Spotlight Author: Electa Rome Parks
Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign
EDC Creations, The Sankofa Literary
Society and The Black Authors Network announced the launch of their 2009-2010
"Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign," bringing readers and authors together to
help improve literacy. In 2004, during the Christmas holidays, Ella Curry, the
founder of EDC Creations, reached out to women's groups and literary
organizations to help promote early literacy by giving new books to children
from low income homes.
Today, the "Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign," seeks
to expand even further! “Based on the “each one teach one,” model, our goal is
to help people introduce reading and new books to their family and friends,”
says CEO and founder of EDC creations, Ella Curry. “Instead of giving expensive
gifts that don't shape lives----let's “Give the Gift of Knowledge” and help to
strengthen our future generations!” We now invite you, the readers, to
join us by supporting the authors below and buying books as gifts!
Each year thousands of people — educators, concerned parents, community leaders,
authors, poets and publishers — devote their time and resources to presenting
the reader with great books! However, too many outstanding books do not get the
attention and reader support that they deserve. It is our mission to connect
readers with these hidden gems and bring them books that will change their
lives.
Each week EDC Creations will sponsor bookclub chats, live readings from authors,
podcast presentations, seminars, community relations discussions, and radio
shows that deliver the best our writers have to offer. All we ask is that the
readers of the world spread the word. Check out the information below and
invite this author to chat with you and 5-10 friends via Skype, tele-conference
or a speaker phone meeting. If you would like to spotlight this author on
your blog, website, magazine or radio show, email Ella Curry at: elladcurry@edc-creations.comIf
you have already read the book, share your reviews with us by clicking here.
Electa
Rome Parks currently resides outside Atlanta, Georgia. After
successfully self-publishing her debut novel, The Ties That Bind, New
American Library, a division of Penguin Group, bought the rights. Electa
signed a three-book deal with New American Library. All three books were
immediately chosen as Black Expressions Book Club main selections and
embraced as Books of the Month by book clubs across the country. Dubbed a
"book club favorite," avid readers have embraced Electa's true
to life characters that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues.
Since
then Electa has become a bestselling author of several other mainstream
(Loose Ends and Almost Doesn't Count) and erotic (These Are My Confessions
and Ladies' Night Out) novels with Penguin Group and HarperCollins.
The self-proclaimed, Queen of Real, Electa has been a frequent
guest on radio shows, has been nominated for many industry awards and has
been interviewed by newspapers, AOL's Black Voices, Vibe Vixen, Upscale
Magazine, Today's Black Woman, Rolling Out and Booking Matters, to name
just a few. With a BA degree in marketing and a minor in sociology, she is
following her true passion and working on her next novel.
Coming
in December 2009 Diary of a Stalker
Electa Rome Parks author of:
-Ladies' Night Out (Penguin Group/NAL)
-Almost Doesn't Count (Penguin Group/NAL)
-Loose Ends (Penguin Group/NAL)
-The Ties That Bind (Penguin Group/NAL)
-These Are My Confessions (HarperCollins/Avon Red)
Interview
Information for Diary of a Stalker by Electa Rome Parks
Never judge a book by
its cover. . .
Xavier
Preston is tall, dark, and handsome, and the problem is that he knows it. He's
a bestselling author who is accustomed to adoring female fans, both young and
old, flirting with him, throwing themselves shamelessly at him, and trying to
get between more than the covers of his novels. He has always been more than
willing to accommodate their needs and desires; however, his womanizing days
have finally ended. He's engaged to a beautiful woman, Kendall, and he's
decided to walk the straight and narrow. Or has he?
From outside appearances, the very
stunning Pilar has it all: a great career, a beautiful home, and a trust fund
that keeps her financially secure; however, looks can be deceiving. All that
glitters isn't necessarily gold. Pilar is searching for her perfect soulmate,
and she thinks she has found him in Xavier. She believes in going after what
she wants with a vengeance . . . and she wants Xavier. That is not negotiable.
She will have him, even if it kills him.
