Today, I started calling the three Borders locations in metro Detroit to confirm my book signings scheduled next week. I'd hate to fly to Detroit only to discover they had no idea I was coming, especially since this had been arranged by my publisher quite some time ago.
Well, I was pleasantly surprised to learn from the Borders location in downtown Detroit that V98.7 FM, which is "Detroit's home for smooth jazz" selected my novel Sweet Georgia Brown as their April Book-Club-of-the-month and radio personality Sandy Kovach of V98.7 appearance for the Smooth Book of the Month Club will be at Borders in Dearborn on Wednesday, April 9th from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. The store is located on Ford Road just east of Southfield freeway.
About Sandy Kovach:
Sandy Kovach can be heard on 98.5 FM Monday - Friday: 9:00AM - 2:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00AM - 2:00 PM.
"Life can be challenging, you need all the help you can get! I'd love to help keep your day going in a smooth and positive direction. Wherever you work: the office, at home, the factory, the road --you name it, I've got the smooth music and friendly conversation to help you through your busy day. Plus, I'll kick things off every morning just after 9 am with the famous Positive Quote of the Day ...." - Sandy Kovach
She reminds me of Sweet Georgia Brown, she likes to remain positive.
For more information click below:
http://www.wvmv.com/April-s-Smooth-Book-of-the-Month-is--Sweet-Georgia/1915514?contentRating=1
For my Detroit signing schedule click here: http://www.cherylrobinson.com/tour.htm
Friday, April 4, 2008
Smooth Jazz V98.7 has selected Sweet Georgia Brown as April's Book-of-the-Month
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Remembering Darrent Williams
For me writing has always been a form of expression; an opportunity to tell a story, release it into the universe and pray others connect with the characters I have created.
When I wrote Sweet Georgia Brown, I developed a scene that would also serve as a tribute to Darrent Williams, the Denver Broncos cornerback who was killed on New Years day in 2007, in a drive by shooting. In the back of my mind, I wondered if my book would somehow reach his family and just as importantly, how would they respond. Well, I recently found out the families' reaction and I am truly grateful for their kind words.
The first email arrived last week from the aunt of Darrent Williams' who is also the sister of Rosalind Williams'(Darrent Williams' mother) who thanked me for paying tribute to her nephew. She learned of my book through Darrent Williams' mother. And then, Darrent's cousin sent me an email just a couple of days ago also thanking me for the tribute.
I was just introduced to your work last week when my Aunt Roz called and told me that she had something that she wanted me to read. My aunt/sister (our relationship transcends beyond that of my aunt, we often refer to each other as sister) and I usually share books so this request was nothing atypical. Anyway, long story short, I was shocked, excited, and very emotional at the mention of my little cousin, Darrent Williams, in your book, Sweet Georgia Brown. My eyes ran over the page over and over. I went to the chapter in which the character learns about the death of Dee. How very emotional. My mother-in-law commented on how this fictional piece was real life to us. It took me back to getting that dreadful phone call in the wee hours of the morning and having to wake my own 12 year old son and 7 year old daughter out of their sleep to take them to my mom's while my husband and I prepared for the most painful trip to Denver...
Darrent Williams' life and death touched my heart and to know that I was able to connect to his family through my tribute in my novel Sweet Georgia Brown is a blessing.
For more information on the Darrent Williams Boys and Girls Teen Center visit: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/492011/darrent_williams_memorial_teen_center.html
For more information on the Darrent Williams' case visit: http://www.denverpost.com/ci_4945867
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Sweet Georgia Brown - Detroit Book Tour
I will be in Detroit next week signing at the following Border's bookstores. Those of you in Detroit, please join me if you can. And if you know an avid reader or book club member who lives in the metro Detroit area, please pass this on.
