Before I say anything else:
My award - am I excited?
But I’m jumping ahead of myself. Saturday May 21 morning began with breakfast – big meetings like this always make one hungry for some reason and anyway sistas are not going to meet and talk unless there’s fire and food in the belly.
Before the breakfast panel discussion, “Twenty Years of African American Literature,” I hung out a little with my new buddy, prolific science fiction writer LR Giles, who was also one of the panelists. Other panelists were W. Paul Coates, founder and director of Black Classic Press, and Ramunda Young, co-owner of Mahogany Books.
LR Giles and GOG Co-Founder Lynda Johnson
It was moderated by the lovely and brilliant Michele Norris, National Public Radio’s host of the program All Things Considered.
Michele Norris, panel moderator
And don’t think I wouldn’t take the chance to snag a photo op with the woman whose fabulous voice and interviewing skills I listen to every evening on the way home from work.
Time flashed by and before we knew it, it was time for the awards festivities to begin.
Ladies descending in their finery
Me standing by the GOG Logo Wall
With Doris Parent - my effervescent event escort
With LR Giles, sci-fi writer
Banquet hall, Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa, winner of 2010 Female Author of the Year, is on far right
With Tina Ogden, my award presenter, on my right
The Mistress of Ceremonies for the awards was Doris E. McMillon, who is a hoot and a half and had us rolling in the aisles. There was a number of different genre award categories for the 20th anniversary, including anthology, historical, mystery and science fiction/fantasies, as well as some very touching tributes to members of GOG no longer with us. It was nice also to see up on stage all the original co-founders of GOG, Lynda Johnson, Tracy Mitchell-Brown, and Monique Greenwood.
Presenting me the award for 2010 Male Author of the Year was Tina Ogden, seen in the photo above. It was quite a moment for me. Being honored and applauded is quite moving. The award itself is a lovely plaque designed by master potter and porcelain artist, Mama Orah-el.
After the ceremony, there were photo-ops galore, and lots of book signings for me.
Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa and me in the front with the GOG ladies
It was great fun meeting the great Walter Mosley. He sure can write, but he’s also hilarious had me (and many others) in stitches.
With the great Walter Mosley, winner of the Literary Beacon Award
Mr Mosley cracks me up
These ladies read books in earnest! And I appreciate that.
With LR Giles
Wow - too hot to handle
Making her dentist proud
With Doris and Marie
Book-signings below:
Happy to sign for readers
Tracey Smith and me (aww)
And all good things must come to an end…until the next annual meeting, that is. A million thanks to the women of Go on Girls! for showing me great time. Seriously, you go on and on, and keep on.