new posts in all blogs
Viewing Blog: , Most Recent at Top
Results 26 - 50 of 63
Statistics for
Number of Readers that added this blog to their MyJacketFlap:
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?
“Ain’t I a Woman?”
Sojourner Truth (1797 – 1883)
Abolitionist and Women’s Rights Activist
I read this excerpt from Sojourner’s Truth’s “Ain’t I a Woman?”, and I thought of all the trials and tribulations women of color faced and continue to face through their lives. Starting with slavery; moving on to racism; stepping into our battle for women’s liberation during the Civil Rights Movement and of course affirmative action. With all the battles we fought to gain our rights, to gain our freedoms, it’s beautiful to see one of us excel “once again” in our chosen field.
On Sunday night, Lupita Nyong'o won her first Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role as Patsey in 12 Years a Slave. In addition to her win, she is the first black African (Kenyan) actress to be nominated as well as the first black African actor to win in any category. When you look at her you would never believe that she ever suffered from lack of self-confidence or had an issue with the way she looked. In a piece written by Solomon Jones of the blog The Philadelphia Experiment, Jones stated:
“As a child, Nyong'o, the daughter of a Kenyan senator, believed that there was something ugly about her chocolate-colored skin. She was teased about her complexion, and later recalled in interviews that she would go to bed asking God for lighter skin, only to awaken to the disappointment of unanswered prayers. This brilliant, beautiful woman saw her color as something to overcome.”
I hope that women like those in the Dark Girls documentary and others who don’t see their beauty when they stand before a mirror, or don’t hear that they are beautiful even when someone tells them so, look at Lupita’s win as one more incredible achievement not only for WOC but also for women of color who possess a darker hue.
As black women, we were stripped of respect, stripped of pride, stripped of an appreciation of our beauty. We were led to believe that we needed to look a certain way to fit in to society. Unfortunately some of us still feel this way. Bleaching, perming (no offense sisters) whatever we needed to do; incapable for decades of appreciating our god given beauty, our natural locks, our beautiful shape.
As a woman of a darker complexion, I have never found myself in situation where I had a problem with my skin color. So it angers me when someone less than worthwhile, uses someone’s weakness, someone’s inability to see their beauty, as a way to crush them underfoot and tell them they are less than nothing.
It does my heart good to know that the Academy continues to improve. Continues to see black actresses for the emotion, intensity and talent they bring to the game and will continue to bring the Hollywood.
Lupita Nyong’o has sojourned to her truth. Her belief that she is beautiful, that she is talented has led her here. Her role as a new actress is temporary. She has now reached a goal that will lead her towards superstardom. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this Kenyan actress.
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 2/24/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
It was the late 1990’s. Sitting at my desk at work, I was twiddling my thumbs, waiting for an attorney to call me with my next assignment. Suddenly the phone rings. A friend of mine was on the line.
“Guuurl I have something that I think you should read!” She said excitedly. “Pick up this month’s issue of Essence Magazine. There’s an excerpt from a book called Wild Seed. The author’s name is Octavia Butler. Read it and tell me what you think!”
During my lunch break, I ran downstairs to a little magazine shop on the first floor. I snatched up that month’s magazine and settled down in a quiet corner on a comfy chair. Within in minutes I was caught up in a world I had never visited before. A harsh world where slavery was prevalent, a woman was a healer and shape shifter, and a spirit wore the shell of human bodies. Oh and did I say that this was in Africa?
At that time, I was an avid reader of African-American authors such as: E. Lynn Harris, Terry McMillian, Walter Mosley, Colin Channer, Bebe Moore Campbell and Maya Angelou. But this was the first time I heard of Ms. Butler or read a book of speculative fiction written by a WOC (woman of color). To say that I was hooked was an understatement. As a huge fan of shows such as Star Trek, Farscape, Babylon 5 and Xena: Warrior Princess, I had a real appreciation of stories influenced by sci-fi and fantasy. But I had even more appreciation for a well written story that not only started in Africa, but inflamed my imagination and exposed me to characters that were outside society’s idea of popular fiction.
That same evening, I ran to the nearest Barnes and Noble and picked up Wild Seed. I finished that book in 24 hours. After that I experienced the destruction of Doro (Sorry. Spoiler Alert) in Mind of my Mind, discovered Clay Ark’s disease in Patternmaster, and was exposed to a new alien species called the Oankali in Imago. I read everything I could get my hands on that Ms. Butler wrote. Her work was and continues to be a positive addiction for me. LOL! After reading her books, I could never look at literature the same way again. If anything, I began to demand more of the kind of books I read.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love a good action filled romance with some historical fiction on the side (Yay Nora Roberts and Amanda Quick). But when I started reading books like the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis and The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, I realized just how layered and thought provoking sci-fi/fantasy could be. I discovered that regardless of the race, it takes a special kind of person to create the worlds that rolled out of the minds of authors such as J.K. Rowlings and Ursula K. Le Guin (A Wizard of Earthsea).
So in 2003, I decided that I wanted to become a part of that group. I wanted to contribute my little piece to the big picture. I wanted to become an author. And what started as a pre-school book for my boys developed into (what I now proudly call) a YA fantasy influenced by West African culture.
Thanks to Ms. Butler, and others like her, I found the courage to throw my hat in the ring. To someday become a part of the list of WOC who contribute to speculative fiction. Griot, Bard, Jali, the name does not matter. As a storyteller I have been blessed with a gift and I intend to use it.
“All that you touch
You Change.
All that you Change
Changes you.
The only lasting truth
is Change.
God
is Change.”
-Octavia E. Butler
Thank you Ms. Butler for your incredible imagination, your cause and effect on the world and the change your writing started within me. I am better for it. Is there someone out there (a writer, friend, family member etc.) that has influenced you as a writer? If so, drop me a line and tell me about it!
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 2/17/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
Finding the courage to write a book is one thing. But it’s quite another to have your work critiqued by others. You leave your work open to the opinions and thoughts of your peers and sometimes even strangers. You hope that when you take this chance, that you will gain something worthwhile. A new opportunity to hone your craft may present itself. A new idea or suggestion might help your story flow better.
But what happens when that reader does not share an interest in your choice of genre? Does it make sense for him/her to read your work? If you have no interest in poetry, sci-fi or even romance why take the time to critique that person’s work? Sure if you’ve been writing for a long time, you may be able to help your peer sift out problems with technique, grammar or flow. But I believe that you lose the pleasure of reading the work, if you find it dull or boring. I am not a fan of books based on horror, so I would never read or offer my opinion regarding such literature. If you join a critique group, try to connect with those that share the same or similar interests as yourself. I find that they will be more open to the story you have written, the characters you’ve created and even the scenes you’ve developed in your mind.
When I first allowed someone to read my work, it did not occur to me that fantasy was not their cup of tea. The comments they made rubbed me the wrong way. And then I realized, this person was not a reader of sci-fi or fantasy based books. They never followed Star Trek, couldn’t name an Avenger if you paid them, and knew nothing of the Chronicles of Narnia! LOL! Basically, they did not or could not understand where I was coming from.
After that I knew, that if I wanted fair, knowledgeable, receptive critiques it should be read by someone who shares an interest in my choice of genre, who has an interest in writing or just someone who’s an avid reader. Perhaps, one who’s open to all types of literature? If you don’t approach it with an open mind you just might miss out on something truly exceptional.
Recently, I had the pleasure of receiving critiques (Note: Not all critiques are pleasurable LOL) from a number of individuals who enjoyed my work and gave me very useful ideas on how to enhance my story. You can read your book a hundred times, and not see what another set of eyes can. Those eyes can pluck out scenes that need more detail, or can tell you ways to make a simple sentence more powerful, or in my case the best ways to introduce foreign concepts to my readers without confusion.
Regardless, I still feel a bit of tension each time I present another part of my story. No matter how you approach it, you expose your work and yourself (thoughts, feelings, ideals) to scrutiny. But I believe that taking the step to having your work critiqued is one of the best things you can do for yourself as a writer.
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 2/10/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
Dudu Itan Osù, Black History Month. Would you believe I was two days into February before I thought of the importance of this month? It’s really easy to do that when you are caught up in life’s daily routines. But it made me wonder, if I forgot, did others do so as well? Have we in some way become more lax, less appreciative of what this month represents. Have we failed to remember all those who fought winning and losing battles to get us here?