Tuesday, April 8 at 12:00 pm
Borders Bookstore
1012 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: 313.963.8840
Wednesday, April 9 at 7:00 pm
Borders Bookstore
5601 Mercury Drive
Dearborn, MI 48126
Phone: 313.271.4441
Thursday, April 10 at 7:00 pm
Borders Bookstore
31150 Southfield Road
Beverly Hills, MI 48025
Phone: 248.644.1515
Monday, March 24, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
On the Line with Radiah Hubbert
My virtual book tour is winding down. I do have a few more stops to make, but right now I am very busy putting the finishing touches on my next novel that is due to my editors in a couple of weeks. I've been working on my next release for some time, but now it's crunch time. So I'm limiting the amount of time I spend online. However, I did speak with Radiah Hubbert of Urban Reviews recently and I had a great time . Click the link below to go directly to the Urban-Reviews web site where you will see my picture and directly below my photo is a link that will launch the interview. I hope you enjoy.
http://www.urban-reviews.com/ontheline.html
About Urban Reviews: Urban-Reviews.com is a new online resource for open and honest opinions on some of today's latest and greatest releases, whether it's AA Fiction, Hip-Hop or R&B Music. Their goal is to provide an insight for visitors to decide on whether or not they should consider getting any of the featured releases.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Connie Briscoe Presents Cheryl Robinson
Our next stop on The Humble Housewife 2008 Virtual Book Tour is at Page One, the personal blog site of New York Times bestselling author, Connie Briscoe. Cheryl shares with Connie how she went from self-publishing her first two novels to landing book deals with New York publishing houses and why she decided to try virtual book touring for her latest title, Sweet Georgia Brown.
Connie Briscoe, a full-time writer for over 10 years, is a New York Times bestselling author of five novels: Big Girls Don’t Cry, Sisters and Lovers, A Long Way from Home, P.G. County, and Can’t Get Enough. Page One, her personal blog site, is where she shares with everyone what she has learned over the years about writing and promoting books, interviews with authors and literary professionals, news and information about community, and publishing events related to the craft of writing.
Visit Page One with Connie Briscoe online today!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Cheryl Robinson is in the Author Spotlight at Authors of Myspace
During the week of February 25 - 29, 2008, Cheryl Robinson is in the “Author Spotlight” at Authors of MySpace. And for those of you moved by Sweet Georgia Brown’s need to find “herself” in the chapter titled, “Wishing on a Star,” be sure to click the player button as you check out Cheryl’s feature and let the soulful sound of Beyonce Knowles make your virtual stop at the Authors of MySpace a nice one!
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Bishop T.D. Jakes- Favor Ain't Fair
I am so thankful to God for everything that He has done for me in my life and continues to do. I am excited for what lies ahead. However, at times, I feel like I don't thank Him enough.
I work two full-time jobs. I have a corporate job and then I go home and betwen writing my next novel and promoting my current one I work nearly forty hours a week. Sometimes, complaining that I wish I could write full-time. But then I have to remind myself of the current economic conditions and of how many people just wish they had a job and I feel blessed that I am working at all.
I am thankful for my friends, and for the other authors who are supportive of each other, because while I have heard a lot of reference lately about "crabs in a barrel" and have even experienced some of that, I also know that is not the case of every author as many of us are very supportive of each other and don't tear each other down.
I am especially thankful for the readers, for those who are just learning about me and for those who have followed my career from my days as a self-published author and who still continue to do so. I was looking at a review on Amazon.com for When I Get Free and I noticed Missy, an avid reader and bookclub member of Reader's Paradise, had posted one in 2004. I didn't realize when Missy started following me on my virtual book tour that she had read my earlier works. I'm not sure she ever mentioned that. I knew Toka Waters had. Many readers will pick up an author's book and read it and enjoy it, but they really don't have to email an author or post a book review and when they do I immediately email them back because I know people are busy and they took out some extra time to do so and I am thankful for that as well.
If I were to start a list of all that I have to be thankful for my list would be very long.
Below is another inspiring sermon by Bishop T.D. Jakes. I was touched by the entire sermon and particularly when he speaks on the various levels of blessings.
Friday, February 22, 2008
I Just Won $142,025 on Deal or No Deal...
because I knew when to stop. Oh, I didn't win by going on the TV show (I wish). I just played the online game.
In the chapter Watching Televison from my latest novel, Sweet Georgia Brown, Corliss, a single mother struggling to raise her four year old son is watching her favorite game show, Deal or No Deal, which also happens to be mine. I don't watch much television but I do watch Deal or No Deal. I love the concept and as my character, Corliss says, the hardest thing about the game is getting on. And just like Corliss, I get upset when contestants don't know when to stop. I have always told myself that I would know when to take the deal. So, I decided to test myself by playing the game. www.nbc.com/Deal_or_No_Deal/game/flash.shtml.
