When Asked for Apples, Don't Offer Oranges

This morning I read a post from literary agent Rachelle Gardner called, "Give Them What They Want". In it, she shares some feedback from a recent call for guest bloggers on her site. There were many pitches made that simply did not meet her guidelines. I can relate. In the last six months, I have received pitches from writers who clearly had not read my submission page. And why would someone offer to write a guest post about plastic surgery, childcare, or dating on a blog about writing? 

Offering budding authors a place to showcase their talents and build their online platforms is a great opportunity that isn't widely available. So it should not it be taken lightly. Therefore, when you find bloggers who are willing to share their space with you, it is important that your pitch is a good fit for their blog and your platform. Also, follow the guidelines for submission down to the word count and font. You may miss out on a chance to expand your audience because you failed to give them what they want.

Here is an excerpt from Ms. Gardner's post. Enjoy and take heed.

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"Give Them What They Want" by Rachelle Gardner

Back when I was in school, I embraced an important truth: If I wanted to succeed according to someone else’s standards, then I needed to give them what they wanted. It started with my teachers. To get a good grade, I needed to understand exactly what they wanted and give it to them. Using my own creativity and trying to give them something I thought was better wouldn’t always work. If I wanted to be brilliant and creative, fine, but I might sacrifice a good grade. If I wanted the “A” then I needed to give the instructor exactly what was expected.

This lesson served me well as I spent a couple of decades in various roles in the corporate and business world. To be considered a good employee and get promotions and raises, I needed to understand exactly what was expected… and do it. If creativity and innovation and big ideas were valued in that company, then that’s what I focused on. If simply doing your job was valued, then that’s what I did. As long as I was in an environment where someone else’s standards determined MY success, I always focused on what those standards were.

Success often depends on giving your boss what they want; giving your clients what they want; giving your professors what they want, giving your readers what they want.
You’re always free to write what you want, how you want. You’re free to approach the process of publication however you like. But when your success depends on other people, it’s smart to ask yourself: Are you giving them what they want? This applies whether you’re querying agents, pitching publishers, or thinking about your end reader. What do they want? Are you giving it to them?

Read the entire post.

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Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...

Raychelle Reviews: A Day Late and a Dollar Short by Terry McMillan

Admittedly, I am late to the party. I recently finished Terry McMillan's A Day Late and a Dollar Short (Penguin, 2002) and enjoyed it from cover to cover. There is no question that Ms. McMillan is a gifted storyteller and this work certainly does not disappoint. I am partial to stories which examine family dynamics, confront their inherent dysfunction, and lead the characters along the road to redemption. A Day Late more than delivered on my expectations.

Each chapter is narrated by one of the main characters. Readers will learn something about each family member's self-concept as well as their perceptions regarding the rest of the clan. Viola and Cecil Price, married for 38 years, are parents to their very adult (and very flawed) children: Paris, Lewis, Charlotte, and Janelle. I fell in love with Viola whose life served as a call to action for her family. A self-proclaimed "know-it-all", who believed that it was her duty to meddle in everyone else's business, Viola told the truth--whether anybody wanted to hear it or not. When she came to terms with her own personal missteps, Viola grabbed life by the horns and started anew. She also insisted that her family follow her lead. Trying really hard not to give anything away, just know that the effect that Viola's advice has on everyone else is a game-changer.

The lesson that I learned from A Day Late is to live every single day to the fullest. The next 5 minutes aren't promised, so when you decide to finally "get it together", time may not be on your side. Define who you are as a person. Follow your passions. Never stop learning. Challenge yourself beyond your limits. And if you are not sure of how to get started, pick up a copy of A Day Late and a Dollar Short. When you finish reading it, you will know exactly what you need to do.

Well done, Ms. McMillan. Very well done.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today, I am celebrating my 44th trip around the sun! The fact that I lived to see it is present enough. I offer my sincerest gratitude to my many well-wishers and all of you who have supported Raychelle Writes to date. It has been a great year and I am excited about the possibilities of the coming months. So, I invite you to enjoy this day. If you are reading this, someone thought that you still have something of value to offer the world. I know that I do, so let's get it in!

(In lieu of the many gifts I know you want to give me, visit me on Facebook and twitter and give me a "like" or follow me--only if you want to... SMILE)

Raychelle Reviews: When Grandmama Sings by Margaree King Mitchell

When Grandmama Sings by Margaree King Mitchell (illustrated by James E. Ransome) is an uplifting story of courage, strength, and perseverance in the face of adversity. Grandmama Coles, a jazz singer from Pecan Flats, Mississippi, is given an opportunity to tour the Deep South during the summer months with a swing jazz band. She is accompanied by her granddaughter, Belle, who learns that using one's talents and standing up for one's beliefs are important in spite of opposition.


When Grandmama Sings is set during the 1940s where segregation and discrimination were the order of the day. Told through the eyes of Belle, the reader learns something of the history of race relations in the U.S. While Grandmama Coles and the band suffer ill-treatment at the hands of club and business owners, they press on in their quest to perform--sometimes even for free. Leading the charge is Grandmama Coles who demands justice while her gift for song brings people people from different walks of life together. Belle has a close and loving relationship with her grandmother. These acts of bravery only serve to bring them closer.


A wonderfully-illustrated book with the artwork of James E. Ransome, When Grandmama Sings is a story that children and adults alike will enjoy time and time again.

Read Margaree King Mitchell's interview on The Writer's Block! 

The Writer's Block Interviews: Margaree King Mitchell

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and where you live and work.

I was born and grew up in Holly Springs, Mississippi and graduated from Holly Springs High School. When I graduated from high school I wanted to see another part of the country, so I applied and was accepted at Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. I now live in Kansas City.


