Last night I sat on a panel with four great women writers – Sofia Quintero, Elisha Miranda, and Michelle Herrera Mulligan. BAAD!, the Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance, hosted the discussion in their amazing performace space up in the Bronx (where the people are fresh). Really fresh. Charles and Casandra – thank you for making the place love love.
As I entered BAAD! – no. Before I entered BAAD!, I could feel the powerful energy of the space and the people who occupy it on a regular basis. Candles, altars, amazing art, funky colors – BAAD! is bad. Even the front door is a power red, and through it I entered a place dynamic. Brilliant.
We women talked about our work as writers, including the business side of publishing books. Sofia moderated a perfect discussion for the mostly female audience. Some sisters came from Harlem, but most were from the BX, including a troop of young sisters from Odyssey House who were eager to hear how to craft their own stories and share their truths with the rest of the world. Ron Kavanaugh from Mosaic literary magazine was there, too. I suggested that the emerging writers in the room approach him, as Ron is always eager to share his wisdom.
Elisha talked a lot about crossing borders, which resonated with me. As Latinas, these three sisters all seemed ready to help shape a new literary legacy in America, one that honors their diverse heritage as Latinas and respects their intelligence as college educated women of substantive power. I think we had at least four ivy league degrees between us, yet all four of us honor home – the communities that sustain us as we strive forward as women writers. Truly BAAD!
March is all about the sisters at BAAD!, with queer art and cinema on the 17th, dance on the 23rd and 24th, a woman-directed film about the Young Lords on the 29th, and a special closing date concert on the 31st. All worth a trip on the 6.
Comment(s)
Eisa, it was such an honor to meet you, and I hope we all continue to build the sisterhood. I think one of (many!) great things about that panel was the way we were able to be real about the industry while still inspiring the writers in the audience to pursue their dreams. It can be tough to say things that need to be said about the corporate context in which attempt to create art that matters yet still be encouraging about finding and using one’s voice. But the way folks flocked to the table afterwards showed that we had achieved that delicate balance.
And thank you so much for the love and solidarity you demonstrate Thursday night and here on your blog for your Latina sisters. I remember Elisha acknowledge the trails that African Americans have blazed in publishing for us and now to have you acknowledge our contributions to field here, well, it just fills myh heart with joy. This kind of sisterhood should be the norm not the exception. Unfortunately, there are folks in the various fields of entertainment who benefit from pitting us against each other, and too many sisters capitulate to it. And for what? Just to be objectified and exoticized. I was so proud to be among a panel of women who modeled for a large audience of mostly younger sisters the power that emerges when we resist.
Elisha and my company Sister Outsider is working to get a video podcast of the panel uploaded on the internet so we can share their the information far and wide! We will let you know when and where it’s available to view.
Comment(s)
It’s always amazing to be in the presence of talented, warm and embracing ‘manas! Last night sharing the stage with Sofia, Eisa and Michelle was contagious in it’s good energy and positive vibe! I also got Eisa’s new book which I can’t wait to open and read (i have Sofia and Michelle’s already and they’re great). I loved hearing everyone read their own words, from their own voices. Powerful!
What was also touching was the young women who came from Odyseey in the Bronx and how many young writers’s want are out there. I can’t wait to post the video blog that Sister Outsider produced for the event (my company with Sofia) to share the amazing wisdom of all the panelists and audience members.
But, what really started this was the amazing energy at BAAD! So folks got to check what these BAAD! gente are doing at www.bronxacademyofartsanddance.org/.
Looking forward to the next BAAD! panel and of course, once again joining my ‘manas where we can share about the borders we cross to write as women of color.
Comment(s)
We were all truly excited by the event and are still feeling the beautiful energy. The talents of all you four panelists are only matched by your sincerity, willingness to give and share, and love.
I reported to the Executive Director of the Bronx Council on the Arts (www.Bronxarts.org), our co-sponsor of the evening, and shared with him the evening’s success. The surveys we handed out all had glowing comments about the panel, and the young women from Odyssey House have mentioned the evening during their return visits. Thanks and continue to spread your words, stories, talent and genorisity with our worlds.
Comment(s)
Seems like it was an enriching event.
Comment(s)
Sounds like a wonderful and fruitful time. Its really great you are sharing and learning the business side of the business. More of this type of information needs to be available to more of our people. Not enough of us are educated about the business side of business. Keep up the great work, luv ya.
Comment(s)
Hi Eisa,
Keep it up girlfriend. You are paving the way for others to follow you.
Yes, I agree that handling the business end of things is soooo important. I am learning my way each day. In general, I try to really trust my instincts. I have found that I am usually right.
Intellectual property is simply a funny thing.
Do you have a standard contract that you use when submiting articles for magazines? Do tell! I am open to anything you might suggest.
Sincerely,
Mia
Comment(s)
That’s a great question, Mia. You can generally trust that magazine editors won’t steal your ideas. One reason, frankly, is that with magazines, the pay is very low. Most agents won’t even handle freelance contracts. When submitting complete articles on-spec (on-speculation), simply craft a great letter to go with your article. If you haven’t written the piece yet but have a great idea, send in a solid query. Whether an on-spec article or query letter, make sure your work is professional-looking and follow each magazine’s guidelines for submitting queries and on-spec work.
When the stakes are higher, and the money greater, as in books publishing, it’s best to use an agent. Finding an agent is really the best way to insure an editor will even read your book proposal at all, and a good agent protects your interests through all stages of the book publishing experience.
If you ever submit ideas for television and film, the company itself will provide you with a contract – one that basically protects them from you if they reject your idea but later develop a product that is similar to yours. Again, it’s a good idea to get an agent before trying to have your work produced by a film or television company.
Make sure you try to nework with editors and other professionals as much as possible. Having a personal connection to the people who will make decisions about publishing your submission is always a plus. Check out your local National Association of Black Journalists chapter, and see if you can make the NABJ convention in Vegas this year.
Make sure you let me know if you have any other questions. Good luck with your writing career!
Comment(s)
Eisa,
It was truly an honor for me to share the stage with you last Thursday. Thanks for being so honest and thoughtful in your responses to all of the audience’s questions–It’s wonderful to hear authors answer young women’s questions thoughtfully, without ever talking down to them or discouraging them in any way.
I can’t wait to get a copy of your book. I’ll definitely be buying it within the next week, and I’ll be sure to let you know how wonderful it is when I’m done. 🙂
Michelle