The Writer's Block

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I have been writing books and poetry since I was a child in elementary school. I've even had stories and poems published in books the Atlanta Public Schools used to publish of student's writings. In fourth grade I wrote and put together my very first book, "Smart Frog and Lazy Toad". I wrote the words, drew the pictures, and constructed the book with my own two hands.

In my adulthood I have written several poems. My poem, "Designated Driver" was featured in Nia Magazine last year. I'm planning to do more writing for Nia, and add to them Light Journal and Midnight & Indigo Magazine. Sometimes I get wrapped up in things or people, and I don't write as much as I should. Other times I'm left without a muse or inspiration for writing. My biggest muse and inspiration is my friend/soulmate who has been incarcerated for almost 15 years. He has encouraged me to write and publish. He has also been my inspiration for some of my poems. In my first book, "Tales from My Life, not the Crypt" I dedicated the poem "Dedicated to Hot Chocolate" to him.

Sometimes I get writer's block and just don't have the words to write. I write poetry as the words come to me. When I'm writing a story or self help book, I have to make myself sit down and write. I lay out my points and outline, then proceed from there. It's much easier to write when someone or something is motivating me. I tell interviewers that I really don't have a writing style, I just write what I feel. Writing from experience with heartfelt emotion works best for me!

Peace and Blessings
Remember to purchase my books and promotional products from either of my websites or Amazon. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow my Amazon Author Page.

What are you reading?

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On these cold winter nights what books are you cuddling up with? Today I purchased two books, "The Nguzo Saba and the Festival of First Fruits" and "The Essential Oils Hormone Solution: Reclaim Your Energy and Focus and Lose Weight Naturally". I have made Kwanzaa and living by the Nguzo Saba(Kwanzaa Principles) a way of life. Promoting family values and unity is high on my list of priorities. I support black businesses and I am planning to open some with my children this year.

I also purchased a copy of "The Essential Oils Hormone Solution" by Dr. Mariza Snyder. The book teaches women who are menopausal or perimenopausal to bring their hormone levels in check and lose weight using essential oils. Dr. Mariza talks about cravings and metabolism, and how to reset your hormones. I will be adding more books to my collection this year. I will also publish new authors and more of my own books.

Be on the lookout next month for "Black Poetry and Soul Consciousness". The book is a collection of poems and conscious experiences from myself and members of my Facebook group, "Black Poetry and Soul Consciousness". This summer I will debut two more books, which will include my first children's book. The other is a self help book to teach people how to write and journal about their traumatic experiences to promote healing. You can always purchase my books on my websites or Amazon.

Peace and Blessings

Black Love 101: What a Woman Needs

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I follow The Pro Husband on Instagram, and these are 5 questions he says every woman should have the answers to. When I'm discussing relationships I love to get the men's perspective. These questions that were posed to women really caught my eye. Vulnerabilities...can I be vulnerable with you? Can I let go of my fears and let my guard down with you? Can I share my life and secrets with you without fear of ridicule? As black women we're already on guard with our feelings because we've been used and hurt. We want to know that it's ok to take down the wall and let you in. Secondly, is who I am ok with you? Can you be with me without trying to change me? We can change, evolve, and grow together but you must be ok with who I am initially...baggage, flaws, scars and all. We have to know we're enough just the way we are. We may want to improve on some things, but ultimately we want to be appreciated for who we are and what we bring to the table. Thirdly, are you a suitable spiritual leader? If we get married or we're in a serious relationship can I depend on you to lead us spiritually? Are you strong or weak in your convictions? Women want a leader, not just in the bedroom but in every aspect of the relationship. Are you willing to meditate with me? Do you understand the power of us meditating together and combining our powers? Fourth, am I safe with you? Will you stand up and defend my honor as your black woman, or will you coward down and have me fend for myself? Naturally black men have been warriors and great protectors. In this politically correct society  black men haven't been doing such a good job at protecting the women(woman/wife, daughters, mother, sister) in their lives. In a lot of relationships women need protection from the man they're with. Women want to know that they are safe with you...physically and emotionally. Last but definitely not least, is our money safe in your hands? Do you have a business mindset or an employee mindset? Don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with working a job. I have a job educating young minds and it pays the bills, and affords me vacations, food, clothing, and a roof over my head. The problem we women have is men who don't have a job or own a business, living with mama, no car, no home of your own, and no dreams and goals to obtain. If you can't keep a stable job or have no concrete plans for a business how can you be trusted with OUR money? A man must be able to lead his home financially as well. Women need stability and security. If a woman is paying bills on her own and keeping a roof over her own head, she wants a man that can at least do that much for her. Do you have an emergency fund? Do you have savings and retirement accounts? If I am to entrust my life into your hands, are you capable of handling all that comes with that?