2. Describe your journey to becoming an author.

I started out writing short stories which were published in church denomination magazines i.e. Lutheran, Methodist, etc. Then I became director of my church’s drama department. At the time I lived in Memphis, Tennessee. Seeing characters that I had written come alive and have an emotional impact on the audience was awesome. It was there that I became aware of the power of the written word. In my spare time I was working on my dream of writing screenplays.

When we lived in Memphis my son started kindergarten. And his school had "Grandparents Day". My son’s grandmothers lived in other cities so he had no one to invite to school. When he arrived at school, not only had students brought their grandmothers, some had also brought their grandfathers. When my son got home he was very sad that he didn’t have any grandfathers. I explained to him that both of his grandfathers had died before he was born. But he didn’t understand. Every day he came home from school sad because he had no grandfathers. To teach my son about the lives of his grandfathers, I searched the public library for picture books that would show what life was like for his ancestors. I couldn’t find any. Then I went to all the bookstores in town. I still couldn’t find any. Therefore, I decided to write the books myself.

I wanted the books to be set in the rural South because that is where I’m from. I grew up on my grandfather’s farm in Holly Springs, Mississippi. I wanted each book to focus on an ordinary person who does extraordinary things for the time period in which they lived. I patterned the Uncle Jed character in my first book, Uncle Jed's Barbershop, after my grandfather. My grandfather owned his own farm during a time of segregation and racial discrimination. And he showed me that a person can rise above their surroundings and make their dreams come true.

I wanted to show the same things in my books.


3. Do you gravitate toward any particular genre in writing?

Picture books. When I was looking for books for my son I wanted him to see what life was like for his ancestors. I believe that being able to see pictures along with the story will have a great impact on anyone reading the book.


4. Tell us about When Grandmama Sings. What inspired you to write it?

My goal is to write historical picture books that are set in each decade from the early 1900s through the 1960s. When Grandmama Sings is the story that is set in the 1940s. In my previous books, Uncle Jed’s Barbershop and Granddaddy’s Gift, the special relationship is with a girl and a male ancestor, i.e. great uncle and grandfather. I wanted to show a close relationship with a girl and a female character in When Grandmama Sings. Plus, the character mirrors my relationship with my grandmother. Although my grandmother didn’t sing, she and I were really close. She taught me how to do the things she knew, like how to cook.

In this book I also wanted students to know that regardless of the conditions in the world, if you continue to sing your song (exercise your gift), and believe in yourself and in your abilities, then great things can happen.

5. Describe your path to publication. Has this experience met/exceeded your expectations?

After submitting the manuscript for my first book, Uncle Jed’s Barbershop, for two years I received nothing but rejection letters. However, they were personal rejection letters from editors telling me that they loved my story but it didn’t fit in with their publishing plans. Finally, frustrated about how those editors could love my story and still not publish it, I decided to submit it directly to the publisher of Simon & Schuster. Within a month I had a contract.

When Uncle Jed's Barbershop was published, I was asked to read the story during story time at the main branch of the Little Rock Public Library. This was the first time kids, other than my son, had heard the story so I was anxious to see their reaction. After I finished reading the book, parents who were fascinated by the historical aspects of the story dominated the question and answer period. And I didn’t get any comments from children. But as I was leaving a little girl was waiting for me by the door. She said, “I liked your story about Uncle Jed. I want to be a doctor when I grow up but my grandmama keeps telling me I’ll never be one. Now I know I can be a doctor.”

I knew then I had achieved my goal in writing Uncle Jed's Barbershop. Since that day I have received many letters from children all across the country telling me their dreams. They also tell me who says they can’t achieve their dreams and why. But because of Uncle Jed’s story, they now know they can be anything they want to be if they just don’t give up.

Having my books published has far exceeded my expectations. I didn’t fully realize the effect my books would have on children. I had hoped my books would be viewed positively. But the result has been overwhelming. A couple of years ago a young lady who had just finished college told me that she had become a teacher because of reading Uncle Jed’s Barbershop. She realized she could achieve her dreams if she worked hard and didn’t give up.

6. How do you promote your work? What methods have worked best for you?

I started promoting When Grandmama Sings six months before publication. I started with "SAVE THE DATE" emails. Then I sent monthly notices. And as the time of publication became near, I sent notices every two weeks. When the reviews started coming in I sent copies of the reviews to my email list.

My author Facebook page has also played a big role in the promotion of my books.

I also have friends and relatives in cities throughout the United States who actively promote my books. As a result when my new book, When Grandmama Sings, was published I had book related events scheduled through the first six months of the year. I appreciate all the support that my books receive.

7. Who are your favorite authors? What is on your reading list right now?

I read all types of books. I love the stories of Mildred Taylor, especially Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Her stories are set in Mississippi and she writes about racism, segregation and familial strength.

Currently I am reading books written by two friends: Flow by H. C. Lawrence (YA paranormal) and Destiny by Bonnie Hopkins (Christian fiction). I also love espionage books. I also love books by Maeve Binchy. Her stories are set in Ireland and focus on friendship and relationships.

8. Describe a typical day in your life.

Every morning I walk in a park that has a walking trail along the Missouri River. It is calm and peaceful there. Story ideas come to me as I’m walking. I break up my walk by periodically sitting on the wrought iron benches that face the Missouri River. There I plan my day. I return home, have breakfast and start writing. I write until about one o’clock. Then I do other book related things, like book promotion, marketing new work, email, social media, interviews, meetings, etc.


9. What projects do you have in the works?

 I recently completed a YA novel. I am doing research for another historical fiction picture book.


