Lyric Fire

Where Has My Muse Gone?

 

Actually, I don't think I ever had a muse. I've always seen myself as a pure writer filled with ideas and I imagined that they came to me organically and automatically whenever I summoned them. Lately though I am rethinking this notion. My talent hasn't gone anywhere. I do get spurts where a poem or passage flows quite lovely from my word-well, but since the passing of my mom, it doesn't flow as often. I know I am still in the healing stage, but not writing as often as I usually do feels very weird. Like I'm cheating in some way when I'd rather binge-watch House of Cards or play Beyond Good and Evil on my Xbox 360 than write a blog post or work on my second novel.

Admitting this truth isn't easy. Whenever friends or others need inspiration for their art I am the first person to spur them on so it may seem like I'm always on my shit. Not so, ladies and gentlemen. Not so. At least not right now. In fact, this is the first blog post I've written this year. That is unheard of for me. 

So, I must ask myself, is my muse hibernating? Am I waiting for a big rush of literary air to wash over me? If so, I think I'm in for a rude awakening. Even though I do believe in outward inspiration as I am often inspired and sparked by other writers, but as a creator, I have always been connected to a special place within my self that felt a NEED to write. I think these days I feel a NEED to grieve, watch TV and eat chocolate. See, I have to keep it real with myself in order to get back to the ME that I know I am. Mama Francine would not want me to not put my pain, love, joy, observations, grief, anger, disbelief or social commentary on the page. Sorry mama, if I'm letting you down, but the past six months have been mind boggling. I go from reflection to tears to glee to indifference to anger so quickly that it makes my head spin. Still. I miss you. Still. 

You're not coming back.

Still.

But.

I must write because it's who I am, how I connect, how I love, how I live.

So.

I will fight through this to find my muse.

I will honor you with my life as I write. 

Always. 

Still. 

 

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!

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

Some people think writers are crazy. Well, some of us are. Honestly, to sit and stare at a computer screen or blank sheet of paper hoping for magic when most times all that drips from the pen is madness can make one just a wee bit unstable. 

Some of us walk around talking to ourselves and we blame it on our characters. "They are speaking to me," we say. Yeah, right. We're really asking ourselves out loud how in the world did we get ourselves into this? We remember the long nights at the dinner table with our parents when they implored us to re-think our career goals. They begged and pleaded with us to study medicine, law, health care or anything besides journalism or creative writing. When we stood our ground and said we were following our dreams instead, they looked at us with a smile, but on the inside they were scared out of their minds. All they could see in their future was a grown child, age 30, right back at home under their roof right at the time when they wanted to travel and enjoy their retirement. Bless their hearts for attempting to raise a starving artist. 

The tangent I'm going on has been inspired by recent experiences in my life. As some of you know, I was attempting to delve into the world of self-publishing. My completed manuscript has been edited and ready to go for a while, but after contacting literary agents and editors and getting really close to snagging representation and most recently a book deal with a small publisher, my book still hasn't seen the light of day, hence the decision to go the digital publishing route. My last NO came from the publishing company that originally discovered E L James, The Writers Coffee Shop, this after I had already begun the process of prepping for self-publishing. The whole process was thrilling and I have no regrets. I met the Aquisitions Editor for The Writers Coffee Shop at the Book Expo of America Conference in June and felt I had a good chance of joining their roster, but learned just last month that my work wasn't selected. 

I wrote about this in my last post, Book Blocks Or Prose Pauses?-My Path To Publication, and had decided to get back on the self-publishing horse starting in 2013. But just like a roller coaster ride, my publication journey has taken yet another turn. Earlier this year I was being considered by another small publisher and after they decided to pass, one of the publishers who really liked my writing graciously passed my name on to a literary agent and she contacted me and expressed interest in my novel. After reading a sample, she requested a full-read and now we are at the stage of discussing my work further! 

She is suggesting additional editing before she will commit to signing me, but I'm super excited that I'm about to have my very first face-to-face meeting with a literary agent later this week! 

I am so enjoying each step in my publishing process and I will keep you updated on what happens at the meeting and beyond! I encourage your good vibes and thoughts! 

Have a wonderful week ahead! Keep writing! 

