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I am truly inspired after attending the Black Writers On Tour. This was their 13th Annual Tour. It was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, CA. The Black Writers On Tour was founded by Dr. Rosie Milligan, Milligan Books. It was certainly a pleasure to see her again.

According to the official website for the Black Writers On Tour, "The purpose of this event was to give exposure to African-American authors and writers, increase their book sales, motivate, and develop aspiring new writers and authors." The theme for this year's tour was "Literacy is Everybody's Business; Who Will Tell Our Story?" This was definitely a positive and motivating event that left me wanting more! The day began with a breakfast and roundtable dialogue with self-published and mainstream authors. There was a luncheon with entertainment and a keynote speaker, seminars and workshops, press conferences, exhibit booths, a poetry jam competition, a children’s writing contest, and so much more.

I am always excited to meet new people, network with business professionals, and connect with friends. One of the first people that came up to me was Charles L. Chatmon, Author. He jokingly said, "Wherever there is a book event, you will see me there." Charles invited me to the 2008 Los Angeles Black Book Expo (LABBX). This event will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2008. To learn more about this event, please visit the website at www.LABBX.com.

There were many talented authors at this event. I had the pleasure of meeting Bern Nadette Stanis who is best known as Thelma from the hit 70's TV show, Good Times. She was promoting her new book on relationships, "Situations 101" and her romantic and sensual book of poetry, "For Men Only." Other authors I met included Rickey Teems II, "Regression," T. L. Hayden, "Introspective Journal & Healthy, Nutritious & Delicious Soy," Kyjione Lee Jack, "The Credit Game," Evangelist Shevelle Ford, "I'm Not God, I'm Just A Woman," Makeisha Lee, "Why Black People Can't Lose Weight," Marion McNair, "Bitter Roots," Francella Henderson, "Hidden Secrets About Black History-Volume I," Helen Adair Pearson, "From Sin To Glory," Adolphus Ward, "Harvest The Dust," and Tracy D. Morrison/Brandon White, "Mom, Is Today My Birthday?"

I had networked for a few hours and figured I would take a seat near the entrance so I could see who was coming and going. I noticed a gentleman sitting across from me. It seemed that everyone passing stopped to greet him. Finally, I asked him, "Who are you?" He laughed and came over and introduced himself. His name is Gerry Foster, Marketing, Inc. He specializes in teaching faith-based black business owners how to market their products and services as a brand. He invited me to attend the graduating ceremony for the Dare 2B Different Mega Camp Final. Attending this event were Veronica Spigner, Founder of Black Wall Street, Cheryl A. Spigner, Apostle Dr. E., Jonae Watts, Ruth Summers, Charles Brister, Denise Estelle, Pat Victory, Nadra Denise, and many others.

I also met Comedian Arvin Mitchell. I had first seen Arvin in 2003 when he was on the comedy competition series for BET's Coming to the Stage. Arvin is very funny, and he is known for his clean comedic style along with his hilarious impressions.

I look forward to continued networking with everyone that I had the pleasure of meeting at this year's Black Writers On Tour.

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you at the next event!

Angel Avis >>>

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