Silent Water (& Dream Books) Productions
Honoring the Difficult & Divine
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Our Mission
We will bring some of the most dynamic writers, artists and activists from diverse backgrounds to uplift books/art and spark change. The Diversity Project is a creative outlet dedicated to female and BIPOC voices, and a consulting agency supporting stores and venues looking to incorporate diverse representation to their customers and communities. The primary goal of The Diversity Project is to use various media platforms and promotional pieces to elevate unique BIPOC and female issues and stories.
Our Focus
Topical issues and relevant books will be presented by writers, other artists and agents of change. For too long BIPOC and women have been marginalized in the literary and activist circles, but recently their stories have become more appreciated and sought after. Now more than ever as the world is facing unique challenges and changing drastically on several levels, people need the healing aspect(?) of diverse and inclusive communities. As such, SWP will creatively and effectively connect the writers/artists with the targeted audiences and merchants.
Our Values
Educate I Entertain I Engage I Inspire
Honoring the Difficult & Divine
_______________________________________________________
______________________________________________
___________________
Our Mission
We will bring some of the most dynamic writers, artists and activists from diverse backgrounds to uplift books/art and spark change. The Diversity Project is a creative outlet dedicated to female and BIPOC voices, and a consulting agency supporting stores and venues looking to incorporate diverse representation to their customers and communities. The primary goal of The Diversity Project is to use various media platforms and promotional pieces to elevate unique BIPOC and female issues and stories.
Our Focus
Topical issues and relevant books will be presented by writers, other artists and agents of change. For too long BIPOC and women have been marginalized in the literary and activist circles, but recently their stories have become more appreciated and sought after. Now more than ever as the world is facing unique challenges and changing drastically on several levels, people need the healing aspect(?) of diverse and inclusive communities. As such, SWP will creatively and effectively connect the writers/artists with the targeted audiences and merchants.
Our Values
Educate I Entertain I Engage I Inspire
At SWP, we curate, promote and moderate live and lively topical interviews and other type of events with authors, artists and activists. We do so by using various media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook and other virtual outlets. Be it for our own SWP events or on behalf of our clients, we provide full service curation. From more simple one-on-one discussions, book promotions and launches, to complex special panel events, we bring all the necessary elements together. Whether virtually or in-person; whether intimate or larger functions, it all matters to us, and these presentations allow us and our clients to engage our audience.
Series Curator/Moderator
PAULA FARMER is a buyer and event host/moderator for Book Passage bookstores, having overseen hundreds of author events during her tenure there. In recent years, she’s been known for curating special panel events such as “Race in America” and “Immigration in America.” Additionally, she was selected to chair the Diversity and Inclusion subcommittee for the California Independent Booksellers Association (2019- present). Her background is as a news journalist/producer for outlets such as CBS Radio, ABC Radio, and a film and theater reviewer for the Detroit Metro Times, and Culture Vulture online arts magazine. After growing up in Detroit, and spending several years in New York, she now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area where in addition to holding positions at Book Passage, she continues work as a freelance journalist and website writer. For more information on Paula go HERE.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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Speaking Of ..." series - Paula Farmer on Instagram Live in conversation
@paulawritesreviews
Calvin Crosby- is the Executive Director of the California Association of Indie Booksellers (CALIBA, formerly known as NCIBA). In addition to a 10-year stint on the NCIBA board that included a term as president, Crosby's background includes more than two decades working at both Book Passage and Books Inc. in all aspects of bookstore operations. Most recently, he was the sales and marketing director of McSweeney's. For this special interview leading up to Black Friday, we will discuss the importance of shopping independent and local bookstores, as well as supporting BIPOC and female-owned retailers.
Join the discussion - Nov. 25th at 3:00 PT / 6:00 ET
Haleema Bharoocha - is a #GenZ changemaker committed to building a world free of gender-based violence. Haleema is the Advocacy Manager at Alliance for Girls where she leads legislative and community advocacy for a girl-led #GirlsPolicyAgenda. She believes in the power of people to make a positive change. She facilitates equity-focused workshops for advocates on topics including bystander intervention, Islamophobia, equity, and gender justice and has trained over 700 people.
Join the discussion - Wednesday, Dec. 2nd at 3:00 PT / 6:00 ET
Tyrinne Lewis - We know that books are at the top of your gift list- to give and to get- so this show is dedicated to the "best of" books of 2020, as well as what to look forward to in the New Year. As book professionals, Paula and her guest, Tyrinne Lewis will dig out the gems of all genres. Tyrinne is a passionate and experienced bookseller and Booksgrammer. Before recently locating to Brooklyn, Tyrinne was retail manager at Rakestraw Books, an independent bookstore in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Join the discussion - Wednesday, Dec. 9th at 4:00 PT / 7:00 ET
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Past events include the dynamic speakers and topics below. You can access the recorded versions on the Instagram page @paulawritesreviews. Just click on the IGTV icon on the homepage.
Caleb Zigas - is Executive Director of La Cocina nonprofit, which supports businesses by providing an affordable commercial kitchen space, industry-specific technical assistance and access to market opportunities. We focus primarily on providing resources to women from communities of color and immigrant communities. We discussed the accomplishments of La Cocina and goals, as well as the incredible challenges they have faced this year due to the pandemic.
To send the gift of La Cocina and support a worthy cause as discussed during the interview - GO HERE
Amelia Ray - is a writer, composer, singer, multi-instrumentalist, arranger and the creator and host of "Up, Up & A Ray" - a weekly variety show. From March-May 2020 she organised The Quarantuned Music Festival - a series of 24-hour, worldwide, virtual music festival to benefit artists affected by COVID-19 cancellations. Her latest single "Hambone Says" uses contemporary past aesthetic to explore racism, rage and role reversal in the U.S.
Watch The Making of "Hambone Says" - HERE; "Up, Up & A Ray" - a weekly, half-hour, live-streamed variety show - http://www.upupandaray.com
Brian Copeland
Ian Haney Lopez
Julie Rubio
Margaret Kimberly
Zack Norris ____________________________
CALIBA "Virtually Speaking" series -
Paula Farmer will head up the conversation with writer, television commentator and author of the 2016 released book, "Invisible Man, Got the Whole World Watching" They'll be discussing Smith's dynamic and timely new nonfiction book, "Stakes is Hight: Life After the American Dream." Find out why he's a major voice for his generation.
Regional booksellers and publishing insiders join the discussion by registering @ https://www.caliballiance.org/virtually-speaking.html;
Oct. 5th at 3:15 PT
Save the date for my talk with the vivacious and inspiring author, speaker and podcast host, Luvvie Ajayi Jones. She truly thrives at the intersection of comedy, justice, and professional troublemaking. We'll be getting early information about her upcoming book, "Professional Troublemaker: The Fear-Fighter Manual," due out next spring.
Regional booksellers and publishing insiders join the discussion by registering @ https://www.caliballiance.org/virtually-speaking.html;
Oct. 13th at 2:00 PT
MERCHANDISE
Are you tired of seeing the same ol' faces on book totes? They are often dead and monochromatic, and usually men. Not here. With the "Mixed Bag" selection we are featuring diversity and contemporary, along with some classic figures. The project is in early days, with varying stages of production. As soon as the inventory increases, you will be alerted and encouraged to buy for yourself, for friends, family and fellow book lovers.
