tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72330754988046970552024-03-06T01:08:18.592-08:00EarthatoneAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-10206221279780260572017-11-16T19:57:00.001-08:002017-11-16T19:57:04.406-08:00Google Celebrates the Life of Nigerian Author Chinua Achebe<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“A man who makes trouble for others is also making trouble for himself.”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">— Chinua Achebe </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Google Chinua Achebe today, and what will you see? How about a vibrant cartoon image in the likeness of Nigerian born author/educator/historian? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0mM-6y81diZbc_qAaHndLefYXZ1fX4OYDP7qHOewxCaE4UOzLD35tmRmh-1qY3Vdt6EF82EcRZKIH1AnHa7zJup11SGWzZ-HI0n_R7mYbeXksdf7ALRA7WKXrcDKpiIBQkuBE_3Sp2U/s1600/Chinua+Achebe+copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1600" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0mM-6y81diZbc_qAaHndLefYXZ1fX4OYDP7qHOewxCaE4UOzLD35tmRmh-1qY3Vdt6EF82EcRZKIH1AnHa7zJup11SGWzZ-HI0n_R7mYbeXksdf7ALRA7WKXrcDKpiIBQkuBE_3Sp2U/s320/Chinua+Achebe+copy.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Born November 16, 1930, Chinua Achebe is credited as the father of modern African literature. In honor of his legacy and contributions to African and African American literature, Google has commissioned an illustration to serve as their featured logo of the day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A titled Igbo chieftain, Chinua Achebe’s debut novel addresses the tenets of Igbo culture when threatened by Western ideology and control. Things Fall Apart was released in 1958 to worldwide acclaim, and has since become required reading and a teaching tool for African Studies courses, workshops and advance writing programs around the world. </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In Nigeria in 1990, a car accident left Achebe paralyzed from the waist down. He relocated to the United States later that year and had since served as professor of Languages and Literature at Bard College and professor of Africana Studies at Brown University. Achebe was the recipient of the Library Associates St. Louis Literary Award in 1999 and the esteemed Man Booker International Prize in 2007. While many believed it an injustice Achebe was never awarded the Nobel prize, in 2010, he was recognized with The Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize, given annually to “a man or woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the beauty of the world and to mankind’s enjoyment and understanding of life.” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Throughout the course of his life, Achebe published several acclaimed works. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a mentee of Achebe, is also widely noted for her contribution to literature, Half of a Yellow Sun. Chinua Achebe passed away in 2013. Today, November 16, 2017, would have marked Achebe’s 87th birthday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For more information or to see the development stages of the Google caption from doodle to illustration, visit https://www.google.com/doodles/chinua-achebes-87th-birthday. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#Igbo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#Google</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#ChinuaAchebe</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#GoogleChinuaAchebe</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">#ModernAfricanLiterature</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eartha Watts Hicks is editor-in-chief of Harlem World Magazine, member of The Harlem Writers Guild and author/publisher of Love Changes. www.earthatone.com. Connect @Earthatone.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-71968139401465450152016-11-27T05:18:00.003-08:002016-11-27T05:18:33.377-08:00Advice to Writers: Do not burn your bridges.<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Advice to Writers: Do not burn your bridges. And try to be kind...always.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For self-published authors and entrepreneurs, one of the hardest things to find are freelancers and independent contractors who perform exactly as they claim. The tendency for us when we look for service providers is to put them on blast when they do not meet our expectations. But the funny thing about the Self-published Indie Author is this: we are our company in the flesh...and more often than not, the entire entity. Our entire enterprise might be on our laptops with us praying for a strong mind, perfect health, and reliable Antivirus software.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This past Summer, I had set a deadline for me to release Graffiti Mural by June and had even done some advertising to that effect. It had already been edited, I reached out to a couple proofreaders. Unfortunately (and fortunately you'll soon find out why) for me, the corrected copy was not ready by my anticipated release date. To make matters worse, it so happened that in the midst of all of that preparation and waiting, my computer crashed, taking my Graffiti Mural with it...along with all my other writing. </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent the Summer still doing what I could to recover those documents, hoping they could be salvaged. Nonetheless, the file of Graffiti Mural that I was able to upload and release was the file that had been forwarded to me from the proofreader who had been a month late! She was late proofreading the draft but right on time with the only updated edited copy.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So be kind. You never know how kindness will return to you.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another blessing: my friend and a colleague, a tech expert, somehow recovered all my files. Thanks again, Open Choice IT!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-63246351266173318622016-11-25T07:21:00.003-08:002017-11-16T17:01:14.696-08:00HOW VIRTUALLY UNKNOWN AUTHORS BUILD A FOLLOWING<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">HOW DOES WORD GET AROUND ABOUT UNKNOWN AUTHORS NOWADAYS<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Years ago, the assumption was that by doing the very best
