Author: Marcey Wright

Recently, I was both honored and humbled to speak to up-and-coming mass communications and public relations students at LeMoyne-Owen College, the only historically black college (HBC) in Memphis. I received the kind invitation from my mentor and former journalism professor Lydia Lay, who – for years – has invested in the futures of countless young professionals. (How awesome is she?)

The subject I was invited to speak about was the importance of content creation and deadlines in the professional world of news, marketing, public relations and media relations. Also, we reviewed social media marketing in corporate communications, along with a few fun stories to accompany.

As I stood there talking to starry-eyed students who looked like I did only a few years ago, I was amazed and taken aback by how time flies and the fact that I was speaking to our “future.” Although they were listening to me today, they are tomorrow. Tomorrow’s mass communications professionals comprised my captive audience.

I had already floated into the classroom because, from the time I parked, walked the campus, and entered the building, I was already overcome by nostalgia. I’ve heard it said that smell is the greatest sense tied to memory. Steele Hall has a unique aroma that after one breath, I was a student again myself – rolling backpack behind me and all.

Here I stood, met by gazing eyes and listening ears of some of LeMoyne-Owen’s finest students, and I was encouraged by them and energized by their potential. I wondered if they saw the greatness and potential that lies within them, like I saw gazing back as their speaker.

Needless to say, the public relations person talked through the entire class (and then some). I apologized for my long-windedness, but I hoped (and prayed) that someone was helped by the career information and/or handouts that I shared.

This speech was a part of my self-resolution to give back through volunteer hours dedicated to tomorrow’s professionals. Whether speaking or reviewing resumes and cover letters during my lunch hour or even writing professional biographies in the middle of the night, I want to invest in our future because Someone invested in me.

Thank you, LeMoyne-Owen College Mass Communications Department, for your warm invitation and your listening ears. You make “tomorrow” look so bright. Keep up the good work!

The following statements are all very true…

Despite my age (30-something or another), to this day, my mama can shop better for me than I can shop for myself… and when she does, I tend to get much more positive feedback – mother’s touch.

When I’ve had a bad day, that “crazy” person at work upset me, or I need clarity in a matter, I know whom to call – mother’s touch.

Her voice brightens my day – mother’s touch.

Her prayer life is impeccable, inspirational, and to be envied – if you’re into the covetousness thing. But, when she prays for me and my family, I know everything will be alright. That’s my mother’s touch.

She is a counselor; no literally, she is. She has a Master’s in counseling and 22 years of experience working as a guidance counselor for the Little Rock School District. So, it goes without saying that she’s a great listener and knows just what to say – mother’s touch.

She is so pretty! Her hair is long, black, and lovely. (I had to throw that in.) Mother’s touch.

She is a teacher, “rightly dividing the Word of truth,” according to 2 Timothy 2:15. She offers me daily instruction on how to be a good wife and mother. That’s my mother’s touch.

Her work ethic is unsurpassed and when she does a job, she does it all “in word and deed… in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to GOD the Father by Him.”  (Colossians 3:17) And with this lifestyle, my mother has touched so many lives in unmistakable ways – family, friends, loved ones, and not-so-loved ones. That’s my mother’s touch.

I am her apprentice. I am her student, her imitator, her fan, and her friend. But most of all, I am glad to call myself her daughter. I love you, mama!

I feel privileged to have descended from a line of such strong, GOD-fearing, and family-oriented women. But, I know their secret… Their lives were touched by our Lord & Savior Jesus CHRIST!

I am eternally grateful to GOD for my mother’s touch.

A Tribute to My Mother, Myrtle D. B. Evans, in Loving Memory of Her Mother (who also had the “touch”) Margaret Ree Jamison Booker (We love and miss you, grandma. …Until we meet again)

By: Marcey Wright,
marceywright@marceywrite.com

New York Times best-selling author and creator of the Rev. Curtis Black series, Kimberla Lawson Roby recently stopped by the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (3030 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN) for a celebration of books and the authors who write them. Bookstock 2016 – the city’s largest book signing and festival combined – was held Saturday, April 23. More than 40 local authors participated, signing and selling their books. I had the privilege of promoting the event, which was an overwhelming success. With the help of our friends at Hallelujah FM Radio, attendance nearly doubled from previous years, totaling nearly 5,000 customers! (Praise break: Thank You, JESUS!)

For the first time in Bookstock’s six-year history, I decided to promote it somewhat differently this year. The budget allotted for marketing was between $3,000 and $4,000. With $3,500, I chose media outlets aimed at several of our target audiences, including moms and children, lovers of Shakespeare, Kimberla Lawson Roby fans, and more. Also, I wrote media releases and web stories, designed e-blasts, wrote commercials, did a school visit, and saturated social media in my spare time. At the event, I photographed the day, which brought along with it a packed parking lot! I’m thankful GOD blessed these efforts.

More importantly than promotions for the event, however, was what I learned from it and keynote speaker Kimberla Lawson Roby – an amazing author by the way. The day before Bookstock, she spoke openly and candidly with Memphis Public Library employees and guests during an exclusive luncheon. Here, she held nothing back about her career and challenges along the way. She also offered advice to aspiring authors.

“Hone and polish your craft of writing,” Roby said. “Proofread and edit yourself; then find a content editor to dissect your characters and storyline to bring your story together. Copy editors will find typos, but you should also hire a proofreader. If you self-publish your book, like I did for my first book, use four-color processing – if possible – for a more professional look. The paper will be thicker and opaque, instead of thin white paper like many self-published books. Invest the money to make your product look professional,” she advised.

“Learn the science of publishing,” Roby continued. “Learn everything you could possibly learn about publishing, and sharpen your marketing skills, which are a big part of the process. You can’t just write and that’s it. Also, it’s important to have a website in addition to social media and email marketing through a program like Constant Contact. Think of fun ways to get the word out about your work, like contests and giveaways. And, allow people to sign up to receive free promotions,” she said.

Then, Roby shared her story and how she rose from a self-published writer to a New York Times best-selling author. She attributed GOD, her husband Will, and her mother for their support and backing along the way.

By the time Roby took center stage at Bookstock the following day, library employees felt as though they had a new friend. I was especially inspired because – little did I know – Roby started working in city government also before she took the leap of faith into a professional writing career. After this presentation, I felt encouraged, empowered, and motivated to make my dreams “realities” as well. What an amazingly impactful Bookstock this year!

By: Marcey Wright
marceywright@marceywrite.com