Besides Dr. King, Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X, there are so many others that have caused change. The ones who made the biggest difference in even the smallest ways? The ones who opened the door for others, allowing them to become a part of history? The ones who sacrificed much for the greater good? The ones who moved forward regardless of the adversity?
Here are a few examples:
During the 1930s, painter Charles Alston founded the 306 group, which convened in his studio space and provided support and apprenticeship for African-American artists, including Langston Hughes; sculptor Augusta Savage; and mixed-media visionary Romare Bearden. In 1938, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt challenged the segregation rules at the Southern Conference on Human Welfare in Birmingham, Alabama, so she could sit next to African-American educator and activist Mary McLeod Bethune. Roosevelt would come to refer to Bethune as "her closest friend in her age group." Female science fiction author Octavia Butler was dyslexic. Despite her disorder, she went on to win Hugo and Nebula awards for her writing, as well as becoming the first science-fiction writer to receive the MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant in 1995. "I wanted to write a novel that would make others feel the history: the pain and fear that black people have had to live through in order to endure."
– Octavia E. Butler
Paul Cuffee, a philanthropist, ship captain and devout Quaker who supported a return to Africa for black citizens, transported 38 free African Americans to Sierra Leone in 1815. He also founded one of the first American integrated schools in 1797.
African-American Matthew Henson accompanied Robert Edwin Peary on the first successful U.S. expedition to the North Pole, reaching their destination on April 6, 1909. In 2000, Henson was posthumously awarded the National Geographic Society's Hubbard Medal. Buffalo Soldiers— a name given by Native-American plainsmen—were the all-black regiments created in the U.S. Army beginning in 1866. These soldiers received second-class treatment and were often given the worst military assignments, but had a lowest desertion rate than their white counterparts. More than 20 Buffalo Soldiers received the Medal of Honor for their service. The oldest living Buffalo Soldier, Sergeant Mark Matthews, died at the age of 111 in 2005, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Cathay Williams was the first and only known female Buffalo Soldier. Williams was born into slavery and worked for the Union army during the Civil War. She posed as a man and enlisted as William Cathay in the 38th infantry in 1866, and was given a medical discharge in 1868.
In 1881, Sophia B. Packard and Harriet E. Giles founded what would become the first college for black women in the United States. The school was named Spelman College after Laura Spelman Rockefeller and her parents, who were abolitionists. Laura was also the wife of John D. Rockefeller, who made a significant donation to the school. Phillis Wheatley became the first published African-American poet in 1774 with her collection Poems on Various Subjects, a work of distinction that looked to many literary classical traditions. “Twas mercy brought me from my Pagan land,
Taught my benighted soul to understand,
That there's a God, that there's a Saviour too:
Once I redemption neither sought nor knew.
Some view our sable race with scornful eye,
“Their color is a diabolic die.”
Remember, Christians, Negroes,
black as Cain, May be refin'd,
and join th' angelic train.”
– Phillis Wheatley
Renowned African-American architect Paul R. Williams mastered the art of rendering drawings upside-down so that his clients would see the drawings right side up. Williams's style became associated with California glamour, beauty and naturalism, and he joined the American Institute of Architects in 1923. Because he worked during the height of segregation, most of the homes designed by African-American architect Paul R. Williams had deeds that barred blacks from buying them.
In 1926, Carter Godwin Woodson established Negro History Week, which later became Black History Month. The month of February was chosen in honor of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, who were both born in that month.
Well, I hope my trip through history has in some way, enlightened you, educated you and/or reminded us all of what was done in the past and what we are capable of doing in the future. No excuses fam!
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 2/3/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
I’ve been told on more than one occasion, that when you write a book you should try to make it universal; something that most people can connect to in some way, shape or form. A number of things can make that difficult. If you are not a veteran writer, sometimes finding the right words to express a thought, portray a scene or even connect with a reader can prove problematic.
This can also be the case when you write outside the norm. As you are aware, my book Amachi’s Hope is influenced by West African culture. Throughout my story, the reader will come across a number of names, terms, and deities that are not apart of the English language or American culture. For that reason, I have included a glossary of terms at the end of the book. But what if the reader is not the type who would be inclined to “flip to the back” and find out what a word means. Where does that leave you? Do you go out of your way to make things easier for the reader? Or do you say, “Forget that! I’ve put too much work into this to start again.”
Another issue that has come up is my use of West African names for the characters in my book. As I mentioned before, this story is affected by West African culture (Yoruba in particular). Someone told me that “the names are too much to remember.” Why would I use everyday names for my characters? My book is based in Africa, during a time past, when gods ruled and magic still existed. The use of names like: Michael, Angela or Jordan, do not apply. J How often are authors approached about changing the names in a story because it has too many syllables or it doesn’t fit the status quo? Frustrating…
I do not want to lose a reader/follower because they are confused or impatient when the definition of a word is not immediately available. But does that mean that I change my story into something I don’t want? Something I would not be proud to put my name on?
One of my favorite authors, Colin Channer, of Waiting in Vain and other exceptional pieces of literature, is a Jamaican who writes from a Jamaican perspective. He uses patois (a Jamaican dialect) in his books. And he makes references to terms, foods and vernacular that only someone from the West Indies would appreciate and/or understand. As someone who was raised in a West Indian household, I found that I could relate to the characters and I understood the terms used throughout the book. But I also realized that regardless of the language used in the book, readers were still able to connect with the characters in the story and their experiences. Universal… I get it.
Readers, like me, can be fickle. There are times when we want light reading. Something funny, sexy, or outrageous. Then there are times when we want to read a book with punch; a book that sends a message or shares a moving experience. There are books for adults, books for teenagers and books for young children. There are hard covers, paperbacks and e-books. There is so much to choose from that it is more important than ever to reach your audience and hold them.
So I am faced with a new challenge. How do you connect with your readers while holding on to your story’s objective? How much are you willing to lose to get the attention of the right reader, agent or publisher? These are definitely points to ponder.
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 1/28/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
I am currently facing a conundrum. When I started my journey with Amachi’s Hope, I was absolutely sure that my path would lead me to traditional publishing. I queried agents and publishers with my mind set in that direction. But as time progressed, I began to re-evaluate my decision. Is traditional publishing the right choice for me? Or should I consider self-publishing instead. I know. I know. “A decision like that should be made before you start querying.” But things can happen during that time that may affect or cause you to question your choice.
When I wrote my book, I placed it squarely under the category of YA fantasy. But then I found out about other genres such as: speculative fiction and sword and soul (for those of you who are not familiar, sword and soul is African-inspired heroic fantasy) and I discovered that my book may also fall under one of those categories. Not to mention how certain elements of my story (e.g. Yoruba deities etc.) influenced my book’s sub-genre.
I needed to decide which option would most benefit my book and me. So I decided to sit down and review the pros and cons; self-publishing vs. traditional publishing. SELF-PUBLISHING
There are a number pro and cons for self-publishing but the ones that stood out for me were:
Pro: You have control over the price of your book and the cover art
Con: You are solely responsible for marketing your book
Pro: Publication is instant
Con: You are also financially responsible for professional editing and formatting
TRADITIONAL PUBLISHING
Here are the options I found interesting for traditional publishing:
Pro: Publisher is responsible for distribution and marketing
Con: It can take months before your book is published
Pro: Advance J
Con: Difficult to break into the industry
Pro: The publisher handles the editing and formatting
Con: Your opinions/decisions in regards to your book don’t hold much weight (e.g. cover art)
A small-press publisher even informed me that if you self-publish, you can still pursue traditional publishing or a traditional publisher may consider your work. Goodness. My hands were up in the air. What choice was best for me?
Would my story draw a larger readership if I self-publish first? Would a publisher be able to reach out to more people than I can? After some extensive research, realized that there’s a market and following for my kind of book. Not to mention, there are a number of publishers who handle fantasy based books influenced by cultures that are outside the norm. So where does that leave me?
Regardless of my decision, I believe in me and my story. Isn’t that all that really matters? What direction have you decided to take? I would love to hear about your journey!
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 1/20/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
“We must learn to live together as brothers
or perish together as fools.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968)
As we celebrate Dr. King’s life, (this year will mark forty-six years since his assassination) it saddens me to know that the dream he had for us has taken on a greyish hue. Dr. King wanted all races, all people to live in harmony. I’ll admit that there have been improvements through the decades, but not enough. Just when you think there might be a chance that we’ll all find some equal footing, we are faced with more conflict, more tension and more ignorance. Not just between blacks and whites, but between people of color. Every day when you turn on the news, there is another report regarding black on black crime. I believe we are failing Dr. King and failing the legacy that he left behind. He wanted so much for us. His vision for the future was a bright one. We have yet to learn to live together as brothers and sisters. Did Dr. King die in vain? Will we ever be able to truly live in harmony?
