I recently had an opportunity to attend the Black Writers Weekend here in Atlanta. As a cat who just keeps to himself locked in his office, this event gave me a chance to fellowship with other creators of color. I go off of energy these days. I left the day of workshops and symposiums refreshed by hearing stories from published authors offering their encouragement.
This one author wrote 18 books in a year. And I’m just sitting there like...
It was cool to see my homeboy from undergrad on a panel of male authors at CreativeCon. Shout out to Kelsey Maynor, man.
It was interesting -- especially considering my background -- that I hadn’t given much thought to the business aspect of writing. Maybe I’m just focused on actually getting the story down right now. Once the first draft is complete, I’m going to have to start looking forward past writing and how to get this thang printed and sold.
I can feel it.
Actually knowing what my next steps are is pretty helpful. Now I actually have to let people read my work.
Getting feedback from people is pretty important though. Current life lessons are teaching me to be open. I can say that I’m now tapped into a network of writers. I just have to go out and grab coffee at PCM one of these days.
I just have to keep going. Put this restless energy into something productive. In the meantime, I’m living life. Experience impacts perspective and I’m never trying to come from a place of willful ignorance. Remember that.
The Marathon Continues.