Book signing and Talk :Margena A Christian in conversation with Katara Patton
2026-02-14 12:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | Da Book Joint, 6900 S Stony Island Ave, Chicago, IL, 60649, United States
Join Margena A. Christian for an in-person chat with Katara Patton and book signing—don’t miss this fun, inspiring event!

Join us on Saturday, February 14th from 12–2PM at Da Book Joint inside Pen & Paper for a book signing and talk with Margena A. Christian, author of It’s No Wonder: The Life and Times of Motown’s Legendary Songwriter Sylvia Moy.
It’s No Wonder is the meticulously researched biography of Sylvia Moy, Motown’s first certified female in-house producer and songwriter, and one of the creative forces behind timeless hits such as “My Cherie Amour,” “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” and countless other classics.
Imagine a world without the music of Stevie Wonder—no “I Was Made to Love Her,” no “Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day.” That’s the world we might have known without Sylvia Moy. As a Detroit native and the lone woman in a male-dominated industry during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, Moy defied expectations, battled sexism, and carved out a groundbreaking career as both a songwriter and producer. In addition to helping save Stevie Wonder’s early career at Motown, she penned enduring songs for other iconic acts, including “It Takes Two,” “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak For You),” “With a Child’s Heart,” “Forget Me Not,” and many more.
Fiercely feminist and deeply illuminating, It’s No Wonder is a historical corrective that restores Sylvia Moy to her rightful place at the forefront of music history.
During this special event, attendees will hear from Margena A. Christian about her research and writing process, the cultural significance of Sylvia Moy’s work, and the importance of preserving overlooked stories in Black music history. A book signing will follow the talk.
About the Author:
Margena A. Christian is a retired Internship Director for Undergraduate Studies and Senior Lecturer in English and Professional Writing at the University of Illinois Chicago. She previously worked as a Senior Editor and Senior Writer at Ebony magazine and served in editorial roles at Jet magazine, including Features Editor, Associate Editor, and Assistant Editor. She is based in Chicago.
About the Moderator:
Katara Washington Patton is Executive Editor at Our Daily Bread Publishing, and the author of eight books, including her latest Navigating the Blues: Where to Turn When Worry, Anxiety, or Depression Steal Your Hope. Katara has worked in the editorial and acquisitions departments at Weekly Reader Corporation, Jet Magazine, Urban Ministries, Inc. (UMI), McGraw-Hill, The African American Pulpit, The Chicago Defender, Tyndale House Publishers, and Christian Century Magazine. She is currently also a regular contributor to the daily devotions at Our Daily Bread.

Publishing In Color - Spring Virtual Conference: "Dig Deep"
2026-04-27 - 2026-05-01 | Virtual
Details have not been posted yet, but as soon as they do, I will update this event.

Come grow with us.
We serve to grow ethnic diversity in Christian publishing. We strive to remain fruitful in overcoming the scarcity of resources by Black persons and other people of color.
Our network of diverse, professional individuals helps nurture writers, authors, speakers, illustrators, designers, and other communicators to publish Christian resources.
Our conferences refresh participants with encouragement and, through “hands-on” mentoring, help to break up barriers.
Our collaboration and the tools we share help to bring publishing visions to fruition.
We invite you to be part of this growth.

Write to Publish
2026-06-09 - 2026-06-12 | Wheaton College, 501 College Avenue, Wheaton, IL, 60187, United States
Transform Your Calling into Reality
That book idea burning in your heart—it’s there for a reason.
You see the possibilities. The lives you could touch.
You write the words God has entrusted to you.
But then reality hits. Rejection letters arrive. And those whispers start:
“Is my writing good enough? Will anyone want to read this? Am I wasting my time?”
Here’s the good news: you’re not alone.
Natural talent isn’t what gets you published. Your consistent commitment to clarity, craft, and connection brings results.
Clarity focuses your writing.
Craft captivates your readers.
Connection opens doors.
Find all three at Write to Publish.