 

Book Blocks or Prose Pauses? - My Path To Publication

The life of a writer can seem so glamorous. We wake up at the crack of whenever, drink unlimited amounts of tea or coffee and sit in front of our computers in our silk pajamas pouring our emotions, fantasies and notions onto the page while others are slaving away at REAL jobs. But in reality, glamour can turn to gloom quick, fast and in a hurry when the writing projects we pitch are thrown back at us without a book deal attached. 

Let's back track. Earlier this year in March I decided to self-publish and I was super happy about it. I was researching graphic artists and vendors who I could work with to bring my baby to life and I felt renewed, determined and empowered. I even wrote about my change of heart about self-publishing on my good friend's blog, The Monice Magazine. In my post, My Date With Digital Publishing, I revealed with glee my plans to take my story into my own hands and even though I had some nervous butterflies, I was all set to go. Until...

I received two opportunities to be published by traditional means! The first was a small publisher who I had submitted to a while back. I was contacted not long after the above post had been written and was told I was being considered along with six other writers for a spot on their writer roster. I wrote about this opportunity on my blog, in a post called Shades of Green and Gray. The second opportunity then came a month later after meeting the representatives of another small publisher at the Book Expo of America Conference. Certainly the publishing Gods were trying to tell me something! I had changed my thinking and had released my apprehension about self-publishing and that was the test! I passed! So now I was going to be rewarded with a traditional deal! Yay!

Of course that was my reasoning and understanding at the time. But not all gifts come wrapped in Christmas paper. Sadly, I learned that I had not made the roster at the first small publisher, but I did receive great feedback and referrals, which I accepted happily. It is always nice to be considered isn't it? I still held out hope though because the other publisher was still reviewing my work. My first three chapters passed muster and now all I was waiting on was their final word. Well, I received their answer this morning and it was no.

So now I'm trying to figure out what was the lesson in all of this? I had finally wrapped my mind around self-publishing and was moving forward so why would I be given a chance to publish traditionally and then not make the cut yet again? Well, I don't have a definitive answer, but I feel fine. Of course there is that little gnawing feeling you get when you don't complete a goal you had in mind, but I know a yes is in my future and I have the power to deliver it. 

My first inclination was to think that my book was being blocked or that my prose was paused, but I know that my work is making it to market one way or another and I stand strongly behind it. So many great writers have had to walk a rugged path to get their work published and I am honored to take up stride in their wake. 

I will continue my journey and pretty soon my book will be making its way through the cyber system to e-readers around the world and resting in reader’s hands. How do I know? Because I say so. I believe it to be. I will it into existence and I will keep working hard. I am giving in to the continued dedication it will take. As long as I write, there will be a way! 

Updates to come!

Lyric Fire: 25 Unconventional Things You Can Do To Become A Better Writer!

Sometimes as writers knowing the mechanics of the craft isn't enough. You can be the most structured and perfected scribe and still bore people to tears. What good is it to be a writer, if no one wants to read what you've created?

My brain is always buzzing with ideas so I've come up with 25 unconventional things we all can do to pump more feeling and flavor into our writing whether we're penning poetry, writing technical business articles or constructing a new novel. Share your own ideas or things you've heard about in the comments so we can grow this list!

Fully Embrace Your Spirituality:

Can reading the Bible or going to temple make you a better writer? I think it can. When we are in balance and in tune with God, great things happen. In your daily prayers, ask for the ability to dissect life in a creative way and be a better wordsmith. Ask and you shall receive!

Travel: 

Do you only want to write about your four walls? Or do you want to create colorful worlds and document exotic locations in your writing? Getting out and seeing the world can translate into wonderful passages in your work. Imagine being able to describe Caribbean beaches in explicit detail or breathe life into Paris streets and night life! 

Read Trashy Novels:

Not only will reading trashy novels help you release tension and stress, but you can also use them as an exercise in editing. In your head as you read, (you can even re-write them down on paper if you choose) recreate scenes and chapters re-purposing them into high literary art!  

Fall In Love:

When we are in love or falling, our emotions are at an all time high, the sun shines brighter, music sounds better and there is a bounce to our walk. Starting a writing project at a happy time in our life can be very fruitful. Use all of those positive and happy feelings to create something truly special. The challenge here is to reserve the time away from our new loved one to pour that residual magic into words. 

