The Writer Stuff

A Roaring Start

2012-01-13T20:09:00.000-08:00

2012 is off to a great start. In my personal life, I've found the perfect apartment in the perfect neighborhood at the perfect time. In my writing life, I've joined 12 x 12 in 12 (see the badge) where I will write one PB a month for the next 12 months. (What fun!) I've signed up for another 10 weeks of non-fiction writing workshops. Finally, I've volunteered for the 2012 NESCBWI conference in April. I'm off to a roaring start.

My Next Book

2011-12-27T12:34:00.000-08:00

I've been shopping my next pb without success so I'm going to try a different route and enter the National Childen's Book of the Year Award Contest held annually by the National Association of Elementary School Principals. I intend to win.

My Writing Future

2011-12-23T06:24:00.000-08:00

As I write this I'm on a train to Richmond to visit my family for Christmas. Fortunately, I have enough vacation time to be off until January. I intend to take this opportunity to reevaluate my life as a writer. I write every day (for work) but what about the writing that feeds my soul? What about the children's stories that are waiting to be born? The stories for children to love. I have many excuses for not writing which I won't bore you with here. I have made some progress in my non-fiction writing workshop (which I'm doing again in 2012). I'd like to keep the momentum going and venture back into children's books which is my first love. So look out for me.

(Ashland is beautiful, btw. I'm passing through now. Love the Victorian homes that line the way.)

My 55 Word Novel

2011-11-29T16:44:00.001-08:00

A friend recently offered a challenge to write a novel in 55 words or less. Turns out my entry won and I'll be receiving a copy of one of her books. The story is actually a shortened version of one I did during a free write session years ago. I'm psyched to have won something for my writing. Here it is.

Untitled

Shesat at the kitchen table waiting for him to arrive. His favorite dinner—potroast, mashed potatoes with gravy and green beans—sat on the stove, the tableset for one. The click of the door startled her out of her reverie. The look onhis face as she aimed the gun was priceless.

Writing Myself

2011-08-15T15:05:00.001-07:00

Writing myself is what you could call the writing I've been doing in margaret osburn's summer workshop. One thing about writing from personal experience (or memoir writing, if you will) is it makes you think in a way that writing fiction doesn't. The main difference, if you want to be true to the form, is you have to tell the truth. Just the facts, ma'am. Beyond that the self examination can be highly illuminating. I'm thinking about things I haven't thought about in years, mainly about my mother. I want to keep the momentum going so I'm signing up for margaret's fall workshop. Ten glorious weeks of writing myself. I'm sure to be changed as a person and as a writer.

Where I've Been

2011-06-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

I bet you've been wondering where I've been and what I've been doing since my last post. (Well, maybe not.) In either case, I've just finished week 2 of a wonderful workshop on writing personal essays. It's a continuation of a course I took with the Odyssey program at JHU this past spring. The wonderful instructor, margaret osburn, extended the workshop for eight weeks over the summer at her home. I never would have thought that I'd enjoy writing essays but I must admit I'm hooked! It's the self-exploratory aspect that I'm finding most compelling. Looking back at the people and events that shaped your life and reflecting upon the lessons learned is remarkably therapeutic. I also enjoy the opportunity for indepth exploration of areas of interest in order to create my own commentary. This could be the start of a whole new career!

I Wasn't Ready

2011-04-02T11:37:00.000-07:00

As a writer, can you imagine having access to eight editors and agents at one time in one place and not have anything to show them? Well, I do have something but what's the point? It's not finished. I do believe this is one of the levels of writers hell. If this doesn't get me finishing my MG novel I don't know what will.

What I've Been Up To

2011-03-14T17:10:00.000-07:00

I've been one busy woman the last few weeks since the conference in DC.

First of all I'm on the conference committee for the upcoming Maryland Writers Conference 2011. There's still time to register before the price goes up so go to the website now! Get a 10-minute pitch session with an agent or editor for just $30. Purchase as many sessions as your pocketbook allows.

Next, I'm taking another Odyssey course at JHU, Writing from Personal Experience. I don't usually write memoir but it's interesting to explore the possibilities. The class is pretty big, 22 people, but everyone is guaranteed 3 critiques of the 10-week course. Our first assignment was to write about a place using description. I wrote about shopping in downtown Brooklyn with my mother. One thing about writing memoir it takes you back to the experience in a way that's deeper than just remembering. To write effectively you have to relive it if you want the reader to live it too, incorporating specific details that make the experience real.

I'm among the first group to be critiqued and I have to critique 6 others as well. The nice thing is the instructor gave us exactly what we need to look for (voice, authority, clarity, design, development, insight) which makes it much easier to give a critique that's truly helpful for the reader.

Besides keeping up with my own reading and writing, I've been presented with an idea for a wonderfully exciting project. So many ideas, so little time. It's a wonderful life.

Live from AWP

2011-02-04T08:22:00.000-08:00

Coming to you live from the AWP Conference in beautiful Washington, DC. Been to some amazing panel discussions and talked with some talented writers. One can't help but be inspired by all this writing brain power in one location. This could keep me writing for years. So glad I decided to spend the money to come. I think every writer who can should attend this information-packed conference.

But bring some spending money because you're going to want to buy at least a few books and some literary journals, of which there are scads. Many of your favorites are here but there are many I've never heard of. I did get a subscription to Smartish Pace only because they're local. Got a special subscription to Sable, which is a magazine I first discovered at Busboys & Poets bookstore. (I should really check it out while I'm here because I love that place!) Khadija is here all the way from the UK and they're celebrating their 10th anniversary! Sable features some of the best Black writers, old and new. The website is being updated or I'd link it here. Keep looking out for it though because it's a great publication.

