Tulisoma South Dallas Book Fair

Why God Created Writers" (10:30 a.m.)

Panelists: Michelle Stimpson, Chris Howell, Elaine Flowers, W. Eric Croomes, Shaundale Johnson, Pastor Daryl A. Tate.
Moderator: Vivi Monroe Congress (The Bankrupt Spirit: Principles for turning Setbacks into Comebacks.) Come, listen, be inspired, and learn about this talented Christian Writers as they leave their "Imprint on Our World." After the session authors will be available for Questions and Answers and Book signing. Free Admission.

Vivi Monroe Congress: Author of The Bankrupt Spirit: Principles for Turning Setbacks into Comebacks. Ms. Congress, a voice-over talent and print model for local, regional and national radio and television commercial spots, is also the creator and sponsor of the annual Grand Prairie African American Author Showcase which features authors from the Dallas/Ft Worth area. Her writing has been heralded as being keenly adept and motivating to readers, daring them to explore the deep-seated issues at the very core of their spiritual versus human existence. While guiding readers through issues of personal bondage with sensitivity and support, Ms. Congress offers the challenge to her readers to own up and more importantly, move beyond the self-imposed limitations created by one's individual comfort zone. She generously affirms her audience with a "Come on in, girlfriend…. let's talk!" style. Ms. Congress calls Grand Prairie home, were she mothers 3 wonderful children.

Michelle Stimpson: Author of Boaz Brown (Adult Christian Fiction) her roots as a native Texan and a self-proclaimed church brat. Is an educational consultant who earned her master's degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. She currently resides in Dallas with her husband and two children.

Pastor Daryl A. Tate: Author of Unleashing the Blessings of God in your Life has a true passion and gift to ignite a continuous flame of "EXCELLENCE" among God's people which stems from his personal struggle with sin and living a deficient life. Inspired by the release the power of APPLICATION into his own spirit, he discovered the exit from deficiency and the entrance into the hidden treasures of abundance and the principle of God's way as "A MORE EXCELLENT WAY" was born. God called Pastor Tate from the entrepreneurship of a Computer Consulting and Television Production Firm and released in him a vision to impart these principles of excellence and expertise for the purpose of building the Kingdom of God.

Shaundale Johnson: Author of soon-to-be released in the Fall of 2005 Once Broken, Now Blessed, which is based on the 23rd Psalm. In her debut title, Shaundale shares her valley-to-victory experiences, telling her own story of a broken lamb finding total liberation through her shepherd. She resides in Cedar Hill with her husband and two children. She is a native of central Louisiana and an alumnus of Grambling State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems. She joined various clubs and organizations, one of which was Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Shaundale currently resides in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metropolitan area with her husband, Derrick and their two daughters, Eian and Emahn. They are members of Concord Church in Oak Cliff and lead the Cedar Hill/DeSoto Bible Study Growth Group. Johnson is currently working on her second manuscript as she obeys the command of the Lord when He spoke to her in a dream, "Let your writing be the conviction".

W. Eric Croomes: Free-lance writer, Playwright, Executive Director of Millennium Men of Color and Author of Dance in the Dark: Poetic Reflections on Love and Culture (Poetry/Spirituality) is a native of Phoenix, Arizona, now based in Irving, Texas. In his book, Mr. Croomes writes with poetic candor from a black male perspective, using personal experience, interspersed with poem, myth and literary anthology of the mystery of love and the vibrancy of African-American culture. His debut stage play, 3 to 8, premiered at the February 2004 BlackenBlues Play Festival, a dramatization of the hours between 3pm and 8pm, when most teenage girls become pregnant and most juvenile crime is committed. His next book entitled, Brotha 2 Brotha: Becoming Healthy Men Inside and Out, is a spiritual primer for men of color who want to lead empowered lives, is due to be released Spring 2005.

Elaine Flowers: Author of Black Beauty (Mainstream Fiction) and a native of Wichita, Kansas Ms. Flowers now residing in Dallas. Her creative inspiration comes from eighteen years of being behind the styling chair and the relationships she built with her unique and longstanding clientele as a hairstylist and former salon owner. Ms. Flowers began writing stories as a youth, and was encouraged by close friends to seriously pursue publishing of Black Beauty. At this advice, she enrolled in creative writing and literature courses to perfect her craft, taking five years to complete the novel and another year and a half to complete the publishing process. Ms Flowers is thoroughly enjoying her emergence into the literary and publishing world and has now embraced her first love of living her dream of writing full time.

