New Poem "I Sit"

 so I wrote, and edited some thangs, enjoy.

Love Online Open Mics? Check out Tuesdays With Terra

What up peoples! On Tuesday, June 9 I did an open mic/IG live with Terra who does an open mic at 7pm, est. She calls her open mic, Tuesdays with Terra, and she is a really really dope host. I also know that she is a big fan of spoken word. She is also a phenomenal writer herself. 

It was really cool going on with Terra because I like to participate in open mics that I can do from the crib. I also like IG lives/open mics because you get to see the faces in the reactions and everything else like that. I’m definitely endorsing Tuesdays with Terra for any open as well as her page. Her profile is dope, she’s on IG under @t.june_writes so check out her profile.   

The other thing that I really enjoyed about the open mic was, while I was talking with her she was really going through my page and trying to like figure out who I was! She mentioned this blog, and that was a deal sealer for me! It was my first time being there so that was a very dope experience. 

She’s a writer who cares, she’s a writer who listens, she’s a host who cares and she’s a host who listens so definitely check out Tuesdays with Terra and give her some support. 

The final thing that I like about Tuesdays with Terra, is it people will DM her poems  (because some people don’t really like reading their poetry) however Terra will read their poetry if you just  DM her! 

So open up those phones, if they’re not open already, go to IG (instagram) and search t.june_writes and check her out!!

P.S. Terra, if you seeing this, I’ll be back!!

Unveiling the Writer's Palette: A Guide to Prepare for Your Next Masterpiece

Greetings, fellow wordsmiths and aspiring authors! As a two-time self-published author, I've navigated the twists and turns of the writing journey, and I'm here to share some invaluable tips to help you prepare for your own literary adventure. So, grab your favorite writing instrument, find your comfy writing nook, and let's delve into the art of preparation.

1. Set Clear Goals:

Before you embark on your writing journey, define your goals. Are you writing a novel, a collection of short stories, or perhaps delving into non-fiction? Understanding your objectives will guide your writing process and help you stay focused throughout.

2. Create a Writing Schedule:

Consistency is key. Set aside dedicated time each day or week to focus on your writing. Whether it's early morning, late at night, or during lunch breaks, having a routine will make writing a habit, and habits lead to productivity.

3. Craft a Detailed Outline:

While some writers are pantsers, diving into their stories headfirst without a roadmap, many find comfort in outlining. Create a detailed plan for your plot, characters, and major events. This will serve as a compass, steering you through the narrative landscape.

4. Know Your Characters Inside Out:

Your characters are the heart of your story. Develop well-rounded characters with distinct personalities, motivations, and flaws. Understanding your characters on a deep level will make them more relatable and authentic to your readers.

5. Research Thoroughly:

Whether you're writing fiction or non-fiction, research is your ally. Dive into the details of your setting, explore the nuances of your characters' professions, and gather information that enriches your narrative. Accurate details lend credibility to your writing.

6. Create a Writing Sanctuary:

Find or create a space where you can immerse yourself in your writing. Whether it's a cozy corner, a home office, or your favorite coffee shop, having a dedicated space can enhance your focus and creativity.

7. Embrace Writing Exercises:

Before you begin your magnum opus, warm up your creative muscles with writing exercises. Prompts, flash fiction, or character sketches can serve as the literary stretches that prepare you for the marathon of writing a book.

8. Learn from Feedback:

Join writing groups, share your work with beta readers, and be open to constructive criticism. Learning from others is a powerful tool for growth. Don't be afraid to revise and refine your work based on valuable feedback.

9. Arm Yourself with Writing Tools:

Explore various writing tools and find what works best for you. Whether it's a traditional notebook, a writing software, or a trusty pen and paper, having the right tools can enhance your writing experience.

10. Cultivate Patience:

Writing is a journey, and success rarely happens overnight. Cultivate patience, celebrate small victories, and remember that each word you write is a step closer to your literary dreams.

Armed with these tips, I hope you embark on your writing adventure with confidence and excitement. 

Remember, every author's journey is unique, so embrace your individual process and savor the joy of creating something truly extraordinary. Happy writing~~Peace!!

From the Writer’s Soul: Planning & Prepping the Manuscript with a Collective

Writers go through it, even when they decide they want to write a book.  It was always a goal…that’s what we say right, it’s always been a goal. And you try.  You give it what you feel is full effort.  And you hate your manuscript, you’re embarrassed by it.  So you try again.  And somehow you become satisfied with the work.  But it needs editing; anxiety rises, imagination goes wild with what the editor might say.  You sit down for a drink (insert coffee, tea, or the whisky of your choice) and decide, the goal is now a dream.  I can’t deal with the emotional turmoil.

Anxiety is normal. It ranks right up there with that knot called pessimism that rest in your belly, then visits you at 3 am when you think the manuscript is done.  Anxiety and pessimism will lead to that other wonderful P—Procrastination.  

This is where the work happens.

There’s an old adage that says: opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.  This is a popular saying because if you’re dressed in overalls you’re prepared to get messy.  Writing is messy, our emotions about our writing is even messier.  

Do the work. Put on overalls literally if you must.  But do the work. When the work is working, the writer is winning—win writer! Work!

Part of writing work is clarity.  Some alcoholics know this concept very well—they call it a moment of clarity.  It’s when they not only see their mistakes, they can own them, and even seek help at this point.  Clarity is not a single celled organism, it is not a single use item like toilet paper or q-tips.  Clarity is collective.  The collective gives you perspectives, and it is those perspectives that help you gain clarity.

Every writers’ collective is different.  We all have friends, and we all have friends who will read and critique our work.  There is also family, that favorite auntie, or opinionated uncle who will praise the manuscript, or rip it to shreds.  These people are important to have, but are they objective; are they your target audience?  

One of the best things a writer can do is find a good editor.  An editor will provide good feedback for changes or highlight things that are great in your manuscript.  When working with an editor it’s really good when you’re able to speak directly to the editor rather than just text, IM or DM back and forth.  When there is a conversation there is voice inflection and real time understanding that doesn’t lose it’s translation when texting or DM’ing.  Editors are really good when it comes to something that didn’t read very well.  Or they are able to tell you, this section or paragraph confused me, what were you trying to say?  The process of working with an editor is also very good for anxiety.  One of the causes of anxiety is not knowing.  Writers can be unsure of many things in their manuscript, having conversations with an editor clears things up.  Whether the writing works or it doesn’t, knowing and being able to rework things is key.

Another part of the collective for clarification are beta readers.  Beta readers are people who will read your work and give you feedback.  The great thing about beta readers is that you can find some within the criteria of your target audience.  Beta readers are also great because while editors can put a financial dent in your budget, beta readers come relatively economical to free.  

Anxiety is an emotion that’s real.  Writers are emotional about their writing.  Life, emotions, and writing is messy.  In order to clean, writers must do the work.  Work=winning.  A writer’s work requires a collective for perspective.  The collective includes family, friends, an editor, and some beta readers.  Be messy in your writing, be clever; get clarity.  

Don’t be afraid to buy a pair of overalls, and write comfortably in them.  🙂