As I sit here in the hotel cafe, enjoying free wi-fi, I feel so grateful for the ability to be here among other writers who are dedicated to the craft. I can hardly wait to get back and start writing again in earnest.

This is TheWriterStuff coming to you live from AWP. Ciao for now!

Amazing Ailey

2011-02-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

This has nothing to do with writing but I have to give a shout out to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre. The company is truly amazing. Powerful and perfect. This evening's program was special for me because they're celebrating Revelations at 50. Imagine Alvin Ailey debuted this wonderful ballet in 1960. I saw it in NY years ago and never tire of seeing it. One magnificent ballet was The Prodigal Prince choreographed by Geoffrey Holder. When I discovered that he designed the costumes as well I was not surprised. The entire production was just as flamboyant as he is.

I did get a little thrill when I emerged from the theater to go to the ladies room--I ran straight into Judith Jamison walking swiftly and regally with her entourage headed backstage. I wish I could have engaged her in conversation, even for a moment.

Well tomorrow AWP. Having a wonderful time. Wish you were here.

2011 AWP Conference

2011-02-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

The conference starts tomorrow and I'm so excited. Not only do I get to spend 4 glorious days in our nation's capital but I get to be around a bunch of writers talking about writing. I hope to expanding my circle of writing friends as well as being inspired by the many panels, readings and seminars. It's a writer's dream. I'll keep you posted as things develop.

Deadline's Almost Here

2011-01-28T13:31:00.000-08:00

I'm working on a short story for the Highlights Fiction Contest. I've been dragging my feet getting it finished. Not sure why. It's a good story and I like it but I can't seem to make myself finish. The story has to be postmarked by January 31. I intend to break through my resistance and get 'er done this weekend. Wish me luck.

500 Words

2011-01-23T11:32:00.001-08:00

That's how many words I wrote today. I just started a story that I intend to submit to a short story contest, the theme of which is a true account of how God has helped you in a time of great hardship. We all probably have a story that could fit that category.

I know 500 words doesn't sound like much, but for me it's a milestone that was a long time coming. Until now, I was reading about writing, thinking about writing, talking about writing, joining writing groups, going to writing conferences, taking writing courses, pretty much doing everything you could do related to writing except write. Well that barrier has now been broken. Look out world, I'm back!

This is Cool!

2011-01-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder what books were on the NY Times bestseller list the day you were born? Of course you have. Well wonder no more.

Birthday Best Sellers

I have to say that I've never even heard of the majority of the books on my list. It wasn't until I entered my youngest son's birth date (he's 21) that I started to recognize more books on the list, which goes to show you just how fleeting literary fame can be.

The Evolution of African Writers

2011-01-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

The new African literary superstars (like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, above) are enjoying benefits their predecessors could only dream of as this article in the African Review illustrates.

African literary writing changes hands

Pub Sub 3rd Fri

2011-01-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

Just read a great article in the Jan/Feb 2011 issue of Working Writer, a wonderful e-newsletter edited and published by Maggie Frisch that's packed full of great information and advice "for people who write, by people who write." The article, by Joan Y. Edwards, is about submitting a ms. every 3rd Friday of the month in 2011, thereby increasing your chances of getting published. I know I'm guilty of completing projects and then dragging my feet about submitting so I'm really up for this challenge. (See my badge?) If you'd like to be part of the challenge visit her very colorful website for more information.

Who am I as a Writer?

2011-01-08T09:07:00.000-08:00

Who I am as a writer is inextricably tied to who I am as a person and how I relate to others. I have always cared deeply for people and I believe people can sense that when they meet me. I'd like that caring and compassion to reflect in my writing, especially my writing for children. The world has some hard lessons to teach and they can be learned in many ways. Some are necessarily painful but some can come as tiny revelations, gentle epiphanies that can come through a well crafted story. A reader can learn vicariously through a protagonist with whom they can identify. That struggle on the page can be the eye opener, imparting one piece of knowledge that helps one move more easily through this world. That is my ultimate goal as a writer. To entertain, yes, but also to enlighten.

Questions for 2011

2010-12-26T09:39:00.001-08:00

As I look out on the snowy universe outside my window and look forward to the coming New Year, I find myself reflecting on my life as a writer. I've spent a long time not writing, or at least not writing what I wanted to write, and I wish I knew the reason(s) why. Fear of failure, fear of success, fear that my writing isn't good enough? Who knows? What matters now is it's time to get back on track. I have so many stories inside me. I feel the urge to write growing each day and so I ask myself the following questions as I enter 2011:

Who am I as a writer?
What do I want to communicate and to whom?
How do I want to communicate it?
What is my ultimate goal?
How can I achieve that goal through writing?
Who will benefit?

Over the coming weeks I intend to explore these questions, not in any particular order but in whatever way each reveals itself to me. I expect this to be a glorious adventure, at the end of which I will emerge a better writer and, more importantly, a better person.

Jackie as Editor

2010-12-18T14:24:00.000-08:00

I had no idea that Jackie Kennedy Onassis spent 19 years as an editor producing 97 books, many on dance. I love her quote:

"If you produce one book you will have done something wonderful in your life."

That makes me feel wonderful!

E-Mail Submissions

2010-12-17T17:49:00.001-08:00

One thing about e-mail submissions...your work gets rejected a lot faster.

I Did It!

