Black Coffee discussion

After the awesome discussion lead by R.E and also reading a post in another group about white authors reading (or not reading) books written by black authors I decided to open this question. And what also influenced it is reading Toni Morrison's interview in responsed to be questioned about being an "author" rather than a "black woman author".

With that being said the question is, how does one become a sussessful black author? What will make a white American read a novel by a black author without considering it and African-American book? For instance the fact that african-american literature is considered a genre is a bit unsettling when in actually, African-American lit has genre's within it as well: crime, historical fiction, romance, time travel, distopia, etc. Yet you will still find our books in the back of the bookstore on one shelf all thrown together (though sometimes it's convenient we are talking about the bigger picture hehe)! So what are your opinions on this? And please everyone answer, black, white, male and female, young and older. I would love to have all perceptives of the subject.

I think this is a sensative subject and there is not a right answer. no matter what your race is the struggle of your culture helps make you who you are. that's why a lot of readers love the old west, or the American revolution. however the stories of struggles for minorities is a constant reminder for white readers about the dark side of their culture. So I think we need to do a better job of creating characters of different races and not just depend on African American characters. even if they are just supporting characters.

I have read a lot of books written by white,colored, and black. We should all embrace one another for the world to change.

I hate that it's a sensitive subject for some. That's the problem, I believe, with America. We are a proud country but a fearful one. The fear of the unknown and unfamiliar seems to be what controls us. If certain subject matters weren't taboo and feared it would be easier to embrace. That's what I love about James Patterson and Eric Jerome Dickey, they embrace all races in their novels. One is black and one is white and both are very successful mainstream authors. I'll read anything if it has a strong plot line, good character development and well-written with a great editor, regardless of race. And Jerry you are very right.