Welcome to my first blog post, although I’m probably the last author on the planet to finally catch on to, and adopt, this now not-so-new pastime. In my own defense, however, I waited to see if the craze would go by-the-by like pet rocks and invisible dogs… which right there tells you that I’m at the age of technology denial, otherwise known as being a techno-phobe.
Be that as it may, I kept trying to figure out when one would have time to read my idle rants and ramblings, or when I’d have time to post them on a regular basis. The answer is still unclear. Between MY Space, websites, yahoo groups, and the info-inundation that has us all electronically lassoed (a worse case than being leashed) to some device that vibrates on one’s hip, shrieks with an annoying ring-tone, or blasts one’s eardrums out, I wondered, how did all these modern marvels come to truncate time into a non-existing splinter of the universe? I digress… but as a fantasy/thriller writer I take literary license.
It seems as though the concept of blogging is much like the concept of The Borg—where ‘resistance is futile.’ So, here I am, in deep cyberspace wondering what to rant about? In my post-holiday malaise I’m too turkey-stuffed to really have a full rant. Give me a few days and I promise you I’ll get my dander up about something again, LOL. So, instead, how about some positive events to recap?
Here’s a great one: The First Annual Caribbean Literary Festival (held in Antigua the first week of November) was awesome! In addition to the fantastic locale, there was enough “white space” between sessions that authors and attendees got to really connect, brainstorm, talk about projects, and have informal workshops in chaise lounges all over the place. Don’t miss it next year—that is a MUST DO, if you want to kick back and meet some of the finest writers in their respective genres. I was like a little kid sitting at the knee of some notable sci-fi writers like Steven Barnes, Tananarive Due, and Nalo Hopkinson… among many others in various genres. It’s a wonderful thing when you can connect with great folks in your field, which you would otherwise pass like ships in the night due to everyone’s busy schedules. I got to hang with Victoria Christopher Murray and S. James Guitard, too, as well as meet some new writer friends, and overall I laughed and partied through the weekend—only to come home for a few days to head right back out to The Miami Book Fair (another fabulous event!) Suffice to say, this November has been busy in a very, very satisfying way (I ain’t mad, ha ha ha!)
Yet, once home, the reality hit me… all partying aside, I had to get ready for the busiest cooking holiday of the year and my fridge (due to all the travel) looked like a science project had been unleashed within it. Yikes! I didn’t even open the plastic containers and just dumped—albeit maybe a hazmat suit was in order, it was mission critical to start with a clean slate. Then someone in my family, while I was away, volunteered my house for the annual family gathering… I will repay my dear cousin in print (LOL!) I told her to never piss off an author—we have ways of levying vengeance with a pen (wicked smile) – but since I love her dearly, I may have to give her a pass and not write her in as a gremlin consort to a vampire this holiday, but I did warn her that I am currently working on a werewolf saga, so she’d better watch it J
Regardless, it’s all good. This is what the season is all about—being Thankful for all the blessings… even the backhanded ones delivered by well-meaning but misdirected family. Before I began to rail I had to remember to say, Thank you that I have a family to get angry at; many people don’t have that luxury. As I began to have a fit over the yuck in my refrigerator, I had to remember to say, Thank you that I had such abundance that food could go bad and thank you that I had somewhere productive to go such that food had time to go bad… you see where I’m going with this. It’s like the old proverb that describes a person who was complaining about how his shoes hurt until he saw the man with no feet. So any argument I had with the rigors of the holiday season, traveling, and workloads left untended began to evaporate as I really peeled away all the shopping-industry-induced madness and took stock of the blessings.
With that said, I guess even the ability to blog is a blessing… because that assumes several things, namely—that I have the wherewithal and capacity to think, can physically type; have enough idle time to fling my thoughts out into cyberspace; have electric and access to a computer; have good people out there like you who either care enough, or are curious enough, to see what this crazy, technophobic author has to say… and the list goes on.
Therefore, as long as there’s still breath in our bodies, I supposed we’re still in the game—which means that as new things come along to further devour our time and mental space, we should be thankful that we have such time left on the planet to be gobbled. BIG PHILLY HUG and Happy Holidays to all… and Stay in The Light!
–Leslie!
Techieness is nothing to be afraid of! You’ll get the hang of it soon. God Bless!
Okay, I am gonna try not to gush to much but AH! I absolutely love your writing and am ever so glad that you have decided to blog!
That being said The Literary festival sounds like it was fantastic and I might have just stood around with my jaw on the floor surrounded by all of the literary talent (yourself included).
As a past techno-phobe myself lemme just say that once you get the hang of this blogging jazz you will become addicted!
I’ll trade you a big Southern Texas Hug for the Philly one and keep on creating magic with pen and paper!
T
I’m with you on the techno-phobe thing. I’m not very techno-inclined, either. But please, keep it up!!! It gives me something else of yours to read. Thanks!!!
I must say I am in no way technoinclined either, but for you, Ms. Banks, I will learn to do whateva u suggest (i’m smiling)! Just please keep giving us something to read about while we sit IMPATIENTLY waiting on the WICKED
I think your point of view is amazing.