I couldn't believe how caught up I became on an online game. For a moment, I thought I might really walk away with some cash. I started imagining what I would do with the money. First, I would relocate to Atlanta. Buy a house or condo somewhere in the city. I'd payoff my car...oh, I'm sure I'd buy a new one. Of course, I'd write full-time and then I'd travel the world promoting my novels. When it was time to start, I chose case number 24 because 24 is one of my favorite numbers. I knocked out some of the large amounts quickly and continued playing until I was down to two cases; one held $50 and the other $400,000. When the banker offered me $142,025 I had to take the deal. I couldn't take the risk of leaving with just $50. And I made a great deal because Case 24, my case, only had $50 in it. It's time for me to find a new favorite number I suppose.
Are you ready to play the game? Visit the Deal or No Deal web site by clicking on the link below.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Just Up Surfing the Net and found this...
Well, I took a writing break and decided to do a little googling tonight and I found this review that hasn't been posted to Amazon.com yet.
SWEET GEORGIA BROWN IS A BONAFIDE HIT!HEATHER COVINGTON (Disilgold@aol.com)
It's no secret, power couples in Hollywood begin with imbalance where one person in a relationship is a dreamer and the other a doer, but suddenly a stroke of luck changes the underdog's circumstances sometimes for the worse and even for the better when the other realizes that they are in a relationship with a loser disguised as a winner.
In Sweet Georgia Brown, Marvin's life takes an upsweep curve after penning a talk show as a comedian with the clout of an Eddie Murphy and Chris Rock saga on rewind. Marvin begins to torment his wife with silly jokes live on air for ratings. She begins eating food, feeling down and depressed. It's heartaching to see this man do this to his wife and will bring tears. Marvin's words cut like a knife with pop shots against his wife, but is it a price she has to pay for having a husband on a fast roller coaster to success?
Sweet Georgia Brown brings meaning to the words, 'If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen!' This is the one made for a television drama or movie. I simply loved it and couldn't put the book down. I can see Marvin being played by Michael Baisden and Georgia Brown being played by Robin Givens or even Wendy Williams. This lady's writing pen is masterful and worth the wait for every novel. My favorite line in the book is of course, 'What's going on? Why the Bags? Are you leaving me?' by Marvin. How could such a sweetie turn into such a monster overnight with a little fame and fortune?
Don't worry, Sweet Georgia Brown has a powerful weapon at the end that proves, if you can't beat high rolling men at their games, join them. You won't believe where Georgia is headed. SWEET, MEMORABLE & CLEVER WRITING SAVVY for every reader!
About Disilgold:
Disilgold Soul Literary Review was originally the first African American publication to be powered as an e-mag online via a massive newsletter. Trends changed so we now bring our network to our site at http://www.disilgold.com/
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The RAWSISTAZ Literary Group welcomes Sweet Georgia Brown
The Humble Housewife 2008 Virtual Book Tour will be making its stop for the RAWSISTAZ Literary Group where the members of the RAWSISTAZ Online Book Club and RAW4ALL will be chatting with Cheryl Robinson about her new novel, Sweet Georgia Brown, tonight – Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at 9 PM EST/ 8 PM CST in the RAWSISTAZ Chatroom
In addition to tonight’s chat, Sweet Georiga Brown by Cheryl Robinson is a Top Shelf feature for the month. Click below to view!
Last but certainly not least, be sure to stop by their awesome Book Review Network and read their review of Sweet Georgia Brown !
The Reading and Writing SISTAZ (R.A.W. SISTAZ) Online Book Club was founded by Tee C. Royal in September 2000 and focuses on reading, writing, and discussing books primarily by African American Authors. RAWSISTAZ was selected as one of The 101 Best Websites for Writers for 2006! by Writer’s Digest! Visit RAWSISTAZ online today!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The Sweet Georgia Brown Book Trailer
When I decided to have a book trailer produced, I had all of these ideas in my head. I could picture exactly what I wanted.
"Did you see the trailer for American Gangster," I asked the independent filmmaker who produced my trailer. "I loved that trailer. I thought it was done very well. Can you do something to that level?"
He laughed. "Of course it was done well and they had a very big budget also. Send me some excerpts from your book and I'll do the rest. You will be pleased. Trust me."
I stressed to him, "Whatever you do, don't show Marvin. I want to hear him but not see him because readers will have their own picture of what he looks like." He told me that he may have to show some of him.
Many people have really enjoyed my book trailer. Some have not. But hey I'm learning that's all a part of life--you can please some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time. I think that's how the saying goes.