When Xavier meets his fanatical
fan, Pilar, he gets much more than he bargained for. What starts out as an
erotic one-night stand quickly spirals out of control into a dangerous game of
obsession and pain with both parties playing to win.
Think you know what goes on behind the literary scene? Think again
This is an
excellent read. . . one where you'd readily recommend this book to others as
I have. Read it and revel in Electa Rome Parks joining that elitist circle
of writers! -- Alvin C. Romer
"The Jackal"
6 Talking Points for Diary of a Stalker
1. Have you ever been stalked? If so, how did you stop the behavior?
2. Have you ever stalked someone? If so, why?
3. Do you believe groupies exist in the literary arena?
4. What do you think propels someone to stalk an author? Or any celebrity type?
5. Do you feel that excessive emailing of a person is stalking behavior?
6. Are male authors treated differently by female readers?
Black
Pearls Magazine Interview with Electa Rome Parks
Join
us in welcoming bestselling author Electa Rome Parks. Meet the
author:
After successfully self-publishing her debut novels, The Ties That
Bind and Loose Ends, New American Library, a division of Penguin
Group, bought the rights. Electa signed a three-book deal with New
American Library. All three books were immediately chosen as Black
Expressions Book Club main selections and embraced as Books of the Month
by book clubs across the country. Dubbed a "book club
favorite," avid readers have embraced Electa's true to life
characters that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues.
Since
then Electa has become a best-selling author of several mainstream and
erotic novels, Almost Doesn't Count, Ladies' Night Out and These Are
My Confessions (anthology), with Penguin Group and HarperCollins.
Electa has been a frequent guest on radio shows, has been nominated for
many industry awards and has been interviewed by newspapers and several
national magazines.
Ella: Tell
us about your passion for writing. Why do you write? What
impact do you want your book to make on the readers?
Wow! Where do I begin? I always jokingly state that I have a
passionate love affair going on with reading and writing. Our torrid
affair has consumed my very being for much of my life; it's true, it's
pure, it's divine. My passion runs deep. Writing is in my blood and I
cannot imagine life without it. My very spirit would probably
shrivel up and die if I could not write. Writing is my therapy. My
voice. My sincere expression of the world as seen through my eyes.
When I write, I am
transported to another dimension. My soul feels free and light and at
peace. Writing brings me serenity and fulfillment like no other.
Like a lover, I love it and it loves me back. Writing caresses my spirit
and I simply soar like an eagle. When I write I feel powerful---after
all, I am creating life with the stroke of my pen or computer keys.
My characters come alive on the pages of my books. That's magic. And
when my readers digest my stories, they get to meet these
incredible characters, with their faults, imperfections and all.
I do not write as a hustle. I write
because I am passionate about the power and beauty of words. As my
children say, “That’s real talk.”
What drives me? Life, the
precious beauty of existing, the experience of learning something new
each and every day. Joys, pains. Failures. Accomplishments. Life
lessons. My children, my spouse. Love. Observing people in all their beauty
and splendor and seeing the not so pretty side. Writing is my essence,
my link with the world.
As far as an impact is
concerned, I simply want my readers to be entertained and pulled into a
world completely different, or maybe not, from their own. When reading
my books, my wish for my readers is to feel like they are taking
a mini vacation, an escape from day-to-day living. If a life lesson is
learned during the process that makes the experience all the sweeter.
Ella:
Introduce us to your book, Diary of a Stalker.
Diary of a Stalker: a best-selling male author gets more than he
bargained for when he meets a fanatical female fan. What starts out as a
one-night stand quickly spirals out of control and into a dangerous game
of obsession and pain.
As always, I offer readers an entertaining, steamy story that is
fast paced, thought provoking, relationship based with an added twist.
Readers will be fascinated and appalled at what drives some people to
get what they want at whatever cost. I think I have birthed characters
that my readers will develop a love/hate relationship and
hopefully will be talking back to the book as they experience the
various emotions that my characters pull out of them. Diary of a Stalker
will make for heated book club discussions across the country and
readers will definitely be talking about it the next day.
Ella: What
inspired you to write this story?
