Late, but Right on Time

Well, it is 2010 and I did not blog in January. I don’t really have a reason for it. I started several blogs but nothing really materialized. When I look back at 2009, I’m pretty satisfied with my blogging, a vast improvement. But looking and going forward for 2010 is what I am about.

While I wasn’t blogging in January, I have been writing. Some exciting things have materialized in the way of gearing up my writing life. Back in November, I was kind of depressed and having a pity party about my lack of writing. I don’t believe I submitted anything, although I had one publication in January 2009 with Go, Tell Michelle. I was in a state of suspension. I was mentoring and encouraging others but I could not get myself together to further my goals. I have written quite a bit on my childhood stories on this blog. I have written shortened versions of some of the stories I have crafted in my collection. It came to me that I can publish this collection, I mean self-publish because hey, this is about heritage, family and I don’t need a publisher to tell me it is okay to publish MY STORY. So with that in mind, a weight was lifted off of me and I am revising and adding stories to my book that will give another view of my beloved Oakland. Stories of family, community and adventures while I was growing up. I will also look into having some of the stories posted in one of the local newspapers.

I was asked to participate in a collection with two writers by an author who I admire, a woman who has published several books. This book will be about mothers and daughters. I will be contributing two fiction stories. I am really excited because though I am multi-published, I have had very little fiction published. I am both excited and scared but ready to take the leap. So, look out for that to come out around Mother’s Day. I will keep you posted.

I received an email in early January from a children’s publisher to be a consultant for a historical book. Yep, just out of the blue. It occurred to me in talking with my writing partner, Teresa and she said it, things are happening when you brush off your fears. I know that God is guiding me and that my attitude had to change in order for him to make a way for opportunities to blossom. There are other opportunities; a chance to place an article about my trip to Cuba on a travel site, write articles for an up-and-coming women’s magazine and write more fiction for a new journal. It’s all here; I just have to grab hold of it.

Last weekend, I had an opportunity to attend a workshop with some phenomenal black women, all great writers, movers and shakers. We shared, wrote, networked and spoke of producing a community, a consortium of black writers, mentoring and publishing together. There were writers who are workshop leaders, community activists, educators, and even a well-known television journalist. I realize the possibilities are endless, that dreams and goals can be attained and we have the capacity to embrace all that is bestowed upon us as women in general, black women in particular, as leaders in our community and how much writing can play a part in making things happen, as it is a vital part of all the women who attended the workshop. I am hopeful, I am determined.