Calmly. At the public tribute to WNBA/SF’s founder, the estimable Effie Lee Morris, I was listed 6th on the program. But when Willie Brown showed up late, the line-up was expertly shuffled by our MC, Belva Davis. Lo and behold, right after our ex-Mayor, I was up. Deep breath.

“I was just a teenager when Effie Lee Morris founded the SF chapter of the WNBA. That act of generosity has meant so much for my career, and for the careers of countless number of women and men who have been members and friends.

 Effie Lee was always inspiring and helpful – from suggesting venues for meetings to inviting interesting and unusual speakers. Connections and suggestions rolled off her tongue like a flowing river from the great peaks.

In 1984 Effie Lee was awarded the prestigious WNBA Award. The award is presented by the members of the Women’s National Book Association to “a living American woman who derives part or all of her income from books… and who has done meritorious work in the world of books beyond the duties of her profession or occupation.”

With the award, Effie lee joined an impressive list of women who have changed the world of books and literacy in this country; from E. Roosevelt to N. Pearl and San Francisco’s own K. Kamen Goldmark, Effie Lee worked tirelessly for the book.

When we choose a winner we ask: “What will this woman do for the book NOW?

We all know what Effie Lee did for the book NOW – she nurtured children and their love of reading. She brought books to South Africa and to children in need and was a force in the community of librarians.

We ask “What has she done outside of her given duties?” We all know that Effie Lee mentored countless numbers of librarians and academics, and that she founded the African American Archives at the SF Public Library & the Teddy Bear room at the Hall of Justice in SF for children whose parents were on trial.

Finally we ask, “What is her legacy?” It is because of Effie Lee’s legacy that we are all here today. We are here to honor a woman who did such good work in this world that her influence will be felt for generations to come.

Just a few years ago, Effie Lee showed up for the annual lecture in her honor in high heels. When someone asked, “Effie, where did you get those shoes?” she answered, “I’m not telling because I don’t want anyone else to have these shoes!” In a city of unique individuals, Effie Lee Morris stood out as a true original.

Thank you so much for organizing this event, and thank you for allowing the Women’s National Book Association to have a voice in honoring our founder, our colleague, and our friend.”

Posted by Lynn Henriksen with permisson from Joan Gelfand. Original on Joan’s blog: http://joangelfand.com/2010/06/how-do-you-follow-the-honorable-willie-brown/#respond

WNBA SF Chapter Members and Friends

Gracious host & hostess Michael Larsen & Elizabeth Pomada

Christmas lights Victorian home with books and books and books

WNBA members and friends, share nosh, click glasses.

Treasurer Christopher Payne represents executive board President Lynn Henriksen, Vice President Allegra Harris, Secretary Sara Videtto, and Immediate Past President Mary Knippel.

Shulamit Sofia, Linda Joy Myers, Verna Dreisbach had to leave before book exchange.  So did Chris.

Warmed by friendships, old, new.

The Honorable Teresa Cox represents her cousin Effie Lee Morris whom we miss so much.  Adele Horwitz reads the tribute that she, Elizabeth and Michael wrote for WNBA Bookwoman.

Looking forward to January 30, 2010 when Mary Knippel will lead us in:

Decide, Declare, Design

Your Writing Life for 2010!

http://www.wnba-sfchapter.org/

Book Launch

Well, the truth about life is that if you are truly living, you are learning everyday. As I get older, I seem to fall into a little trap called “I now have enough life experience to know how things work.” It’s safe to operate that way; there are less surprises. But am I closing myself off? The truth about life is we don’t know what’s around the corner. The ‘learning experience’ du jour is what it’s really like to launch a book.

Since I signed the contract for my book this past summer, I have been working with WNBA member and publicist Kim McMillon to set up readings and interviews. And despite the fact that most newspapers’ book review sections have been drastically cut, we mailed out over 60 galleys and review copies. We sent letters and press kits. And, in the middle of everything, I had a pre-publication reading and celebration in November. By December, I was having anxiety dreams – showing up for readings naked, being unprepared.

The book’s publication date was set for Jan. 6^th but by the end of December I had only 2 commitments for reviews. I was bumming.

January 6^th came. And suddenly, things kicked in. I’ve gotten invited to do a teleseminar with the San Francisco Writers Conference on January 22^nd, and also to be interviewed on several blogs and radio shows. In a total twist of fate, I ran smack into the poetry reviewer of a major newspaper – at the gym!

The lesson? While it’s important to prepare for your book’s launch, surprises happen! And, success builds on success – something I teach in my “Submission Strategies” class. Looks like I might have a successful launch after all! See www.joangelfand.com for updates on upcoming events and classes.