Monthly Archives: June 2009

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Adding my two cents …The Jacksons and Michael

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Like most African-American teenage girls, my bedroom walls were plastered with pictures of the Sylvers (does anybody remember them?) and the Jackson 5. My mother used to have a fit when I hung them up with massive piles of tape. “You’re going to peel the paint off the walls,” she yelled.

So …I used less tape on the next picture.

Every morning before I left the house for school, I would say good-bye and blow kisses to the fifty or so pictures and posters I had collected from magazines such as Right On! Ebony, and any teen magazine that featured the Jackson 5. I also had a special kiss on the lips for Marlon. Hey, I was a teenager in love!

My girlfriends and I used to have pajama parties and divide the brothers amongst ourselves. One girlfriend loved Jermaine, and another was crazy about Tito. Marlon was and is, my favorite Jackson.

But we all loved Michael.

I’ll always remember my first J5 concert at Madison Square Garden in the early ‘70s. Dressed to the nines in hot pants and strappy sandals that tied around the legs (Amazingly, they’re popular again. If only I’d kept mine, um …), my friends and I strutted in—with the other ten thousand teenagers—like we owned the place.

I loved my parents for taking five screaming girls to a J5 concert—not once, but twice. We cried and sang along with each song. When Michael yelled out to the audience, “Just look over your shoulder, honey…I’ll be there…” we went ballistic!

I could go on about how much Michael Jackson and his brothers influenced me growing up. I could also go on about how Michael’s solo career kept me dancing and singing along with my three daughters, who are also big MJ fans.

But I won’t.

Instead, I’ll pop “Butterfly” and “Wanna be Startin’ Something” into my car CD and jam on the way home. When I get there, I’ll raise a glass of whatever, and play every Jackson 5 song starting with “I Want You Back” on the “Diana Ross presents: The Jackson 5” cd.

It’s forty years of music, so my tribute will definitely last all weekend. And possibly, beyond.

MJ: Gone too soon.

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The Craft: Always Learning

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I’ve been writing professionally for over twenty years. I’ve learned prose, grammar, how to dissect a sentence (noun, verb, object …etc.) and how to write a lead that grabs the audience.

Now, I’m adding to my writing portfolio, and taking another path–to romance writing.

And yes, I’m still learning.

I’m learning what makes a reader pick up a book and hold on to every word until the wee hours of the morning. As a reader, I know what keeps me turning the pages. As a writer, I have to learn how to do it.

I’m learning that writing romance and in particular, erotic romance, is no joke. It’s tough. It’s intense. It’s rewarding.

  • If you want your characters to stay with a reader long after the book has been read–it’s tough.
  • If you don’t want your plot to flop midway through the book, but stay fresh until the very last page–it’s tough.

    I’ve discovered some great resources that many writers already use. One of my favorite resources has been the Writer’s Digest Writers Online Workshops.
    They offer workshops for whatever stage you’re in as a writer: beginner, intermediate and advanced. The length and prices of the sessions vary to fit individual needs and timeframes.

    The instructors are wonderful and for the most part, writers and authors. They understand the concept (and struggle) of making your work shine.

    I took the Essentials of Romance Writing workshop and it was one of the best courses I’ve ever taken. The instructor provided constructive criticism and suggestions that made my writing better. I’m indebted to her for all her help and insight. (Thanks, Alice!)

    In any writing, learning and perfecting the craft is important. I’m excited about the upcoming the Romance Writers of America conference, because I’ll have another opportunity to learn. I’ll have the opportunity to be immersed in four days of creativity.

    I’m lovin’ this learning thing.

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    Reality bites …after a great vacation

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    It’s back to reality and tomorrow, back to work. I returned from my cruise with romance author extraordinaire, Ms. Brenda Jackson. As always, it was a good time. Ms Jackson promises to keep the momentum going with all her sexy characters. If you’re not a fan, get busy. She has 66 books, so you have a lot of catching up to do!

    The cruise to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick was relaxing. The picture above was taken from my cabin balcony. Nice, huh?

    I caught up with old friends and met some cool new friends. I wanted to send a greeting to Ms. Marie Forbes, fellow Elizabethan. It was wonderful to meet you!

    Shout outs to the Savvy Sistahs: Gigi Jones and Sharon Clarke for making the trip extra special, Ms Louise Brown, my critiquing partner who kept me editing even while on vacation, and Ms. Toni Bonita, Book Club
    Moderator for author, Altonya Washington. It was wonderful to see you!

    If you get the chance to go to Nova Scotia, please make a trip to the Black Cultural Centre. Huge shout outs to Mr. Wade Jackson, our tour guide and Dr. Henry V. Bishop, curator of the Centre. The history of how Africans made their way to Nova Scotia is extremely interesting. You owe it to yourself to take a visit.

    A trip isn’t a trip unless you have a little sizzle and spice, you know? In the coming weeks I plan to update my Sumthin’ Sumthin’ page with homegrown yummy pops from New Jersey. Six wonderfully intelligent and sexy men joined us on the cruise for a little fun and activity. Before I post (with their pictures!), I’d like to get their permission. You can understand that, right?

    But trust me. They’ll be worth the wait! :D

    I need to unpack, so this blog will be relatively brief. But, it will only be a half unpack, because RWA is right around the corner.

    Last but not least, enormous shout outs to those who subscribe to my blog. Thank you! I appreciate your interest and comments.

    See you in a bit.

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    Blue skies, willing muses, and mojitos …

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    Woohoo!

    Today is my last day of work. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I’m off for a little rest and relaxation aboard ship with Ms. Brenda Jackson. If you love romance, please read her books. You won’t be able to put them down. Trust me. Her characters are like old friends that you can’t wait to see.

    I’ll try to blog from the ship, as I will have my netbook. I hope that the ship’s internet connection is working. I think I mentioned before how I feel about technology when it’s working. So, please keep your fingers crossed.

    We’re heading to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada, and I’ve done some research on sights to see and things to do.

    I’m particularly interested in taking the tour of the African-American Cultural Center. The Bay of Fundy looks interesting, and the chocolate factory in New Brunswick is totally up my alley. I’ll keep a journal of my trip to share with you. If you’ve been to this part of Canada or live there, I’d love to get pointers on what else to do while we’re docked.

    I’m working on my latest manuscript, and if course, my muse is packed and ready to go. I hope to be inspired to write up a blue streak while on deck—my muse on one side, my mojito on a nearby table. That’s a sure combination for sizzle and spice.

    Enjoy your weekend. Talk to you soon.