Kya Publishing Attending 2025 Black Writers Weekend in Atlanta, GA

Kya Publishing will be attending this year’s Black Writers Weekend, taking place August 1 to 4, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia. Representing the organization will be Stacey Robinson, author and founder of Kya Publishing, joined by Board of Directors: children's author Angelot Ndongmo (Toronto), and Cleveland-based author Jameel Davis.

A MESSAGE FROM BLACK WRITERS WEEKEND

Get ready to ignite your creativity at the Black Writers Weekend in Atlanta! Join us for an electrifying event curated by the visionary Tamika Newhouse, where we'll celebrate writer inspiration, self-expression, and unforgettable creative experiences. This is your chance to immerse yourself in a vibrant celebration of creativity and connect with writers in an inspiring atmosphere.

● Live Author Readings: Dive into captivating stories as authors bring their words to life in real-time readings.

● Social Movie Screenings: Connect with fellow film enthusiasts for interactive movie viewings and lively discussions.

● Creative Workshops: Discover new talents and techniques through hands-on sessions led by skilled writers.

Thursday Location: 235 Walker Street, SW | Location: Riverside Epicenter

ABOUT FOUNDER TAMIKA NEWHOUSE

Founded by Tamika Newhouse, CEO of AAMBC Inc. and a trailblazer in Black fiction, the event stands as a beacon for breaking stereotypes and amplifying the richness of Black literary contributions. Jamison became a major figure in the rise of Black fiction, becoming CEO by the age of 20. She started the African Americans on the Move Book Club (AAMBC) to meet new people and read books in a new city. She also started her own publishing company, Delphine Publications, which has published over 250 titles by Black writers. Newhouse says the event is just one of many concepts she’s devised to showcase her work as well as that of other Black authors. Newhouse says it’s important for scribes to make space for themselves, especially in a world where the history of African people and their descendants has been deliberately hidden.

THANK YOU, CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS

Kya Publishing acknowledges the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, which has made it possible to bring a Canadian presence to this important event and connect with the broader Black literary diaspora. #BringingTheArtsToLife

Kya Publishing's Konnection Newsletter | June 2025

 