Dr. King, like Nelson Mandela was a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. He was awarded it for combating racial inequality through nonviolence. In addition to all his other honors, he was presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day became a federal holiday in 1986. But it wasn’t observed by all 50 states until the year 2000. In his short life, Dr. King was a civil rights activist, pastor, humanitarian, leader (as well as a husband and father).
The purpose of the March on Washington (actually called The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom) in 1963, was to address a number of demands. Among them were the passage of meaningful civil rights legislation, removal of racial segregation in public schools, protection from police brutality and other important topics.
This year will commemorate nineteen years since the Million Man March in Washington, D.C. Its purpose was to help men of color (people of color at large) re-evaluate their purpose and responsibility in connection to their communities. Both demonstrations resulted in changes in the way people looked at the issues with race and how it was (and is) more important than ever to unify as a people.
Are we going to perish as fools, doomed to hatred, ignorance, and un-enlightenment? What are your intentions for the future? We can all (even in the smallest way) work towards the vision that Dr. King had for us. Whether you are educating the youth (through writing or speaking), recognizing and respecting the differences in others or even appreciating the potential that we all share and how we can benefit one another, we can one day realize Dr. King’s dream.
All we have to do is, “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 1/14/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
Meet Angela.
I remember the day clearly. It was bright and sunny out; sixty-four degrees and a week before my twenty-eighth birthday. I was trying to decide if I felt like going to my co-worker’s baby shower. The last thing I wanted to do was be around a bunch of “Oooing and Ahhing” females. I spent more time with them at work than I did with my own family. Don’t get me wrong, I love babies (and my co-workers are cool) but I’d rather be oooing and ahhing over my own. My biological clock was ticking away and getting louder by the minute. But that’s a discussion for another time.
Beres Hammond was belting out one of my favorite tunes from a mixed CD that was playing on the stereo.
“Ooh ooh he’s standing in my way.”
“Standing in my way hey yeah, yeah…”
Odd as it was, those two lines in the song seemed to mirror the words that my roommate was bellowing through my bathroom door. Even with the faucet running on full blast (intentional on my part) I could still hear her loud and clear.
“Angela! The only person who is standing in your way is you!” Michaela yelled.
It was 11:00 a.m. on a Saturday and I was suffering through another lecture from my sometimes irritating but well-intentioned roommate Michaela. Michaela was exactly where she wanted to be in her career and her life. Swiftly moving up the corporate ladder as a sport’s agent, she just received a major promotion at her firm. Not to mention, she was engaged to an awesome guy. (I shivered at the thought of having to hunt for a new roommate. There were just too many crazies out there!)
As far as Michaela was concerned, the idea that one of her closest friends (she could count them on one hand, she says) is struggling in their career, in life, is just, “Well . . . troubling.” And it was her duty to remedy it. Dr. Michaela planned to find the cure. I know. I know. I was being mean-spirited, but I was tired of hearing about what I already knew.
“Angela’s stuck at life’s intersection!”
I literally felt like I was running in place. I had no clue whether I should move forward or backwards.
As a tenured professor at my university, I guess you could say I was also doing well in my career. But whenever I stood in front of my students, I felt like I was missing something. I lacked the energy, the enthusiasm, the interest in what I was doing. I realized that something was wrong. And it forced me to question, “Did I make the wrong choice in my career?”
When I was in high school and college, I just knew that I was going to be an accomplished writer. Full of ideas and vigor, I wrote for the school paper and I was a member of the Caribbean Writers of America organization at college. But then life stepped in and changed all that. I was faced with the responsibility of caring for an ailing parent and I knew that writing was going to be a pipe dream. As far as I was concerned, there was no real or immediate money in writing. I had no choice but to stand back and watch my dreams for the future pass me by.
Now at almost twenty-eight, I was hiding out behind a closed bathroom door and a running faucet, trying to avoid having this discussion with Michaela. Again.
Ripping open the bathroom door, Angela stormed out. “Enough already! I get it! I get it!” “Do you Angela?” Michaela asked. “Since we were in college, you have been sitting on a manuscript that I believe would have led you to an incredible career.” Angela threw her a sour look. “I know. I know. Your mom was sick and you had to care for her. I know that you needed income to do that. But it hurts my heart when I think about what you lost!” Michaela shouted. Grabbing Angela’s hand when she tried to move past, Michaela continued. “Angela,” she whispered. “Your mom has been gone for four years now. You have no children and you are only responsible for yourself. What’s holding you back?”
***
It has been a month since we had that conversation. I’m sitting at my kitchen table looking down at a dusty copy of my manuscript. It has been sitting in a box at the back of my closet for a long time. I finally found the courage to take it out. It’s a story about my mother’s childhood in Jamaica. When I read it again, it brought back so many memories of my mother and all that she shared with me when I was creating the book. It was painful but it also gave me closure. And I realized that having this book published would bring her close to me once more. All of a sudden, I felt renewed. I knew what I wanted to do. A story had begun to materialize in my head. I had to write.
Reaching out for her laptop, Angela pulled up a blank page, and started a new chapter in her life. She decided that it was time to stop standing in her own way.
***
What stops you from writing? Are you blocking your own path? Too fearful to take that first step? Or perhaps, you are just afraid to start again? Start a new chapter in your life. Begin writing the book that you’ve always wanted to. There’s a Yoruba proverb that says:
“The man who waits for a perfect opportunity, will wait a life-time.”
This is your opportunity. Don’t waste it.
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 1/6/2014
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
Since I’ve begun writing, I’ve discovered what I believe are the five “W’s” of writing. LOL! They are Will, Wisdom, Wit, Worry and Wishes.
WILL:
Do you have the will of fire? A fire within that burns to create, develop and execute a book of literature? Does the fire continue to burn even when you question (in the smallest part of your subconscious; the only place that you would ever admit it to yourself) if this is really what you want to do? Even when the “negatives” (you know those people, the ones that never have anything positive to say) imply that you may want to rethink your choices. How do you keep your will of fire burning?
At the beginning of my journey, the will within me, my fire, burned bright. There wasn’t anything that was going to stop me from reaching my goal. I was full of energy and I believed that the end of the tunnel was just within my grasp. As time progressed and the bigger picture began to materialize, my goal and expectations were a bit more realistic. The more knowledge I gained about the writing process, the more I came to realize how much work (another W word LOL) and time it would take to reach the end of my tunnel. Sometimes reality throws a wrench in your plans and turns your inferno of will and energy into embers just struggling to survive. But once I finished my book I could feel my embers revive once again. I found myself following a new course. One that will lead me to publication and the will and determination to see it done.
WISDOM:
What wisdom have you gained during your writing journey? As I mentioned above I soon realized how much work truly went into the creation of a book. I’m not sure what your experiences were like when you were a new writer, but I must say that I had no idea that months would turn into years before my book was finally finished. During that time I learned that writing the book was just the beginning. There’s marketing (websites, blogs, word of mouth etc.). There’s communication with editors, agents and publishers. The personal effect writing has on your person and those around you. The list goes on and on. And at this point of the game, I am still learning. Wisdom especially in the world of publishing is never ending.
WIT:
As serious as the writing process can be, the last thing you want to do is lose your wit or lose the ability to create or see the amusement or pleasure you gain while writing your story. When writing becomes a task or a means to an end; when it loses its flavor, its joie de vivre, its zest, its enjoyment, you my friend have a problem. You are now standing at a crossroads. Do you step back from writing until the embers of your will have ignited once more? Or do you admit to yourself that this may not be for you. If you’ve been writing for years, that is a hell of a thing to admit to. But writing should be something you enjoy.
I understand that the writing of some non-fiction stories require the telling of a serious tale. And wit, amusement or comedy has no place in it. For some, writing is like a purge, a writer’s therapy if you will. But afterwards, you may once again discover writing for the joy of it.
WORRY:
You have finished your book, received your share of “don’t give up’s” and rejections and you are looking at three years since you wrote the last period at the end of the last paragraph of your book. Worryhas now set in. So much so, that you have yet to start writing your next book. So much so, that doubt has returned in an attempt to douse the will of fire that you have worked so hard to cultivate. So much so, that you are not sure which direction to turn at the crossroads.
