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Most
know that in addition to being the editor of TNC, I am also the owner of
the very popular blog, CHICKLITGURRL:
high on LATTES & WRITING. At CLG, I interview women
writers. One of the biggest questions I ask in just about every
interview is: What advice can you offer the
aspiring-to-be-published writer. Each and every time, the
authors graciously give heartfelt responses to this question.
I'm
big on teaching and sharing and helping others reach their success, and
for this issue of STRAIGHT FROM THE DA PEN, I am providing you with the
responses of five African American authors who are making their strides in
the publishing industry. Once you check out their advice, check out
their 2008 interviews at ChickLitGurrl!
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To aspiring women writers, directors - what advice do you have to give them that push to achieve their goals?
Last year I had the opportunity to work with women filmmakers in Nigeria. Now, we think that we have issues? Shon, we are so incredibly blessed in North America, and we need to know that. Writer Virginia Woolf said around 80 years ago that in order to create women needed to have a room of one’s own, and that’s still true. What that means to me is to find a balance between family and kids, obligations, financial concerns, and everything else to carve out a little space and time just for you to do what makes your heart sing.
Learn
more about Dare
@ Abiola's website! |
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What advice would you offer aspiring-to-be-published authors?
Skip the trends. Don't make the mistake of overly "paying attention" to them because then you deviate from your natural flow.
Learn
more about Wild
Impulses @
Samara's website! |
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What advice would you offer aspiring-to-be-published authors?
I’d encourage them to create their best possible product. That means an excellent, well-developed storyline, interesting characters and something that makes their novel stand out from the rest. There are over 100,000 books published every year so the competition is fierce! And out of the thousands of manuscripts that come across agent/publisher desks, only 2% get accepted. Many of these decisions are made in the first few sentences of a query letter, or first few lines of a sample chapter. There’s no room for grammatical and spelling errors, etc. So in other words, you’ve got to come correct!
Lastly, don’t let rejections stop you from believing in your product. Publish it yourself if you have to, but get your story out!
Learn
more about Love Like Hallelujah
@ Lutishia's website!
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What advice would you offer aspiring-to-be-published authors?
A) Write, write, and write some more until you finish your work. Don’t make excuses or tell someone what you’re “about” to do, yet never do it. Take the idea from your head to the computer – just get it down and then mold the story. B) Be open to constructive criticism. Have a thick-skin. This is a business where rejection is a constant part of the process. C) Do the research and don’t expect agent or publisher hook-ups. Study up on the business and on your craft. D) Make sure you read other author’s works. You’ll learn a lot about writing that way.
Learn
more about Something He Can Feel
@ Marissa's website!
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What advice would you offer aspiring-to-be published authors?
First and last - be patient, open to constructive criticism and persevere. Take any good opportunities – they’re often stepping stones to something greater.
Learn
more about From Dusk to Dawn
@ Niambi's website!
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