I've Been Tagged About Writing

Author Nikki Woods (Easier Said Than Done) tagged me about my writing/reading life. My assignment is to provide interesting facts about this aspect of my life.

WRITING

1. I always have a Super Thesarus right next to me whenever I write.
   
2. For me a lot of the writing involves thinking. Hearing dialogue in my head, pondering characters.
   
3. I'm probably one of the few folks that doesn't go by that 'write every day' motto.
   
4. I like writing very early, 5am, when it's totally quiet in the house.
   
5. There's definitely an inner critic that likes to follow me around and whisper things in my ear.
   
6. I never try to be like someone else. Like in the early days I would pretend like I was so-and-so. What would he do if he were writing this scene? Trust me, it doesn't work, trying to be someone else. So from now on, I'm just me. I write how I write, allow what is inside to come out, and know that I can only be the best Cydney Rax; that's my job.
   
7. I typically do not listen to music while writing a boo, especially when doing the first draft.
   
8. It takes me two years to work on projects. I'll have an idea years before I actually get to write the book; I have never 'thrown' a book together.
   
9. When I write I feel like a reader, not a writer, meaning I am surprised, disgusted, intrigued by my characters' actions, just like a reader would be.
   

READING LIFE

1. Man oh man, the year 2005 has been the year that I DIDN'T read alot of books. In past years, I could get to 3-4 books per month. Now it's like one book every few months. This year has been incredibly busy, distracting, difficult for me to concentrate. Awful. Once I finish up on my 2nd novel (My Husband's Girlfriend) I plan to read quite a few books in late December early January.
   
2. You know, even though I don't read a lot of novels, nothing keeps me from newspapers and magazines. I love Essence, Today's Black Woman, Sister2Sister, Charisma, US Weekly, People (Love entertainment news), Jet, Ebony, Writer's Digest, etc.
   
3. Sometimes I avoid reading other people's manuscripts because 8 times out of 10 they have written a scene or have character names that are identical to mine and I don't want anyone to think I'm copying their idea.
   
4. I miss the good old days of reading, when I was discovering some of the authors that are now quite successful. I miss going to this black bookstore called Main Street Books, when I first grew hip to black novels. I felt so very excited, like I walked right into heaven, just looking at the books with wide eyes and happy to know that there were a lot of black authors out there that I didn't know about.
   
5. I get tired of reading my own material. When you write books and work on them for months and years, by the time it comes out, your mind is really focused on the NEXT book.
   

Why do some people refuse to believe?

Okay, this is a post that might make some people uncomfortable, but I LOVE these type of topics. If you want to know who I am, read this blog. You see, I attend a wonderful church in Houston, and lately the series topic is called, IN GOD WE TRUST. And the pastor asks, do we really trust in God, or is it something that's just inscribed on dollar bills. Now, the reason why I really want to bring up this topic of believing in God is because I was looking at the news yesterday. And, as usual, a group of atheists are demanding that the government remove the words IN GOD WE TRUST off of our currency. I got mad. Turned off the TV. And pretty much forgot about it. But today, I am thinking, pondering within myself. Why do some people refuse to believe in God? Why do they expend so much energy claiming that He doesn't exist. And that when people pray, they're wasting their time, talking to the air, etc. One part of me feels sorry for unbelievers. And, to me an unbeliever is different from someone who is weak in faith. A weak in faith person believes in God (in general), but maybe they don't practice their faith on a daily basis. God isn't consuming their heart or mind, but they believe in the Higher Power. On the other hand, an atheist is a person that believes in his heart that there is no God. These people are considered FOOLS according to the Bible. Fools is a strong word.

Now, I for one KNOW that God is everything He says He is. For me it is a JOY to know that the very God that created heaven, earth, everything in it, including man, is alive. He talks to me, he answers prayer, he delivers me when I'm in trouble, he comforts me when I feel afraid, etc. It is a real, powerful, life-changing relationship and I love having that. And I wonder, why wouldn't everyone want this? This is sooo cool. It's fun. Because true believers in God have a special relationship; we have awesome benefits that can't be matched by any Fortune 500 company. I mean, I get chills when I realize all the great things we have by trusting in God. (Eg. I will never leave you nor forsake you; casting all your care on Him for he careth for you;I can do exceedingly abundantly above all that you can ask or think; My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory). And it goes on and on and on.

The fact that we can enjoy all these great benefits brings me to this -- some people, atheists, refuse to believe. Why? Because belief means responsibility. It means accountability. In a way, I understand that. No one wants to be accountable these days. We want to do what we want to do, and blame everything else when stuff won't go our way. If we kill someone and it's captured on videotape, we plead Not Guilty. If we lie and claim we are victim of Hurricane Katrina just to get a FEMA check, we say we needed that money. If we fall and slip on a banana outside Wal-Mart, we file a multi-million dollar lawsuit (except people don't realize until later that we planted the alleged banana).

If we are a kid that doesn't something our parents don't like, we lie, or admit we did wrong, but who the heck wants to get a spanking, or be put on a two-week punishment? Very few. So in a way, this is how an atheist thinks. He thinks that if he refuses to believe in God, no matter what, then he won't be accountable. He can live his life however he chooses without consequence. Ha ha. I wish that were so. The laws of God are like this - whether you believe in His existence or not, He is. You can refuse to believe till your brain explores. Nothing changes who God is. Kinda like what goes up, must come down. That's a law. And even if you refuse your best to believe it, it still IS.

I don't know, call me crazy but I think it's much easier to give in and believe in God and find out how awesome He really is, than to spend your entire life doding Him, fighting against Him, just to take your last breath and, well you know the rest. Losing my soul isn't worth it. My soul is too valuable to waste my time hoping that something as critical as believing in God is just a fairy tale.

Now, MTV, that's a fairy tale. People Magazine, the Weather Channel, the Lotto, and all these other things that people put their trust in, those kind of things are nothing, you can't stand on them. They won't save you. Bragging about your $5 million dollar party on South Beach, bragging about how you sold a million books, being proud of the fact that you own 25 buildings in Manhatten (al la Trump), none of that means a thing when you're about to meet your Maker.

I don't know about you but I want to go to heaven when I die. Nothing else is acceptable. LOL. So on this day, for the rest of my life, I choose to believe, I want to believe and even if I do something I shouldn't do (and that will happen), I can let the Lord reprimand me now instead of finding out what the big punishment will be later on down the road.

Think about it.

When it comes to men and women, who should pay what?

Okay,

If you are with a guy, either married or living together, how should the bills be split? Are couples still doing things the old-fashioned way (he pays rent, car notes, major bills); she may buy clothes, groceries, setting money aside for emergencies. What if she makes more money than he does? Does that automatically mean it's her job to foot the majority of the bills? What if both folks want new cars? Do you pay your own car insurance and car notes? Help a sista out...Times is hard. Gas is high. And a loaf of bread don't cost what it used to. LOL.

