#MondayMotivation - #quote

If you wish to be a writer, write. – Epictetus

#MondayMotivation - #Onwriting

“Our writing can transform us.” 
― Sandra Marinella

#MondayMotivation - #quote

“You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.”
― Jodi Picoult

#MondayMotivation - #Quote

The words you use and choose not to use do not merely describe reality, they create it.
~~James Slezak

What are you doing?!

When is your next book going to be released?

Photo by Nalan Nalan | Dreamstime Stock Photos

So, I’ve been getting that question a lot lately, and the answer is, soon…I hope. I’m writing, but I’m also working hard with my publishing company, trying to make a living all while dealing with family health emergencies and really striving to improve my own health and to just live in the moment more. This year has been crazy so far, hectic, but I am writing. Just slowly. And I’m asking my wonderful readers to bear with me. I hope to be releasing something this summer. So, keep me and my family in your prayers so I can get this done, lol. 

What am I working on, you ask? Well, I want to do a Breathe Again sequel, but another story popped into my head and won’t let go. It’s tentatively titled, Stay Awhile, and is the story of a videographer who is hired to film a once very successful R&B singer’s attempt at making a comeback. He’s troubled, and she’s struggling with her faith. It’s a love story, because I like writing those, and I think it’s so far so good.

Here’s an UNEDITED little snippet. Enjoy!!

I found granola, yogurt, and fresh fruit in the fridge, and as I ate, thought about this supposed meeting I was to have with Titus in just a couple of hours. I was torn between what this job could do for my struggling—well, nonexistent—film-making career. It would take me from filming weddings and charity events and family reunions and birthday parties and Pooky and Ray-Ray’s green screen music videos to perhaps following other artists on tour or making the documentary I’d always dreamed of making. After all, I wasn’t getting any younger, and shoot, I was tired of struggling. The fee Titus had agreed to pay me to film his tour rehearsals, interview him about his life and career, and film the tour’s first show would set me up for the next two or three years. This job was nothing if not a huge blessing in many ways. But...

Titus was known for his bad boy persona, nasty attitude, rudeness, and mood swings. He’d fired tour managers and publicists and managers several times during his career. How Marsha had managed to stay his manager for five years was a mystery, but she’d always been kind, level-headed, and patient, so I supposed that was how she was able to both cope with him and stay on his good side. My personality was a lot like hers, which was why we connected way back in elementary school, but my patience ran far thinner than hers, always had, and I wasn’t sure if I could take much of the rudeness he was known to display, no matter how nice my bank account could potentially look.

After breakfast, I called my mom and chatted with her, texted Marsha to make sure the meeting with Titus was still on, and stared down at the Bible my mom made me pack. Well, she didn’t really make me pack it, but she did remind me a dozen times, and since I had a major problem with lying to her, I tossed one of the ten or so she’d bought me over the years into my suitcase even though I hadn’t cracked one open in years and had no desire to. 

Needing some air and to maybe clear my mind a bit, I checked myself in the dresser mirror for the fifth time, sucked my stomach in, and blew out a breath before stepping into the living room and out the front door. I jumped a little when I saw a figure floating in the pool, and then I just stood there and stared at him. He seemed so at peace in that moment, on his back in the water wearing swimming trunks, the sun reflecting off his wet, toned chest. I eased the door shut and leaned against it, watching him lie there. He was a handsome man. Everyone knew that, but even in my disconnected-from-God state of being, I could feel that his soul was troubled, probably as troubled as mine was. I knew the source of my unrest but had to wonder what was causing his.

“Where you’re from, they always stare at people? They don’t say good morning?”

His voice startled me into muteness. Or maybe it was that I didn’t have an answer for my semi-voyeurism. 

“Okay, I’ll say it. Good morning.” His eyes were still closed, and he hadn’t moved a muscle.

“Um…good morning,” I said softly. “I’m Nairobi Ferguson.”

He opened one eye and peered at me. “I hope that’s who you are since you spent the night in my cottage.”

“Uh, yeah. Thanks for having me.”

“Mm-hmm.” He flipped over and swam to the edge of the pool, hopped out and onto the patio floor with agility, and with water dripping from him, walked over to me, extending a hand toward me.

I looked from his hand to his eyes and swallowed, because Good Lord! He didn’t seem this tall on TV and he was wet and just fine as all get-out!