writing, books would just fly off the shelf. I know I had the very best intentions
and was motivated. I soon learned to fully understand terms that had once only
been concepts defined to me in a college business class: buzz, demand, brand
recognition, differentiation, quality assurance, dependability, deliverables,
and how advances in technology can alter an industry at large. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For authors, our customers are readers. Nowadays, with an
industry steeped with FREE options, we have to do everything in our power, via
the social media dance however awkward, to emerge to the forefront of their
decision and let sample and assess for them. They need to see for themselves
why and how an unknown can deliver something special.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">FREE KINDLE (November 25th; 26th)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">LINK: http://ow.ly/OSGrS</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-17103589917314089002016-04-24T05:09:00.002-07:002016-04-24T05:09:52.193-07:00<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Writing is art. Book Publishing is a business. Many of the errors I have made along my self-publishing journey arise out of my passion for the art. But at the end of the day, I have to remember...no, I have to constantly remind myself (as an artist) that the Book Publishing business too...is bean counting. Cause and effect. Observing trends, changing approach, and tabulating results. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One decision I am proud to have made, though, is not taking short cuts. Doing everything in connection with this project with integrity. I had always felt writing was my gift, my blessing, and as such, I needed to be responsible with my gift so that God could continue to bless my endeavors. I wasn't just responsible, I was extra careful, turning down many opportunities that could have paid my bills quick. But I trust and stand firm. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know what I am up against. But now, and yeassss, it has taken me almost this long to finally get it, I am NO ARMY of one. Again, I blame my do-it-yourself/if-you-want-something-done-right mentality on Lonely-Only Child Syndrome (a completely self-diagnosed condition and one whose name I coined myself, but other only children will definitely 'get it'). Growing up without siblings, there were long stretches of childhood where my whole world consisted of me and my own active imagination, finding the answers to satisfy my advanced curiosity. But, as smart as I think I am, I've learned that I don't have ALL the answers. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are others who are passionate and gifted in those areas that have challenged me. There are others who notice things that I don't notice and care enough to alert me to dangers. There are others who may not know me personally, but respect what I have been doing or how I've been doing it. There are those who are willing to extend their energy, generosity, advice, kindness, network. There are those who believe in me and what I am doing. There are those who love my work. There are those who love me....just because. There are those who love me...in spite of. I am not alone. </span></span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="cqcde-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And if, by some chance, I were to ascribe every instance of generosity and attach it with a debt, I would spend the rest of my life returning favors and still owing. But today, I humbly accept the blessings that come my way and recognize them as such. Blessings.</span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-80134543855837470022015-12-04T05:41:00.002-08:002015-12-04T05:41:23.667-08:00Nada es Imposible<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was a little girl, I went to a bilingual kindergarten by the name of El Coqui. The holiday plays would be in Spanish, and not being able to speak much Spanish (I could already count to 10), I wasn't able to participate. </span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_5661606dc92609732406648">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">In high school, though, Spanish was my language of choice. I did so well that I took many of my elective classes in Spanish on a college level and even tutored. Still, I had felt my grasp of the language was not quite there. Although I co<span class="text_exposed_show">uld read it and write it well, I'd always found when native speakers spoke naturally, that was just too fast for me to catch on.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_show">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Recently, I was on a line at department store. And two Latinas were talking, complaining the shoes were overpriced and much cheaper somewhere else. One said to the other, you can do what you want but she herself, wasn't going to buy another single thing in that overpriced store, she was tired, and she was going home now, even if she had to leave her friend there standing in line.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> And get this...the whole exchange was in Spanish...and I understood almost every word.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Y pienso que yo puedo entender mas. Si me quiero. Nada es imposible.</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-70043610618411129952015-07-22T00:15:00.001-07:002017-11-16T17:23:03.911-08:0010 WAYS TO SHOW AN INDIE AUTHOR SOME LOVE<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. Buy the Book.</b> Whether you purchase an author’s book at a book
fair or BUY through their website (instead of online retailers), the author
retains a greater percentage of the purchase price. If you see their books in a
bookstore, purchasing there could potentially add to the longevity of both your
favorite indie author and that traditional “brick and mortar” bookstore.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. Tell Friends.</b> Word of mouth buzz sparks other readers to
purchase copies. If you like a book, don’t be shy! Recommend it to others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. Write a Review. </b>Readers check the Amazon site to gauge an
author’s performance. No one wants to waste money on a book that is poorly
written. If you have enjoyed a book, let other readers know and tell them why.