2010-12-13T16:44:00.000-08:00

After threatening to do so for months, I've finally submitted a story to an agent. Regardless of the response, I'm glad I finally broke free of my self-imposed "exile" and sent something out. Look out world. The sky's the limit now.

Tell Them the Truth

2010-09-26T06:10:00.000-07:00

To make a difference in the lives of children, we must be much more honest and up front to them about the society we've created. I don't believe in shielding children from issues they are seeing everyday. It is smarter, especially for an institution that has a charge to educate, to say, 'What is this about?' ~Joyce Scott, artist

Strive for Integrity, Not Popularity

2010-09-21T08:19:00.001-07:00

'The world needs people who cannot be bought; whose word is their bond; who put character above wealth; who possess opinions and a will; who are larger than their vocations; who don't hesitate to take chances; who won't lose their individuality in a crowd; who will be as honest in small things as they are in great things; who will make no compromise with wrong; whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires; who will not say they do it "because everybody else does it"; who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, in adversity as well as in prosperity; who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning and hard-heartedness are the best qualities for winning success; who are not afraid to stand for the truth even when it's unpopular; who say "no" with emphasis, even though the rest of the world says "'yes".' ~Ted Engstrom

Why I Write for Children

2010-07-31T06:44:00.000-07:00

"No one has yet fully realized the wealth of sympathy, kindness

and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every

true education should be to unlock that treasure."

~Emma Goldman~

Jump Start

2010-07-22T20:52:00.001-07:00

Like a car whose battery has died I need a jump start for my writing. So I've just entered the Writer's Weekly 24-hour Short Story Contest which starts this Saturday. With the temperatures reaching over 100 this weekend, it's the perfect way to keep cool and be creative.

In case you'd like to check it out: http://www.writersweekly.com/misc/contest.php

Best of luck!

Writing as a way of relating to others

2010-07-10T05:25:00.000-07:00

"Writing is one of the major means for anybody to find fulfillment and satisfaction. You can lose your job, friends, but writing is something you can completely own."

Unoma Azuah, author of "Sky-High Flames"

"Dear Lucky Agent" Contest

2010-04-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

Whew it's been a long time. Just dropping a line to let you know that there's still time to submit 150-200 words of your book length middle grade or young adult fiction story to the "Dear Lucky Agent" contest. Deadline April 14. I'm sending in an excerpt from my middle grade story. Wish me luck!

It's Been A While

2009-12-11T06:16:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to say I'm still here, still writing...some. This is a busy time for me and I'm not just talking the holidays. I've just moved offices where I work and I'm getting ready to move to a new home by the end of the month. Needless to say with all the throwing out and packing, especially at home, I haven't had time for much else.

On top of that, I've volunteered to line up presenters for the Maryland Writers' Association conference in April 2010. AND, I'm on the advisory board for a project called the Teen Writers' Club, the initiative I mentioned in my previous post.

If you know anyone in the area who does writing workshops, please send them my way. We have many spots to fill. Until the next time...

Ciao for now!

TheWriterStuff is Writin' Stuff!

2009-10-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

Man, I haven't been this busy writing in many moons. Between revising my middle grade story, writing and critquing for my children's writing workshop, not to mention all the writing I do at work, I'm one busy woman. I'm also perfecting a story that I intend to enter into the Writer's Digest short story contest as well as working on devotionals for the MCC Writers blog. Then there's the adult novel, but that's on the backburner for now.

In addition, I'll be doing a school visit soon and participating in a project to introduce more writing into Baltimore schools. I'm excited about both.

It's all good because this is what I was meant to do, one of the things anyway. (He isn't finished with me yet!)

Here's Comes the Sun...flowers that is

2009-10-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

One of my passions, although I'm not good at it yet, is photography. I hope to combine my love of writing and taking pictures into a children's book some day. In the meantime, I work on improving my picture taking abilities.

A week ago I went to a meeting of the local chapter of the National League of American Pen Women, a group composed not only of writers but artists of all types. Right across from the library where the meeting was held sat a field of sunflowers. In fact, there were sunflowers all over the area. Everyone was taking pictures of them so I joined in. Here's my best shot. There may be hope for me as a photographer after all.

I Got a New Attitude

2009-09-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

I'm feelin' good from my head to my shoes

Know where I'm goin' and I know what to do

I tidied up my point of view

I got a new attitude!!!

I know I've been neglecting my blogging duties lately, but I'm back baby and like Patti I've got a new attitude, about my life, my relationships, my job and most importantly in this venue, about my writing.

For one thing I just started a writing workshop at Johns Hopkins called Writing for the Young Reader, lead by the newly double published Elissa Brent Weissman. We had our first session last night. I have high hopes that this will not only kickstart my writing again (gotta finish that chapter book) but that it will be the breeding ground for new projects. We'll be critiquing each other's work every week. Funny, I never used to worry about being critiqued but this time I'm feeling especially sensitive. I'll have to keep myself clear and open and ready to accept what I hope will be constructive criticism. By now I know what to keep and what to ignore and let go.

I'm also excited (and hopeful) about a recent submission to Candlewick. Of course, I want to make a sale but I'm also happy that I've sent something out at last. I know I'm not a one book wonder. This is just the beginning.

Sing it with me: I'm feelin' good from my head to my shoes....

Old Friends and New Stories

2009-07-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

I'm here in Atlanta for an extended weekend with an old college friend. We hadn't seen each other for over 30 years until she found me again on Facebook. It was so good to hear from her. All the good times we had came flooding back into my memory and now that we're back together again it seems we've picked up where we left off, albeit older and, hopefully, wiser than we were then.

