Deliah Lawrence's Blog, page 50
October 26, 2015
Interview with Melanie S. Hatter, Author of The Color of My Soul and Let No One Weep for Me, Stories of Love and Loss
Author's Bio: Melanie S. Hatter is the winner of the 2011 Washington Writers' Publishing House Fiction Prize for her debut novel, The Color of My Soul. Her short stories have appeared in The Whistling Fire, Defying Gravity anthology, TimBookTu and Diverse Voices Quarterly, and her short story, Obsessed with Claudia, won the First Annual Romantic Tales Writing Contest. Her short story collection, Let No One Weep for Me, Stories of Love and Loss, was released in May 2015. Melanie is a visiting author with the PEN/Faulkner Foundation's Writers in Schools program. She received a bachelor's degree from Hampton University and a master's in writing from Johns Hopkins University. She has a background in journalism and corporate communications. Born and raised in Scotland (UK), she now lives in Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
What inspired you to write your book?
The Color of My Soul came out of my experience being biracial and growing up in Scotland, a predominantly white country. My mother is Scottish and my father is African American. When I came to the States, I was quite naïve about race and culture and had a lot to learn. I studied at Hampton University and became a newspaper journalist in Southwest Virginia. I wrote some news stories about the Native American culture and through all of these experiences, I came up with the story for the novel. I was fascinated by what it means to be black, white, mixed or Native American in this country.
My short story collection is comprised of stories I’ve written over the past 20 years or so. When I pulled them together for a collection, I realized this theme of loss in all of them – something so many of us can relate to in one way or another. I decided to try my hand as an indie author and released the collection myself earlier this year.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?Yes. I’ve always been an avid reader, and one of the first books I remember reading that had a profound effect on me was Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. I was enthralled by the story (from the perspective of a horse) but especially enamored by the author’s ability to create a world that felt real. That book definitely made me want to learn to write fiction.
Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and finish your book?The Color of My Soul is my first published novel and it took more than 10 years to complete. I finished what I thought was the final draft only to learn that writing a novel involves many re-writes, so it took me awhile to get the story to where it is now. A lot happened to me in those years, and much time passed when I wasn’t writing. But something about this story kept pulling me back to it until I was able to get it finished. Then it took about a year of submitting to agents and publishers before I finally sent it to the Washington Writers’ Publishing House, a local non-profit press, which selected the book as its 2011 Fiction Prize finalist.
Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?I flow organically, although I was accepted into a four-week writing program in Bali, Indonesia, in November (I’m so excited) and the goal is to complete a first draft in the four weeks, and I’m required to write an outline. So I’m interested to see how this helps or hinders my writing process.
Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?Not when I’m actually writing, although sometimes songs will get me thinking about a particular character or a scene and can help me think it through. I don’t usually have a particular song for the whole book, though.
What are the keys to success in getting your book out to the public?I’m not the best person to ask. Reaching the public is a challenge because there are so many books out there competing for readers. I try to stay in touch with readers through newsletters and social media, and then attend book events when I can. It’s not easy maintaining balance between the writing process and marketing your books. I’m still figuring it out.
What advice would you give to new authors?My biggest advice is to read – read A LOT. Especially in the genre you want to write in, but read everything and anything. This will help you find your own voice as well as what you like and don’t like; it will help you hone your technique. I also tell writers to learn the mechanics of writing. Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure – for many this part of writing isn’t fun, but these basics are important and can make or break your writing.
How about sharing excerpts from your books? You can find an excerpt from The Color of My Soul on my website (http://melanieshatter.com/books/the-c...), so I’ll include here a story from my collection. This is the opening of Taking the Shot.
A hood drawn roughly over my head made the night darker. The coarse fibers scratched my cheeks; the stale suffocating smell filled my nostrils. My vague sense of danger became real as the steps outside my hotel disappeared in a moment of chaos, filled with voices of Colombian rebels, their firm hands shoving, pulling. The dizzying whirl from sidewalk to truck disoriented me. A nightmare come to life.
They thought I was important, a member of the media, a figure to garner money. My disjointed and muffled pleas battered unconvinced ears.
“I’m not what you think. I’m no one. Just taking pictures for a book.”
“You work for an American newspaper in Washington, D.C.,” the man said as he hustled me into the back of a van. “They will pay to release you.”
“No, no! They won’t. I’m just a freelancer — I’m not employed by any one paper. No one will give you money for me.”
I had heard of the FARC, but full of typical American bravado, I had believed nothing would happen to me in Colombia. What would anyone want with me, a freelance photographer working on a coffee table book? My new companion, Rita — secured through a friend of a friend — served as my travel guide. We had spent the day exploring the beauty of the Parque National Natural Chingaza.
Exhausted and content, we’d eaten dinner at a quaint restaurant and planned tomorrow’s adventure in the Amazon after a good night’s sleep. Just one more day to explore before I flew back to the States, back to my regular life.
What’s next for you? I am doing some re-writes on a second novel and hope to get some interest from an agent for publication. As I mentioned, I will be heading to Bali in November where I will be working on a third novel idea. Wish me luck!
Where can readers find out more about you and your book(s)? · Website: www.melanieshatter.com· Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Melanie-S.-Hatter/e/B0061FXV8G/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1442933271&sr=8-1· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Melanie.Hatter· Twitter: https://twitter.com/mshatter1· Book buy links: www.melanieshatter.com, www.amazon.com
It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.
What inspired you to write your book?
