Lyric Fire

Fingers Editing Wildly To A Dream - (Novel Update!)

In my last post, Why Ride Roller Coasters When Writing Gives You The Same Thrills?, I talked about where I was in the publishing process with my novel Letters to Chyna. I was also days away from meeting with a literary agent. Well, on Tuesday we met and I thoroughly enjoyed my first sit down with someone who has the potential to help me get my book to market.

It was very thrilling hearing a professional opinion about my work. I found myself wishing I had brought a micro-recorder so I could have captured her words of praise, but I think my memory will do just fine. She liked my voice and the story and thinks it has great potential! Nothing makes a writer do cartwheels more than someone telling them that they enjoyed reading their work! Writers live for that kind of feedback and when readers quote specific scenes and talk about your characters as if they are as real for them as they were for you when you wrote them, golden! 

Sounds like heaven doesn't it? Well, we're not quite past the clouds yet. I have some homework to do. Along with the great feedback were suggestions on how I can make the work even stronger and they were not things that I disagreed with. So guess what? I'm now entering into a revision and editing stage for the next few months. Then when I'm done, I'm resubmitting my manuscript for a re-read. After that, when my re-worked work passes muster, then... 

I will be writing another update and bringing you along for the ride! A writer's work is never done!

More to come! 

QUESTION: If you have been asked to edit or re-write sections of your manuscript, how did you approach the task? Share in the comments!  

Related articles

Meet Chyna Rose - Interview w/My Novel's Lead Character & a Sneak Peek at a Possible Book Cover!

Why Ride Roller Coasters When Writing Gives You The Same Thrills? - (Novel Update!)

Lyric Fire: NaPoWriMo 2012 - Day 17 of 30 Poems in 30 Days - Loopy Letter

A New Direction For Lyric Fire - Also, Another Novel Update!

Meet Chyna Rose - Interview w/My Novel's Lead Character & a Sneak Peek at a Possible Book Cover!

A lot has been going on in this writer's world so I haven't been blogging as much and I miss it immensely! I am under the gun on some personal projects and efforts, but I had to drop in today to let you all know I am indeed alive and kicking!

MORE NOVEL UPDATES!: My novel has taken yet a different path since I spoke about it in my last post, Books, Blogs and Beautiful Beginnings. Remember the small press publisher that passed on my manuscript (due to limited publishing slots) last month? Well, one of the publishers introduced me to a literary agent who is interested in representing me. They are currently reviewing my work and I should have an answer soon! I will as always keep you readers in the loop! 

Now, as we all know, in publishing anything can happen, so even though I'm being considered by another independent press and an agent, I still have to continue on in my quest for publication so...

If self-publishing is to be my path, this could be my potential book cover. Here's a sneak peek!

Here also is an interview with my lead character Chyna Rose:

Q: What are your inner most fears and do you think you could tackle them if you were face to face with them?

My deepest fear is not being loved or accepted for who I am. Not making a real connection.

Q: Are you where you expected to be currently in your life? Why or why not? What have been your stumbling blocks?

No, absolutely not. I’m still young, no doubt, but I just thought I’d be further in my life. I definitely did not want to be still living with my parents. This is such a drag. I feel stuck. And pissed. Plus my mother hates my guts. She just tolerates me. My father never stands up for me…

Q:  I know that you want to be a famous songwriter. What steps have you taken to ensure that this dream becomes a reality?

Well, I have written a lot of songs, but that’s about it. I really don’t know how to go about it. I don’t get a lot of support. But I am determined to make it one day. I think the most important thing is the writing, you know, the talent. Shit, if I ever get my head clear, everything else will fall into place, right? Like, I know I have to make it happen though. I’m working on it. I’m working.

Q: Does the relationship that you have with your parents fortify you as a person or are you missing something in this relationship?

Have you ever loved something or someone and not known if the feelings were really mutual? That’s how I feel about my relationship with my folks. I guess they love me. But who really fucking knows? Their actions say otherwise. It’s almost like I don’t exist at times. Like why was I born if they didn’t want to pay me some type of attention? So I guess the answer is no, I don’t feel fortified by my relationship with them, but I do love them a lot. There is definitely something missing. I don’t know if it will ever be there. I wonder how they would answer this question if it were posed to them.

