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| National Book Club Conference, Inc. Newsletter |
Final '09 Update
July 2009 |
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Dear Book Lover:
I hope you are truly excited about the 2009 NBCC experience you are about to have a week from today. I guarantee you it will be something special.
At the same time, the economic climate is impacting our time at the NBCC. We will have a big, wonderful group, but there is a drop in numbers that triggered a chain reaction that changes things for us. I was alerted Thursday by the Atlanta Marriott Marquis that because we are about 200 sleeping room commitments short of what we did last year, a clause in our contract kicks in that generates charges for the ballroom, reception space and eight "book club meeting" rooms we had reserved, among other things. (Those charges were waived last year because we eclipsed the target number of sleeping rooms.)
The result is they have given us options: collect more money from you (no way I could ask you for more money); give back the meeting space (where would we convene?); or eliminate breakfast and lunch on Friday, July 31st. The Marriott and its managers, overall, have been great and flexible. But I don't like any of the options. Still, I know we have an action-packed agenda and a list of wonderful authors and we need some place to host them. But I want your opinion, for better or worse. We have to settle this now, before we convene in Atlanta so we can embrace the experience with clear minds and hearts. Agreed?
My idea is to have breakfast on our own on Friday morning and meet at 9 a.m. (instead of 8:30) to open the conference at the Atrium Ballroom for the program featuring the amazing Dr. Bertice Berry. Then, after the morning "book club meetings," we have lunch on our own (there is a food court connected to the Marriott) from 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. At 1:30 (instead of 1 p.m.) we would meet in the ballroom for the Q&A with the terrific Terry McMillan -- and a wonderful surprise treat that you can only get at the NBCC. On Saturday, we will have lunch and dinner in the Atrium Ballroom, as planned.) What do you think?
Faced with similar circumstances for a different reason in 2006, we marched on and had a ball. "I didn't come here for the food," many readers indicated. I'm sorry for the changes; I feel responsible, having signed a contract that was not favorable for us. Will not happen again!!! Still, I assure you your literary appetite will be filled and the spirit of fellowship will prevail, as always!!!
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 TERRIE WILLIAMS: THE HEALER
One of the can't-miss events of the weekend is the Terrie Williams (left) "Black Pain" panel discussion that is learning, emotional and something that will last with you forever and change your life. Terrie, in her unique, unobtrusive way, gets panelists and readers to confront their fears and speak openly about life and the challenges that sometimes bring on more than we can handle. Please click on Terrie's photo to see her on CNN's Black In America. Be prepared for something special at the NBCC!!!
"Black Pain" schedule: Friday, July 31st, 4:30 p.m, Salons A706/A707, Atlanta
Marriott Marquis
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Do's & Don'ts of the NBCC
Helpful Hints, Just So You Know
 For the first-timers, in particular, I think it is incumbent upon me to share some important info that will help make your NBCC experience - and everyone else's - that much better.
* Please bring with you a canceled check or e-mail confirmation of proof of full registration payment. Just in case.
* At registration, you will receive a badge to be worn around your neck and a blue wrist band that is plastic, water resistant and to be worn at all times over the weekend. The badge is important, but you must have the wrist band to enter NBCC events.
* For the signings, please limit your books to THREE, to keep the line moving.
* At the meal sessions, there will be no holding of seats for friends who are not in the ballroom room.
* Saturday is Book Club T-Shirt Day (above). If your book club has a customized t-shirt, that is the day to proudly wear it.
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In Memory of Priscilla Green
Cancer Takes a Dear NBCC Friend
This month, we lost one of the most avid readers and loyal supporters of the NBCC, Priscilla Green (right) of the Soul Passages: A Book Club of Hartford, CT. The stylish, bubbly Ms. Green as recently at three months ago told me in a phone conversation she was excited about life despite the cancer diagnosis. She was looking forward to attending her third NBCC next week. Instead, her funeral is scheduled for next Saturday, the second day of the NBCC, a day in which she and her book club were honored in year's past for community service work and the essay contest. Our condolences go out to her family and friends and Soul Passages: A Book Club members.
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NBCC-TV
Don't Forget to View Website Video
 The reviews from readers on our website home page video show, "At Home With. . . Tina McElroy Ansa" (right) have been outstanding. It is very important that you, as lovers of books and authors, view the show and share it with as many people as possible. It provides an insight into Tina that you have not seen before as she shares some of her favorite destinations in her home town, her views on her brilliant career, the future of black literature and so much more.
So, please click on Tina's photo and take a few minutes to view programming about authors and books that you just do not get anywhere else.
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Perfect Way To End Day 1: A Reception w/Books, Authors and a Cocktail
 Our loaded first day ends with a wonderful cocktail reception Friday at 5:45 p.m., sponsored by KIMANI PRESS and featuring some simply must-read authors: Adrianne Byrd, Brenda Jackson, Carmen Green (left) and Rochelle Alers.
It is the ideal way to end a day of literary bliss: meet and greet more wonderful novelists while relaxing and mingling with like-minded readers from around the country -- and enjoying a refreshing libation, too.
KIMANI PRESS is the home of Arabesque, Sepia, New Spirit and Kimani Romance. Bringing you exceptional books by award-winning African-American authors every month. Please click on Carmen's photo to visit Kimani's website and to learn more about its commitment to producing first-rate literarture.
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Huge 2010 Registration Discount: It Pays To Secure Your Spot Now
 Early bird registration for the 2010 NBCC, Aug. 5-7 in Atlanta, has officially begun. But only for a short time and only for the first 100 readers is the $250 registration rate available -- a $100 savings off of next year's registration rate. Smart readers have taken advantage of this opportunity each year.
Already committed for next year are mainstays Terry
McMillan, Walter Mosley, Kimberla Lawson Roby and Terrie Williams,
along with Pearl Cleage, Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant, actress Victoria Rowell,
Victoria Christopher Murray, ReShonda Tate Billingsley, Grammy-winner
Eddie Levert and many more.
So, make your payment today via PayPal online with a check or credit card to save money for the premier literary event of the year. AND next year's early-bird registrants receive reserve seating at the meal functions.
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Thank you so much for you indulgence and support. I'm working hard to assure we have another beautiful occasion. Looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you soon.
Peace and blessings,
CURTIS
Curtis Bunn
National Book Club Conference, Inc.
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