Get A Twitter Account:

What better way to practice brevity in writing than on Twitter where you are only allotted 140 characters to express a thought? Posting on Twitter every day can help you craft more concise sentences. Editing is a very important part of writing. 

Get A Dog:

Walking your dog can help you get fit and will also put you in situations where you can meet other dog walkers. Some of the most interesting people you will ever meet have dogs. This kind of networking can help you on character building or perhaps give you the opportunity to meet a heart surgeon whom you can interview for your next piece you're submitting to WebMD.com. 

Go To Parties:

Another way to people watch and network is to go to some parties. Even if you're a wall flower, seeing how people interact and move in a casual setting can help you as you write similar scenes in your work. You may even meet a love connection or at least a fling which can also lend itself to some exciting writing.  

Create A Blog:

One of the best things I ever did for my writing career was to create my blog! Having a place to release my thoughts and also using it as a way to keep myself honest when it comes to writing on the regular is invaluable! Not to mention all of the networking opportunities and other bloggers you get to connect to. Blogging is a writer's best friend. 

Re-Read The Classics:

I know a lot of us complained about reading the classics when we were in high school or college because they were so darn hard to get through, but as adults it's easier and you'd be surprised how much you will enjoy them now. I equate reading the classics to weight lifting. With all of the reality TV and other frivolous forms of entertainment we're exposed to we need to do some mental weight work sometimes. If you are thinking about writing a period piece or doing some research for a non-fiction project about history, reading some earlier writings can be very helpful.   

Write More Letters:

There is nothing more intimate than writing a letter, whether it is addressed to a friend or lover. Taking the time to slow down and print or write in cursive on fine paper or a card slows the heart rate down. Also, if you've ever noticed, we take better care when we put pen or pencil to paper. Writing is not a race, it is an art-form and sometimes going slower can make us better. 

Go To Book Expos:

I could write paragraphs about the benefits of going to book expos, but here are just a few things: meeting other writers, going to conferences, getting free books, learning new trends in publishing and did I mention the free books? Immersing yourself into your craft in this way is like eating your literary Wheaties. Do this and often. Your writing will thank you. 

Take Up New Hobbies:

Anytime you learn something new, you are building a pathway to better writing. Being able to describe something you've just learned and explain it with clarity and flair is the mark of a great writer. 

Break Up With Someone:

No one wants to do this, but sometimes it can be necessary and healthy, especially if the relationship is toxic or run its course. Holding onto a person who isn't good for you can hinder your writing and other areas of your life. Also, working out our emotions in reality builds self esteem and confidence and can help us be more bold and honest in our writing. It worked for singer Adele! Her pure melodious voice no doubt helped her album 21 shoot up the charts and earn her countless awards and achievements, but it was what she was singing about that registered with her fans. What was that you might ask? Most of the songs on her album were centered around a break-up with her boyfriend. Pain can be a good thing when it comes to writing and creating art. Use it! 

Stalk Your Favorite Writer On Facebook:

Okay, maybe not stalk, but "like" their page and become privy to their writing habits and other valuable pieces of information they may share about the writing process. To be the best, you should know how the best writers roll!

Take A Road Trip With Your Bestie:

Road trip! Road trip! Eating snacks, singing off key and car dancing while trying not to run out of gas is loads of fun, but road trips can also be very educational. Take photos and document your journey (do a live blog!) and make sure you meet people and ask questions. Writers are very nosy by nature so use this quality to your advantage. Experiences are to be written about. 

Splurge On A New Smart Phone Or Tablet:

As an early adopter and gadget girl, this is a given for me, as I get a new phone almost every year, but for others this may be a challenge. As the publishing landscape changes, writers should be on top of all of the new e-publishing trends and having the tools of the trade is the best way to stay educated. If you have an iPad or Smart Phone try writing your next blog post on it and seeing if you like the experience. Writing well sometimes means working smarter, not harder. 

Strike Up Conversations With Strangers:

Writers can be shy, but throw that off to the side and engage people. How do you expect to engage your readers if you can't chop it up with a stranger once in a while? The next person you introduce yourself to just might be an acquisitions editor. Stranger things have happened. I'm also a dialogue driven writer so whenever I chat up someone new, I'm listening for accents, regional dialects, and the like. A conversation is always a potential scene in my book. 

