Still Writing, but a Girl's Gotta Eat, Too!

One of the most common pieces of advice that is given to writers is to never quit your day job. Since I left the retail world 9 years ago, I have pursued several entrepreneurial ventures, finished a degree, obtained a professional certification, been accepted into graduate school,  homeschooled my 12 year-old daughter, helped her publish her first novel, published seven books of my own in addition to several freelance articles, started a garden, decorated my homes, built websites, created 3 blogs, started a line of greeting cards, designed a line of fabrics and home accessories, and a bunch of other stuff I can't recall at the moment. When did I have the time to even consider a "day job"?

I have a lot of interests and I pursue them all. Sue me. But, a writer still has to eat (and there are two writers in my house!). This past summer, I designed and taught a course entitled, "The Science of Nutrition", for a group of high school students at Workshop Houston's Summer Leadership Institute. It was incredibly rewarding (shout out to Co-Director Reginald Dwayne Hatter and High School Program Director Jalyn Smith) and led me to find other ways to get out of the house and monetize my passions. Adding to the long list of personal and professional pursuits, I now have a position in sales working with homebuilders--and I love it! I am meeting all kinds of interesting people which should one day make for some pretty intriguing stories.

Needless to say, there hasn't been as much activity on the blogging/writing end over the last couple of months while in transition. Had to pump the brakes a bit as I started the new gig when the school year began. I have found a fulfilling way to do what I have to do now in order to do what I want to do later.

I want to thank all of the guest bloggers who have helped me with some of the "heavy lifting" as well as those of you who follow me and support my work. Smart Girls Like You is nearly finished with Smart Boys Like You coming soon. The Living Well is taking on a life of its own and will be finished by the year's end. Here's to finding many ways to get paid for doing what you love. Absolutely none of it feels like work!

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

Life's Wonderful Little Surprises!

Yesterday at the library, I happened to flip through the July/August 2012 issue of Practical Homeschooling magazine to find a feature on my daughter, Halima, highlighting her debut novel Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe. I didn't know they had selected her for their "Show and Tell' column, so it was quite an exciting yet surreal moment. Needless to say, I am very proud of her--smiling from the inside out!

To read more about Halima and her novel, visit her on Facebook, her author website, her blog, or read her interview on The Writer's Block.

Have a great weekend!

A Raychelle Writes Milestone!

In just a few short weeks, this blog will celebrate its first anniversary! Since the launch on 7/13/2011, Raychelle Writes has picked up 68 followers, logged over 19,000 page views, conducted over 80 interviews on The Writer's Block series, reviewed over 15 books, hosted several guest-bloggers, had our first illustrator's contest, and (hopefully) shared some helpful information about all things writing.

Blogging has proved to be a highly effective way to network and build my platform as an author/illustrator. If you are a writer and you are not blogging, seriously consider it. It has enabled me to help many people showcase their creations, including my 12 year-old daughter/new author, Halima. But, blogging has also given me a media outlet that I control and a reason to write most days of the week. I have learned so much from every person I have "met". My gratitude towards every individual who has allowed me to share their stories is overflowing.

I have some rough plans for how the one year anniversary of Raychelle Writes will be commemorated, but I would love to hear your suggestions. Are you interested in what some of The Writer's Block alums have been up to since their initial interviews? Would you like to see some guest bloggers? How about some agent interviews? Perhaps another contest? Book club? What would you like to see?

Feel free to leave your suggestions in the comments below. I look forward to hearing from you! Have a wonderfully productive Friday!

Celebrating with Family in Remembrance of Mom

On June 23rd my mother, Regena V. Thomas, would have been 75 years old. After 9 years without her, my family and I still feel the sting of her absence. This year, we decided to celebrate Halima's graduation from the 8th grade, the release of her first novel (Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe), and my mom's birthday. It was a great dinner. I am so proud of my daughter and what we have been able to accomplish in the face of adversity. I love my family for being so supportive. I am thinking that Mom would approve. Actually, I am certain of it.

The Writer's Block Interviews: Halima Sahar Muhammad

I am admittedly biased about today's featured author on The Writer's Block! She is none other than 12 year-old author Halima Sahar Muhammad, my daughter. After successfully completing 2 NaNoWriMo challenges (2010 & 2011), she decided to publish Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe. Today is the official release date! 