The Color of My Soul came out of my experience being biracial and growing up in Scotland, a predominantly white country. My mother is Scottish and my father is African American. When I came to the States, I was quite naïve about race and culture and had a lot to learn. I studied at Hampton University and became a newspaper journalist in Southwest Virginia. I wrote some news stories about the Native American culture and through all of these experiences, I came up with the story for the novel. I was fascinated by what it means to be black, white, mixed or Native American in this country.
My short story collection is comprised of stories I’ve written over the past 20 years or so. When I pulled them together for a collection, I realized this theme of loss in all of them – something so many of us can relate to in one way or another. I decided to try my hand as an indie author and released the collection myself earlier this year.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?Yes. I’ve always been an avid reader, and one of the first books I remember reading that had a profound effect on me was Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. I was enthralled by the story (from the perspective of a horse) but especially enamored by the author’s ability to create a world that felt real. That book definitely made me want to learn to write fiction.
Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and finish your book?The Color of My Soul is my first published novel and it took more than 10 years to complete. I finished what I thought was the final draft only to learn that writing a novel involves many re-writes, so it took me awhile to get the story to where it is now. A lot happened to me in those years, and much time passed when I wasn’t writing. But something about this story kept pulling me back to it until I was able to get it finished. Then it took about a year of submitting to agents and publishers before I finally sent it to the Washington Writers’ Publishing House, a local non-profit press, which selected the book as its 2011 Fiction Prize finalist.
Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?I flow organically, although I was accepted into a four-week writing program in Bali, Indonesia, in November (I’m so excited) and the goal is to complete a first draft in the four weeks, and I’m required to write an outline. So I’m interested to see how this helps or hinders my writing process.
Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?Not when I’m actually writing, although sometimes songs will get me thinking about a particular character or a scene and can help me think it through. I don’t usually have a particular song for the whole book, though.
What are the keys to success in getting your book out to the public?I’m not the best person to ask. Reaching the public is a challenge because there are so many books out there competing for readers. I try to stay in touch with readers through newsletters and social media, and then attend book events when I can. It’s not easy maintaining balance between the writing process and marketing your books. I’m still figuring it out.
What advice would you give to new authors?My biggest advice is to read – read A LOT. Especially in the genre you want to write in, but read everything and anything. This will help you find your own voice as well as what you like and don’t like; it will help you hone your technique. I also tell writers to learn the mechanics of writing. Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure – for many this part of writing isn’t fun, but these basics are important and can make or break your writing.
How about sharing excerpts from your books? You can find an excerpt from The Color of My Soul on my website (http://melanieshatter.com/books/the-c...), so I’ll include here a story from my collection. This is the opening of Taking the Shot.
A hood drawn roughly over my head made the night darker. The coarse fibers scratched my cheeks; the stale suffocating smell filled my nostrils. My vague sense of danger became real as the steps outside my hotel disappeared in a moment of chaos, filled with voices of Colombian rebels, their firm hands shoving, pulling. The dizzying whirl from sidewalk to truck disoriented me. A nightmare come to life.
They thought I was important, a member of the media, a figure to garner money. My disjointed and muffled pleas battered unconvinced ears.
“I’m not what you think. I’m no one. Just taking pictures for a book.”
“You work for an American newspaper in Washington, D.C.,” the man said as he hustled me into the back of a van. “They will pay to release you.”
“No, no! They won’t. I’m just a freelancer — I’m not employed by any one paper. No one will give you money for me.”
I had heard of the FARC, but full of typical American bravado, I had believed nothing would happen to me in Colombia. What would anyone want with me, a freelance photographer working on a coffee table book? My new companion, Rita — secured through a friend of a friend — served as my travel guide. We had spent the day exploring the beauty of the Parque National Natural Chingaza.
Exhausted and content, we’d eaten dinner at a quaint restaurant and planned tomorrow’s adventure in the Amazon after a good night’s sleep. Just one more day to explore before I flew back to the States, back to my regular life.
What’s next for you? I am doing some re-writes on a second novel and hope to get some interest from an agent for publication. As I mentioned, I will be heading to Bali in November where I will be working on a third novel idea. Wish me luck!
Where can readers find out more about you and your book(s)? · Website: www.melanieshatter.com· Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Melanie-S.-Hatter/e/B0061FXV8G/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1442933271&sr=8-1· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Melanie.Hatter· Twitter: https://twitter.com/mshatter1· Book buy links: www.melanieshatter.com, www.amazon.com
It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.
October 17, 2015
"Black Authors & Readers Rock Weekend"
Another fantastic event presented by Sharon Lucas. The Black Authors & Readers Rock weekend certainly rocked!
October 12, 2015
Interview with Maurice W. Dorsey, Author of the biography, Businessman First: Remembering Henry G. Parks, Jr. 1916 to 1989 Capturing the Life of a Businessman Who Was African American
Author’s Bio: Maurice W. Dorsey graduated the only African American in his class at the Bel Air Senior High School, Bel Air Maryland in 1965. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences from the University of Maryland, College Park in 1970; then earned a Master's degree of Liberal Arts from the Johns Hopkins University in 1975; and earned a second Master's degree of Education from the Loyola College of Maryland in 1976. He returned to the University of Maryland to earn a Ph.D. in Education in 1985. He has worked in both the public and private sector finding his career in secondary education, higher education, and government. Maurice is a life member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Phi Delta Kappa. He retired from the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture in 2012. Businessman First: Remembering Henry G. Parks, Jr. 1916 to 1989 Capturing the Life of a Businessman who was African American, an authorized biography is his first book. He resides in Washington, DC.