Leaving a review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, GoodReads, Shelfari, only takes a
moment. And be sure to email or message the author to let them know.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4. Join and Support Authors across Social Media.</b> Indie authors
typically do not have a staff assisting them. Many are on such sites as
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, GoodReads, Shelfari, Pinterest, SheWrites, Blogger,
YouTube. Connect with them. COMMENT, LIKE, and SHARE their posts. And share
your excitement! Instagram or Tweet a photo of you and their book.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>5. Request a Book at Your Local Public Library.</b> A public library is
more than happy to order a number of books (budget permitting).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>6. Recommend it to Your Book Club.</b> And if your book club has more
than a few members, an indie author may be open to attending and/or reading at
your book club meeting.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>7. Host a Book Party.</b> Be it in your own home or a community event,
gathering of readers, refreshments, and an invited author reading excerpts,
selling books and signing copies would be a great way to spend a few hours.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>8. Invite an Author to Speak for your University, Company, Alumni or
Professional Association or Holiday Event.</b> This could expose your favorite
author to a larger audience and bulk sales, especially if the organization is
willing to gift attendees with a copy of their book.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>9. Gift Book Lovers a Copy of their Book.</b> If your friend is a book
lover, it may even be possible to have a print copy autographed and
personalized for them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>10. Feature independent authors in your newsletter or blog.</b> If you
blog or podcast, write for a newsletter, or other medium...spread the love!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Follow me, Eartha Watts Hicks, on
FaceBook, GoodReads, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram @Earthatone and if you
find this information helpful in any way, be sure to purchase my novel, LOVE
CHANGES, just for good measure. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Visit earthatone.com or purchase
from Amazon www.tinyurl.com/LoveChangesNovel</span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-82674063631161671282015-07-15T14:35:00.001-07:002015-07-15T14:35:58.949-07:00FACE to FACE with BLACK HISTORY....<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah Forbes Bonetta was popularly known as the "African Princess."</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah was born 'Aina' in 1843, a princess of the Egbado clan of the Yoruba people born at Oke-Odan, an Egbado village in what is now southwest Nigeria. </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah Bonetta’s village of Okeadan was attacked by King Gezo of Dahomey, the most notorious slave trading monarch in West Africa in the early 19th century. In this 1847 attack, her parents and siblings were all killed and Gezo’s men seized the four year old Sarah. She remained captive at Gezo’s Court until 1849 when the British Navy Commander, Captain Frederick Forbes’s, landed the HMS Bonetta in Dahomey on a mission to persuade Gezo to give up slave raiding and trading.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Captain Forbes noticed the young princess, marked for execution and bargained for her life. He persuaded King Gezo to “give” her to Queen Victoria, by saying “She would be a present from the King of the Blacks to the Queen of the Whites.” </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The girl remained with Forbes in West Africa for the next year where she was baptized and given the name Sarah Forbes Bonetta, Bonetta for the British Navy ship. Of Sarah, Captain Forbes wrote that “She is a perfect genius; she now speaks English well, and [has] great talent for music… She is far in advance of any white child her age in aptness of learning, and strength of mind and affection.…” </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sarah Forbes Bonetta was taken to Great Britain, where she met Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle on November 9th, 1850. The Queen was so impressed by her intellect, she declared Sarah her goddaughter, and paid her tutorial expenses. </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In January 1862, Sarah was attendence at the royal wedding of the princess royale, Victoria.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To see more, visit: </span><a href="http://www.blackpast.org/aah/bonetta-sarah-forbes-1843-1880#sthash.n04ZRN77.dpuf"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.blackpast.org/aah/bonetta-sarah-forbes-1843-1880#sthash.n04ZRN77.dpuf</span></a><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am Eartha Watts Hicks, author of Love Changes.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-46978840807583136942015-06-22T06:28:00.000-07:002015-06-22T06:28:05.748-07:00RESOURCES: NYC<a href="http://www1.nyc.gov/site/nycha/residents/youth.page"><span style="color: white;">There are resources and options available to New York City youth. Please feel free to share!</span></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-28429208149964263542015-06-22T06:16:00.002-07:002015-06-22T06:16:20.501-07:00FOOD FOR THOUGHT<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are geniuses among us, that do not get the notoriety they deserve. Media would have many believing all inner-city children perform subpar. Financial assistance is often given to special needs students. But what if support (widespread support, honorariums of $10,000 let's say), were to be offered to high achievers from culturally and socioeconomically and disadvantaged backgrounds. How would that affect our students' performance level?</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-81675465009859884712015-06-19T02:09:00.001-07:002015-06-19T04:27:58.678-07:00How Do You Handle Social Media Rage?<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have been noticing something lately on social media. A question gets posted in a group; folk chime in with their responses. A younger (usually a sistah), when encountering an opinion that is contrary to her own will blatantly disrespect an older sister. The older sister, feeling attacked, may go into a whole spiel of who they are, what they do, how much they have/own and have accomplished.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I take a different approach. If that person doesn't have enough sense to be respectful of someone with a different opinion, I ignore them and let them stay right there...can't school a fool that ain't ready to learn.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So should this happen (and it might) to any of my fellow queen divas...look at the comment, laugh and say to yourself, "Well, well, well, you are quite the little firecracker, aren't you?" Ignore it. We have careers, children, family, goals, responsibilities, community that ALL require our focus...If that firecracker wants to be Almighty Queen of the Facebook Post, so be it.