Thanks for sharing this stuff with us!
Peace, love and ((hugz))
Once you get the hang of it blogging is fun – there are days I can be blogged out – but there is always tomorrow. Great stories, enjoyed Spellbound – what a hoot – to be celibate or not to be. Happy holidays to you and yours
Although I have no idea how to blog, I think it’s great what you are doing.
I love your books. They’re the best i’ve ever read. I hate fawn, but it’s the honest truth.
Blogging is definitly a new experience for me. I don’t think i have ever done so before. Well. you know what they say. There’s a first for everything.
You are one of the most talented writers out there. I have told so many people about you and they love your books too. I have already read Shattered Trust. I I can’t wait until Feb. 2007 for the final VH book.
Leslie,
The bloggin will coime with time. You know you divide and conquer so stop this nonsense.
Im just messing wit cha. Sometimes even though I spend alot of time on the computer Im still out of the Geek Squad. I might have to call the black and whites and have them help me blog it with you and the fans. 
If it wasnt for my husband and my son of course where would a woman be. Technolexic. LOL!
You do what you have to and blog on b/c whatever you touch is GOLD. Take a page from Jill Scott and “Live your life Like its Golden”.
I totally agree with Hott314 you are one of the most talented writers out here. “she’s a bad mama jamma..” Let me get oughtta here…
I LOVE IT- your blog page that is. It’s a great way to keep us crazy neurotic fans informed. But you must know that I can not wait to sink my canines into your werewolf stuff
. I’m glad to hear that you are starting something in that vein (hee, hee). As you know I was completely enthralled w/ “Vegas Bites”. It was too much in the story line and presented excellent, vibrant, and most importantly SEXY-HOT characters!!
Thanks for the BTB snippit. I’ll make it the release of Wicked. Keep blogging.
Thanks for the BTB snippit. I’ll make it to the release of The Wicked. Keep blogging.
I really am looking forward to feb. of 2007. What a great way to kick of the new year (even though we’ll be a month into it) with a great book from a really great author.
Welcome to the Blog Universe You are truly the Queen of Bite and Storylines. Keep on Keeping on my sister. You keep writting I’ll keep reading LOL. Stay in the light!!!
Hey, I’m going to start off by telling you that I am a 27 year old black male who has fallin in love with the VHL series. My mother-in-law told me about Minion less that six months ago and I am already waiting for the Wicked. It suck waiting, I try to read King, Koonz and other aurthers but I can’t. I am lovin the story. I tell everybody about your books and I even have some friends read the books. I am a roofer so I have alot of time to talk,and I tell a brief story of the hole series. But at the end I always tell them ” you just have to read it.” I would love to get the book before feb. I couldn’t even read the little part you have on the website. It just makes me want more. I love your books and I hope you could make it to Cincinnati one day.
Glad to see you anywhere you want to put down some words! Me I’m blognorant, the kids and grands have MySpace (I’ll try it later with their help!). Can’t wait for The Wicked to drop in Februrary!
Write On girlfriend!
I’m sorry, but I have to ask this, Am I the only guy out there readin these book. I know I can’t be! with all the cool story line, twist, sex, and violence (and the love) how could a dude not read these books. I mean foreal these books are killin the Blade movies and Underworld and I dout any of the ladies were just dying to see those. Where else can you find this type of stuff. Come on, I can’t be the onlt GUY in the world. I was on the form and I saw like one guy. Whut is up? Dudes don’t know half of what they are missin. I mean the Minion was the first book I have ever read all 296 page. No wonder the ladies are sendind the boys to the left, cause they ain’t readin right. AH!
Are you going to vist Dallas Texas on any of your book tours?
Your books are AMAZING and always a pleasure to read. You’re an insparation to all of the future writers out here.
“little kid sitting at the knee,” indeed! I had so much fun hanging out with you! -nalo
Thank you so much for sharing your world with us. I am waiting on pins and needles for the next installment of “The VHL” series. The sneak peak has me reeling, wondering what is going to happen next. Girl, this stuff is safe sex! I am a fan for life!
Continued blessings to you.
Love and Light
Just when I thought I was gonna pass out from feining for another hit of the VHL series, I hit the blog and read the excerp. And all I’ve got to say is: DAMN! This is great stuff. The VHL series found me about a year ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. There are times when I read your books and can’t help but wonder of you’ve got angels from the Third Ring of Heaven on your shoulder giving you divine guidance! Keep it coming. Your work is genius!
When are you coming back to Chi town? The Windy City wants to see you again!
You ought to go to New York sometime soon.
Welcome to the world of blogging. They had to drag me in kicking and screaming… But it’s not so bad! Love you blog and that excerpt rocks! That’s for pointing me to it.
You’re the Greatest! After reading the excerpt from the Wicked, all I have to say is, “It’s on uppin’ here uppin’ in here!” You go gurl! Hope to see you in Texas (any city; my bookclub will be there). But if muhommad doesn’t come to the mountain, then the mountain(s) will gladly come to muhommad. Really really really, looking forward to reading the Wicked and your upcoming werewolf series.
Peace & blessiings always!
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