One of the biggest February events is the annual Celebration of Black Writing in Philadelphia, a free, three-day event featuring panels, workshops and a book fair. This year -- its 15th -- the event will take place February 12-14. It is sponsored by Moonstone, a nonprofit organization whose partner is the 63-year-old Robin's Book Store, the oldest independent bookstore in Philadelphia.
The publishing professionals at this year's panels and workshops will include Manie Barron, associate editor and African-American specialist at Random House; Carrie Feron, executive editor at Avon Books; publishing consultant Adrienne Ingrum; and Anita Diggs, special projects editor at Warner Books. More than 50 authors will appear at the book fair, including Sonia Sanchez, Maryse Conde and Nelson George. For more information, call (215) 735-9598.
Over at John Wiley, the publicity department has set the goal of having at least one event per day during February; so far 36 events are scheduled coast to coast. Among them are book signings, speaking engagements, storytelling hours and panel discussions. Participating authors include Ruby Dee (My One Good Nerve); Donna Rand, Toni Parker and Sheila Foster (Black Books Galore! Guide to Great African American Children's Books); and Joyce Ladner (Ties That Bind).
William Morrow authors Denene Millner and her husband, Nick Chiles, plan to throw parties to promote their new book, What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know. Throughout the month the two will invite singles and couples to a series of parties to play games and discuss relationships.