10. What advice would you offer to aspiring authors?

Write the stories that are in your heart. Believe there is an audience for your work. Be confident. Don’t give up when you get rejection letters. Have the courage to start pursuing your dream. And above all, have the faith to continue despite the obstacles.

About the Author

Margaree King Mitchell is the author of the Coretta Scott King Honor Book Uncle Jed's Barbershop, illustrated by James E. Ransome, Simon & Schuster, and Granddaddy's Gift, illustrated by Larry Johnson, Scholastic. An award winning musical featuring Broadway veteran Ken Prymus has been adapted from Uncle Jed's Barbershop.

Margaree is the creator of the "EveryBody Has A Dream" program, which empowers students in urban and rural areas to shoot for the stars with aspirations for their lives. Her new book, When Grandmama Sings, illustrated by James E. Ransome, was published January 3, 2012 by HarperCollins.

www.facebook.com/MargareeKingMitchell

The Writer's Block Interviews: Stephen Black

1. Tell us a bit about yourself and where you live and work.

I am an American who now lives in Asia. I do many things: this year I exhibited Depth, a series of conceptual photographs taken underwater. I worked on the production and release of 3how's first CD/music download and, most of all, I worked towards completing Tiong Bahru, a book I have been working on for two years. Tiong Bahru is a part of Singapore known for its food and distinctive architecture.

I have lived and worked in Manhattan, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Paris. As an artist I have worked on many exciting video, photographic and music projects that were greatly rewarding, little publicized; underground stuff. At the other extreme,I have also created promos for Cartoon Network/Turner Classic Movies as well as worked for CNN, Fox, Fuji TV, MTV and France 2. I enjoy collaborating and/or documenting. In this regard, I have worked with Stelarc, Kazuo Ono, Min Tanaka, Sadato, David Sylvain, Michael Lee and a bunch of artists from Manhattan's Rivington School. 3how is a collective musical group and we are always doing something new, often with text and theatre.

2) Describe your journey to becoming an author.

Since I can remember, I have been surrounded by hardcovers and paperbacks. I read Publisher’s Weekly throughout grade school, often while riding in the car with my dad. He still sells books. My mother has never stopped encouraging me. She has the patience of a saint. I received high grades in English throughout my schooling. Wrote for the high school newspaper, wrote for a Japanese photo magazine, wrote tons of stuff which has yet to see the light of day. I was also fortunate to study with Hollywood legend Robert McKee, both in a semi-private class and in a packed auditorium.

3) Do you gravitate toward any particular genre in writing? Artistic mediums?

The "I novel" style always interested me, but ultimately I am more concerned with how to make narrative stories read like musical collages.I also like writing scripts. I have no preferred artistic medium, but I do enjoy experiencing the works of individuals who defy characterization.Picasso seemed to change every ten years or so, yet there is always something that is constant in his work. John Zorn creates music in a great variety of styles, yet usually there is something of "him" in all of his work, something besides his amazing technical skills. Roald Dahl and Agatha Christie both have signatures styles, yet they do not seem to be copying themselves.

 
4) Tell us about Obama Search Words. What inspired you to write it?

Obama Search Words was started well before the President was the Democratic Party Presidential Nominee. My mother came to Singapore and had with her a copy of Obama’s Dreams From My Father. I read it and learned that Obama lived in Indonesia for a few years of his childhood. I thought food was an interesting way to look at his life— and, whether he was going to remain being “just” a Senator or something greater, I would have a unique, “evergreen” look at his life. I went to Jakarta and was very fortunate to talk about his eating habits with his neighbors, teachers and classmates. Obama’s mother made sandwiches for his school lunch, but sometimes he ate local food at the school canteen: I learned things like this.

Soon after Jakarta I went home to Ohio, where I made a trip to Chicago to do more food-related research. During this time Barack Obama narrowly defeated Hillary Clinton! The title of the project, Obama Jalan Jalan (www.obamajalanjalan.com) and its concept drastically changed as I realized that I no longer needed the “safety” of food as a subject matter. The man whose life I had been researching was on his way to becoming the President of the United States! The creation of a book of facts and fact-based fiction about Obama’s life became my goal.


5) Describe your path to publication. Has this experience met/exceeded your expectations?

I cannot say I expected anything from my writing. Unless you are writing for a magazine or a publisher, there are no guarantees. You cannot predict luck. Whatever I write, I hope it is the best that I can do. If it finds an audience, I am fortunate and thankful.

6) How do you promote your work? What methods have worked best for you?

Marketing, publicity and promotion: I am now starting these things, although I likely published the first Singapore-based ebook on Kindle in 2009. The first reason for this is efficiency: Marketing is, more or less, a full-time job and it did not seem justifiable to spend a huge amount of time and resources to market a single book. The effort required to market 10 books is almost equal to that required to market one. This article presents the same argument: http://www.forbes.com/sites/suwcharmananderson/2012/06/19/book-promotion-for-self-publishers-a-waste-of-time/

Now, in 2012, I have the following titles on line: Contact With Shadow, Furikake, Halus: Portrait and Landscape, On Seng Poh Road and Obama Search Words. Let the publicity begin.

The second reason I didn’t do marketing is that I naively and incorrectly thought that, even without a publicity campaign, that a Kindle book about the President of the United States would attract search engines and audiences. Wrong!

Now, almost daily, we see new services which minimize the obstacles between audience and author. iPhones, tablets and ebook readers are waiting for writers, hopefully including those writers on my Book Merah ebook imprint. Here, I should also plug my band, 3how. 3how performs all kinds of brilliant, daring crazy stuff, sometimes based on my text or things we’ve co-produced. We twice performed Big Homer, a rock opera about a pigeon who becomes lost in 1980s Singapore.
3how’s PR materials include a link to Book Merah. And, when I do visual art exhibitions, my text works are also mentioned.