10 Things You Need to Know About Men

I was casually reading Redbook Magazine tonight and came across an article that cracked me up. Written by a sex columnist named Anka Radakovich, here in a nutshell, are her 10 intriguing discoveries about men. I'm paraphrasing what she says (don't want to take away her credit but you can find the true article in the Oct. 2005 mag).

(I love men, don't understand them, they drive me crazy, and I thought you'd get a kick out of this).

1. Men can't resist the tease - In other words he loves to be visually stimulated through strip teases; one thing can definitely lead to another.
2. Men are big kids and proud of it - No matter how old they get, don't they resort to childish behaviour. Cute, but childish? They like buying toys -- so they can play with them instead of handing the toys over to their children.
3. Men can't help but stare at other women - I guess this is good, if you're a woman that likes to be the center of attention. Being admired by ogling eyes is good for the ego - and yes, married men will stare you down too so don't be shocked. And they probably enjoy being stared at too -- as long as the stare doesn't say "Eww you are so gross." The article states that even male gorillas stare at female gorillas. So staring females down just comes naturally I guess. So if you catch a man staring at you, just say, "Eww you remind me of a gorilla" and watch him give you a blank look.
4. Men would love to cheat - Now I believe this one. Most men want a wife and an affair. Isn't that ideal? They would be willing to cheat more as long as they are guaranteed not to get caught. Well, who wouldn't want this? Surprisingly, some men just won't be interested even if given the perfect opportunity.
5. Men are perverts - Hmm. Pervert. Sexually freaky. Secretly unhibited. FREAKS.
6. Men want us to worship them - Okay, this is true, even if the guy screws up big time, he wants you to think he is a genius. In other words, LIE!
7. Men love oral sex - I guess men want their fairshare of the good times too, huh?
8. Men don't take hints - Now this is the one thing I know for a fact. I don't care how old the man is, what kind of degree he has, has many sisters he has, he is going to be very dumb when it comes to taking a hint. You will get very discouraged if you try to slyly suggest something to a man and expect him to get it. In other words, do yourself a favor-S P E L L it out. Otherwise you are wasting your time and he'll wonder why you have such a rotten attitude. It's maddening but reality. They just don't get it sometimes.
9. Men love their penises - Hmm, maybe this fascination starts when they're toddlers and are discovering different body parts. And I don't care how small the man is, he thinks he has it going on. Sometimes attitude and confidence make up for other shortcomings huh?
10. Men don't get Valentine's Day - most men won't get it. They underestimate the importance of a woman feeling valued through him going out of his way to buy her a card, flowers, box of candy, etc. A man thinks it's silly but a woman takes his gestures as a measure of his thoughtfulness and concern about her. I've seen so many men, with frowns on their faces, scouring the greeting card aisle every Feb. 14th - and he's probably buying a card so he won't have to hear his wife (or girlfriend, or mistresses) mouth.

http://www.redbookmag.com

I'm a Looter, Not a Finder

Okay, which news organization(s) were the first to depict black folk as looters and white folk as finders? And they say that black people are overly sensitive about race issues. I wonder why...?

I Know What It's Like to be Rescued From Water

Some things you never forget. It was a hot summer day in Michigan. A slew of family members, including uncles and cousins, decided to spend the day at the lake. I was four years old. My brother Michael was around 6, and the youngest daughter, Adrienne, was 3. From what I can recall, my parents and the rest of the kin hung out on the beach. Then my Uncle Mike suggested we all go for a boat ride. My dad was the one that stayed behind. At first being in the boat was fun. It was fast, we were moving. But then the movement stopped. My Uncle said the boat was sinking and everyone needed to stand up. I can still remember this. Four years old; one minute you're in a big boat, the next minute you're tossed into a lake. I remember going under, hearing sounds that resembled the beating of a drum, then coming up for air and screaming "Help". My eyes were closed. I was scared. I couldn't swim. But I had on an orange life preserver. It seemed we were in the water for so long, but after a while an elderly white couple rescued us. I was cold and shivering but glad to be out of the water. My mother lost her shoes, glasses and purse; maybe it sunk to the bottom of the lake. Everything was okay until Mom realized someone was missing. "Where's Adrienne?" My 3-year-old sister was the only one we couldn't find. Mom was frantic. My brother last saw her under the boat; apparently when the boat turned over, there was space enough to breath and talk. My brother was with her until he couldn't hold on any longer and he told her, "See you later."

We returned to the beach, wet and wild-looking, so funny looking that my father started laughing at us. His laughter turned to tears once Mom told him we couldn't find his daughter. I can barely remember what happened immediately after that, but at some point, my uncle and some others turned over his capsized boat and that's where they found Adrienne, unconsious but alive. She was rushed to the hospital and her stomach was pumped of the water.

Once we survived that boat accident, our family started attending the neighborhood baptist church. I never did learn to swim; the fear of the water stole that from me. And every now and then I think of that incident, and can still hear the sound of the drum beats.

The children that survived Hurricane Katrina won't ever forget their ordeal either. And even though I can't swim, and I'm not too crazy about boats, I am happy that the Lord saved me that day. And you can best believe the survivors will be happy they were saved too.

What's It Like at the Houston Astrodome

I'll be honest. Life feels very different right now. It feels different when you drive by the Houston Astrodome five days a week to go to work. And inside your mind you are well aware that they are there. The evacuees. The terrified mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers. Kids, so many kids, that fled for their lives from the effects of a hurricane that no one will soon forget. And so...your heart is torn. And you feel numb. And you want to see for yourself. And you say your prayers. And you drive down South Main and make a right turn on McNee street. You slowly drive through the gates of the great Reliant Park, the complex that houses Reliant Stadium (where the Texans play football), Reliant Arena, Reliant Center, and the now famous shelter, the Astrodome. You walk in and you shiver. It looks just like it does on CNN. Yet it doesn't. It feels more real. You smell the water. The after effects of that water that changed so many lives. You see the people. So many black folks. Some walk as if their mind is so far away. You wonder what they are thinking. You want to be friendly and smile, but you don't want to offend anyone. You see so many men. They walk with a swagger; they strut in a way that lets you know they don't want to be there. They are proud. They are strong. They don't want to believe they are displaced, away from their home, maybe disconnected from their families. You can hear it in their voices, you can see it in their eyes. They are hurt. They are mad. Breakfast is being served. Twinkies. Cold cereal. Granola bars. Donuts. Where are the grits? The sausage? I'm from Louisiana. I can't eat this stuff. You nod and laugh. You don't blame them for wanting a hot meal. But they are still thankful, polite. Some want coffee, but there's none to be had. I'm not sure why. The people try to keep up their spirits. If you ask their name, their eyes enlarge, as if they're shocked anyone would care enough to want to know them. Some don't want to talk; they look down, and mumble. But others, they give you a smile, they'll ask how it is to live in Houston. They'll make small talk, but then they move on. To where, I don't know. There are many TV monitors structured throughout the Dome. MTV, the news, all kinds of channels. Some folks are trying to sleep in a facility where the lights never go out. So you see crumpled bodies lying in cots with blankets covering their head. You see a kid now and then (on the 4th floor), but you know most of the kiddies are on the ground level. Just like on TV. You want to tell people to have a nice day, but that sounds so stupid. So meaningless. And you pray for these people. That they won't be there in the Dome for long. You pray that their families will be found. You pray that the peoples' lives will be restored. You pray that they will smile again with genuine joy. You pray this nightmare will soon be over. Because life feels so very different right now.