Please watch her video, book trailer, read her interview, visit her website, read an excerpt from her blog, and visit her Facebook fan page. It would be a wonderful thing if you bought the book! All of the links are listed below. Leave a comment for Halima. She has been a disciplined and determined young lady throughout the process. She is living proof that if you put in the work, results will come. 

(I love you , Halima! You did it!)

Riley Interviews Halima Sahar Muhammad on The Writer's Block!

Book Trailer for Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe

READ AN EXCERPT! http://halimasworld.blogspot.com/p/read-excerpt-of-riley-and-kitchen.html

Halima's Official Website: http://www.wix.com/chellemgt/Halimas-World

Halima's World Blog: http://www.halimasworld.blogspot.com

Riley Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RileyAndTheKitchenKatastrophe

12 year-old author Halima Sahar Muhammad interviewed on Lakefront Muse blog! http://www.lakefrontmuse.blogspot.com/2012/06/riley-real-girl-with-real-attitude.html

Buy your copy of Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe:

My Website (Get an autographed copy!)

CreateSpace

Amazon.com

Amazon Kindle

Barnes & Noble NOOK

Thank you for your support! It means everything! 

Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe Will Be Released Thursday, June 7, 2012!

Greetings, All!

My 12 year-old homeschooled daughter, Halima, has just wrapped another school year and will be entering the 9th grade this fall. For her third consecutive year, she was a Texas State Finalist in the Letters About Literature Writing Contest. One of her most exciting accomplishments is that Halima participated in National Novel Writers Month 2011 (NaNoWriMo) and will be publishing her middle-grade novel, Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe, on June 7th, 2012! She is doing a few interviews, putting together a book trailer, doing cooking videos, and planning a small release party. She has worked really hard and I am so proud of her!

I am asking you to support and encourage Halima in any, or all, of the following ways:

1)  Visit/follow her blog and leave a comment at http://www.halimasworld.blogspot.com

2)  Read an excerpt from Riley and leave some feedback: http://www.halimasworld.blogspot.com/p/read-excerpt-of-riley-and-kitchen.html

3)  Visit, "like", and leave a comment on her Facebook fan page at
https://www.facebook/RileyAndTheKitchenKatastrophe

4)  Buy the book, read it, and then review the book on Amazon.com, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, etc.

5)  Visit her author website at http://www.wix.com/chellemgt/Halimas-World

6)  Share this news with your friends and recommend the book!

Thank you for all of your support!

Available on CreateSpace, Amazon.com, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes and Noble NOOK!

Riley's Countdown Begins!

In 7 days, Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe will be released! Written by Halima Sahar Muhammad, this middle-grade novel explores sibling rivalry and the value of teamwork. Read the official press release below and stay tuned for more updates!

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Halima Sahar Muhammad is an avid reader who has been a Texas State Finalist in the Letters About Literature writing contest in 2010, 2011, and 2012. After successfully completing National Novel Writers Month challenges in 2010 and 2011, Halima decided to edit and publish her first middle-grade novel, Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe. Her novel has been self-published on CreateSpace.com and is also available on Amazon.com, Amazon Kindle, and Barnes and Noble NOOK starting June 7, 2012.

  Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe is a middle-grade novel about an 11 year-old girl and her ongoing feud with her pesky big brother, Atticus. When her parents are called out of town for business, Riley and her brother find out that they will be spending six long days in the country visiting family. During their stay, Riley volunteers her brother to help throw a dinner party for their aunt's new neighbors. When the kitchen goes up in smoke, will Riley and Atticus stop fighting long enough to salvage a potential disaster?

Halima's mother, Raychelle Muhammad, assisted her with the editing, formatting, and cover design. She insists, however, that the hardest work was done by Halima herself: "Halima created the Riley character during NaNoWriMo 2010. When the 2011 challenge began, she was determined to write the next title in the Riley series and publish it. Halima finished her first draft, took a month-long break, and resumed edits and rewrites in January. On the day before her self-imposed deadline, May 14, 2012, the manuscript was done. I am incredibly proud of Halima and I am grateful for the outpouring of support and well-wishes she is receiving from friends, family, and the literary community."

Halima is 12-years old, homeschooled, and will be entering the 9th grade in the fall. She is an excellent student. One of her favorite mantras is, "Nothing can quench the thirst for knowledge." In her spare time, Halima enjoys reading, fashion, swimming, painting, and hanging out with family and friends. For updates about her launch, visit her Facebook fan page at https://www.facebook.com/RileyAndTheKitchenKatastrophe and her blog at http://www.halimasworld.blogspot.com.