The idea is simply that my "brand" is whatever I do: art, writing, photography, video, music and breeding thoroughbred Chihuahuas. (Just kidding about the Chihuahuas.)

Once I finally have my online presence updated, will look into publicity services. Finally, I hope to reach out to traditional publishers and distributors, especially those that publish art and photography books. My latest book, Tiong Bahru, is an artist’s book disguised as a travel guide; part Paul Theroux, part Joseph Beuys, part Discovery Channel.

Finally, I have to mention my Ungluing Obama campaign: https://unglue.it/work/88498/# Hopefully this will reach its goal and also increase awareness of my other projects.

7) Who are your favorite authors? What is on your reading list right now?

Paul Theroux, Paul Aster,Don DeLillo, Steve Martin. Now, the only things I allow myself to read are book and reference materials related to Tiong Bahru.

8) Describe a typical day in your life.

I have not had a “typical day” in quite a while. My writing schedule is unpatterned. In May I was in Bali, doing almost nothing but writing, but a block of time like that is a rare gift. I pay the bills with photography, video and writing assignments. Lately, I am trying to make the unglue campaign a success, which means sending off hundreds of emails of various kinds.

9) What projects do you have in the works?

There are two projects I must finish soon: an updated version of the Agaricus blazei Murrill Notebook( http://www.amazon.com/The-Agaricus-Blazei-Murill-Notebook/dp/159113319X) and a story about a Burmese commercial diver in Singapore.Here is story describing a performance in which Joe, the diver, joined forces with 3how. http://www.littlerature.com/a-star-is-born-or-something/


10) What advice would you offer to aspiring authors?

Writing and art are very hard work, dangerous in some ways. I don’t recommend them; too unpredictable... The creation of a book is not a package tour, a weekend hobby nor a university class. To paraphrase Tolstoy, ink is blood.

BIO

Stephen Black established Book Merah in 2007 as a platform for ebook projects. He also works in conceptual art, photography and video.

Book Merah is on Facebook and Twitter.

http://www.blacksteps.tv/ will soon be updated

http://www.scribd.com/doc/79168211/Stephen-Black-2012-resume

Guest Blogger Paul Taylor: The Best Books for Surviving Pregnancy and Motherhood

Greetings, All! Guest blogger Paul Taylor is giving me the day off and sharing some of his recommendations for books on pregnancy and motherhood. Feel free to leave comments!

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Congratulations, you’re pregnant. Now what? Having a baby can be unnerving when you have no idea what to expect. These ten books will fill in all your knowledge gaps and leave you well prepared to give birth to, and raise your child.

1. What to Expect When You’re Expecting- The quintessential pregnancy book. This is a classic tome containing everything you will ever need to know about pregnancy and childbirth. It is presented in a very dry no nonsense manner and can be a bit alarming because it includes every worst-case scenario.

2. The Mother Of All Pregnancy Books- A compilation of pregnancy knowledge from hundreds of parents and experts. This book highlights the quirky details of pregnancy that they don’t mention in other books. It centers primarily on emotions and feelings that may crop up during pregnancy.

3. The Diaper Diaries: The Real Poop on a New Mom's First Year-An entertaining, informative book on the surprises and adventures of being a new mom. This book can help sleep deprived parents put life with a new baby in perspective.

4. The Girlfriend’s Guide To Pregnancy- A witty look at being pregnant. Author Vicki Iovine dishes the real dirt on the nine months from conception to delivery. This book is perfect for first time parents who want to know what it’s really like without dry medical language.

5. The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth- A very woman focused guide to the pregnancy experience. This book offers different options for giving birth to your child and centers on maintaining a healthy mom and baby throughout the pregnancy.

6. Your Pregnancy Week by Week- A great detailed guide to help you track your pregnancy. This guide offers medical based advice of, while maintaining a warm, reassuring tone.

7. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth- A reassuring guide to pregnancy written by a well-respected midwife. This is the book for anyone considering a natural childbirth at home. Practical advice is interwoven with inspiring childbirth stories from the author’s vast experience.

8. Pregnancy, Childbirth and the Newborn: The Complete Guide- A must have guide for parents who have had multiple pregnancies This book offers very comprehensive medical information as well as a blueprint to help you create the perfect birth plan. There is an answer for almost every medical question from conception through infancy.

9. Our Bodies, Ourselves: Pregnancy & Birth– The perfect book for first time parents. This book thoroughly covers all the essentials of parenthood. It offers great advice to set your baby up for success from the start.

10. Baby Bargains– An in depth coverage of the financial aspect of birthing and raising a child. Most guides only touch lightly or not at all on the financial details of child rearing. This offers good solid advice on how to incorporate your new baby into a budget.


While you may not have to read all these books to get a comprehensive knowledge of your pregnancy, one or more of them should set you on the road to a smooth gestation and motherhood. Sit back and enjoy the experience of raising your child.


Author Bio:

Paul and his wife Julie both spend quite a bit of time coming up with ideas, blogging, and researching all things related to childcare. They take care of all the necessary information related to “babysitters”. He personally thinks his blog will help others find information on all things related to a babysitter.

Where Do You Get Off Calling Yourself A Writer?

