by Lauren Brown Jarvis

Black Writers Reunion & Conference has changed my life.

At present there is no information out about next year’s conference which is scheduled to be held in Las Vegas, however, I plan to be super-involved. I went to the conference after finding out about it from my longtime friend Detra Hicks. Her friend Tia Ross was the event coordinator, and it was more than I could have ever expected.

When Detra told me about the conference, I went online and looked at the classes being offered and got excited about the information I would receive and how it could possibly be an asset to my budding writing career. I did not even consider the people I would meet and what effect they would have on me. What everyone’s dream is–to do exactly what they love for a living–I’m beyond ready to make that transition. Especially when I review all of my personal talents and gifts and see I’m not even using them. That’s the only and most ultimate sin: not using your personal talents–whatever it is you are good at–for your own good.

So many of us are doing things we hate to get by. And that’s bullshit. I know a lot of it is fear, a lot of it is fear, and a lot of it is fear. Fear of failure, fear of being broke, fear of rejection. But fear is exactly what it is. An inhibitor. So if you think that you could possibly be doing more with your life, you are probably right, but if you have one reason, or another why you are not doing what it is you truly love, it’s only because of you, and the fear you are allowing to hold you not even back, but in the same place, which is where you will always be.

The first conference panel I participated in was How to Start Your Own Business–but for the artist. I think this is what kills a lot of creative folk. They know what they want to do, but they don’t have a bit of business acumen, and instead of seeking out those who know more, they just move forward blindly. Not a good idea. Businesses get all kinds of tax breaks. Next I took Word Tricks for Word Artists. Awesome class, I just really wish Tia Ross, who was the presenter and also, conference chair, had gone even more in-depth. She said she may do a screenplay formatting seminar next time, and I believe that too would be well worth it. Microsoft Word has some seriously helpful functions, and I know most of us don’t even try to use them. It’s so much “easier” to do the formatting yourself. Not true.

A technical writing panel I participated in was the unforeseen gem of the day. I’m a writer, I need to be getting all writing monies, and my mom had long suggested I take a tech writing course. I never knew what it was, so I wasn’t interested. It’s so technical it’s easy. The instructor Michelle Chester was funny, and more importantly so expertly on point with the way she taught the class and her teaching tools. She gave each of us a full packet that would instantly launch us into “what” technical writing is. Essentially it requires the writer to teach an end user how to do something. Anyone who knows me knows my mind turns like a clock. Anything technical I love because it always makes sense. So I think I have tapped into an awesome new stream of income.

By far the best lecture was by William R. Patterson, a Chicago native turned best-selling book author. His book, The Baron Son, has been published in over 25 languages, and he spoke on the 11 tips for Writing Effective Promotional Copy. His presentation, and the amount of practical marketing and advertising info he gave alone made this part of the conference worth the money. He is also edited by someone I hope will become my book editor, the very beautiful N. Kali Mincy who is a professional writing coach.

Lastly, I took S.P.E.AK., Sensational, Powerful, Engaging, Authoritative Keys to Public Presentation. Presenter Patricia Haley has an amazing stage presence and really has a command for public speaking–not to mention great taste in shoes. Public speaking is not easy because all eyes are on you. She talked about practical ways to lose the fear and communicate a clear and effective speech.

The highlight of the day by far was Dr. Anita Heiss, and Associate Research Fellow at The University of Queesnland and Flinders University. Who knew native Australians went through a period in their country where “Black Fellows” the common name for people of color in Austrailia, had freedom rides, sit-ins,and marches, spurred on by the United States Civil Rights movement of the 1960’s. They too had to fight segregation in Australia, but not with the scars of slavery and Jim Crowism attached but hundreds of years of the erosion of their native lands and culture, but European colonialists, who decided to make Australia a penal colony, displacing thousands of Australian first peoples and then barring them from local swimming pools, restaurants, and pubs.

Dr. Heiss spoke at great length about the struggle and disparity that Native Australians have experienced as a result of the invasion of their lands by settlers. She also highlighted a new cropping of literature written by native Australians, that narrates their experience in first person instead of third. I am really excited to delve in these works. Visit Black Words to engage in works by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Writers and Story Tellers, and get the real Australian perspective.