Thankfully I have not reached such a point in my writing but there are those out there who have. My suggestion to you . . . Start That New Book; even if it’s just brainstorming or developing an outline. Get out of that rut that you’ve found yourself in. Create those new characters, discover those faraway places, and re-discover the joy that you get from starting anew. Shake off that doubt (easier said than done, I know) but do it anyway. The doubt will only hinder you and stop you from moving forward.
WISHES:
You all know where I’m going with this. I wish that publisher would call me. If only that agent would reach out to me. If only I was on the New York Times bestseller list! I wish I could win the lottery so I can freely dedicate my time to writing! LOL!
The number of wishes we send out to the universe could fill millions of books. But I believe that, the universe will not help you if you don’t help yourself. There are things that we have no control over and others that we do. I believe that putting your best work forward will get you one step closer to “getting that call”. Even with the rejections I’ve received so far, I still believe that. Sure there’s a possibility that an agent or publisher may ask you to make some changes to your story (to help you reach out to a certain audience or make your story even tighter) but isn’t that expected? It’s hard to relinquish control of your “baby” to another. But if your wish has come true, then the agent or publisher of your book, will share in your vision.
What are your 5 “W’s” of writing? Drop me a line or two. I would love to hear about them!
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 12/30/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
I went to see The Secret Life of Walter Mitty last Friday. It was a great movie. The main character, Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) was a man whose life seemed to stand still after the loss of his father. Instead of living life to the fullest as his father would have wanted him to, Mitty lives his life through his action-filled, colorful imagination. He gets so caught up in his ruminations that he is oblivious to what’s going on around him.
Mitty’s courage to take a “leap of faith” doesn’t come about until he meets the woman of his dreams. Her appearance in his life, a milestone birthday and a special message from an important colleague, motivates him to do things he would never have done in the past. It forced him to think about how his life was progressing – or not progressing LOL. The movie was inspirational and moving. Mitty’s character was motivated to do more, because eventually he realizes that he wants to be more than he has become. And it made me wonder, what motivates a person to write?
Let’s be realistic, I doubt that even the most seasoned writer knows what they want to say all the time. Even the Rowling’s and Meyer’s of the world have had a moment when they’ve struggled with a scene or found it hard to give a certain character a voice.
When you write are you compelled to write because something has motivated you to do so? And if that is the case, what was it?
Is it the approaching New Year and your determination to have something tangible before you by a self-imposed deadline? Did you see or experience something that inflamed your imagination and gave you ideas for an awesome article, short story or book? Did a certain song trigger a memory, something that you haven’t thought of in years? Have you come to the realization that you’ve run out of excuses? Or are you just tired of saying “I’m writing a book” and yet you are still in the same place you were six months before?
Once we get there, once we’ve starting writing, how do we keep going? How do we keep the creative juices flowing? A friend of mine has decided to join a writer’s group. She has already written her story, but she feels like there maybe something missing. The story has been edited more than once and she has received a lot of positive feedback. But she doesn’t understand the rejections she gets from agents and publishers. It is her hope, that this group will help her see what’s missing or give her even more ideas for her book. She has been motivated to do more by take additional steps towards her future.
Motivation can come in so many ways. But it’s up to you to decide the best way to utilize it. A muse, an emotion, an idea, a painting? What among them helps you create? Are you doing it for yourself or for someone else? Will your book be a gift to another?
I find that motivation can change throughout the writing process. Our momentum can increase or decrease depending on how far along we’ve gotten. You may have become frustrated because nothing seems to sound right. And the reams of paper you’ve gone through are embarrassing to admit to.
You may find it hard to stay motivated, because you’ve been writing for years, and you’ve had no luck. How do you keep positive? How do you not give up? As a new writer, who has just started drinking from that well, I must say it definitely leaves a bad taste in your mouth. LOL! But you know what, it’s too early in the game for me to give up and I hope you intend to do the same. Motivate yourself to be the best writer you can be. Associate yourself with people who will motivate you and you them. It’s hard to stay positive when you surround yourself with people who don’t want the best for you.
There’s a quote that I believe is fitting for today’s message:
“Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”
-Golda Meir-
I hope this quote motivates you as much as it motivates me!
E ku odun tuntun
Happy New Year!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog post (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 12/23/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
On Saturday night, I attended my firm’s Christmas party. I went there with low expectations. I believed I would be walking into a corporate cocktail party. You know those “wine and cheese” gatherings; all fake smiles and boring conversation. Sort of like what I’ve experienced in the past. Imagine my surprise and pleasure when my hubby and I walked in on a jamming live band, great food and drinks.
You would think that in such a relaxed atmosphere, that more people would have been willing to dance. But no, out of the hundred or so people that attended only fifteen of us danced at one time or another. Wallflowers verses the courageous ones LOL. As I was dragged onto the dance floor for the umpteenth time, I looked around at the people on the outside looking in. And it made me think about the journey I’ve been on in 2013.
At one time or another, I was just like the wallflowers at the party. Either too scared to take a step forward or too concerned about how others would perceive me. I’m proud to say that I was a risk taker in 2013. I took chances that I would never have taken in the past. I put myself forward, reached out and introduced myself and Amachito the masses. I created this blog, I’ve done author interviews on other blogs, and I even entered a writing contest or two.
Yes, I also had some setbacks (publisher and agent rejections) but what writer hasn’t had setbacks? It is well known that the path to publishing is a tumultuous one. Only the truly lucky are able to avoid the twist and turns.
There are only a few days left in the year and there’s still time left for the unexpected to happen to you. You might get that “email” or “phone call” that will be taking you down a new and exciting road in 2014. You may have “finally” caught the eye of an agent or publisher. Your short story or article is going to be published. An illustrator, who you could never afford, has offered to do the cover of your book. You may have even found the perfect editor to help you get on the road to publishing perfection.
What have you done family? What experiences have you had in 2013. I’ve been sharing my experiences with you and I would love to hear about yours. Have you been published? Have you experienced disappointments? Have you finally found the courage to write the book of your dreams? I would love hear your story!
I am resolute. I am determined. In 2014 I will bring myself that much closer to publishing Amachi’s Hope. Will I be published? Well only the cards and god’s will (depending on which you believe in) will decide. But I will not just stand by and wait for something to be handed to me. I will take it for myself.
It is said that the meek will not inherit the earth. Don’t be an outsider looking in. Don’t let the world pass you by. Step up, take chances, and let 2014 be the year of your awakening! I hope that you will reach out to me and share your experiences in the New Year!
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog post (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 12/16/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
Angela is at a cocktail party. She runs into a bunch of former classmates from college. Everyone’s tooting their horns, talking about all they’ve accomplished or what their spouses have accomplished through the years. Some not even bothered by the fact that they’ve ridden someone else’s coat tails to get to their current station in life.
“I’ve recently been promoted to Director of blah, blah, blah.”
“John is now head of surgery at the hospital of blah, blah, blah.”
“I am now head partner at BLAH, BLAH, and BLAH!”
I’m barely listening to what everyone’s saying because I know that the conversation will soon rest on me. Soon I will have to share what I do for a living. And after all these years, I’m still not sure what to say.
You see I am a writer. I am a writer but I’ve never introduced myself as such. (At least not outside a writer’s venue.) I’ve published articles, short stories and I am proud to say that I’ve written and finished my first book. You say, “What’s wrong with you? If you’ve done all of that, why haven’t you introduced yourself as a writer?” That’s a good question.
I guess my issue is the fact that I haven’t “published” my book yet. I feel like my journey won’t be truly complete until my book is on the shelf. When I can walk up to the nearest Barnes and Noble or local book store and see my book proudly displayed in the window. Or my book has become "the" discussion piece at a writer’s conference. (Positive thinking LOL!) I know it may seem silly. But there are those who feel that I have no right to say I’m a “writer” when my book has not been published.
Even now with publishing being a multi-million dollar industry, influenced by so many genres, my work is not considered “serious” literature. ‘You are not a real writer,’ they say, ‘if you haven’t written works worthy of C.S. Lewis, Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Maya Angelou, Alexandre Dumas, or a James Baldwin.’ Goodness if I compared myself them and the many other great authors out there, I would never have found the courage to write anything.
