MARCH - 2012

IT'S MARCH - LET'S CELEBRATE THE WOMEN!

Hello all.

I’m happy to say that I’ve made it out of February with a bit more wisdom and much thankfulness for lessons learned.

This month I’m settling down to take of much needed items in preparation for the summer release of Through the Fire. In addition to that I’m taking the time to update some computer skills (I hear some of you laughing at me).

As a member of the National Council of Negro Women I had the opportunity to co-host, along with members of the Black Heritage Society, ‘Celebrate the Poetry of Life’ reception at The Washington House. This event celebrated the works of young poets and paid homage to James and Janie Washington left their home as an residence for Seattle area artists.

MARCH WRITING TIP
Ever have a fantastic idea while you’re driving down the road or in the middle of the night? Did you lose that idea because you didn’t have anything to write it down on? Been there, done that. With the convenience of electronics there’s no need for that to happen again. Invest in a voice recorder that you can keep handy for those unexpected visits from your muse. The costs range from minimal to high end. Some come with USB extensions that allow you to plug into your computer.

You can also minimize costs by using the notes app on your cell/smartphone. 

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Tyora Moody can be described as ‘the author’s best friend’. She has earned that title due to her vast knowledge and expertise as it pertains to helping others create an online presence. Along with her website development and graphic expertise Tyora provides virtual book tours. Included in those services are internet radio, podcasts, twitter chats and Facebook chats for a more rounded, interactive experience.

Today I’m pleased to introduce her to some and reintroduce to others as ‘Debut Author’.

Tyora, who is admittedly an avid reader, openly shared how her transition into the world of writing created a need to guard her time. That guarded time has resulted in her debut novel, 'When Rain Falls'. The work centers around the age-old question, Why does God let bad things happen to good people?

 
With skill Tyora combines thought-provoking prose with intrigue that compels the reader to move forward through the pages.

When asked what she would like readers to take away from her work, Ms. Moody stated, "Loss can come in many forms and has a variety of offshoots. When people question God regarding their state of distress, it doesn't mean that their faith has waned." She feels that in asking the questions, one is seeking answers. Response to those questions can be the key to opening the door to the healing process for themselves and others.

To learn more about Tyora and her works, visit her at:

http://www.tyoramoody.com

WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

Merlie Evers-Williams – wife of slain civil rights activist, Medgar Evers, born March 1, 1933 in Vicksburg, Mississippi. She preserved her husband’s legacy by writing several books  chronicling his contributions to the civil rights movement. She worked tirelessly until his murderer was brought to justice in 1964. In 1965 she became the first woman to head the NAACP and served in that position until 1998.

Mary McLeod Bethune – founded the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls (now Bethune-Cookman College) in 1904. The United States and other countries have benefited through her service too numerous for this space. Some of those have been President of National Association of Colored Women, Director of Negro Affairs in the National Youth Administration,  Consultant to the U. S. Secretary of War for selection of the first female officer candidates and Founded the Nation Council of Negro Women.

LaShaunda Carruth Hoffman – Founder of Shades of Romance online magazine.  For over ten years LaShaunda has dedicated her time, talent and finances into presenting a national magazine that promotes and encourages aspiring, novice and seasoned authors. “ I believe in promoting authors and their books. Let me introduce you and your books to online readers.” Learn more about LaShaunda at Sormag.

THE READER ELITE 

IT'S INTELLECTUAL BOOK CLUB - OPENING BOOKS TO OPEN OUR MINDS!

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

November 2011  with Sharon Ewell Foster and Guests

We're passionate about expanding our perspectives by connecting with others through thought-provoking discussions around literature. We meet every 3rd Sunday at Southcenter DoubleTree Inn, 3:30P. During the month we share our thoughts on Facebook. We also support and host local and natioal authors. If you'd like to share your writing or read along with us, we would love to have you.

Would you like your book club and its activities featured in this newsletter? If so, I invite you to send your information and a group shot to: lindabonassignment@yahoo.com using ‘Book Club Submission’ in the subject line.

