We’re Published!
Congratulations to our Season Press authors who have stepped out and accomplished their dream of becoming self published authors!
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Let’s Begin From The Editor
What is your WHY?
I was in the fourth grade the first time I truly remember having an entire novel read to me. Mind you, I’m not talking about children’s books, but real books. Tom Hansen taught an unconventional class of fourth through sixth graders at Lincoln Elementary School. Our class was complete with a boa constrictor we fed mice, classical music playing during our writing time, plants of all types, and a solar system hanging from the ceiling. During the last thirty minutes of each day, he read of some fascinating adventures. He took three years to complete Roots by Alex Haley! Mr. Hansen not only urged his students to read, but to write as if someone were to buy their story. If I wrote: The boy ran home. I had to say what he felt while he was running, where he was running from, what was going on around the boy, etc. Learning to open my mind to what was inside and share it was a lesson I carry with me to this day. As a journalist and author, my goal is to educate or inspire others. Along my journey, I’ve learned that so many others share this passion. So, after my husband Sean and I published our first book, others asked for our help. Today, through Season Press LLC, we’ve been a beacon of light for those with stories they have wanted to tell but never knew how to bring to fruition. We all learn together and celebrate after the tears. But, it is all worth it because it is our WHY. We write because we have a story to tell that will educate, inspire, entertain, or simply make readers say, “Hummmm.” Thanks to Mr. Hansen for helping me discover my WHY. In addition to being a teacher, his passion also was to capture life’s moments through photography. This issue features his work on the cover and inside.
Volume 8, Issue 1 Founders Arlene & James Washington (2005-2010) Publisher Season Press LLC (2010-) Editor-In-Chief Sonya Bernard-Hollins Graphic Design Fortitude Graphic Design Contributing Writer Tate-Stone Travel Writers Contributing Photographer Sean Hollins Maurice Moorehead For more information visit www.comvoicesonline.com write: Community Voices P.O. Box 51042 Kalamazoo, MI 49005 or call: 269-359-7895 Community Voices is published quarterly by Season Press LLC in Kalamazoo, MI. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without permission.
See you online! Sonya Bernard-Hollins-Publisher
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What’s Inside Contents Arts Tom Hansen:
Capturing Kalamazoo Life
Feature Story
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Answering the Call: Books for Children of Color
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History
Explorers Leader Honored with 1st Sojourner Truth Award
Entertainment
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Merze Tate Explorers: A Moment with Motown Legends
The Velvelettes: Lessons from Legends
Velvelettes Cal Street (left) and Bertha Barbee-McNeal pose with the Explorers after a lesson of history and etiquette.
Photos and article contributed by Explorers Zaria Barrow, Darianna Browning, Leah Pettis, and Aliah Ward KALAMAZOO (MICH.)-The Merze Tate Explorers interviewed two members of the Velvelettes, Cal Street and Bertha Barbee McNeal. These two women shared their life stories and talked about how they became a group. Not only did they share this information, they also gave us some tips on success. The Velvelettes say they were brought together by fate. Barbee-McNeal fell in love with music in the second grade when she hit a Triangle for the first time. She said she was in love at first “ting.” Street was 14 years old when she met BarbeeMcNeal, who was a friend of her sister Mildred Gill at Western Michigan University. Barbee (before she married) was playing the piano in student center. When the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity announced they would have a talent contest, with a grand prize of $25, Gill and Barbee entered. They recruited Barbee’s cousin, Norma, from Flint to join. Gill brought in her younger sister, Cal, and Cal’s friend, Betty Kelly. They practiced hard and then won! 6
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After the contest a student from Detroit who came for the talent show, told the girls they should audition for his uncle’s record company. The student was Robert Bullock—the nephew of Hitsville U.S.A. (Motown) founder Berry Gordy. At first, the girls didn’t believe he was related to Gordy. When they got proof, they decided to try out. The girls convinced Mr. Gill to drive them to Detroit for an audition. One Saturday, he did. The girls risked their lives to drive to Detroit because the weather was so bad. A snowstorm had hit them along the way and a two hour drive took nearly six hours. When they first got there, the receptionist was very rude and wouldn’t let them audition. After crying in the lobby, a man walked it. His name was Mickey Stevens, a producer there who knew the Barbees! In 1962 the Velvelettes signed a recording contract. Other girl groups already there were Martha Reeves and the Vandellas (Dancing in the Street), and the Supremes. Soon after, Kelly left the group to join Martha Reeves and the Vandellas.
