Thursday, June 05, 2008

Leimert Park Book Fair

Saturday I signed and spoke at the Leimert Park Book Fair and Eso Won Book Store. Thank you James Fugate for inviting me! The highlight of the entire trip happened when I walked in the store and heard (not saw because she was surrounded by fans) that Nikki Giovanni was there. I quickly made my way over to thank her in person for the lovely blurb she gave me for Orange Mint and Honey. This is the part I still can't believe: She thanked ME for "writing such a beautiful book" and hugged me.

On Saturday wish a Happy Birthday to Nikki and to Prince (and to my friend Kim)!!!



This is my editor, the wonderful Melody Guy.

This is Gia Amado, a film producer who had expressed interest in turning my book into a movie.
In a special tribute, Tananarive Due and Steven Barnes spoke about Octavia Butler (who wrote some beautiful, disturbing, scary stuff!). Due and Barnes are accomplished authors separately, but also write together along with Blair Underwood. The three's first book was Casanegra (which is in my TBR pile). Their next is In the Night of the Heat, and it's out this fall. So far, the only book of Due's I've read is Joplin's Ghost, which I really enjoyed. My Soul to Keep is now also in my TBR pile.


Steven, a novelist and screenwriter, was kind enough to give me his card and offer me advice should I need any about adapting Orange Mint into a movie. That's the great thing about L.A.: everybody's in showbiz!
For example, here's Bern Nadette Stanis, remember Thelma on Good Times?? (My best friend and I still answer the phone "Chello" a la JJ) She was at the book fair to talk about her book.




I had no idea I gesture so much when I speak. And no I wasn't singing!

13 comments:

Lisa said...

How cool! Now you're a woman who knows how to network -- a publicist's dream, I'll bet. :)

Karen L. Simpson said...

Wow!!! you got to meet some of my favorite authors.How exciting.

LadyLee said...

Pump the brakes, Carleen... I can't believe you haven't read My Soul to Keep!!!!! Oh my, the book and its sequel left me speechless (I am a big fan of Black horror).

Part III of that series just came out this past Tuesday!

Sounds like you had a great time. Good for you!

Carleen Brice said...

Lisa, I'm trying!

Lafreya, Pretty soon you'll be out there meeting folks! We'll be saying we knew you when!

Ladylee (3 L ladies in a row), Screech! I know. It's awful, to be so late to this party but I'm really looking forward to My Soul to Keep. Better not read it when I'm home alone though! :)

Sherry said...

You could sing the praises of your wonderful book!!! You are certainly making the rounds...a movie of OM&H?!?!?! Oh Wow!!!!

Jamie Ford said...

Octavia Butler won Hugo and Nebula awards, she was brilliant. (And a Seattle resident for quite a while). Sad that she died so young--hey, 58 IS young.

LISA VAZQUEZ said...

Hello there! {waves}

Congratulations!

How delightful to meet Nikki and to hear her rave about your work! What a memorable moment!

Peace, blessings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa

Carleen Brice said...

Sherry, Caught those references, did ya? :) I hope to have news to post soon.

Jamie, I agree 58 is DEFINITELY young.

Blackwomen..., Welcome! Thanks for stopping by!

Gia said...

What a pleasure meeting you Carleen.
Thank you for posting our photo.
Good luck with the adaptation of "Orange" for the screen.

All the best!
Gia

Shauna Roberts said...

Your book is really making waves. It's wonderful, and I hope you can make a good announcement soon.

Carleen Brice said...

Thanks Gia and Shauna! Glad I got to see you both in LA.

Tyhitia Green said...

I am so jealous that you got to meet Tananarive and Steve. I think they're great. :*D

Sustenance Scout said...

You met Nikki G. and got a hug too?!! AND even more kudos from her? How amazing is that? And yes your LA networking skills are right on track, Carleen! Never mind the hand gestures, you're a natural on stage. Enjoy!