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Before I go I encourage you to check out the sidebars provided here. The ‘Events’ selelection provides information on literary and other events of note taking place around the country. If you know of an event not listed here, you’re welcome to send to me at: lindaonassignment@yahoo.com. Please use Events in the subject line.

And, if you’re so inclined visit me online at: www.lindabeed.com  and www.thewriteplan.net to get more details on what I’m doing and sharing. If you’ve enjoyed this first offering of the new year, please share it with others.

Looking forward to hearing from you. As always I encourage your to ceat or continue to work on THE WRITE PLAN for you.

Linda!

 

FEBRUARY - 2012

It’s February Already?

Okay, I know it’s almost March and I’m just getting this newsletter out. Please show me grace and mercy as I wrap my mind and time management around my promise.

Soooo, what’s going on with me? Lots.

Requests for ‘Tell Them’ my one-woman show has kept me pretty busy this month. It’s been wonderful conversing afterwards with those who don’t know about the character Denise McNair, and what she accomplished prior to dying in the 1963 Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing. My desire is for this presentation to take root outside the month of February in order for her story to be used to help students and parents year-round.


The picture here is of me and three fabulous young actresses who pictched in to help with this presentation. I also thank Nation Son Holmes for the fabulous job she did in producing the 'I Am Black Hisotry' event at the African American Museum.

FEBRUARY WRITING TIP

After writing the first draft writers need to exhale, regroup and then get back to the drawing board. That consists of reading (I suggest aloud), what you’ve written. From there, if you haven’t already, create a simple synopsis for the work and a profile for your characters.  Being able to see where you want to go and who needs to be developed to help you with this will save much time in the long run.

Remember, because it’s your story you don’t have to marry the first drafts or characters you come up with. 

 

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to read some wonderful books regarding figures entrenched in our glorious history. Of late it’s been a pleasure to see the truth unfold as it pertains to what we’ve been taught. Two such works have been The Resurrection of Nat Turner Part One & Two.


This work that rivals what has been entrenched in American history for 180 years has sparked debates across the country.


Please enjoy the description of The Resurrection of Nat Turner Part Two: The Testimony.

They were all heroes . . .

Sparked by an indigo sun, Nat Turner stormed into history with a sword in one hand and a Bible in the other. Thirty years before the advent of the Civil War—in the predawn hours of August 22, 1831, commanding a small army of slaves, Nat Turner led a bloody fight for freedom that shined a national spotlight on slavery and left more than fifty whites dead.

In The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 2: The Testimony, as Harriet Beecher Stowe seeks to learn the truth of the man his people called Prophet, Nat Turner shares the faith, triumph, tragedy, and hope of his fight for liberty, brotherhood, and self-determination.

For 180 years, the truth of Nat’s story has been tainted. Award-winning author Sharon Ewell Foster reinterprets history to offer a new American story of one man’s struggle for freedom and the redemption of his people. Based on actual trial records, interviews with descendants, official documents, and five years of research, The Resurrection of Nat Turner, Part 2: The Testimony is a story of the quest for truth and the true meaning of liberty.

To learn more about Sharon and her works, visit her at: http://www.sharonewellfoster.com

BLACK HISTORY MOMENT

 February 1 - The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery, was adopted by the 38th Congress. Ratification was completed December 6, 1865. Also in 1870, Jonathan Jasper Wright was elected to the South Carolina Supreme Court.
February 7 - Negro History week originated by Carter G.Woodson is observed for the first time in 1926.

THE READER ELITE

Would you like your book club and its activities featured in this newsletter? If so, I invite you to send your information and a group shot to: lindabonassignment@yahoo.com using 'Book Club Submission' in the subject line.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter. There's so much more I'd like to share, but it'll have to wait until next month. The good thing about that is that March is not that far off.

 I invite you to visit me online at www.lindabeed.com to get more details on what I'm doing and sharing. If you've enjoyed what you've found here, please share with others. Until we meet again next month I encourage you to create or continue to work on THE WRITE PLAN for you.

Linda!