Conference Chairwoman Tia Ross, myself-Lauren Brown Jarvis, and Dr. Anita Heiss, Associate Research Fellow at the University of Queensland and Flinders University

Today the BWRC Blog features William R. Patterson, two-time award-winning lecturer and co-author of the national bestselling business and personal finance book, The Baron Son. He is Chairman and CEO of The Warcoffer Capital Group, LLC. His ethical guidebook to wealth, power, and success, The Baron Son, has been translated around the world and featured in the Forbes Book Club and Black Enterprise magazine.

An internationally recognized wealth coach and business coach who has been a featured guest on over 300 television and radio programs, William is the business and financial expert on XM Satellite Radio 169 - The Power and also does a weekly syndicated financial radio segment called THE BARON SOLUTION Minute on The Louie Jones Show and All Things Literally. In addition, he writes a monthly financial column for SLIQUE magazine titled “Money Tips from The Baron.” He joins us today and at the Black Writers Reunion & Conference this June to share keys to success in the craft and business of writing.

Where were you born and raised? Did you attend college or formally study the craft of writing? If so, where?

I was born and raised in the culturally diverse neighborhood of Hyde Park, located on Chicago’s south side. The broad range of people I came in contact with growing up heavily influenced my thinking and approach to writing. I learned there were common challenges that everyone experienced and by providing solutions to these common challenges, I could turn my passion for helping and teaching others into a successful business.

I studied electrical engineering at Howard University and later went on to work for several Fortune 100 firms where I received advanced training in marketing communications, writing sales copy and effective written communication. Later, I launched a number of my own companies which have included publishing businesses and consulting firms where I have been writing books, articles and sales copy for the last eight years.

What would you like attendees to know about you, your background, or strengths that is not included in your bio?

BaronSeries.com recently won three 2008 Black Web Awards including Best Male Author Site; Best Wealth-Building Site; and Best Lecturer, Speaker and Workshop site. We have a full support system for authors and publishers to help them dramatically improve their odds of success and earnings. At BaronSeries.com, we offer authors and writers coaching and consulting services for every aspect of copywriting, book concept development, publishing, marketing, and subsidiary and foreign rights sales.

When did you realize that you had a passion for writing, publishing, etc.?

I have always had a passion for writing because there was always a message that I wanted to convey, even as a little kid. My passion for writing is really a reflection of my deeper desire to help others. I also love writing as a medium because of the longevity, leverage, and potential impact of the work. I can write something once and positively affect the lives of millions of people around the world for generations to come. As we discuss in our book, The Baron Son, passion, if harnessed appropriately, is one of the most powerful forces there is. I always encourage people to make it a priority to become business owners and investors either through their passions or while pursuing their passions. The power of true passion combined with sound business and financial practices can make anyone wealthy—in every sense of the word.

Who are authors that have influenced you?

Being an entrepreneur first, I am influenced most by business and self-improvement writers. I have learned a lot from people like Robert Kiyosaki, Mark Victor Hansen, and Jack Canfield, who contributed to our best-seller campaign for The Baron Son.

Robert has sold more than 26 million books worldwide and spent over 300 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller list. He taught me that when it comes to selling books, being able to effectively market and brand your work is actually much more important than your writing.

Mark Victor Hansen and Jack Canfield, co-creators of the CHICKEN SOUL FOR THE SOUL® series, have sold over 100 million books worldwide and continue to make international publishing history with 148 titles in 45 languages. They taught me how to leverage others to produce marketable works quickly and also how to garner a great deal of publicity for my writing. They said one of the keys to their success was doing an interview every day. I took that to heart, and I have done over 300 television and radio interviews that have helped put The Baron Son on several national best-seller lists.

How did you master the topic you’ll be presenting at BWRC?

I have been writing professionally for over 15 years. I started out as a teenager doing freelance articles for magazines and newspapers. Next, I moved into writing marketing copy for Fortune 500 firms and small businesses. I later found worldwide success by creating and marketing The Baron Series line of books, audio CDs and other related material. Each step of my journey has prepared me for the next opportunity. Looking back, I now see how all the pieces fit together and how my experiences set the stage for my accomplishments as an author and writer. I have had years to figure out what works and what doesn’t, and I look forward to helping others shorten their learning curve.