Explore Creativity At Black Writers Weekend "Readers, Writers and Visionaries! Get ready to ignite your creativity at the Black Writers Weekend in Atlanta, happening from August 1 to 4, 2025! Event highlights include live author readings, social movie screenings, and creative workshops. Keep in the loop with everything Black Writers Weekend to stay tuned. Join us on an unforgettable creative journey; grab your ticket at blackwritersweekend.com to secure your spot and join a vibrant community that celebrates the power and beauty of artistic expression." Kya Publishing is proud to take part in this year’s Black Writers Weekend! We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, making it possible for us to bring a Canadian presence to this important event and connect with the broader Black literary diaspora.  #BringingTheArtsToLife #BWW2025 #BlackWritersWeekend New York Black And African Literature Festival The most urgent Black and African voices in literature, culture, and ideas will be in New York from September 5 to 7, 2025. "This festival will hold space for writers, poets, thinkers, artists, and activists in the psycho-geographic site of the Harlem Renaissance and Black Arts Movement to reflect, collaborate, and expand existing networks of cultural production and distribution. Activities at the Black book festival in New York will include a dynamic mix of panel discussions, readings, workshops, community outreaches, and performances, drawing guests from across the global Black diaspora and Africa. The festival’s key objectives remain to: build bridges between communities, amplify movements for justice, create new frameworks for understanding our shared challenges and aspirations, and strengthen networks of support and exchange." LEARN MORE HERE Canadian Children's Book Week "Are you a published Canadian author or illustrator who is passionate about connecting with and inspiring young people? If so, you are invited to apply to participate in the next edition of Canadian Children's Book Week which will run from Sunday, April 26 to Saturday, May 2, 2026! Canadian Children’s Book Week is the single most important national event celebrating Canadian books for kids and teens and the importance of reading.This event will offer you the opportunity to engage with youth across the country to celebrate books, stories and illustrations." The deadline for applications is end of day on Wednesday, June 25, 2025: application form here.   Submitting Your Story Idea For Publication "Canadian publisher Lorimer Kids is currently accepting children's and teen fiction proposals from experienced Canadian writers—contemporary stories that engage with real-world issues and inspire young readers to think critically." Visit the James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers website for submission guidelines, or email submissions@lorimer.ca with your sample and CV attached. New YA Novel From Canadian Author Kevin heronJones After hacking the social media accounts of his crush, Baron is in a race against the clock to fix the mess he made and save her from serious consequences. Kevin’s latest book is another realistic, authentic depiction of the life of a Black youth in Canada. Set in Brampton, Hacking Heartbreak is a story about the intensity of first love and learning to live with the consequences of your actions.  Now available for order; learn more here! KEVIN HERONJONES is a youth basketball coach, author, journalist, actor, lecturer and award-winning performance poet. He lives in Milton, Ontario. 12 YA Titles That Celebrate Romantic Black Love "These 12 recent YA titles celebrate romantic Black love in many forms, in different periods of history, and in real and fantasy realms. They include humor, queer love, and paranormal/sci-fi encounters, expanding the much-needed diversity within the romance genre." Compiled by Florence Simmons & Ellen Williams, for the School Library Journal.  View List Here Books From Canadian YA Author Michelle Richards-Graham Michelle Richards-Graham writes bold and unapologetic YA stories about first love, complicated friendships, broken homes, abuse, and the difficult decisions to be made in the middle of it all. She was an English major at York University in Toronto and graduated with a B.A. She also received an Arts Acclaim Award from the City of Brampton in Ontario, Canada (where she grew up) for her achievements in independent publishing. View Order Information Young Adult Literature Has A Lot To Say About Social Justice "...geared toward 12- to 18-year-olds, the current target audience for young adult novels is Generation Z, a cohort defined by their use of technology, their multiculturalism and their career focus—having grown up in the age of iPhones, shifting demographics and the Great Recession. ...this generation, along with the millennials, are proving themselves to be resilient and thoughtful activists..." Written by Emma Winters, read the full article here. An Overview Of The Publishing Process Are you thinking about submitting your middle grade or young adult story idea for publication? If you're a new writer or considering making a move from self-publishing to traditional publishing, understanding the process is key. We've put together a clear, step-by-step overview (from idea generation to publication) to help guide you. If you'd like a free PDF copy of our overview, please email us at konnection@kyapublishing.com. Digital Diaspora: The Role Of Social Media In Shaping Black Youth Identity "Dr. Angela Patterson, in a report for Psychology Today, presented ways in which social media can positively affect Black youth in particular, and how it opens up opportunities for support where youth are 'able to engage in positive identity development, which can mediate some of the effects of racial discrimination and resulting trauma'.” Read full post from Kya Publishing's Reflection & Reason blog here. Looking For A Copyeditor For Your Manuscript? Kya Publishing Inc. welcomes new clients for editing services. If you’re working on a creative project and require experienced support, we’d be happy to connect with you for an assessment. Manuscript editing (children's books, teen/adult fiction) Resume or bio editing (job applications, grant submissions) Contact us at editing@kyapublishing.com or visit our website for details.

KONNECTION | May 2025

 