My friend is an avid semi-professional musician who plays every chance she gets. Her fervid love of music makes me question my own commitment to writing. Am I a writer or not? More importantly, do I want to write or not? I won't try to imitate her very high level of devotion to her craft, that would be inauthentic at this point. But I know I have many stories to tell and each day that passes gives me less time here on earth to tell them. So I have a decision to make.

In the meantime, my friend has blessed me a marvelous idea for a story that we're going to work on together. I'm not known for being a collaborative writer. In fact, previous attempts proved distastrous. But I have high hopes, just from our discussion of the plot, that this could work out very well and could be the start of a beautiful writing friendship. We'll see what happens. For now, I have a chapter book to finish and a pb to get out the door again.

So many ideas and only so many hours in a day. There' s no time to waste.

Where've I Been

2009-06-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

Not writing, I can tell you. But that has changed as I've discovered a new angle for my middle grade story, Isabelle's Garden (which actually turns out to be a chapter book). Even though there is some tension and conflict in the story I always felt it could use more. I couldn't quite put my finger on it until I got some advice from a seasoned professional who kindly took a look at what I'd done so far. It was so simple, of course, I kicked myself for not seeing it before. I'm not going to let the cat out of the bag just yet but I'm ecstatic that I can breathe new life into this story that I've loved for so long.

I've also got to get up the nerve to send my pb back out into the world. It's only been rejected twice. I'm sure there's a home for it out there.

2009-06-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Writing for Young Readers Seminar at JHU

2009-03-25T19:18:00.000-07:00

I am so looking forward to going to the Writing for Young Readers Seminar at Johns Hopkins this Saturday. For $40 dollars ($50 now) I get a half-day seminar PLUS a one-page critique by an editor or agent. What a bargain!

There are still about 10 spaces left. Hope to see you there.

Publishing 911

2009-03-07T08:50:00.000-08:00

Enjoy this hilarious post by Paperback Writer (42 Novels in 5 Genres). Makes you wish there really were such a thing. If you can't get satisfaction at least it gives you a place to vent your writerly frustration.

Snow Day!

2009-03-02T04:51:00.001-08:00

The snow here today in Maryland is not quite this bad but it's on it's way to getting there. I've decided (wisely I think) to stay home and putter around the house, hopefully, do some writing. As I look out on the very windy, very snowy day I'm inspired to write a poem.

Gray-white sky, snow swirling in the wind
like a dust storm without the sand.
Spring trying to fight its way in but losing
as the last of winter leaves slowly and stubbornly,
kicking and screaming, in a snowy haze of glory.

Library Love

2009-02-21T15:09:00.000-08:00

"I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library." ~Jorge Luis Borges~

There are few things I enjoy more than spending an afternoon at the library. My library is a fairly new one that's airy and full of light. From the day it opened it was a popular spot. Many go there for the large DVD collection. You can borrow up to 10 DVD's for as long as six nights, including renewal. Some you can keep for up to six weeks (including renewal)--documentaries and the like. Other people use the many PC's available. There are so many that you can sit there for hours and never need worry about being forced off to accommodate another user.

I go there for those things but I also go, like today, to read children's books, mainly PB's. I grab a selection based on recommendations I've seen online or the latest offering by a favorite author. Then I find a likely spot, usually just off from the children's section (the seats in the kid's section are too low for me). I might have a bottle of water or a cup of coffee with me for refreshment. I then tackle my pile, taking notes as I go. My focus today was on rhyming PB's. I have one I've been working on for a while now and I thought I might glean some inspiration. I also checked out a couple of chapter books since I'm working on one of them too; still trying to give the story some depth. These will keep me going until my next trip when I will once again enter the world of possibilities that is the library.

Even the Editor Elves Can't Help

2009-02-13T19:22:00.000-08:00

DIY Publishing?

2009-02-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

As I contemplate news like the 25% drop in sales at Harper Collins, along with the increased difficulty in selling a manuscript these days, I am seriously considering the possibility of self-publishing. (No, really.) Once thought of as the last hope for those desperately seeking publication, self-publishing has gained a new level of respectability, mainly due to the improved quality of the books (both in appearance and content), not to mention the number of authors who have gone on to have their works acquired by major houses. In addition, the cost has become more affordable for the average schmo like me, although self-published PBs are still pricey. I wouldn't think of self-publishing a PB, although you know what they say--never say never. No, I'm considering it for the middle grade chapter book I'm currrently slaving over. Don't worry (not that you would be). I'll go the traditional route before I do anything rash. I'm not going to assume right away that someone somewhere in a small office with a view of a brick wall, obscured by an ever growing slush pile, won't be interested in my baby.

The Excitement is Back!

2009-01-29T19:13:00.000-08:00

Right now I'm working on a middle grade story that I've been tweaking on and off for a couple of years. I have a complete first draft (well, after all this time it's more than the first). It got a letter of merit in an SCBWI competition, but it never seemed quite right. For one thing, at 10,000 words, it's not quite long enough. More importantly it doesn't have the depth I'm looking for.

So I'm going about my business the other day--I may have been cleaning or something. My thoughts weren't on the book at all. Suddenly a couple of lines came to me. I didn't recognize them as lines for the story at first. I was just thinking. Luckily, I ran to write them down before I could forget. I then realized I had the perfect beginning (dare I say, hook) for my story. I plopped these lovely words at the start of my story and it was like magic. With those few words, I realized the story could be as deep, as fulfilling, as meaningful, as I imagine it can be. For a writer, there's nothing more exciting.