Q:  Are you in a romantic relationship at this time? If so, what does this person add to your life?

Mmm… Romantic? I don’t know if romantic would be the right word to describe what I have. I see a few men when the need arises, but Noir is the main one I guess. He really knows my body and how to make me feel good sexually, but as far as a deep connection, we don’t have that. He can’t see inside my soul. I’ve never had that type of love. Maybe one day. Maybe…

Q: How do you support your art?

I work at a local record store. The pay is pitiful, but I get a discount on music which is great. I have to know what’s out there you know? Also, my father slides me a little money secretly. That’s a whole other story all together.

Q: If you were stripped naked in front of 1000 strangers, which body part would you attempt to cover and why?

I would probably cover my heart. I wouldn’t want it getting pierced.

Q: How much do you laugh and smile? Is it enough? If not, why do you think you don’t? I like to laugh as much as the next person, but I know that I don’t do it enough. I would like to. But my life is so serious all of the time though.

Q: Do you have any close friends that you can count on if you really need them for emotional support?

I have Taylor, but I don’t let her get too close. I don’t think I could count on her in a crunch. She’s just cool to hang out with. I don’t really trust most people with my feelings.

Q: Which means more to you, a deep passionate kiss or a revealing letter?

A letter definitely would mean more. I guess it also depends on who the letter was from. Also I guess it would have to depend on who is doing the kissing too!

Q: Do you believe in God or a higher power? If so, do you partake in a spiritual life? 

I definitely believe in God. I talk to him in private a lot. I’m just not big on going to church. I like to read the Bible and get the true meaning. I don’t think going and listening to a preacher spout the same stuff every Sunday will bring me a deeper understanding of God. I have to read it and feel it for myself, by myself.

Q: Are you a forgiving person?

It depends on what is done to me.

Q: What are some things that you would not be able to forgive?

I hate liars. When I love, I love hard and I open myself up so if I opened myself up to you revealing all my scars and everything and you lied to me about important things, I would have a hard time forgiving.

READER PARTICIPATION!

What do you think of the book cover concept? Yay or nay? - Also, what do you think of Chyna? What are your impressions? Share your opinions in the comments! Thank you! 

Lyric Fire: Books, Blogs & Beautiful Beginnings! (w/Novel update!) - Book Expo 2012

As a writer some months mean more than others and for me April (National Poetry Writing Month) is tops because I usually participate in NaPoWriMo, a 30-day poetry writing challenge. June also rocks because the first week of the month ushers in Book Expo of America (BEA) which takes place in New York City at the Jacob Javits Center. It is a non-stop four-day book blitz where you can attend conferences, meet, greet and network with authors and grab some of the best book swag known to man! Writers are on-hand to sign and give away books that are coming out (you get to read them first before anyone else and review them for your blog!) and also meet their fans. 

This past week was my fourth BEA and it always feels like the first time. An actual first for me this year was being able to attend the Blogger's Conference. It was an all-day networking and learning affair that began with a keynote address from one of the most popular and beloved authors we have right now. Jennifer Weiner has written over 10 fiction titles, had one of her books made into a movie, developed a sitcom for ABC Family and has appeared as a guest on scores of national TV talk shows to speak about her work. 

Here I am with New York Times Bestselling Author Jennifer Weiner. She was very generous with her knowledge about publishing in her keynote address at the Book Expo of America's Blogger's Conference on Monday, June 4th. She was friendly and hilarious to boot! Her newest title is called The Next Best Thing. Reach her on Twitter @JenniferWeiner.

I found her keynote to be funny, engaging, authentic and very educational. Here are some of the best take-aways she gave for writers:

• Always promote others
• Ignore your critics
• KEEP WRITING!
• Speak in your OWN voice
• Tweet like your mom is not online 

She also talked about the importance of blogging in the digital age when it comes to promoting books and she had one line that I thought was really cool, "Bloggers can be passionate, while their print peers have to be objective." 

 For Jennifer's complete keynote address click here: Jennifer Weiner's keynote.