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The original Velvelettes pose here in 2009 at an exhibit dedicated to their musical history at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Below, a studio shot of the Velvelettes when they were signed to Motown in 1962. Below (l.) charter members of the Merze Tate Explorers pose after attending the Velvelettes exhibit in 2009; Below (r.) Explorers pose in front visit Motown in 2016.
The group had hits such as: “Needle in a Haystack,” and “He was Really Sayin’ Something.” They also recorded with other Motown artists as background vocals. By 1967 Gill, Norma Barbee, and Bertha Barbee, had left the group to raise families and pursue careers. Cal Gill married Richard Street, who became a member of the Temptations. The Velvelettes decided to get back together in the 1980s. They continue to perform at many Motown functions around the world. Along with the good, there also are lessons to learn as an entertainer. The two Velvelettes said they have learned many things on their journey through fame and fortune. Everything is not as glitzy and glamorous as it may seem. Everything must be done a certain way or else you might hurt your career. “Getting to know the Velvelettes was a good way to learn how to be a lady and be confident in yourself,” reports Barrows. “The Velvelettes are great role models.”
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Reason 1: ENCOURAGE
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Reasons to Self Publish By Sonya Bernard-Hollins, publisher
F
or years you have been looking at it. Periodically, those words call to you from that notebook stuffed under your bed, or that BOOK folder on your computer desktop. It could be a bestseller— or at least a “good” seller. But, unless you take the first step you will never know. That’s what went through the minds of dozens of authors who have come through the doors of Season Press. Some were ignored by a literary agent; others simply wanted to see what they could do and submit it to a traditional publisher. Either way, they knew in their hearts what they create could ENCOURAGE, EDUCATE, EDIFY, ENTERTAIN, OR EMPOWER their readers. In this issue, we feature some of the most recent authors who have self published with the help of Season Press. They have decided to share some of their trials and triumphs to help future self-published authors prepare for the road ahead. Tena Marsilio and Robin Stewart created books to encourage students to love themselves and to be unique. Through the process, Stewart learned more than she ever imagined. “As this was my first book (For Real), I had to learn how to navigate in a brand new world from step one. The key word is perseverance! There’s a book writing and publishing process that begins to unfold and you learn along the way how it all comes together for the end result of becoming an author! “This has been a long-held dream of mine and there were plenty of obstacles along my life journey that sidelined my project. I “shelved” my book project for several years before finally completing the manuscript. Season Press helped guide me through uncharted waters and helped me accomplish the milestone of publishing my first book. And, I’m here to say, Late is better than never!” After Tena Marsilio watched the movie The Help, she was inspired. She was motivated by the way the maid in the movie planted seeds of self confidence in a child she was hired to care for. The
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encouraging words of, “I am Smart,” stuck with Marsilio. She told the idea to friend and photographer Deb Minnard who loved the opportunity to collaborate. They gathered children for various scenes to express love and self confidence in a bilingual book called Ticklelicious. When the book was complete however, she lost momentum and had a hard time regaining it. “I would tell any author to keep going as soon as the book is complete,” Marsilio said. “When you have that excitement don’t stop! If you lose momentum, it’s hard to get it back.”
Robin Stewart poses with her childhood friend, Sandy Haga during her book signing event in Paw Paw, MI.
Sonya Bernard-Hollins of Season Press LLC receives an autographed copy of Ticklelcious from author Tena Marsilio.
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Reason 2: EDUCATE
What Can You Teach Your Readers?
Lois Richmond, second from left; poses with all who collaborated with her for the Libray Ladies of Kalamazoo: Their Home and History. The Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission recognized the book with an Award of Merit for their book in 2016.
L
ois Richmond had been a member of the historic Ladies’ Library Association in Kalamazoo for years. She had admired the original Victorian-era elegance and the way the current members served as faithful stewards over the building and grounds of its original home on Park Street.
The book, The Library Ladies of Kalamazoo: Their Home and History. After publication, the team was invited to lecture on the history of the organization and their book for arts, history, and women’s studies audiences. In 2015 the collaborators were recognized with an Award of Merit from the Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission.
If the walls could talk, they would share stories of its founders, philanthropic endeavors, and even its mysteries. Richmond took it upon herself to educate the community of Kalamazoo and the world, about one of the nation’s oldest women’s organization through books for children and adults.