And yet with everything I’ve done, when the conversation finally settled on me, I said, “Well I’m a legal secretary at a firm in D.C. but I’m currently working on getting my book published.” I guess in comparison it may not seem like much to them. I get a lukewarm, “Wow Angela that’s great…” And then the next dreaded question, pops up its head. “So what is it about?” asks one of the women of the group. “Romance.” I respond. Silence. I could say more, I should say more, but this happens so often that I no longer have the energy to defend myself. Pitiful isn’t it?
“Well that’s just great. I barely have time to read anymore and when I do I don’t want to read something that will require me to think!” She chuckles out loud. Hold on. Did she just imply that my work would not require her to think?! Ugh!
Suddenly, I hear the voice of one of my writing colleague’s in my head. For years, she has been on me, pushing me to stand up for myself, to defend all the awesome work I’ve done.
‘Come on Angela, have you already forgotten what that critic said about your short story last year? ‘Angela Thompson is one of the most intelligent, expressive, and creative writers I’ve come across in a long while. I’m impatiently waiting to see what she will bring to the table next!’ You my dear Angela, should be doing more than tooting your horn, you should be running your train full throttle, with your horns blaring!’
Covering my mouth with my hand, I stifled a giggle. My old classmates looked at me weirdly. Once again, I missed what was being said. “Actually, Melanie,” I spoke up bravely, “My work has been hailed by a number of critics and I’ve recently been approached by a publisher!” Taken aback, Melanie surprised me when she responded, “I am proud of you Angela. It takes a lot of gumption to do what you have done. I could never have become a writer. Maybe I should have paid more attention during Composition and Rhetoric!” Everyone laughed out loud. “Thanks Melanie, I appreciate that!”
I am a writer. It’s time that I introduce myself as such.
***
I’m not as accomplished as Angela is, but I do agree that it can be hard to introduce yourself to strangers or to people who don’t truly know you as “A Writer.” I realize that it’s an issue that I need to get over. When you dedicate years of your life towards one goal, the creation of a piece of literature that’s truly important to you, then why not introduce yourself as a writer? If you have a blog, or you’ve self-published your book, doesn’t that make you a writer?
When we are born, we are given a name. Our name acknowledges, proves and gives credence to the fact that we exist and we are now a new member of the human race. The same can be said when you call yourself a writer. It gives power to all you have done and what you will continue to do.
Have you found yourself in a situation where you’re not quite sure how to introduce yourself when asked? Are you in another field but you are ‘writing’ on the side? Or are you a writer and everything else is secondary? Regardless of the venue, I hope to find the courage to introduce myself as the writer I am. And let the chips fall where they may.
Are you ready?
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 12/9/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for
a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013)
It is with a heavy heart and great respect that I acknowledge the death of one of the greatest men in South African and African American history. Called home at the age of 95, Mr. Mandela accomplished after much sacrifice (27 years of imprisonment), the end of apartheid in South Africa. A goal that seemed impossible; the country was ravaged with racism, hate and inequality.
Nelson Mandela. He was so many things to so many people. A father, son, husband, leader, politician, revolutionary, anti-apartheid activist, first black president of South Africa, the list is diverse. During his tenure as president he brought forth a new constitution for South Africa which was an essential part of the negotiations conducted to end apartheid. In addition, he was bestowed over 250 honors in his lifetime. Among them was the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, “. . . for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa."
One of my greatest regrets was not seeing him when he visited New York City and spoke at Yankee Stadium in 1990. David Dinkins was mayor at the time and I was still in high school. I cannot remember why I did not attend (it was likely impossible to get in or near the stadium) but I do remember a classmate saying how moved and emotional she was upon seeing him. She could not stop her tears from falling. Imagine the power and energy that surrounded him. It must have been immeasurable.
Nelson Mandela has left behind an awesome legacy. Not just to his family, but to the people of South Africa and to the world. His death has forced us to re-evaluate our responsibility as people of color, as people period. To understand that we have an obligation to teach our youth about the kind of people they should endeavor to become. To be the human race, not races divided. To acknowledge that there is nothing that they cannot achieve. Strength, character and courage can be found within us all. Do not settle for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living! Amandla! Power! Recognize it!
Mari e laipe.
See you soon.
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 12/3/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
Last Monday, I finally saw The Best Man Holiday. As a big fan of The Best Man I must say that the second movie had me pulling out tissues, it was great! J Director Malcolm D. Lee of The Best Man, The Best Man Holiday and other well received movies, said the following regarding the new movie:
“. . . to call The Best Man Holiday a “race-themed” film is extremely limiting and downright ignorant and tiresome. I think people are fed up with being categorized as separate and apart from what mainstream movies are categorized as. The notion that there’s a “black movie,” “urban movie,” or a “race-themed’ movie makes the film sound like it’s not for anyone but the people that look like the actors in the poster. It’s extremely limiting… I think it’s ignorant and it’s tiresome at this point. The movie was enjoyed by African-Americans, but it’s a movie that can be enjoyed by all races.”
Once again the term “othering” has reared its ugly head. You remember that word, any action by which an individual or group becomes mentally classified in somebody’s mind as “not one of us”. This movie has been placed in the category of movies for “black people” instead of being seen for what it really is. An awesome story, about friends that share history and a connection that kept them linked through the years. No matter what the race, we all share a common bond. We are of the human race and as humans we are capable of experiencing the same, if not similar occurrences, events, or encounters throughout our lives. We are born, we live our lives and then god calls us home.
Can we seriously sit here and say that because Malcolm lives in Harlem, New York and Alexei lives in Russia that they can’t break up with their girlfriends for the same reason? Can we actually say that Li Na in China and Afua in West Africa would never understand what it’s like to have a cheating boyfriend because they live in different parts of the world? Give me a break!
Unfortunately, if you’ve grown up with certain believes, it’s hard to break them. “A place for everything and everything in its place.” Categorizing is a habit. It’s sort of like all the drama that occurred with Ms. Deen early this year. Many people were extremely offended by what she said, but I do believe that part of her attitude towards race is based on how she grew up. If this was all you knew, and no one ever took the time to correct you, then you have no way of knowing that what you say may be offensive to others. In her mind, race was placed in its own category.
There is a wall that will always separate us. Within that wall you will always find issues with religion, culture, history, and so forth. On top of this wall is race. We look over it, we look past it, and we even look through it. And yet people fail to realize that it’s one of the main reasons why we find it so hard to connect. Why we sometimes find it difficult to relate to one another.
Drama, angst, betrayal, sex, and hilarity were prevalent in both Best Man movies. Each of us can think back to at least one time in our lives where we’ve experienced (or one of our friends has undergone) something similar to what happened in those movies. Commonality is shared between us all whether we want to admit it or not. Food for thought fam!
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 11/25/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
Love, Hate, Fear, Happiness. What does it take to write about emotions? What does it take to be able to use words to express emotion? To get a reader to feel and understand a character’s pain, anxiety, joy, exhilaration you name it. Does one have to personally experience an emotion in order to write about?
I remember reading a story where one of the main characters was a writer. The character was famous and had published many books. In a review written by a critic in the story, the character was accused of being incapable of creating a true love scene. He said that he did not think that the author had ever been in love. He wondered if the character had ever experienced real heartbreak or had ever been separated from a great love. He said the love scene was bland, lukewarm at best. And until he truly experiences it: all encompassing, I can’t breathe without you, my life is over if you are not with me love, he will never be able to truly express it on paper. Goodness… Can you imagine a critic saying that about you? We pour our heart and emotions into writing. The last thing we need is to be told that we are lacking.
I’m not sure I completely agree with the critic’s view. You can witness an individual’s pain. You may have witnessed someone’s grief when they received bad news. You can witness a person’s joy. My friend was in the birthing room with her sister the day that her niece was born. You can witness tension. I did the day my son came home after getting in trouble at school. J
But I do agree that life experiences bring something more to a story; a way of connecting with a reader on a higher level. Say you write a book about your experiences as a child of divorced parents. You’d want the reader to see the break up through your eyes. To understand the anger, frustration or fear that a child would experience when their parents go their separate ways. God forbid one of them gets remarried. “What about me? I thought I was daddy’s little girl or daddy’s best man? Why do I have to talk to her? Why do I have to share my daddy with her? Doesn’t anyone care about how I feel? He’s having a new baby?!” Just from a few questions, you can feel, imagine and maybe even visualize the hurt, pain or frustration a young girl or boy would feel if she or he was placed in such a situation.
