A little about my writing process....

Sometime back, I was told by a well respected writer, that my novels would be near "perfect" if only I dropped seeds about the "essence" of the story in the opening chapter. The writer claimed to be able to pinpoint the exact moment in the story when "I" knew what the story was about. Up until that point, the writer felt dragged along through plot and narrative with no clue as to where the story was headed. I always appreciate advice from fellow writers because sometimes when one is so entrenched in the story - its difficult to see the forest for the trees. So a fresh perspective is important, needed and appreciated. So, I've been thinking and mulling over the advice - trying to figure out if my process is flawed. It is true, I often believe I know what the story is about - but , truthfully I never, really do. I listen and write. It's a subservient type of process. I ask few questions, surrender myself to the ancestors and set about doing their bidding. So yes, perhaps you readers are also able to zone in on the exact moment the story reveals itself - but I have to ask, is that a bad thing? For years, I've stepped out on faith, taken hold of the ancestors hands and trailed them through muck and triumph, birth and death, war and peace and everything in between - trusting - always trusting. I guess thats what expect of my readers. As a writer I am extending my hand to you the reader and asking you to follow me. I am saying, I can't tell you where we're headed, but be assured, the journey will be well with your time..... and that's the way its been and suspect that's the way it always will be. If you're with me, say amen...

Bernice L. McFadden