"From Self Published to Mainstream" (10:30 a.m.)

Panelists: Jeanetta Britt, David Haynes, Victor McGlothin, Evelyn Palfrey, and Rosalyn Story.
Moderator: Francis Ray

The traditional publisher screens books for quality and/or marketability, rejects most submissions, and invests in producing, marketing, and distributing the book. The traditional publisher also takes certain exclusive rights. This is true even though the copyright remains in the author's name. Once you sell your book to Random House, you can't sell it to Putnam. The self-publisher does all of the above for his own book. Is Self-Publishing for You? What is the biggest hurdle with self-publishing? Is it production, or is it retail and promotion? Come and hear what this group of published authors has to say about these issues.

Francis Ray is a native Texan and lives in Dallas. A graduate of Texas Woman's University, she is a School Nurse Practitioner with the Dallas Independent School District. In 1999 and 2000 she was nominated for Texas Woman's University Distinguished Alumni Award. The Turning Point, her first mainstream, was a finalist for the prestigious HOLT Medallion Award. At the release event for The Turning Point in May 2001, she established The Turning Point Legal defense Fund to assist women of domestic violence to help restructure their lives. Ms. Ray's titles consistently make bestseller's lists such as Blackboard and Essence Magazine. Incognito, her sixth title, was the first made-for-TV movie for BET. She has written fourteen single titles and eight anthologies. Awards include Romantic Times Career Achievement, Emma, The Golden Pen, and The Atlantic Choice. Titles include: Someone to Love Me, December 2003, Trouble Don't Last Always, January 2004, First Touch, February 2004, Whole Lotta Love, February 2004, Love At Leo's, July 2004, The Falcon Saga, August 2004, and You and No Other, December 2004.

Jeanetta Britt Dallas-based author, Jeanetta Britt, is an Alabama native who was one of the first African-American students in her hometown to attend George C. Wallace High School. She is also a graduate of Fisk University, a historically black college in Nashville, Tennessee, and holds a masters degree from The University of Michigan. This early period, fraught with racial strife and cultural upheaval, formed the basis of her social awakening. Her first novel--Pickin' Ground--is a murder mystery with an inspirational twist. "However, the poetry overflowed me after an unplanned fast," she says, "and I finished it first." The poetry was published in The Trilogy--Book One: Poems From the Fast ; Book Two: Reunion; and Book Three: Third Ear. Pickin' Ground was recently released, and the sequel, In Due Season, followed. Miss Britt coined the phrase, true love story, to describe her newest release. "True love is made in your soul," she says, "before your body gets involved." Her next true love story is currently in progress--Empty Envelope.

David Haynes has been recognized by Granta magazine as one of America's best young novelists. The author of six critically acclaimed novels and five children's books, he is the director of creative writing at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. The former sixth grade teacher's short stories have been heard on "Selected Shorts" on NPR, and his novels have been recognized by the American Library Association.

Victor McGlothin almost lost an athletic scholarship due to poor reading skills. Ultimately, he overcame that obstacle and later completed a Masters degree in Human Relations & Business. After he developed a love for the written word, Victor left a vice president position with a local bank to pursue a career in literature. He now lives in the Dallas area with his wife and two sons.

Evelyn Palfrey grew up in East Texas. She is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas Law School. Ms Palfrey is active with the Austin Writers League, the Austin Romance Writers of America, the Travis County Bar Association and the Links Inc. "I write stories that have middle-age heroes and heroines because I believe that romance is just as beautiful with a little grey at the temples". Author of four novels, the current hit Everything In Its Place, the romantic thriller Dangerous Dilemmas, the bestselling Price of Passion and the classic Three Perfect Men, Evelyn's writing is described as "superb storytelling". She is currently at work on her fifth novel.

Rosalyn Story a violinist with the Fort Worth Symphony, lives in Dallas, Texas. Her first book, And So I Sing: African American Divas of Opera and Concert (Warner), inspired the PBS documentary Aida's Brothers and Sisters: A History of Blacks in Opera, in which she appeared as feature narrator. She has written on music and art for Essence, Emerge, American Visions, Stagebill (the magazine of Lincoln Center), Opera News, and The Crisis magazines. Her first novel More Than You Know is due for release September 2005.