In between all of the speeches and presentations was the chance to network with fellow bloggers and authors. I made some great connections and even got to chat with Jennifer and talk-up my upcoming novel. She asked me to send her a link when it is published! Whoo-hoo!

Another highlight of going to BEA this time around was the chance to connect with a blogger I met on Twitter last year. Jennifer Poe (hmmm, cool literary ladies named Jennifer seem to be a theme in this post, huh?) writes a wonderful blog called Imported Chocolate that caters to women of color who love to travel. We have been visitors on each others blogs, but just met for the first time in person at the expo! What fun we had! My only regret was that we didn't take a picture together. We were so busy gabbing about books and meeting our favorite authors that I guess we forgot! No worries. I think I have met a life-long friend, as we are now sisters in blogging and writing. YAY! She even got me to step out of my comfort zone and read some Young Adult (YA) titles. I can't wait to see if I'll like them! I really think this first meeting will be the beautiful beginning of a friendship built on a bookish foundation! 

Kevin Powell is probably best known for being one of the first cast members on MTV's The Real World, but he is also an author and an activist. His latest book which he self-published on LuLu, is entitled, Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, And The Ghost Of Dr. King. He can be reached on Twitter @kevin_powell.

As Jennifer P and I were walking the expo floor we ran into author and activist Kevin Powell. He was on my list of authors to see and was very gracious as he signed his new book, Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, and The Ghost of Dr. King: Blogs and Essays. 

I'm telling you, four days (I only attended two days due to pending meetings) of books, blogs and beautiful beginnings left me breathless and beat! But in a good way! But before I leave you...

NOVEL UPDATE:  So I promised to keep you all updated about the publishing opportunity I spoke about in my Shades of Green and Gray: Embracing Challenges to Become a Better Artist post and here it is! For those who don't know, I was a finalist along with six other writers to have my novel published by a small press who only publishes 2-3 titles a year. I thought my chances to get one of the spots was pretty good, but I didn't make the cut. I was disappointed, but I received some great feedback from the publishing house and they liked my work so much that they offered to mention my book on their social media channels when I self-publish it. You can't beat that with a bat! 

Also, I connected with a mid-sized press at the Book Expo who asked me to submit my novel to them! So it looks like I will have another crack at traditional publishing after all. What an amazing week! As always I am moving forward, traditional deal or not, but it is a blessing to have other options as well. 

So my advice to you bloggers is to get out there and attend as many publishing events and readings as you can. You never know who you might meet!

Stay blessed and happy blogging!

 

Lyric Fire: Creative Collaborations! (What I've Been Up To!)

 

                                                  

"You are what you eat," is a popular saying that expresses the belief that the foods you consume will   determine how your body looks and functions. But what about what you take into your mind, heart and soul as an artist? 

Well, lately I have been exploring my creativity in different ways and I seem to be attracting even more possibilities and opportunities. First off, some of you may know this, but I have decided to forgo the traditional publishing route and release my novel Letters to Chyna as an e-book later this year! Not long after I made the decision (I hadn't told anyone), I received a request from my college friend and sister in writing, Monice Mitchell Simms to join her "Artistpreneur Community," a wonderfully diverse and talented group of writers, life coaches, radio personalites, bloggers and other artists from many varied backgrounds! I was thrilled and honored! 

These artists will contribute informative pieces to her online magazine which is like a Bible for writers and artists. Just last year Monice published her own novel, Address: House of Corrections and charted her journey to help others going down the same path: Monice's journey to publication. My post, My Date With Digital was featured on the  Monice Magazine: For Make Believers recently and the reception was incredible! There are a lot of writers out there who are looking for alternative ways to get their work out into the marketplace and my story was one a lot of them could relate to. Thanks to all of my readers who visited Monice's blog site! Twitter: @monicemitchell

A lot of you know that I am a social media beast! I love connecting with other artists and sharing my work through this medium. Due in part to my social networking, I have had the pleasure of meeting kindred poetic spirit Jaded Muse, and he recently asked me to write a Spring Renga, with him. A Spring Renga is a Japanese collaborative poetry piece consisting of seasonal, non-seasonal and themed haiku verses. I am having a blast so far with this and we plan to publish it when it's completed so stay tuned. I'll definitely keep you posted! Twitter: @JadedMuse