Change Your Work Commute Route:

Inspiration can come in the form of a balled up piece of paper blowing across a highway lane. If you travel the same way to work or school each day you are depriving yourself of different moments. If you travel differently, you may write differently. 

Eat At A New Restaurant Every Week:

Foodies unite! I love restaurants not only for the opportunity to eat and enjoy new foods, but the wait staff, cooks, cashiers and other customers are usually great character material! Some snack shacks have free WiFi too and are great places to write. As an exercise, take your laptop, visit a new food stop and create a scene using five people in the restaurant as characters. 

Ditch Vanilla Sex And Do Something Wild!:

Endorphins! Yes! Great sex is good for the body and the mind and those fabulous feelings can spill over onto the page. Keeping it spicy in the bedroom (bathroom, kitchen or on the balcony) makes for a happy writer and a happy writer writes better! Also, share some of your sex tips with your lead character. No one has to know! 

Book Five-Star & Dive Hotel Rooms:

Most of us would want to stay at a five star hotel, a dive, not so much. Remember though, the lives we write about, report about and document aren't always pretty and it's good to explore the underbelly of life as well as the glamorous elements. The next time you're in a good or bad hotel, imagine the person who was there before you, why they were there, what they were escaping from or running to. Were they alone? Did they pick someone up? Look in the drawers, they may have left behind some clues. Use them in your writing. 

Take A Spontaneous Drive To Nowhere:

When I was living in Detroit, I loved jumping into my creme colored Cadillac and driving for hours (gas was cheaper back then) with no destination in mind. I discovered some great private spots and shops and met some provocative characters. Some of the best conversations I had were with people I met on the road and a few of them have made their way into my poetry or other writing. 

Invite A Friend You Haven't Seen In A While To Dinner:

The best characters aren't always strangers, but people we already know. When was the last time you had a heart to heart talk with a close friend and learned something new about them? Do this also in your writing. Put your characters in situtations where they can be vulnerable and reveal secrets that will surprise even you, their creator. 

Keep Books And Magazines In Your Bathroom:

They say a writer will read with satisfaction a can of creamed corn so why not keep reading material that can spark your mind in a place where you are your most relaxed? I have read whole novels in just a few sittings in the little girl's room! The more we read, the better we write!

Interview Elderly People: 

Whether it's your own grandparents or other elderly family members or family of friends or strangers, people who have lived and seen things are so valuable to writers. They hold precious memories that we can use to craft stories, write articles and countless books. Older people are our life source and should be leaned on and valued. We live, because they lived before us. Let's carry their legacies on in our words. 

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: When Writers Collide: My Fantasy Author Mashups

Memorial Day weekend is here and as we honor our fallen military men and women, we will gather with family, visit final resting places, sing songs and send up private prayers for those we have lost in war. This United States federal holiday is also used to relax and get away and lots of people will use the time to escape by reading novels. 

In a recent Facebook musing, I fantasized about some of my favorite authors (living and dead) writing a buddy book together. Of course we have writers who do this and do it well, (best friends Virgina DeBerry and Donna Grant, pictured above) husband and wife team Denene Millner and Nick Chiles and mother daughter duo Mary and Carol Higgins Clark), but I wanted to explore other literary duos who either had things in common that we don't immediately think about, or those who were on opposite ends of the spectrum in their work and what it would be like if they paired up in prose. 

 

The first pair that came to my mind was James Baldwin and E. Lynn Harris. As gay men, both writers were very forthcoming about their sexuality and wrote about it explicitly and eloquently. James' writing because of the times he lived in, focused more on social and racial issues from a civil rights perspective and E. Lynn wrote in a more contemporary vein about men who were hiding their homosexuality and the impact their "down low" behavior had on the men and women they were involved with, their own psyches and society at large. To think both of these prolific men are gone shakes my soul. James Baldwin died at 63 of stomach cancer on December 1, 1987 and E. Lynn Harris reportedly succumbed to heart disease at age 54 on July 23, 2009. What wonderful stories they would have told together. 

 

Moving along in my thought process, my heart palpitated with excitement when I thought about what a book written by poet Charles Bukowski and one of the first "street lit" authors Donald Goines would mean to the literary world. These men documented the darkness of our society and made it palatable due to their amazing writing ability. Charles, a raw and gifted poet, would punch readers in the gut with work about sex and low-life's and then heal them with his poetic way with language. Donald, having lived the life of a drug addict and convict, created gritty worlds that no one wanted to inhabit themselves, but his authentic way of drawing readers in could not be denied. He was not what you would call "literary," but what he lacked in polish, he made up for in passion. I'm sure the lines would have been very long at a Goines and Bukowski book signing.