The problem with calling yourself a writer is that the amount of money you earn doing it determines whether or not you will be taken seriously. The perception is that we writers live this kick-back lifestyle strolling aimlessly along the beach searching for inspiration. Or maybe we have a cabin near a lake where we frequently sequester ourselves and write against a backdrop of birds chirping and the splitter-splattering of rain against the window panes. We lack discipline, work when they feel like it, and don't have much direction or ambition. If we are not New York Times best-selling authors (or Oprah Book Club selections--kinda the same thing), or we're not published in newspapers and nationwide magazines, or we don't have a master's degree in fine arts from a prestigious writing program, then who will believe that we are any good at what we do?

Truth is, writing is a tough grind. Making a living at it requires a skill set that includes the writing itself, editing, creativity, research skills, marketing, advertising, sales, communication, flexibility, being extremely disciplined and self-directed, working well under pressure, being incredibly organized (more or less), and must be able to play well with others. It certainly is not for the thin-skinned nor the faint of heart. It is a craft that must be honed as it constantly evolves. Writers often have a day job, or at least supplement their literary pursuits with author visits, speaking engagements, and freelance work. I heard a real estate broker say once that the people who are the most successful in real estate are the ones who show up the most, not necessarily the ones who are the best or the brightest. Therefore, it is imperative to keep improving your craft and keep showing up for yourself.

When I decided to take the plunge into writing last summer, I got a mixed response from folks in my immediate circle. I had gone back to school and completed my B.S. in Sports Management in three years topped off with obtaining a professional certification. When it was all over, I was burnt like toast. Aside from sporadic posting on my blog Journeys Fitness, I had no other outlets to share my experiences and the vast amount of knowledge I was acquiring. Several years ago, I had two articles published in a fledgling regional magazine. I knew then that I would find a way to return to writing. My passions are diverse and I become a student of whatever it is that I am trying to do. So, rather than talk the ears off of anyone and everyone who was within earshot about my latest adventure, I decided to champion my causes using the written word. Seven titles (with three more on the way), three blogs, steady paid freelance work, and a new business later, I am definitely in a groove. The best thing I ever did was ignore the naysayers and not let myself be discouraged.

So, if you want to write, then write. Don't worry about those snobs who have made the colossal error of judging you while in transition. No one comes out of the womb cranking out works that will appear in this century's literary canon. No one. We all have to start at the beginning. Often times the people who give you the most flack about your writing are people who either want what you have or are afraid of losing what they have. And let's face it--every book that you have ever read has been written by somebody who had some jerk tell them (either by words or deeds)  that it couldn't be done. Resilience and persistence pays. Get a good editor and/or someone honest with a good eye and apply their critiques. Make every piece you create better than the last. Remember, if you do the work, you will earn the right to call yourself whatever you want. Write on!

The Writer's Block Interviews: Adam Tritt

1) Tell us a bit about yourself and where you live and work.

I live in Palm Bay, Florida, under a very big tree with a dingo dog and an alligator. I am a retired teacher and a non-retired massage therapist and have always been a writer. I usually work next to a pond.


2) Describe your journey to becoming an author.

It wasn’t much of a journey. I decided, after reading Asimov and Bradbury and Clark (I never got past the C’s in the alphabet) that I could never be a writer because I could never write as well as they did. But I persisted, regardless, with poetry. One day, on a long ride home, late at night, I heard a poem on the radio. My wife said something and I asked her to hold on a minute. That I really wanted to hear this poem. That I wished I could write like that. She laughed and asked me if I didn’t recognize it. I hadn’t. “That’s yours. You wrote that. Don’t you recognize it?” That was when I realized I could do this.

The rest is all grunt work, patience, perseverance and taking to actually write.


3) Do you gravitate toward any particular genre in writing?

No. I have written quite a bit of poetry and published in magazines and journals as well as a book of my own, non-fiction, creative non-fiction, essays, and children’s books. But children’s books geared not just for children seems to be a focus right now. Probably because I’m feeling mischievous.


4) Tell us about Bud the Spud. What inspired you to write on it?

A gorgeous day when my kids would not go out and play because they were watching kids play on a Disney Channel show about playgrounds. I had the cable TV disconnected that Monday.


5) Describe your path to publication. Has this experience met/exceeded your expectations?

I had no expectations. Each book-publishing experience has come to me from a different source so it is hard to have expectations. The first was requested by the publisher. The second came as a surprise as well. Bud was a book I had shopped around a bit, but had no luck with. Then it just landed in the right hands well after I had gone on to other projects. A publisher who specialized in health-related books and wanted to get into children’s books thought it was the perfect bridge. I would never have thought of them.


6) How do you promote your work? What methods have worked best for you?

Video. We have done a video of the book that can be shared through social media. Web pages have also been helpful as well as the fact I have a long-running and well-read blog. The reviews have been tremendously positive so those show up on web searches. I also am open to readings and appearances. I love doing readings.

I love creativity as well. We have a contest for the wackiest way to read Bud. A gal is reading it on a surfboard. One in a tree. Another on a slide. One crazy fella is reading it while riding a bicycle. I am waiting for the skydiving picture.

We also created International GOT CAP Day. And will be creating Bud caps to go with it. Get Off The Couch And Play. This goes along with the health message and will be picked up and easily shared through social media.


7) Who are your favorite authors? What is on your reading list right now?

I’m sorry. As an author, I don’t have much time to read anymore. A book release take so much time and energy. But, I am currently reading Shakespear’s Planet by Clifford Simak. I am a huge huge fan of Golden Age science fiction and even contributed to the creation of a museum for science fiction writing and an important genre of world literature. I am also reading Going to Pieces without Falling Apart: A Buddhist Perspective on Wholeness by Mark Epstein. I am reading, in small bits, here and there, Hara Diagnosis: Reflections on the Sea by Kiiko Matsumoto and Stephen Birch. This book is to help me in my work dealing with PTSD and trauma through somatic therapy. Prior to these, I read Dragon Fate by J.D. Hallowell, a rare foray into fantasy. Before that, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan. I also read the adapted version, The Omnivore's Dilemma for Kids: The Secrets Behind What You Eat. I wanted to see how it had been, shall we say, dumbed down.