If you were to describe your upcoming sessions/presentations in one word, what would it be?

Profitable.

Who are your sessions particularly suited for?

I will conduct two workshops at BWRC: Writing a Nonfiction Book that Sells and Writing Effective Promotional Copy. Whether attendees are new or seasoned writers, THE BARON SOLUTION™ strategies will help them leverage their time, money and resources to maximize profits and returns. On top of invaluable planning and writing insights, attendees will learn an integrated financial model that any author or writer can follow to build wealth.

In the workshop Writing a Nonfiction Book that Sells, authors will learn a step-by-step process to quickly complete a bestselling nonfiction book. They will learn the many things they need to do before their books are published to become successful. Even individuals who may have nonfiction books that have been out for years will learn strategies that can give their books new life and generate additional income.

In the workshop Writing Effective Promotional Copy, I will share the “11 Rules of Effective Copywriting” that will help attendees achieve better results in one-third of the time. Whether writers are branding their companies, penetrating new markets, promoting an event or selling products or services, they will learn how to generate greater interest, responses and sales through promotional copy. They will learn secrets for becoming well-paid copywriters by developing the skills to move any audience to action.

There are many workshops that can help attendees become better writers or authors, but there are few workshops that can teach attendees how to really make money and build a successful business as writers or authors. Unless they learn how to effectively plan, develop a product and service line, brand, market, generate publicity and sell, they and their work will be viewed as commodities undifferentiated in the marketplace and unworthy of special attention or extraordinary compensation. I will show attendees how to avoid common mistakes; establish their credibility; and leverage industry best-practices, turnkey solutions, and value-added resources. This information will help them to achieve larger profits and to grow and stabilize their publishing and writing businesses.

There are high costs for authors and writers who do things the wrong way and who don’t have mentors and coaches. If writers and authors intend to make a living in publishing, missing either course will cost them tens of thousands of dollars—or more.

At what other writers’ conferences have you presented a session?

I usually do 20-30 speaking engagements a year, in addition to coaching, teleseminars and webinars on writing and book publishing. BaronSeries.com features a detailed itinerary of events I usually attend. I am always teaching in the U.S. and abroad, and I encourage students to send in their feedback and success stories. I love sharing them with others.

What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’ conference?

Take a few moments to write down your objectives for attending the conference and each workshop. This will provide you with a game plan; prevent you from wasting time; and ensure that you accomplish what you intended to at the conference. In addition to the valuable strategies that you will learn from presenters at the event, you should use conference time to get answers to questions that are often not addressed in books. If you are unable to attend a specific workshop due to a conflict, check to see if the presenter has products, services or an e-mail newsletter that covers what you missed. You might even get additional insights on the topic. To achieve high-level success as an author or writer, you will need some type of mentoring, coaching and continuing education, so keep an eye out for instructors who may be offering those services. Last but not least, during your downtime, network with other authors and writers. Realize 80% of your success as a writer will be the result of soft skills—your ability to network, form mentoring relationships, strategic partnerships and joint ventures.

What are some projects you have in the works? Are there any in particular you’d like us to look out for in the near future?

We have a BARON Personal Coaching Program which helps writers develop and market their work. We are guiding a number of upcoming authors through building their brands and creating international best-sellers. Also, my co-authors and I are working on the next installment in The Baron Series which will be geared toward women. The Russian, Portuguese and Korean versions of The Baron Son will also be launching in ‘08 and are expected to do well. In addition, we are now negotiating the rights to our screenplay, CUFFLINKS®, a financial drama.

What is one piece of advice that you’d give all aspiring authors?

Writing is a business; treat it like one. To be successful, it will take coaching, vision, planning, a strong network, investment, training, commitment and sacrifice. When it comes to achieving your writing and publishing goals, having a coach is one of the best investments you can make. You can more than double your chances for success by having a coach who can help you plan and who can hold you accountable for making measurable and sustained progress toward your goals. I spend over $15,000 a year on training just in the areas of effective communication, marketing, publishing and copywriting because I know the training will yield dividends six times over.