Writing about emotion and doing it right can be just as difficult as writing about a different culture. You may feel like you’re swimming in Dungeness waters; walking on a path that’s unknown to you. If you are writing about someone else’s experiences; how they felt when it happened, you want to do it justice. No one wants to be told that their written recollection of someone else’s emotions or their idea of how a person should feel in a situation, is bland or lukewarm at best J
The better you get at building your skill, the more you understand that there are words that give that “extra punch” to a scene. A shrug of a shoulder, a roll of an eye, a sigh, a clench of a fist. Sometimes body gestures say just as much as words. Then there are emotions that occur from within. “Carol could feel it. A flutter in her stomach; a tightening in her chest. She wrapped her arms around her torso; hoping to protect herself. Carol sucked her teeth in disgust. Why did this have to happen every time she saw him? He’s married for goodness sake! It has been 10 years and nothing has changed.” From those few lines, the reader experiences the character’s nervousness, vulnerability, irritation and longing. It’s obvious that she harbors feelings for another character, but she hates the way it makes her feel. J
Have you written an emotional scene in your book? Does it call out to the reader? If you are not sure, ask someone you trust to read it over and have them give you their opinion. I’ve done this with great results in the past.
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 11/22/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
Amachi’s journey continues! I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to do another interview; this time with the blog DiversifYA. www.diversifya.com/ DiversifYA is an awesome blog that addresses diversity in writing (YA and other genres) and the experiences that come with it. They want to give writers the courage to write outside their comfort zone. If you’ve already taken steps to do just that, they want to share your story. Most importantly DiversifYA wants people to know that there is more to the world than what you and I see and hear each day. Please check out my interview. I would love hear your comments!http://www.diversifya.com/cultural-and-ethnic/diversifya-sharon-mitchell/Mari e laipe!
See you soon! S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 11/18/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
My husband and I watched Will Smith’s After Earth earlier this week. Though the movie was not what I expected, the one thing I really appreciated was that there was not just one, but two Main Characters of Color. Will Smith and his son Jaden. This was the first time I’ve seen, two leading men of color in a sci-fi movie and it made me wonder: How often do you see a MCoC in a sci-fi or fantasy based movie?
Now I am not an obsessed follower of everything science-fiction and fantasy. But the two actors that come to mind that have played a MCoC in a sci-fi or fantasy based movie are: Vin Diesel in Pitch Black, The Chronicles of Riddick, Babylon, A.D., and the upcoming Riddick. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was lead in The Scorpion King, and will be lead in the upcoming Hercules.
With women, the numbers seem nonexistent. Besides Zoe Saldana’s recent role as Nyota Uhura in Star Trek and Star Trek Into Darkness, I would quicker find women of color in television roles. Characters such as my girl Jasika Nicole as Astrid Farnsworth in Fringe (if you haven’t seen it, it’s a series worth watching), Gina Torres as Zoe Washburne in Firefly, and Michelle Rodriguez as Ana Lucia Cortez in Lost.
Most of the time, when you do find a character of color in a sci-fi/fantasy based movie they are playing a co-star or a guest role. They may die early in the movie or play a role that’s less than appealing.
Recently, Beyoncé played a character of color but not as herself. She was the mother-nature like queen in the Blue Sky Studios animated movie Epic. Her character died within the first few minutes of the movie. (Sigh) There was also Anika Noni Rose as Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog. She played the voice of the princess in the movie and starts off as a young, struggling waitress with aspirations of becoming a restaurateur. Originally the character was created as chambermaid. This drew a lot criticism from African-American critics. Another issue that caused criticism of the movie was that the black villain in the movie was a voodoo witchdoctor. Thankfully her character survived in this movie. LOL.
I believe Will’s star power had a big hand in the creation of After Earth. It makes me wonder if anyone was brazen enough to tell him that he could not make himself and his son the main characters of the movie. I hope he understood the importance of this movie. Not the movie itself, but what it meant to have two main characters of color that did not die within the first few minutes of the movie! LOL! There are not a lot of father son stars out there that are men of color (or mother daughter duos for that matter) but I hope this movie has opened the door to more movies such as these. Smart move Mr. Smith, smart move!
** I should have also mentioned Halle Berry in Cloud Atlas. As lead female character of color, she played six different roles.
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 11/12/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
Last Friday at 5:00 p.m., I was standing at the corner waiting for my bus to arrive. Looking up, my eyes were drawn to the different names of companies that currently have offices in my vicinity. Among them are law firms. Most of these firms house attorneys that practice in the same or similar areas of the law. Through my years in this field, I’ve noticed that attorneys tend to extend a certain level of professional courtesy when dealing with one another. There are rules that are enforced by the court and some that are not. But there are a few attorneys (though it’s not something you hear a lot about) who choose not to offer professional courtesy and decide that it would be easier to “step on a few toes” to get to the top. This left me wondering: In the world of writing, are we colleagues or are we competitors?
I mean when you think about it, it’s impossible to know the actual number of authors in the world. They are separated in so many different ways. Published, unpublished, fiction, non-fiction, romance, fantasy, you name it. Everyday someone new comes onto the scene, hoping to break through and become the next best thing. They compete with authors who have been out there for a long time. Some are famous, some are just waiting for the right opportunity, and some may not be discovered at all. (No negativity impliedJ)
In addition, they compete for the attention of publishers and literary agents hoping that their query will be the key to opening the door to a new career. Agents and publishers receive thousands of queries each year. They sift through manuscripts written by individuals who are also interested in your genre of choice. You may be competing with someone who’s more eloquent than you. He/she may already have a foot hold with an agent they met at a recent writer’s conference. Let’s not even think about the person who has a literary agent reaching out to publishers on their behalf. Basically, whatever you write better be a cut above the rest.
With so many possible roadblocks out there, how can we be colleagues and not competitors? With all the insanity going on, it is quite easy to forget our true purpose. What is this purpose you ask? When you look at the big picture, an author’s purpose is to entertain and/or educate a reader. If you haven’t already figured it out, writers serve a great purpose in this world.
In the past, people who told stories were greatly respected. At a time when there was no such thing as television or radio, a minstrel, bard, griot, spinner of yarns, fabler, or even a troubadour shared or created (with embellishment and color) stories about our past. Generation to generation this skill was passed on (some even believed that this ability was inherited through the blood) until our ancestors began writing their stories on walls, or papyrus, using cuneiform, hieroglyphics or other forms of language to get their message across.
In the present, you have to wonder if the real purpose of writing has been lost. Do we do it because we want to some how benefit the human race? To amuse or teach a young child? To help teenagers open a door to a new universe? To introduce a recluse to the world awaiting them outside their door? Or is it all about financial gain?
Don’t get me wrong, I would LOVE to be able to dedicate my time to writing and not the 9 to 5 that most of us face each day. But would I lose something in the process? As colleagues, not competitors we want to be able to teach one another. To give a helping hand to those of us who are struggling; to point each other in the right direction. The writing community is a big part of what makes us the writers we are or what we hope to become in the future.
There is a lot of money to be made in literature. But I hope that we (that being writers and the powers that be) don’t forget the true purpose of writing. Let’s work towards being colleagues on a higher level and competitors on a lesser level. J
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment.J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 11/4/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
“Come on down and get a free turkey with any seventy-five dollar purchase!” said the booming voice. “Hurry, supplies are limited and Thanksgiving …”
Olivia leaned forward and switched off the little, black AM/FM radio on the counter beside her. Getting up, she made herself walk away from the sturdy little table, chair and laptop that have been her closest friends for the last few years. Reaching up towards the ceiling of her quaint apartment in Noho, Liv stretched long and hard. She strolled over to the living room window and pushed back the beige curtain that blocked her view to the active street below. It was 2:00 a.m. on a Saturday night and the city was just as busy as it was at 5:00 p.m. that afternoon.
Smiling to herself, Liv laughed out loud and hugged herself tightly. “The final period at the end of the last sentence has been written. It is done.” she whispered. After three years, Olivia’s 450 page masterpiece (according to her) was finished. All the characters in her head were brought to life on paper. Closing her eyes, she could clearly visualize what they would look like. If she concentrated, she could even hear how they would sound. Her characters were given names and they originated from someplace outside this universe. She knew their personalities, fears, hopes and dreams. And now (with much trepidation and not a little selfishness) she needed to share them with the world.
*****
Olivia remembered that night like it was yesterday. It has been six years to the day, since she finished her very first book.
