Page 14 - Florida Sentinel 9-8-17

Features
Author Hopes Book Will Pave Way For Others
34th Street Church Of God Recognized Member With 50 Years Of Service
BY CLARENCE BARR, II
When it comes to action and adventure novels, author Garry Wiggins looks for- ward to the day when his name is mentioned with the likes of Tom Clancy, Dan Brown and Michael Crichton. If Wiggins’ book “The Midnight Heist” is any indicator of what he has to offer the literary world, it shouldn’t be long before he finds himself in that presti- gious company.
“Heist” is a swiftly mov- ing story about a crew of highly skilled thieves who use their specialized training to break into the most secured vaults across the globe. When the crime spree eventually targets the Orlando market an unexpected dilemma arises that gives the narrative an unexpected twist.
What should make “Heist” especially appealing to readers in Central Florida is how Wiggins uses the area as a backdrop to the ac- tion. As a native of Orlando, Wiggins believed it was im- portant for him to anchor his story in his hometown as a way to give people a different view of the city he holds so dear.
“I just wanted to show people a different side of the state,” Wiggins says. “It ain’t all about Disney World. People think it is. But it ain’t.”
As an African American writer, one of the things that Wiggins says he’s always had to fight against is having his work classified as “urban” lit- erature. While he says he doesn’t have anything against the urban novel industry, he finds it highly insulting and stigmatizing for publishing companies, and people in general, to perceive him as an urban novelist simply be- cause of the color of his skin.
“They always stereotype you,” says Wiggins. “Be- cause you’re Black or incar-
GARRY WIGGINS
cerated they automatically think your work should be placed into the urban cate- gory. There is definitely some discrimination in that regard.
“I think urban novels are a good way to express a cer- tain lifestyle. But that’s not my lane.”
Wiggins, who’s adamant about not being pigeon- holed, doesn’t just want his books to be entertaining. He wants them to knock down barriers while inspiring other Black authors to follow his lead.
“I’m trying to break into the action adventure market to clear the path for others who may want to write action adventure novels,” Wiggins explains. “If I can pave the way, that would be a big deal.”
Along with “The Mid- night Heist,” Wiggins has several more books slated for release in 2018 including a children’s book entitled “Bubble Bears Great Ad- ventures,” an historical fic- tion piece entitled “Unbreakable Chains” and part 2 of “The Mid- night Heist” entitled “As- sassin’s Revenge.”
Currently, “Heist” is available at amazon.com, iTunes, www.barnesandno- bles.com and Google play.
Contact Wiggins at www.garrnicenterprises- llc@gmail.com or on Face- book @garrywigginsauthor.
Thirty-Fourth Street Church of God recognized one its mem- bers last week who has served the church for 50 years.
Mother Bertha Kemp was unable to attend the service in her honor. Her husband, Deacon Hilrie Kemp represented his wife.
Bishop Thomas Scott is the Senior Pastor of the church. (Photos by Julia Jackson)
Bishop Thomas Scott and Deacon Parker stand with Dea- con Hilrie Kemp, who accepted the award for his wife, Mother Bertha Kemp.
Deaconess Mother Bertha Kemp was unable to attend the recognition serv- ice.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry (Pat) Gyden attended the service.
Longtime member Ora Sledge Chester stands with her brother, Gerald Sledge of California.
Visiting family members Gail Morris and Karleta Davis.
Gospel Music Workshop Of America Tampa Bay Chapter Celebrates 24 Years
The Tampa Bay Chapter of the Gospel Music Work- shop of America (GMWA) will celebrate 24 years of Music Ministry. The 24th An- niversary celebration will be held on Friday, September 15, 2017 beginning at 7 P. M.
The celebration of praise will be held at New Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 2511 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa, FL, Rev. Larry Roundtree, II, Pastor.
The Gospel Music Work- shop of America was founded by the late Rev. James Cleveland. Currently, Carl- ton Brown is the Chapter
TAMPA BAY CHAPTER GOSPEL MUSIC WORKSHOP OF AMERICA
Representative.
Since its inception the
choir has performed at nu- merous events within the community and across the United States. They have served noted gospel singers from around the world as back-up singers. They trav- eled to Atlanta, Georgia in July for the National Conven- tion.
The choir does more than sing, they are very active in the community having partic- ipated in such events as pro- viding household goods, clothing and financial help for a homeless family, providing Christmas baskets for needy families, feeding the home-
less; as well as participated in “Paint Your Heart Out” or- ganization.
Special guest on the an- niversary program will be the GMWA Atlanta Chapter, (GYA) Youth and Young Adult GMWA Choir.
The public is invited to come out and join the choirs as they give God all the honor, all the praise, all the credit and all the glory in song serv- ice.
Rehearsals are held each month on Saturdays before the first and third Sundays at 5P.M.atNewMt.ZionMis- sionary Baptist Church, 2511 E. Columbus Dr., Tampa, FL 33605.
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