What inspired you to write your book?The inspiration for my book came from a very successful businessman who was African American. His name is Henry G. Parks, Jr., creator and builder of the Baltimore based Parks Sausage Company. The company’s radio and television ads bellowed: "More Parks Sausages Mom!" "Please!" This ad integrated Mr. Park's market making him a multi-millionaire in 15 years and one of the wealthiest African Americans of his time and the first African American to issue stock on the New York Stock Exchange. There was a 30 year difference in our ages but we became friends until his death in 1989.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?I was first influenced to read by my late father James Roswell Dorsey, Sr., who introduced me to The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham; my sister, author, Margaret D. Pagan later introduced me to Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger; Another Country by James Baldwin and Black Boy by Richard Wright who became favorites in my early years; however, as an adult I added Running With Scissors and Dry: A Memoir by Augusten Burroughs as another of my favorite writers. I like the freedom of speech and honesty these authors used in telling their stories.
Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and finish your book? Businessman First Remembering Henry G. Parks, Jr. 1916-1989 Capturing the Life of A Businessman Who Was African American,a biography is my first book. This book was organized for over two decades before life gave me an opportunity to sit down and simply writing it. When I finally got started writing it took 90 days day and night with minimal rest to complete since the decision to write it occurred twenty-five years earlier.
Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically? I wrote with a moving outline. Thank goodness for cut and paste! I literally moved chapters from back to front and vice versa throughout the process to maintain the flow that I wanted. So much of this was in my head for so long that I could almost sing the book in a song but the lyrics did change and I can say the name of my book Businessman First didn't evolve until chapter three.
Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?At first I could not listen to music as I wrote but as I got more comfortable and fatigued from writing, classical music helped a lot in soothing my fatigue and anxiety about writing my first book. However, if there was a popular song I associated in my mind during the years Mr. Parks was living, it would be “Love Hangover” by Diana Ross. Due to the 30 years difference in our ages the likelihood of us ever being friends was universe orchestrated. It was also at a time in my life that I needed a friend really bad.
What are the keys to success in getting your book out to the public?To date, I have not discovered any keys to success to getting my book out to the public. I learned from Deliah Lawrence, author of Gotta Let It Go, that the best person to market your book is YOU! She is correct, but it is a tremendous amount of work, much more difficult than writing the book. Maybe with more time I will find additional keys other than myself!
What advice would you give to new authors? I highly recommend to new authors to know your audience. Who are you writing the book for and why? There are over 3,000 books published daily worldwide so the competition is out there. So know your target audience otherwise you will be running all over the place spinning your wheels. You also need to know what you want the reader to take away from your book. What is the benefit to the reader? These two things will help you define your audience.
How about sharing an excerpt from Businessman First? "After Henry graduated from Ohio State University with honors from the College of Commerce and a major in marketing, and as the only black in his class, there were jobs for all the white students, but no jobs for Henry in the field of business. Henry's advisor could not understand why Henry chose marketing as a field of study, knowing no one would hire him. Henry's placement advisor recommended that Henry go to South America, learn Spanish, change his name, and come back to the United States pretending to be of Spanish descent, and he could get a job anywhere he wanted. Henry didn't feel the guy meant any harm, but he was not running from his race."
What’s next for you?I am in the process of writing a second book. The working title is Mother's Boy...Catholic, Gay, Black, and Unwanted. This book will be autobiographical in nature that tells the story of transcending institutional and personal obstacles.
Where can readers find out more about you and your book? My book can be found at:Website: www.mauricewdorsey.comAmazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/mauricedorseyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maurice.dorseyTwitter: www.twitter.com/mdorsey10Blog on website: www.mauricewdorsey.com Buy book links:www.mauricewdorsey.comwww.amazon.comwww.barnesandnoble.comwww.books-a-million.comwww.ivybooks.comwww.reitersbooks.com
It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.
What inspired you to write your book?The inspiration for my book came from a very successful businessman who was African American. His name is Henry G. Parks, Jr., creator and builder of the Baltimore based Parks Sausage Company. The company’s radio and television ads bellowed: "More Parks Sausages Mom!" "Please!" This ad integrated Mr. Park's market making him a multi-millionaire in 15 years and one of the wealthiest African Americans of his time and the first African American to issue stock on the New York Stock Exchange. There was a 30 year difference in our ages but we became friends until his death in 1989.
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?I was first influenced to read by my late father James Roswell Dorsey, Sr., who introduced me to The Razor's Edge by W. Somerset Maugham; my sister, author, Margaret D. Pagan later introduced me to Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger; Another Country by James Baldwin and Black Boy by Richard Wright who became favorites in my early years; however, as an adult I added Running With Scissors and Dry: A Memoir by Augusten Burroughs as another of my favorite writers. I like the freedom of speech and honesty these authors used in telling their stories.
Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and finish your book? Businessman First Remembering Henry G. Parks, Jr. 1916-1989 Capturing the Life of A Businessman Who Was African American,a biography is my first book. This book was organized for over two decades before life gave me an opportunity to sit down and simply writing it. When I finally got started writing it took 90 days day and night with minimal rest to complete since the decision to write it occurred twenty-five years earlier.
Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically? I wrote with a moving outline. Thank goodness for cut and paste! I literally moved chapters from back to front and vice versa throughout the process to maintain the flow that I wanted. So much of this was in my head for so long that I could almost sing the book in a song but the lyrics did change and I can say the name of my book Businessman First didn't evolve until chapter three.
Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?At first I could not listen to music as I wrote but as I got more comfortable and fatigued from writing, classical music helped a lot in soothing my fatigue and anxiety about writing my first book. However, if there was a popular song I associated in my mind during the years Mr. Parks was living, it would be “Love Hangover” by Diana Ross. Due to the 30 years difference in our ages the likelihood of us ever being friends was universe orchestrated. It was also at a time in my life that I needed a friend really bad.
