This woman, upon buying the book, said – “If it’s not good, I’m going to find you and kill you.”
Well, being a man who likes to please his customers, I handed her my card and said, “Here are 3 different ways to contact me if you want to follow through.”
She then put her things down, starting reading the book (first sentence to me) then said “I like it. You can live.”
As I walked away, I watched her reading my book in the middle of a busy New York Wednesday afternoon with traffic rolling by and people rushing to do what they do. Regardless of where this journey leads, I will remember these times as some of the most amazing.
The two were full of stories after the sale
Walking through Central Park, I came accross these two. I oringally sold to the one on the left, who was a full bench away. He told me of his days as a “Sand Dog” digging the tunnels in NYC.
The one on the right overheard and said he wanted a copy of LBIH as well, and started telling me about his days as a fireman.
The two traded stories that were both magnificent and highly emotional. Great material for a new book, which this whole experience has already given me, but more than that, it makes me appreciate NYC as a place where if you hustle your ass off, the real folks who make up the bloodstream of this city will not only support you, they will share their lives with you.
Thanks NYC for today. It was a grind, but work the aches.
Today I accomplished a big time goal of mine. My favorite part of the publishing scene these days takes place on 125th Street. There, independent publishers who exist outside of the mainstream publishing machines are on display. For me, it was the inspiration to start my own publishing company.
The first step in my plan in spreading the word of my words was to get my book on one of the tables that line 125th street. For me, this was the very ground that Langston Hughes walked on. To be part of that history in anyway would be an honor.
I went to a few places and was turned away, until a man names Ismael took a chance and placed my book on his stand. I consider this strip of book sellers to be the most important marketplace in New York. It is where I knew I would break in. Though most of my sales are done through internet or just walking up to people, this is a spiritual placing for me. If you are down on 125th, stop by this stand (just east of St. Nicholas Ave) and pick up a copy.
Again, an honor to be selling on 125th with Terri Woods on my left and President Obama on my right.
A big thanks to Janet Rodriquez for taking a leap of faith and putting The Last Block in Harelm in her store, Straight out of Harlem Creative Outlet. Located in Sugar Hill (704 St. Nicholas Ave. between 145th and 146th Street, SOH is a “part Showrooom and part corner store. It is entirely founded on the principal that it would exist among the stores and bodegas of Harlem to help addrss broad consumer need of the community.”
Please stop in to take a look around this amazing shop. Whatever gift you may need for someone, or even for yourself, there is no doubt you will find something unique and full of culture. Shops like this are fading away quick, so please show your support to keep this important part of the world alive.
Thanks again Janet.
The first shipment drops down in Harlem
June 16th, 2009. The Last Block in Harlem arrives with the sound of a ringing buzzer and an out of breath delivery man asking me “Where is the elevator?” Sorry my friend, this is a 4th floor walk-up. Of course, he had a delivery in Long Island City that he could not be late for, so my wife and I walked each of the boxes up 4 flights of stairs. At times we paused for a breath, and at times, we paused to reflect what was happening.
I feel like I’ve just brought my first child home from the hospital. Tomorrow the site launches and the selling begins, but today is one of reflection.
It is appears the word has seeped out that LBIH and Canal Publishing are setting up shop. Thanks to Mr. Green’s foldy madness, folks are coming to the site and peek in the window. The best laid plans and all of that.
Pre-orders are available for the book, but I ask that everyone waits until next week until it is safe and sound in Harlem to start purchasing.
Also, I am looking for a few regular contributors to the Blog in their areas of expertise.
-CH
Read The Last Block in Harlem with the Kidle App
For those of you into reading on your phones, you can download the Kindle app on your iPhone for free and then read on the go.
Also, we are looking for iPhone App Developers to produce phone applications, so if you are one or knows of anyone, please drop me a line.
Enjoy.
