How To Write A Book: Writing Tips Part II

Here are some more nuggets for writers:

1. Keep the wording simple and easy to follow.

2. Watch your word count. Ideally, you want to keep your book between 40,000 and 100,000 words.

3. Avoid overwriting ( i.e. The stifling and choking smoke made it hard to breathe. VS. The smoke was stifling.) Notice the difference. This is something every writer will struggle with from time to time.

4. Write dialogue that fit the characters and time.

5. Indent and use quotation marks to indicate character dialogue.

How To Write A Book: Why I Love Writing Fiction

My love of fiction stems from the satisfaction I receive from the art of shaping and creating a story directly from my imagination. All of my favorite writers share and possess an innate ability to align and weave myriad and exciting characters throughout their stories into a single thread.

Great writers of fiction entertain, inspire, provoke thought, and transport their readers. Even as I write, I try to delve into the situation of the narrative. For example, my first novel, For Only A Season, was about an amazing family of morticians than spanned generations. So, in order to make the story’s flow and characters even more real, I deemed it necessary to learn all I could about the funeral industry. I visited funeral homes, learned about embalming, where to stand during a funeral, even how to interact and comfort the mourners. No detail was too small–I wanted the whole process to be as accurate as possible.

Some of my favorite writers are: Toni Morrison, Alice Walker, Terry McMillan, Nikki Giovanni, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Richard Wright, and Walter Mosley. Their works truly speak for themselves. I encourage all writers to not just write, but write thoroughly and infuse your writing with love…

How To Write A Book: The Importance Of Mentors

I’ve always been a proponent of accumulating mentors. I believe they’ve been crucial during every facet of my journey. Male or female, I’m willing to seek their advice, trying to glean their best qualities and incorporate them into my own life. In no way do I believe doing so lessens who you are as an indvidual, nor will it stifle your own ideas, beliefs, and special qualities.

Initially coming from military life, then assimilating into working a job daily, my business acumen was sorely lacking. I’ve always loved to write, and I feel I’m fairly okay and steadily improving. On the other hand learning about traditional and social media, along with marketing, is a whole new concept for me. I imagine it will continue to be an ongoing process. Most times, I feel as though I’m still only at the tip of the iceberg of my learning curve. Even then, as we all know, learning is a lifetime process full of endless possibilities.

I’ve also learned that in order to be successful, don’t hesitate to seek out those who’ve experienced success. Believing and investing in yourself is essential. It starts with self. You must be willing to do the work, remain disciplined and humble, and of course, take criticism in stride and with a smile. Remain positive and never, ever quit! So, Ms. Nikki Woods, Ms. Jill Capri-Sims, and Mr. Otis Windham, thanks for all the wisdom you willingly share. I’m eternally grateful!

How To Write A Book: My Personal Writing Process

There’s no uniformed process when it comes to writing. Everyone must find their own way and perfect whtever works best for them. How does one keep their ideas organized? Do you use an outline? How do you create and develop characters? These are just a couple of pieces to the puzzle each writer must assemble and solve in order to craft their very best work.

Most fiction writers are aware that fiction is loosely based on truth. When I’m writing a novel, I subscribe to the idea of sketching out a chapter outline for the book first. But before doing that, I prefer to write the ending first. Like I said earlier, there’s no right or wrong way, just whatever feels comfortable to you. Sometimes, even after I’ve created an ouline and have began writing, I may or may not make changes along the way.

I keep plugging away, and before long, I have a finished manuscript. When you write from your heart, and put your all into a project, there’s nothing more satisfying than creating something you love. The icing on the cake is when your readers enjoy it and can’t wait for your next book!

How To Write A Book: Creating Characters And Settings

When I begin writing a book, one of the first things I do is create my characters. Usually, depending on what type of story it will be, I randomly choose whatever names that come to me while I’m outlining the chapters. Because I believe fiction is loosely based on real life situations, it’s easy to be reminded of people you’ve once known or draw from those who currently are a part of your life. Once I’ve identified and outlined all of my characters, I’m ready to begin writing.

Most writers set their stories in familiar locales. Being from the south, the majority of my stories come from there. I tend to use the cities, towns, counties and states that I’ve visited. Though I have used places I’ve never been, I believe being familiar with a place makes it easier to write about. But truth be told, it all depends on you. The characters and settings for your stories are yours to create……Get busy!

This New Life (Poem or Song) – National Poetry Month (Ode to C.B.)

