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Black History Month Author Roundtable
6.
AOTW: Do you do anything to encourage aspiring African-American authors? What advice do you have for would-be authors?
Stanice Anderson: Yes. My website at www.stanice.com, lists online writer resources, as well as a Q&A column. During book signings and talks, parents introduce me to bring their budding writer children; I take a few minutes to encourage them, as people, through the years, have encouraged me.
From time to time, I showcase the work of aspiring writers, on my website.
When I know someone who exhibits writing potential, I try to give them little presents that will encourage them to write and/or acknowledge them as a writer, i.e., pens, journals; books on the craft of writing, writer magazine subscriptions.
Additional advice to would-be authors, "We can talk like we are writers; but we must write to be writers."
The Paradigm "If the desire to write is not accompanied by the act of writing then the desire is not to write."
"Prayer and hard work. Daily surrender your gift of writing to God and hone your writing skills by learning the craft of writing and exercise what you learn in your writing. I use the words of an old hymn, as my prayer. "Have your own way Lord, Have your own way. You are the potter. I am the clay. Make me and mold me into your will while I am waiting, yielded and still."
Perseverance, honesty, and humility reap rewards.
Subscribe to magazines like, The Writer, Writer's Journal, Writer's Digest, Book, and Pages. Also, to learn about the business of writing, subscribe or read free publishing industry news like, Publishers Lunch, Publishers Weekly free emails.
To get an insider's view of the wonderful world of publishing, ask a seasoned writer questions and humbly follow the advice given. No one can help you if you act like you know everything --- dummy-up and get all the help that you need.
Y. Blak Moore: Being a part of the underground poetry scene in Chicago I have regular contact with leagues of writers. I offer them the same advice that was given to me: KEEP WRITING!
Diane McKinney-Whetstone: Write. Just write. At some point get involved with a writing workshop to network with other writers. But the most important thing is to write. Write without an agenda of proving a point, and you will in fact make some powerful points.
Harriette Cole: Write everyday. Practice your craft until you find your voice. Don't give up. Participate in writer's workshops where other writers critique your work. Seek out small publications that may publish your work, even if you don't get paid. Be vigilant in developing your writing and finding outlets to publish. There are so many avenues now: the Internet, literary publications, free magazines and newspapers, local newspapers, monthly publications. Also read. Read books about topics that interest you as well as those that help you to expand your knowledge. With knowledge, experience and patience you will succeed.
Stephanie Perry Moore: Yes, I take time to listen to their concerns and as an editor of Bible products, I give aspiring authors a chance to get the work published. Advice I would give would be to write everyday and really do your own homework before asking for help.
Marcus Major: I encourage them to approach it seriously, if they are indeed intent on writing. Anyone can have an idea for a book. To separate oneself from the untold number who have books "in their head" should be the first goal. That comes with actually sitting down and committing to writing one.
Benilde Little: Advice for anyone who wants to get published is not to focus on that as the goal. Write everyday; pay attention to what's around you and read.
Victor LaValle: I have the same advice for every would-be author. Read books. Read! And I don't mean that you should read books about and by people just like you. If you're Asian read books by Nigerian authors. If you're black, read the great Russian writers (Gogol most of all). By reading a wide variety of authors you discover that the only important distinction in literature is between good and bad. Decide for yourself which side you want to be on.
Ray Shannon: I speak as often as I can to high school creative writing classes in the L.A. area. And I advise all would-be authors to read constantly, read only the best authors, and seek out only the most qualified people for critical analysis of your work. And when you receive that critical analysis, look hard for the kernel of truth in it, because unless your work is perfect (and no one's ever is), at least one small kernel of truth is going to be there. Finally, be prepared to WORK, because no matter how effortless some published authors make writing appear, for most of us, the process is nothing short of hell on earth.
Olympia Vernon: Yes, I breathe and open my hand to all writers. I pray for them and I send them notes of encouragement. Of the mind and the spirit. And even literally. It has not been odd for me to go to a writer's home, a friend, and encourage them. Do not hold your head down to your gift. A talent is forgotten. A talent you can give up on. It is like learning painting or learning how to drive a Cadillac. But a gift: a gift is always with you and regardless of what you do, it will not go away. Regardless of what job you have, that book in the corner of your room will call you. If it does, walk out on a limb. Devote yourself to it. Take it out on a long date. Dance with it. Move it. Kiss it for a long period of time. Dance until the moon comes down and turns into something else. A novel. Let nothing stop you. Let no doors close. If they do, reevaluate the object and knock again. Let NO doors close.
Nalo Hopkinson: I do what I can to encourage aspiring black and Caribbean writers, yes, through teaching workshops, through networking, giving advice, being available when my own time, energy and resources allow. I want more company in this field, so I'm delighted to see other black folks writing. But be aware that I encourage all kinds of other emerging writers too. Your question is slanted in a way that if I simply answered "yes," it could look as though I'm only interested in black authors. To would-be writers, I would say, be bold about wanting to be a writer. Well-meaning people may try to discourage you because it's difficult, risky, and usually brings few financial rewards. But if it's something you want to do, don't be dissuaded. Do what you need to do to learn your craft and learn it well.
Jenoyne Adams: Yes, I do do things to encourage aspiring African-American authors. I speak a lot to college writing courses, and I especially love speaking at junior colleges because there are always a lot of African-American students to inspire and encourage in their work. I also participate in an open writing workshop where all of the writers involved constantly critique and help each other. I tell all aspiring authors that they only need one agent and one editor. This is important because when you think of it that way, it doesn't matter how many rejection letters you get. When you find the right combination of representation, the process usually becomes a lot smoother. And don't hold onto your work forever, but only sell it when you a truly satisfied with your story and craftsmanship.
Nikki Giovanni: I am positive in my response to them. I try to give as much time as I can. I try to blurb as many books as I can to be of whatever help I can be.
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