What is something you wish more writers understood about being an author and publisher?

Cost-effectively marketing your books and products is often times just as hard, if not harder, than creating them. Marketing Baron P.T. Barnum said, “Without publicity a terrible thing happens…nothing!” The same is true for writing. The idea of “If I write a great book, it will sell itself” is absurd. If you can afford it, hire an outside publicist. Having one frees up your time to do other important things such as develop new content. A good publicist will also have relationships that can make things happen for you a lot quicker. I would also encourage new authors to take advantage of every marketing opportunity regardless of how small. You have a short window of opportunity to make your book successful, so use it to the fullest. Lastly, look for creative ways to market your book and for other author, product or service tie-ins. We highlight this type of “Allied Effort,” that ultimately creates greater value for everyone, as a “Supreme Principle” in The Baron Son.

William Patterson on the Web:
Website address: http://www.baronseries.com
Podcast address: http://www.baronseries.com/podcast.htm
Blog address: http://www.baronseries.com/blog.tm

Top 10 Business Motivational Speaker Website - Ranking.com
2008 Best Wealth Building Website - Black Web Awards
2008 Best Male Author Site - Black Web Awards
2008 Best Lecture Speaker & Workshop Website - Black Web Awards
2007 Best Lecture Speaker & Workshop Website - Black Web Awards
2007- 2008 World Web Award of Excellence – Art Space 2000

Today we have publishing experts, Mark E. Smith and Sara Freeman Smith. The dynamic duo has published five books and is working on two new books. They provide valuable information to thousands of aspiring and published authors who want to self-publish a book.

Where were you born and raised? Did you attend college or formally study the craft of writing? If so, where?

Mack: I was born in Monroe, Louisiana. I attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and later attended the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, Michigan, where I earned an MBA degree.

Sara: I was born in Houston, Texas, and was raised in Los Angeles and Houston. I earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Southern California and a MA degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix.

What would you like attendees to know about you, your background, strengths, or interests that is not included in your bio?

Mack and Sara: We left our home in Houston and relocated to the Chicago area in 2007.

When did you realize that you had a passion for writing, publishing, etc.?

Mack: When Sara asked me to help her write the first edition of “How to Self-Publish and Market Your Own Book.”

Sara: As a kid I would write make-believe stories with me as a character.

How did you get started writing/publishing/etc.?

Sara: I wrote my first book in 1997. However, come to our seminar to hear the full story. It was a life-changing event.

Mack: Sara made me an offer I couldn’t refuse. Come to the seminar to hear the rest.

Who is one author that you look up to and why?

Sara: Early on, the author that influenced me was Phillis Wheatley, the first African American published poet. My high school was named after her and my English teacher always reminded us of her success as a writer and slave. She overcame significant obstacles in her life and yet was able to use her gifts and talents as a writer. Reading her poetry and studying her life helped encourage me to believe in my abilities to write and help others. Another author I really admire is Jewell Parker Rhodes. She’s an awesome writer and energizing creative writing college professor at Arizona State University. She’s an award-winning writer of both fiction and non-fiction. She has such a great passion for the art of writing and storytelling that it’s contagious. She’s written several inspiring guides for African American Writers that I would highly recommend: “The African American Guide to Writing and Publishing Non-Fiction” and “Free Within Ourselves: Fiction Lessons for Black Authors.” Her novels draw you into her story and you can’t wait for the next chapter! Check out a few of her novels” “Douglass’ Women,” “Voodoo Magic,” and “Voodoo Season.”

How long have you been writing, publishing, etc.?

Mack: Since 1998.
Sara: Since 1997.

How did you master the topic you’ll be presenting at BWRC?

Mack: My experience in banking helped on the business end. On the technical end, I attended several seminars, read at least a dozen books on publishing, and self-published five books.

Sara: I did tons of research, sought professional advice, and followed it.

If you were to describe your upcoming session/presentation in one word, what would it be?

Mack: Vital.
Sara: Inspiring.

Who is your session particularly suited for, i.e., what skill level, interests, experience should they have to benefit most from your session?

Aspiring writers who are clueless about how to take their first steps as well as seasoned authors who want to revitalize their publishing careers.At what other writers’ conferences have you presented a session?