I've Been Tagged...and I've tagged Tayari, Shelia, Cherlyn, LadyLee and Angela Henry

Shelley Halima tagged me to see what 10 songs I've been listening to. As you can see, Jackson songs rate high in my life. They just make me want to shake my butt and I CANNOT dance at all. My steps rate kinda like the Peanuts gang. ROFL. Also love listening to the Mike Jones crew which is SOOO hot right now in Houston. And I started looking at the Waiting to Exhale movie, which made me want to listen to the soundtrack.

So these are the specific songs I've been listening to:
1. I Want You Back - The Jackson 5
2. ABC - The Jackson 5
3. The Love You Save - Jackson 5
4. Waiting to Exhale (Shoop Shoop) - Whitney Houston
5. Gotta Be - Jagged Edge
6. Butterflies - Michael Jackson
7. Sittin' Sidewayz - Paul Wall
8. Sugar Daddy - Jackson 5
9. Count On Me - Whitney Houston and Cece Winans
10. Truth - Janet Jackson (from the All For You CD)
7:14 AM

CydneyR said...
Oops, I'm supposed to tag some folks and they should post their lists too.
Okay how about:

Tayari Jones
Ladylee
Shelia Goss
Angela Henry
Cherlyn Michaels

The Good Thing About Bad Reviews

I surf the Net a lot and from time to time I come across negative reviews of My Daughter's Boyfriend, a novel which seems to have irked countless numbers of people for many reasons. I really do not read entire reviews anymore (only the good reviews), but here is a link that someone took the time to post. It's an entire blog about my little book.

http://onthenightstand.blogspot.com/2005/06/my-daughters-boyfriend.html#comments

Now, everyone is going to have a different opinion, but one thing about bad reviews is this:

Sometimes, especially when people are very angry in their reviews, well, it only makes others curious and want to know what's going on with that book. An example is Confessions of a Video Vixen. So much anger. So many comments. Scathing reviews. And tons of controversy = book sales. People either shy away from the book or they want to see for themselves what's going on. So, in my opinion, that's a good thing. I want as many people as possible to know about My Daughter's Boyfriend by Cydney Rax. Don't let others scare you out of reading a book for yourself. Form your own opinion.

Also, it cracks me up when people say, "Don't buy this book." Well, all that does is make people buy it. Why? Because they get curious! Why shouldn't I buy it? What's in that book that I'm not supposed to see?... And folks still end up getting the book. It's the equivalent of telling someone not to do something, and that's the very thing that they're going to do. So thanks, seriously, to all the people that post the negative reviews. It can have positive results. And I do appreciate anyone that has heard of my book and read it anyway. I love it when people check the book out from the library. A library book is still a sold book. And when you tell someone to check a book out from the library, it's still an endorsement, right? And the more people that read your book and tell others about it, the more people become aware of you and your book. Not a bad thing.

Soooo, all of this stuff is just part of being an author. I read my contemporaries Amazon and BN.com reviews and so far no one is exempt from negative comments. I mean the million sellers get them. The mainstream, self-pubbed, literary folks, street fic writers, romance writers, all of us. But us authors must keep on keeping on. Everyone will not get what you do, haven't been where you been, or don't understand what you were striving to do with your story at the time you wrote it. It's okay. Write the kind of book you want, the book that makes you feel passionate, and surely there will be folks out there who do enjoy and appreciate what you do. They will tell you the total opposite of what others have said. They will ask when the next book is coming out. They will make you feel good inside with their kind words. And this, my friends, makes everything we endure as an author, worth the journey.

Peace out.

Cydney Rax
Author of that controversial book called MY DAUGHTER'S BOYFRIEND. Get the book and see for yourself what everyone is talking about.

P.S. Other books that get scathing reviews, that people tend to read just because of the reviews are:

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd

And one of my favorites
High Maintenance by Jennifer Belle

People That Give Themselves Credit for Stolen Book Reviews

Okay, check this out. Today I went on the BN.com website to read reviews of The Interruption of Everything. And I started reading the below review and it sounded strangely familiar.


Judith Kaiser, booklover from Santa Barbara, CA, August 12, 2005,
Quick, Fun Read! - Recommended B&N.com Pick!
A steamroller of a novel, The Interruption of Everything builds slowly but picks up the action and unveils an intensifying plot chapter after chapter. The action is so subtle, it's scary, so surprising yet relatable, as it touches on women's issues, family, and friendships. And there are so many characters that do things you've done, that say what you think, and feel the way you feel. What's amazing about this book is how understated it appears -- the calm within the chaos -- that you'll eagerly watch how Marilyn handles the pressures of a life that is spinning out of control. A quick, enjoyable read!
Also recommended: The Losers Club: Complete Restored Edition by Richard Perez, A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby

Lo and behold I realized, hey, this is the review I wrote of the Interruption of Everything back in mid-April. It was and still is posted on the BN.com website.