Author Matt Cooper also learned that writing a book made him an expert in his field. The case which would lead to his book, A Soldier’s Home: United States Servicemembers vs. Wall Street, made national news. He served as the attorney for Sgt. James Hurley, a Paw Paw, MI resident whose home foreclosed when he left to serve in Afghanistan. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (set by President Lincoln) protected the assets of soldiers during their wartime service. The bank that took Hurley’s home had not played fair.
She first enlisted area artist Denise Lisiecki to create the picture book, The Missing Gargoyle of the Ladies’ Library. Richmond took readers through the “life” of the building’s original gargoyle, which someone stole from its porch. It was later returned...no one ever claimed responsibility. Next, she gathered a team of LLA members to comb through its archives to write the history of the more than 160-year-old organization. 10
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Cooper helped his client go all the way to Federal courts. They won an undisclosed amount of money. He chronicled his landmark Hurley Case in his book and became a sought-after speaker to veterans and law school audiences.
Left: Season Press designer Sean Hollins poses with Att. Matt Cooper with two of his first books. Right: Cooper’s third book about hs son’s experience in Marine boot camp chronicles a father’s support of his son during the most challenging military training. Below: Luke Jordan shares the trials and triumphs of a nearly 5,000 hike.
His debut book inspired him to write another. His friend and Paw Paw native Jason Babin, collaborated on the book, No Bathroom Breaks in the NFL: What it Takes to Play in Today’s National Football League. However, two books were just the beginning. Cooper completed a third book, Making A Marine in the 21st Century. This memoir of a father and son’s relationship during Marine bootcamp is touching and educational. Through it all, he has key advice for other authors.
“I’ve been invited to speak at the American Bar Association conference in San Diego, CA to speak on the landmark case I wrote about in my book, A Solider’s Home. Now, instead of just handing out business cards, I will have my book!” Attorney Matt Cooper, author
“Coca Cola markets to us every day to sell their product. That’s what we as authors have to do. Once the book is complete, you have to keep it market it or it won’t sell itself,” Cooper said. Luke “Strider” Jordan author of Thru and Back Again: A Hiker’s Journey on the North Country Trail, also wanted to educate his audience. His adventures on a nearly seven month hike on the 4,600 mile North Country Trail (NCT) does just that. Through his journal-style narrative, Jordan keeps readers on the edge of their seats as he is threatened by gun-welding land owners, chased by snakes, and beaten by the elements of winter cold and summer heat. While he said he would have had several people edit his work before the final printing, overall the experience has been rewarding. In less than a year he sold 300 copies of his printed book and had ebook sales in four countries.
“I’m glad I went the self-publishing route. I felt like I had more flexibility as far as formatting and content. The process went quicker than I expected. Working with Season Press was a rewarding experience. I felt like I was working with true professionals who know the ins-and-outs of the publishing world.” www.comvoicesonline.com
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Reason 3: EDIFY
Christian Authors use Books to Teach
Betty Dennis Ph.D., and author of God in 3 Persons: Understanding the Trinity, poses with Sean Hollins, Season Press head graphic artist.
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nterpreting the Bible can be a challenge for the most learned theologian. However, Betty Dennis, Ph.D., has found a way to take the most complex topic—the Trinity—and make it easy and understandable for children.
“The process of becoming and author, writing, editing, and marketing the book, takes time, so don’t get discouraged,” Dennis tells future self-published authors. “Keep working on your book at whatever stage you’re at.
For years Dennis, a college educator and active youth Sunday School teacher, searched for ways to explain the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to kindergarteners. One day, she decided to just create her own. With the use of friendly cartoons, Dennis enlisted Sean Hollins, Season Press graphic designer, to bring the story to life. In addition, the book is available for purchase in the bookstore of her church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Kalamazoo, MI.
“Remember WHY you are writing your book. I’m extremely proud when parents tell me their child wants them to read my book every night. I wrote the book to introduce kids to God, so I thrilled when that happens.”
Like Dennis, others of the Christian faith sought inspiration in many areas to no avail. With manuscripts in hand (or via email), their ideas came to life to share everything from intercessory prayer to women role models from the Bible. 12
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Jayda Craig wanted to provide a journal for her readers to chronicle their own spiritual trials and triumphs. Through the process of publishing her journal, Casting Cares, she realized that people need a way to just write their own story. “We read of how others have made it through tough times, but by writing our own stories through journaling, we can see just how blessed we are when we go back and reflect,” Craig said.