JANUARY - 2012

Happy New Year Friends!

I’ve finally acquiesced to the requests of friends and readers and I’m now committed to a monthly newsletter. That said, I’m laughing with you as you note the date of this first edition.

Regardless, I’m looking forward to the new year and what it brings.

In addition to keeping you abreast of what’s going on with me, I plan to share what’s going on in the writing community by offering writing tips and ways of helping you to setup and run your writing business. I’ll also feature authors, their works, events and just fun stuff.

Soooo—what’s going on?

Currently I’m working on edits for my summer release­—Through the Fire, the long awaited sequel to Business Unusual.

Aside from writing I have two projects that are near and dear to my heart. One is The Write Plan. TWP came into existence at the request of authors desiring to learn the business side of the industry. 

My other passion is my one woman presentation of ‘Tell Them’. This visual presents the last day of Carol Denise McNair, the youngest victim in the 1963 Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama. More information on this subject will be featured in the February newsletter.

WRITING TIP

THE FIRST DRAFT - Aspiring writers often believe that they must edit their way to perfection in order to come up with a viable first draft—not so. When the idea pops into your head, just run with it. It doesn’t have to make sense. The goal of the first draft is to get your thoughts down on paper. Once you’ve done this you can go back and work on feasibility. The end result of that will be your first draft. This can be submitted to your critique group who will give insight that will prepare you for the next round of self-editing. 


AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT

One of the things I missed growing up was the availability of books with characters that looked like me. Today our children are blessed to have an abundance of works by imaginative authors writing stories that reflect their heritage. One such author is KELLY STARLING LYONS .

Below Kelly shares her successful journey toward publication.

“Growing up, I rarely saw kids who  looked like me as the main characters  of children’s books. I loved books and treasured every story I read. But after  reading Something Beautiful, I knew I had missed something important—reflections of myself. Right then, I decided to add my voice.

In a way my life path has brought me back to my roots. I’ve returned to that dreamy girl I used to be who warmed her feet at the radiator behind her bedroom door and stepped through the pages of books into other lives. But this time, instead of looking at reflections created by someone else, I’m the one holding up the mirror so that children can see.”

My book, One Million Men and Me (Just Us Books, 2007), illustrated by Peter Ambush, emerged from memories of attending the Million Man March. As I walked through the sea of men and boys, I saw a father holding hands with his little girl. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds. She looked like a princess among kings.

I have two forthcoming picture books with G.P. Putnam’s Sons that explore African-American history and family relationships. Ellen’s Broom, illustrated by Daniel Minter, will debut January 2012. It was inspired by a document I saw while researching family history in Rockingham County, NC and Henry County, VA. Tea Cakes for Tosh, will debut fall 2012. It’s illustrated by E.B. Lewis and inspired by my relationship with  grandma.

To learn more about Kelly and her works, visit her at:
 http://www.kellystarlinglyons.com

THIS MONTH IN BLACK HISTORY

Remembering A Life
By Nordette Adams


I remember him in the misted vision of toddler years
and again in girlhood, the booming voice on TV,
someone grown-ups talked about, eyelids flapped wide.
Elders huddled 'round the screen enraptured,
in fear for him, in awe.

I remember him.
His words swept the land, singing our passion.
Dogs growled in streets. Men in sheets.
Police battering my people. (Water, a weapon.)
Yet my people would rejoice ... And mourn.

but in solitude and hope
with acts of courage and compassion,
with lives of greater scope
carving fresh paths of righteousness?

I remember.

THE READER ELITE

Would you like your book club featured in this newsletter? If so, I invite you to send your information and a group picture to lindabonassignment@yahoo.com using ‘Book Club Submission’ in the subject line.

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Things move so swiftly in this industry that a monthly newsletter doesn’t afford the space necessary to share it all. For that reason, I invite you to visit me online at www.lindabeed.com to get more information on what I’m doing and sharing.

If you’ve enjoyed this first offering of the new year, please share it with others. Until next month I encourage you to create or continue to work on THE WRITE PLAN for you.

LINDA!