Since it has been a couple of years since my last novel, Ladies’ Night
Out, dropped, I wanted this new release to be something a little
different from my previous novels. Yet, I wanted to maintain the core
elements that my books are known for. The drama, the fast-paced
nature, and the steamy relationship-based elements are still alive and
well.
I have attended a lot of
literary events such as conferences, signings, workshops, etc. After
awhile I started to notice a pattern no matter what city or state I was
in. Even though the avid readers, mostly female, poured much love my way
(I love you back), I noticed the male authors received an extra dose
(smile). Maybe because there aren’t as many male authors??? I
noticed if I attended a large event, I would see some of the same female
readers hanging out with the same male authors. Hmmm. So then, I
started thinking about how groupies follow rock bands, rappers,
professional athletics, actors and entertainers. Why wouldn’t this
exist in the literary arena as well? Throw a few over the top “what if
questions” into the mix and Diary of a Stalker was born.
Ella:
How difficult was it to complete the novel?
Completing Diary of a Stalker was not difficult at all. I find that once
I have defined my characters and have a general storyline, my
stories typically flow with little effort. I have been very
fortunate in that I have never experienced writer’s block. Once
my characters become one with me, and I am living and breathing
them, dreaming about them, feeling as if they are actual people, talking
back at them, then it is simply a matter of writing the story down as
they dictate it to me.
Ella: What
is your most valuable lesson about the publishing industry?
A few years ago I strolled into the industry with rose-colored
glasses. Most of my illusions have been lifted at this point
in the game and I no longer own those glasses. There are many lessons to
learn about the publishing industry. However, my most valuable lesson
about the publishing industry is that it is a business first and
foremost. The bottom line, the dollar bill, still takes credence over
talent and creativity. Even though I was a business major in college and
realized this at some level, I naively thought considerations would be
adhered to based on a level of talent, mentorship and development
of an author.
Electa Rome Parks author of:
-Ladies' Night Out (Penguin Group/NAL)
-Almost Doesn't Count (Penguin Group/NAL)
-Loose Ends (Penguin Group/NAL)
-The Ties That Bind (Penguin Group/NAL)
-These Are My Confessions (HarperCollins/Avon Red)
Best-selling
African American Male Author Allegedly Stalked by Fan
Diary of a Stalker by Electa Rome Parks
(ERP) -- Stalking is the term used
to describe repeated harassing behavior towards another person. Did you know
that over 1.4 million men and women are stalked in the U.S. each year? 77% of
female and 64% of male victims know their stalker. One out of every 20 adults
will be stalked in their lifetime.
You are being stalked if someone is:
Repeatedly
following or spying on you
Repeatedly
calling your home and/or work
Repeatedly
sending you unwanted e-mails, letters, faxes
Leaving
unwanted gifts or items for you to find
Vandalizing
or damaging your property
Threatening
you or someone close to you
Repeatedly
showing up for no legitimate purpose at places where you are
In “A Study of Women Who Stalk”, by Paul E. Mullen,
Michele Pathé, Rosemary Purcell, the authors concluded that the
two major psychiatric variables that differentiate female from male stalkers
is motivation for stalking and choice of victim. Female stalkers seek intimacy
with the victim, who usually is someone already known. The victim is most
often chosen from those who assume a professional role of helper. This could
be a doctor or nurse, a therapist or counselor. Context was found to differ,
but the conclusion was the intrusiveness and harmfulness did not. In other
words, female stalkers are potentially as dangerous as any male stalker.
After deciding I wanted to create a
storyline centered around a female stalker, this data and statistics was taken
into consideration to validate my character's actions and authenticity. Since
I have been a part of the literary community for quite a while now, naturally
I chose the stalked to be an African American male author. The dynamics I've
witnessed between African American male authors and their readers is unique. I
asked myself a few "what if" questions, took it to an over the top
level and Diary of a Stalker was born.
When best-selling author, Xavier
Preston, meets his fanatic fan, Pilar, he gets more than he bargained for.
What starts out as an erotic one-night stand quickly spirals out of control
into a dangerous game of obsession and pain. . . with both parties playing to
win.