Cydney Rax (rmn1994@excite.com), author/reviewer, April 20, 2005,
Loved it!
The highly anticipated Interruption of Everything is everything you hope the novel would be and more. We're invited to look inside the busy world of Marilyn Grimes, a middle-aged woman who lives with her husband Leon in Oakland Hills, California. She tries to be patient with her nosey mother-in-law Arthurine, someone who also lives in their home along with her dog Snuffy, an animal that Marilyn doesn't particularly like. Her marriage isn't exactly what it used to be and it isn't hard to entertain second thoughts about whether the relationship is worth the effort. In addition to working part-time in a crafts store, Marilyn is involved in the lives of her family, a mother who's acting a bit bizarre and is experiencing the issues that go along with aging and health. Marilyn's three kids are in college and are making important decisions for themselves. And her mother Lovey, adopted sister Joy plus her two kids, are other family members with pressing matters that require attention. And Marilyn can't help herself - she is too concerned about them to not be bothered, but is it okay to pull yourself away from everyone else's worries and start thinking about what you want to do with your own bored and lonely existence? A steamroller of a novel, The Interruption of Everything builds slowly but picks up the action and unveils an intensifying plot chapter after chapter. The action is so subtle, it's scary, so surprising yet relatable, as it touches on women, family, and friendship. And there are so many characters that do things you've done, that say what you think, and feel the way you feel. What's amazing about this book is how understated it appears -- the calm within the chaos -- that you'll eagerly watch how Marilyn handles the pressures of a life that is spinning out of control. A richly drawn story filled with thought-provoking scenes, the character Marilyn makes you laugh at things you know you shouldn't laugh at, but what the heck, it's funny, and it's real, and it's true. So go ahead and laugh. Embrace the warmth and sensitivity of the Interruption of Everything, a treasure of a novel that is highly recommended.

I just don't understand this. Did Judith feel EXACTLY like I did about the book? LOL. Is she lazy? :) And see, this has happened to me before. Years ago I posted a review of Milk In My Coffee by Eric Dickey on Amazon.com. Well, I visited another website and lo and behold, some chick changed a few words around of my review, posted it on that site, and gave herself credit. I wrote the guy that manages the site and he killed her review career quick, fast, and in a hurry. LOL. I just wonder why people cannot write their own genuine thoughts about a book they've read as opposed to taking someone else's words.

Now mind you there are definitely way more important things going on in the world than this, but still -- my Sunday was kinda quiet and boring 'til I came across Judith's review.

P.S. BN.com has received a nice little notice from me about the matter. We shall see what happens next.

The Remedy for Infatuations with Famous Authors

Hmmm, gotta be careful with this post. I recently returned from a national literary event. Down South. Lots of well-known authors. Terrific hotel, tasty meals, tons of readers, etc. Loved the conference. Very well done, probably one of the best in the country. Everytime I go somewhere I want to return home making sure I learned something. And boy did I learn. Some lessons are hard ones. They are painful, difficult to digest, nevertheless those lessons turn out to be needed, and good for me.

No more being overly impressed with famous authors. I came across some of the country's finest writers. And that is always a thrill, right? But no matter what you hear about someone, once you encounter him or her personally, and you have a not-so-thrilling experience, from that point on, you will remember him for what he did to you, how he treated you, what he said, and certainly not from what everyone else says. So,with this particular author, I've learned this -- if you are at a literary event, and a reader comes up to you with their book asking you to sign it, lay off the excuses, don't make those 'i'm busy right now' faces, and take the 10 seconds it requires to sign your name and be on about your business. Now, I am new at this stuff (author stuff, that is), and from what I understand, if you go to a literary event, you should expect to see readers, and if readers are there, guess what? They are probably going to request a photo, or autograph, or something. And unfortunately, even if you ain't in the mood, you have to acquiese. You gotta. When people encounter famous folk, whether or not the experience is good or bad, folks gonna tell others about it. If you mess up, you've MESSED UP. And that reader will never buy your books, read your books, endorse your books, recommend your books ever ever ever again. Prevent this vicious cycle by smiling for a photo, signing your name, promoting good will. I am 100 percent unimpressed by authors who go out of their way to do something nice for other famous people. That means nada. Impress me by doing something nice for someone that doesn't have a name. Do something for someone that isn't in a position to do something for you. Do something nice, and don't tell anyone you've done it. Keep it a secret. Otherwise the motives will be questioned and that ruins everything.

I also learned that fame is something people have only in very small circles. So they might seem huge in the black literary world, but send their butts to China and see if anyone cares or knows who they are. If you are unable to walk through an airport because EVERYONE you encounter is trying to stop you, then you are famous. If you can walk through an airport and some people don't recognize you, then you ain't that famous. Get over yourself. Stop tripping just coz you demand that your publisher get you a limo so you can go to the airport and get dropped back off at your crib. We gotta stop thinking we're soooo important because we wrote a book. LOL.

I enjoyed Terry McMillan this weekend because as famous as she is, she said she doesn't go around thinking, "I'm a bestselling author" blah, blah, blah. I love that she thinks that way. That she learns to balance things. Not that she's perfect, but she understands life is more than just how many books are being sold, and how many bestseller lists you've managed to crack.

I also learned that putting authors on a pedestal is a mistake, because once you have a bad encounter with one of them, you never look at that person the same. The bright light you used to see becomes a little bit dim. You put their books on the bottom of your reading pile, or you sell those suckers on half.com for 50 cents, just to unload them. Maybe we shouldn't be in awe of people the way we do; if we didn't the lessons we end up learning wouldn't be so hard, painful, difficult to digest, even if the lessons are needed.

ALSO, for the record, I am referring to a guy author that I encountered...

When Sunday used to be Sunday

I've noticed something lately.
Disturbing trends that have impacted our lives, our country, probably within the past five to ten years.
Remember when Sunday used to be special. It was the Holy Day. It was so different that you knew it was Sunday because it felt different, it looked different, it was one day set aside for the Lord.
Years ago the only thing we did on Sunday was go to church. There was Sunday School, eleven o'clock service, then probably a one o'clock, four o'clock, then an evening service. We didn't play cards, didn't listen to secular music. In Toronto, malls would be shut down, and no liquor sold (I'm not sure if that's still true for Toronto but it isn't true in Houston).
People would dress up to go to church. Church would come first.
Fast forward to now. Where in American can anyone attend Sunday School? Now people go to church on Saturday nights or Wednesday nights? Why? Because churches have decided to work around the lives of the people, instead of the people rearranging their lives for the Lord. It's like God now serves us; we don't serve him anymore, at least not the way that he has declared. Recently I heard someone say if you tried to keep people in church past two hours, or all days like we used to do in the past, the preacher may find himself by himself. Even the pastor's wife might not be there. Why? We got thangs to do. We gotta wash our car; get our hair and nails done. Mow the lawn. Eat a fancy dinner. Go to a baby shower. Ride out to the beach and catch some rays of the sun. We have to do anything and everything that has NOTHING to do with God. It's scary. It's like we've fallen asleep. These little selfish habits have slipped upon us so subtly that we barely notice how bad things have become. And I am in the guilty party. I am, I am. I can't believe it sometimes. It's a me-me-me generation. Everything is about what we got to do. And I wonder what God thinks about all of this. Actually, I'm SCARED to know what he thinks.

Am I the only one who has noticed these things? Are we all asleep? Are there any faithful few remaining that really know how to remember the Sabbath to keep it holy. Or does holy have a new definition now that we're in a new millenium?

