Intimate Conversation with The Sweet Soul Sisters Book Club
Ella Curry of EDC Creations sits down for a Intimate Conversation with Shana Plummer Chapter Secretary of The Sweet Soul Sisters Book Club. Join us in greeting the ladies by saying hello in the comments section. Feel free to ask any questions you may have also.
Ella: Shana, how did your organization develop? How many members are in the group?
Shana: In October 2005, four ladies that enjoyed reading books by African American authors decided to change their causal conversation about the latest book into a formal monthly meeting. They named themselves The Sweet Soul Sisters Book Club. Over time, they opened these discussions to other friends and family and now The Sweet Soul Sisters Book Club has 9 members.
Ella: What is the primary mission of the group?
The primary mission of the book club is to broaden our literary experience by reading books written by authors of African American descent. Keeping abreast of the latest books and meeting the author that wrote them all while building life long relationships.
Ella: What does a typical meeting consist of for the members?
Our club usually meets once a month. A typical meeting would consist of discussing book club business, future projects, and trips. Then we move on to a very lively discussion about our latest monthly selection and plenty of good food.
Ella: Do you have an open membership? How can one join your network?
We take on membership on a case by case basis. We are not advertising, but if someone is interested we allow them to share with us, but it takes time to become a member. You can always reach us through our MySpace page.
Ella: Do you have outreach programs or events that we can support?
Every February, in honor of Black History Month we host a book fair at Andrews Air Force base in Camp Springs, MD. This event provides authors the opportunity to showcase their latest literary works. In March/April 2011 the Sweet Soul Sisters will be the hosting book club for the Romance Slam Jam.
Ella: Shana, what do you define as Quality Literature?
Quality Literature is piece of written work that has the ability to withstand time and be passed down through generations. This is a book that you would want to pass on to your children and your grandchildren. Quality Literature also has the ability to evoke emotion. It can provide you with a feeling of joy because of a happy ending or a tear because of sadness or sympathy. It draws you in and holds a place in your heart and memory.
Ella: Tell us a few books that you would define as "Literary Hallmarks."
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Native Son by Richard Wright
The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah
Ella: What is the most surprising thing you have learned from a novel?
The most surprising thing that we have learned from a novel is that even though a novel is a piece of fiction; it has some tie to true events. Usually these events have occurred in the authors’ life. Whether it is a story of a broken heart or domestic violence it has some truth and experience behind it.
Ella: What advice would you give a new organization forming a network?
Keep an open mind and listen to all suggestions. It is important to have order, i.e start on time and have an agenda prepared in advance.
Ella: Would you change anything about your journey?
No. Our journey makes us unique.
Ella: Ultimately, what do you want members to gain from your union?
First, we want our members to gain the desire to expand their literary choices. Since each member has a choice of a monthly selection it allows for a good variety. Second, we want our members to gain a connection. The Sweet Soul Sisters are more than just a book club, we are a family and we treat each other with sisterly love and respect.
Please visit our myspace page at: http://www.myspace.com/sweetsoulsisters
Shana Plummer
Chapter Secretary
Email: snplummer80@yahoo.com
edc creations