Another creative community I'm honored to be a part of is BlogNostics, which is what I'd like to call a "Literary Lounge." It's a welcoming and artistic environment where you can showcase your talents or just relax and enjoy the art of others. The powers that be at BlogNostics support and promote their writers in a myriad of ways. If you submit a particular amount of writing or art, you get your own special room that could be akin to an art gallery or electronic library! I was stoked to get my own Haiku Room and plan on adding works routinely so keep checking in! They also create wonderful spoken word videos and I'm looking foward to seeing one that I recently submitted be posted. You will definitely get to know me in a more "initimate" way when you see and hear it! Twitter: @Blognostics 

The artistic angels surely are shining on me it seems because just this week I was asked to submit a short story or work of poetry for an upcoming book that will be published under the Social Potpourri banner! Sulekha Rawat is one of the most talented writers I know so to get this request was a special honor! Her new website Social Potpourri, which she started with fellow awesome blogger and writer Kriti Mukherjee , seeks to bring creative people of all backgrounds and nationalities together so they can grow and learn from one another. I will keep everyone abreast of the publication date for the book. Cheers Sulekha and Kriti! Twitter: @socialpotpourri @sulekkha @kritimukherjee 

Last year I submitted a work to be considered for inclusion in The Women of Color Writers' Workshop & Community, BOUNDARIES & BORDERS A Women of Color GLOBAL ANTHOLOGY and I'm told that selected writers will be notified soon! Think a good thought for me readers! Twitter: @WOCWriters 

To round out the collaborative efforts for now, I will be participating in Dress For Impressions, a fun look at lady bloggers and what they love to wear while blogging. My birthday twin in life and all things creative, the fabulously fashionable Lesley Ware, created this feature on her blog The Creative Cookie, to pay homage to creative female bloggers who love fashion. To be transparent, I am not that fashionable, but I am creative, so one out of two aint bad! Twitter: @CreativeCookie 

As writers and bloggers sometimes we go it alone when coming up with and executing ideas, but it is truly amazing to be able to come together in the name of poetry, literary pursuits and art in general.

Happy Friday! Remember to always leave room in your art for a little collaboration! 

CREATIVE QUESTION: What famous person would you like to collaborate with? 

MY DREAM COLLABORATION: My collaborative partner would definitely be Prince. I would love to write a book consisting of 10 poems and have him set them to music. When he'd go on tour to promote the CD, I would be on book tour! We'd meet at the end and he'd call me onstage to jam to one of my own songs! I dream big yall! - My Twitter handle: @Tamstarz

My Blog Lyric Fire: Knowing Your Literary Worth-A Multi-Part Series-Take 2

In the last installment I wrote about the temptation of departing from the pure true core of my work for the promise of publication, but I thought I'd delve a bit deeper here. 

Recently a literary agent became interested in my manuscript Letters to Chyna but was so uncomfortable with some of the strong scenes and language in just the first few pages that she chose to pass on the piece altogether. Although I was disappointed, I appreciated her candor in letting me know WHY she chose not to represent the work. 

I had the opportunity to speak to her again a few months later about another project and she then asked me if I had some more writing I could submit. I bluntly asked her why I should submit something else when she didn't take too well to my first work. She then explained that she loved my writing, she was just put off by the provocativeness of those opening pages, so much so that she didn't think she could go on. She said if I would get rid of or re-work the scenes and any others that were graphic that she would read my full manuscript. 

Initially the notion was appealing because what writer doesn't want to have an agent fall in love with their work and sell it? But the more I thought about watering my writing down, the sadder I became. I was always taught as a writer to "never hide" behind pretty words if you're trying to describe something ugly. One of the best writers and teachers of the subject that I've ever known, Mark Weston, http://bit.ly/MarkWeston who I had the honor of studying under at The Beginnings Workshop and The Screen Actors Guild conservatory, always said that writing and acting should reflect reality (which ever the writer chooses and creates) and if it didn't then it wasn't true art. I always kept that nugget of wisdom in my brain and adhere to it each time I embark on a creative project. If I'm writing a sexual scene there will be sex in it and it will be described in raw words that reflect what the characters are doing, saying and feeling. If I'm writing an emotional scene between two people the dialogue will reflect their true emotions and not what I think someone wants to read on a greeting card. 