Writing Again

2009-01-24T06:01:00.000-08:00

My writing again has been a long time coming. It seems after my first book was published something in me was lost. All the passion and drive that produced Glove and my Highlights story, Where Are We Going Mama?, seemed to have been sucked out of me. It's taken all this time (nearly five years) to get it back. The road has been fraught with envy, against those who continued to write and be published, and regret, not only over the fact that I wasn't doing the same, but knowing that I was perfectly capable of doing so. However, the sleeper has awakened with many stories to tell. My only dilemma now is which to start first. Should I work on my novel, a biography (I have a couple in mind) or a picture book (fiction or nonfiction)? Should I do one at a time or work on two or three? Should I work on one I've started already or start a new one? In the end, it doesn't even matter. Whatever I decide to do at least I'll be fulfilling my life's purpose, writing stories for children to love, and that's what really counts.

2009-01-15T18:47:00.000-08:00

I'm Gonna Let My Light Shine
in 2009!!!

Writing The Mind Alive

2008-12-05T06:07:00.000-08:00

I just finished this very interesting book on a method called Proprioceptive Writing. I learned about it while flipping the through the latest Kripalu catalog looking for possible workshops to attend. One of the upcoming workshops, coming up next week in fact, is being lead by Linda Trichter Metcalf, the creator of the method. Basically, it is an easy to learn writing technique that can be used by writers and non-writers alike as a tool for self-discovery, allowing you, through 25-minute sessions called Writes, to delve deep into whatever issue comes up for you at that time.

You start by putting on some Baroque music (the type of music is very important) and lighting a candle just as the music begins. Taking a few pages of unlined paper (also important), you begin to write whatever comes to mind. At a certain point you ask yourself the Proprioceptive Question (What do I mean by ___?) and your off!

I don't want to give away too much, you've got to read the book yourself, which is well worth doing. You can also learn more by visiting the website.

It's Nanowrimo Time Again!

2008-10-17T13:29:00.001-07:00

2008-08-26T04:34:00.000-07:00

My presence here has been sporadic, kind of like my life lately, but I wanted to post about a writers' seminar I'll be attending on September 6. It's called Write His Answer, a Christian writers' seminar lead by Marlene Bagnull. It's being hosted by my church writers' group, Mountain Christian Church Writers. Ms. Bagnull conducts her seminars all over the country. At the website you can see when the next one will be in your area. I'm looking forward to it and hoping it will jumpstart my writing. I have an idea for a series of Christian picture books I'd like to get working on. I'll let you know how it goes.

In the meantime I bought a beautiful leather journal to write in every day (or as close to that as I can get). I never was interested in journaling before but I now think it's important to get down my thoughts during this next transition of my life which seems more significant than any I've experienced. There's a wisdom about life that seemingly came from nowhere. But I know it's come from what I've learned of life so far--what I've learned and was willing to let change me in a positive way. I have an awareness of my actions and state of mind that's new, exciting, raw...and scary. I'm eager to know what the future holds but willing to be patient and allow things to emerge in the their own (God's own) time and fashion. I'm smiling to myself as I write this revelling in this freshly discovered sense of inner calm and peace in the midst of a life that's in turmoil right now for various reasons. But there are few of us whose lives are not in some state of flux. It's how we handle it that makes the difference and determines what kind of people we will be. Ciao for now!

Black Writers Reunion & Conference

2008-06-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

I'm writing from the 2008 Black Writers Reunion & Conference in warm and sunny Tampa, FL where I'll be conducting my workshop, So You Want to Write for Children. There are a lot of wonderful people here, from aspiring writers to the well published, technical writers, motivational speakers, agents--any kind of writing or anything related to writing and writers is here. I suggest if you haven't had a chance to check it you sign up at the website (http://www.blackwriters.org) for updates so you won't miss the next one which I understand will be in Las Vegas, NV.

Ciao for now!

If at First You Don't Succeed...

2008-04-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

...try sending your story out to another publisher, which is what I did last week. I'm proud of myself for sending it back out in a reasonable amount of time. It usually takes me months to send a story out again (my picture is in the dictionary under procrastination). So, fingers, arms, legs, toes, eyes crossed, and hands folded in prayer. I know this is a good story; it just needs to find the right home.

Rejection

2008-03-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

Well, my publisher rejected my latest story. On the bright side, he said he liked it but he didn't think it was strong enough to compete in today's highly competitive pb market. The fact that he liked it gives me hope. Needless to say I'm not giving up but will just send it on to someone else. As we used to say, "One monkey don't stop no show." Keep checking for the post that says "Accepted", coming soon.

5 Things About Me

2008-03-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged by my friend at Rediscover Raw Food to tell 5 things about me that no one (or hardly anyone) knows and I am rising to the challenge. I just hope I can think of 5 things that are worth sharing.

1. I was born in Derby, England . My parents are from Antigua and were married in England when my father went there to attend school in textile design. I was a first anniversary present.

2. In high school I played the trumpet. I was in the All-City Band in NY and played all over the city ending the season at Carnegie Hall. (What a rush!)

3. I'm an armchair traveler who intends to one day travel to all the places I've dreamt about. (First stop: Provence)

4. I'm a big jazz fan, especially Miles.

5. When I grow up, I want to be a children's librarian. (Exciting, I know.)

My Very First School Visit

2008-03-12T13:28:00.000-07:00

I had my very first school visit last night at George D. Lisby Elementary School at Hillsdale in Aberdeen, MD. I made the connection through someone in my church writer's group. It was their reading night. I had a wonderful time and was only sorry I couldn't spend more time with the kids (I did two sessions that were only about 20 minutes each). I was also sorry that I didn't get to take any pictures--gotta remember a camera next time. I got an enthusiastic response and my writing friend (KC) said they may ask me back. Woo Hoo! This may finally be the beginning of the school visit career I've been procrastinating about for 3 years.