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Don't give rank strangers the power to destroy your mood or your day.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-64028481553698352932015-01-06T03:42:00.004-08:002015-01-06T03:42:36.780-08:00BREAKING RULES<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Workshopping our writing efforts, we are instructed to make the writing clean to allow the writer to disappear into the voice of the narration and create prose devoid of any ostentatious display of talent. I didn't always do that. My first love was songwriting. My writing is lyrical, has rhythm and often rhymes. It can ring to the ear just a well as it could ring true. That being my gift, I thought it best not to suppress it. In certain passages in Love Changes, I decided to let it fly....</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">MY FAVORITE PASSAGE (Just Because):<br />Rather than focus on the negative, I made myself busy. I showered, shampooed my hair, put it in four big plaits, and tied it up. At the salon, Dawn had kept the perm in so long; it burned and now my scalp was scaly. But I didn’t call my sister, bitchin’. Instead, I slipped on some rubber gloves and commenced to clean each room from top to bottom. That didn’t take long. When I’m heated, I do everything faster, but faster isn’t always better. I soon had my head in the oven, coughing from noxious fumes. Common sense should’ve told me: it’s not wise to scrub an oven without proper ventilation. I cracked the windows, letting in some air. But, those toxins still got to me. Bad enough my scalp was itching, now I was gagging. Because of a surge of adrenaline, this black woman forgot: she is not superhuman. So, my adrenaline buzz wasn’t doing me a bit of good. The problem was I couldn’t help but focus on Spider and Romell. Well, I had enough of being pissed off. I tugged off my rubber gloves, brushed my sweaty hands down my lucky nightgown, snatched off my scarf, and scratched my scabs.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LOVE CHANGES is available on Kindle....</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Changes-Eartha-Watts-Hicks-ebook/dp/B00IO7K510/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420542879&sr=8-1&keywords=%22love+changes%22+eartha"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">KINDLE LINK</span></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-43268909869195983042014-12-04T02:11:00.003-08:002014-12-04T02:11:55.060-08:00Creative Gift Ideas for Kwanzaa....<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When my children were in elementary school, they attended a great school, a neighborhood Catholic school. With two children in attendance this was just barely (if at all) within my budget. But because it was so important for me to ensure that they attended this great school, I had to find creative ways to cut corners. This gift idea was one such creative solution....</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I forget what exact gift giving occasion it was, for arguments sake, let's say it was Kwanzaa. Rather than go out and buy something, I grabbed a pack of plain loose-leaf paper that we already had at home. Here is what I did next...</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. On Microsoft Publisher, I formatted a page design, sized to the exact specifications of the loose-leaf. Next;</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. I inserted a graphic (my daughter's favorite character) at the top of the page, along with a caption that was personalized with her name and selected to motivate her to get better grades. Next;</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. I fed the loose-leaf paper through the printer, allowing the design to PRINT in the heading space of the page. And then;</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. I placed Personalized Loose-leaf Paper in a folder.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RESULT</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This personalized paper made my daughter (and later my son) The Hit of the class and I was soon receiving requests from her classmates.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How unique is that?</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Money Investment: $2-4</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time Investment: 15-20 minutes</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-6273528516260008732014-11-26T18:44:00.003-08:002014-11-26T18:44:46.249-08:00WOOSA....<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_54768e236440e2949069767">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WOOSA....<br /> I have had a stretch of tremendous blessings and relentless stressors. Like sun showers, full moons in broad daylight, hail in summer, and summer temperatures in November, some things just don't make sense to me. </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I tend to worry. Sad but true. But I have learned that life happens whether I think I'm prepared for it or not, so I might as well understand a few things....</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_hide"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...</span></span><div class="text_exposed_show">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1. Breathe.<br /> 2. Relax.<br /> 3. Fix what I can, when I can.<br /> 4. Don't worry about what I can't fix.<br /> 5. Until, I am in a position where I do not have to remind myself to breathe, my answer to everything must be, "Probably NOT."<br /> 6. Cut myself some slack.<br /> 7. I make mistakes, too. Get over myself and keep moving forward.<br /> 8. Pace myself, I am not a machine (and even machines need downtime and maintenance).<br /> 9. A mistake is better than "no attempt."<br /> 10. An apology is a viable option.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> BONUS: Pencil in FUN. And if I can not go somewhere and do something fun, make sure the fun happens wherever I am.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Sometimes a fix it or forget it mentality, is actually a food thing (bananas are a good option)....</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> WOOSA<br /> NO WORRIES</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-65490822281519173702014-08-17T05:51:00.003-07:002015-06-21T17:04:42.006-07:00ONLY ME<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"> I was an only
child until I was an adult. Not always having someone to play with or argue
with was near perfect breeding ground for a vivid, creative imagination, as
well as becoming resourceful and self-reliant.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since injuring my
finger back in January, I have had to slow down to a degree, say no to a few of
the projects I would have loved to take on, and say yes to the friends and
family who have been screaming the same thing at me, "I am here! Hello!
