Hey all,

Hadn’t planned on writing about the aftermath of the Los Angeles Black Book Expo. I wanted to let the authors and exhibitors in attendance share their reactions, their photos and their suggestions on how we can make LABBX better for 2010 and hopefully years after that. From what I’ve seen and heard so far, it seems like nearly everyone enjoyed last Saturday, and I can’t ask for more than that.

Despite the troubles we’ve had with the economy, putting on the Expo was smooth because we’ve had a dedicated committee who from the day we had our Summit meetings and Barnes and Noble gatherings, convinced me it could work this year. Along the way we’ve had our only challenges with the Expo Center and things neither of us could control, yet we were able to host the event and have a good time.

I think the best is yet to come with LABBX. Having the esteemed Leslie Esdaile Banks join us was key, very key in getting people to come to the Expo. Not only that, but we drew authors from across the country, writers with stories to tell, speakers who shared information with our audience, etc. If we keep our focus and keep on growing, I believe we’ll create our own niche in the community while assisting the other book festivals we’re associated with.

As I type this, I’m tired mentally and emotionally. I was glad to see my family help out, old friends I haven’t seen in years and connecting on some networking opportunities. I’m sure when Fall hits, I’ll be back at it with more California Writers Collective luncheons, visiting book events across the state, and coordinating more workshops. In a week or so, it’ll start all over again. I also need to get back to my own creative projects now that I have all this free time. Hey, I love to have my future books on shelves and on festival booths and tables too.

So I’ll just continue to sit back and let authors, exhibitors and urban superheroes share their videos, blogs, and comments on various websites letting us know what they thought about LABBX. I’m just as curious to know what they thought and if we did a good job this year.

Either way, I’m proud of the committee and those who helped out. It’s very much appreciated.

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