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Season Authors Inspire Through Faith What I learned in the writing, editing, marketing, and publishing process is that these are things that I do on a daily basis in my job. Once I discovered that, it took the intimidation and the unknown and undeserved fears away and made the publishing process fun, relaxing, and most of all, natural.
Above: Ministers Denise Posie and Shana Wise brings the stories of women of the bible into the presence to inspire women to follow their God-given path in life.
Rev. Timothy Troxler, 14 Essentials of the Christian Faith Macedonia Baptist Church Battle Creek, MI
Above: Poetry by Dorothy Parker-White and John Davis helps motivate poetry lovers through their reallife experiences. Journals by Jayda Craig and Sonya Bernard-Hollins gives journal writers inspiration as they chronicle their blessings.
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Reason 4: ENTERTAIN
CATCHY TITLES & COVERS THAT GRAB READERS!
J
ames Smith enjoys seeing the reaction of those who stop by his table to check out his book. Did they read that right? Yup! When Smith published It’s a Thin Line Between a Preacher and a Pimp, people didn’t know what to think...and that’s just what he wanted. “At first people look at the book, and then the look back at me,” Smith said laughing. “It’s particularly funny when church leaders see it. They want to read it, but at the same time, they don’t want anyone seeing them buy it. I had one deacon tell me to just, “Keep the change,” because he didn’t want to wait around in fear of anyone seeing him.” Smith along with authors James Stine Jr. and Minette Summers (pen name), know many readers judge a book by its cover. With the creative genius of Sean Hollins of Season Press, authors’ works come alive with unique covers and titles. Sean takes the time out with each author to make sure that their book stands out. “Once I meet with the author and find out what reaction they want from their readers, I just jump in,” said Sean who has more than 30 years of graphic design experience. “It’s my job as a graphic artist to make people stop and at least pick up the book. What happens after that is up to the author.” These three authors do their best to keep readers turning the page. Smith uses the stories of real-life preachers and pimps to compare their characters. While he doesn’t condemn either, he allows the readers to see the commonalities of their fields. Stine takes another approach in his book, Doin’ it With the Lights On: Exploits of a Paramedic. His 14
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true-life memoir of his life as a paramedic brings to life stories that will have readers on edge. Through humorous tales of shocking “back from the dead” moments to heart-wrenching scenes of the failed attempt to save a town football star after a horrific crash, Stine keeps readers wanting more. His book signing event also was a success. On the way to the Bridgeman (Michigan) Public Library for his first book signing, the local fire department picked him up from his house in a truck decorated with a banner of his book cover. He arrived at the standing-room-only event and sold hundreds of books to those who had either worked with him in the field or had been a patient whose life he saved.
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Above: Readers line up with several copies of Jim Stine’s book for autographs. Below, Stine poses during a video trailer of his book.
Summers too was excited about publishing her book. How to Recycle Men Every 10 Years was one she truly helped create from cover to cover. With the help of Sean’s graphic knowledge, she took her idea of men on a conveyer belt coupled with a photo shoot of her sister, to make a cover that turned heads. While the story is one of fiction, Summers said many readers can relate to the message that often love is lost, found...and maybe even lost again.
Sonya Hollins of Season Press (left) poses with author whose pen name is Minette Summers. Her fiction book, How to Recycle Husbands Every 10 Years, is a comedic drama of life’s ups and downs, relationships lost and found...and found again.
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Reason 5: EMPOWER
Answering the Call: Books for Children of Color
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n 2013, the Cooperative Children’s Book Center studied the number of books published for children and teens. Halfway through the year they discovered 124 of the 1,183 books they received featured People of Color. Self-published authors have come to Season Press to do their part to create books that feature Children of Color for local bookstores, schools, and libraries. Season Press publishers Sean and Sonya Hollins enlisted Kenjji Jumanne-Marshall to produce a true story to inspire all children. The Hollins’ learned of Benjamin Losford from historians of the Edmore (Michigan) Historical Society. They shared the incredible story of their town’s first African American resident who also was the town’s first barber. More interesting, Benjamin’s father, a fugitive slave, had escaped from their Kentucky plantation, and returned for Benjamin after the Civil War. Abraham (a former slave master’s barber) taught his son a skill that provided a trade and succes that lasted three generations. The story encour-
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ages youth to not only acquire a skill they can take anywhere, but also, to preserve local history. The Kalamazoo Public Library served as host for the book release which featured local barbers who gave free haircuts during the author’s reading. A soul food dinner also was served for all in attendance. Community involvement is key to highlight books about Children of Color. For Jalayah Craig, the support of her school (Roy Waldron Elementary School in Lavergne, Tenn.) gave her renewed confidence. The librarian quickly placed it on display and shared the news of their young author with other teachers. Jalayah’s story focuses on an animal rescue that changed a girl’s—and puppy’s life. The fifth grader decided to publish her book based on her real-life animal rescue efforts.
