Every few months TimBookTu will interview a writer, poet, essayist or other person to get their thoughts, ideas, advice, comments, or whatever they have to say about writing, poetry, publishing, or other topics that may relate to the written word and the African-American experience.

Our interview for Spring 1999 is with Tia Shabazz, the founder and director of the African American Online Writers Guild, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to providing information, news, career tips, resources and support to its members. The Guild promotes the Internet as a tool for research, communication and fellowship among the African American writing community. TimBookTu: How did the idea come about to start the African American Online Writers Guild?

Tia: The Guild was initially formed as a local writers association called the Houston African American Writers' Society in February of 1997. The web site for the Society received so much attention from writers across the country that it became obvious that a need existed for an organization like the Guild. I knew of one other Black writers organization, but I assume it's inactive because I have never been able to get a response on any of my attempts to contact them. So I decided to create what I felt was needed.

TimBookTu: What is the mission and goals of the Guild?

Tia: The Guild focuses on educating, informing, supporting, encouraging and motivating African American writers while promoting the Internet as a tool for research and networking among the writing community. Our goal is to provide aspiring authors with a solid understanding of the intricacies of the craft and the business of writing which we recognize as crucial elements for increasing the amount of quality cultural literature in print, in film and on stage. At the same time, we'll strive to convey the need for substance in literature while providing writers with a vision of what is possible and the tools and contacts to get there.

TimBookTu: Was this something that you always wanted to do?

Tia: Yes, but I didn't realize it until I did it. I have always been a writer with a deep, unwavering passion for African American literature so I naturally gravitated around writing and books with my long-term career goals. When the concept for the Guild hit me, my organizational, creative and entrepreneurial skills were definitely utilized as well as my courage to try things others haven't done. I'm one of those people who loves surrounding herself with like-minded, goal-oriented, community-focused people, and I can't think of anything I'd rather do with my life -- OTHER THAN WRITE -- but help other writers to increase the amount of quality African American literature for our children, sisters and brothers.

TimBookTu: Tell me more about your background and work experience?

Tia: My background is in law, professional writing and editing. I've been a freelance editor for about six or seven years and I write everything from grant proposals to brochure/web content to fiction and nonfiction. I'm the eldest of nine children borne to a truly remarkable and inspirational woman (whom you can read about in Anita Bunkley's STEPPIN' OUT WITH ATTITUDE, pp. 30-32). My legal background was partly responsible for my confidence in believing I could successfully form a nonprofit tax-exempt corporation for Black writers and my contacts in that industry have been overwhelmingly supportive.

TimBookTu: How would you characterize your experience so far with the Guild and its mission?

Tia: It has been exhilarating, encouraging and absolutely amazing because of the response and the rapid growth of the membership. I am immensely proud that others share my belief in the validity of the concept of uniting a nation of African American writers and I am also very happy that the majority has not mistaken it as an effort to create a new Harlem Renaissance, so to speak.

It has been somewhat frustrating because of those naysayers who think there is no difference between African American literature/writers and other genres/races and that the Guild is not needed because we (African American writers) can go join one of the other writers' organizations. While it is true that all writers experience pretty much the same thing while writing, the finished product is still unique in that it is marketed differently. A Black writer cannot simply acquire any agent and expect his or her book to be handled properly. As a very well-known Black agent told me once, not all agents know what to do with Black literature. If it were not unique, there would be no need for Quarterly Black Review, Black Issues Book Review, the Blackboard Bestseller List, Mosaicbooks, AALBC or anything that exists for Black books.

I don't expect members of the Guild to receive special treatment from the industry, but I do expect us to be taken very seriously when we submit our work to agents and editors. That can only happen by educating the members on the craft of writing and the methodologies of the business and the industry. I am a firm believer that knowledge, networking and perseverance are the keys to success.

TimBookTu: How does it differ from other writing sites or resources that are available online?

Tia: It differs because it was created by and exists specifically for Black writers. It is unique in that it seeks to alleviate the confusion and mystery surrounding the publishing industry and the writing business as they relate, in particular, to aspiring African American writers/authors.

TimBookTu: Do you have any success stories to tell about any of the members of the Guild?

Tia: The trend is to self-publish. Once someone is self-published, it has become easier for their work to be picked up by an agent or editor. I've introduced some of the self-published members to agents, and helped to encourage others to continue writing, but the level of success I'm striving for has not yet been achieved. However, I am on a serious mission to get more Black writers in print and to help them to achieve successful writing careers.