The First Month

The First Month (originally posted on July 14, 2004)

http://www.book-remarks.com/Cydney_Rax.htm





About six weeks have passed since My Daughter's Boyfriend was released. Here are my thoughts, things that have been surprising, what has been pleasing, etc.

The Good Stuff

I think overwhelmingly, the best thing has to be how well My Daughter's Boyfriend has been received. Through a little investigating, I could see that the book is SELLING. People are ordering it, it's in their radar, it's showing up on various bestseller lists (I love that part). Now mind you, it hasn't hit anything like the New York Times, but I am a firm believer that my novels will position themselves on all of these national charts one days. You just gotta have faith and know that if other authors are able to achieve a certain level of success, so can you. I've always believed, but when certain things began to happen, you're still amazed. Happy, in awe, grateful, yet amazed.

The book is in heavy circulation in libraries from the north to the south, east to the west. I think that's important. My goal is for my books to be known and read throughout the world. It's gonna come to pass. And I am grateful for a legion of angels out there, supporters (friends) who call and email to let me know what is happening. I cannot emphasize how important it is to know these things. Stuff like, "I saw someone at a bookstore, and they were buying several books and yours was on top." (Thanks Brian). And people will tell me they know folks that are reading the book and are saying good things, etc. This is the wonderful, terrific, makes me feel good kind of stuff.

BUT THEN AGAIN...

Not every reader likes my book and I have come across a few reviews that indicate that. I am just happy they:

(1) Heard of the book
(2) Bought the book
(3) Finished the book
(4) Posted a review of the book, even if they don't like it
(5) The book stirred all kinds of wild emotions in them - enough for them to even write down their thoughts about something I wrote.

Of course, I love it when someone gets what I do, enjoys and values it. Nothing better than that. But you'll get the other side as well. No problemo. Keep moving on. Life doesn't end. I am not the product of what anyone thinks about me, good or bad. I believe it's what God thinks about you that counts, ultimately, so he is my strength. That's about it.

I've cyber chatted enough for now. And I'm about to go back to sleep...

Thanks to My Supporters

Originally posted on Monday, August 16, 2004

Thank you to my supporters
http://www.booksbycydney.com/index.html



Being an author is partially everything and nothing you imagine it to be. Maybe that's a good thing - because I learn something new probably every other day. Right now, I just want to give a mega shout out to all the folks that have:

1-Bought My Daughter's Boyfriend
2-Read the book
3-Loved the book
4-Told someone else about the book
5-Ordered the book for their bookstore
6-Selected MDB as a book club pick
7-Borrowed it from the library
8-Anything else that suggests support of me and my debut novel I really do enjoy this part, the good news, the sales rankings, knowing that people are reading my book in Australia, London, and British Columbia, and I adore the bestseller status (I don't care which list it hits, THANK YOU, for making it happen).

And thanks for the supportive e-mails, phone calls, etc., those things that stir up the joy inside my heart. Did I tell you that I LOVE GOOD NEWS! :) I do!

Peace & love,
Cydney Rax

War of the Worlds...and movie theater security

Tonight I went to a premiere for the new Tom Cruise movie War of the Worlds. Needless to say, there's been so much hype about this film it was easy to be excited and I knew I'd be in for a great time. And everything was great...until we got in the theater and were informed that purses and cell phones weren't allowed. Although this was mentioned on the movie pass, I hoped they were joking. They weren't. They were serious. So I had my son take my purse and all that back to the car. I won't lie. I wasn't very happy and horrible thoughts ran through my mind while we were waiting in line. Once the line started moving, I felt happy again...until these uniformed security folks started scanning us. I am not lying, even airport security at Bush Intercontinental wasn't this tight. They scanned my five-dollar Wal-Mart umbrella. It was a trip. And folks in the audience were laughing and marveling over all these security measures -- just to view a Spielberg flick.

But, I must say, WOO, that movie was sooooooooooooooooooo good. I'd say give the movie a good 10 or 15 minutes, then it's on. Very intense. You cannot watch War of the Worlds and sit still. You will flinch. You'll make noises. You'll close your eyes. You may even scream. I loved it! The sound editing was wonderful, and the special effects top-notch. It is definitely an entertaining experience that will make you thing. I believe anyone over the age of 9 will really enjoy this movie. But little kids beware - some of the images may give you nasty little nightmares.

Just imagine all the different action packed alien, disaster films that have been out the past 10 years or so...War of the Worlds seems like a combination of those movies rolled into one. I would name the films but don't want to spoil it for you. Soooo, yes, go see the movie this weekend (July 1st). It is worth the price of the ticket. And maybe even worth the aggravation of being scanned and treated like...Okay I won't say what it felt like...as long as the movie is EXCELLENT, they can scan us anytime.

Michael Jackson, Fame and the Loyalty Factor

First of all, I am a huge fan of Michael Jackson's music, from the good ole times of the J5 (I'll Be There, ABC, Dancing Machine, and every hit or non-hit in between). I loved MJ during the Thriller days, was amazed by all the hysteria and the fact that from 1983 to 1984 or a little thereafter, I noticed Michael Jackson was in the news every single day, without fail, which is incredible.

Fast forward to the trail. There are many aspects of this case which could elicit some comment or another, but for this post, I want to focus on how incredibly disloyal some people have been to MJ. From former associates, ex-employees, maids, housekeepers, it seems just about everyone that had some type of special shoulder-rubbing with MJ has come out to kiss and tell, and tell, and tell. It seems money can buy a lot of things but loyalty hasn't been one of those things. Is it because MJ is supposedly broke now, so the folks feel they can ask for a pay0ff by Mike? Or have they already been paid, even after they've signed these confidentiality agreements, which is a requirement to be employed by Michael. If you work for him, do not go to the press and tell them what you've seen while at Neverland. You sign a piece of paper swearing you won't divulge what went on. But that paper, those signatures, mean virtually nothing now that Michael is on the trial of his life. I mean, regardless of him being what 50 something and still playing with little kids, I would hate it if my so-called friends came out and willingly testified against me. It would hurt so bad I would be depressed. I would feel as if all the air is gone from my body. I would feel dead inside. I would be so angry, so wounded. And the way Mike looks these days, it seems like this may be how he feels inside. Let's say alot of the people are lying, they are disgruntled employees, or people who wanted to be around him for selfish motives but he kicked them to the curb. Well, those people want to get him back. They want to show him he isn't so powerful after all. They betray him, they testify for the defense, they give misleading statements, half-truths, just to make Michael look bad. Regardless of their motives, it's outright betrayal. It's airing the dirty laundry. It's kissing and telling and telling and telling. It's sticking a knife right inside Michael's eyeballs. I don't think any of us would want to look up and realize our family, friends, ex-friends, whomever, would hate us so bad that they want to take us out - take the life out of us, by testifying against us. And I think it's the fame factor. Because Michael is so famous, and so greatly pursued by the press, people are just eager to give folks what they want, for a little bit of cash of course. They feel proud of the former association, happy they have enough info on Mike that they can write books (as Bob Jones, one of his former associates is doing thru his book that's being released in May 2005). It makes you feel that everything you do and say is being recorded, remembered, archived, just so those things can make a grand appearance one day. When you least want it to, when you're at the height of your fame, and when those disclosures can do the most damage. I feel for Michael in terms of the disloyalty factor; and would never want to be in shoes when it comes to that. Not that he has a right to commit wrongs; all that remains to be scene via the upcoming verdict, but geesh, what does it cost for his associates to remain loyal. If not confidentiality agreements, money, what will it take??