After the visit, KC and I went to Denny's for "breakfast" and a critique session for a wonderful story she's written about a child grieving the death of her father. It is beautifully written with some lovely poetic passages that evoke sadness but also hope. It deserves a good home. We're looking for the right one now.

Happy Belated New Year!

2008-03-06T11:03:00.001-08:00

I noticed that my last post was last year so it's only fitting that I wish you all Happy New Year...even if it is March.

The writing wasn't going as I'd planned which explains why I've been silent the last three months. But, good news! I finally submitted a story to my publisher that I believe they'll like and want to pay me for. What made me finally take the plunge after all this time? Well, I joined a critique group at my church. At last a live critique group! Until now all my critiques have been online. (Hey, I'm not complaining. I got my first book published that way.) I stumbled onto this group through a member of my bible study. At a recent meeting I read my story and got some good feedback. So I polished the ms up one more time and sent that baby out yesterday. Now, I'm trying to decide which of the many stories I have in various stages of completion I should work on next. It's a delightful quandary.

Words of Wisdom

2007-12-31T08:02:00.000-08:00

Check out the latest issue of Esquire magazine for 10 years words of wisdom from some of our most famous actors, sports figures, musicians, comedians, entrepreneurs and many others. My favorite quote so far is by Michael J. Fox:

"My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations."

Think about it...

Starting Out

2007-12-29T18:09:00.000-08:00

For months now I haven't felt like writing--it's as if my entire desire to write had left me. Despite this feeling I always knew I'd come back. I've always known that I'm not a one-book wonder. The call to return to writing has not been for writing children's books, much as I'd like it to be. I feel the need to complete the novel I started during NaNoWriMo last year (which is why I wasn't able to participate this year; I didn't want to start something new).

So, I knew that someone, something, somewhere would draw me back. Today it happened watching the movie, Starting Out in the Evening. This portrait of a once well respected literary writer is a movie every writer should see. It is so engrossing I felt I couldn't miss a moment (even though I needed to go to the bathroom for most of the movie). Frank Langella is devastating in a subtly nuanced performance. I've liked him since the first time I saw him with Carrie Snodgrass in Diary of a Mad Housewife. He's so handsome! Even though he's much older now he still has that magnetism. Lily Taylor as his daughter and Lauren Ambrose as the young woman who reawakens his desire are also both top notch.

Something about Langella's character, Leonard Schiller, and his need to write even when the results are unfruitful (he's spent the last 10 years on his latest novel only to finally admit that his characters aren't going anywhere) has aroused in me the desire to write again. (Go figure!) I must say it is a relief; a writer who is not writing is a sorrowful thing. Two of my favorite scenes are the very beginning and the very end when Schiller is sitting at the typewriter, thinking, looking at the paper with a burning gaze, and then...he starts to type. Every writer has sat like that--thinking and typing, typing and thinking some more. I miss the excitement of having the words say exactly what you envisioned, evoking just the right emotions.

I want to be doing that again. So I went to Barnes & Noble for some more inspiration and found a new book by Walter Mosely entitled, This Year Your Write Your Novel. As the title suggests, Mr. Mosely offers up technique, tips, and advice for completing your novel in one year. I'll write my impression of it when I've finished.

In the meantime, it's good to be back!

No Nano For Me

2007-11-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

If you read my blog you'll notice that I deleted the post about doing NaNoWriMo again this year. I couldn't come up with a story to write and any way I haven't been in writing mode in a while. It's like I have no interest in writing whatsoever. A sad state of affairs I know, but I'm convinced I'll be bitten by the writing bug again soon. I just have some issues to sort through. Then, who knows what great stories will flow from my pen?

Oh, BTW, it's my birthday today. So Happy Birthday to me!!!!

Poetry Workshop

2007-08-16T18:29:00.000-07:00

I attended a wonderful poetry workshop yesterday that really opened my eyes about how I can use poetry to inspire my other writing. I seem to remember reading about a famous author who reads poetry before she begins writing her prose. After taking this workshop I can understand why. We read several poems that illustrated things like setting, character and telling details. My favorite part was using the poems as prompts to write. In one exercise I wrote a scene from the past of a character from one of my stories. It was very revealing and helped me to understand her much better. We ended by reading poems and coming up with questions from them that could reveal some dimension of our longer works or help us to create new ones. All in all a very inspiring experience. Here's one of my favorite poems.

love is more thicker than forget
more thinner than recall
more seldom than a wave is wet
more frequent than to fail

it is most mad and moonly
and less it shall unbe
than all the sea which only
is deeper than the sea

love is less always than to win
less never than alive
less bigger than the least begin
less littler than forgive

it is more sane and sunly
and more it cannot die
than all the sky which only
is higher than the sky

e.e. cummings

I'm Doing It Again

2007-07-30T12:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'll be conducting my children's writing workshop again (newly titled, So You Want To Write For Children!) at the next Black Writers Reunion & Conference scheduled for June 19-21, 2008 in beautiful Tampa, FL. I did my first workshop at last year's conference in Dallas. While no one went running and screaming from the room, it was a sobering experience. Looking back, I think I tried to cram too much information into too short a period of time. So before I perpetrate myself on an another group of unsuspecting children's writers I'll be doing a revamp, making it lighter and a lot more fun. Stay tuned.

Fear of Writing?

2007-07-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

Check out this site from Texas Public Radio. Each month they provide a writing prompt that you can use to write a story (no word limit). Send it in and if they like your story it will be recorded as a podcast on the station's website. You don't have to live in Texas to participate. I'm not sure I'm feeling this month's prompt, but not to worry, you can use any of the 112 prompts on the website to craft your own unique story.

2007-07-07T03:22:00.000-07:00

I've been neglecting this blog in favor of my raw food blog. Sigh! Today I'm going to a meeting of the Black Writers Guild of Maryland, Inc. in Baltimore. Meetings are held the first Saturday of each month at the Garrison Blvd. branch of the public library. It's a nice get together for local writers most of whom are not children's writers but it's still nice to be among any writers for me, especially since I haven't been writing lately. Here's to being inspired.

Speaking of inspiration, the book I'm reading now, My Life in Paris, by Julia Child inspires me more than ever to go to France. It's on my list of must visit places along with Italy, Spain, Africa, Portugal, Turkey, and a host of others. The book relates her experiences while in Paris in the 40's and 50's. It's fun to see the making of great chef. She was determined to be a culinary queen and that's what she had become. Ciao for now!

Local Author Book Fair

2007-06-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

A Good Book is once again having it's Local Author Book Fair. Here are the details. I plan to be there. How about you?

A Good Book is proud to announce the start of registration for our 2007 Local Author BookFair to be held on Saturday, August 18th, 2007 10am-6pm. This year the Book Fair will be held at the Woodlawn Recreation Center located at 2120 Gwynn Oak Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21207. Even though this is called Local Author Book Fair, authors from all over are invited to participate.

Portions of the proceeds from this Book Fair will also benefit Patsy's Reading Circle. An innovative reading program developed for homeless men in downtown Baltimore City. It provides academic enrichment, fellowship & encouragement for adult males who do not have access to
educational resources.

Early registration fee is $55, after July 15th the fee will be $75.

I am ENCOURAGING all LOCAL authors who have their books stocked at A Good Book to participate in this event. If you are interested please register at A Good Book.

Write Away

2007-06-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

I just had to write my own little review of this wonderful book. It's one of the best writing books I've read and I've read a lot. What Ms. George does is not only let you in on her own (very intricate) writing process but also through her novels instructs you by example on plot, character development, point of view, how to use research, etc. Each chapter begins with an excerpt from John Steinbeck's Journal of a Novel, which he wrote while writing East of Eden. This demonstrates something she suggests doing which is journaling while you write your novel. Steinbeck's musings are an intimate look into his thoughts while writing. As great a writer as he was, you'll be glad to know he suffered the same insecurities we do. Write Away is a priceless addition to any serious writer's collection. I borrowed it from the library but I intend to get my own copy. I know I'll be referring to it again and again.

Why I Write

2007-06-02T04:25:00.000-07:00

This is one of the exercises from a book I read not long ago. I've forgotten which one but I found it in a notebook and decided to reproduce it here to remind me why I write. At some point I expect my writing fears will change. In fact, I believe they already have.

I write because I enjoy it and I'm good at it. Writing my last story was worthwhile because it captures an aspect of childhood people can relate to. The fun of writing happens when you find exactly the right words in the right order to convey exactly what you want to say or to evoke exactly the place, time or emotion you want to realize. In spite of the struggle, I'm willing to keep writing because it is part of my God-given purpose. I have something to say that children need to hear.

I'm afraid to write because sometimes it just seems too hard. I don't think I'll be able to say what I want to say the way I want to say it. (Read: not good enough.) I have trouble getting started because I have trouble getting started with most things in my life. Once I do start I have to commit to the thing. Starting means I'll have to finish, or worse, live with the guilt of not finishing. So sometimes it's better not to start. My worst fears about writing are that I won't do it well and that I won't finish what I've started.

My Magnetic Poetry

2007-05-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

A few years back I got a Magnetic Poetry book at an office Christmas party. Every year we do a Chinese gift exchange which if you haven't done it is a lot of fun. All the gifts are placed in a pile and each person is given a number. When your number is up (so to speak) you can either choose a gift or take one from someone before you if you like their gift better. The higher your number, the more likely you are to keep your gift. Some gifts change hands many times. This year for instance I really wanted a beautiful little basket someone had brought back from Africa. The poor little basket went back and forth between me and another woman. I'm happy to say I ended up with it and it is now proudly diplayed in my living room along with a wooden bottle opener carved in the shape of an alligator.

Anyway, back to the poetry. I didn't actually get the book during the gift exchange but I talked the guy who won it into exchanging it for my bottle of wine. I'm sure some people would rather have kept the wine but the writer in me couldn't resist another creative outlet. So, here are few poems I found in an old notebook that I think are kinda cool.

#1 Poem #1
The sound of glass cracking
slices through liquid

As you shower love in me

on a wild red summer morning

#2 Poem #2

I like when books grow

from my skin

and blossom like

full song to the wind

#3 Poem #3

Tell me about how these people

see you and what secret

only I can pronounce

Blog Challenged

2007-05-18T05:08:00.000-07:00

I'd like to make some aesthetic changes to my blog but I'll be doggoned if I can figure out how. I don't know html very well so I'll have to do some research. The thing is I had to do this with the last blog I had. You'd think I would have written down. Now I have start all over. Oh, well.