"How to Form a Successful Book Club" (1:00 p.m.)

Panelists: Marlive Harris, Audrey Brown and Rebecca Kennedy
Moderator: Cheryl Skinner Rischer The panel will share the do's and don'ts of successful Book Clubs. Tips on selecting the book to read, membership, publicity, online vs. in-person, subject oriented book clubs: romance, mystery, and social issues, and why are Book Clubs important.

Cheryl Skinner Rischer. Cheryl is a former middle school teacher and former school administrator. Her love for reading comes from many childhood experiences in the local public library. As a young child, Cheryl became frustrated with the fact that she could only check out seven books at a time, so she began to read her sisters' books as well. As a current college instructor, Cheryl's love for reading continues to flourish as the facilitator of a book club for over five years. The Dallasblack.com Book Club celebrates the joy of reading and is a group of individuals who appreciate the intellectual discussions that are the results of the written word. The Book Club experience has provided many members opportunities for reflection, insight, and nourishment to travel through life's journey.
Marlive Harris, a former teacher and school librarian in Texas, is fondly known among online literary circles as Ms.GRITS, an acronym for Ms. Girl Raised/Reading in the South. It is her love for literature, African American Literature in particular, which led to the development of TheGRITS.com, an online reading community and book promotion service for readers, writers, and small presses. TheGRITS.com is celebrating 5 years of reading excellence online.
Audrey H. Brown, is a native Texan that grew up in Dallas and graduated from the Dallas Independent School District. She has a life-long love of reading and mostly reads for relaxation now. She enjoys a variety of authors and subjects. A few of her favorite authors are Pearl Cleage, Francis Ray, Walter Mosley, Nicholas Sparks, and Jacqueline Thomas. She has been a member of the Agape Book Club for over 4 years and serves as the Chaplain.

"Teen Writers" (2:00 p.m.)

Panelists: Erica Chiles, Alyssia Johnson, Rian Lowe, Paul Mad, Shanice Oquin, Samuel Rodriguez, Pooja Sarkar, Jennifer Stein, Audrey White

Moderator: Scott McFadden

Poet, Motivational Speaker and Literacy Coordinator will moderate the panel. “Energetic, exciting, inspiring, uplifting and powerful” are just a few expressions Teachers, Librarians and Administrators throughout the Metroplex use to describe Mr. Mc Fadden’s Workshops.

Writing can be fun according to: Erica, Alyssia, Rian, Paul, Shanice, Samuel, Pooja, Jennifer and Audrey, a panel of Dallas’ teen writers. The group will share with the audience their experiences writing and their love for reading. Come and meet this talented group, you may be listening to the work of the next Gionvannis, Walters, Dickeys or Coopers. This a not to miss program.

