Starlene Stringer: Personifying social networking
This week’s topic asks us the merits of social networking. Today, I have the honor of presenting an interview I did with a good friend of mine — Starlene Stringer. 
This woman personifies social networking.
I first met her when I was a reporter at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, at a meeting of Dallas/Fort Worth Association of Black Communicators (now called DFW Association of Black Journalists, the local chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists) back in the day when social networking was done face-to-face (the 1990′s in case you were wondering). We didn’t have Facebook, MySpace, Twitter or LinkedIn. Just a telephone and a monthly meeting.
In case you’re not familiar with Ms. Stringer, she is the morning show co-host and News & Public Affairs Director at 94.9-FM KLTY, host of the weekly talk show “DFW Perspectives with Starlene” and host of the syndicated TV talk show Even Greater with Reinhard Bonnke. Add in being a news anchor, producer, director, actress and model, she’s a certified fitness instructor for both Bally and 24 Hour Fitness. She’s also a motivational speaker who has authored two inspirational books — Speak Through Me: Diary of a Military Brat and I Am Her…and It’s Actually Okay!
Phew!
It’s the last line that I managed to interview her about (see above images). This might be encouraging to the readers who want to be published and have gotten short shrift from the publishing houses.
Believe it or not, even someone with Starlene’s credentials had a tough time getting published. So, naturally, she did what any one of us wouldn’t dream of doing — she started her own publishing company (Epiphany Productions & Publications). Yeah, I know. Kind of hard to work for the Man when you are the Man or Woman, but, as Starlene will show, it’s working. Both of her books are bestsellers (Diary of a Military Brat is an Essence Magazine national bestseller, #5 July 2003).
Greg: What made you decide to publish your writing yourself?
Starlene: With my first publication, timeliness was critical. I didn’t have time to wait for acceptance and approval, etc. I had shared some of my poems on-air and people wanted copies. So they need to be available, right away. The other reasons I chose to create my own publishing company was so that I could have the freedom to write whatever I choose and not have someone try to change my words.
Greg: What was required for you to do this?
Starlene: I had to do lots of research. I consulted Black book store owners, attended publishing classes and read online articles. I established a LLC, got copyrights and barcodes, selected a graphic artist, chose a printing company, etc.
Greg: What would you say was the hardest part of self-publishing and why?
Starlene: The hardest part is you have to do it all. It’s very time consuming and it takes away from the time you could spend being creative and writing more.
Greg: Do you publish other writers?
Starlene: No. I don’t print the work of others right now. I’ve had a lot of people ask me to, but I don’t have the time.
Greg: Would you say it was all worth it? And why?
Starlene: Yes. It was worth it. I accomplished what I set out to do and that was to share what I had to say with others.
Fortunately for those of us who desire to follow her and not wait for the next book, she’s on all the social networks — look up “Starlene” on FaceBook, MySpace, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Of course, you can always check out her personal website www.starlenestringer.com.
And, you know, I just realized that she said she read some of her poems on-air and people called in, demanding copies.
Now, that’s social networking.
C.J. Ellisson
Gregory Marshall Smith
David Sartof
Anastasia V. Pergakis
James Garcia Jr.
George Allwynn
Sharon Hamilton
J.D. Brown
C.J. Ellisson lives near Washington DC with her husband, two children, two Staffordshire bull terriers and a young cat to whom she’s newly allergic. 
After spending most of her working life associated with real estate, she’s now pursuing a new passion of fiction writing. Her Erotic Urban Fantasy series stars a smart, strong, and slightly sarcastic female vampire running a resort for the undead in Alaska.
J.D. Brown lives with her two Pomeranians on the border between Wisconsin and Illinois. She enjoys the best of both worlds: peaceful country side and neurotic city life. J.D. began writing for publication in 2009, when she started her first Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Thriller series, Dark Heirloom. She fell in love with the craft and her writing became a wicked hot obsession.
Gregory Marshall Smith, born in Somerville, Massachusetts and raised in historic Medford, is a jack-of-all-trades. 
Anastasia V. Pergakis is a high fantasy author, mostly. She also writes Sci-Fi, Urban fantasy, and mystery novels. Her main novel, The Faery’s Tale Saga is a four part series, a high fantasy mixed with action/adventure and romance. She also writes dark poetry and the occasional twisted or humorous short story. Besides writing, Anastasia also loves reviewing/editing, cover art design, and web design. 
The eccentric George Allwynn not only pens GLBT romantic suspense, but at times, has been caught sneaking in some paranormal, humor and (gasp!) erotica. 
Sharon Hamilton loves all things paranormal: angels, vampires, a witch or two, and even some hybrid beings who don’t know what they are. 
David Sartof has a PhD in management philosophy, has served in the Merchant Marine and as an Officer in the UK’s Royal Air Force. In addition, he spent most of the first decade of the 21st century developing businesses as an entrepreneur. 
David is the author of River of Judgement, a crime novel set in the City of London during the start of banking crisis of the late-noughties.
James Garcia Jr.began writing when he discovered horror novels in junior high. Later, he set aside his dream of being a writer while he and his wife started their family. 
A very interesting lady, Greg. We should think about offering one of her books for a giveaway here?
I’ll check into it. She has a lot of interesting things to say.
That’s awesome! Starting your own publishing business!
And the best part of it is that she’s the boss. Of course, the worst part is that she can’t rip the writer a new one without hurting herself.
Thanks for reading. I appreciate it.
I love that she started her own publishing company! Awesome!
Yes, it gives hope to the rest of us schlubs.