8) Describe a typical day in your life.

A typical day? Up at six. Take out the dog. Feed her. Go to the gym. Come home, go to the office. Deal with office issues, scheduling issues, promotional issues, issues about who deals with issues. See patients. Lunch. Same after lunch. If the mood strikes me, I say “I’m going home to write” or I close myself in an office and I write. Some days I call in and stay home to continue writing. Writing takes precedence over all other things and I grab the ideas while I have them fresh and hot and waiting to be put into words. Muses do not like to be kept waiting.


9) What projects do you have in the works?

Currently I am working on the retelling of the Welsh myth of Rhiannon and Pwyll done in prose and poetry. But, while told from the same perspective, that of the king, it shows how the lady in question, Rhiannon, really holds the power and runs the show. It is done in such a way as to show young girls they have power. The ability to say yes or no, to have their way and run the show no matter what boys say. It is being illustrated by Christine Kuhn, an art professor from East Kentucky University who does the most amazing myth and archetype based paintings. Deep and dark and mysterious.

I am also working on a story about what happens when a tooth fairy goes bad. The heroines of the story are Sef and Sadie, my daughter and granddaughter. Not quite a children’s book. Because this tooth fairy goes very very bad. Like I said, I’m feeling mischievous.


10) What advice would you offer to aspiring authors?

Write. Write and write. Develop who you are. Don’t worry about market trends. If your work is any good, either you will start a trend or the trend will come back around to you.

Get a good editor. One who understand your work and who you can trust. Feed him or her well. Understand you are your worst editor. If you don’t take that to the bank, you won’t be taking anything else there either.


About the Author

Adam Byrn Tritt, MEd, CH, LMT, is a poet, essayist, screenwriter, teacher, social activist, and humorist. In addition to Bud the Spud, Tritt is the author of The Phoenix and the Dragon: Poems of the Alchemical Trans­form­ation, a collection of his poetry, as well as several works of nonfiction.

Adam won the 2006 EPPIE Award for Poetry in an Anthology. In 1995 he was awarded an honorary doctorate for his work in religious tolerance and for the creation of TurningPoint, a nonprofit program providing alternative medicine to low-income individuals. He continues that passion today in the healthcare clinic he and his wife, Lee, dreamed of and created together—the Wellness Center.

He is equally at home speaking in lecture halls, giving public readings in bookstores, and visiting elementary school classrooms, where he can be found surrounded by children begging him to read Bud the Spud just one more time (while their parents and teachers beg him to stop). Adam lives and writes—often simultaneously—in Palm Bay, Florida, with his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter; a dingo; and a ridiculously large alligator, all under a very big tree.

Contact Adam

http://budthespudbook.com/

https://www.facebook.com/budthespud

https://twitter.com/budthespudbook

http://adamtritt.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adam-Byrn-Tritt/61405401529

https://www.facebook.com/adamtritt

The Writer's Block Interviews: Urvi Khanna

1) Tell us a bit about yourself and where you live and work.

I am a professional artist, designer and photographer living in New Delhi, India.

When I was in school, one day in art class, my teacher suddenly pounced on my drawing and I found myself standing outside the Principal’s office. Finally I was called in and told that they were going to use my drawing as the cover of the school magazine and it was the first time such a thing were to happen. I was 8. So very early on, I knew I was going to be an artist or designer.

New Delhi in the 1980s where I grew up, was a melting pot of cultural experiences in India. Poets, dancers, writers, artists, orchestra groups, ballet and drama groups from all over the world would showcase their work round the year -- my parents regularly used to take me for all the events and I developed major influences during that period. I graduated with a BFA (Applied Arts & Photography as my specialization) degree from College of Art Delhi, and went on to work in various creative roles -- did product photography for cola and car brands, designed for a leading current affairs magazine, taught design at a leading private school, worked as art director for an international advertising agency; and co-founded and ran a successful advertising agency for many years.

I also enjoy challenging on-location photography assignments - some of my past photography projects include stories on Tihar Jail (one of India’s biggest jails), and the tribal weavers of India.


2) Describe your journey to becoming an author.

Becoming a parent was a life changing event for me just like for most people. I started seeing things from a child’s perspective. Funny, I had always thought of teaching art to children, but never doing a children’s book. And then it happened and now I can’t imagine why I never thought of it before!

I’m a very visual person so I usually think of ideas and stories in visual form. My first book is a picture book, which was fun and comfortable for me to do since most of the ideas are expressed through visuals or very simple words. It was a collaborative effort with a wonderful writer Indie Poe.


3) Do you gravitate toward any particular genre in writing?

Poetry is beautiful, not just a clever play of words but words that fill you with emotion. Also a style that leaves you imagining more than what is visible on the page. So that every time you read it you see and imagine more or different things.


4) Tell us about your new ebook, The Fountain. What inspired you to write it?

For me, living in a polluted city like New Delhi with a toddler has been challenging as a parent. Although Delhi has several large parks, I would really love to bring my son up in a place surrounded by nature, or at least create more opportunities for him to interact with nature.

My son loves fountains -- he sees one in the bathing tub, the paddle pool, the rain... everywhere, even wanted one in a book! A few weeks ago I was conducting a children's outdoors workshop called ‘Art in the Park’, and the concept of the book sort of came together for me at that moment.


5) Describe your path to publication. Has this experience met/exceeded your expectations?