Erica Chiles
Age 13, Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 8th grade Louis Sachar's Holes and Norton Juster’s Phantom Tollbooth are Erica's favorite books, her favorite book of poems is Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends.
Alyssia Johnson
Age 15, Justin F. Kimball High School, 9th grade As an elementary school student, Don't Blow in My Ear was her favorite poem. Alyssia has received awards in P.E., Language Arts, Citizenship and the A & B Honor Roll. Her hobbies and interests include surfing the Internet, going to the movie theater, shopping, playing video games and hanging out with her mom. She has read her poems for several Parent Teacher Association (PTA) programs. Alyssia 's favorite book is Cecily Von Ziegesar's Gossip Girl #6. Alyssa participated in the Dallas Public Library Eighth Annual Express Yourself! poetry competition and was the first finalist in the history of the poetry competition to have three poems published. Don't Cry for Me, I'm No Fool and I'm All That She received a standing ovation during the 2004 Awards Ceremony for her poem Don't Cry for Me.
Rian Lowe
Age 14, St. Mark's School of Texas, 8th grade Writing, reading, drawing and computers are Rian's interests and hobbies. Jerry Spinelli's Maniac McGee, Nancy Farmer's The Ear, the Eye, the Arm and James McBride's The Color of Water: a Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother are his favorite books. Rian likes reading the works of Edgar Allen Poe and Shakespeare. He writes poems.
Paul Mad
Age 18, Skyline High School and Career Development Center, 12th grade J. D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye is Paul's favorite book. In his spare time, he prefers to play pool, listen to music, take care of his siblings, and hang at the mall. Paul is a member of the speech and debate teams at Skyline.
Shanice Oquin
Age 12, The Hockaday School, 8th grade. Shanice's favorite books are Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by author Mildred Taylor, John Knowles' A Separate Peace and Kathryn Lasky's True North: a Novel of the Underground Railroad. Four Leaf Clover and Of Mice and Men are also favorites. Singing, dancing, swimming, and cheering are her hobbies and interests.
Samuel Rodriguez
Age 17, Justin F. Kimball High School, 10th grade Samuel visits the Hampton-Illinois Branch Library and borrows his favorite Tupac Shakur books and poems. Soccer, boxing, watching sports and drawing are his hobbies and interests. During a recent telephone conversation, he stated that he also enjoys reading Shanyika Shakur's Monster: The Autobiography of a LA Gang Member.
Pooja Sarkar
Age 14, Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, 10th grade Pooja tell us that Diamond or Coal by Cristina Rosetti is her favorite poem. She visits the Audelia Road Branch Library and borrows Night by Elie Wiesel and Speak by Laurie Anderson Tennis, biking, blogging and playing the violin are her interests and hobbies. Pooja's poem Today is Now was published in the Dallas Public Library's Eighth Annual Finalists Anthology (2004).
Jennifer Stein
Age 13, Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 8th grade Roald Dahl and Jane Brown are Jennifer's favorite authors. In her spare time she likes cheerleading, reading, softball, shopping, playing with friends and spending time with her dog Corey. She is a member of the drama club and enjoys reading her original poems.
Audrey White
Age 13, St. Alcuin Montessori School, 8th grade In her spare time, Audrey enjoys playing the guitar and piano, reading, singing, writing and listening to music. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith and Orson Scott Card's Enders Game are her favorite books. E.E. Cummings' Anyone lived in a pretty how town and Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken are her favorite poems.

"Putting Wings to Your Dreams" (3:00 p.m.)

