amwriting

Why I need #OwnVoices

First and foremost, a little heads-up: I’m black. I know, I know, it may come as a shock. I don’t wish to alarm you, but if you’re reading this, I think you should know the truth. I’m the descendant of slaves brought to the United States from Africa, and indigenous peoples in the Americas before…

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amwriting

On Becoming French

I moved to France in September 2006. Prior to that, I had a great job in a field that I loved. I was twenty-six years old, had my Bachelor’s and was living on my own. My career was practically traced out and I was (on paper) doing quite well for myself. But I chucked it…

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amwriting

Getting Started as a Writer

For years, I dreamt of becoming a writer. But it seemed to big, too impossible, and unreasonable to expect success for myself. The problem wasn’t in the idea of my writing being of interest to the world. The problem was within me. Maybe you feel stuck, too. So here’s my advice for becoming a writer,…

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amwriting

Mentorship Programs

Paying it forward. 2018 was a major year for me. Ten years after penning the first words of my first novel, I finally signed with a literary agency! It took months for me to accept that my dream had come true and to give myself permission to believe that I was a real, agented author.…

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amwriting

PitchWars & Consistent Feminism

There has been a mighty kerfluffle. Founder Brenda Drake announced that there would be an entry fee for PitchWars on April 2nd (I guess? She has since returned to a no-fee policy). And, people had feelings. I’m one of those people. This post is about my experience as a 2017 mentee. I’m sharing because the…

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