(Page 16) Kennedy Hudson poses with the featured book at a Kalamazoo Public Library book signing event. (Above) Jermaine Jackson of the Kalamazoo Public Library helped coordinate an evening of free hair cuts and food in celebration of the book release of Benjamin Losford and His Handy Dandy Clippers. (Below) Author Jalayah Craig poses with a pet during an outing with her organization, Kids with Hearts 4 Animals.
Our youngest Season Press author founded Kids with Hearts 4 Animals to help other youth learn more about animal care and rescue. The youth travel to various shelters and veterinary clinics to get a behind-the-scenes views and donate items needed to care for pets awaiting a home.
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W
henever Amilya Walker looks at the book, Kimberlite: In Her Own Shoes, she will see herself. After all, grandmother Charmane Echols used her as inspiration for the books’ adventurous character, Kimberlite. Echols, a former elementary school administrator for Kalamazoo Public Schools (Michigan), knows how important it is for children to see positive characters that look like them. When she retired she had time to write a children’s book; something she had put off for years. Kimberlite (which is a type of diamond) is based on her as a child. The Virginia native remembers her father working in the coal mines. As a little girl, she wished he could find a diamond among the coal. As an adult, she brought the dream to life through Kimberlite whose adventures toward a goal teach her that she has the power to do anything she sets her mind to. Echols’ story along with the uniquely picturesque images by Laurie H. Brady, The decision to write a book has brought Echols much success. It allows her to go back into the schools and teach students about self esteem and science as an author. In addition, others have recognized her for her accomplishment. “The most exciting thing that happened to me since becoming an author, was the announcement from the Arts & Humanities Jury of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International that my book was up for the DKG Fine Arts International Award for best short story,” Echols said. Echols, like many authors who come to Season Press, come to the table with an idea, a dream, a desire to tell a story to the world. When they see their book for the first time, it’s like seeing their own child come into the world. Self-published authors take their passion to print and realize they have a story to tell...and people who want to hear it. Whether it be a Sunday school class or a conference for lawyers, their message is one that only they can tell in their own unique way. 18
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“There are no limits to where you can go when you decide to JUMP and to write your first book.” Charmane Echols Kimberlite: In Her Own Shoes
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Visitors will have fun with a James Bondstyle fantasy of exotic locations, high-tech equipment, and, of course, a mystery to solve. Through the task of breaking codes, using spy satellites, and creating elusive disguises, this exhibit explores the science and technology of the undercover world of spying and espionage. This exhibit is designed and produced by Scitech in Perth, Western Australia, and produced by Imagine Exhibitions, Inc.
Monday–Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Art Hop Fridays 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Sunday + Holidays 1 p.m.–5 p.m. Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Easter
kalamazoomuseum.org 269.373.7990 The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees
Getting over the Editing Hump
Diane Washington takes her passion for inspiring students with art to become an author as she fictionalizes her real-life messages.
By Sonya Bernard-Hollins, publisher
V
eterans Day is a time to celebrate those who have dedicated their lives to serving their country. Diane Washington honors that service. During her after-school programs, students who participate learn about art they can share—Art Ventures. In the fall, participants in her Young People of Purpose (YPOP) are assigned to create patriotic hearts for local veterans. Once completed, the students share them with a veteran, thank them for their service, and listen to their stories.