	Tulisoma: South Dallas Book Fair & ARTS FESTIVAL 2005
	Panels African American Museum 3536 Grand Ave at Fair Park Saturday August 20, 2005 Where: Helen Giddings Solarium, 1st floor
	10:30 am 11:45 am 1:00 pm 2:00 pm 3:00 pm	"Why God Created Writers" "From Self-Published to Mainstream" "How to Form a Successful Book Club" "Teen Writers" "Putting Wings to Your Dreams"
	Why God Created Writers" (10:30 a.m.) Panelists: Michelle Stimpson, Chris Howell, Elaine Flowers, W. Eric Croomes, Shaundale Johnson, Pastor Daryl A. Tate. Moderator: Vivi Monroe Congress (The Bankrupt Spirit: Principles for turning Setbacks into Comebacks.) Come, listen, be inspired, and learn about this talented Christian Writers as they leave their "Imprint on Our World." After the session authors will be available for Questions and Answers and Book signing. Free Admission. Vivi Monroe Congress: Author of The Bankrupt Spirit: Principles for Turning Setbacks into Comebacks. Ms. Congress, a voice-over talent and print model for local, regional and national radio and television commercial spots, is also the creator and sponsor of the annual Grand Prairie African American Author Showcase which features authors from the Dallas/Ft Worth area. Her writing has been heralded as being keenly adept and motivating to readers, daring them to explore the deep-seated issues at the very core of their spiritual versus human existence. While guiding readers through issues of personal bondage with sensitivity and support, Ms. Congress offers the challenge to her readers to own up and more importantly, move beyond the self-imposed limitations created by one's individual comfort zone. She generously affirms her audience with a "Come on in, girlfriend…. let's talk!" style. Ms. Congress calls Grand Prairie home, were she mothers 3 wonderful children. Michelle Stimpson: Author of Boaz Brown (Adult Christian Fiction) her roots as a native Texan and a self-proclaimed church brat. Is an educational consultant who earned her master's degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. She currently resides in Dallas with her husband and two children. Pastor Daryl A. Tate: Author of Unleashing the Blessings of God in your Life has a true passion and gift to ignite a continuous flame of "EXCELLENCE" among God's people which stems from his personal struggle with sin and living a deficient life. Inspired by the release the power of APPLICATION into his own spirit, he discovered the exit from deficiency and the entrance into the hidden treasures of abundance and the principle of God's way as "A MORE EXCELLENT WAY" was born. God called Pastor Tate from the entrepreneurship of a Computer Consulting and Television Production Firm and released in him a vision to impart these principles of excellence and expertise for the purpose of building the Kingdom of God. Shaundale Johnson: Author of soon-to-be released in the Fall of 2005 Once Broken, Now Blessed, which is based on the 23rd Psalm. In her debut title, Shaundale shares her valley-to-victory experiences, telling her own story of a broken lamb finding total liberation through her shepherd. She resides in Cedar Hill with her husband and two children. She is a native of central Louisiana and an alumnus of Grambling State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems. She joined various clubs and organizations, one of which was Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Shaundale currently resides in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metropolitan area with her husband, Derrick and their two daughters, Eian and Emahn. They are members of Concord Church in Oak Cliff and lead the Cedar Hill/DeSoto Bible Study Growth Group. Johnson is currently working on her second manuscript as she obeys the command of the Lord when He spoke to her in a dream, "Let your writing be the conviction". W. Eric Croomes: Free-lance writer, Playwright, Executive Director of Millennium Men of Color and Author of Dance in the Dark: Poetic Reflections on Love and Culture (Poetry/Spirituality) is a native of Phoenix, Arizona, now based in Irving, Texas. In his book, Mr. Croomes writes with poetic candor from a black male perspective, using personal experience, interspersed with poem, myth and literary anthology of the mystery of love and the vibrancy of African-American culture. His debut stage play, 3 to 8, premiered at the February 2004 BlackenBlues Play Festival, a dramatization of the hours between 3pm and 8pm, when most teenage girls become pregnant and most juvenile crime is committed. His next book entitled, Brotha 2 Brotha: Becoming Healthy Men Inside and Out, is a spiritual primer for men of color who want to lead empowered lives, is due to be released Spring 2005. Elaine Flowers: Author of Black Beauty (Mainstream Fiction) and a native of Wichita, Kansas Ms. Flowers now residing in Dallas. Her creative inspiration comes from eighteen years of being behind the styling chair and the relationships she built with her unique and longstanding clientele as a hairstylist and former salon owner. Ms. Flowers began writing stories as a youth, and was encouraged by close friends to seriously pursue publishing of Black Beauty. At this advice, she enrolled in creative writing and literature courses to perfect her craft, taking five years to complete the novel and another year and a half to complete the publishing process. Ms Flowers is thoroughly enjoying her emergence into the literary and publishing world and has now embraced her first love of living her dream of writing full time. "From Self Published to Mainstream" (10:30 a.m.) Panelists: Jeanetta Britt, David Haynes, Victor McGlothin, Evelyn Palfrey, and Rosalyn Story. Moderator: Francis Ray The traditional publisher screens books for quality and/or marketability, rejects most