LaConnie Taylor-Jones

FOUNDER SPOTLIGHT

Marguerite Young Alexander - Born in Illinois, Marquerite Alexander was a French and Spanish correspondent and a constant supporter of Alpha Chapter’s activities and projects. She, along with Osceola Adams went on to co-found a chapter in Chicago, Illinois.

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Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a private, non-profit organization whose purpose is to provide assistance and support through established programs in local communities throughout the world. A sisterhood of more than 200,000 predominately Black college educated women, the Sorority currently has over 900 chapters located in the United States, England, Japan (Tokyo and Okinawa), Germany, the Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Republic of Korea. The major programs of the sorority are based upon the organization’s Five Point Programmatic Thrust:

• Economic Development
• Educational Development
• International Awareness and Involvement
• Physical and Mental Health
• Political Awareness and Involvement

Did you know that Delta Sigma Theta has provided assistance to address the challenges faced by African American communities in the United States and internationally?

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A change had to come!

The year was 1912. Twenty-two undaunted souls stood strong, ignoring the two uncontrollable strikes against them—gender and race, and forged towards the horizon of reform. The actions of these Black college-educated women had nothing to do with honor or prestige. Yet, it had everything to do with the transformation of women in the 20th century towards the platform of social activism and public service. Little did they realize then, but their courage and unyielding faith, on the doorsteps of Howard University on January 13, 1913 would birth a renaissance. Almost ninety-seven years later, their unselfish act for change has weaved its way into the hearts and souls of over 200,000 women from around the world who proudly call themselves Deltas and has opened the doors for countless others. Eventually, it will seep deep, like marrow in the bone to future generations.

What is change? It is fundamentally, and by far, the most difficult aspect for humans to accept in life. Why? The wall of familiarity is torn down. The rock solid foundation of comfort shatters like a pane of glass. Security, contentment, and the proverbial status quo capsizes into a vast ocean of newness. The ardent task of facing criticism hovers above and the fear of placing the former aside takes center stage.

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Yesterday, I wrote a post on virtual book touring. Although my message was targeted to authors, little did I realize then, but the scope of virtual book touring is not limited to the rank and file in the literary world. The Renaissance Women Virtual Tour begins tomorrow!!

Here’s some background information: I’m a proud and active member of the Contra Costa Alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. On January 30, 2010, the 22nd National President of Delta Sigma Theta, Gwendolyn Boyd will be the keynote speaker for the Northern California Founders Day Celebration, an annual event honoring our twenty-two founders. As the coordinators of this event mulled over ways to promote the theme: “Renaissance Women 1913-2010: A Sisterhood Called to Serve” to the masses, they realized several members of the sorority were published authors and familiar with the concepts of social marketing and virtual touring. Hence, the platform for a virtual tour was birthed. Needless to say, I’m honored and excited to serve as the host for The Renaissance Women Virtual Tour.

What the heck is The Renaissance Women Virtual Tour? Thanks for asking.

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Once I became a published, it didn’t take long for me to jump on the band wagon of virtual book touring. This marketing venue allows me to visit several blogs over a period of time, do guest posts, interviews, podcasts and radio interviews all from the comfort of my home.

The benefits of virtual book touring are immeasurable. The ability to reach thousands of potential readers, archive the content of the tour as well as allow it to become viral is well worth the time and effort I put into it. Plus, I save thousands of dollars from my promotion budget, too.

With that said, you might wonder if there’s anything authors need to do, especially if the tour is being hosted by someone else. Absolutely! There are several things an author will be involved with will on the tour like:
• Provide an excerpt from their book
• Conduct interviews
• Request a blogger reviews
• Serve as a guest blogger
• Participate in a chat
• Post to forums
• Write articles
• Syndicate articles
• Produce podcasts
• Do radio interviews
• Provide giveaways for contests

Of course, authors should post a recap after the tour and say thanks to the host sites.

Recently, I participated in The Endless Love Virtual Book Tour, and exclusive fourteen-day virtual book tour, which celebrated love and romance and reaffirmed the power of love.

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After reading an article by Wendy Coakley-Thompson, one of my author colleagues and Sorors, I was speechless and appalled at the behavior displayed by those who share the same title as me—author. Hence, it reminded me of an article I wrote a few months back. Maybe now is a good time to revisit the context of that message.

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Blessed is the author who enjoys the present. Yesterday is gone. We can’t change the mistakes of the past, but we can learn from them. And since we don’t know what the future holds, all we can do is step out on faith. Today is an author’s best shot at happiness. Learn to enjoy the experience of the story you’re currently writing.

Blessed is the author who understands there are forces beyond their control, for they shall be comforted from the story that pours from their soul. There are so many things an author can’t control. From the distribution of their books, to the reviews they receive, down to the editors assigned to them are only a few examples of forces outside of an author’s control. But there is one thing an author has complete autonomy over — the story they write.

Blessed is the author who is meek, for jealously will never disrupt their career. Lunacy can overrule lucidity when authors begin to envy the success of a fellow author. Folks, it’s time to cease the hating. Imagine what could happen if authors took the time they spend envying someone else’s good fortunate and channel it into writing a better story. Maybe, just maybe they’d achieve the same, if not greater success, for themselves.

Blessed is the author who hungers and thirsts for knowledge, for they are knowledgeable of what’s going on the publishing industry. You’d never consider a cross-country trip without planning the best route to take, right? Well, the same holds true for an author’s career. How can authors aim for success if they don’t know what direction to take? Forget the negative happenings in the publishing industry, but stay in the know. Knowledge is the only guide that will get us from point A to point B.

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