TimBookTu: How much time do you devote to the Guild? How do the volunteers and directors contribute?

Tia: This is a full-time job and I work in excess of 50 hours a week sometimes. As the executive director and the webmistress, I'm responsible for building, updating and maintaining the site; writing the content for the site and newsletter; e-mail management and setting up and managing memberships. As founder, I handled the incorporation of the organization and application for our 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, which is currently pending. Other duties include fundraising and writing proposals for grants, public relations, marketing, soliciting board members, establishing a corporate identity, and anything else that must be done.

We've recently hired an editor -- Tonia Bowser -- who will handle site content acquisition and the publication of our print journal to be released this summer. We've also retained the public relations firm of HineSite Communications to take over PR and marketing. We also now have a volunteer coordinator, Fatima Alexander, who will work with volunteers. This will help immensely in enabling me to concentrate on fundraising and organizing events that promote fellowship throughout the organization.

TimBookTu: Do you feel the internet has played or will play a major role in helping you achieve your goals?

Tia: The Internet is the only medium through which the Guild would exist. The local association I founded cannot benefit nearly as many writers as the Internet-based organization and it would be very costly to communicate the information already on our site in any other manner. The Internet is definitely the best solution.

TimBookTu: I often receive questions and comments from people wishing to get published, what advice do you have to offer anyone hoping to write a book and get published?

Tia: Learn the craft. Practice mastering the techniques and develop your own style. Write every day even if you can't think of anything to say. Set goals. Reward yourself with each achievement. Network. Surround yourself with other writers. Treat your writing like a business. Be professional. Keep writing and submitting your work. Maintain detailed records.

TimBookTu: If one becomes a member of the guild what benefits, resources, guidance, etc. can they expect to receive?

Tia: Access to the largest community of African American writers on the Internet. Members can find information on grants, fellowships, scholarships, awards, calls for manuscripts, events and notices of interest. They also have access to a directory of agents who are actively seeking new clients and, by their inclusion, have indicated that they are interested in representing authors of African American literature. One of our goals is to connect promising writers with the agents, editors or publishers who possess the power to help shape their writing careers.

TimBookTu: Who would you consider as potential members of the guild?

Tia: Anyone who is serious about mastering the craft of writing and becoming a professional writer. Once our membership has grown large enough to sustain a broad benefits plan, we'll offer group health insurance, vendor discounts such as car rental, hotel and travel accommodations, delivery services, and concierge-style recreation/entertainment discounts for theme parks and cultural events.

The ideal member would be he or she who wishes to surround him-/herself with other writers with the intention of sharing as much as, or more than, he or she receives. It's not about what you can get, but what you have to give.

TimBookTu: What areas of writing that are underrepresented by African-Americans do you feel would gain by becoming a member?

Tia: I'm hoping that our influence affects all genres, but particularly television and film. Many of us complain about the caliber or quality of African American television shows and movies (and some books, of late) but I feel that the most logical place to begin is to support and educate the writers -- through conferences, workshops, and apprenticeships -- by helping them to recognize the need for substance in literature and while providing them with the methodology for effectuation.

Perhaps I'm old-fashioned or naive, but I would never sacrifice quality for commercial appeal. I realize that some writers simply write what they think will sell, but I believe that African American writers, in particular, have an obligation to entertain while offering a message or something that will leave us (the audience) wiser, enlightened or with a deeper, clearer understanding and appreciation of ourselves and/or society.

TimBookTu: Are there any other things you would like to add?

Tia: Feedback, comments and suggestions on ways to improve the site and the organization are ALWAYS needed and appreciated. The organization is still pretty new in some ways and there are many things we'll be offering next year that aren't offered now. One should never resist getting involved with an organization because it doesn't offer precisely what you're looking for. The only way to find what you want is to make your wants and needs known and to take an active role in implementing them. If you keep ideas to yourself, and never act on them, you're stunting your own growth as well as that of those who would benefit. Anything is possible through community.

TimBookTu: Thank you Tia for taking time from your schedule for this interview. I wish you much success with the Guild.

Tia: Thank you, Memphis, for the opportunity to share myself and the organization with your readers. The love is most definitely mutual.

TimBookTu: You can contact Tia at the following: