Do you think you can write a novel in a month? I must admit, there have been times, when I’ve been up against deadlines, that I’ve attempted the daunting task. Interestingly, some of my best work comes when I’m freestyling with my pen or with keystrokes. I like to call that type of writing "Random Fire." Anyway, I heard about the National Novel Writing Month several years ago. Each November, writers are tasked to finish a 50,000 word novel in one month. According to the website, www.nanowrimo.org, over 79,000 writers participated in 2006. This year, I plan to participate in this challenge.
Just over a year ago, Monica Jackson and I decided to take a journey. The road hasn’t been easy; there were times when I wanted to give up. Monica has definitely had BIB’s back. We’ve seen bloggers come and go, but we’ve managed to maintain a sense of continuity important to this type of blogging experience. I’ve [...]
Have you ever visited a bookstore to observe what customers are buying? Last week, I went to a bookstore to purchase a couple of YA books for giveaways. Of course, I gravitated to the new and growing crop of AA YA authors such as Paula Chase, L. Divine, Tia Williams, Stephanie Perry Moore, etc. (basically [...]
After reading the comments posted over the past couple of days, I think there is a consensus that we need to highlight good African American literature. Please feel free to comment on books you think are worthy to be read. One of the best things we can do as authors and readers is take action [...]
What I’m about to tell you is entirely true…
I had an erotic moment at Walmart.
I know it seems implausible, but between the aisle featuring everyone’s favorite beverages and across the way from Walmart’s "wonderful" meat selection, a man kind of took me there. What happened was…
I can still remember my first experience with a cell phone. The year was 1993, and my parents each purchased one of those big cell phones that resembled purses. Back then, it cost over a dollar per minute and there were no such things as The Five Friends Plan or Mobile to Mobile. I purchased [...]
For some, it’s a vacation; a setting sun lingering in the background of a calm ocean. For others, it can be the simplest of things; a passing glance from a stranger or a colorful feather lying on an otherwise dull street. For a writer, the inspiration to craft a story can come at anytime. The [...]
In a couple of weeks, Book Expo America will descend on New York City. Thousands of booksellers, authors, and publishers will gather to learn about upcoming books and trends in publishing. The African American Pavilion has become a welcome addition to BEA. I’ve witnessed the excitement involved with putting the pavilion together. But the BEA [...]
I have a confession to make. I haven’t written a thing since December. My last "great" attempt at writing was a somewhat sad attempt at erotica I wrote just for the heck of it. When 2007 rolled around, I thought I’d be able to get back into the swing of things. Back into my norm [...]
Wow…it’s 2007. At this time last year, I was still basking in the glow of a new book deal, excited about the prospect of seeing my book in bookstores, and making plans to make my book as successful as possible. I wrote down my resolutions: get in shape, read more, write more, etc. (It’s been [...]