Let me help you! You don't have to do it all yourself."</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I realize that the
energy and effort that I have put out into the atmosphere has come back. Or as
my Romell character says in LOVE CHANGES, "Respect is like a boomerang.
Give it, and it will come back to you eventually." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So now, this
independent, efficient, self-sufficient, uber-responsible, Super-duppa Octopus
(with a wounded tentacle), kindly and graciously accepts. I do not have to be a
one-man-army. I am a queen. And this queen says, "Yes, please. And thank
you!"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-7315971716799516582014-08-17T05:45:00.004-07:002014-08-17T05:45:39.605-07:00Advice From My SHERO....<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_53f0a3aaeedcc5567702325">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my literary SHEROs gave me this piece of advice after I completed my third draft of Love Changes and was "done." She said to me, "Be sure to make time to 'not write'."<br /><br /> At the time, I was like "huh." But, I SO understand what she means now. Crafting a novel takes focus that is consuming and almost compulsive. Serious writers are always writing, forever students of life, always observing, r</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cording, jotting notes, even when we are supposed to be "relaxing." Because we consider everything "grist for the mill," life itself can turn into research for our next project. But life is life, meant to be experienced and enjoyed just because we are blessed...and can breathe. <br /><br /> I realize this, because I have spent plenty of time lately "not writing." Now, back to the drawing board....<br /><br /> Chocolate Love Coming May 2015.</span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-60698489433515515482014-08-09T08:55:00.002-07:002014-08-09T09:11:09.625-07:00Today is August 9, NATIONAL BOOK LOVERS' DAY!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2KnFIN_KWs3cFigk-0DpSLshyphenhyphenX39w1o-X4P3IQHMzzQ3wM6II60UyVPJlVEvYR1x2FSJQAydqzBXEs3fvrfEo3ffRRTydFGnQIUKNmJOGsD49Pgt7VX-pwMAQ-iU4IlqrlEuQcfPC7Q/s1600/MEME.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2KnFIN_KWs3cFigk-0DpSLshyphenhyphenX39w1o-X4P3IQHMzzQ3wM6II60UyVPJlVEvYR1x2FSJQAydqzBXEs3fvrfEo3ffRRTydFGnQIUKNmJOGsD49Pgt7VX-pwMAQ-iU4IlqrlEuQcfPC7Q/s1600/MEME.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Authors LOVE book lovers!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">Looking to write books? <br />Reading leads to good writing, <br />Books that readers would read. <br />True wordsmiths hook 'em...<br />With a strong lead.<br />Learn techniques:<br />The means to The End.</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">---Eartha Watts Hicks #Earthatone</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-74472899670725067292014-08-05T23:17:00.002-07:002014-08-06T07:09:31.280-07:00WRITING PROMPT: Bones Found in the Backyard Garden....<span class="userContent"></span><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_53e1c686893e24b26488190">
<span class="userContent"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Uncle Merle always believed warmer climate would be balm to his bones. Aunty Mavis and Uncle Merle withdrew their retirement savings specifically to relocate to the Jacksonville. Aunty Mavis was just happy to find a patch a grass that she c</span><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ould till and harvest vegetables year round. <br /><br /> The foreclosed property they picked up looked like something from a dream. The previous owners did no damage to it, none whatsoever. They left it as is, as if never disturbed, and I couldn't figure out why. Why flee exposed brick fireplaces, a marble floor foyer, wrought iron banisters, bay windows and hardwoods throughout? How could anyone vacate property this beautiful, property situated within walking distance of a freshwater lake and not be filled with resentment?<br /><br /> The check engine light had been lit on the van for about a week. I wasn't too sure he remembered to fill her up, but my uncle drove that old van to town to pick up more chip wood. He has a pacemaker, so I'm glad he was gone when she screamed.<br /><br /> I stepped on the hem of my nightgown, running out into the yard, falling onto the back porch, scrapping up both my elbows. Aunty Mavis's small shovel was still pitched in the dirt. She was breathing heavily. "What do you make of this, Chile? Dem, dem gots to be pig bones, right?"<br /><br /> I did kick dirt away to get a better look at the end caps. The burlap from the bag of fresh soil was still laying behind her. I snatched it up and dropped it across what I was sure was human remains, the right femur and tibia of an adult male to be exact. And then I said to her, "Of course it's a pig, Aunty Mavis! What else would it be?" <br /><br /> I grabbed hold of my aunt's cold, still trembling hand and led her back inside. I had no clue when Uncle Merle would make it back, but I did know one thing. To be my aunt's balm right now, I had to remain calm.</span></span></span></div>
<span class="userContent">
</span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-653966642359397362014-07-31T07:15:00.004-07:002014-08-05T23:13:05.026-07:00THE REVIEWS ARE IN....<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me first open by stating I am basically brand new to AUTHOR status. I have been a writer for over a decade. Self taught (through studying books on craft at the public library), I had been accepted to advanced writing programs, a few on scholarship. The first time, I received a 4-Star review, I thought to myself, "What is this an 80% on a test?" And when even lower numbers came in, I was like "What the heck?" It took me a moment to understand a few things.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Readers read books with their own individual expectations. They do not know nor do they understand the time, energy, research, patience, or legwork that went into putting our projects together. They do not understand that writers kept building their stories through all of life's challenges, family struggles, health issues, financial challenges, caretaking, grieving processes, and a whole slew of other responsibilities. Nor is any of that their concern. When they pick up one of our books to read, whether they are looking for specific information or their objective is to be entertained, they will rate the title, usually based on how well we've satisfied their individual objectives.