Yes, getting published makes you feel like a legit writer, but there are other ways to know if you live, breathe and eat words. The 10 signs below are just a partial list. I’m sure you have your own brand of craziness that makes you a writer. These just happen to be my faves. 1. […]
This is How You Know That You’re a Legit Writer Read More »
Bios are a necessary evil. There, I said it, er, wrote it. Let me explain. I used to hate reading bios because it seemed like an exercise in navel-gazing, which, to me, will cure insomnia faster than an Ambien. Why do some people lose all creativity when it’s time to share their expertise? A bio
This is How You Write a Bio That Doesn’t Cure Insomnia Read More »
Recently, I participated in the #SassBossLinkUp (founded by Sapphira Martin) a panel about creative leaps and entrepreneurship, which inspired this post about 11 quotes for newbie writers (obvi). All of my fellow panelists and the moderator are pretty badass—one of them, Briana Owens, has a gig in advertising but also owns Spiked Spin, a hip-hop cycling
11 Quotes For Newbie Writers And a J. Cole Lyric Read More »
I’ve dropped some serious coin on writing workshops with schools like the Frederick Douglass Creative Arts Center in Harlem (RIP), Gotham, Mediabistro and The Best Sellers Publishing Course. The last one was more about publishing than writing, but that’s for a later post. It’s safe to say I’ve seen my share of writing communities from
Here’s What I Know About Writing Workshops Read More »
I’m not ashamed to admit that I carry copies of my book Famous! How to be the Star of Your Show around in my bag, like a mixtape rapper selling CDs at the gas station. Why? Because I’m always ready for the big pitch. Shout out to rappers who’ve nailed this concept. I’ve supported many Brooklyn
Three Ways to Elevate Your Pitch Game Read More »
Self-publishing a book can (and will) drive you nuts. But what my headline doesn’t say is that it’s rewarding in many ways, especially for your bank account if your marketing game is tight. I’ll save that convo for another post. Before you take the leap, there are a few things that you should know. Let
6 Ways Self-Publishing Will Drive You Bat Sh*t Crazy Read More »
Sometimes it takes a minute for a documentary to hit me. This was the case with Everything is Copy, Jacob Bernstein’s tribute to his late mother Nora Ephron. I had watched it weeks ago and it burned slowly in my subconscious. Maybe it had something to do with me wanting to hear more from the folks
This Is What Nora Ephron Taught Me Read More »
Sitting in the No. 1 Son’s high school cafeteria last week brought me back to my days at Graphic Communication Arts (GCA) High School. This is the same place that birthed members of the rap group Onyx and R&B crooner Maxwell. It was far from the best school Manhattan had to offer but it gave
How a Trip to My Son’s High School Reminded Me of My Teen Self Read More »
When I interview someone for a magazine, celebrities included, I want it to feel like a conversation. I hate when interviews sound or read like the subject was constipated or worse, held at gunpoint. It’s like the interviewer is only there to get the answers and run, not conduct a conversation where the viewer or reader
3 Things I Learned From Interviews: The Taraji, Tyra & Jordin Edition Read More »
Being productive is challenging for me if there isn’t an immediate reward involved. It’s a sad but true fact I realized in 2014 when I sat down to write and self-publish Famous! How to Be the Star of Your Show for teen girls. Having a book deal and check in the mail can motivate anyone (in theory) to get
Get Off Your Butt: Be a Productive Writer Read More »
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