National bestselling author Tia McCollors secured her spot in the publishing industry with the release of her debut novel and the Essence bestseller, A Heart of Devotion, followed by her second release, Zora’s Cry. She continues to pen inspirational works and is also writing a series of children’s early reader chapter books targeted towards girls, ages 7-9. After leaving a 10-year career in the corporate arena as a public relations professional, Tia is emerging as a steadfast author of faith-based novels.* Tia is a North Carolina native and an active member of ACFW. Her next book, The Truth About Love, is due on shelves March 2008.Here are the comments Tia left on the Fiction Reader's Survey on LLHargrove.com. Thanks, Tia.
(If you take the survey please visit your email box afterward for an important message.)
"As an author, I usually hear about Christian African American fiction releases through the author of the releases (via an email or their monthly newsletter), or from other fellow authors as we promote each others works.
Unfortunately, I've rarely seen my books on the shelves of CBA outlet bookstores. When I've asked the bookstore managers about it, they suggest that I have readers come in the store and order it. Most of the time, that's not an option since a reader usually wants to purchase and read a book immediately. The only time I've seen my books at a CBA outlet store is when I arranged for a book signing there.
I've been told several times by CBA stores that they don't have the "demand" for Af-Am Christian fiction. But I say, if the supply and visibility of the books on the shelves would increase, so would the demand!"
*[From TiaMcCollors.com]
NOTE: CBA stands for Christian Booksellers Association
Hi. My name is Linda Hargrove. I'm a North Carolina native. I write (fiction mostly), I 
In 1996 I started writing my first novel,
2 comments:
I just don't understand. I so enjoy good Christian fiction. It doesn't matter to me what race the author is. Forgive me if I'm naive, but if we're worshiping the same God and Lord and believe the Bible as absolute truth, what does it matter?
Thanks for writing. As a Christian and an adoptive mom, I appreciate your insights.
Hi, Carey. Thanks for dropping by and commenting. You make a very good (and true) point: we are worshiping the same God and Lord and believe the Bible to be absolute truth.
Each of us, as believers, are also called to a ministry of reconciliation marked with a distinct oneness and love for each other. That love and oneness is not to only be a mental ascent but strong intentional peculiar actions that draw men to Christ (what I call John 17 oneness). A oneness that makes people say, 'wow, that's differnt. That's Christian.' That's oneness not separation or exclusion. That's the mighty calling on all our lives.
As Tia McCollors points out, many bookstores that carry CBA published fiction appear to carry only fiction that may likely appeal to a white audience. Unless requested to do otherwise, that is. Is that oneness or exclusion? It may not be intentionally done but from the outside looking in, that is what it appears to be.
Post a Comment