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my early years as a reader, I LOVED E. Lynn Harris's books, Alice Walker, Gloria Naylor, Omar Tyree, Terri, Valerie Wilson Wesley, Marsha Hunt, Connie Briscoe. A friend recommended Toni Morrison to me. I attempted to read Toni Morrison, a three volume collection and swore up and down it was boring as all heck. I re-read Toni Morrison when I was TRYING to write and was awestricken. Had I rated based on my first impression, I would have blasted the titles. I had to go in, reading with a different set of objectives in order to notice the delicate brown fingers separating the pecans whole from their host shell...such poise, as is her gift in delivery of her message bound in Paradise.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So to all, my fellow hardworking authors, working to profit from our passion, all we can do is our best. And when the reviews pour in, good, bad, or indifferent, try to remember the exact euphoria we felt when we first completed our very first manuscript, like climbing the highest mountain and planting the dang flag, or crossing the finish line at the Boston marathon. Also, try to remember, that just as purple is not everyone's favorite color, we may not appeal to every reader. Nothing personal.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-43763141954882380872014-07-30T09:43:00.003-07:002014-07-30T09:43:56.664-07:00A SENSE OF URGENCY....<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When LOVE CHANGES was half complete (after about 4 years of writing) , I was on the verge of giving up on it, because 1. I wasn't sure I could complete it; 2. I wasn't sure if I could pull off all that I was attempting to do with it (in so far as literary devices); 3. I did not know how to finish it; 4. I wasn't sure it was any good. I mailed the completed half to my aunt and requested that she not show anyone.</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My aunt took the half completed manuscript and placed it on her desk. She worked at a very large call center with approximately 300+ employees. She'd hoped that when the calls slowed down, she would get a chance to look it over. One of her coworkers came by, noticed the manuscript and asked what it was. My aunt told her, "That is my niece's book. And it is not published yet."<br /> <br />She said, "Let me just take a peek. I promise I won't show anybody."</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About a month after I mailed the pages to my aunt, I got a phone call from her. I asked her if she thought the pages were any good. She told me that she hadn't had a chance to read any of it, because her entire call center had been fighting over the pages. And those who had already read it were bugging her for the rest. It was because of their urging that I registered for a WRITING WORKSHOP called Write Your Novel in 30 days that was being offered here in New York. </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NO, I did not finish within the 30 day span, but I wrote the next 7 chapters in 10 days and was averaging 5 chapters a week. I completed the 1st draft within that next year.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-4649268066858064532014-06-15T14:27:00.000-07:002014-07-30T09:44:56.099-07:00SUPERWOMAN: In Training....<br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Throughout
the decades the "social roles" of women have flip flopped. And for
black women, well, they have always been distorted. And that is a-whole-nother
conversation for another place and time. But, what I have learned is this: Kim
Kardashian, Martha Stewart, Paula Deen, Carol Brady, and Hazel the Maid rarely
happens in the same individual, the same woman. And is even less likely to
occur in a society where EVERY woman aspires to be Oprah. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only Chaka Khan can be every woman. For
any other woman, that would either be a shock or a con. We REAL women have to
be who we are, and in doing so, take care of the things that matter most.
Rarely, if ever, will that be EVERYTHING AT THE SAME TIME.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have spoken to friends and family over
the years about this. We each have our recipe for womanhood. I have compiled
what I consider to be the best advice, but do admit, that sometimes maintaining
everything on this list is extremely difficult, but try I must. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1.</span> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Put God first.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2.</span> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Keep your house clean (yes, even the laundry).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">3.</span> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Keep yourself together at all times (and this means
health AND beauty).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">4.</span> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Pay ALL your bills, (even if you have nothing left).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">5.</span> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Always save for a rainy day (Set aside money regularly
that you do not touch).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">6.</span> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Have at least 3-4 streams of income.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">7.</span> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Have at least one outfit that makes you feel like a
million bucks and one fabulous black dress w/shoes.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">8.</span> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Own a perfect place setting for a meal for two (Mothers
may wish to also have a perfect place setting for each one of her children) AND
know how to prepare at least one meal fit for a king.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">9.</span> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Choose a mate that is a friend, as well as a partner.