Think you know what goes on behind the
literary scene? Think again.
Meet
the female stalker Pilar from Diary of a Stalker
by Electa Rome Parks
PILAR I'm your #1 fan. Listen to Electa read a chapter with Pilar doing her thing!
It's funny how one's life can forever be changed with the utterance of
four simple words: I'm your #1 fan. Well, actually, they weren't spoken, but sent to my favorite male
author, Xavier Preston, by way of e-mail. Man, I love the World Wide Web.
I couldn't believe it; I had recently finished reading his latest
national bestseller, Secret Desires, and to put it mildly, I was simply
blown away. I felt like the main
character was speaking directly to me, like she was inside my brain, picking
it apart, piece-by-piece. I could
relate to the storyline . . . totally . . . and the ending was spectacular,
took my breath away. Secret
Desires stayed with me, languishing inside my soul, like a sweet kiss that
lingers into the early morning hours as dawn approaches.
Even though I am an avid
reader, I should be since I'm a freelance writer; I typically do not contact
authors about their books. I don't
get caught up in the entire groupie side of the literary industry. Yes, it exists!
Surprise,
surprise! There is an entire
circle of women all across the country, sometimes entire book clubs, who
follow the lives and movement of African-American male writers the same way
groupies chase after rappers, rock stars, athletes and actors.
In the book industry, it is
just a bit more subtle. For
example, the book club president might fly the handsome, fine, articulate male
author into her city for the weekend, to discuss his most recent hot release
at the monthly book club meeting and to perhaps get the added bonus of getting
up close and personal between the sheets. It happens.
For me, however, this was different; Xavier Preston made a lasting
impression. And generally it took
a lot to impress me because I wasn't into the ordinary and I was determined to
tell him, how impressed I was. That
is, after I went out and purchased all his previous novels. I had a bit of catching up to do.
A week later, after devouring his other six novels from cover to cover
like a delicious gourmet meal, savoring every word, I knew I had to make
contact. I simply had an
unrelenting urge to speak with him. I
couldn't get his lyrical, rhythmic, flowing words out of my head. This man moved me. Moved me like I had never been moved before.
I felt a connection. A deep
connection.
Early one morning, before I began writing an article for one of the
local magazines I frequently wrote for, I sent Xavier Preston my sincere,
honest thoughts.
“Mr. Preston, I'm your #1 fan. I
know you hear that all the time from readers, but I really, truly am. Your characters stay with me long after I've consumed the last page of
your books. I never want your
stories to end; they move me. You
are super-talented, put these other authors to shame, and I'd love for you to
autograph my books. By the way, I
have all your novels. When will
you be in Atlanta? A true,
die-heart fan, Pilar.”
Much to my surprise and pleasure, a couple of days later, I received a
simple response.
“Pilar, what a lovely name. Thank you, for the sweet e-mail. I'm so
pleased you've enjoyed my books over the years. I'd love to meet you as well.
I enjoy meeting and greeting my readers. I will be signing at Medu Bookstore,
at 5:00 PM
next Saturday at Greenbriar Mall. Please,
stop by if you get the opportunity. I would love to see you there. Xavier.”
With a pounding heartbeat, I couldn't believe what I was reading and I
re-read it a few more times for clarity. Wanted
to make sure I was reading correctly that Xavier Preston asked to meet me. Me.
Next weekend couldn't arrive soon enough.
Electa Rome Parks author of:
-Ladies' Night Out (Penguin Group/NAL)
-Almost Doesn't Count (Penguin Group/NAL)
-Loose Ends (Penguin Group/NAL)
-The Ties That Bind (Penguin Group/NAL)
-These Are My Confessions (HarperCollins/Avon Red)
I'm simply beaming. . . grinning from ear to ear.
Actually, cheesing!
I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
I'm about to lose control and I think I like it
I'm so excited and I just can't hide it
I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning or maybe the never-ending night
before Christmas. My anticipation is heavy in the universe; seems like I've
waited forever for this moment. Today, I officially received my sonogram photo
(my book cover). And the projected date of birth is December 29, 2009, a few
days earlier than expected. However, from all indications, my baby girl, Diary
of a Stalker, is healthy and strong, in the best of hands, and ready to
make her glorious entrance into the world. She is being highly anticipated by
many aunties and uncles (avid readers) eager to take that first glimpse. So,
the countdown begins. . .