The Sweet Georgia Brown book trailer has assisted me tremendously in the marketing of my book. My favorite part of the trailer, aside from the overall quality, is at the very end when Marvin takes his tenth caller. My least favorite part is Marvin's laugh. Hey, that wasn't in the script. (LOL)
Haven't heard about Sweet Georgia Brown yet? Watch the book trailer below.
Also: Check out one of Sweet Georgia Brown's latest book reviews:
http://bergersbookreviews.blogspot.com/2008/02/sweet-georgia-brown.html
Part One: Struggle No More
Are you at a place in your life where you want to change?
Maybe it's the city you live in or the job that you either have or that you are searching for. You could even be asking yourself, what do I want to do with my life?
The main character in my latest novel, Sweet Georgia Brown, was a spirtual woman who, while struggling to make the ends meet, always kept the faith that one day her family's situation would change for the better. Even when her husband lost his job and decided to pursue a career as a stand-up comedian and she became the sole breadwinner on a meager salary. Even after they lost their home and had to move in with her in-laws she still had faith that one day their life was going to get better.
When I wrote the church scene in the opening chapter of my latest novel, I was envisioning Bishop T.D. Jakes, although I named the character, Bishop L.T. Anderson, and the church I pictured was Potter's House, which was the church I attended many times while living in the Dallas area, though in the book I named it Greater Everlasting Faith.
I did a little googling this Sunday morning in search of a sermon similar to the one Georgia was listening to in the opening chapter. I do hope this touches someone.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Just Too Good To Be True - Q&A with Author E. Lynn Harris
When I emailed E. Lynn Harris through his web site, I really didn't expect to receive an immediate response. I figured he'd be too busy. But Mr. Harris' assistant AJ Huyler emailed me back immediately. It took a few weeks before this was all finalized because Mr. Harris had deadlines to meet. I knew that he was busy and that I needed to keep my questions brief. I also knew that I had something rather lengthy to add to my post about Mr. Harris. As authors, we not only inspire readers, but we often inspire each other, which is exactly what E. Lynn Harris did for me.
It was the summer of 2002. August to be exact. I had just began promoting my self-published novel, Memories of Yesterday,to the independent African-American bookstores in the Dallas area. I can laugh about this now, but back then it really wasn't funny. At least not to me.
I didn't know the first thing about a book signing so when I say I went overboard that would be an understatement. I had my signings catered, a full-course meal. I had planned to give away gift baskets left and right. I had ran my budget up to $1,500 before I even sold one book. The experience had me think back to what my mother would say when I was child and I would make her angry, "I don't know who you think you are."
I don't know who I thought I was either.
So, here is where my first run in with E. Lynn Harris began.
I was signing at the Black Bookworm in Fort Worth, Texas. Aside from the people I brought to set up the event with the catered food and gifts only three other people came to the signing. Technically, two, because one just happened to be in the bookstore shopping and was recruited by the owner to stay. I was so hurt that tears started to form. I was sitting at the table that was set up for me, and Sonya, the store owner, asked me a question about my book to get the discussion started. I looked out at the scarce audience and my eyes bubbled. All I could think about was the $1,500 I had just spent, all of the food that would go to waste, and how unpopular I must have been.
So Sonya, the store owner, said, "E. Lynn Harris came here to promote his first book, Invisible Life while he was a self-published author and there were only a couple of people who came to his signing, but you would have thought we had a crowded bookstore." In other words, why was I crying. E.Lynn Harris knew what I should have known, which was that the show must still go on. She continued by saying, "He did a reading and we had a great time and before he left, he said, 'Hopefully, the next time I come back I'll be able to fill up your bookstore.' And he came back the following year and it was standing room only."
That story helped me so much. My tears dried up immediately. I did a reading, laughed and had fun all the while thinking about E. Lynn Harris and how much he had achieved.
But that wasn't my only run in with E. Lynn Harris.
I went to Jokae's African-American Books to deliver a box of Memories of Yesterday the following month because Til, the store owner, had agreed to carry my book in her store. A group of ladies brushed passed me, nearly knocking me over as I struggled to get my box of 28 books through the front door. Well, Til was gracious enough to introduce me to the ladies who were book club members. I knew the importance of connecting with avid readers. So, when Til asked me to introduce myself and my book to the ladies, I was ready to not only sell myself, but also the novel that I had worked so hard on.