Life is hard enough. A sound relationship should make both your lives
enjoyable.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 5pt 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">10.</span> <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Never be too proud, shy, or ashamed to admit that you
need help.</span></span></span></div>
</span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-14113941295200222132014-06-15T12:05:00.000-07:002014-06-15T13:52:56.753-07:00MY FATHER'S JEWELRY BOX - Another Odd Lesson<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeDabibPsDt-t2TtyecHzedVwO94x-xMFeOj0E5rR1FZZYkm6N4jIjpzwTuB3-0yIzpzU7e9DEluLXg3FYinzIGRMs2gIbGLRvwEW_GoYr8BJeFp16iFO_BjDanOiilhviAFTIjytZ_s/s1600/20140615_143330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeDabibPsDt-t2TtyecHzedVwO94x-xMFeOj0E5rR1FZZYkm6N4jIjpzwTuB3-0yIzpzU7e9DEluLXg3FYinzIGRMs2gIbGLRvwEW_GoYr8BJeFp16iFO_BjDanOiilhviAFTIjytZ_s/s1600/20140615_143330.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9bh_lYbsvXLFA4HneWfbgGOHb4DmrrRnVKHHsKZpGGigOUb4s-m87pf5vp-mRzdrXQCWkLrvME92F04s_AXVlDRdLd_hpsXmDPg9-uXfHe2Gh43khjlRjhDdbrGIHwyDB2lqqkGCaDw/s1600/20140615_143337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9bh_lYbsvXLFA4HneWfbgGOHb4DmrrRnVKHHsKZpGGigOUb4s-m87pf5vp-mRzdrXQCWkLrvME92F04s_AXVlDRdLd_hpsXmDPg9-uXfHe2Gh43khjlRjhDdbrGIHwyDB2lqqkGCaDw/s1600/20140615_143337.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"> I remember one year, for argument's sake let's say it was Father's Day (but it may have actually been Christmas...I don't exactly recall. I was around 12 years old). But I remember my father had expensive taste and for this occasion, I wanted to get him something that he would buy for himself. I searched high and low until I saw a jewel box, a wooden jewelry box with an ant<span class="text_exposed_show">ique car on top. THAT WAS IT. I had to get this for my father.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I bought it and wrapped it and couldn't wait to see the expression on his face. To me, this was the perfect gift and I had already preselected the perfect spot for it, right atop his dresser. This jewelry box just so happened to be the perfectly matching grain of wood. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="color: white;"> When I gave it to my father, he unwrapped it and said, "Oh wow! This is nice!"<br /> I said, "You like it, for real?"<br /> He said, "I love it!"<br /> But then he walked into the living room over to his bar that was chrome and had black smoked glass, and sat it on top.<br /> Now upset, I said, "What did you do that for? It goes on the dresser! I bought it to match your dresser!"<br /> He said, "It belongs on the bar."<br /> I said, "No it doesn't! It's a jewelry box!"<br /> He said, "This is not a jewelry box! They're coasters!" He then opened the drawers and showed me they had no depth, but were embedded with cork disks.<br /><br />...And such is the depth of the daddy-daughter dynamic!</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does this look like to you?</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyvQ62gjC4wlU9jVn6RRYjOzr-RHvjx-3PdA8DsxWw9P2Pm9yxL1KneeHVcVLxWGjC0Wch_7HzsLoPwFkRmmf-Epd9xOZvj9e8xvsXnGnF4irpuhaf0iZVcw0MePGF8pe94eZZRyM7es/s1600/20140615_143309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyvQ62gjC4wlU9jVn6RRYjOzr-RHvjx-3PdA8DsxWw9P2Pm9yxL1KneeHVcVLxWGjC0Wch_7HzsLoPwFkRmmf-Epd9xOZvj9e8xvsXnGnF4irpuhaf0iZVcw0MePGF8pe94eZZRyM7es/s1600/20140615_143309.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-7310277337157169562014-06-12T15:50:00.000-07:002014-06-12T15:51:23.070-07:00Just R.E.A.D. - Eartha Watts Hicks<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjdQz-MsyrHS35SJbMFnlNIZhcKBJAtFwG7JWQ-vJLHN7OXZtE63RtGMdMbQuw2tH_CK6McAI85G8dRqdRHHemt8wLKWJLzu0xktTxMm0h4O4_O-l1p5hUuKz79QXM_g8NwkzQSSIaUc/s1600/NAACP+Award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjdQz-MsyrHS35SJbMFnlNIZhcKBJAtFwG7JWQ-vJLHN7OXZtE63RtGMdMbQuw2tH_CK6McAI85G8dRqdRHHemt8wLKWJLzu0xktTxMm0h4O4_O-l1p5hUuKz79QXM_g8NwkzQSSIaUc/s1600/NAACP+Award.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"> I wrote my novel, Love Changes, quite a few years ago. But I wanted to make the work literary. Urban, but with literary devices that could be dissected, analyzed, discussed and studied like works of Alice Walker, J.D. Salinger, Toni Morrison, and Franz Kafka. And then I wanted to include my poetry and the actual song lyrics from some of my favorite songs. I was advised not to do a lot of that...esp<span class="text_exposed_show">ecially including the song lyrics and poetry. But I was driven by my passion for the work and the desire to see it exist...the way I would do it. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="color: white;"> Tomorrow, June 13th, will be the one year anniversary of the day I received the Just R.E.A.D. Award for fiction from the NYCHA branch of the NAACP. This organization deserves our support. To support this organization with volunteerism or a donation, reply by email to </span><a href="mailto:nychabranch@gmail.com"><span style="color: white;">nychabranch@gmail.com</span></a></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-61198310170316030582014-06-12T15:42:00.001-07:002014-06-12T15:43:58.205-07:00A TEACHABLE MOMENT AT HOME (TRUE STORY): <span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> One morning my son, who was sixteen at the time, came to me. “Ma, I do not understand this poem and for homework I have to describe what it means.” </span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I took a look at it and saw it was the famous one by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, "Do Not Go Gentle into that Good Night." So I asked him, “What do you think it means?”</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> He said, “I don’t know.”</span><br />
<span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So I told him, “That poem was actually featured in the movie Dangerous Minds, starring Michelle Pfeiffer. They actually discuss the meaning of that poem in the movie.”<br /> He says, “Great! I’ll look for it on Netflix!”<br /> I said to him, “You can actually find that on YouTube. But before you do that, read the poem yourself three times and write down what YOU think it means. And then after that, you write down what the movie says. Be sure to let the teacher know that you saw that movie and in your essay, compare and contrast your thoughts against those points made in the movie and the reasons why you felt what you felt.”<br /> “Okay.” He skips away and returns about fifteen minutes later with handwritten notes written all over his poem.<br /> I asked, “Did you watch the movie?”<br /> He said, “No.”<br /> Now I asked, “What do you think the poem is about?”<br /> He said, “I think death, but that seems too easy.”<br /> I now say, “You are absolutely right! That poem is about death. You are a brilliant boy. Stop second guessing yourself. Sweetheart, sometimes the worst thing a person can do for you is to give you all the answers.”</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-53416553704438668542014-01-03T14:05:00.002-08:002014-06-15T13:58:44.481-07:00Very Useful Article for Authors<span lang=""></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"> This entry was informative, especially the sound advice of "the best way to sell books is to write more books." I will carry that nugget with me throughout my writing career!</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span lang=""></span></span><a href="http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/12/26/five-mistakes-killing-self-published-authors/"><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2013/12/26/five-mistakes-killing-self-published-authors/</span></span></span></u></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="EN"> By way, I learned of this article via Tumika Cain. This very generous author posted your link on the Say What?? Book Club's Facebook page.</span> </span> </span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/SayWhatBookClub/"><u><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span lang="" style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/SayWhatBookClub/</span></span></span></u></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08478405389818814388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7233075498804697055.post-35576940292197408402014-01-03T09:43:00.004-08:002014-05-29T11:55:27.569-07:00A SONG IN MY HEART<span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Part of the delay in publishing Love Changes was the fact that I was adamant about quoting song lyrics, and adamant about including the three (3) songs I selected for the novel. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love Changes takes place in 1995. What was happening with music in the nineties was that 90’s songs were sampling other, older, popular songs. And when the time came to obtained licensing, I had to locate and request permission from all the writers, producers, and music publishers from the 90’s popular song, as well as from the sampled original. Sometimes, that was simple as doing a search and sending an email. Other times, it seemed like I had to do everything just shy of buying a plane ticket and showing up at the door with a big smile and a warm piece of humble pie. Meanwhile, all-the-while, I was being told, "Hey, you are a songwriter! Why don’t you just use your own lyric?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yeah, I could have. But if my character turned on the radio and sang "Be Happy." I wanted her to turn on the radio and sing "Be Happy." Not some I’m-some-wanna-be-happy knockoff song.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For all who love a good read AND, like me, still find themselves singing R&B songs from the nineties, the name of the book is Love Changes. Here is the link: </span></span><a href="http://www.earthatone.com/Love-Changes.html"><u><span style="color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.earthatone.com/Love-Changes.html</span></u></a><br />
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