Washington’s efforts to help empower children to make a difference in their communities is the focus of her debut book, Annie’s Amazing Art Venture. The book is illustrated with the help of her brother-in-law, Jerome Washington of Albion, MI. In the book, Annie’s friends inspire her to host an art show of her works. Funds from the show will help her family who had suffered financial loss. However, through preparation for the show, everyone learns a bigger lesson. Washington, of Jackson, MI, admits, the process was a challenging one. “There is a catch. This process is not always a smooth one,” Washington said. “At first the story never seems to end; there is always something to change, to add or revise or to finish. Once you think you have finally made a decision to turn in your book to the publisher and editor (Season 20
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Press) the shock begins! “After all the drafts and revisions you do it all over again, and (Sean and Sonya) have now become the villains of the story. The time comes when you now have to face the fact that their love for you to have a great book overrides your unwillingness to make difficult changes. You find out you don’t know as much as you thought about the writing business and the bitter sweet process takes on new revelations.” Washington said the shared process allows give and take, but in the end, she wouldn’t change the process for the world. She credits the Season Press duo with helping to put together a great book cover that captured the essence of Annie’s Amazing Art Venture. In addition to her brother-in-law’s artistic talent, Diane featured some of her own artwork in the book as Annie’s works. She credits her art teacher, Lou Cubille, for helping her express herself through art. Her husband Starlon and mother, Dorothy Parker White (Season Press author of See the Woman in Me) were her biggest cheerleaders. She said the young people of purpose are Adult Fed, but Youth Led. Their mantra is: If You See Something, Do Something! This motivates
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youth to be empowered and at the same time have mentorship from adults. While she went through several revisions and often challenged Season Press to learn new publishing strategies, Washington encourages those with book ideas to just do it. “We need each other to succeed,” she said. “I thank Season Press, my YPOP family, and everyone who has had an impact on my life. My favorite verse is Psalms 37:4: Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. My heart’s desire is that we...strive to make this world a better place after we leave, than it was when we arrived.
You Can Be a Self-Published Author When You... 1 - Have a hook to capture your audience in a
subject of interest to you. 2 - Have researched similar books to verify yours is one-of-a-kind. 3 - Have gathered the photos, documents and permissions for non-fiction works. 4 - Have the motivation to convince the media to promote your work. 5 - Realize that an audience of one or 100 should be seen as an opportunity. 6 -Understand that you will not make money without marketing your works. 7 -Are creative enough to find conferences and events to sell to your audience. 8 -Find a niche or hook that will make your book something your audience needs.
9 - Interviewed illustrators and graphic designers to give your book shelf appeal. 10 - You are up for the challenge of doing everything to market your book and get it into the hands of those who will love it!
Self Publishing • You are solely responsible for the writing your book. Don’t feel that because you finally have everything out of your mind and onto paper that you have a manuscript. That is a first draft! Many professional writers have several drafts before their work is ready to present to the public. • You are responsible for editing. While you can hire someone to edit, remember, the final review is up to you. You must be willing to pay someone if your work needs a professional editor. Always present a final proof to a close friend, coworker or family member to make sure you or the editors didn’t miss anything. • You are responsible for the sales of your work. There are many online companies willing and able to take thousands of dollars from you to help you self publish, but ultimately, you have to get out there and be the face of your book. • You are responsible for marketing your book. What is your hook? What conferences, workshops, annual events, library retreats, social media, church, organizations or fraternities will allow you to be a vendor at their event or have you come as a guest author? • You are responsible for all the costs! To self publish a quality product you need money. While some products can cost less than $500, others can run $5,000 and up. You want shelf appeal, so a dynamic graphic artist should be hired. It’s nice that your child thinks he is an artist. However, don’t allow their love for drawing give your book a low-budget feel because your profits will reflect it. • You are responsible for the printing of your book. Research the various online options that give you the luxury to print on demand as opposed to printing hundreds of copies. Today’s print-on demand services allow you to make changes and upload a new file within 24 hours.
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*You get to keep all of the profits!
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Traditional Publishing • Submit your work along with a self-addressed stamped envelope (so they can return your manuscript with a letter of acceptance or rejection) for review. You also will submit a synopsis of the book in a cover letter, which also tells who your audience is, why the book is something people would want, and why you are the best person to write it. • Be sure to read their recommendations for submission as leaving out pertinent information will automatically disqualify your work for review. Don’t send a manuscript about zombies to a publisher that focuses on cooking and travel books. Some publishing houses only take manuscripts submitted by agents. With that, you should research agents who would push your type of work. • If your work is accepted you will be presented with a contract and editor and paid a royalty check based on what they feel they could earn from you (minus cost of marketing, editors, artists, book tours, etc.). In addition you also may receive frequent checks based on the sale of your book, which could be as little as 15 cents per book–but, remember you got the check in the beginning? Some publishers own your copyright and any future movie, play or television deals based on your work–read the fine print! • Publishers may arrange book tours for you if they feel you have an audience to market to. Otherwise, you may be on your own–but check the fine print to make sure you can promote your own tours.