I realized that even though I admired the agent's feedback and honesty about how she felt about the work, I knew I couldn't dilute the truth of my characters for anyone. Especially not after she suggested I contact other literary agents/publishers that handle street fiction and erotica. My work is neither street fiction nor erotica although it does include passages and scenes that are explicit. It puzzled me how she could put me and my work in a box after only a few pages. I find it troubling that African American characters can't have sex, or engage in criminal activity without the whole work being deemed street fiction. Books in the mystery, literary and mass market fiction genres contain some of the same elements and aren't viewed as simply street fiction or erotica. 

I think some agents and other consumers of writing by African American authors often lump us all in one category. Street fiction is probably one of the most popular genres of writing right now for a lot of readers who do read books by African American authors but I think most readers are smart enough to know that people of color have a varied existence and have many stories to tell that don't all fall under the street fiction umbrella. 

It is so important as a writer to know who you are. If you don't anyone can come and define you and your work and you may get published but at what cost? I think it's more important to be authentic and write from the core of who you are. There is always room for editing but I don't think writers should be stripped of their voices to be represented. At the end of the day the agent is selling your work, but you have to live with what's on the page. 

There are many alternatives to traditional agents/publishers in the form of self-publishing, E-books and the like. Personally I have always wanted a traditional publisher behind me due to the credibility factor. It's something that means a lot to me and I will keep trying to find the right fit. Not to say I would never explore publishing my work myself, I just want to try a little while longer to find a traditional publisher. Arguments can be made for and against traditional publishing vs. self-publishing, but the most important thing for a writer is to be authentic and true to the art form. If not, then the writer suffers a slow literary death and so do their readers by way of empty literary calories that leave them starving for a true meal. 

If you have stories to share about the business of writing or experiences with literary agents and publishers please comment below. I look forward to your responses! 

My Blog - Lyric Fire: Tattoos & Poetry

 

As writers, actors, painters, poets and singers, we are always looking for additional ways to express our creativity and love for our art. Tattoos are a great way to display on the outside what you're truly feeling on the inside. An inked up arm, back or chest can tell your life story and spark provocative conversations. 

Yours truly is honored to be a part of the Tattooed Poets Project on Bill Cohen's lovely blog Tattoosday. In my feature I give insight on why I chose my tattoo and one of my poems is also highlighted to jump off a whole month of celebrating poets who have tattoos. 

Bill is a lover of blogging and capturing the artistic essence of New Yorkers so PLEASE become a fan of his page on Facebook, Tattoosday Facebook Fan Page, follow him on Twitter @tattoosday and check out his other blogs as well. Have an amazingly creative day all!

Click here to: Check out my tattoo and poetry on the Tattoosday blog 

 

My Blog - Lyric Fire: The Unveiling (For Dannie and...)

This is dedicated to my siblings:

 

Flirty introductions were followed by invitations into warm and loving hosts

Joy lasts for moments untold

Laughter echos off the walls

Light whispers in the dark

Cigarette smoke, perfume and body scents filled the air

A coupling for a time

Your eyes always flittered across the landscape of your surroundings

More prettiness to gaze upon and pursue

Mutual attraction was duplicated on many occasions

You were a magnet for those wanting and needing love

You infected them with it 

They became impregnated 

Filled up with the essence and biological evidence of you

Seeds were planted and watered

They bloomed into flowers 

Some were wrapped up and gifted to your lovers as beautiful bouquets

Others wilted and died, so beautiful and pure in their descent into forever

Some seeds blew away scattered across time and space

Given to others to nurture and raise

Years go by and then you leave 

You were taken actually 

Cut down, so young

"My seeds" you say as your eyes close

"Reunite my seeds please" was the prayer on your lips

And so it was answered

Hello my sister

What a beautiful flower you are

Hello brothers, my how handsome and smart

Let's find the others

Come together as one 

United

Family forever

 

My Blog - Lyric Fire: Six Months Since Submission

Looking over my notes I realized it's been six months since I submitted my novel Letters to Chyna to the publisher who requested it. 