Diary of a Stalker will be my sixth book and I'm still as excited and
antsy as I was when my first baby, The Ties That Bind, entered the world on a
cold wintry morning. Wow! Do I really have a six-year old? My, but time does
fly!
It is such an exhilarating feeling to see all my hard work, all my blood,
sweat and tears finally pay off. To witness an idea/storyline start from
scratch, simply from my imagination, to feel the characters grow stronger and
more vibrant each and every day, to literally come alive in my mind, to see
the final result. . . of my vivid imagination. . . to hold the finished
product in my hands, there are absolutely no words to describe that feeling.
It is such a nature high that it is truly magical, almost spiritual. Dropping
a novel really is tantamount to giving birth and announcing your baby to the
world.
I have always been a very protective, shielding and super sensitive mother
because I want everyone to love and embrace my new child as they did her
siblings before her. I want her to be welcomed into the fold and for everyone
to "ooh" and "aah" over her and tell me how beautiful she
is:} I sit back and simply beam like the proud parent I am. I can see no
wrong, in my eyes!
After all is said and done, I wouldn't trade it for the world, being an
author. I love my life. I love being a creator of characters that will live on
long after I'm dead and buried. It blows my mind to think that someone,
possibly 50 years from now, could be reading my books. I've always heard and
know from personal experience that the pain of childbirth is all but forgotten
as soon as the new parent takes a glimpse of the new baby. I am pretty sure
that on December 29th all my worries, fears, misgivings and doubts will
dissipate like a thief in the night and all that will remain is. . . joy, pure
absolute joy.
So stick around as I prepare for my new addition. I'm sure I'll offer up
plenty of commentary. Of course, my readers (I'm so possessive of you guys)
are cordially invited to the baby shower. I can share all my tales of how she
was conceived (LOL). I was sitting in a restaurant and I said, "I'm going
to write a book about this fanatical fan who..." And now, she is almost
here. Unbelievable.
Wow! I have a new baby coming soon and I couldn't be more excited or proud.
****
Meet the author
Electa
Rome Parks currently resides outside Atlanta, Georgia. After
successfully self-publishing her debut novel, The Ties That Bind, New
American Library, a division of Penguin Group, bought the rights. Electa
signed a three-book deal with New American Library. All three books were
immediately chosen as Black Expressions Book Club main selections and
embraced as Books of the Month by book clubs across the country. Dubbed a
"book club favorite," avid readers have embraced Electa's true
to life characters that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues.
Since
then Electa has become a bestselling author of several other mainstream
(Loose Ends and Almost Doesn't Count) and erotic (These Are My Confessions
and Ladies' Night Out) novels with Penguin Group and HarperCollins. The
self-proclaimed, Queen of Real, Electa has been a frequent guest on radio
shows, has been nominated for many industry awards and has been
interviewed by newspapers, AOL's Black Voices, Vibe Vixen, Upscale
Magazine, Today's Black Woman, Rolling Out and Booking Matters, to name
just a few. With a BA degree in marketing and a minor in sociology, she is
following her true passion and working on her next novel.
Q. What can you tell your readers about Electa Rome Parks?
A. Umm, that’s a hard question. It’s not easy to define or
describe one’s self in a condensed version, but I’ll try. I was born
and raised in Georgia. So yes, I’m a true Georgia peach even though I
lived in Chicago and North Carolina for many years. Basically, I’m
just your average, down to earth, wife and mother of two who has a great
passion for writing and reading. Honestly, I don’t think I could live
without books and the written word. I’ve found that a pen to paper is
a powerful tool!
Let’s see, what else can I divulge about myself and keep you
interested (smile)? Believe it or not, I’m actually kinda quiet and
laid back. I can be moody and oversensitive (Pisces trait). So. . . be
careful what you say about “Almost Doesn't Count” because I’m
sensitive about my stuff (LOL).
