Today I want to talk about African-Americans supporting African-American authors. The movie The Help will be released soon. A lot of us got a little up in arms because this book by a Caucasian author about African-Americans was picked up for a movie. The book sold millions because it was supported, not just by Caucasian readers, but by a lot of us too. Here’s the thing, African-American authors produce wonderful stories that we know should be told on the big screen. But putting a book to film cost $. The film industry is no different from any other business. The bottom line is ‘the bottom line’. If you can’t show numbers in the book stores (online included) then how do you expect to show numbers in the movie theater? Its simple economics—demand and supply. James Patterson or Nora Roberts will have a book release and thousands will purchase that book. There is a demand; therefore, the supply is met.
If we want to see more our favorite African-American author placed on a demand list we truly need to step up our game. Many of us will go into a book store to purchase that James Patterson or Nora Roberts novel, but will borrow the African-American author from a friend. If you enjoyed that novel, why not purchased the next release by that author? Let’s face it, we don’t’ support each other the way other communities do. Yet, we complain when we see others succeed at what we fail to do. If you want to see your favorite African American author’s story about African Americans on the big screen, support them in the bookstores. Let the money people in HOLLYWOOD or wherever know what your demand is…Let’s stop complaining about who got what. Turn that negative energy into a win-win for you and the authors you love. SUPPY AND DEMAND people! I’m just saying.
Iris,
I liked what you said regarding the business of books and movies. This is my
first time on your blog, but I’ll be back. CVR
Thank you for stopping by Crystal. I don’t blog to often, but ever now and then I just have to speak out.
Amen Ms I….I’m a bit tired of folks saying they won’t see a movie like this
because it brings back painful memories. Painful for who? Those making this statement are too young to remember or know if their grand, great grand was a domestic or not. As I told one friend who stated she didn’t want to see the movie(but was reading the book) cause she didn’t want to return to work and be PO at her white co-workers. I told her to quit putting herself in that story, it’s not your’s or your mom’s/grands, cause neither were domestics. Give me another reason you choose not to see the movie, other than that one….I hope the actresses will get their due come awards time, but I’m doubtful. But keeping my fingers crossed!
Hello Sharon; I hope people support the movie, if for no other reason than to give the African-American actress their due. The movie, good or bad, put some of us to work. That’s a good thing! Let’s rejoice in that.
You said it all and you said it well. This African American author says, thanks!
Hello Mrs. Bev; Thank you for stopping by. I spread the word on your novels and a few other authors to every person I know that enjoy a good book.
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Thank you for stopping by Melanie.
Very well said, Iris. If we spent the time praising AA books as we we do the others, then AA authors would get noticed. When we give a list of books we are reading and never mention an AA book that we’re reading, that’s what gets noticed. We should be pumping them up.
Saw the movie and hope Viola and Octavia are nominated for awards (but I doubt it) because you know we’ll be upset if they don’t.
Hello Lareeta; Thanks for stopping by. I hope they are at least reconized for their roles. As for supporting African-American Authors, I would like to see us honor our AA Authors by using our $ power in the stores and on line. Nothing bothers me more then one of us saying “Oh I don’t read books by AA authors.” Then you ask if they ever tried one and they say no. And when you ask why, they can’t give you an answere other then, “I just don’t.” We are harder on our authors than we are on others. I just don’t understand why.
How many times have I heard that? When we have authors writing in every genre that they are purchasing.
I agree we should all support AA authors. Fortunately for me I am a “book snob” meaning 99% of my book collection is AA and 99.5% of my collection is romance. I do however stray because I am a fan of paranormal romances also but not too many are written by AA authors, and the ones that are out there I do purchase. And as the v.p. of my bookclub we try to support our local AA authors too. I have personally turned some of my friends on to AA outhors, because for some reason people think that the only AA author out there is Zane (LOL)
Wow, this is an awesome post I enjoyed that conversation above and agree I have a book that was just released and in my city it’s sooo hard to get black people to support me. I don’t know what it is. But me I’m all for suppoting people no matter what is happening. Thank you for this post.
My book is about:
An angel named ENVEIJEON, taken from heaven to do Satans dirty work. Reluctantly was sent to Earth by Satan to kill priests for completion of the mark of the beast. He ends up face to face with the President, they make a pact, a… bond of peace. Life through the young president’s eyes will never be the same again for him and his sick wife Isabelle. An attack on Earth from the planet Kroid throws chaos to our planet… What will ENVEIJEON and our president do to protect or fragile land.