Mack: BWRC – Atlanta and Dallas; Detroit Writers Guild; Houston Council of Writers; Black Writers on Tour; Los Angeles; and other events in New Orleans; San Antonio, TX; and Monroe, LA.

Sara: BWRC – Dallas; Detroit Writers Guild; Texas Writers League Conference – Houston; Houston Council of Writers Conference; Black Writers on Tour – Los Angeles; and other events in Raleigh, NC; Baltimore, MD; and Monroe, LA.

What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’ conference?Mack: Be prepared to experience an event you will never forget.

Sara: Take good notes and network.

What are some of the projects you have in the works? Are there any in particular you’d like us to look out for in the near future?

Mack: I am working on a new non-fiction book for first-time homebuyers that should be released in early 2008.

Sara: I am working on another edition of “How to Self-Publish and Market Your Own Book.”

What is one piece of advice that you’d give all aspiring authors?

Mack: Be willing to learn from someone who has been where you are trying to go.

Sara: Pursue your dreams and never give up.

What is something you wish someone would have told you about being an author/publisher/poet/etc.?

Mack: I wish I had my 10 common mistakes list before Sara wrote her first book.

Sara: I wish I’d known the real truth about the publishing game.

Thank you for your time. Your responses are greatly appreciated.

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Mack and Sara will be presenting two workshops at the 2008 BWRC on Saturday, June 21, including a one-hour session from 9-10 a.m. on the “Four P’s of Self-Publishing,” and an extended session on “How to Self-Publish & Market Your Own Book,” which offers an intensive overview of the self-publishing process and business from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

“Four P’s of Self-Publishing” - Want to write a book? OR do you have book that needs to be re-energized? Well, this workshop is designed just for you! If you want to be informed, inspired and even entertained, plan on attending this session on self-publishing. Sara and Mack will discuss the 4-P’s of Self Publishing. Bring your notepad and get ready to be encouraged to stop talking and start doing! You can write and self-publish your own book!

“How to Self-Publish & Market Your Own Book” - This workshop is designed to inform and inspire both aspiring writers and veteran authors. Plan to attend this workshop to discover how the four P’s of publishing will help you publish your book using multiple marketing resources. You’ll learn the advantages and challenges of traditional publishing and self-publishing.

Mack E. Smith and Sara Freeman Smith can be found on the Web at http://www.urgems.com.

Stacy Hawkins Adams wears many hats. She is a skilled freelance journalist, author, and speaker as well as a wife and mother. Her first two books, Speak To My Heart and Nothing But The Right Thing have received acclaim, including Best Multicultural Christian Fiction and selection as a Black Expressions Main Selection. This year, she has two new releases, Watercolored Pearls, the third book in her inspirational fiction series, and a novella, My Mother’s Shadow in the anthology, This Far By Faith. Welcome to BWRC, Stacey!

 

Let’s get right to it. Where were you born and raised? Did you attend college or formally study the craft of writing? If so, where?

 

I was born and raised in Pine Bluff, Arkansas where my gift for writing was discovered and nurtured from the time I was about six years old. I always knew I wanted to be a writer, and by the time I entered high school, I had settled on a career in journalism. I majored in journalism/mass communications at Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. Later, when I decided to begin writing novels, this professional writing experience helped me know how to tell a story and stay focused.

 

 

 

How did you get started writing/publishing/etc.?

 

I had been a newspaper reporter for about five years when the bug to write fiction again bit me. I dabbled in it for a few years, but was never serious. Then at some point, I realized I needed to stop talking about it and make it happen or I would always regret not taking the chance. So I began attending writers’ conferences where I could network with publishing house editors and with agents. That got me excited enough to become disciplined about my dream.

 

 

 

Who is one author that you look up to and why?

 

There is more than one! I look up to various authors for various reasons. Victoria Christopher Murray, whose first book, Temptation, inspired me to believe that I could write the book in my heart - one fusing faith and everyday life in a realistic and moving way. Jacquelin Thomas for taking me under her wing and mentoring me when I landed my first book deal. Anna Quindlen for serving as a model for how to thoughtfully cover social issues as a journalist and weave those themes into fiction in a compelling manner. And J. California Cooper, because I absolutely love and admire her body of work.

