2008: My year in review

The other day, I saw my friend Debby who just had surgery for lung cancer. They seem to have got all the cancer, and she might not even have to have chemo-glory be! My friend Wuanda is making her transition with breast cancer after being told 20 years ago that she only had a few years left if she didn't follow their treatment orders. She said no thanks to chemo and radiation, went macrobiotic, has lived a good and full life, and faces death with grace.

The time of year and thinking about them and Jihan (who just had a heart transplant) put me in a reflective mood. This has been a big year for me. Some of the highs and lows:

Released my 1st novel.

Threw a fabulous release party for about 150 of my closest friends and relatives.

Travelled coast to coast promoting first novel.

Met Nikki Giovanni (and in October even hosted a dinner in her honor!), Walter Mosely, Stacy Hawkins Adams, Therese Fowler, Judy Merrill Larsen, Kris Radish, Donna Hill, Donna Grant and Virginia DeBerry to name a few of the cool authors I met.

Made it to #1 on the Denver Post best-seller list and #4 on the Amazon list of novels about mothers & children.

Sold TV-movie rights to 1st novel.

Heard Barack Obama speak in person (in the VIP section no less)!

Won an award.

Watched my cat experience a miraculous turnaround when I thought she was going to die soon(her kidney levels have actually improved! i credit the wet food).

Planted a peace garden.

Took my 1st ride in an ambulance.

Spent my 1st night in an ICU (1st night in a hospital period).

Had my 1st hospital "procedure."

Lived to tell the tale (one day).

Finally met Lou Gossett (who's been a great supporter) in person. We watched Joe Biden's acceptance speech in Lou's room at the Brown Palace.

Finished my 2nd novel.

Started my 3rd novel.

Attempted and failed NaNoWriMo.

Caucused and voted for Barack Obama!

Launched a new blog.

Made my 1st viral video (which was so fun I want to do another).

Published an essay in the Washington Post (which went on their news service to 600 other newspapers).

Joined Goodreads, Twitter and Facebook.

What were some of your 2008 highlights? Happy New Year! I hope 2009 brings us all better health and finances and more reasons to hope and believe.

Merry, merry!

Wishing you joy, peace, health, love, fun, prosperity, serenity and good books this holiday season and in 2009!

Christmas Book Giveaway

APOOO Books has a great Christmas book giveaway going on. They'll be giving away Orange Mint and Honey Dec. 22-24, but they're giving away lots of great books between now and Dec. 24, so check it out!

Girls Write Now and Lighthouse Writers

This one is for Tayari and for all the young women writers out there. Tayari says that for anyone who posts their high school picture and spreads the word about the organization Girls Write Now, she will give $10 to that charity.

I was not a happy high-schooler. School, I loved. It was home that wasn't so hot at the time. So I have mixed feelings about my teen years. I was awkward and painfully shy, and spent a good chunk of my time lying under umbrellas and smiling. Um, no. Actually, I spent most of my time staring down at a book. I read at home for hours at a time, sometimes staying up all night. I pulled out a book and read for the minute or two before each class started. I read walking down the school hallways between classes. I read at the bus stop going to school or work. Nothing says "do not talk to me" like a fat paperback in front of your face.

Even looking at this picture gives me the heebie jeebies. But to help other young women get through their youths, I post it. Please consider making a donation to Girls Write Now. Tayari is matching gifts dollar for dollar--that means your donation will go twice as far!

I'm also honor bound to point out that Lighthouse Writers Workshop offers programs for young writers, so if you're interested (especially if you're local), I hope you will consider a gift to Lighthouse.

Swimming Upstream, Slowly

Sounds like life sometimes, especially during the holidays, right? But that is so not what this book is about. Ever heard of lazy sperm? Swimming Upstream Slowly is about a woman who gets pregnant as the result of an extremely lazy sperm.

It's by Melissa Clark, a member of the Girlfriend Cyber Circuit and the creator and executive producer of the award-winning television series, 'Braceface', and has written for shows on the Disney Channel, Cartoon Network and Fox. She received a master's degree from the writing program at U.C. Davis, and currently lives in Los Angeles. This is her first novel.

Here's a quick Q&A with Melissa:

Tell us about your latest release and the inspiration behind it.

Swimming Upstream, Slowly is a novel about Sasha Salter, who wakes up one day to find she is pregnant. Only problem is she hasn't had sex in over 2 years. The doctor's diagnosis is that Sasha's body has been harboring a 'lazy sperm'. Sasha must now open up the Pandora's box of her past loves to figure out which of her exes is the father - and what the future holds in store.
The idea was born because I was having lunch with a friend and overate. I lifted my shirt to expose my bloated belly and the friend said, half joking, "Are you sure you're not pregnant?" and I said, "Yeah, right, from a lazy sperm." I went home that night and started outlining the idea for a movie. I decided, eventually, to write it as a novel instead

[By the way, I had to ask Melissa if this was really possible. The answer is no. But scary, isn't it??]

Could you please tell us a little about your writing background?