Not to leave the ladies out, can you imagine how wicked and playful a novel written by female sexuality experts Nancy Friday and Dr. Ruth Westheimer would be? I even came up with a title, Sensual Seniors. Truth moment, when I worked as a customer service rep at Barnes and Noble when I was in college, one of my favorite things to do was to browse the aisles and see which sections had the heaviest traffic and which books were the most popular. Hands down, the sexuality section always came out on top and Nancy Friday's books were always the ones that customers loved to thumb through before they made their way to the cash registers. I'm sure a book by these two ladies would be very spicy and educational. 

Thinking about mysteries and thrillers conjured up thoughts of Stephen King and Walter Mosley collaborating. I would most certainly plop down $24.95 for Devil in a Blue Dress Shirt Stained With Blood! I was almost giddy when I came up with that title. They are two of the most popular and impactful writers of our times and I'm sure a book penned by the two of them would hit #1 in record time. 

When I polled my Facebook friends about their ideas, some very popular names kept popping up. Writer and bibliophile Jess Ann Goodman said she'd like to see Alice Walker team up with either Toni Morrison,  Jessie Redmon Fauset or Nella Larsen and playwright and author DeJuan Mason threw Zora Neale Hurston  into the mix. Gina Torres, blogger and political expert, also loves the idea of Alice Walker sharing her pen with Toni Morrison. 

I would be in book heaven if any of the authors that are still able would partner up. How amazing would that be? So what about you? Which of your beloved writers would you like to imagine or actually see pull off a buddy book? Share in the comments! 

Lyric Fire: Word Warrior or Apathetic Author?

My love for the written word and books began at a very early age. My mother would read to me at bedtime so my dreams would be filled with colorful stories that I would then try to replicate on the school bus the next day.

I remember vividly trying to imitate my mom and share the same stories with my classmates that she had read to me. I'm not sure how it started, but it became a daily routine and I would relish the hush that came over the bus. I noticed the driver would be smiling, probably happy that she got a little peace and quiet while the kids were occupied with my story-telling. 

My mom had a look of pride when the bus driver told her of my activities. I'm sure she took credit for my passion as she had definitely instilled it in me. Not only was I treated to words at bedtime, but I was surrounded by books at home. I had encyclopedia sets and Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew Mysteries and my room was awash in the colors of Childcraft books in just about every subject. 

I also was taught to have respect for books as physical property. No writing on the pages (I always cringed when I saw markings and notes in college books), of any of my books was tolerated! I had to shelve them properly and I was not to eat or drink anything while I was reading. I had bookmarks of all types because folded pages were also a no-no! I adhered to these guidelines without protest too! 

As I developed a deeper love for what was between the pages, I grew to respect the power of words. Whenever I see blatant disrespect for the written word it pains me. This disrespect can come from writers who become lazy in their construction of stories by using bad grammar and by not editing their work properly. When a reader buys a book they want to be able to lose themselves in the work and not have to stop and stumble over passages that don't make sense. Having witnessed a recent offense of this, it propelled me to write this short directive for writers:

"Writers: Do not write weakly! Pen with passion! Have respect for the product you're peddling! Sloppy scribes send bad vibes! Prepare your passages with great care. Feed readers mind fuel instead of brain drain. Which are you? A Word Warrior or an Apathetic Author?" 

I shared this on some social sites and was pleased to see that I was not alone in my way of thinking. One of my favorite authors, Lolita Files, (pictured below) author of sex.lies.murder.fame.: A Novel, Child of God and other tasty titles, is a super hero of sorts when it comes to championing the written word and had this to add to my initial statement:

"Writing is not a game. It's not a "hustle." It's a craft to be studied and practiced and practiced and studied, then studied and practiced, and practiced some more. You may hustle in the process of getting people to know about your words, but whatever you do, no matter your genre, don't hustle the words just to cop a quick dollar. Poor spelling, bad grammar, a weak understanding of the language, no sense of character development, plot, or pacing. Others will see the flaws. The ones who don't might eat up what you're peddling, but like any bad dose, they'll ultimately get sick on the product. A book does not equal a dime bag of crack/meth/rock/weed, though plenty out there treat them that way.