I chose to self-publish on the iTunes store because what excited me was the possibility of reaching numerous children all over the world in a jiffy. Just to be able to see the book up on the iTunes store, days after finishing it was magical!

The hard bit is the book discovery/marketing process. Everyday a ton of books are being published and many of them are so good! As a self-published author you have limited avenues for marketing your book -- you don’t have a budget really, so it’s not easy to achieve sales.


6) How do you promote your work? What methods have worked best for you?

That is something I need to work on, though having a presence on reading forums really helps connect with readers. I guess the minimum that one needs to do is to create awareness about your book on your personal blog / facebook / twitter etc. Securing reviews is very useful as well. I’ve been usually shy about self publicity -- I think many other creative people feel the same way. I’ve been told that needs to change -- and hope that what I’m learning about book marketing now would be put to better use by the time my second book comes out.


7) Who are your favorite authors? What is on your reading list right now?

As a child I loved folktales from all over the world. One that I have never forgotten was “Aminata the Wind Loves You”, an African folktale by Chia Hearn Chek, published by Dominie Press. The illustrations were like paintings, it was a story about the wind. “Folktales from India” by A.K. Ramanujan is another all time favourite, with stories from the diverse Indian culture. Right now I’m re-reading anything and everything Eric Carle has produced, there is so much to learn from how he communicates complex concepts to children so simply besides the fact that his illustrations are so beautiful. Salman Rushdie, Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Dickens are authors I can enjoy anytime.


8) Describe a typical day in your life.

My day is usually hectic. Time is divided between certain hours for personal work, a bit of teaching on certain days of the week and looking after my little toddler. But I do consciously take time out to be with nature, gaze at leaves, the sky; watch birds fly back home in the evening, the bats come out..

In spite of all the planning, things move with the mood of the day!


9) What projects do you have in the works?

Currently I’m illustrating my next picture book for the nature series (The Fountain was the first). Lets see where it goes, hopefully it will be out soon.

I am also developing art programs for young children that aim to create friendly, supportive environments for self expression through art. I continue to do some design, advertising, photography and teaching - basically everything I love and enjoy!


10) What advice would you offer to aspiring authors?

Being just a book old, I’ve got a lot to learn myself. But I’d like to share a quote that says it beautifully:

“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life's realities.” - Dr. Seuss


About the Author

Urvi Khanna studied Applied Art and Photography at College of Art, Delhi (India) and Advanced Photography at O.P. Sharma’s Institute at Triveni Kala Sangam.

Worked with photographer Hardesh Dhingra and interned with the legendary Madan Mahatta. Also worked with India Today (national & international editions) and Euro RSCG (The Sales Machine - direct marketing).

Co-founded and managed Inventiv Advertising, a full services advertising agency as its Creative Head.

Also taught art at Vasant Valley School, New Delhi.

Currently freelancing and working on personal projects in photography and art. Conducting art workshops for children and working on a book.

First exhibition – Tradespotting | Old Delhi at Delhi ‘O’ Delhi, India Habitat Centre 1- 31st January 2008.

Contact Urvi

Website (blog): http://www.urvikhanna.com

Twitter handle: @urvikhanna

Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/urvi.khanna.90

Blog post about the book: http://www.urvikhanna.com/2012/06/fountain-picture-book_748.html

Email: urvikhanna@gmail.com

Guest Blogger Ruth Jacobs: The Soul Destruction Blog Story

Whilst searching for a literary agent to represent my debut novel, Soul Destruction, I took the advice of a friend and started a blog www.soul-destruction.com. That was at the end of May 2012. Now, a few weeks later in mid-July, there are nearly fifty people following the blog and it’s received over 4,500 page hits. This is how I achieved it.

Initially, when I started the Soul Destruction blog, I asked my friends on Facebook to post the link on their walls. On my Twitter account, which was redundant but previously had been used for work as a recruitment consultant, I had nearly 1500 followers. I tweeted that I was now using the account for my writing and if anyone wanted to unfollow me, I wouldn’t be offended. I didn’t notice a drop in followers and in fact, some of my Twitter contacts have let me know they’ve been reading my blog. I began reading other blogs and made contact with other bloggers, many of whom I am really enjoying getting to know. I have also joined writing groups on Facebook, from which I’ve made new contacts, many of whom have shared their experience and some have even helped publicise my blog.

I created a Soul Destruction Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SoulDestructionSeries , and on that, I post a link to every new blog. I also use Google+, StumbleUpon and Pinterest to publicise all my blog posts. I recently made a promotional video for the Soul Destruction series www.souldestructionblog.wordpress.com/video and my friends have kindly shared that on Facebook too. In ten days on YouTube, the video has received over 350 views. I also uploaded the video onto Metacafe and Flickr so it has exposure on Bing and Yahoo.

Pictures on the blog are important, not just for the visual but to help drive traffic to the blog from search engines. As well as posting the pictures on the blog, I also upload them to my Flickr account, which has a link to my blog. I tag the pictures with the relevant keywords for search engines, as I tag every post on my blog.

In reaching out to my friends on Facebook, one invited me to be interviewed on her radio show, GSOH Live. Others offered to put me in touch with publishing contacts they know. One of those contacts, a small publishing company, expressed an interest in publishing Soul Destruction as an ebook. However, due to other business issues they were unable to progress. Another friend, who I hadn’t seen in over twenty years, invited me to a literary event run by his sister. At the event, I met another writer who suggested I contact her agent. I made a submission and, in less than two weeks, they requested the complete manuscript of Soul Destruction. That was only last week. I’m trying not to get too excited but it’s hard not to.

