2009 was a great year for African-American Literature because it made a distinct mark upon the publishing world. MahoganyBooks itself was featured in the controversial December 2009 issue of Publishers Weekly in a feature on African-American publishing. Co-founder R. Lark Young commented on how MahoganyBooks has worked to bridge the gap between writers and readers by establishing its Ning social networking page The Lit Lounge.
Author Sapphire saw a meteoric rise to fame with her book, Push that became the Golden Globe nominated as well as Oscar hopeful movie, Precious. Writing duo Ashley Antoinette and JaQuavis Coleman known simply as Ashley JaQuavis have brought Urban Lit into the mainstream publishing world when their book; The Cartel 2, recently made its first appearance on the New York Times Bestsellers List.
These advancements make a publishing hopeful like me very optimistic about finding my place in the literary world. Once upon a time African-American literature was read primarily only among African-American readers but, it has now branched out and is beginning to be embraced by all groups. This can be attributed to great writing and exposure to wider audiences by means of promotion as well as bookstores such as MahoganyBooks. Author Carleen Brice focuses on introducing readers to African American authors with her blog, White Readers meet Black Authors, where you guessed it, she introduces white readers to a plethora of books written by Black authors.
So what can be expected in 2010? Carleen Brice herself is seeing her book; Orange Mint and Honey, turned into a Lifetime Movie Network film starring Jill Scott, Nicole Beharie and Mimi Rogers entitled, “Sins of the Mother,” which will air on LMN February 7th, 2010. I am also hoping to have my first children’s book; The Absolutely True Adventures of Ana in Wheel Life published as well. No doubt in 2010 African American literature will continue to embed its place in the literary scene thus paving the way for writing hopefuls for years to come.
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