These questions are valid and I agree that women need the answers to these questions before diving heart first into a relationship. Last year I did a Live video on soulmates, twin flames, and kindred spirits. I researched all 3 before doing the Live. Soulmates are soul connections...people your soul resonates with. Kindred spirits are connected by sharing the same or similar experiences. Twin flames go beyond both soulmates and kindred spirits. Your twin flame is that once in a lifetime love. It is the ultimate relationship you will ever encounter. Your twin is your mirror image.

Your twin shows you your hurts and pains, and the areas of your life that need healing. Once you're conscious and enlightened this is the relationship you are seeking. I have encountered my twin flame, but we're separated right now. One twin is the runner and the other is the chaser. A twin flame relationship can be scary if you're not used to being so in sync with another person. You sometimes share the same thoughts. You can communicate telepathically. It's like being inside of one another's head. I titled this blog post "Black Love 101" because I'm black, and I want to see relationships between black men and women thrive and win.

I have been called a black man basher by a black man. If you truly know me, you know that I am just the exact opposite. I'm all for building up your man and helping him achieve. The key word is help! The man has to already have something and is doing something in order for me to help. Otherwise, the sisters are still doing everything on their own. I love black men and wouldn't trade them for any other man. Black women want and need black men who can meet them where they are. Love is not hard, and love is not complicated. When a man is intuned to his woman he knows what she needs before she can ask. If we are to build and be a strong nation of people it's going to take us working together. Black women can't carry the load and still call our black men gods and kings. Gods bless others; gods have so that they can be a blessing to others. Kings have a kingdom that they rule over. If you live with your mama and don't have a job, where is your kingdom? You say that you are your kingdom and you rule over yourself, but if you can't provide a place for yourself it doesn't seem that you're doing such a good job at governing yourself. We can't just give a man the title of god or king just because he's black. There are credentials that come with these titles. Can you lead, protect, and provide? Can I let my guard down and be vulnerable with you? Can I trust you and depend on you to support me mentally? Are you a leader...on your job, in your home, in your community, in your relationship with me?

I want to see every straight black relationship win! I'm not an expert on everything relationship wise, but I am an expert on the relationships I've experienced. I've learned some things from marriage, carnal relationships, and my twin flame union. I share what I've experienced to help others. Some men are so egotistical that they can't hear what a woman has to say. That is the downfall of many black relationships. Black men let their egos get in the way and they start displaying narcissistic behavior. If you're a king and/or a god it seems that you would want a queen or goddess who you can learn from as well. We all come with baggage and flaws. We are blessed in this life if we find the person who accepts our flaws and helps to lighten the load of our baggage. If I'm still weighted down and I have a "man" then something is wrong somewhere. Healthy relationships consist of two people working together to reach common goals. You both want the same outcome, so you both put forth effort. Black love has endured so much pain and trauma over the years. If it's worth it, we will continue to fight and endure whatever comes together. Black people have experienced loss, death of loved ones, molestation, rape, incurable disease, divorce, slavery, white supremacy, and each other. If we're meant to be we can weather any storm.

An Author's Life

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On Facebook I manage a poetry group called "Black Poetry And Soul Consciousness". At the end of last year I announced to the group that I was preparing to publish another poetry book, but for this one I enlisted the group's assistance. I broadcast to the group that I was writing a book around the group and would like for them to submit poetry and short stories for the project. My initial purpose for creating the group was to highlight my latest book, "Poetry For Yo Soul" and my life of consciousness. The group has grown to almost 400 members in a year. There are many great poets, authors, and spiritually conscious people in the group. I am very excited about our latest project. Poets who have never been published will have a chance to be published under Purple Poet Publishing LLC. Look for the book to hit the scene in February of this year.

I am also planning the release of two more books just in time for my 50th birthday and Back To School. I'm organizing a big release/birthday party for the books. One book is a self-esteem building book for young black girls with my granddaughter as the main character. In my eyes black is beautiful, and I want to make sure the black girls in my family and my kindergarten class know that! The second book is a self-help book for men and women who have experienced trauma or distressing events. The book teaches people how to therapeutically write and journal to create healing. If you've been following me for any amount of time you know that I use writing and poetry as therapy for my life. Writing is very therapeutic and is great for healing. I am extremely ecstatic about all three books and their launching. I'm expecting these books to catapult my author career to the next level.

Peace and Blessings Kings and Queens, and Happy New Year.... Happy Reading!

Self Determination

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What is Self Determination? Self Determination is defined as the process by which a person controls their own life. Another definition of Self Determination is; freedom to live as one chooses, or to act or decide without consulting another or others. Determination by oneself without outside influence. In plain words Self Determination means, the ability or power to make decisions for yourself, especially the power of a nation of people to decide how it will be governed. Kujichagulia is the second principle of Kwanzaa. We are encouraged to define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves, and speak for ourselves. 