She was full of hope, anxiety and a touch of hubris. Olivia believed that her story was one of a kind and when the publishing industry caught a whiff of it, she would be an overnight success. Olivia laughed when she thought of it. She wasn’t sure if it was confidence or conceit that pushed her on. Liv got up one day and decided that she had a story to tell. Slowly but surely she turned into a hermit. Her life consisted of work, libraries, home and an occasional dinner with her parents. This was only after her mom bombarded her with guilt. “We rarely see you anymore!” her mother would complain.
Her cousin, Lorraine saw her writing as temporary. A stage in Liv's life that Lo did not take seriously. “Liv you are too young to be going through a midlife crisis, so what is this really all about? How are you going to meet the guy of your dreams if you are cooked up in here all the time?” She queried while looking around Liv's apartment with disdain. No matter where she looked or walked, there were stacks of books and paper everywhere.
Lo tried everything. Blind dates, double dates, Liv never showed up for any of them. After a while, Lo started to take offense. Liv was so caught up in her writing that it was months before she realized that Lo had stopped calling. She felt bad but relieved at the same time. She had no time for dating nor was she interested. Everyday a new idea would emerge. On her way home from work, she’d jot them down in a cute fuchsia colored pad that she kept in her purse. Once home, Liv’s ideas would flow from her fingertips and into the computer. Liv’s family thought that her writing was bordering on insanity. To Liv it was an intense and special time in her life.
*****
It has been a little less than a year since her cousin Lorraine surprised her by taking her to the Afrofuturism Authors New Year’s Eve Gala. The one person, who did not seem to believe in her, became her number one fan and supporter. That soiree changed her life. Afterwards, she was asked to do interviews with a number of magazines. She made appearances on a few radio shows and received even more opportunities to show case her talents. But today her dreams were about to become a reality. Two publishers who specialize in speculative YA have shown an interest in her.
Olivia's hands shook a little as she placed a copy of her manuscript into two overnight packages. Leaving her apartment, Liv flew down the stairs, out the door and into the brisk, autumn air. Taking a deep steadying breath, Liv walked towards a Fed Ex container just as the driver made his last pick-up for the evening. Increasing her pace, she ran towards him and placed the envelopes in his hand. With a quick nod of his head, he drove off to his next destination leaving Liv standing at the curb.
“Well, there’s no turning back now!” Liv said to herself. Shaking off her fear of the unknown, Liv strolled back to her apartment and to her next adventure.
*****
We all have our beginnings. How many times have you found yourself starting something new? Or better yet, starting something all over again? A project, a race, your book? It doesn’t mean that you've failed. It just means taking another path to reach your goal. If you read Olivia’s first story, you will know that she struggled long and hard before she reached this point. The light at the end of the tunnel may seem far away, but it is reachable.
If this is your first time here and you would like to know more about Olivia, check out my entry, “Why do you write?”
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 10/28/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
The Obamas met with Malala Yousafzai a few weeks ago. Everything that she endured, the strength and heart that it took for her to walk that road to recovery, is the epitome of what it means to have courage. It is obvious that the universe has a plan for her and I cannot wait to see what she will become.
When we witness such an emergence, such a will to endure, can we really sit by and say that we cannot write? I know it’s unfair to make such a comparison. I mean this young lady was at death’s door and yet here she is. The survivor within her forced her move forward.
In comparison to her experience, writing should be a piece of cake. We should take our obstacles off the shelf, examine them, and then put them back. By doing so we will no longer give them the power to deter us from our goals. We know that the obstacles will always be there, but we now have the courage to move pass them.
We all write for different reasons. There are those that write just for the fun of it. Those that write because they must. (God forbid you flunk your thesis). And those that write because it’s a passion, a calling, a yearning in their blood that cannot be ignored.
As I mentioned in one of my earlier blog entries, life can be a big deterrent when it comes to writing. But it’s a poor excuse not to. I have a friend that’s struggling right now. And yet as bad as it is for her, there are some who have it worst. Homelessness, poverty, hunger, you name it. Sometimes, I have to check myself when I get in one of my ‘shoulda, woulda, coulda’ moods. You know the kind. It’s when you look at the direction your life has taken, wonder about the choices you've made and whether you should have done “something” differently in the past.
Well if you have suffered or are suffering from the ‘Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda’ Syndrome; make your writing the key to pushing pass it. Make writing a new stage in your life. So when you look back at all that you have achieved, you will be proud to say that you had the courage to do it. Be the person who had the courage to talk to that guy or girl. J Be the person who had the courage to start on a new career path. Be the person who says “yes” instead of “no” all the time. Just be. Small steps are just as grand as big steps.
Even writing and maintain a blog takes courage. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been doing it for years or you’ve just started. You are sharing your opinions with people who may or may not care to hear it.
Perhaps you are at the end of your saga. You have no more revisions to be made, your query and synopsis have been finalized, and you’ve even created the perfect marketing tool to promote your book. You no longer have an excuse. Drop that package in the mail; email that agent or publisher. If you’ve written something out of the ordinary, you may be just the person to clear the way for those that follow. I hope that this post has given you something to chew on. J
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
*****
Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope’. If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 10/21/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
What is multiculturalism? There are a number of definitions for the word. But the one I think is most fitting to this discussion is the one I found on Metapedia: “… social ideology which asserts that all cultures, races and religions are equal and able to live with harmony within a single state.” Wouldn’t it be nice if such a philosophy truly existed in our world? A combined effort to live as Martin Luther King would have wanted us to live? Unfortunately, the ongoing conflict that occurs between us doesn’t seem to have an end in sight. But it’s not just a black and white thing.
I mean multicultural issues exist everywhere, you just don’t hear as much about them. It’s between some Puerto Ricans and Dominicans (growing up in NY, I’ve witness some tension). The Chinese and Japanese (for some it is considered an insult to confuse the two), and even between my own West Indian people (alot of people are guilty of placing islands in the West Indies under the umbrella of Jamaica without realizing how different they are: dialect, food, where they are located on the map J.) Why do so many of us suffer from othering? Why must we exclude ourselves from others because they don’t fit into our idea of what society should be?
When Spike-Lee started the “Wannabee’s vs. Jiggaboo’s” drama in the movie School Daze in 1998, I would never have thought to look at the battle between good hair and bad hair as form of “othering” but it was. Women who were of the same race were insulting one another on the quality of their hair. But in actuality (and this is my opinion), it was really about the battle between light and dark skinned women of color. Even now this mentality is stronger than ever. A lot of dark skinned women have been made to feel inferior because of the color of their skin. See the Dark Girls documentary.
There was even “othering” on the television show LOST. You fans remember the OTHERS? Those seriously unstable people on the other side of the island? LOL! Though the word “OTHERS” in LOST had darker connotations, the idea behind it was the same; a separation of a group of people due to fear, ignorance, and/or lack of knowledge.
You even find issues with othering in publishing. I wholeheartedly agree with Tanita S. Davis of the blog [fiction, instead of lies] in regards to multicultural issues in publishing. She says and I quote:
… “People’s attitude about race and ethnicity in this country are as fractured as ever, and are reflected in the production of multicultural books. We don’t truly believe we’re all alike and sisters under the skin. We really do think – and it shows – that there are stories of “us” and then there are “others.” We need to stop othering, as a world, before we expect to see that from publishing. We need to get to know people from other cultures and skin colors, and truly accept that there is a commonality in the human experience.”….
Well said! This is definitely food for thought.
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 10/14/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
Some of my dear friends visited with me this weekend. My girlfriend is pursuing her degree and she is currently taking a course in World Religion. One of the religions that they’ve touched upon (interestingly enough) is the Yoruba religion.
When her professor mentioned the topic, her mind rocked back on the book I wrote, Amachi’s Hope. And she remembered some of the deities I mentioned, and some of the terms I used, based on discussions we’ve had in the past. (I was absolutely tickled by this.J) Our discussion made me wonder: What is it like to influence someone in either a small or big way through your writing?
It was such a pleasure to know, that my words were heard. That I have managed in some small way to educate my friend about a culture she knew nothing about; to know that I may have helped her to be ahead of the pack.
Writing carries with it a certain level of responsibility. It is quite possible to influence someone in a positive or negative way. There are so many different genres, so many different styles of writing. If you are writing Adult Fiction you may not feel quite so much responsibility, because as an adult we are responsible for what we choose to read. The author only writes the words. The playing field changes when you are writing for children. (Whether it is for a pre-schooler or a young adult.)
