Hi Friends:
Because writer’s block is the subconscious suggesting a need for more experience, this issue includes:
A sip…
The muse will never deny being The Big Sister, but will also never act her age…
A shout out…
It is often quoted that one is as limited as one is allowed to be, perhaps that is why bestselling author, Constance (Connie) Briscoe, does not impose self-limitations.
An alumna of Hampton University (BA, 1974), and American University (MPH, 1978), she initially cut a traditional career path as a Research Analyst, but her secret desire to write likely propelled her into becoming an Editorial Assistant, Journalist, and later a Managing Editor.
The author of twelve titles, including Sisters and Lovers, which appeared on the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Chicago Tribune, Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and Washington Post bestseller lists, and was developed into a CBS Television miniseries, she is also the host of this:
The eldest of two, and self-described as shy, her notable excellence includes receiving the Amos Kendall Award (Gallaudet University, 2000), being voted the #23 Favorite Author of the 20th Century by AALBC, and being nominated for an NAACP Image Award (2000).
Although commercially criticized as male-bashing, preachy, contrived, and with too much focus on social elements, her popularity and financial success suggest that her ability to craft relatable, contemporary Black women grounded in important realities, remains unmatched.
A sentence…
Prompts gleaned from Sisters and Lovers:
“What happened to your hair?”
“You don’t need to go back to no school. You make enough money.”
“This was what she got for not using that damn diaphragm like she was supposed to. She never added more jelly before act two. Who the hell could be bothered?”
“She needed to get someone to pick Kenny up before six. Most evenings Clarence went home after work, changed his clothes, and hit the streets before she even got in.”
“Then there was the problem of appearances. The Johnsons were the only other blacks in the subdivision and his drinking embarrassed Evelyn to say the least.”
A few useful tips…
On writing about strong family relationships:
Be authentic.
Craft each character uniquely.
Remember all humans have imperfections.
Each family member should have different motivations.
If it isn’t interconnected, familial relationships aren’t real.
You’ve grown throughout life, make sure your characters do also.
Consider family dynamics when determining who should be the protagonist.
Don’t forget that families are dysfunctional, give readers the dirt on the drama.
A few contests/competitions…
Grist' Imagine 2200 Climate Fiction Contest
A few grants/fellowships/retreats/scholarships…
A few freelance opportunities…
Food52 is seeking recipe pitches.
Prism is seeking pitches from grassroots perspectives.
Type Investigations is seeking pitches on right-wing extremism and threats to democracy; reproductive rights and gender-affirming health care; technology and its harms; climate change and environmental justice.
A few submission opportunities…
After Dinner Conversation seeks short stories on philosophical/ethical themes.
African American Review seeks essays on African American literature, theatre, film, the visual arts, and culture; interviews; poetry; fiction; and book reviews.
Astralab is seeking submissions of fiction and creative non-fiction in all prose forms.
Bookish Brews seeks nonfiction, craft, and lifestyle essays as well as book reviews.
Midnight & Indigo seeks speculative fiction, character-driven fiction, and essays from Black Women writers only.
Pulp Literature seeks submissions of any genre or between-genre work of literature.
Wishbone Words seeks a wide range of creative work from chronically ill and disabled writers and artists.
A few sessions & workshops…
April 16th
April 17th
April 18th
New York Sisters in Crime Virtual Writing Workshop
April 19th
April 20th
April 21st
April 22nd
Ongoing
Creative Writing for Military, Veterans, Caregivers & Spouses
Virtual Writing Sessions for Women of Color Poets
A few virtual book clubs…
Black Women In Science & Engineering Book Club
And a final thought…
This installment is collaborative, and I cannot thank the featured author,
enough for her generosity, and for demonstrating that to plow on, one simply needs to adapt!It also contains an affiliate link; I earn a commission when you purchase books using either, or you may please buy me a coffee.
Thanks for reading,
"To plow on, one simply needs to adapt," - So intrigued by this @C. Elyse. Would you mind expanding? It's something that's on my mind and I've been meaning to write about. How are you btw?
I appreciate learning something new, especially about an author.