What are the keys to success in getting your book out to the public?To date, I have not discovered any keys to success to getting my book out to the public. I learned from Deliah Lawrence, author of Gotta Let It Go, that the best person to market your book is YOU! She is correct, but it is a tremendous amount of work, much more difficult than writing the book. Maybe with more time I will find additional keys other than myself!
What advice would you give to new authors? I highly recommend to new authors to know your audience. Who are you writing the book for and why? There are over 3,000 books published daily worldwide so the competition is out there. So know your target audience otherwise you will be running all over the place spinning your wheels. You also need to know what you want the reader to take away from your book. What is the benefit to the reader? These two things will help you define your audience.
How about sharing an excerpt from Businessman First? "After Henry graduated from Ohio State University with honors from the College of Commerce and a major in marketing, and as the only black in his class, there were jobs for all the white students, but no jobs for Henry in the field of business. Henry's advisor could not understand why Henry chose marketing as a field of study, knowing no one would hire him. Henry's placement advisor recommended that Henry go to South America, learn Spanish, change his name, and come back to the United States pretending to be of Spanish descent, and he could get a job anywhere he wanted. Henry didn't feel the guy meant any harm, but he was not running from his race."
What’s next for you?I am in the process of writing a second book. The working title is Mother's Boy...Catholic, Gay, Black, and Unwanted. This book will be autobiographical in nature that tells the story of transcending institutional and personal obstacles.
Where can readers find out more about you and your book? My book can be found at:Website: www.mauricewdorsey.comAmazon Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/mauricedorseyFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/maurice.dorseyTwitter: www.twitter.com/mdorsey10Blog on website: www.mauricewdorsey.com Buy book links:www.mauricewdorsey.comwww.amazon.comwww.barnesandnoble.comwww.books-a-million.comwww.ivybooks.comwww.reitersbooks.com
It’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.
October 4, 2015
Center Stage: "Protect the Beautiful Place"
On Sunday, October 4, 2015, a very good friend and I checked out Center Stage's Play Lab: Protect the Beautiful Place by Nathan Alan Davis. Play labs is a way to showcase to the audience the development of new plays. There are no props and so the audience is left to use their imagination to envision what's happening.
I must say that the cast was excellent. The dialogue was great and the storyline kept the audience laughing and engaged. I look forward to checking out more play labs at Center Stage.
The Cast
Kim James Bey - Gail
Joey Ibanez - Ha-Ha
Valeka J. Holt - JOy
Maria Broom - Early
Bus Howard - Walking Man
Kellie McCants - Symphony
Synopsis
Gail doesn't have time to die. She has a house to hold together and a tenuous legacy to preserve. But her dead husband, Walking Man, has been visiting at night, insisting that it's time to join him on the Other Side. When the rest of the family won't let her ignore this summons, Gail's reluctant journey to acceptance begins. Protect The Beautiful Place is the first in a series of plays about an eccentric and mystically inclined Black family that has carved out an existence for itself in an Illinois forest.
I must say that the cast was excellent. The dialogue was great and the storyline kept the audience laughing and engaged. I look forward to checking out more play labs at Center Stage.
The Cast
Kim James Bey - Gail
Joey Ibanez - Ha-Ha
Valeka J. Holt - JOy
Maria Broom - Early
Bus Howard - Walking Man
Kellie McCants - Symphony
Synopsis
Gail doesn't have time to die. She has a house to hold together and a tenuous legacy to preserve. But her dead husband, Walking Man, has been visiting at night, insisting that it's time to join him on the Other Side. When the rest of the family won't let her ignore this summons, Gail's reluctant journey to acceptance begins. Protect The Beautiful Place is the first in a series of plays about an eccentric and mystically inclined Black family that has carved out an existence for itself in an Illinois forest.
September 29, 2015
A Review of Wicked Ways by Donna Hill
Although I haven't read Getting Hers, this sequel from Donna Hill certainly had me wanting to learn how this trio (Tess, Kim and Nikki) got together to form a bond that would be tested in this novel. There were a lot of twists and turns but I wanted more action. I felt that Tess and her sister's relationship needed to be fleshed out some more. The ending was somewhat abrupt and left me hanging. Nevertheless, it was a good read!
My rating: 3 stars
September 28, 2015
Interview with D.M. Cuffie, Author of At Least Once
Author’s Bio: D.M. Cuffie currently lives in her hometown of Columbia, MD where the main character is from and a few of her beloved locations are highlighted. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland at College Park (GO TERPS) and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix. She serves as an usher in her church, line dances throughout the DMV, and runs to keep away the crazy. She absolutely loves football and her Baltimore Ravens (GO RAVENS!).
Cuffie rediscovered the love of a good book in high school, and experienced complete joy when reading novels was offered as a class in college. She discovered she could tell a better story on paper, rather than writing emails to her friends. At Least Once is her first of five novels she plans to write.
What inspired you to write your book?
Two Reasons: 1) I suggested my cousin take a particular singles course. And the first thing out the facilitator’s mouth was, “not everyone is going to get married.” Albeit true, no one wants to hear that when getting married is their heart’s desire and are searching for answers or just some comfort during their season of singleness. 2) I watched a documentary called ‘Soul Mates’ and the married subjects were almost begging singles to enjoy their ‘singlenesss’ for as long as they could. There was one woman who said, “I’m not trying to hear that!” I had her, her fight and determination in mind, when I wrote this book. There are too many African American women 35 and over who have never been married and have no children. Why is that? What can be done about it? How can we endure with the wait?