 

 

 

How long have you been writing, publishing, etc.?

 

I have been a journalist for 15 years. My first novel was published in 2004.

 

 

 

How did you master the topic you’ll be presenting at BWRC?

 

I am presenting two topics: From Hobby to Career: Crafting an Exit Strategy to Write Full Time and The Writer’s Journey: From Idea to Finished Draft to Publication. I mastered the ability to finish my first book by putting into practice all of those cliches you hear - discipline, perseverance, focus. But there are indeed tangible steps that writers can take to accomplish this goal. For me, the deadline training that comes with being a journalist was very helpful. It’s sort of like being in the military - the rules are the rules. In journalism the deadlines are the deadlines. So a big part of it was giving myself goals and doing my best to stick to my deadlines. We’ll explore this fully in the workshop and will also talk about audience members’ specific challenges to completing their books.

 

 

 

For topic two: Deciding to leave your day job to pursue the writing life is not for the fainthearted. And yet, with some planning, perseverance and focus, I managed to build up my writing, freelance and speaking business enough that it was competing for time with the day job. The key is to then take that to the next level. We’ll discuss various options during this session.

 

 

If you were to describe your upcoming session/presentation in one word, what would it be?

 

I would describe both of my sessions as “invaluable.” I intend for attendees to leave the sessions with tangible advice that they can actually put into practice to help them move closer to completing their books and pursuing their passion full time.

 

 

 

Who is your session particularly suited for, i.e., what skill level, interests, experience should they have to benefit most from your session?

 

 

My session on finishing a book is designed for new writers, who either haven’t started writing or have begun a book and haven’t managed to finish it. My session on becoming a full-time writer is for writers who are seriously considering making this leap in the near future and for writers who have this pursuit as a long-term goal.

 

 

 

At what other writers’ conferences have you presented a session?

 

I have presented sessions at various writers’ conferences, including the Virginia Festival of the Book, the James River Writers Conference, the Christian African American Booksellers Association (CAABA) Conference and the Greater Philadelphia Christan Writer’s Conference.

 

 

 

What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’ conference?

 

Come prepared to learn and to find yourself among kindred spirits. Writers are a unique bunch, in that not everyone understands what we do or why we do it and the focus and discipline it requires. It is great to be immersed in a sea of like-minded people, who “get” you and are there to encourage you and help you take your dream to the next level.

 

 

 

What are some of the projects you have in the works? Are there any in particular you’d like us to look out for in the near future?

 

My first novella, “My Mother’s Shadow,” is being published in April 2008 in a Kimani Press anthology called This Far By Faith. The anthology focuses on mother/daughter relationships and also features short novels penned by Kendra Norman-Bellamy and Linda Hudson-Smith. I recently finished writing my fourth novel, which is the beginning of a new series. It is tentatively titled “Tomorrow’s Chances” and is slated for release in early 2009.

 

 

 

What is one piece of advice that you’d give all aspiring authors?

 

My advice is to believe in yourself. I know that sounds trite, but think about the people around you who don’t take your dream seriously or who may support you but doubt whether you can succeed. You really have to believe in your ability to write, in the story you want to tell, and in the fact that you are worthy of being published.

 

 

 

What is something you wish someone would have told you about being an author/publisher/poet/etc.?

 

Just because you write it doesn’t mean readers will knock down your door to buy your masterpiece. You really have to be half writer and half marketer. Don’t rely on your publisher’s marketing team to do it all; they are looking to you to lead the way. After all, your book is YOUR baby.

 

 

 

Thank you, Stacy. Look forward to seeing you in Tampa!

 

Website address: www.stacyhawkinsadams.com
Blog address: www.myspace.com/stacyhawkinsadams
Link to article about most recent novel:
http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/search.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2007-09-30-0083.html

In today’s BWRC Faculty Spotlight, we have Gwynne Forster. Gwynne is a multi-award winning author, including multiple recognitions as a Top Ten Favorite Author by readers of Affaire de Coeur Magazine, culminating in her 2006 selection to the magazine’s Hall of Fame. She has also won an Emma Award from Romance Slam Jam in 2001 and a Lifetime Achievement award from Romantic Times magazine in 2007. Gwynne will present the workshop “Research Methods & Techniques for Fiction & Nonfiction” at this year’s BWRC.