On top of the stress you face just from writing the book, you are now ever mindful of what you write, how you write it, the message you are trying to convey, “Is this topic too mature?”, “Are these illustrations appropriate?” Did you piss off a parent, or an educational community, because they feel that your topic is not age, religion, or gender appropriate? Phew! Who says writing is easy?? LOL!
Some of you may know that when I starting writing my book, it was originally meant to be a pre-school book for my boys. By the time I was quarter way through, I knew that this book was no longer for a pre-schooler and that my boys would be reading it as teenagers. Changing the reading age of my book will not deny me the opportunity to share a part of myself with my boys. I hope that when they read my book, they too will become one of many who will be educated and influenced by what I have written.
If writing your book has become a task or a job for you, perhaps you need to step back and look at it from afar. Has something changed since you’ve started writing your book? Is it still the book you’ve always wanted to write? If your intention was to effect or influence another through your writing, do you think you are still able to do so?
Some of us may not want to admit it, but I believe it is in our deepest heart to not only see our name on the cover of a book but to also know that we will leave apart of ourselves, an imprint if you will, upon a reader once they are done; immortalizing ourselves for future generations to come.
My son showed me a book this weekend. He said, “Mom, she has the same first name as you!” Smiling, I look at him and thought, “Now if only I could get my last name up there as well!”
Continue to be motivated fam!
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 10/7/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
Two weeks ago, I visited the Outer Banks or (OBX) as the regulars call it. My family and I were given one more chance to run through the sand and surf even though summer had already graduated into fall. The wind rolling off the sea was brisk and my boys were pretty stubborn about keeping their sweaters zipped up. Last thing I needed was for one of them to get sick before returning to school. J
On the horizon I could see the beginning of a storm as it started to roll in. The clouds were a combination of light and darker shades of grey. My middle son yelled out, “Mom! Look at those Cumulonimbus Clouds!” He had a cloud project at school last year. Since then, Cumulus Clouds have become his favorite. Maybe he’ll become a meteorologist when he grows up? One can only hope. J
The ebb and flow of the waves were getting pretty rough. Red flags dotting the beach warned visitors that swimming was not permitted. When I looked down at my feet, the surf moved in and snatched the sand out from beneath them. Jumping up, my boys and I ran a bit farther up the beach. The water (at least to me) was freezing!
The night before, the owner of a local pizza shop gave my youngest a small, black-netted pouch so he could collect seashells. With the help of his older brothers, he collected a variety of shells. When he let me, (he had become protective of his bounty LOL) I peeked inside his pouch. The shells were different shades of white, black and grey. There were rough, medium sized shells and smaller shells that were smooth to the touch; most likely as a result of being bombarded by sand and seawater. But I was also pleased to see pieces that were once a part of a whole. Shades of beige, purple and pink that had not lost their beauty or luster.
As a writer, our attitude at the beginning is positive. For the most part, we have a pretty good idea of what we want to share with the world. The color of that energy, that shade is a vibrant color. The idea for our book is like a shell. It starts off unblemished and whole with no interference from the outside world. With determination and courage we pray and hope that our idea (the pearl if you will) can be cultivated and then develop into the first draft of a book.
That of course, is positive thinking. There is always a chance that a storm will roll in and hammer you against the shore. Weakening and sometimes shattering your shell or your will. Your shade has now become a gloomy, dark color and your pearl or idea has been exposed to the elements. These elements can come in the form of negativity, distractions or just life in general. And if you are not careful, you’ll look up one day and see your idea broken in pieces like the shells I saw scattered across the shore.
Rubbing my thumb against one of the shells that my little one was kind enough to share with me, I wondered: Is it possible to pick up the pieces and start again?
I believe you can. You maybe be reading this and thinking, “Give me a break! That is easier said than done!” But think about. If you had the strength and patience to write your story before, why not do it again? There are so many singers out there that go undiscovered because they tried and then gave up after a few rejections. The same can be said for authors. I’ve received my share of rejections, but you know what they say, you’ve just got to “Brush Your Shoulders Off”! LOL! Keep positive and keep focused family! Don’t let the ebb and flow of life stop you from reaching your goals!
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 9/30/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
You know, just as there should be diversity in our school curriculum, there should be diversity at home. Diversity is not just about race but also about broadening a child’s mind; introducing them to different cultures, foods, places and more. Helping them to understand that there is something beyond what they see and hear each day.
As a child of Jamaican parents, I learned early about cultural diversity. When I heard someone speak Patois (a Jamaican dialect), I always expected to see someone who looked like my parents when I turned around. I was nine years old when I discovered differently.
My mother took me to a Caribbean market to pick up some groceries. It was only in that type of market that you would find the ingredients popular to West Indian cuisine. My mother just put the last of her items on the counter, when I heard a man say: “Dat will be twenty dolla and change ma’am.” Imagine my shock when I looked up and saw the face of a Chinese man with a voice that sounded like my father’s. LOL! I had enough sense to wait until we left the market, before I blurted out my question. “Mommy! Mommy! Why dat Chinese man speakin’ Jamaican!?” (Being around my parents, I had a little accent of my own. J) She laughed and said, “Sher, Jamaican people come in all different shades and sizes. The man you saw in the store is what we call a Chinese Jamaican.”
A few years later during one of my trips to Jamaica, I met another fellow “yardie” who was white. I was still tickled by the fact that this person was also a part of Jamaica’s colorful tapestry.
As I was heavily immersed in everything Jamaican, I loved the country as if I was born there. I was exposed to all types of food. I had curried goat, oxtail, bammy (cassava), mango, soursop, peanut punch, sorrel you name it. I loved the music. (Reggae, Dance Hall, Calypso etc.) Most of the children I grew up with were from families of Caribbean descent as well. There were families from Trinidad, Aruba, St. Lucia, Montserrat and even Guyana. My church was a melting pot of Caribbean islands. Because of it, I had even more opportunities to be exposed to other cultures.
Now that I am a parent, it gives me great pleasure to share my culture with my children. I am no longer in New York and the Caribbean community in my state is not as vast as it is in the city. But it is my hope that my children will develop a greater appreciation for other cultures and a greater respect for the way others live their lives. Who knows, perhaps the young one in your life will be able to do the same.
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
By: Sharon Mitchell,
on 9/23/2013
Blog:
(
Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:
Add a tag
Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)
The alphabet, twenty-six characters in all. Letters used to create the symphony of sounds that are brought together to give us WORDS.
When we gather those words together in a specific order we get sentences. And with those sentences, we create paragraphs. Using those paragraphs we begin to spin a tale. And through that tale we find ways educate, enlighten and/or entertain. J
When you write, you manipulate words and bend them to your will. You create a picture with words just as you create a picture through art. This is where the beauty of words comes in. Some people are ridiculously skilled when it comes to the art of writing. So much so, that these people, these “authors” actually get paid for it! LOL! They twist, direct and finally position their words. And once they are done, they are able to express emotions, describe places, help the deaf hear and the blind to see. This is a goal that writers strive for everyday!
When you write, do you truly appreciate how much power a word can have? Words like hate, love, fear; they are all capable of cutting you deeper than a knife and yet we use them in some shape or form each day. Words are fearsome things and I have the greatest respect for them. Just as I am mindful of what I say to another, I’m mindful of how I express myself to the world.
Words can start a romance, get you a job or even destroy your reputation. Have you ever read a historical novel where the villain of the story starts a rumor and suddenly the main character has been shunned from the ton and society? Now he is destitute and stripped of his fortune. And he is looked upon as an outcast; barely tolerated by those whom he once called friends. Pitiful. LOL.
Let us not forget those amusing stories in the newspaper; where politicians find themselves in uncomfortable situations due to their poor choice of words. One letter, one word, one sentence and now they’ve managed to offend a person, organization or even a community. Now they are backpedaling, trying (with no success) to repair what’s broken. All they can do is standby and watch as their political aspirations circle the drain.
If you are not proud of the prose you’ve created thus far, you should be. You have crafted art through words. You have allowed others to see the world through your eyes. And your journey like my own is not finished. When you re-read your story for the hundredth time, really look at it and tell me what you see. Do you see the beauty in your words, as I have seen it in mine? If so, drop me a line and share your thoughts!
Mari e laipe!
See you soon!
S-
View Next 12 Posts
