Entries from February 2008 ↓

This is a question I’m asked often. Where do you write? The question used to puzzle me to end. It’s something I never gave much thought to when I was planning to write my first novel, Sisters and Lovers. I just sat down at a table and started writing in longhand (after thinking and plotting on paper for many weeks). And yes, it was that long ago. I would write a chapter or two by hand and then type it into the computer. I didn’t start creating straight from the computer until my second novel, Big Girls Don’t Cry.

This is one of those questions that have no right or wrong answer. Some authors work in an office in their homes. Some even lease office space outside the home. They say it forces them to be more disciplined about their writing schedules if they have to get up and go to an office everyday. And if you’re having trouble with discipline–not all that unusual when you have no boss standing over your head–by all means try something like this. I’ve heard of writers renting hotel rooms to get away from noisy houses, an idea that’s come to me on occasion. Others authors write in bed, on the floor, or at the kitchen table with their laptops.

As for me, I usually write at my desk in my home office. But I’ve written in a lot of other places, especially if a deadline is fast approaching, including on the train, on road trips in the car and in-flight. This writing on the fly usually works better when I’m revising or rewriting rather than for the original.

The really fun part of writing fiction is thinking–some call it daydreaming– and I can do that all over the place. A favorite spot–if I can’t get to a beautiful beach or other faraway place–is a really comfy armchair in my office. It’s upholstered in a blue and white pattern that I picked out because I find it soothing to my senses. The only problem with that chair is that it’s so darn comfortable I sometimes doze off.

I also do some great thinking in my car when driving alone. There’s something about the rhythm of the road that relaxes me and stirs my creative juices. Sometimes if I’m stuck in my writing–some call this writer’s block–I’ll hop in my car and hit the road.

So try a few different spots and see where you’re most comfortable and creative. Once you zero in on the right place, you’ll find yourself returning there again and again without giving it much thought.

There really are no rules or standards here. You’re the best judge of where you should write.

Connie Briscoe Presents–

This week, Essence bestselling author Lolita Files, author of titles such as sex.lies.murder.fame, Tastes Like Chicken, Child of God and others, will talk about how she writes and what she’s working on now.

Writing Tips

Where to write. In bed with your laptop? On the floor? Or at a desk? How to find the best spot for crafting your prose.

Video shot by my husband of Obama addressing the overflow crowd following the endorsement by Ted and Caroline Kennedy at American University in Washington, DC, on January 28, 2008. Witness Obama work his magic to get the crowd fired up with Ted Kennedy at his side.

In recognition of Black History Month, APOOO Book Club will shine a spotlight on 31 authors, one author each day from February 1 through March 2, on the APOOO Website, MySpace blog and other places. The spotlight will include an article written by the author on varied topics such as–

• Why Is Black History Important?
• Room at the Table (Is there room at the table for all African American authors no matter the genre?)
• Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner (interracial dating)
• I’m the Head of the Household (coping when she makes more money)
• Help…I’ve Fallen and Don’t Want to Get Up (stepping out of corporate America and not looking back even when the going gets tough)
• ACTING White or Not Black Enough (When did being articulate, intelligent, and financially able become equated to being white?)
• Is the American Dream Real?
• Are We Ready? (for a black president)

First up, Angelia Menchan. And here’s the rest of the stellar lineup. OK, so I’m on there, but still this is a wonderfully eclectic list of authors. Should be exciting.

• Feb 1st: Angelia Menchan
• Feb 2nd: Ebony Farashuu
• Feb 3rd: Cheryl Robinson
• Feb 4th: LA Banks
• Feb 5th: LaConnie Taylor-Jones
• Feb 6th: Donna Hill
• Feb 7th: Bettye Griffin
• Feb 8th: Deatri King-Bey
• Feb 9th: Kimberly Brooks
• Feb 10th: Maryam Diaab
• Feb 11th: Vincent Alexandria
• Feb 12th: Gloria Mallette
• Feb 13th: Djuanna Brockington
• Feb 14th: Niambi Davis
• Feb 15th: Earl Sewell
• Feb 16th: Sheila Goss
• Feb 17th: Gwyneth Bolton
• Feb 18th: Tinisha Johnson
• Feb 19th: Tracy Price Thompson
• Feb 20th: Paula Chase
• Feb 21st: Francis Ray
• Feb 22nd: Angela Benson
• Feb 23rd: Felicia Pride
• Feb 24th: Desiree Day
• Feb 25th: Eric Pete
• Feb 26th: Jewel Parker Rhodes
• Feb 27th: Reshonda Tate Billingsley
• Feb 28th: Shelia Williams
• Feb 29th: DeBerry and Grant
• Mar 1st: Tananarive Due
• Mar 2nd: Connie Briscoe