I have a very vivid imagination that is evident in my books and I
believe in a lot of theories that most people would think bizarre.
Let’s just say I absolutely love “X-Files” and the entire concept
of spirits, spirit guides, guardian angels, and karma. I once had a palm
reader to tell me I was a writer in another life and that’s why
writing validates and elevates me to be in complete sync with my spirit.
I thought that was so profound and so unbelievably true.
Bottom line, anyone who truly knows me will state that I’m real.
I’m very approachable and have a genuine caring nature (another Pisces
trait). I have my “few” imperfections (i.e., control freak, temper
tantrums and impatience to name a few) and struggles just like the next
person. However, I believe in order to really get in touch with our true
spirit, we need to discover our gifts. I feel that we are all born into
the world with a special gift and I’ve found mine. That brings me
great joy!
What else? I pretty much suck at any sport, my favorite color is
purple, I’ve never weighted more than 112 pounds my entire life, my
all-time favorite movie is a toss between Soul Food and The Best Man and
I have tons of stories to share with my readers.
Q: What do you want people to come away with after
reading your novels?
A: Primarily, I’m writing for entertainment value first. I write
for the readers who want a mini-vacation without ever leaving the
sanctuary of their home. I write for that reader who on a cold, wintry
day, wants nothing other than to curl up under a warm afghan in front of
a toasty fireplace, sip on some hot tea, and read about somebody
else’s life. Not just read about it, but get pulled in, engulfed by it
and feel the pure emotion. Feel the heat!
If readers take something away in the process, then that’s great
too; that’s an added bonus. I’ve accomplished my goal and much more;
it makes it all worthwhile.
Every time I feel like giving up because the publishing industry is
too stressful or the monsters (insecurity, impatience and doubt) have
reared their ugly heads, I receive an e-mail or a personal letter from
an avid reader and it makes my day to realize I’ve made an impact on
somebody’s life. I can’t describe that feeling.
Q: Why do you think your writing is so well received?
A: I'm an avid reader myself and I know what is entertaining for me
to read. I feel that if readers crave elements of high drama, exciting
relationships, smothering spiciness, more drama, compelling characters,
and added twists and turns, then they'll embrace my books, which they
have.
Also, with these correct blending of elements, I feel my books come
across as real, i.e., my characters are ordinary people who are going
through realistic "episodes" in their every day life that
readers can relate to in one way or the other.
Q. What has been the most gratifying part of being an
author?
A. Hands down, the most gratifying part of being an author has been
meeting and greeting new and interesting readers who are embracing my
stories and e-mailing me and writing me and meeting me at signings and
telling me how much they've enjoyed my books! We talk about my
characters like they are old friends. No matter how many times I've
experienced that, it always makes my day. Puts a big Kool-Aid smile on
my face. (LOL)
Their (the readers) feedback and reactions totally validates that my
craft is a gift from God! If I can touch a number of people with my
stories or even if I only entertain them and they don't walk away with a
life lesson, then I've still done my job.
As you know, my stories are typically relationship based, very drama
filled with an ounce of spice thrown in, well maybe a pound of spice
thrown in, and they usually cover a topical issue that is prevalent in
today's society. Believe me, I have so many characters screaming inside
my head, waiting to tell their story, that I feel like the lady from the
movie Sybil. (LOL) So, bottom line, I pray and claim that my readership
base will continue to grow and I'll have wonderful opportunities to meet
many more fans.
Q: How do you define success?
A: Good question. Personally, I define success as being able to do
something you truly love on a day to day basis, getting paid for it in
the process, giving back to the community (to whom much is given, much
is expected) and being the best person you can be which enables you to
sleep peacefully at night. To me, those combined elements make you a
successful person. And. . . if you place God and your family first, the
sky's the limit!
Q: How do you deal with adversity and failure?
A: I stress out! I totally freak out, have a pity party, and take to
my bed (LOL)! I'm laughing, but I'm pretty accurate. I'm so hard on
myself, I'm my worst critic, and I've got to stop doing that. I can't
enjoy my successes because I'm too busy worrying about what I could have
done better or thinking about the next venture.