God’s made all my dreams come true,

And now He’s blessed me even more.

A beautiful love growing inside, that’s soon due,

A love like I’ve never known before.

This new life will fuel my purpose,

Who I’ll grind and secure the bag for.

The hardships I’ve faced, you’ll never have to see,

‘Cause my focus in life, is for you to thrive and soar.

You’re the greatest thing to ever happen to me,

I’ll give you all of my soul and heart.

I gladly accept responsibility for all you hope to be,

Forever bonded by love, we’ll never be apart.

My new life now has joy, purpose and pride,

I’m filled with a love I thought could never find me.

This new life which is you growing inside,

Will forever be the best part of me.

You’re my gift and my blessing,

And the greatest part of my life.

You growing inside of me, is my highest priority,

Being your mother will always trump being anyone’s wife.

Running In Plain Sight & Other Stories: Running In Plain Sight (FREE Chapter 12 Excerpt)

Back in the states, I decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia. Being only a couple of hours from home felt strange and tempting to say the least. It’s July 4, 1976, the nation’s bicentennial birthday as well as my eighty-fourth birthday. My health’s fading, but I’m grateful for the journey nonetheless. Aside from my folks being taken away from me, I wouldn’t change a single thing. I’ve made many a mistake and learned many a lesson. But I believe every lesson brings a blessing. Every moment, situation, and experience has shaped me into the man I am today–a human being, with faults and flaws like everyone else. Life is funny, and if you keep your eyes and ears open, your heart will reveal and tell you all of its secrets.

Aside from love, the most important thing in life is time. Its passing will go on whether we want it to or not. It never changes, yet it changes everything. It’s the only thing the world we can never get back. You can get money, health, family, career, and even love back, but never time.

As tempting as it was to go to Attapulgus, I kept my wits and stayed put. Like I said earlier, I’m not the picture of health anyhow. Besides, why tempt fate now? My heart tells me the sand is running through my hourglass a little faster these days. But in my heart of hearts, I really want to see home just one more time before that chariot swings low for me…

Running In Plain Sight & Other Stories: Running In Plain Sight – (FREE Chapter 5 Excerpt)

Another near death moment survived, but unfortunately, two more lives taken by my hands. Once again, I was on the run, but this time with no particular destination–just far enough for a new start and a new identity. Hopefully someplace where trouble won’t find me.

While running, I spotted a truck leaving the freight yard. I jumped on and hid under the tarp covering its bed. It was freezing cold, and before long, I was numb to the cold air. After a couple of days and nights of riding and hiding, I hopped out in Carson City, Nevada. I wandered around for a day or so, making sure I wasn’t followed before finding a clean room and to look for work. Finding work wasn’t difficult because I was always willing to take anything. ‘All work is good work, as long as it’s honest work.’, is what Pa always said. I took a job at a ranch mucking stables, another washing dishes and loosing and unloading freight on occasion.

Carson City was a great town, and I came to know a lot of good folks. There was a mixture of all kinds: Asian, Mexican, Colored, and White folks. It was the first time I ever ran across a whole heap of fair and decent white folk. When I wasn’t working, which wasn’t often, I studied the Bible, checked books out from the library, and read everything I could get my hands on. I still held in my heart everything Pa told me and was kind to everyone I met. Still saving everything I earned, I could no longer carry it on my person. I purchased a satchel to carry my money in.

Just like San Francisco, I got a heap of attention from the womenfolk. They were everywhere, and I was no different from any other red blooded man. I wanted a family of my own–a wife and younguns. But I felt in my heart it wasn’t fair to make my troubles someone else’s. My life was already at risk and I knew it wouldn’t be right to endanger anyone else.

I’m not proud of it, but I fornicated with a lot of women. But, no matter how strong the feelings I had for them grew, I could never commit myself to anyone.

Summers in Carson City’s desert climate were blazing hot during the day, and freezing during the night. It was very dry, and it didn’t rain too much. Winters were cold; sunny, but cold nonetheless. Folks here were friendly and neighborly enough, but mostly they minded their business and kept to themselves. Of course, like anyplace else, Carson City wasn’t without its bad apples. Life was pretty good, but I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop…

Running In Plain Sight & Other Stories: Home – (FREE Chapter 3 Excerpt)

Before I could cradle the phone, Heather joined me in the family room with a concerned look on her face. “Is everything ok, love?”

“Yes sweetheart, as a matter of fact is. That guy on the phone was my nephew Rudy, Juanita’s son.”