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
So many books come to mind. Books with the characters jumping off the page, mastering the dialect and not necessarily the English language, wrapping up a story neatly, to laughing out loud where ever you are, were all factors of influence and I have plenty of books to choose from. However, NPR’s National Story Project, I Thought My Father was God, had an absolute strong influence to write a story. The book showed me everyone has that one compelling story to tell that will resonate with someone else. I want my readers to remember the characters, their lines, nodding their heads in agreement, or shaking their heads with disbelief, and a scene that will cause anyone to laugh out loud, anywhere, like I did with this one book.
Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and finish your book?
Yes, this is my first book. I always thought of myself as a reader. However, sharing a story is easier for me on paper. I worked on this book collectively, for 11 years. However, those years allowed me to grow, making my characters grow as well.
Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?
I need my outline to keep the scene, my characters, and what I want to convey in the chapter, in line. The dialogue among the characters just flow, sometimes it take over.
Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?
I have a ‘Just Music’ playlist, with very little lyrics. Words get in the way. Plus, my playlist sets a timer for me to write. Even though I have a mental soundtrack for certain scenes, Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway’s One Day I’ll Fly Away was going through my head while writing the first part of the book, while Bebel Gilberto’s version of Summer Samba belongs to the second half.
What are the keys to success in getting your book out to the public? Mastering Social Media. I put my book launch social primarily on Facebook. Not one book left. Joining a writer’s organization is another way to guide you to introduce your book to the universe, eventually reaching your actual target audience.
What advice would you give to new authors?
Do not cut corners. Make a decision if you want to go the traditional route or self-publish. And when you do, listen and jot down the good advice, and let it sink. Then do it!! If someone is offering “publishing and promoting” services, please, please, please, check their references first!! If you can accept what you see, arrange to pay half or a certain amount first and pay the rest when services are rendered.
How about sharing an excerpt from At Least Once? “There is a lot of disgruntled, disgraced, displaced, discontented, dismissive, disenchanted, disheveled, disinterest, and just plain dissed faces, hearts, and minds in this room. We will examine and discuss whatever dis-ease you are feeling. But ladies, we will not stay here. I want you to learn and grow from your past, not just run away from it.
“Now some of you have given up finding him. Some of you are tired of waiting for him to find you. But each of you, in some way, is hiding His best. And that is unacceptable. I am not here to show or tell you what you are doing wrong. I want to enhance what you are doing right.
“Ladies, according to your bios you got it going on: properties, careers, side hustles, and exotic trips. You are in situations of prosperity your parents did not dream of doing by themselves. Each of you has never been married and have no children. All of you are over 35, except for one. Your faith and trust is somewhat strong in Him and are quite active in your place of worship. You have a strong foundation of support from your family and friends, which love and care for you deeply.
“However, for some reason, you are letting your heart and mind dwell in an extremely dark place. We will spend the next eight months getting you out of that dark place and let your light shine bright even if you find yourself visiting that dark place again.
“Ladies, if you do not want to stay, are not willing to stay or cannot stay, you are welcome to leave. And yes, I will give you your money back, tonight. But I would love for you to stay, share with me, and grow with your sisters. I will leave the room to allow you to think it over.” She smiled while her white line ensemble made her float out of the room.
What’s next for you? I plan to write five (5) books total. The next two books deal with enjoying our season through vacations for Breeze and her classmate Iris. Once I come down from my writer’s bliss, I plan to dive into story on her ‘cruise like no other’ journey, called “How Quickly We Forget.”
Where can readers find out more about you and your book(s)? Stay tuned for more, but for now… Website: http://www.dmcuffieauthor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmcuffieauthor Book buy link: http://amzn.to/1Vni7tqIt’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.
Cuffie rediscovered the love of a good book in high school, and experienced complete joy when reading novels was offered as a class in college. She discovered she could tell a better story on paper, rather than writing emails to her friends. At Least Once is her first of five novels she plans to write.
What inspired you to write your book?
Two Reasons: 1) I suggested my cousin take a particular singles course. And the first thing out the facilitator’s mouth was, “not everyone is going to get married.” Albeit true, no one wants to hear that when getting married is their heart’s desire and are searching for answers or just some comfort during their season of singleness. 2) I watched a documentary called ‘Soul Mates’ and the married subjects were almost begging singles to enjoy their ‘singlenesss’ for as long as they could. There was one woman who said, “I’m not trying to hear that!” I had her, her fight and determination in mind, when I wrote this book. There are too many African American women 35 and over who have never been married and have no children. Why is that? What can be done about it? How can we endure with the wait?
Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
So many books come to mind. Books with the characters jumping off the page, mastering the dialect and not necessarily the English language, wrapping up a story neatly, to laughing out loud where ever you are, were all factors of influence and I have plenty of books to choose from. However, NPR’s National Story Project, I Thought My Father was God, had an absolute strong influence to write a story. The book showed me everyone has that one compelling story to tell that will resonate with someone else. I want my readers to remember the characters, their lines, nodding their heads in agreement, or shaking their heads with disbelief, and a scene that will cause anyone to laugh out loud, anywhere, like I did with this one book.
Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and finish your book?
Yes, this is my first book. I always thought of myself as a reader. However, sharing a story is easier for me on paper. I worked on this book collectively, for 11 years. However, those years allowed me to grow, making my characters grow as well.
Do you write with an outline, or just let it flow organically?
I need my outline to keep the scene, my characters, and what I want to convey in the chapter, in line. The dialogue among the characters just flow, sometimes it take over.
Do you listen to music when you write? If yes, is there a theme song for this book?
I have a ‘Just Music’ playlist, with very little lyrics. Words get in the way. Plus, my playlist sets a timer for me to write. Even though I have a mental soundtrack for certain scenes, Joe Sample and Lalah Hathaway’s One Day I’ll Fly Away was going through my head while writing the first part of the book, while Bebel Gilberto’s version of Summer Samba belongs to the second half.
What are the keys to success in getting your book out to the public? Mastering Social Media. I put my book launch social primarily on Facebook. Not one book left. Joining a writer’s organization is another way to guide you to introduce your book to the universe, eventually reaching your actual target audience.
What advice would you give to new authors?
Do not cut corners. Make a decision if you want to go the traditional route or self-publish. And when you do, listen and jot down the good advice, and let it sink. Then do it!! If someone is offering “publishing and promoting” services, please, please, please, check their references first!! If you can accept what you see, arrange to pay half or a certain amount first and pay the rest when services are rendered.
How about sharing an excerpt from At Least Once? “There is a lot of disgruntled, disgraced, displaced, discontented, dismissive, disenchanted, disheveled, disinterest, and just plain dissed faces, hearts, and minds in this room. We will examine and discuss whatever dis-ease you are feeling. But ladies, we will not stay here. I want you to learn and grow from your past, not just run away from it.
“Now some of you have given up finding him. Some of you are tired of waiting for him to find you. But each of you, in some way, is hiding His best. And that is unacceptable. I am not here to show or tell you what you are doing wrong. I want to enhance what you are doing right.
“Ladies, according to your bios you got it going on: properties, careers, side hustles, and exotic trips. You are in situations of prosperity your parents did not dream of doing by themselves. Each of you has never been married and have no children. All of you are over 35, except for one. Your faith and trust is somewhat strong in Him and are quite active in your place of worship. You have a strong foundation of support from your family and friends, which love and care for you deeply.
“However, for some reason, you are letting your heart and mind dwell in an extremely dark place. We will spend the next eight months getting you out of that dark place and let your light shine bright even if you find yourself visiting that dark place again.
“Ladies, if you do not want to stay, are not willing to stay or cannot stay, you are welcome to leave. And yes, I will give you your money back, tonight. But I would love for you to stay, share with me, and grow with your sisters. I will leave the room to allow you to think it over.” She smiled while her white line ensemble made her float out of the room.
What’s next for you? I plan to write five (5) books total. The next two books deal with enjoying our season through vacations for Breeze and her classmate Iris. Once I come down from my writer’s bliss, I plan to dive into story on her ‘cruise like no other’ journey, called “How Quickly We Forget.”
Where can readers find out more about you and your book(s)? Stay tuned for more, but for now… Website: http://www.dmcuffieauthor.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmcuffieauthor Book buy link: http://amzn.to/1Vni7tqIt’s been a pleasure having you here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and your work.
September 25, 2015
"Baltimore Book Festival"
Well, today was the kickoff of the Baltimore Book Festival which runs from Friday, September 25 - Sunday, September 27, 2015. This is the second year that the festival has taken place at the Baltimore Inner Harbor.
Although the weather was overcast, I was thankful that it didn't rain. I was also thankful for comfy shoes because I had to walk for what seemed like forever before I got to the Black Writers' Guild booth (#s 95 & 96). But I had a fantastic day hanging with some very cool authors which made the time fly by very quickly.
Here are some photos from the event. I hope some of my readers will be able to make it down to the Inner Harbor for a nice stroll while diving into some good books and engage in some fun activities too!
Although the weather was overcast, I was thankful that it didn't rain. I was also thankful for comfy shoes because I had to walk for what seemed like forever before I got to the Black Writers' Guild booth (#s 95 & 96). But I had a fantastic day hanging with some very cool authors which made the time fly by very quickly.
Here are some photos from the event. I hope some of my readers will be able to make it down to the Inner Harbor for a nice stroll while diving into some good books and engage in some fun activities too!
September 20, 2015
"7 Ways to Shore Up the Confidence in You"
I love reading articles in the Muse – an online resource that gives career advice. It’s always chock full of great information that not only serves you well in your professional life but also in your personal life. Recently, I read an article by Jayson Demers of Inc. who stated that confidence is harder to achieve when you are in unfamiliar situations or around people you don’t know. This is so true even if you are confident on the inside.
Here are 7 tips he shared to look to always look confident:
1. Stand Tall – When you slouch, you tend to look uncertain. So, stand tall as a folks will take you more seriously. Since I am not one for slouching (which I find to be a bad habit for your back) this tip works for me.
2. Make Eye Contact – This goes without saying that making eye contact means that you are engaged in the conversation. If you’re in a group, make sure to occasionally give eye contact to each person. If you look away, you appear to be inattentive as well as indecisive. I always give my full attention and sometimes I think when I make direct eye contact, some folks tend to feel uneasy. This simply tells me that they need to read these tips too.
3. Stay still – Fidgeting is a sure way to scream lack of confidence. I remember being in a meeting and the person next to me was fidgeting so much I had to reach out and grab their hand. I know it’s sometimes hard to do but try to remain still. By remaining still you give your full attention and your confidence increases.
4. Speak Slowly and Clearly – Nothing annoys me more than when someone speaks quickly as if they are in a race. Somehow I feel like I’m being sold to (picture a car salesman). So why not slow down and speak clearly. To me this allows time to gather your thoughts and when you speak you will appear more confident.
5. Allow for silences– There is nothing wrong with silence during a conversation. Because silence allows for consideration and shows that you’re confident in your speaking abilities. I tend to pause when I talk which gives me time to choose my words carefully.
6. Keep Your Hands Visible - Don’t go crazy with your hands all over the place. Keep them controlled and not stuffed away in your pockets or fold your arms. When you gesticulate wildly with your hands, you tend to be unfocused and your audience will lose confidence in you. I try my best to minimize my hand gestures unless it’s necessary to make a point. And even then I keep it at a minimum.
7. Take Big Steps – Don’t be in a hurry to enter, exit or move around a room. Take slow, deliberate steps as they make you look confident and people in the room will take notice of this. As for me, I tend to walk very deliberately unless the situation calls for me to do otherwise like an emergency requiring my assistance.
So go forth and enjoy the CONFIDENCE in YOU!!
Here are 7 tips he shared to look to always look confident:
1. Stand Tall – When you slouch, you tend to look uncertain. So, stand tall as a folks will take you more seriously. Since I am not one for slouching (which I find to be a bad habit for your back) this tip works for me.
2. Make Eye Contact – This goes without saying that making eye contact means that you are engaged in the conversation. If you’re in a group, make sure to occasionally give eye contact to each person. If you look away, you appear to be inattentive as well as indecisive. I always give my full attention and sometimes I think when I make direct eye contact, some folks tend to feel uneasy. This simply tells me that they need to read these tips too.
3. Stay still – Fidgeting is a sure way to scream lack of confidence. I remember being in a meeting and the person next to me was fidgeting so much I had to reach out and grab their hand. I know it’s sometimes hard to do but try to remain still. By remaining still you give your full attention and your confidence increases.
4. Speak Slowly and Clearly – Nothing annoys me more than when someone speaks quickly as if they are in a race. Somehow I feel like I’m being sold to (picture a car salesman). So why not slow down and speak clearly. To me this allows time to gather your thoughts and when you speak you will appear more confident.
5. Allow for silences– There is nothing wrong with silence during a conversation. Because silence allows for consideration and shows that you’re confident in your speaking abilities. I tend to pause when I talk which gives me time to choose my words carefully.
6. Keep Your Hands Visible - Don’t go crazy with your hands all over the place. Keep them controlled and not stuffed away in your pockets or fold your arms. When you gesticulate wildly with your hands, you tend to be unfocused and your audience will lose confidence in you. I try my best to minimize my hand gestures unless it’s necessary to make a point. And even then I keep it at a minimum.
7. Take Big Steps – Don’t be in a hurry to enter, exit or move around a room. Take slow, deliberate steps as they make you look confident and people in the room will take notice of this. As for me, I tend to walk very deliberately unless the situation calls for me to do otherwise like an emergency requiring my assistance.
So go forth and enjoy the CONFIDENCE in YOU!!
September 14, 2015
Center Stage: "A New Adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice"
On Sunday, September 13, 2015, I attended the world premiere production of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at Centerstage in Baltimore, adapted by Christopher Baker and directed by Hana S. Sharif. When the play opened, I felt as if I were watching a movie: the music, the scenery and the stage props were very cinematic. But this was a play and a very sophisticated one. Being a fan of Austen’s plays (I love Sense and Sensibilities), I was curious to see this stage production and I must say that I was thoroughly impressed.
The story centers around the Bennetts, especially Mrs. Bennett’s quest to find husbands for her unmarried daughters. Being of the “fairer sex,” a woman’s place in Regency England could only be secured through marriage since they were unable to own property. In addition, women were believed to be intellectually inferior to men and could only hold certain jobs such as being wives, mothers, and hostesses. There were no universities open to them at the time and so their education was gleaned from their mothers, governesses, or boarding schools. And only then could they obtain lessons in proper etiquette, social conduct, and moral behavior in addition to needlework, dancing, and music. The Bennett girls learned these lessons well enough to snag a few marriages to a wealthy newcomer Mr. Bingley, the very critical and snobbish aristocrat Mr. Darcy, and a soldier, Mr. Wickham.
That was 1797 and now it’s 2015. A few centuries have past and it would be unfair to compare the plight of women in 1797 to 2015 because many strides have been made. We are educated, make our own money and can decide whether to get married or remain single. However, we are still subjected to unequal pay in the workplace, sexism, double standards related to promotional opportunities, and disrespect (just watch a few music videos).
But I still ask myself whether Mrs. Bennett was foolish in her plight in getting her daughters married in 1797 stuck in a “society well versed in patriarchal pride and gendered prejudice?” Short answer: No. And although it’s now 2015, I still hold admiration for the main character, Elizabeth Bennett, the second and smartest daughter. Not only was she intelligent, she was also independent and quite the match for Mr. Darcy. Overall, this was a great adaptation...a breathtaking one and a must see production. Two thumbs up!
Side note: As a patron of Centerstage for many years, I'm thrilled to see the changes that the Artistic Director, Kwame Kwei-Armah and his team have made to the theater. Specifically, transforming the lobby to match the themes/settings of the play and sometimes including a drink or two reminiscent of the times (e.g. Red Stripe beer for the Marley play, special punch for the One Night in Miami play, etc.) – so cool!
The story centers around the Bennetts, especially Mrs. Bennett’s quest to find husbands for her unmarried daughters. Being of the “fairer sex,” a woman’s place in Regency England could only be secured through marriage since they were unable to own property. In addition, women were believed to be intellectually inferior to men and could only hold certain jobs such as being wives, mothers, and hostesses. There were no universities open to them at the time and so their education was gleaned from their mothers, governesses, or boarding schools. And only then could they obtain lessons in proper etiquette, social conduct, and moral behavior in addition to needlework, dancing, and music. The Bennett girls learned these lessons well enough to snag a few marriages to a wealthy newcomer Mr. Bingley, the very critical and snobbish aristocrat Mr. Darcy, and a soldier, Mr. Wickham.
That was 1797 and now it’s 2015. A few centuries have past and it would be unfair to compare the plight of women in 1797 to 2015 because many strides have been made. We are educated, make our own money and can decide whether to get married or remain single. However, we are still subjected to unequal pay in the workplace, sexism, double standards related to promotional opportunities, and disrespect (just watch a few music videos).
But I still ask myself whether Mrs. Bennett was foolish in her plight in getting her daughters married in 1797 stuck in a “society well versed in patriarchal pride and gendered prejudice?” Short answer: No. And although it’s now 2015, I still hold admiration for the main character, Elizabeth Bennett, the second and smartest daughter. Not only was she intelligent, she was also independent and quite the match for Mr. Darcy. Overall, this was a great adaptation...a breathtaking one and a must see production. Two thumbs up!
Side note: As a patron of Centerstage for many years, I'm thrilled to see the changes that the Artistic Director, Kwame Kwei-Armah and his team have made to the theater. Specifically, transforming the lobby to match the themes/settings of the play and sometimes including a drink or two reminiscent of the times (e.g. Red Stripe beer for the Marley play, special punch for the One Night in Miami play, etc.) – so cool!
"Centerstage: A New Adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice"
On Sunday, September 13, 2015, I attended the world premiere production of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice at Centerstage in Baltimore, adapted by Christopher Baker and directed by Hana S. Sharif. When the play opened, I felt as if I were watching a movie: the music, the scenery and the stage props were very cinematic. But this was a play and a very sophisticated one. Being a fan of Austen’s plays (I love Sense and Sensibilities), I was curious to see this stage production and I must say that I was thoroughly impressed.
The story centers around the Bennetts, especially Mrs. Bennett’s quest to find husbands for her unmarried daughters. Being of the “fairer sex,” a woman’s place in Regency England could only be secured through marriage since they were unable to own property. In addition, women were believed to be intellectually inferior to men and could only hold certain jobs such as being wives, mothers, and hostesses. There were no universities open to them at the time and so their education was gleaned from their mothers, governesses, or boarding schools. And only then could they obtain lessons in proper etiquette, social conduct, and moral behavior in addition to needlework, dancing, and music. The Bennett girls learned these lessons well enough to snag a few marriages to a wealthy newcomer Mr. Bingley, the very critical and snobbish aristocrat Mr. Darcy, and a soldier, Mr. Wickham.
That was 1797 and now it’s 2015. A few centuries have past and it would be unfair to compare the plight of women in 1797 to 2015 because many strides have been made. We are educated, make our own money and can decide whether to get married or remain single. However, we are still subjected to unequal pay in the workplace, sexism, double standards related to promotional opportunities, and disrespect (just watch a few music videos).
But I still ask myself whether Mrs. Bennett was foolish in her plight in getting her daughters married in 1797 stuck in a “society well versed in patriarchal pride and gendered prejudice?” Short answer: No. And although it’s now 2015, I still hold admiration for the main character, Elizabeth Bennett, the second and smartest daughter. Not only was she intelligent, she was also independent and quite the match for Mr. Darcy. Overall, this was a great adaptation...a breathtaking one and a must see production. Two thumbs up!
Side note: As a patron of Centerstage for many years, I'm thrilled to see the changes that the Artistic Director, Kwame Kwei-Armah and his team have made to the theater. Specifically, transforming the lobby to match the themes/settings of the play and sometimes including a drink or two reminiscent of the times (e.g. Red Stripe beer for the Marley play, special punch for the One Night in Miami play, etc.) – so cool!
The story centers around the Bennetts, especially Mrs. Bennett’s quest to find husbands for her unmarried daughters. Being of the “fairer sex,” a woman’s place in Regency England could only be secured through marriage since they were unable to own property. In addition, women were believed to be intellectually inferior to men and could only hold certain jobs such as being wives, mothers, and hostesses. There were no universities open to them at the time and so their education was gleaned from their mothers, governesses, or boarding schools. And only then could they obtain lessons in proper etiquette, social conduct, and moral behavior in addition to needlework, dancing, and music. The Bennett girls learned these lessons well enough to snag a few marriages to a wealthy newcomer Mr. Bingley, the very critical and snobbish aristocrat Mr. Darcy, and a soldier, Mr. Wickham.
That was 1797 and now it’s 2015. A few centuries have past and it would be unfair to compare the plight of women in 1797 to 2015 because many strides have been made. We are educated, make our own money and can decide whether to get married or remain single. However, we are still subjected to unequal pay in the workplace, sexism, double standards related to promotional opportunities, and disrespect (just watch a few music videos).
But I still ask myself whether Mrs. Bennett was foolish in her plight in getting her daughters married in 1797 stuck in a “society well versed in patriarchal pride and gendered prejudice?” Short answer: No. And although it’s now 2015, I still hold admiration for the main character, Elizabeth Bennett, the second and smartest daughter. Not only was she intelligent, she was also independent and quite the match for Mr. Darcy. Overall, this was a great adaptation...a breathtaking one and a must see production. Two thumbs up!
Side note: As a patron of Centerstage for many years, I'm thrilled to see the changes that the Artistic Director, Kwame Kwei-Armah and his team have made to the theater. Specifically, transforming the lobby to match the themes/settings of the play and sometimes including a drink or two reminiscent of the times (e.g. Red Stripe beer for the Marley play, special punch for the One Night in Miami play, etc.) – so cool!