Selah."

Lolita sure has a way with words doesn't she? She gives us a lot to reflect on indeed. To those who may not be familiar with the word selah, it is used quite frequently in the Hebrew Bible and means to weigh, measure or to reflect. Some also interpret it to mean simply, "stop and listen."

I could go on and on about why it's important to treat words with reverence, but I think we've established that here. I would challege you as readers to demand excellence from the authors you support and to give them feedback on their work (politely and respectfully) when you notice something that takes away from their writing. Also in the same vein, please let them know when their work is well written and touches you deeply. All writers want to know when they have connected with their readers as it will inspire them to work even harder to maintain their audiences and keep them happy. 

As writers, authors, poets and bloggers we must always hold ourselves accountable for the work we put out into the world and make sure it's fully cooked before serving it to the masses. Depending on the chef, books can be nutritious and delicious and an excellent source of sustenance, or filled with only sugar and fat giving the reader instant gratificaton, but no long term value. 

If you like the content of Lyric Fire, please vote for me to win a Shorty Award: Shorty Awards: Honoring The Best Producers of Short Content On Social Media.

Lyric Fire: Look At My Fabulous Life! (Episode 1 - The Wellingtons)

Look At My Fabulous Life is a blog'ality series that takes you the reader inside the homes, hearts and minds of some of the most intriguing people in the world. This week we meet The Wellington's. They are two attractive members of one of California's most wealthiest neighborhoods. We can't tell you which one because our esteemed couple only agreed to lay their lives bare if they could keep something for themselves. They are of the old school tradition you know. Coming up in our next installment, we drop in on a talented music producer and see what really goes down in his mini-mansion! Does he have a connection to the Wellingtons? Stay tuned! 

Click, clack, click, clack...

Honey... What are you doing?

Oh, just updating my Facebook status, Twitter, Tumbler and blog feeds.

Yeah? Well, what wonders are you releasing into the world now?

Oh, just a few photos my dear.

Just a few?

Yeah, these pics from our trip to the The Drakensberg Mountains have just been weeping!

Why are they weeping hon?

Well, my dearest they want to see the light of day!

By all means dear, give them free! 

Ha, ha, ha! Give them free. You're so funny my lovely! 

I know dear, I know! 

Click, clack, click, click, clack...

Boo bear!!!

Yes my flower!

Are you still posting pictures?

Well, of course!

The Brandywines have just been at us and at us about not posting the pics from the Dowry Dinner last week!

Oh dear! Do we have to call it the Dowry Dinner? That's so embarrassing!

Lighten up my pet, it's just our inside joke. We have no need for that sort of thing. I just like the sound of it. Dowry dinner, dowry dinner. Doesn't that sound clever?

Only when you say it Dream Maker!

Dream Maker?

Every day with you is like a dream come true!

Ha! Ha! Ha! I like that honey pot! I'm your dream maker!

Would you please be done with all of that tinkering? I am famished. I want to try that new seafood place that just opened up in Bel Air. 

Yes, dear. I won't be much longer. Can you believe that just a year ago I had no use for these darn contraptions? Now I can't seem to get enough. 

You're insatiable!

No, honey, I'm only insatiable for you. 

Oh, now, now dear. We can't get frisky on empty tummies!

No, I guess we can't.

There! I'm all done! What's say after dinner, we go down to the showroom. I saw you eyeing the Anderson's Bugatti. Theirs is a little old though.  We can get you the newest model.

Oh my stars! Honey! That would be fabulous! We haven't gotten a new car in a few months. I do love the look of that car! It's so elegant! Oh I just love you!

I love you too my potato pancake. To pieces!

Don't say pieces dear it does things to me!

Pieces?

Yes, honey pieces. It makes me want to give you a piece of...

Honey... I thought you said you were hungry. 

I am... Grrr! 

Wow, I love it when you're like this. Pieces, pieces, pieces!

Guess what I want you to do.

What?

Go get the Viagra!

Shhh! Don't say that so loud!

No one can hear. Now go. 

I'll be waiting upstairs. Don't take too many. We need to be done in exactly 15 minutes. We have to beat the dinner rush.

Yes dear. 

