Thursday, April 02, 2009

Black Book Clubs Rock Awards


Today, I welcome Tifany Jones, the founder of the first Black Book Clubs Rock Awards. Tifany, tell us a little about yourself. Well, I could start off with the usual answers to this type of questions, but since I am a bit different (hence the spelling of my first name), I will answer differently. All jokes aside, I am a stickler for knowing more about a person than what is perfectly written in a bio, so to know that log onto my website http://www.tifanyinternational.com/. However, as the founder of Sistah Confessions Book Club and Radio Show I will confess something with your blog.

I used to be in love with a particular R&B singer (very well known in and out of court) and before I get stoned, please notice the word ‘used’. Before and after I got saved I had every song he’d ever written, including those he’s written for others and some never released. When I got to the point in my life where I felt the need to throw out my CD collection his were the only ones I could not do without.


Then in 2005 my church and I went to the Holy Hip Hop Awards in Atlanta. The experience was amazing. Besides the rap group from our church, I had no idea there were so many great Christian artists. But when Canton Jones came out on stage and sang the words, “There’s no other name that’s higher than yours Lord…,” I bout fell out. He is my fave! Needless to say I got rid of the rest of my CD collection when I returned home.

So nice to hear/read your testimony. Thank you for sharing that. I know I had to throw out quite a few CDs as I endeavored to grow spiritually.




Tell us about the Black Book Clubs Rock Award Event. The Black Book Clubs Rock Awards is the only show of its kind that honors excellence in the literary community for book clubs and other literary supporters. I wanted to host an event where book clubs felt appreciated because they do much within our communities. Without them many authors would not be where they are today.


What inspired you to host this event? How would you like to see this impact the literary community? The concept actually came from God. As a book club founder, I personally know the dedication that is required to run a successful book club. Many don’t make it past a year. So those that have been established and thriving need to be recognized.

I surf the web a lot and came across so many book club sites that were doing great things within their communities and for authors. I wanted to give back, but didn’t really know how. I started thinking about how most awards are for authors, and while that is cool, I wanted a way to say “Thank You” to the back bone of African American literature, book clubs! God was like, “Black Book Clubs Rock,” and the rest is history in the making.

Though this event is about book clubs, I want the impact to be a change in the way we view relationships. Think about it. Book clubs come together at least once a month to fellowship, share, cry, and love. They discuss everything and they work as a unit to achieve a common goal. Imagine if we did that in our personal family life! The bond that is created in book clubs is one I would like to see not only throughout the literary community, but in our society. That is what I hope this event will inspire.

Urban Christian Fiction Today was very pleased to be on the ballot. How was the ballot determined? Well initially I had planned to compile a list of nominees for each category and then have my book club decide who would be the winner based on some criteria I had come up with, but frankly that was too much work. For every book club I found there were 10 more I missed, so I decided to make it a public vote.

I sent out a request for nominations and after the cut-off date we reviewed each one to determine the top 5 best nominees per category. It was rather successful considering this is only our first event.
Urban Christian Fiction Today appreciates the nomination, especially since we're so young. You also have a radio show. Tell us about it? Sistah Confessions Radio Show just celebrated its one year anniversary in February 2009. We host authors whose work inspire change and are centered on Christian and Inspirational fiction. We like to have fun and every guest is asked to confess something their readers and our listeners would be surprised to know. We’ve gotten some really good confessions!

Currently, the show airs every Tuesday at 9pm/EST. We also host a Sistah Chat the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month at 9pm/EST as a way to discuss broader topics affecting women. If anyone is interested in learning more or want to be a guest they can visit the show’s page at www.blogtalkradio.com/sistahconfessions.

Any parting words?
I just want to personally thank you for the tireless work you do to support and promote Christian fiction. Your blog is wonderful and a valued resource. No matter what, don’t quit because your labor is not in vain and is very much appreciated. Thank you for allowing me to be featured on your site. This was a great opportunity!

How can readers contact you to learn more about the awards and Tifany Jones?
I am virtually everywhere! Myspace, Twitter, Blogger, Facebook… It might be best to Google me! But to keep it simple the best way to contact me is through my personal website http://www.tifanyinternational.com/ and don’t forget to sign the guestbook.
Those interested in attending the Black Book Clubs Rock Awards or wish to donate to the event please log on to http://www.blackbookclubsrock.blogspot.com/ or email bbcrawards@gmail.com.

6 comments:

Simply Said Reading Accessories said...

Great interview Tif, Now I am curious as to who the "crush" was! It's nice to finally put a picture to your name. Hope your Book Club Rocks event is as wonderful as you are!!!!
Deb
www.simply-said.net

Anonymous said...

That was an inspiring interview. It helped me to continue what God told me to do. Keep up the great work for the kingdom!
Donna

AAMBC, Books of the Months said...

This was a great interview from one book club President to another. I will be there.

Best Selling Author of The Ultimate NO NO
Tamika Newhouse
www.tamikanewhouse.com

AAMBC, Books of the Months said...

Great Interview from one book club president to another. I will be there.

Best Selling Author of The Ultimate NO NO
Tamika Newhouse
www.tamikanewhouse.com

Adrienna said...

Now I am curious who this R&B singer is, no name listed. I hope it is not Bobby Brown. Nice interview. Congrats! I cannot wait to see what you will bring in the next year after this first BBCRA. I will stay involved.

Thanks for the nominee status. I pray in a year, I can do more! Live to Give.

sherri lewis said...

Hey Tifany! Great to get to know more about you through the interview. Hope to meet you in person this summer.