 

Let’s jump right in. Gwynne, where were you born and raised? Did you attend college or formally study the craft of writing? If so, where?

 

I was born in North Carolina, grew up in Washington, D. C. received B.A. and master’s degrees from Howard University, M.A. from The American University and additional graduate credits from Columbia University.

 

When did you realize that you had a passion for writing, publishing, etc.? Who is one author that you look up to and why?

 

I’ve been writing since my teen years. The writers who influenced me most were my mother and Langston Hughes. I wrote because I read all the time, and when I wasn’t reading, I was dreaming up stories. All kinds of stories.

 

What would you like attendees to know about you, your background, strengths, or interests, that is not included in your bio?

 

Professionally, I’m a demographer—one who analyses the determinants and consequence of changes in national populations world wide. Although the subject is taught in universities, the majority of demographers are researchers—as I am—and that involves writing. No one pays you for research if you can’t write the result in a form suitable as bases for polity making and programming. So writing is what I do, and research is second nature to me. The importance of research for novel writing cannot be over stressed, and that is why I chose to give my workshop on that topic at 2008BWRC.

 

Writing demography is a different genre from fiction writing. To begin with, demography demands factual accounts, and facts do not necessarily enter into fiction writing. So the first thing I had to do which I decided to write fiction was to learn the language of the novelist and forget those highfalutin words and expressions I spent years, hard work and a lot of money learning. One thing I have carried over with wonderful results is the ability to do the research required to broaden my knowledge of any topic, place or type of individual.

 

How did you get started writing/publishing/etc.?

 

I used to look askance at popular fiction, until I was in Asia on an assignment, needed something written in English to read and found a novel by Barbara Taylor Bradford. Thereafter, I read novels whenever I had time.

 

I wrote my first novel accidentally, recording a story I told myself in order to keep myself company while traveling. The experience addicted me to novel writing. I decided to learn how to do it, read some relevant books and sold the next one ten months after I wrote the first word. That was in 1994. Thirty books and novellas later, I still enjoy it.

 

If you were to describe your upcoming session/presentation in one word, what would it be?

 

The best one I can think of is “Basic,” because research is basic, the fundamental substance needed to enhance fiction writing. Why? Because few of us know and understand all the ramifications of the ideas, words and pictures that crop up in our minds.

 

Who is your session particularly suited for, i.e., what skill level, interests, experience should they have to benefit most from your session?

 

My session is suited to writers and aspiring writers.

 

At what other writers’ conferences have you presented a session?

 

I have presented sessions at The Romantic Times Convention, The Seattle Rainbow Bookfest, Romance Slam Jam, Writers Conference at Howard University, San Francisco Writers Conference and others.

 

What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’ conference?

 

If you have never attended a writers conference, list your needs as a writer and check the program well before you leave your place of residence so as to be sure and attend the session that will be of greatest benefit to you. If you want to meet an author or agent who is listed as attending the conference, contact that person in advance tell her/him why you want to meet with her/him and make an appointment. In this way, you will get the most out of your attendance. If you are going because you’ve never seen Tampa, call the Tampa tourist board and find out what you must see.

 

Hope to see you in Tampa!

 

Thanks, Gwynne!

 

Learn more about Gwynne and her books across the Internet:

Website: www.gwynneforster.com

My Space: http://www.myspace.com/gwynnef

Blog: http://gwynneforster.blogspot.com

Today we have Christian novelist/playwright, Mikasenoja.  Mikasenoja hails from TX, where she resides with her husband and four children.  Her pen name, Mikasenjoa (pronounced: My-ka-sen-no-jay), is how many in the writng community know her.  But, as Kimberly Yancy, she is known also as history teacher, pastor’s wife, psalmist, and motivational speaker.  Mikasenoja will be presenting the workshop “Writing Christian Fiction: Ministry vs. Entertainment” at this year’s BWRC.

Mikasenoja, just reading your bio makes me tired!  You wear so many hats, it’s hard to know where to begin.  So let’s start at the beginning.  Where were you born and raised? Did you attend college or formally study the craft of writing? If so, where?