Honey?

Yes?

Hurry!

Okay! 

To be continued... 

Lyric Fire: Tales From The Stage - My Six-Word Story - I Wasn't Born, I Was Adopted

It's been about a week and a half since the Smith Magazine Six-Word Story Show and I promised a full report so here goes! Smith Magazine encourages and challenges their readers to tell their life stories and sum up significant events in just six words. It's not an easy feat at times, but it's fascinating to see how much can be revealed in so few words. The online mag recently put on a live show that celebrated the impact and importance of family and I was selected to participate.

As you can see from the picture above, I actually won the Facebook contest with my six-word entry, I wasn't born, I was adopted. I was hoping to have video of my reading, but there was a glitch so the best I could do is re-post my 4-minute back-story and set the scene for you. 

Imagine a packed house at the 92nd Street Y (Tribeca location), a brightly lit stage with a huge screen with my name and six-word story projected onto it. I was one of eleven storytellers that night and was third on the bill. As I waited backstage in the greenroom, I spoke to the other performers and ran over my story in my head. I was a little nervous, but excited about the opportunity. 

I was able to hear the other stories and sink into them somewhat before it was my turn. Then Larry Smith, founder of Smith Magazine, gave me a beautiful intro (I wish I had a copy of it!) and I walked slowly onto the stage and said:

Good evening. I stand before you tonight as a former member of the unborn society. Of course intellectually we know that we all were born from a maternal life force better known as mother. I know that now too as an adult, but as a child and product of the foster care and adoption systems, I often wondered, was I truly born? There certainly wasn’t any physical evidence to support that fact.

Contrary to biological reality, in my young mind, my life began at age five on a warm spring day in Detroit, Michigan. Having been hatched from an extraterrestrial egg, I now stood before a strange woman in a green and white polka dot pant suit. A robust man with kind eyes and a shy smile was with her and I was told that these would now be my NEW parents.

All of the things that most children have to prove and celebrate their births were nonexistent in my world. After arriving at my new home, there were no pictures of me and no remnants of my existence as a baby. No left over rattles, teethers or blankets with my initials stitched on them were to be found. All memories of me bonding with my biological mom and dad, bottle sucking, taking my first steps and being fawned over by adoring relatives were wiped away just like the memories of Men in Black secret agents after completing a mission. The absence of these things often made me feel Gaga-esque, without the meat dress of course, but like an alien nonetheless. To soothe my sadness, I created imaginary realities! I played out scenarios that made me the long lost child of Cliff and Claire Huxtable, I embellished stories about my adoptive family to make it seem like I was truly linked to them by blood and I escaped into fiction books. It was safer in that world because the stories were plotted out for me from A-Z. My mother often chided me for doing so much reading when I should have been out playing with other kids, but submerging into created lives helped me forget the missing pieces of mine.

But one never truly escapes for long when the world is watching. It seemed as if everyone around me knew I hadn’t been born either. Kids at school were always teasing me because I looked nothing like the polka dot lady. When I asked my mother why I didn’t look like her, she took my arm and made me stand close to her as we looked into the long circular mirror that hang on the wall of our dining room. The images reflected back to me were foreign and expressedly different, but she insisted that we were the same complexion and had similar features. I so wanted to believe her. She was so impassioned in her speech that I’m sure she wanted it to be true as well. I cried that night because I felt like I’d never know the truth about how I came to be. I loved my mother, but I knew her insistences were lies. Even if they were well intentioned.

My official induction into the unborn society came one day when my mom gave me a packet of papers. Before my eyes was a world of words that were stripped of meaning. It was my adoption history with all of the identifying information cut out. Paragraphs with dates and notes by social workers became a blur. The words to me meant nothing and proved nothing. They were meaningless without the people, memories and stories to make them real. Even to this day the birth certificate that I have is fake. But my connection to life was REALized when I searched for and found my biological mother 11-years- ago. Today I’m proud to say that I now hold the title of Birth Girl, but I will always be partial to extraterrestrial beings. Na-Nu Na-Nu! Good Night. 

After I was done, I received my applause and went back to the greenroom and was met with smiles and support from the other writers and enjoyed the rest of the show. It was a wonderful night of story-telling and I was also able to make some good connections with other writers and bloggers.

All in a days work for a budding novelist in New York City.