In that time I've started this blog, fleshed out an idea for an art showcase (more to come on this soon), became a volunteer for a wonderful organization called Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic, which helps people with print disabilities achieve their goals and dreams, and have on a daily basis along with millions of others, pursued landing a full-time job in this troubled economy.   

Each day I wonder, will this be the day my phone will ring with good news from the publisher? I have even constructed in my mind the telephone call exchange from start to finish. Creative visualization is good for the soul. Thinking positively can have a great impact on one's mood and outlook in uncertain times. Of course you need to put in the work necessary to achieve success as well because thinking without action is fruitless. 

So I write these words to encourage and inspire other writers who also may be waiting on good news. Notice how I say that. Waiting on good news. Not waiting on uncertain or bad news. Remember to keep writing and stay active in other projects in the meantime. Also, follow other leads and stay open to new ways of getting your work into the hands of decision makers. Most importantly, envision your book bound and on shelves. When you are passionate and positive, your goals will be realized. 

Trust and believe it. 

For information on how you can become a volunteer for Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic visit: http://bit.ly/2U5W7v

Lyric Fire: River of Love

The following is an excerpt from my novel, Letters to Chyna. It's a song that was written by the lead character Chyna Rose. 

You came to me in a dream, awakening me

from the storms of my life

I want to reach out to you and

let your sweet love surround me

but I can’t stop holding on to my pride

 
I never knew love could be like a river

Flowing sweetly down the banks of time

I wish my love could flow as freely as wine

(Flow sweet like wine, ooooh…)

 
(Chorus)

I wish you could read my heart thoughts

I want you to teach me the ways of love

Take me in your arms and calm my storm

Tell me the secrets that flow in your river of love

 
Just like a miracle, the hurt

And heartache I’ve been through

Slowly dissipates into oblivion,

whenever I think of you

I never knew love could be like a river

washing me clean and leaving my soul satisfied

As sure as there is a God above

I need to know the secrets that

flow in your river of love

 
(Chorus 2)

River of love-you flow so sweet

you make my heart skip two beats yeah

river of love you’re tantalizing me

making me fall, I don’t know how to be

 
Your aura, your presence is magnificent

you make me feel like I’ve never felt

spent, yet filled with energy

you make me melt

I could go all night with you

I never knew love could be like a river

taking me places I’ve never been

bringing into view things I’ve never seen

I feel as helpless as a dove

I’d like to drown in your river of love  

Copyright © 2009 by Tameka Mullins (Tamstarz)

Letters to Chyna: A Novel

Some of you have asked me to post the synopsis for my novel Letters to Chyna and here it is: 

20-year-old African American struggling singer Chyna Rose gets the shock of her life when she suddenly finds out that she's adopted. She is summoned to her biological mother's hospital room where she is left with unanswered questions and after witnessing her death, she confronts her adoptive parents, an abusive mother and passive father. An explosive confrontation ensues and she leaves their home to begin a period of self discovery.

After having her life turned upside down, Chyna turns to bad men, reckless sex and self-doubt. She then begins to receive mysterious letters from a man claiming to be her biological father. The rub is that just before her biological mother dies, she informs her that her birth father was killed several years ago. Where are these letters coming from? Chyna has to find out.

In the letters Chyna is transported into the world of a destructive man that lived on the outskirts of society in the 1970's on Detroit’s gritty streets as a drug dealer and pimp. When the mystery man claiming to be her father reveals his killer, she attempts to seek revenge for the father she never got a chance to know.

But a love interest enters the fray and tries to soften her heart. Then her adoptive father dies, sending her once again spiraling down a path filled with pain. Will she learn from her biological father’s mistakes? Or will she follow in his footsteps and seek to destroy the one person that she feels is responsible for all of her hurt and loss?

Ultimately, LETTERS TO CHYNA is a story of divine intervention, forgiveness and redemption.

Fact: 

Letters to Chyna is currently being reviewed by a major publisher. 

Fiction:

The second book in this installment is titled: LifeTracks Vol. 1 - The Chyna Rose Debut. 

Future:

Some people who have read the manuscript think it could be made into a film.