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Black nerddom, the price of refusing to code switch, and “Cosby Show” parenting were all part of a lively conversation I had with the insightful author Tre Johnson about his book BLACK GENIUS a few nights ago at Octavia's Bookshelf.

Get this book!

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I asked my husband to take some photos of Tre Johnson and me in conversation for his “Black Genius” book event at Octavia’s Bookshelf…but then, he accidentally recorded part of our conversation.

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I stopped by the fabulous Giovanni's Room and signed a copy of my novel and spent time with the brilliant author Charles A. Bush too!

It was a great day in Philly!

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Given the books that were already there, I couldn’t resist leaving my book at this free library…

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BLACK GENIUS is a razor-sharp essay collection about race, ingenuity, and perception by Tre Johnson, and I am thrilled to be able to discuss this book with him on Wednesday, August 13 at 6pm / Octavia’s Bookshelf in Pasadena, CA. It’s gonna get real, and there are sure to laughs. Plus, Tre will probably be in short-shorts, and I will have to match his style in some form of high fashion. Come see how it all turns out.

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The American Library in Paris selected me to be one of its 2025-2026 Vistiting Fellows. I am honored! I am elated!

I may never return from Paris…

(Photo credit: Christopher Mars)

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Research is seductive. You tell yourself you’re just going to take some notes and before you know it, you’re starting a new novel...

Thanks to the GLBT Historical Society for allowing me to cruise the archives.

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Writers that influenced me:

Nikki Giovanni

Kurt Vonnegut

John Rechy

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I had to kill a darling in my upcoming novel, and for one night only, it will be resurrected at the EMPTY TRASH reading at THE SEMI TROPIC in LA on Thursday, July 10 at 7pm.

So join me and my talented friends for a fun evening of “lost” prose.

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Why I wrote a 🏳️‍🌈 novel set in NYC in the 1980s….

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That time I explained the origins of my book title…while sharing a stage with Bruce Vilanch.

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How Margaret Thatcher’s memoir led to the footnotes in “My Government Means to Kill Me”

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So thankful to Georgia for this beautiful and kind review.

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We had fun! Thanks to Bel Canto Books and Kobo LB for hosting a book event to celebrate GAYSIANS, the beautiful, sexy, and insightful graphic novel by Mike Curato.

GO BUY THIS BOOK!

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Here is my PRIDE MONTH book stack!

I devoured and enjoyed each of these queer books, and if you’ve got taste, you will too! 😘

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I love that my book is a “corker!”

Thanks to Simon Savidge for your kind words.

Click here to watch his full video.

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I spent the weekend at the One Institute Booth at WeHo Pride 2025.

Donate to One Institute by clicking here.