'Gold Digger' Confessions Captured Live On YouTube

New York, NY (PRWEB) June 22, 2007 -- "Gold Diggers: A Novel", the book by acclaimed author Tracie Howard (http://www.traciehoward.com), has prompted a reaction not seen from African American fiction fans in recent memory. Readers of both sexes have openly participated in gold digger-themed 'confession' parties where they willingly act out parts based on the novel's salacious lead characters. The phenomenon, which started in black book clubs, has caused sales of the title to explode, while being captured live on You Tube.(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4SU1LPE7iM)

Unlike the preconceived notion one might have of a party with this name, 'confession' gatherings are usually upscale, sophisticated affairs, held in a popular local nightspot or in a smartly-appointed private residence. Wine, champagne and delectable edibles are the foods of choice. The lighting is usually soft and the music reflects a comfortable atmosphere where mingling among the invited couples and single attendees is welcome. The mix reflects the range of Tracie's diverse, yet powerful, fan base: slightly more female than male, they are achievers who remain consistent, in part, through their ability and desire to maintain upwardly mobile lifestyles.

"Gold Diggers", which is a dramedy-based novel, provides the perfect literary backdrop through which this audience can see themselves. For a demographic renown in its aspirational tendencies, Tracie's writing echoes upscale situations many of them can relate to or have experienced but don't get to see often enough on TV or via Film. You Tube, which has exposed a plethora of content routinely not seen by average consumers, became the perfect vehicle for tapes of gold digger 'confession' parties to be shown.

In assessing why readers of "Gold Diggers: A Novel" have felt comfortable in taking the added step of personally bringing her characters to life, Tracie responds, "Whenever I write, my goal is to capture the diversity of our lifestyle in ways that actualize and crystallize it for the reader. In choosing 'gold diggers' as a subject-matter, I wanted to touch on the obvious stereotypes but also delve into how those characteristics get played out across social, gender and racial lines. While I never dreamed readers would be moved to perform dramatizations of my book, the fact that the characters and storyline stick to that degree means that I've genuinely touched a nerve."

Now that the parties have become more publicized and "Gold Diggers" interpretations are showing up online, professional performers are also getting into the mix. In fact, event planners in traditional African American summer enclaves like Sag Harbor, Martha's Vineyard and The Hamptons are already requesting seasoned actors to play Paulette, Gillian, Reese and Max, (the lead characters in the book) at party functions this summer.

While the unexpected focus on the book has been great for business -- sales have increased exponentially as readers clamor to familiarize themselves with the characters and their roles -- Tracie has been trying hard to keep it all in perspective. "Being a huge film fan, I've always marveled at the distinct elements video brings in complimenting the written word," she remarked. "While I've always had visions of seeing my novels interpreted for other mediums, the fact that You Tube has made the 'confession' clip accessible to a worldwide online audience is truly exciting."

"Gold Diggers: A Novel" is Tracie Howard's third solo release. A native of Atlanta, she is the author of two previously well-received urban lifestyle books, "Never Kiss and Tell" and "Why Sleeping Dogs Lie". Along with her work as a fiction writer, Tracie is an accomplished journalist, traveler and curator of fine wearable art. She is reachable online via www.traciehoward.com http://tracie-howard-musings.blogspot.com and www.golddiggersthenovel.com

"Gold Diggers: A Novel" is published by Random House and can be ordered online through www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnobles.com and at popular bricks and mortar retailers.

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