Just as I was opening my mouth to state my name, one of the ladies held up her finger signaling for me to wait a minute. She turned back toward Til and said excitedly, "Please tell me you haven't sold out of E. Lynn Harris' new book, Any Way The Wind Blows. We've been waiting for that book to come out for months." And then some of the other ladies went on and on about how much they loved E. Lynn Harris and how they had all of his books. Now, even I had to smile. Because at one time he was where I was, just starting out, trying to establish a following and for me to witness a book club rushing in and nearly knocking me over to purchase his latest novel actually provided me with a whole lot of faith and inspiration that maybe with hard work I too could rise to that level.
It is my pleasure to present a Quick Q&A with Author E. Lynn Harris.
1) What year did you start writing and how did you know that you wanted to write?
1991. I felt like I had to write to keep living. I had run into a difficult period in my life and I was searching for a purpose, that purpose turned out to be writing.
2) Why did you decide to self-publish your first novel, Invisible Life?
I decided to self publish simply because I couldn't find a mainstream publisher. Invisible Life was rejected by every publisher that I went to. I felt like I had to get the story told.
3) Was it rough getting started as a self-published author or did bookstores and readers embrace you immediately? Elaborate on how your first book deal came about.
Self Publishing was the toughest job I ever had. I had to wear all the hats and do everything myself. The book deal came about when a Doubleday salesman in Atlanta bought my book and sent it to NYC. An editor there read it without my knowledge and later tracked me down and told me if I ever came to NYC that she would like to meet me. On my next trip to New York, I mentioned to my new agent that the lady Martha Levin had been calling me. He called her and set up a meeting and they offered me a 3 book deal at the end of the meeting. I've been with Doubleday ever since.
4) In light of the ever changing literary arena, where many are saying there are too many black authors, what advice would you give to new/unknown authors who are with major publishers as well as those who are self-published and those who would like to get started?
Write only if you're passionate about it and willing to do it for free.
5) And finally, tell us something we may not know about E. Lynn Harris.
Being a dad is the most important job I've ever had... and I wish, if God had given me another talent besides writing, that I could have been a song and dance man.
***The first five people to comment to this blog will receive a copy of E. Lynn Harris' upcoming novel, Just Too Good To Be True. (Please note - this is not an advance reading copy. It will be the actual book mailed to you when it is released.)
To visit Mr. E. Lynn Harris online click here: http://www.elynnharris.com/
My Home Sweet Home - Detroit
Wow,it is hard to believe that I am going back home. For the first time since I left my native Detroit in 1999, nearly ten years ago. Well, I have to take that back. I've been home a few times since then, but never to promote any of my books. That's hard for even me to believe.
A longtime friend and I were laughing the other day about our city. Not in a bad way. Raynette and I go all the way back to Gesu Elementary School. Back to the days of plaid uniforms and Sister Stella, the Principal. (I was always scared of Sister Stella.) We were laughing about the reaction we get from people when they learn we were born and raised in the city. People who aren't from Detroit always want some sort of clarification. Detroit has always had such a bad reputation.
"Did you live in the actual city of Detroit? The city...city."
The city...city? Ah, yes, I am proud to say I lived in the city of Detroit. I grew up on the Northwest side of Detroit.
So, every now and then I'm going to start blogging about my upcoming visit back home. I'm going to be contacting media to see if I can get on the radio and featured in the Detroit News, Metro Times, The Michigan Chronicle. I will be visiting my high school, Cass Tech, the former pickle factory and winner of the Ford F-150 Hoodie Awards sponsored by the Steve Harvey Morning Show. I have to go to Olga's Kitchen (oh, how I've missed Olga's). I have a long list of places that I hope to visit while I'm there promoting my latest novel, Sweet Georgia Brown.
Here is my book signining schedule:
Borders Detroit Compuware Building – Tuesday, April 8 at 12:00 pm
Borders Dearborn – Wednesday, April 9 at 7:00 pm
Borders Beverly Hills – Thursday, April 10 at 7:00 pm
Note- * At each signing I will raffle off one door prize. It will be a beautiful basket filled with goodies and will include a gift card which should cover dinner for two to Sweet Georgia Brown's Restaurant in downtown Detroit. A $200 value.
To learn more about the restaurant click here: http://www.sweetgb.com/
So, if you know of any avid readers in Detroit and any Detroit book clubs, please let them know I'm finally coming home!!!!!