Calabash Literary Festival (Jamaica) The Calabash International Literary Festival is a distinguished cultural event offering a unique blend of literature, music, and storytelling. Free and open to the public, it features readings, author interviews, and open-mic sessions, drawing an impressive lineup of both established and emerging literary voices from around the world. Dates: May 23-25, 2025 Location: Treasure Beach, Jamaica FESTIVAL DETAILS Calabash Literary Festival (2023) The BLK Book Lounge: A Literary Experience The BLK Book Lounge: A Literary Experience is taking place on May 31 from 3pm to 8pm at D’Or (10 Gatineau Dr., Thornhill, Ontario). "Expect a lounge-style atmosphere with a touch of opulence featuring book readings, a curated bookshop, special guest speakers, a book launch, appetizers & drinks, and meaningful connection. Dress to impress and come ready to celebrate Black literature in style." TICKETS Submitting Your Story Idea for Publication Are you thinking about submitting your middle grade or young adult story idea for publication? If you're a new writer or considering making a move from self-publishing to traditional publishing, understanding the process is key. We've put together a clear, step-by-step overview (from idea generation to publication) to help guide you. If you'd like a free PDF copy of our overview, please email us at konnection@kyapublishing.com. Writing About Social Issues for Youth When creating stories for middle grade and young adult audiences, exploring contemporary social issues can create relevant and engaging books and also encourage dialogue, empathy, and critical thinking. Here's a list of themes and challenges that affect young people, and can serve as powerful inspiration for your next manuscript: Mental Health and Well-Being: Mental health awareness, anxiety and depression, suicide prevention, substance use and addiction, body image and eating disorders. Economic and Housing Challenges: Economic disparity and poverty, affordable housing and homelessness, youth employment, and financial insecurity. Identity, Equity and Inclusion: Racism, anti-Blackness, and discrimination, Indigenous identity and reconciliation, LGBTQ2S+ inclusion and gender identity, cultural identity, diaspora and immigration, sexism and gender equity, disability, and accessibility. Social Pressures and Digital Life: Bullying and cyberbullying, social media and self-image, digital privacy, and online behavior. Community, Family and Belonging: Family dynamics, divorce, caregiving, foster care, friendship, loyalty, peer pressure, education inequity and access, youth activism, and civic engagement. Environment and the Future: Climate change and environmental justice, urban development and green spaces, sustainability, and youth-led solutions. If you'd like to chat about your potential story development, contact us at services@kyapublishing.com!  Re-introducing Author Kamilah Haywood A Toronto-based author and advocate, Kamilah Haywood (aka KWoodZ) is known for their powerful urban fiction that delves into the realities of inner-city life. Through their writing and activism, they amplify marginalized voices and speak to the struggles and triumphs of modern-day Toronto. Kamilah is deeply involved in community work and serves with several organizations, including: Elizabeth Fry Society Prison Transparency Project Rittenhouse: A New Vision Canadian Coalition for Children with Incarcerated Parents Grand Valley Institution for Women, facilitating the Find Your Voice Workshop (founder) supporting incarcerated women through literature W.A.R. Productions (founder), producing music videos to raise awareness about social issues For the People By the People and Get it Dun Inc., amplifying community concerns through music Visit website to learn more and order books by Kamilah Haywood. Submission Opportunity for Authors Canadian publisher Lorimer Kids is currently accepting children's and teen fiction proposals from experienced Canadian writers--contemporary stories that engage with real-world issues and inspire young readers to think critically. Visit the James Lorimer & Company Ltd., Publishers website for their submission guidelines. The U.S. Book Show in New York City A conference on publishing and the business of books, now in its fifth year, the U.S. Book Show "brings the publishing world together for a day of insightful conversations, expert panels, and invaluable networking. From the direct-to-reader revolution to AI, digital marketing, streaming, Hollywood, audiobooks, career growth, and more, the program tackles issues shaping the industry’s future." Taking place on June 3 in New York City, the keynote address will be presented by Joy Bivens. "Bivins, who has led the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York since 2021, will be in conversation with Randy Winston, creative director for fiction at the Black List." EVENT DETAILS Schomburg Centennial Festival "Join the Schomburg Center for Black Literature at 135th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard in Harlem for the official Schomburg Centennial Festival on Saturday, June 14! It will combine elements of the Schomburg’s Literary Festival and its Black Comic Book Festival. Come for readings with your favorite authors and comic creators, cosplay, panel discussions, a marketplace, and more; stay for our block party—featuring musical performances from hip-hop legend Slick Rick and others." FESTIVAL DETAILS Are You Looking for a Copyeditor? Kya Publishing Inc. welcomes new clients for editing services. If you’re working on a creative project and require experienced support, we’d be happy to connect with you for an assessment. Manuscript editing (children's books, teen/adult fiction) Resume or bio editing (job applications, grant submissions) Contact us at editing@kyapublishing.com or visit our website for details. The Canadian Children's Book Centre AGM The Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Annual General Meeting will take place on Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 1-2:30pm EDT. "Join us for a year in review, learn about our current programming for 2025 and meet our incoming board members." Members and the public are welcome to attend: REGISTER HERE