M.L. Desir's Blog, page 5
October 12, 2020
A Grotesque Caricature
In need of in-depth historical analysis and commentary for Lovecraft Country? This is where it’s at: “But what moved me to write this blog, was the way that the show used “Black caricature to symbolize the grotesque and inspire racial terror. Because as always, there’s a history there. And as Due herself has so profoundly stated, ‘Black history is Black horror.”
Lovecraft Country, those frightening girls, and a history of grotesque Black caricature.
Mental Health Matters: No More People Pleasing!
I.Need.This.
My mother used to tell a story of when I was in pre-k. When she picked me up, the children played on the lawn, pretending to cross a bridge. I was the bridge. I lay flat on the grass, while my friends walked on me.
Even at four years old, I demonstrated the lengths I’d go through to be liked. My desire only increased as I aged.
By the time Dwight and I met, it was easy to switch out a short, honey-blonde hairstyle for longer, brown tresses he’d once commented...
October 4, 2020
Mistakes I’ve Made While Writing My First Book
by Manas Patil
The biggest mistake one can make while writing a book is to give up. Writing a book can be exciting yet challenging at the same time, we’ve all been there. I almost gave up before my draft made it to an editor. But I did finish. Though I did finish my first book, I made a few blunders that I could’ve avoided from the start.
View original post 641 more words
September 1, 2020
Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge with Coconut and Condensed Milks Recipe
My mommy’s porridge is so good that if she were to make it for adult me, I’d devour it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! Delicious!
[Many thanks to Peter Jordens for bringing this item to our attention.] Michelle and Suzanne Rousseau describe the historic roots and comforting delights of Jamaican cornmeal porridge. Go to the original article in Serious Eats for the recipe.
Smooth, creamy, and infused with the flavors of nutmeg, vanilla, bay leaf, coconut,...
August 24, 2020
The End!August 18, 2020
Riding the Rejection Roller Coaster – guest blog post by Daniella Levy
“Here’s the thing.
Human beings need hope.
We can’t live without it.”
Thank you for writing this, Daniella and thank you Trish for reposting it.
August 16, 2020
Some things to understand about submitting short stories
There’s been a rash of mischief, or discussion of mischief, around short fiction submissions lately, and I find myself repeatedly saying the same things in different venues. For the sake of convenience, addressed to you, new writer, here is all my blather in one place.
The first thing to understand is the role a short fiction writer plays in the marketplace for short fiction, which is different from what many new writers think. Writers tend to be oriented around “I want my...
August 14, 2020
Creativity, Covid-19, and Closure
I don’t know where to begin, so let’s start with some good news!
I’m currently reading Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia.
I will be writing a review and most likely publishing it as a video on YouTube (#BookTube) provided that I am successful with swaddling my terrified and introverted self in a straitjacket or placating her with wine or sweets. I read sections of it as a bedtime story to my middle son. He’s enjoying it. I’ve tried to m...
Sarah Cooper Jokes about [her] Jamaican Heritage
My proud Caribbean bias is showing . . . and that’s okay.
June 30, 2020
JuNoWriMo 2020 Days 29 and 30
Today and yesterday, I did some much needed world-building research.
I battled impostor syndrome, FOMO, and self-rejection.
Battered, bruised, and laced with scars, I reflect on a slice of what’s going on in my writer’s life. 