I was born in Austin, Texas on Christmas Day. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Government and African-American Studies at the University of Texas at Austin. My first foray into playwriting was for youth events at the church I attended. My first play was called, “I’ve Got to Tell Somebody”.

What would you like attendees to know about you, your background, strengths, or interests, that is not included in your bio?

I love politics and the rule of law. I am a psalmist and dancer who loves holy hip hop, especially the gospel singer Yunek out of Houston, TX. I possess excellent communication skills, both written and oral. I enjoy project management, networking, and building people up.

When did you realize that you had a passion for writing, publishing, etc.?

When I was nine years old I would create scenes in my head and act them out on my stage in my bedroom. My parents had a Murphy bed and when you removed the mattress, the frame became a stage. I had a mic and a chair to go with it. I wrote extensively in my diary and traveled many places through my writings.

How did you get started writing/publishing/etc.?

I begin to write as therapy to help others deal with some of their issues. Both my parents were awesome communicators and organizers so a pad and pencils were always accessible in our household. My mother would have me to recite poetry at church events and my dad would encourage me to watch and learn from the public speakers we saw on television.  My father taught me early on that there was power in the pen and it would become a valuable tool for African-Americans.

How long have you been writing, publishing, etc.? 

I have been writing plays for about 15 years and I published my first novel, in 2005. 

How did you master the topic you’ll be presenting at BWRC?

I mastered my topic by experience and reading other so-called ‘Christian’ fiction. I am very concerned about the exploitation of the church in our novels as America is now faced with its first un-churched generation. I hope to be a voice in the wind, creating a standard for faith-based writing in addition to setting an appropriate standard for our genre. It is important that Christian believers show balance, redemption and conversion when we tell our stories.  We want our stories to lead people to Christ; not have them walk away with scabs and wounds from church hurts. Our goal as faith-based writers should be helping our readers learn how to apply the Word of God to their own unique circumstances. 

If you were to describe your upcoming session/presentation in one word, what would it be?

Convicting!

Who is your session particularly suited for, i.e., what skill level, interests, experience should they have to benefit most from your session?

Persons who are interested in writing from a Biblical perspective should attend this course.

Have you presented this or other workshops at any other writers’ conferences?

I have presented this session at the Houston Chapter of the Gospel Workshop of America as well as to local writer conferences.

What advice would you give to someone who has never attended a writers’ conference?

Writers’ conferences serve a two-fold purpose.  First, these confrerences provide an entrée into the vast field of writing.  Second, and equally important, is that you will find a family of mentors and encouragers to help you get to the next level of writing and publishing.   Attending a writers’ conference should be on every writers/authors to-do list.

What are some of the projects you have in the works? Are there any in particular you’d like us to look out for in the near future?

My book, “Confessions of a Preacher’s Wife,” will be released under the Urban Christian imprint in May 2008 and my gospel play will be performed at the Black Writers Conference on June 20^th.

What one piece of advice would you give all aspiring authors?

I encourage all authors to use the power of prayer to help with self-discipline to learn the craft the writing and time management.

What is something you wish someone would have told you about being an author/publisher/playwright/poet/producer/etc.?

I wish someone had told me about the time toll it can take away from your family. You really have to learn to come “out of your world” of writing to make sure you are spending quality time with your family. Balance is very important in the life of a writer. We can easily get caught up in the world of our characters.

Who is one author that you look up to and why?

I discovered Judy Blume when I was a young teenager.  Her books inspired my passion for reading.  As an adult I enjoy Frank Peretti, Toni Morrison, Lolita Tademy, Carl Weber, Reshonda Tate Billingsley, Victoria Christopher Murray and Jacqueline Thomas because they have vivid imagery and a keeping it real edge to their stories.

Mikasenoja, thank you for sharing with us.   Look forward to meeting you in Tampa!

You can learn more about Mikasenoja via her website,  www.mikasenoja.com, or by visiting her blog at www.blogtalkradio.com/mikasenoja.   Tickets for the stage presentation of Confessions of a Preacher’s Wife on June 20th in conjunction with the the BWRC conference are on sale now.