Anything that man can do, I cannot do

Okay, this one may make some females a little miffed, but I have a confession. (These are my confessions). I believe in female's being strong, independent, and whatnot, but guess what? There are some things that females just can't do. At least it's what I'm beginning to find out. E.g., when you're at home and you are making a tuna fish sammich and you need some mayonnaise. You open the refrigerator, you are strong enough to remove the jar of mayo from the fridge. But what if you aren't strong enough to twist the cap off? And what if it doesn't always occur to you to pop the side of the cap with a butter knife, or to put the whole jar under some warm running tap water to loosen it up. Sometimes it's just easier to hand it over to a man, "Here, open this." Pop, boom, it's open, problem solved. LOL.

Another e.g., I drive an SUV and this afternoon this bad-boy humiliated me. I was low on gas, and especially because gas prices are getting lower, it's like let me go and fill up the tank. Well, I get out the car, swipe the credit card, go to remove the gas cap, and it won't budge. I twist it. I turn it. I pray. I speak in tongues. I say Abracadabra. Still won't come off. Meanwhile folks are waiting for me to hurry up and get out Lane 2 so they can get their own gas. I have a stupid look on my face. The credit card swipe is no longer any good because I've waited to long to pump. And folks are looking at me like I'm nuts.

This one lady with a car full of kids yells at me to move my car. I yell back a quick, "NO". LOL. Didn't want to get out the line just to get back in line. For some reason, even though people saw me struggling to remove the gas car, no one offered to help a sista out. My face was burning with shame. I was wondering if I could trade my car in after I got some gas. And to make matters worse, this dude drives near in a huge burgundy truck, smiling, saying hey, and waving gold chains at me.

LOL. Dang!

Anyway, long story short, the cap finally got off (and not via my weak wrists).

And I drive away knowing that as strong as women are, there are going to be some things they just cannot do. Maybe I should start lifting weights or something...maybe I should ride a bicycle from now. (NOT). Maybe I should practice twisting that cap til I hear a little snap sound, and then realize that, "Hey, I can twist off a gas cap doggonit."

Just thought I'd share that for all the feminists out here. ROFL.

You are not the world

It burns me up when people think that just because they wouldn't make a certain decision, then nobody else would. For e.g., as most of you know my first book (My Daughter's Boyfriend) is about a mother that has an affair with her daughter's boyfriend. And many readers, rightly so, were appalled that a young mom could betray her daughter by stepping out with her man. Yes, it is disgusting, but guess what? It happens. You may not personally consider such a betrayal, but it doesn't mean that other women won't.

There are many things that other people do that I won't do (get high on drugs, drink alcohol, hang out at the club, have sex in public places, strip, and lots more), but it doesn't mean other people don't do these things. We know this. It's elementary! It's all around us! And this is why sometimes I get very heated when people doubt my stories.

I tend to write about taboo issues, at least that's how it is for the first two books. Taboo means it's a secret, it's not something you're going around telling everyone, it's frowned upon, it's consider yucky, trifling, all the above. But people listen to me -- folks are out here every single day doing some wild things. Do you watch CNN? Read USA Today? Skim through your own local newspaper? Things are going totally nutso in society. Morality is almost non-existent. People commit acts without thinking them through, without considering the consequences. And this happens regardless of race, gender, educational, socialogical, or economic background.

For some odd reason, I discover that the things that I write about end up being an article in some magazine. I'll read real-life scenarios about my fictional books. Or, I'll go to my son's barber shop, and they always have juicy, mind-blowing, no-she-did-not, type of stuff that they're talking about. Things you'd never imagine. And after I get over the shock about who's doing what, I nod my head in agreement. And right then I am convinced that plenty of people are always willing to do what someone else is not. From putting their kids in an oven, to selling their kids for crack, to sleeping with youngsters, to raping 6-week old babies, to knowing that your husband is a tranvestite, and you still love him and want to stay with him, to a man having an affair with another woman, then he moves the woman in his house that he shares with his wife, so that the lady can have sex with his wife too.

All of these things are happening people. So, next time you read my book(s), please don't doubt. Please don't have that attitude, "Hmm, Cydney Rax wrote this improbable junk. I guess this could happen." Ain't no guessing to it. IT IS HAPPENING? Why? Because you are not the world. The world goes way beyond our own morals and thought processes, our personal interests, and temptations. I think everyone has the potential to be drawn into doing things that no one would think they'd do. We all have some little dark secret that only us and God knows about. It's just that some folks are more willing to share their secrets than others, and it proves that everyone's different, and are guided by different motivations. Think about it!! Because as hard as it is to believe, as painful as it is to imagine, it is da truth!!

Reading what people say about you on the Internet

If you are an author, you might be able to relate...do you ever Google your name, or your book title? And if you do, have you came across comments that people post about either you or your book? Yesterday, I did a search on my name in Yahoogroups and found out two book clubs had recently selected MY DAUGHTER'S BOYFRIEND as their book of the month. Yippee, yeah. That's lovely. But a little nagging voice sometimes urges me to look and see what people are saying. Sometimes Yahoogroups has public archives, so anyone and everyone can take a peek, see what's going on in these groups. I'll admit I am not brave enough to really go browsing around trying to see what folks are saying. Since becoming an author almost a year ago, I will admit it is weird to see reviews or other comments on the Internet about yourself. People say and think the most outrageous things. Sometimes you disagree with the person; like someone in England said I set back African American literature by 20 years. I was like, Oh really. Why 20 years? Why not 15? or 25? Oh even 100? It is maddening because even if you wanted to, you can't really find these people and give them a piece of your mind. You just have to take it. When you're in the public eye, you learn how to let people think whatever they think. Doesn't mean that it's true. It doesn't mean they are accurate. It just means they are expressing what they think on the limited amount of info that they have on you. We all do it. I love to talk about celebrities and I can't say I really know any...I just have thoughts about them. So we move on. We keep breathing. Because as sure as someone is out there saying whatever they feel like saying about me, I am somewhere looking at a movie, listening to a song on the radio, and thinking whatever I might be thinking about them. Ain't that a blip???