“Your sister Juanita?”

“Yes, the very same.”

“Well, what did he want? Judging by that huge grin of yours, it must be good news of some sort.”

“It is. They’re throwing Juanita a surprise fiftieth birthday party, and they want us to attend. I told him we would; do you think we should go?”

“Absolutely! You and your sister haven’t seen or spoke to each other in thirty years. Far too long if you ask me. I can’t imagine what it’s been like for both of you. You need to do this Randy, both of you. You even need to see your father as well. I believe–I know it’ll do you both a world of good. I’m sure your therapist would agree. Maybe you’ll find closure, or at least gain enough peace within to bring an end to the nightmares. I’m no therapist, but even I know the pain from the past remains until we gain the courage to face and work through it. When is the party?”

“Two Saturdays from now.”

” Your class reunion invitation came in the mail. It’s scheduled for the same weekend. I’ll call, RSVP, and make our flight arrangements now.”

“Don’t you mean later this morning, sweetie?”

“I mean right now, love. I’m far too excited to sleep. I have a good feeling about this, Randy. You, me, Randy, and Mia–we all need this. I know they can’t get away from school right now, but hopefully they’ll have a chance to meet and get to know them in the future. There’s a whole side of their family they’ve yet to know.”

“Sounds good honey, but let’s just take one step at a time, ok?”

“You’re right love, let’s do that. Come to bed now.”

“I’m too wound up to sleep now, babe.”

She took my hand, smiled seductively and said, “Exactly, I didn’t say anything about sleep, now did I?”

Running In Plain Sight & Other Stories: If All Minds Are Clear – (FREE Chapter 3 Excerpt)

In the three and a half months that followed our double date, Jada and Tucker’s undying love for each other have them teetering on the brink of matrimony. Their wedding is planned two Saturdays from now. To say that the entire church is excited about their nuptials would be an understatement. In the short time he’s been a part of our church family, Tucker has become indispensable and beloved by all. Reverend Cousins will both officiate and give Jada away. He says he’s always seen Jada as a second daughter. I’m the best man, and Viola is the maid of honor. And although Viola’s thrilled about Jada’s wedding, she’s planning for ours to be bigger and better than theirs.

Another problem for Viola is the fact most folks can see the genuine love, heat and passion between Jada and Tucker. To her, Tucker possesses the attributes every man should possess: compassion, passion, sensitivity, thoughtfulness, attentiveness and romance. I’ll admit he’s most things I’m not; and not only me, but most of the menfolk in the church. Most of all, it’s his faithfulness and fidelity that Jada, Viola, and all the church’s womenfolk value most. All women in general, to be honest. Of course it doesn’t help that I’m barely any of those things to Viola.

Nowadays, I find myself being constantly compared to Tucker. Don’t get me wrong, I love and respect Viola dearly, but just not in the way Tucker loves Jada. Marrying Viola will more or less get me to the place my father and I always envisioned for me: to be the next pastor of Grace Baptist Church. Our marriage will be the culmination of a pact sworn long ago between my father and soon to be father-in-law, Reverend Cousins. I’m so close to realizing the dream, that I can’t allow no one or nothing to jeopardize it.

In the last days leading up to the wedding, Tucker’s been a bundle of nervous energy. He and Jada are so looking forward to their wedding day, that neither one of them can hardly contain themselves. They both want to start a family immediately. So does Viola, but not me. I’d much rather establish myself as pastor for a couple of years before even considering starting a family.

In addition to being head over heels in love with Jada, Tucker has fully immersed himself into the church. As our youth minister, he’s created various ministries that have enthused the entire church. Membership among our youth has grown exponentially. He holds youth church during the regular worship service. He creates games and songs that help the kids learn more about the bible. He’s even talking about starting an after school tutoring and mentoring program. Here at Grace Baptist, he can do no wrong. If I didn’t already have the inside track to being named Reverend Cousins’ successor, and if Tucker wasn’t such a great friend and brother to me, I’d be worried.

Last night, I threw Tucker an impromptu bachelor party. I rented a suite at one of the hotels downtown. I invited a few of the younger guys from church and some of the guys from seminary. Liquor flowed freely and endlessly. After the crowd thinned out, Tucker passed out and I paid a couple of the dancers a little extra to undress him and pose for some provocative pictures. I hope I never have to use them, and I feel so guilty for stooping to such a level. But not so guilty to use them if I have to. Like my father used to say, “plan for war in times of peace.”