“Titus,” he said, his hand still extended.

Finally offering him my own hand, I felt his firm, wet grip and gave him a nervous smile. "Nairobi," I repeated.

That's all for today. I hope you're looking forward to reading the finished product, and if you haven't already, get caught up on my back list by clicking HERE.

Be blessed, everyone!!

#MondayMotivation #quote #writing

“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.”
—Richard Bach

#WriterWedneday with Margo McKenzie

Today's Writer Wednesday interview is with aspiring author, Margo McKenzie. Scroll down and learn all about her and her work in progress!!

AT: Where do you live? What’s your town’s claim to fame?
MM: I live in East Harlem, New York.  New York is probably the most important cultural, religious, financial and commercial port in the world.  As such, it is fast-paced city filled with diverse ethnicities.  My home is two blocks from Central Park, two blocks from Museum Mile and in a community tangling with the forces of gentrification.

AT: What genre do you write?
MM: I write fiction and non-fiction, and I am currently working on a novel and a biography.

AT: Are you a published author or aspiring to be published? If published, how many books are out there with your name on them?
MM: I am a published journalist, but I have no books out there with my name on it—yet.

AT: I look forward to reading your works in the future! What inspires you to write?
MM: I have always had a passion for writing.  Writing is my pathway to wholeness and joy.

AT: Name one book you wish you’d written.
MM: I am currently working on the two books I wish I’d written.

AT: I hear you! What was the last book you read? Did you enjoy it?
MM: I Almost Forgot About You by Terri McMillan was the last book which kept me engaged.  I love how she addresses contemporary relationships infusing elements of pop culture throughout her works.

AT: I'm also a fan of Ms. McMillan's work. Who is your favorite author? Why?
MM: I like Paule Marshall (fiction) and Ta’Nihisi Coates (non-fiction) for their use of language and depiction of the Barbadian experience in America and the African-American male experience, respectively.

AT: Now for the fun questions! You’re a new addition to the crayon box. What color would you be and why?
MM: I am yellow because my goal is to always elevate and educate, to bring light to dark places.

AT: Nice! What would your autobiography be called?
MM: Tupac Was Wrong: A Rose Needs Fertile Soil

AT: Do you believe in love at first sight?
MM: No, I do not. I believe in attraction at first sight, but love is a verb requiring dedication, consistency, competence and maturity. It grows with time like fine wine.

AT: If a genie granted you three wishes, what would they be? (can't ask for more wishes)
MM: I would ask for wisdom, vision and patience.

AT: Are you spring, summer, fall, or winter? Please share why.
MM: I am spring, the time for groundwork, planting and cultivation to ensure a rich harvest.  I am learning as much as I can about the art of writing and the message I am called to proclaim through my writing. I write daily to perfect my craft and surround myself with encouragers to keep out the weeds which can choke my creativity.  When harvest time arrives, I expect a bountiful crop.

AT: Tea or coffee?
MM: Tea calms anxiety and stress allowing the spirit to move freely and productively. I associate tea with quietness and reflection under a tree by the water where oak trees are made. Tea is strength and creativity.

AT: Tell us about your most recent/current project.
MM: My work of fiction is about a Barbadian family who comes to New York City to live out their dream but encounter obstacles which stress the links that keep the family chain united. Here is the opening page:

    “Mummy, is Pam dead?”
    “No, no.  What gives you such wild thoughts, baby girl? She’s just not feeling too well today. Go sit down.  Dr. Cyrus will come soon.”
    Her daddy whispered something to her mummy and Margaret overheard. “Lord, Lord, Lord,” and through her glasses caught sight of watery eyes just before her mother arched her back and turned away toward her room. The last time Margaret saw those eyes and heard her mother utter three Lords, her grandma died. That was three years ago when Margaret was seven. Back then, Mummy sent Margaret to clean up her room. She remembered the chaos in the house that week. Sobs. Whispers. Relatives. Strangers. Black dresses and hats, black suits, a body lying still in a fancy box in front of the church and herself standing in the mud as the closed box went down into the ground.  
    Would Pam end up in the same box? Margaret’s body shuttered at the thought and snuggled even harder in her favorite blue suede chair. She didn’t care that the soles of her black Mary Janes rested there. She just needed the chair’s soft arms to cuddle the right side of her body. She sat there aslant by the window, knees drawn up. The right side of her face leaned against the back of her bent left arm. She exhaled with relief.
    Outside the window, her friends stood big and strong. Their branches grew so much since her grandmother’s passing. Dangling leaves and drooping mangos provided relief from the heat of the sun.
    Her father claimed, “Temperatures never rise above 80 degrees by those trees.” He was right. Though they might have tried, the rays of the Bajan sun never did get through.  Margaret sat by the open window and hoped to catch a breeze the swaying leaves sent her way.  But no matter how she positioned herself at the jalousie window, the events down the hall in the room she shared with her sister Pam were too much like the last day her grandmother slept in the house. That her parents would not let her get anywhere near her own bedroom set her mind to thinking the worst about Pam and her heart racing even though her favorite chair wrapped its arms around her.