All About Eve

2007-05-13T09:48:00.000-07:00

I realized today that I rarely think of her; hardly ever invoke her image in my mind. I can see her now though. Dark, smooth skin and fine features, her hair so soft and light you could see her scalp through it. We were like night and day. Compared to her petite frame I looked like an Amazon. Hard to believe we were mother and daughter.

I remember at her funeral, we (my ex and my oldest son) were cracking jokes at the grave site because it was Halloween. A lot of good material there for smart alecks like us. I should be ashamed to admit it but I’m not. After years of suffering the deterioration of Alzheimer’s, the person we’d buried was no longer my mother. I considered the end of her suffering to be cause for celebration.

Not for my father, of course. He’d just lost his partner of over 40 years. My dad amazed me with how tenderly he cared for mom. He demonstrated a level of caring and compassion I mistakenly thought was beyond him. But even he got impatient at times and who could blame him? Getting mom to eat took a good chunk of the day, she wouldn't open her mouth. At one point she wouldn’t go down any steps, shrinking away with large, fearful eyes as if she were looking down the slopes of Mount Everest. I found I could barely stand being with her more than a half hour let alone live with her. That was where my shame lay. After all the care and concern my mother invested in me and my well-being over the years I couldn’t cope with her when she needed me most.

In my youth, we constantly butted heads; my tomboy ways forever clashing with her desire to transform me into a “young lady.” For her part, my mother was ultra-feminine and always well dressed. Dad was quite disappointed that after she died I couldn’t take any of her clothes or shoes which were much too small for me. He had to send them home to Antigua. They could use them more than I could anyway.

Mom was highly ambitious and believed in keeping up with the Joneses and surpassing them whenever possible. I resented her comparisons of me with other girls she admired—especially Diane who lived a few blocks away from us in Brooklyn. Diane’s smug, holier-than-thou mother, Mrs. Brown, had been my Girl Scout leader and an acquaintance of my mom. It was bad enough being told how inadequate I was in every way next to Diane, but on top of that she always had the coolest toys including Barbie with all the trimmings. To this day I’ve never owned a Barbie. (No wonder I came out the way I did.) I got the last laugh, though, when Miss Pure as the Driven Snow got knocked up before I ever knew where the point of entry was.

Seeing Mom in my mind’s eye I also recall she was always busy. I’m sure that was the result of the West Indian work ethic. Virtually all the West Indians I know, including my ex and his family, are hard working folks. Think of the white tornado in the old Mr. Clean ads and that would be my mom. If she wasn’t cleaning, cooking, ironing, washing or sewing she was tending her prize-worthy garden (now wild and overgrown since her death). In fact the entire house fell into disrepair after mom died. It was thanks to her that the house was a home and Dad didn’t walk around in a holey t-shirt and slippers everywhere. (I once thought of moving to Richmond to live with my dad, you know, to help out. Thank you Lord for not letting me make that mistake!)

To be continued...

Writing About Mom

2007-05-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon on the way home out of nowhere I started to think about my mom whom I haven't thought about since...since... Anyway, my thoughts turned into this essay that I started writing on the bus this morning. So far it's about 3 1/2 pages and I'm not finished yet. I plan to post it here as a Mother's Day tribute. Stay tuned.

Have You Ever...?

2007-05-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever looked at a manscript you just knew was ready for submission only to realize that it still needs work? That happened to me today with a story recently returned to me (After about 7 months. I was beginning to think they either didn't get it or were seriously considering publishing it. Wrong on both counts) . I began tweaking it here and there but I believe it may need more than that. It's definitely weak in some spots. Like Winnie the Pooh says, "Oh, bother!"

I shouldn't be surprised though. It took two years (on and off) to finally get Has Anybody Lost A Glove? up to snuff. It was well worth the effort as evidenced by the fact that it was published. Still it's difficult to accept that something you thought was finished, isn't. Like Glove, I'm hoping to find that angle that'll make the story come alive. Then the birds will fly and the angels will sing and I'll know for certain that I have another winner on my hands. Yeah!

I Wrote Last Night

2007-05-08T10:03:00.000-07:00

This may not be exciting to you (especially since it was only about half a page) but for me it's huge!!! It is amazing the things I'll do to keep from putting my BIC (Butt-in-Chair) to write. I cooked dinner, watched TV (hey, it was Inside the Actor's Studio!), played online Family Feud with my son (great game BTW) until finally...FINALLY I sat down to write. It was a bit painful. As that famous quote goes, I was sweating blood but I got some words down--the beginnings of a new PB. Hopefully, this is the start (or should I say re-start) of a beautiful friendship.

Also, thanks to Miss Vicki for her comment. I don't know how you found little ole' me but I'm glad you did and I'm glad I inspired you to put your own BIC. For those who need that extra push I offer the following link from Margot Finke's May Musings column on procrastination: http://www.underdown.org/mf-procrastination.htm.

Peace and blessings <*{{{><

I Got A New Attitude!!!

2007-05-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

A new writing attitude that is. And a new blog look. I've been idle long enough. It's time to put another book on the shelves, and I'm just the woman to do it. So stay tuned as I blog about my continuing writing adventures.

My current state of affairs is I just got a rejection for one of my pb's. I'm looking forward to sending it someplace where it'll be appreciated for the masterpiece it is. Also, working on two other stories that are closest to being in publishing shape. One of my problems is I have so many stories and ideas that I get bogged down and end up not writing anything. So that's something I need to work on while I work on the next Newbery winner. (If you don't believe in yourself who will, right?)

Ciao for now!