After I finally pull myself out of bed and stop my pity party (this
usually lasts for roughly 24 hours), I analyze my situation like I'm
breaking down a trigonometry problem. After all is said and done, I
learn the lesson, file it in my permanent memory bank, remember I'm
still standing and move on. In afterthought, life lessons are wonderful,
even the ones filled with adversity and failure; they make us stronger
and wiser and who we are today.
Also, if I may add, I have a good support team in place with my
family and friends. Plus, I have a solid spiritual foundation that keeps
me strong and undaunted by the dream dashers.
Q: What do you do to stay grounded and maintain a sense
of balance in your life?
A: By spirit, I'm a pretty grounded person, but yet, a person with a
negative aura can throw my system totally off. I'm very perceptive and
can pick up on and take in people's energies fairly easily. I try to
distance myself from negative people (you know who you are) and their
damaging energies, however, when I find myself losing my sense of
balance I do several things. I meditate to clear my mind (I always
picture myself near water because water centers me), I pray to God for
guidance and strength, and I talk to myself. Yes, I talk to myself, but
not in a "crazy" way (LOL). I give myself little pep talks and
cheer myself on.
Why do black women hate on one another? That
was the question which was posed by a local, Atlanta radio station
personality. I was outraged that he (yes, a brother) had the audacity to
broach such a totally bias and inaccurate discussion. Needless to say, the
morning show and he in particular was bombarded with phone calls and
e-mails. Deservedly so. . .
There is power in our words. Being a black female and fully knowing my daily
reality, I get so frustrated and upset when I hear or read of such
outrageous comments that perpetrate stereotypes to mainstream America. And
when it comes from one of our own, it’s even more of a slap in the face.
To say the least, it is dangerous and reckless to pose such a question on
the airways.
In itself, the question is utterly ridiculous to assume that an entire race
of women consistently cut each other down with our looks, gestures,
comments, jealousies, etc. On the contrary, my experience has been the exact
opposite. I’ve found the majority of the women I’ve dealt with to be
uplifting, inspiring, and supportive. That’s my experience. My success is
their success.
Maybe the radio personality should have taken a moment to speak with some
real African American women.
Don’t get me wrong! I’ve met women who didn’t like me for unknown
reasons. Oh sure, I’ve gotten the looks, you know the ones, the look
starting from the top of your head to the tip of your shoes. Yeah, that’s
the one. Andy you can just see it on their faces that they want to say,
“Who does she think she is?” Yes, those insecure, narrow minded, jealous
women do exist in our community. And guess what? They exist in other non
African American communities as well. It is what it is.
Personally, I think it is irresponsible, uncouth and mostly dangerous of a
person with the ability to reach millions on a daily basis to put out such a
stereotypical question. Use your medium to showcase positive attributes. We
get enough of the negatives simply by watching the evening news and to be
honest, some people really do believe everything they see, read, and hear.
If it was stated on V-103, then it must be true.
Okay, I know you have to keep your ratings high. . . to remain the #1 radio
station in Atlanta. Is it okay as well to sell out your black women in the
process? These are the same black women who are listening, supporting,
loving you and giving you the high ratings to be the #1 radio station in
Atlanta. Hmmm?
Even when you have a black mother and a black wife? Then on the other
hand, to speak highly of how our non African American sisters support and
nurture one another all the time. Bullshit. I’ve been in the workplace too
many years to know that is misinformation and an inaccurate statement.
Why couldn’t the show give uplifting statistics as to how more and more AA
women than men are completing degrees in higher education? Speak to how many
black women are out earning our black men. Speak to how many black families
are surviving based upon the blood and sweat of African American women.
Speak to how our AA sisters are being placed in more and more positions of
power in corporate America.
Do not use your power within the media to uphold stereotypes:
Black women are angry
Black women are over sexual
Black women hate our black men
Black women are too outspoken and aggressive
Black women want to be the man
Not everyone has the power to make a difference in a huge way every
Monday through Friday. I implore these personalities to realize and accept
this privilege, as just that, a privilege, with the greatest of
responsibility and moral obligation to your community. Ratings aren’t
everything!