submissions, and invests in producing, marketing, and distributing the book. The traditional publisher also takes certain exclusive rights. This is true even though the copyright remains in the author's name. Once you sell your book to Random House, you can't sell it to Putnam. The self-publisher does all of the above for his own book. Is Self-Publishing for You? What is the biggest hurdle with self-publishing? Is it production, or is it retail and promotion? Come and hear what this group of published authors has to say about these issues. Francis Ray is a native Texan and lives in Dallas. A graduate of Texas Woman's University, she is a School Nurse Practitioner with the Dallas Independent School District. In 1999 and 2000 she was nominated for Texas Woman's University Distinguished Alumni Award. The Turning Point, her first mainstream, was a finalist for the prestigious HOLT Medallion Award. At the release event for The Turning Point in May 2001, she established The Turning Point Legal defense Fund to assist women of domestic violence to help restructure their lives. Ms. Ray's titles consistently make bestseller's lists such as Blackboard and Essence Magazine. Incognito, her sixth title, was the first made-for-TV movie for BET. She has written fourteen single titles and eight anthologies. Awards include Romantic Times Career Achievement, Emma, The Golden Pen, and The Atlantic Choice. Titles include: Someone to Love Me, December 2003, Trouble Don't Last Always, January 2004, First Touch, February 2004, Whole Lotta Love, February 2004, Love At Leo's, July 2004, The Falcon Saga, August 2004, and You and No Other, December 2004. Jeanetta Britt Dallas-based author, Jeanetta Britt, is an Alabama native who was one of the first African-American students in her hometown to attend George C. Wallace High School. She is also a graduate of Fisk University, a historically black college in Nashville, Tennessee, and holds a masters degree from The University of Michigan. This early period, fraught with racial strife and cultural upheaval, formed the basis of her social awakening. Her first novel--Pickin' Ground--is a murder mystery with an inspirational twist. "However, the poetry overflowed me after an unplanned fast," she says, "and I finished it first." The poetry was published in The Trilogy--Book One: Poems From the Fast ; Book Two: Reunion; and Book Three: Third Ear. Pickin' Ground was recently released, and the sequel, In Due Season, followed. Miss Britt coined the phrase, true love story, to describe her newest release. "True love is made in your soul," she says, "before your body gets involved." Her next true love story is currently in progress--Empty Envelope. David Haynes has been recognized by Granta magazine as one of America's best young novelists. The author of six critically acclaimed novels and five children's books, he is the director of creative writing at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. The former sixth grade teacher's short stories have been heard on "Selected Shorts" on NPR, and his novels have been recognized by the American Library Association. Victor McGlothin almost lost an athletic scholarship due to poor reading skills. Ultimately, he overcame that obstacle and later completed a Masters degree in Human Relations & Business. After he developed a love for the written word, Victor left a vice president position with a local bank to pursue a career in literature. He now lives in the Dallas area with his wife and two sons. Evelyn Palfrey grew up in East Texas. She is a graduate of Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas Law School. Ms Palfrey is active with the Austin Writers League, the Austin Romance Writers of America, the Travis County Bar Association and the Links Inc. "I write stories that have middle-age heroes and heroines because I believe that romance is just as beautiful with a little grey at the temples". Author of four novels, the current hit Everything In Its Place, the romantic thriller Dangerous Dilemmas, the bestselling Price of Passion and the classic Three Perfect Men, Evelyn's writing is described as "superb storytelling". She is currently at work on her fifth novel. Rosalyn Story a violinist with the Fort Worth Symphony, lives in Dallas, Texas. Her first book, And So I Sing: African American Divas of Opera and Concert (Warner), inspired the PBS documentary Aida's Brothers and Sisters: A History of Blacks in Opera, in which she appeared as feature narrator. She has written on music and art for Essence, Emerge, American Visions, Stagebill (the magazine of Lincoln Center), Opera News, and The Crisis magazines. Her first novel More Than You Know is due for release September 2005. "How to Form a Successful Book Club" (1:00 p.m.) Panelists: Marlive Harris, Audrey Brown and Rebecca Kennedy Moderator: Cheryl Skinner Rischer The panel will share the do's and don'ts of successful Book Clubs. Tips on selecting the book to read, membership, publicity, online vs. in-person, subject oriented book clubs: romance, mystery, and social issues, and why are Book Clubs important. Cheryl Skinner Rischer. Cheryl is a former middle school teacher and former school administrator. Her love for reading comes from many childhood experiences in the local public library. As a young child, Cheryl became frustrated with the fact that she could only check out seven books at a time, so she began to read her sisters' books as well. As a current college instructor, Cheryl's love for reading continues to flourish as the facilitator of a book club for over five years. The Dallasblack.com Book Club celebrates the joy of reading and is a group of individuals who appreciate the intellectual discussions that are the results of the written word. The Book Club experience has provided many members