I love music...lots of different music

Actually I wanted to post something to this blog but nothing major came to mind. So I looked up at this window sill sitting before me, and that's where some CD jewel cases are resting. So -- bingo - music. That's always a fun thing to talk about.

Right now my eyes are resting on some of the following that's in my collection:

Ginuwine - The Life


Brian McKnight - Superhero

The Jacksons Live

Toni Braxton - More Than A Woman
This was an underrated but awesome CD. With songs produced by her hubby (whatchamacallit), I think her vocals and the melodies are outstanding. But I think this CD, like many other Arista albums, got lost somewhere in the shuffle.

Jagged Edge - Hard

Saturday Night Fever - The Original Movie Soundtrack

Michael Jackson - Off the Wall
Tee C. Royal, founder of RAWSISTAZ, gave this to me recently for my birthday. This has to be Michael's best album. I love Don't Stop Til You Get Enough. It's so good, it's spooky.

The Diary of Alicia Keys
Now you know this sista can sing. She's talented, beautiful. But do you know some people still say bad things about her. I just don't get it. If you can't recognize that Alicia has skills, you are a true hater. It doesn't make any sense...

TLC Fanmail

Will Smith - Big Willie Style
Remember Jamie Foxx is on here, talking crazy, long before he blew up. I'm really happy for Jamie though. I like the fact that he won an Oscar for Ray, but also has Booty Call on his resume. It's like that, isn't it? We have to start somewhere to get somewhere. And if we have to do Booty Call, doggonit, so be it. Very few superstars start out at the top, with choice roles, etc. So it's good to see Jamie graduate to more prominent roles, and it shows your past surely can't always predict your future. Who woulda guessed...?

Whitney Houston - The Greatest Hits
I'm kinda pissed because this CD comes with two disks. I can only find one. The one I don't want to listen to. The one with the disco version of fast songs. I prefer the slow stuff. I Will Always Love You, You Give Good Love, that kinda stuff...

Monica - The Boy Is Mine
Remember they used to play that song to death in 1999? I thought I'd go nuts. But it was a catchy little song at the time.

Mariah Carey - Charmbracelet
I don't care what anyone says, this CD rocks. There are so many excellent songs on here. But it got buried under bad publicity I guess. But I love Mariah. I love most underdogs. I like people that have a fighting spirit. Folks that defy the odds, that show us what they've got no matter how bad the critics pounce on them. Give me a survivor any day. These people are my inspiration.

The Minnie Riperton Collection
I feel sad everytime I think about this woman...dang.

Fred Hammond - Speak Those Things
Years ago, I used to review music mostly performed by gospel artists. And Fred Hammond was one of the artists that I got a chance to talk to and interview regarding his CD The Spirit of David. I was very intimidated by him -- at first. He seemed so serious. But once the conversation turned to the Lord, he warmed up a lot. I think Fred Hammond is a gift to the body of Christ. And he grew up in the same city as me, Detroit, so that makes him extra special. Detroit really knows how to pump out talented folks...

Brandy - Full Moon

Britney Spears - In the Zone (I really wish people would leave this lady alone and let her live her life).

Brian McKnight - Superhero

Paula Abdul - Greatest Hits (your eyes aren't deceiving you). I LOVED Paula back when her first 2 albums were smoking. She had mad dancing skills and I just feel she's a talented lady. I hope Corey Clark gets whatever he deserves for doing what he's done to her...

Maxwell - Now

Jennifer Lopez - This Is Me...Then
I really wish she hadn't done the Dear Ben song. That was a mistake. Anything but Dear Ben. But a lot of the other songs on the CD are truly kewl.

Ruben Studdard - Soulful

The Essential Luther Vandross

Tyrese - Only thing I can say about him is he puts on a good show in concert. And he crossed my path one day a few years ago. He was walking thru the hallway of a Foley's department store on his way to perform on a little stage set up in the men's department. I was passing thru the hallway as he and his entourage was coming. He was smiling, very friendly-like.

Stevie Wonder - Music of My Mind

The Preacher's Wife - Soundtrack
Whitney, Whitney, Whitney. I am convinced her voice is a gift; it's so pure, so untouchable. The song I Love the Lord gives me chills. And Who Would Imagine A King makes me think about Jesus Christ, the baby, and it makes me want to cry.

Commissioned - A Collection
Another talented gospel group that does the revolving-door-member thing. Oh well, at least they all can sing good.

Brandy - Afrodisiac
Another one that fell under the radar, but it is sooooooooooooo good. Probably about the best CD she's recorded. I've always wanted to see her in concert too. Maybe one day.

Toni Braxton - Secrets

Toni Braxton - The Heat
Toni is soo talented. I remember she blew the industry a way when she first came on the scene. I miss her.

Usher - Confessions
He deserved every single award he got in 2004 and 2005.

Now, this is just a few of the CD's sitting on the window sill. I am not inclined to go thru the entire collection. But these sample titles may give you an idea of what kind of music I like. I love gospel, pop, R&B, a little bit of hip-hop, mood music, sad songs, happy songs, songs that have a thumping base, songs with strong lyrics, songs that make you want to dance (even if you can't dance, like me), songs that make you reminisce about that long lost love who broke your heart and kept on stepping as if you don't exist and he just don't care...

Gulp! Okay, time to go.
:-)

That's what music does to you. Even music that you can't hear with your words, but only within your mind.

Enjoying my mini-break

Okay, as a new author I love it when I'm kinda sorta done doing something (like rewrites). I always claim that there's going to be a nice l o n g break in between writing. I want to do normal stuff like watch television (The Surreal Life, or The Apprentice, America's Next Top Model, or Making the Band 3). I want to step away from being seduced by the characters that come to me. Leave me alone, just for a little while, okay? So I say I'll just chill, read some books, and not write at all for maybe a month. But alas, a month long break has never happened. Ideas, titles, characters appear to me probably every few days. No lie. I love it. Yet...it's a twisted thing. You have to pay attention to the creativity or else it may leave you and never return. So, even if you aren't in the mood, as a writer, you gotta give in. You gotta jot down ideas, titles, sayings, dialogue, things that make you laugh, that make you think. So, during the month of April, this is what I've been doing.

BUT, the best thing is getting to read a lot of WONDERFUL novels. I mean some really riveting, juicy, engaging books that make me happy to be a reader.

Books like - Can't Get Enough by Connie Briscoe. It's like a fun soap opera with characters doing all kinds of naughty things.

Groove by Geneva Holliday. Another book with outrageous characters.