*The publisher gives you an advance to publish your book. After that, you get a percentage from each book... which could equal less than 15 cents per book sold!
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Merze Tate Explorers Honored by Sojourner Truth Institute with Inaugural Dr. Velma Laws-Clay Award
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fter 10 years of helping girls explore the possibilities of life, Sonya Bernard-Hollins received the inaugural Dr. Velma Laws-Clay Vanguard Award. The Sojourner Truth Institute presented the award during their annual Truth Day celebration in November (2017). More than 200 people were in attendance at the First United Methodist Church in Battle Creek, MI for the event. Students performed Truth’s famous, “Ain’t I a Woman,” speech and the Sojourner Truth Youth Choir performed for the celebration. Bernard-Hollins was recognized for founding the Merze Tate Explorers in 2008, which has helped dozens of girls explore careers and international travel in the name of Merze Tate (see www.merzetate.com). In addition to her work with youth, she was recognized as a charter member of the Sojourner Truth Committee which commissioned the Truth monument that currently stands in Battle Creek, where Truth lived before she died. Laws-Clay was at the helm of the Institute when it was founded. Her tireless efforts to keep Truth’s legacy alive while being a leader in the community.
After the death of Laws-Clay, the institute wanted to keep her legacy alive through an annual award to women who serve their communities. Media came out to publicize the event, including the crew of Kalamazoo Lively Arts, hosted by Shelly Irwin (below). The Rev. Elmer Hess (#1) interviewed Bernard Hollins and Kimberly Holley, executive director of the Sojourner Truth Institute. Vivian Laws-Ritter, poses with Bernard-Hollins (#2). Musicians featured in Bernard-Hollins’ book, Here I Stand: One City’s Musical History, (#3) also gave tribute along with descendents of Truth’s family (#4).
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Love where you live. By working together, we can make Kalamazoo County a place where every person is cared for, encouraged, educated and empowered. A place where every person can reach full potential. A place where we all love to live.
Capturing Community Through the Lens of Tom Hansen By Sonya Bernard-Hollins
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few years ago I received a call from my elementary school teacher Tom Hansen. Mr. Hansen had been instrumental in my life as the one who sparked my desire to become a journalist. The photographs of students he displayed in class gave the room more of an art gallery feel than that of a classroom. His phone call led to some concern. He had to move from his apartment. With no family in town, he needed help. He had to move to an assisted living center and could not take many things with him. What he treasured most had to be left behind...or I could take them. Thousands of photographs spanning over 50 years, were sprawled haphazardly throughout his one bedroom apartment. It would take days to pack them all. In the end, we had more than two dozen tubs filled with photographs and negatives. We had to stack the items into our already overstuffed garage. My order: Make sure as many people get their photos back who want them. Have any funds collected go to help kids. The next few pages have just a sample of the
Tom Hansen poses here for his own lens during the highlight of his career as a photographer.
images Hansen has taken over the years. They are images of family, friends, love, pain, sorrow, and community. The Powell Library and Arbor Financial Credit Union has featured some of his works. I pray more will want to display his works and even publish them in a book. If you had photos taken by Tom Hansen and want to obtain them, or want to host an exhibit of his works contact: Sonya (Bernard) Hollins at: 269-359-7895.
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The Velvelettes signed on as Motown artists in what year?
Author James Stine Jr. wrote about his life in what profession?
The Merze Tate Explorers received an award named after what abolishionist?
Who is Season Press’ youngest author?
What former teacher also captured the community through photography?
3 1 2 45 James Smith compared what two professions in his controversial new book?
Author Minette Summers wrote about recycling what?
What historic Kalamazoo building is featured in a book that also received an award from the City of Kalamazoo?
Diane Washington brought her real-life youth program to life through what character?
What skill helped Benjamin Losford become a success after slavery?
9 10 8 67 1. 1963; 2. Emergency Medical Technicians-Paramedic; 3. Sojourner Truth; 4. Jalayah Craig; 5. Tom Hansen; 6. Preachers and Pimps; 7. Husbands 8. Ladies’ Library 9. Annie 10. Barber www.comvoicesonline.com
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