opportunities for reflection, insight, and nourishment to travel through life's journey. Marlive Harris, a former teacher and school librarian in Texas, is fondly known among online literary circles as Ms.GRITS, an acronym for Ms. Girl Raised/Reading in the South. It is her love for literature, African American Literature in particular, which led to the development of TheGRITS.com, an online reading community and book promotion service for readers, writers, and small presses. TheGRITS.com is celebrating 5 years of reading excellence online. Audrey H. Brown, is a native Texan that grew up in Dallas and graduated from the Dallas Independent School District. She has a life-long love of reading and mostly reads for relaxation now. She enjoys a variety of authors and subjects. A few of her favorite authors are Pearl Cleage, Francis Ray, Walter Mosley, Nicholas Sparks, and Jacqueline Thomas. She has been a member of the Agape Book Club for over 4 years and serves as the Chaplain. "Teen Writers" (2:00 p.m.) Panelists: Erica Chiles, Alyssia Johnson, Rian Lowe, Paul Mad, Shanice Oquin, Samuel Rodriguez, Pooja Sarkar, Jennifer Stein, Audrey White Moderator: Scott McFadden Poet, Motivational Speaker and Literacy Coordinator will moderate the panel. “Energetic, exciting, inspiring, uplifting and powerful” are just a few expressions Teachers, Librarians and Administrators throughout the Metroplex use to describe Mr. Mc Fadden’s Workshops. Writing can be fun according to: Erica, Alyssia, Rian, Paul, Shanice, Samuel, Pooja, Jennifer and Audrey, a panel of Dallas’ teen writers. The group will share with the audience their experiences writing and their love for reading. Come and meet this talented group, you may be listening to the work of the next Gionvannis, Walters, Dickeys or Coopers. This a not to miss program. Erica Chiles Age 13, Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 8th grade Louis Sachar's Holes and Norton Juster’s Phantom Tollbooth are Erica's favorite books, her favorite book of poems is Shel Silverstein's Where the Sidewalk Ends. Alyssia Johnson Age 15, Justin F. Kimball High School, 9th grade As an elementary school student, Don't Blow in My Ear was her favorite poem. Alyssia has received awards in P.E., Language Arts, Citizenship and the A & B Honor Roll. Her hobbies and interests include surfing the Internet, going to the movie theater, shopping, playing video games and hanging out with her mom. She has read her poems for several Parent Teacher Association (PTA) programs. Alyssia 's favorite book is Cecily Von Ziegesar's Gossip Girl #6. Alyssa participated in the Dallas Public Library Eighth Annual Express Yourself! poetry competition and was the first finalist in the history of the poetry competition to have three poems published. Don't Cry for Me, I'm No Fool and I'm All That She received a standing ovation during the 2004 Awards Ceremony for her poem Don't Cry for Me. Rian Lowe Age 14, St. Mark's School of Texas, 8th grade Writing, reading, drawing and computers are Rian's interests and hobbies. Jerry Spinelli's Maniac McGee, Nancy Farmer's The Ear, the Eye, the Arm and James McBride's The Color of Water: a Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother are his favorite books. Rian likes reading the works of Edgar Allen Poe and Shakespeare. He writes poems. Paul Mad Age 18, Skyline High School and Career Development Center, 12th grade J. D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye is Paul's favorite book. In his spare time, he prefers to play pool, listen to music, take care of his siblings, and hang at the mall. Paul is a member of the speech and debate teams at Skyline. Shanice Oquin Age 12, The Hockaday School, 8th grade. Shanice's favorite books are Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by author Mildred Taylor, John Knowles' A Separate Peace and Kathryn Lasky's True North: a Novel of the Underground Railroad. Four Leaf Clover and Of Mice and Men are also favorites. Singing, dancing, swimming, and cheering are her hobbies and interests. Samuel Rodriguez Age 17, Justin F. Kimball High School, 10th grade Samuel visits the Hampton-Illinois Branch Library and borrows his favorite Tupac Shakur books and poems. Soccer, boxing, watching sports and drawing are his hobbies and interests. During a recent telephone conversation, he stated that he also enjoys reading Shanyika Shakur's Monster: The Autobiography of a LA Gang Member. Pooja Sarkar Age 14, Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center, 10th grade Pooja tell us that Diamond or Coal by Cristina Rosetti is her favorite poem. She visits the Audelia Road Branch Library and borrows Night by Elie Wiesel and Speak by Laurie Anderson Tennis, biking, blogging and playing the violin are her interests and hobbies. Pooja's poem Today is Now was published in the Dallas Public Library's Eighth Annual Finalists Anthology (2004). Jennifer Stein Age 13, Benjamin Franklin Middle School, 8th grade Roald Dahl and Jane Brown are Jennifer's favorite authors. In her spare time she likes cheerleading, reading, softball, shopping, playing with friends and spending time with her dog Corey. She is a member of the drama club and enjoys reading her original poems. Audrey White Age 13, St. Alcuin Montessori School, 8th grade In her spare time, Audrey enjoys playing the guitar and piano, reading, singing, writing and listening to music. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith and Orson Scott Card's Enders Game are her favorite books. E.E. Cummings' Anyone lived in a pretty how town and Robert Frost's The Road Not Taken are her favorite poems. "Putting Wings to Your Dreams" (3:00 p.m.) African American Museum \| Hall of State \| Dallas Public Library 2005 Event Sponsors \| Email Us \| Directions Tel: 214-670-7800