Electa Rome Parks author of:
-Ladies' Night Out (Penguin Group/NAL)
-Almost Doesn't Count (Penguin Group/NAL)
-Loose Ends (Penguin Group/NAL)
-The Ties That Bind (Penguin Group/NAL)
-These Are My Confessions (HarperCollins/Avon Red)
“It has been a pleasure, an honor and a
privilege to be a published author; it is one of the true joys and
accomplishments of my life. Not everyone has the opportunity to realize a
dream and I feel totally blessed to be in that number. During my tenure as
a published author, I’ve discovered certain truths.” – Electa Rome
Parks
1. You can’t please all of the people all of the time. Everyone is not
going to love or even like your novels. And that’s OKAY.
2. Everyone, their mother and cousins will want to point out any editorial
errors they may find within the pages of your books. Everyone’s a
critic.
3. You don’t necessarily have to go to college to become a successful
writer. I believe there are elements of writing that comes naturally, just
like breathing.
4. Everyone thinks they can write a book. However, every book in the
marketplace isn’t necessarily a good book.
5. Everyone thinks their life story should be a book.
6. Talent will only get you so far. Sometimes it’s all about being in
the right place at the right time.
7. The right “handlers”, i.e. agents, editors, pr person, make all the
difference in the world.
8. Every fiction novel has some element(s) of truth. Don’t believe the
hype.
9. Writing is a business. Sales are the bottom line. No matter how
talented you are, if you don’t have the sales, you won’t get the next
deal.
10. There is such a synergy when creative minds come together; it’s
magic.
11. There is such a sense of freedom and joy in having the ability, from
the very core of your soul to express yourself to the world; it’s almost
like giving birth.
12. The new “renaissance” authors are making history and some are
creating legacies.
13. Writing is a lonely and hard business to be successful in. Most of us
can’t quit our day jobs.
14. Every author should pen at least one book that gives back to the
universe in a positive, appealing manner to the masses.
15. You have to have a real love affair with the beauty and power of words
in order to stick with it because the industry, like a lover, will take
you through ups and down and sometimes screw you over.
Electa Rome Parks author of:
-Ladies' Night Out (Penguin Group/NAL)
-Almost Doesn't Count (Penguin Group/NAL)
-Loose Ends (Penguin Group/NAL)
-The Ties That Bind (Penguin Group/NAL)
-These Are My Confessions (HarperCollins/Avon Red)
EDC Creations, The Sankofa Literary
Society and The Black Authors Network announced the launch of their 2009-2010
"Give the Gift of Knowledge Campaign," bringing readers and authors together to
help improve literacy. In 2004, during the Christmas holidays, Ella Curry, the
founder of EDC Creations, reached out to women's groups and literary
organizations to help promote early literacy by giving new books to children
from low income homes. 
Electa
Rome Parks currently resides outside Atlanta, Georgia. After
successfully self-publishing her debut novel, The Ties That Bind, New
American Library, a division of Penguin Group, bought the rights. Electa
signed a three-book deal with New American Library. All three books were
immediately chosen as Black Expressions Book Club main selections and
embraced as Books of the Month by book clubs across the country. Dubbed a
"book club favorite," avid readers have embraced Electa's true
to life characters that tackle prevalent and heavy hitting issues.
Coming
in December 2009 Diary of a Stalker
Xavier
Preston is tall, dark, and handsome, and the problem is that he knows it. He's
a bestselling author who is accustomed to adoring female fans, both young and
old, flirting with him, throwing themselves shamelessly at him, and trying to
get between more than the covers of his novels. He has always been more than
willing to accommodate their needs and desires; however, his womanizing days
have finally ended. He's engaged to a beautiful woman, Kendall, and he's
decided to walk the straight and narrow. Or has he? 
Join
us in welcoming bestselling author Electa Rome Parks. Meet the
author: 
A
Star is Born
Q. What can you tell your readers about Electa Rome Parks?
