our Coffee, ARTS & Entertainment Talk, an open, free discussion forum for aspiring artists and the community at-large to become better acquainted with the people and projects actively being pursued in and throughout Detroit’s artists’ community and the southeast Michigan region. In March 2010, Adra & I will debut the Mocha Monologues – From the OUTSIDE Looking IN, a series of dramatizations consisting of original monologues written by the Live Ladies of Lit depicting hard-hitting local, world, gender and cultural issues. In April 2010, the Vibes & Verses Open Mic Poetry Showcase is scheduled, celebrating April as National Poetry Month to unite the city’s most talented spoken word artists with artists from other cities. Lastly, I have recently become an on-air personality (T-Elice, Your B-Side DJ) for 7mileradio.com (internet radio station based in Detroit, MI). The “Creative Enticement Show” airs at www.7mileradio.com 10am-Noon daily and offers a mix of Classic/Neo-Soul, R & B, Old School/Progressive Hip Hop and Contemporary Jazz.

Have you networked with anyone at the conference and has that contact continued?

Yes. Tia Ross was one of my major and most helpful contacts made at the BWRC and we have managed to keep in touch since our initial meeting. I also have about four other writers that I met at the conference that are all very active in the arts/writing communities and keep me posted on their projects and progresses. My traveling to Tampa for the conference was my first initial professional writer’s experience so I feel blessed to have made connections that have lasted for years since.

What would you say about BWRC to someone who’s thinking about attending?

I would encourage them to go to BWRC and, if financially possible, take advantage of all workshops specific to their individual goals as an author. No need to attend a workshop for writing children’s books if they never want to write for kids. I would also encourage them to participate in the 50-Author Expo to gain vital experience and to see first-hand how other authors are displaying and marketing their books. It’s my advice to be frugal but strategic in planning to attend the conference. It’s not a vacation, it’s a business trip, so I encourage future attendees to not travel with family or spouses if they are not willing to be on their own for the trip. Be prepared with voice recorders, laptop computers, and plenty of notebooks and pencils/pens for note-taking. To the truly SERIOUS aspiring author, the Black Writers Reunion Conference is a definite MUST DO artistically educational experience!

Where can someone get information about your books and purchase copies?

My books are available on the following websites:
www.tracieechristian.com (for Special Author’s Rate)
www.Target.com
www.Amazon.com
www.traafford.com/0988 (For The Black College Sabbatical – Fall Qtr. Only)
www.bbotw.com (for The Black College Sabbatical – Winter Qtr. Only)

For tickets to the Mocha Monologues – “From the OUTSIDE Looking IN” show $15
March 27, 2010 @ 6pm – Signature Grille & Bar – 250 Riverfront Drive Detroit, MI 48226
Visit: www.neptix.com/events/2744

Anything else you’d like to add?

I would just like to take this opportunity to THANK BWRC for this profile. Even two years since attending my first BWRC you guys as a literary unit are still helping, supporting and assisting me. That kind of loyalty in the literary game is very much appreciated and respected! I’d also like to STRONGLY recommend the BWRC to all artists looking for serious vital information that can empower the artist within to take their literary goals to the next level and beyond your wildest dreams and expectations!

For more information about Authoress Tracie E. Christian & The LIVE LADIES of LITERATURE movement, visit www.myliveladiesofliterature.info. For info on the CREATIVE ENTICEMENT internet radio show visit: www.7mileradio.com and click the TUNE IN button to listen daily 10am-Noon. To book speaking engagements, seminars or book signings, send a letter of interest to liveladiesoflit2010@yahoo.com.

Adra Young & Tracie Christian