The Soul Destruction blog www.soul-destruction.com

The Soul Destruction Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SoulDestructionSeries

Ruth’s Twitter www.twitter.com/RuthFJacobs

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Ruth Jacobs is a novelist, writer and blogger. She studied prostitution in the late 1990s, which sparked her interest in the subject. Her writing dispels the 'happy hooker' myth and exposes the reality of being a call girl. Her writing is gritty, her stories are gripping and her characters are authentic. She draws on her research and the women she interviewed for inspiration. She also has firsthand experience of some of the topics she writes about such as post-traumatic stress disorder, rape, and drug and alcohol addiction.

NaNoWriMo Revisited-Part 5

 
NaNoWriMo is a contest which challenges writers to pen a novel in 30 days. Coined, "30 days of literary abandon", participants are instructed to turn off their internal editors and just write. Please keep in mind that what you have been reading are the rough beginnings of what may one day be my first novel. I didn't outline my plot or do an in-depth character analysis. On November 1st 2011, I simply powered on the desktop, opened a Word document, and started writing. It's an attempt I plan to make yet again this November that I might even finish~who knows? All and all, I enjoy reviewing old projects and decided to share this one with you. Just keep in mind that this work is hardly ready for submission, publication, etc...

I hope that you have enjoyed the four previous installments of Marrying Dad. Here is the 5th and final post  but if you are just joining us, click on the links below to parts 1-4 and get caught up:

Marrying Dad- Part 1 
Marrying Dad- Part 2
Marrying Dad- Part 3
Marrying Dad- Part 4  

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Marrying Dad- Part 5

by Raychelle Muhammad

      I remember when Mom took the home pregnancy test. Dad had been out of town on business for a month. She was incredibly stressed out because this was the longest he had been away and his business didn’t usually require such long stays. He said that he was making several presentations at a social networking conference in California and then had new client meetings plus two marketing campaign launches to oversee. “The firm is expanding” he would explain. Mom didn’t trust that this was all business. When he didn’t call to say good night or answer the phone late in the evening, she would pace and worry just like she would when he was home and “working late”. Once or twice a week, Mom would take me to Grandma’s so that she could “have the night off”. I often wondered what she needed the night off from because Dad wasn’t here to drive her crazy. Why couldn’t she enjoy the break she was already getting? 

     When Dad got back from his trip, Mom planned a special evening for them. Off to Grandma’s I went—for the weekend. I generally had a ball when I went to visit my grandmother. She let me do everything Mom wouldn’t let me do at home. I got to stay up late and help cook dinner. We always went special places and Grandma would let me talk about anything that was on my mind. She didn’t fuss over my clothes if I spilled something on them. We would spend a lot of time in Grandma’s finished attic which served as her art studio and sewing room. It had large French doors that opened to a small balcony. The two skylights made the space bright and washed the soft yellow walls with warmth. The sun reflected off the glossy hardwood floors giving them the appearance of glass. Grandma said that the studio was ripe for inspiration. We would frequently spend hours there painting, sewing, and crafting. I thought that Grandma’s studio was the happiest place on Earth. It was freedom. Of course, I missed my parents at times, but the attention Grandma gave me made me miss her more at the end of every visit. Her face would literally light up when I walked into the room. I could hear the excitement in her voice whenever we spoke on the phone. My parents loved me, but Dad was always consumed with work and Mom was always consumed with him. How would another baby fit into this family? I wasn’t looking forward to sharing Grandma with anybody, but at least my new sibling and I would have each other…

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Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave your comments below.

Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...

NaNoWriMo Revisited-Part 4

I hope that you have enjoyed the three previous installments of Marrying Dad. I am posting part 4, but if you are just joining us, here are the links to parts 1-3:

Marrying Dad- Part 1 
Marrying Dad- Part 2
Marrying Dad- Part 3 

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Marrying Dad- Part 4
by Raychelle Muhammad

For Dad to be willing to miss a pitch meeting was huge. Really huge. He was a partner in a very successful ad agency and was known for closing big deals. He loved the challenge of an undecided potential client. Dad was incredibly competitive and could sell anything to anybody. His sales pitch certainly worked on Mom. From what I hear, Mom was “the talk” back in the day. She brought a lot to the table: she was smart, beautiful, witty, and a natural leader. She was popular and got lots of attention. Her senior year in college was particularly impressive. She was a political science major, captain of the debate team, a Presidential Scholar, and class valedictorian. Mom had been accepted to several law schools and many predicted a bright future in politics if she desired to take that leap. Although Dad was no slouch himself, his academic accomplishments weren’t nearly as impressive. He was good-looking, a star football player, and his family had money. My grandfather tried to protect Dad from the struggles he had to overcome, so Dad didn’t always feel the need to work hard for grades or women. When he met Mom, all of that changed. She was a challenge and, of course, my father loved a challenge. The fact that Mom wasn’t especially impressed with him, made her all the more desirable. My parents’ roommates started dating sophomore year, so my parents often saw each other in passing. My mother was considered a “good girl”, so Dad knew that his usual “let the women come to me approach” was not going to work on this one. His reputation was legendary. They actually became really good friends. Truth be told, Mom knew too much of Dad’s drama to be bothered trying to be anything other than friends. My father secretly carried a torch for the woman he was sure would “tame” him one day. Mom always called Dad on his crap and he respected her for it. Dad also knew that his family would love her and that she would make a great NFL wife. Considering the fallout from his past exploits with women while in college (including 2 paternity suits and a statutory rape charge), marrying a woman like Mom would help his image and would increase his marketability. His endorsement potential would increase by leaps and bounds. On paper, they were potentially the ultimate power couple. In reality, they proved to be quite the opposite.

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Are you wondering how it is that these two got married anyway? Leave your comments below.

Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...