We don't need society, or any other group of people to determine who and what we are, or what we'll be. Kwanzaa is a time for us as a people to come together and make plans for ourselves and families. Kwanzaa for me, is not just something I celebrate once a year. The 7 Kwanzaa Principles have become a way of life. I have always been different, but I haven't always acknowledged that. I used to try to fit in with friends and family. I did things that I really didn't enjoy or want to do just to fit in. I allowed others to determine who I was and what I did. So many of us look to magazines, friends, and social media as the blueprint of our lives. Self definition shouldn't be something we only embrace on December 27th. Since going on a soul search about 3 years ago; I have learned to incorporate every Kwanzaa Principle into my life. Yesterday's principle was Umoja, Unity. I try to come up with family events that have nothing to do with holidays or birthdays. I create times where my family and I can get together, eat, talk, laugh, and love on one another. Unity is the whole premise of Kwanzaa. I patronize black owned businesses every chance I get. I started my own black business, "Purple Poet Publishing LLC". My personal goal is to create black history every day. I don't just celebrate black history during the month of February. I practice Kuumba, Creativity. I write poems and books. I paint, and I like to plan events. I am determined to make a name for myself in this world.

Kwanzaa is also a time to recognize and embrace the elders. Last Friday my maternal grandmother celebrated her 89th solar return. I have learned so much from my grandmama. I learned how to cook, how to save money, how to be wise with money, and she has shared her wisdom with me and my children. When I was younger my grandmama would tell me stories about her childhood. I love listening to that history. In other cultures people throw away their elders. It's good to know that most black people still take care of their elderly loved ones; while others place them in a home. Since talking to a good friend of mine about our lineage, I am more determined to find out where I come from. My dad's family is from Madison and Washington Georgia. My mom's family is from Woodland and Wedowee Alabama. Georgia and Alabama were originally populated by Native Americans; who were indigenous black people to this land. We are responsible for naming ourselves and determining who we are. I'm not sure which tribe I'm from yet; whether from Africa or the Americas. Either way, I decide who I am. I'm a queen, a goddess, and my friend helped me to overstand that I'm an empress. I control and rule myself and my territory.

Happy Kwanzaa!!!... Peace & Blessings

What is Kwanzaa?

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What is Kwanzaa? A lot of people, mostly African Americans ask this question. Kwanzaa is a celebration of family, community, and culture.... African American culture. There are seven Kwanzaa Principles, or Nguzo Saba. The first principle is Umoja, which means Unity. Under this principle we come together and celebrate the importance of family, community, our black nation and race. The second principle is Kujichagulia, or Self Determination. We as a people define who and what we are for ourselves. The third principle is Ujima, Collective Work and Responsibility. The goal is to build and maintain our community together and be our brothers and sisters keeper, and solve our problems together. The fourth Kwanzaa principle is Ujamaa, Cooperative Economics. We build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and  profit from them together. The fifth principle is Nia, or Purpose. Under this principle we learn and exercise the importance of applying ourselves to a higher purpose, and to build and develop our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness. The sixth principle is Kuumba, Creativity. We focus on bringing beauty and ideas into fruition. The goal is to manifest and leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. Last but not least, is Imani. Imani means Faith. We have faith in ourselves, our parents and elders, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

Kwanzaa was created by Dr. Maulana Karenga. I started celebrating Kwanzaa a couple of years ago. The more I learn, the more I grow and the better the celebration. As an author I always give my children and grandchildren books. Even when I celebrated Christmas books were a gift that I gave to them. Kwanzaa encourages giving books and handmade purposeful gifts. Kwanzaa celebrations are growing amongst black people. More people are waking up and realizing the commercialism and paganism of Christmas. Kwanzaa teaches us to honor who we are and think for ourselves. We don't need other groups to define us and tell us who to be. We are to determine these things for ourselves. Kwanzaa is a cultural experience. During the seven days of Kwanzaa we are charged to remember, reflect, and recommit to our highest values as individuals and as a people. Let's turn inward and prepare ourselves and families for the coming year. 

Writing Prompts:To Use, or Not To Use? That Is The Question...

Many authors and writing coaches recommend using prompts when writing. When I participated in Tara-Nicholle Nelson's 10 Day Writing Challenge she emailed writing prompts for each day. The goal of the challenge was to write "something" everyday of the challenge. The prompts really came in handy for the challenge. I don't normally use prompts when I write poems, or my books. I usually just write off the cuff; I write what I feel at the moment. As a poet I have to have a muse and inspiration to write. Sometimes words come to me in the middle of the night, while driving, or at anytime. When I sit down to write a book and tell a story I have to plan what I'm going to write; here is where writing prompts may work for me.

All of my writings come from my life experiences. I write about what I know and what I've gone through. Writing prompts are especially helpful for beginning writers, or for those who just don't know where to start when writing about a particular subject. During the 10 Day Writing Challenge I was able to open up and let the words flow after being given a prompt to get me started. If you're a beginning writer, or a veteran in the writing game you can still benefit from using writing prompts. If you journal everyday writing prompts are also beneficial.

Use writing prompts where they are most needed. Happy Writing Kings and Queens!

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