Interruption of Everything by Terry McMillan. I laughed. I was amazed. I was in awe. I wish I could do what Terry does. She has the IT factor. She's just good at doing those Terry McMillanesque books. Mmmm mmmmmmmmmm.

Other than that, I have been thanking God. With so much tragedy going on in the world, unbelievable, unnecessary, brutal, and heart-wrenching drama that happens to every day people, I get happy about little things.

Driving to my day job, coming back home every single day. That is a huge blessing.
Food to eat, clothes to wear, countless pairs of shoes to slide my feet into, laughing with friends, BREATHING. I hate to complain, don't like being around complainers. I like counting the blessings. Like my mom says, "We have nothing to complain about." We really don't.

So I hope you also are enjoying life, the simplicity of life, even if you have to go thru hell now and again. Take time to enjoy life, to allow joy to come inside your heart, watch little kids doing naughty things, they are a riot and can usually bring a smile to our face. I like simple stuff, boring stuff; to me those are the true essence of a good life.

So, until I have to get back into the real writing groove, this is life right now. Very simple, very enjoyable, very blessed.

Take care,
Cydney Rax

March Madness

It's been a while since the first post was created for The Rax Files, but now is a good time to post. First of all, I am thrilled because the first round of rewrites are complete for the next novel MY HUSBAND'S GIRLFRIEND. I'll keep you posted on the happenings regarding this book and its release. All I can say is I really like this book; the characters are unforgettable. You're going to want to choke their necks just like some of you felt about Tracey Davenport from MY DAUGHTER'S BOYFRIEND. It's just a sexy, thought-provoking novel that explores many facets of an unusual marital relationship. I so hope you guys (and ladies) enjoy this novel.

In addition, I am very excited about the few appearances I'll be making in 2005.

Here is the 2005 Cydney Rax Tour Schedule:

June 2-6, 2005
Book Expo America
Jacob Javits Convention Center
655 West 34th
New York, NY
http://www.bookexpoamerica.com

Actually this conference is getting really strict in that you're supposed to be an industry professional in order to attend. You just can't walk off the street, pay the fee, and roll up in the joint. You gotta be either a librarian, a bookseller, an author, something that has to do with the industry. I have been to several Book Expos so far and they are lots of fun, if not exhausting due to all the walking around those huge convention centers. You learn a lot about the industry, you meet many fine authors, and you just have some good ole fun.


June 10-12, 2005
AmiGal Literary Retreat for WomenCamp Mariah on Sharp Reservation
Fishkill, NY
Authors include: Gloria Mallette, RM Johnson, Karen Siplin, Martha Southgate, Eric Pete, Victor McGlothin, and many more
Click here for more info

This will be interesting. Going and hanging out in the woods with nature. I don't do that very often but from what I hear, this AmiGals event is off the chain.

August 5-7, 2005
National Book Club Conference
Intercontinental Atlanta Buckhead Hotel
3315 Peachtree Road, NE
Atlanta, GA 30326
Authors include: Jamise Dames, Trisha R. Thomas, Kimberla Lawson Roby, Laurinda Brown, Sheila Williams, Zane, Mary Monroe, Mary B. Morrison, Walter Mosley, Travis Hunter, J. California Cooper, and many more
Click here for the conference website

I've heard nothing but good things about the National Book Club Conference, headed up by author Curtis Bunn. They have such a wonderful line-up of authors, that it's overwhelming. I look forward to this event too. Atlanta is always a lot of fun and I'll get to meet some folks that I've met via email but haven't seen yet in person.

Hope to see some of you on the road this year....

Other than that I'm trying to count my blessings. I want to continue writing book after book and just building upon what's already been established thus far in my career. Again, I must say thank you to all the wonderful, awesome, marvelous, encouraging supporters. You are the best!!

Cydney Rax

A Dream Come True

You have to relish good fortunes and good news when you get it, and this week has been great in regards to My Daughter's Boyfriend. I got my first major exposure thru a Black Expressions ad that appeared in Sister 2 Sister's Feb. issue (with Ludacris on the cover). So that was exciting.



And Karibu bookstore posted their list of the 2004 Top 20 Bestsellers for fiction and non-fiction. Well, check out the list for hardcover fiction:



1. Zane - Skyscraper (no surprise there. Zane is like an icon, with a huge following).
2. Drive Me Crazy by Eric Jerome Dickey (also predictable, this guy has a big following as well).
3. Some People, Some Other Place by J. California Cooper (she made the list even though her book came out in the Fall, very impressive).
4. Nervous by Zane (this is the 2nd of 4 total books that make the list - enough said).
5. Too Much of a Good Thing by Kimberla Lawson Roby (she is an established author whose books are crossing over).
6. Behind Those Eyes by T.P. Carter (all I wanna know is the author a guy or a girl?)
7. Gotham Diaries by Tonya Lewis Lee and Crystal McCrary (already celebrites in a way, and they received major media coverage for writing a chick lit book for AA's).
8. Player Haters by Carl Weber (he's another rising star, established, with a solid following).
9. Bling by Erica Kennedy (big media coverage, TV, newspaper, big advance, enough said). Great book too!
10. Somebody's Gotta Be On Top by Mary B. Morrison (now she's someone you should look out for. I have to give Mary her props because her audience keeps growing).
11. Little Scarlet by Walter Mosley (established, prolific author - no surprise).
12. My Daughter's Boyfriend by Cydney Rax (Little Cydney Rax makes the list. Debut novel. Unknown author, not related to any celebrities, no huge advance, no great media coverage, but I believe the power of the Internet and the word of mouth helped the book to make the list. People either love or hate my book which tends to drive the sales. Plus God is good. :) (enough said).
13. God Still Don't Like Ugly by Mary Monroe (powerful statement to see that this book is still selling like fried chicken wings from Frenchy's).
14. Afterburn by Zane (very impressive because the book just came out like, what, a few weeks ago? she's smoking).
15. The Darkest Child by Delores Phillips (another debut novelist who wrote a critically acclaimed book. glad to see this one make the list because it's a well-written novel).
16. Ride or Die by Solomon Jones (this is a little surprising because, well, it's not the typical drama type stuff which tends to be popular).
17. Naughty or Nice (see no. 2).
18. Second Sunday by Michele Andrea Bowen (another bestseller that won't go away).
19. Red Light Wives by Mary Monroe (Mary has 2 on the list, very impressive indeed).
20. Gettin' Buck Wild by Zane (her 4th book - she has to be carrying the money bags to the bank with both hands)...



So you see, the few books that make this list are something else; there were soooooooooo many books released in 2004 I can't name them all. But it feels very good to be included, and thanks to all of you that helped to make this happen. It is truly a dream come true.



Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Cydney Rax