©M. McKenzie 2017  (Excerpt from Life is Short, Make it Large by Margo McKenzie)

AT: Sounds good! How can readers connect with you?
MM:
museumofwriting.com
www.ourtimepress.com
linked.com/in/margo-mckenzie-b9356925

AT: Any final words?
MM: My first act was teaching high school English and high school administration; my second act is writing.

AT: Thanks, Margo! It was great chatting with you!!

#GuestPost - Ten Tips For Becoming A Better Writer By Yasmin Shiraz

Ten Tips For Becoming A Better Writer

By Yasmin Shiraz

1. Commit to reading at least 24 books a year. In 2014, I set a goal to read 100 books in a year. What did I discover? The more I read, the more I wanted to write. And, it immediately improved my writing because I was learning new writing styles by the types of books that I had read.

2. Find 3 writers who you really like and then critique their work identifying why you like them. When I recently completed this exercise, I found myself drawn to Richelle Meade. She wrote the Vampire Academy series. I like her ability to tell a full story while at the same time prompting you to want to find out what happens in the next book.

3. Incorporate some of the styles of your favorite writers into your work. Think of it as imitating Picasso. After reading Richelle Meade’s Vampire Academy novels, I incorporated that kind of storytelling when I wrote the Devious, and Secrets books which are part of the Tisha Ariel Nikkole Series. The style allowed me to complete one story while leaving the audience begging for the next installment.

4. Take a writing class. I’ve taken several writing classes over the years. Writing classes teach you technique but also teach you to see your blindspots. In my first screenwriting class, I learned about making strong opening scenes for my screenplays. It helped me to set a clear tone for my screenplays.

5. Join a writer’s group where you’re able to read other people’s work. Notice the strengths in other people’s writing. Reading the work from strong writers really helped me to become a better writer.

6. Find a good editor to work with who gives constructive criticism and takes some ownership in your work. I’ve worked with at least two great editors in my life.  When the editor is more of a partner than a hired gun, they truly care about the end result.

7. Use writing prompts. Many writers suffer from writers block. I have found that using writing prompts helps to clear blocks. Many free writing prompts are available all over the internet.

8.  Read books on writing like for example: How to build better characters, writing mastery, etc.

If you are struggling in a particular area like writing dialogue, or creating characters, read a book on it. You’d be surprised how much you can learn.

9. Read at least ten books from the NY Times Best Seller list every year. I do not believe that the best books written every year are automatically on the NY Times Best Seller list but a lot of them are. Seeing what is considered ‘the best’ is a great shot in the arm so you can know what to aim for.

10. Get a library card from your local library. Every serious writer needs a library card because writers need to be reading as much as writing and books can be expensive. The more you read, the better you write. 

       Yasmin Shiraz is the author of  more than ten books including the best seller, Exclusive and the American Library Association Award Winning Book, Retaliation. She is a full time screenwriter and author. She actively runs trivia contents, video chats and more on her Facebook page: Bit.ly/FBYasmin

More About The Author

Yasmin Shiraz is an author, filmmaker, speaker and activist. She uses her passion for life to fuel her books, documentaries, speaking engagements and social activities. She’s spoken at over 100 colleges, universities, middle schools and high schools as well as non-profit organizations. 

She’s an award winning Writer/ Director and enjoys producing work on youth and community issues. By day, she’s the President of Still Eye Rise Media and runs the Yasmin Shiraz website.

About The Book

When a teen girl discovers her brother has been shot, she learns  firsthand about loyalty. Should her brother be more loyal to her or the gang members he's so eager to impress?

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#MondayMotivation - On Writing

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When I began writing my first novel in 2009, I wasn't sure why I was writing. I just knew I liked it. I liked making up people and places and situations. No, actually I loved it. I loved it all--choosing names, creating entire families, making people fall in and out of love. 

So I wrote and wrote and wrote. I wrote book after book without even a thought in my head of sharing my stories. I liked reading them and that was good enough for me. I didn't share them with anyone, not even my family members. I was too afraid to because though I loved what I was creating, I was sure the rest of the world would hate my work or at the very least and the very worst, laugh at me. 

It took over a year for me to finally muster up the courage to share some of my work via a blog. Even then I posted the work but told no one about it. The few visitors I had must've just happened upon the blog. Then I added the blog link to my Facebook profile and a coworker read my excerpt and raved about it. I was shocked and hopeful. Another human being besides me actually liked what I wrote! That gave me the courage to share my work with other coworkers, friends, and relatives. The consensus was that the book was good and I should publish it. So, I did.  

It has been a little more than 5 years since I published my first book. This has been a wild ride of highs and lows. I am now a full-time author, supporting myself with book royalties and freelance editing and formatting jobs. This publishing journey has been both rewarding and disappointing at the same time. Some days, I wonder why I do this--work hard, lose sleep, and make sacrifices--and then throw my work out there in hopes it will be received well. Some days are full of so much anxiety it's unreal. Those days, I really and truly want to give up. Other times, I'm on cloud nine. I get to meet wonderful readers, some of whom I've made real connections with. I've met some wonderful authors I might never have known about had we not shared a love for writing. And then there is the fact that I get to make a living doing what I love. At the end of the day, the good outweighs the bad. That's why I continue to write through the disappointments. And if you are a writer, that's why you should keep writing, too.


Check out my books here:
Kindle and paperback:  http://ow.ly/fxVXG

Kobo:  http://ow.ly/fxW6V

Nook:  http://ow.ly/fxW4y

Amazon UK: http://ow.ly/miFUU

What I Write

For those of you who don't know me, I am Adrienne Thompson, writer and independent publisher of 22 books and counting. I published my first book in July of 2011. My 23rd book will be released 2.16.16. I have been a full time writer since November of 2012.

I write stories about women (and a few men), African American women, flawed women, hurt women, broken women. Women society may see as undesirable and unlovable. Women who might not meet the mainstream world's standard of beauty, but who are beautiful to the men who love them. Yes, the women in my books find love, sometimes in the strangest places.

And the men that love them are usually handsome, sexy, fine. Because every woman deserves a fine man, doesn't she? Of course she does!

My books involve conflict, tragedy, hope, love, a little suspense, and from time to time, a little fantasy. Oh, and a heaping helping of reality.

No one is perfect, especially when it comes to my heroines.

Toni Morrison said, “If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” And that's exactly what I've done, time and time again. It's what I will continue to do.

God is always a major player in my books, because He is a major player in my life, always has been.

But my books probably couldn't be considered Christian Fiction per se, because my characters have sex--not explicit sex, but sex nonetheless. And they lie and cheat. And they have been known to curse a bit here and there.

My characters make mistakes, big ones. They think crazy stuff, say stupid things. Some are downright unlikable. Some of them are just not good people, and I think that's what I like most about them, because it makes them real.

Real.

And real people can be redeemed. That's the beauty of what I choose to write.

Like Mona-Lisa from Been So Long, whose life involves a different take on being the side chick.

Or Bobbie Brooks from Bluesday, who fights an addiction  she didn't even realize had a hold on her all while trying to piece her life back together.

Or Olivia Moy from See Me, who endures the unthinkable to protect her child.

Or Ivan from Home--one of the few man-centered stories I've written--who becomes the thing he hates most despite himself.

Or Carla in Better, who runs away from the one thing she needs.

Or Alex in Ain't Nobody, who makes a crazy decision that has a snowball effect she can't run from.

They are real.
They make mistakes.
...But they pay for them.

My books don't really fall into a known genre (If they did, I'd probably sell more books), so I kind of just place them where they almost fit. I write Edgy Inspirational African American/Multicultural Women's Romantic Fiction.

Yep, that's what i write... most of the time.

And there are some people out there that like it.

And I'm grateful for that.