My dad is a writer, so I was always playing on his typewriter and writing on legal steno pads. I wrote short stories from the time that I could write. I studied writing and literature in both college and graduate school. In my 20's to mid-30's I worked as a writer in television. I created a kid's show called "Braceface" which ran for 5 seasons. I loved that experience, but really wanted to write a novel, so I quit my own show and set out to write Swimming Upstream, Slowly. It was the best risk I've ever taken!

Is writing your main job? If not, what do you do for your real source of income and how does it impact your writing?

I still consider writing my main job even though I'm now teaching at the college level. In between grading, preparing lectures, meeting with students, etc. I somehow manage to find time to write. When I wrote Swimming... it was my only job. I had the luxury of time and money from the TV show. Now, my writing time is more precious because it is limited.

What comes most naturally for you to write, dialogue? plot? character? And what's hardest?

I love writing dialogue. I've written a few plays in the past and found it incredibly satisfying. I learn so much about my characters through what they say. I often have the feeling that they speak through me and I'm just listening and transcribing their words. I know a lot of writers feel this way. It's hard for me to slow down and be descriptive - really describe a setting or something. I am very aware of this and tried to do it more consciously in the new book.

What's the most surprising thing that has happened to you on your publishing journey? Have you learnt things about the industry you never knew before?

I was invited to speak at the Carmel Authors and Ideas Festival. There is a famous food writer named Melissa Clark who writes for the NY Times and I was sure they meant to invite her. I wined and dined with the likes of Frank McCourt and Elizabeth Edwards. I gave a talk during which I explained that I thought they invited the wrong Melissa Clark. The audience thought it was hysterical. They were cracking up, but I was really venting my insecurity. The head of the program came up to me after the reading and said it was great, but never assured me... a few months later a friend, after hearing that story, told me she knew the other Melissa Clark - they had been in a wedding together - and gave me her email. I wrote about that experience and she replied, "That's okay, everyone thinks I wrote the lazy sperm book."

Read an excerpt of Children of the Waters

I just posted an excerpt from the first 3 chapters of Children of the Waters on my website. And you can see the cover of the book (at least as it is now...we know these things can change.)

The Best Book Ever!

Today was my last day of Read Aloud for this semester. My class made a very special book for me, which I'm holding up in this picture surrounded by all my friends.
And two of the moms made home-made tortillas, which were very yummy!


Here's my book. It's the best book I've ever read! Each child drew a picture and told the teacher what they wanted to say.
This page was written by my friend Nykia, and it's a picture of me with the words "I'm confused." Out of the mouths of babes! The teacher told me she'd said those words this morning and Nykia must have picked up on them. Either that or Nykia is spying on me! (I like how skinny I am in this picture!) This page was written by my friend Quneitra, and it might be the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me: "My heart was beating for you." And see her little heart in the picture? Is that not the sweetest thing ever??

This page says, as most of them did, "Thank you for bringing books."

This really was the best Head Start class I've read to. The kids are all really smart and love stories. I'm really, really glad I get to do this!

I passed out copies of The Three Little Pigs in English and Spanish from the Denver Public Library and Christmas ornaments (footballs, jingle bells or lollypops) from me.

Welcome Malena Lott!

Attention readers: Another fun book suggestion for Christmas!

Just noticing something. When I blog, I use the word "welcome" a lot. Does that mean I'm a welcoming person? Maybe. But I'm also still behind on my Girlfriend Cyber Circuit posts, but the good news about that is that Malena gets some blog attention long after all the other girlfriends have shown their love.



Malena Lott says Dating da Vinci is a Texas-based version of two of my favorites: Under the Tuscan Sun and How Stella Got Her Groove Back. You can read the first chapter at http://www.malenalott.com/.



The premise:
A young widow, 36-year-old Ramona Griffen, searches for joy with the help of a handsome younger Italian immigrant named Leonardo da Vinci. Her humorous and heartwarming journey takes her on some unexpected adventures of body, mind and spirit as she learns to let go of her grief to make room for a wholly new life.

How did you get the title of your book?
The title came pretty quickly, early on. I love alliteration and really wanted to incorporate da Vinci since he’s the catalyst that starts Ramona’s renaissance. Since publishers have final say, I don’t get too attached to my working title, though. I do like getting credit for this one, though! Of course the book isn’t just about da Vinci and romance is only a part of the story, but I think it’s catchy and hopefully it will catch people's eye to learn more about the book.

What pulled you into this story, and as a writer made you think ‘I have to write this’?

 What do you consider the heart of your story?
Women, especially mothers, tend to put themselves last on the list. I wanted to share the story of someone who has lost the love of her life and has focused on just “getting by” each day, but is ready to find a way to be joyful again, even through the pain. The heart of the story really is, is there love after death, and the courage it takes to not only survive but to build a great life again.


How do you come up with the names for your characters?
I spend a great deal of time with character names, even when I snatch them from real life. I used a lot of word play in Dating da Vinci. For Ramona Elise Griffen, you can pull “Mona Lisa” and “Grief” from her name. Leonardo is of course named after the real da Vinci and shares a lot of common traits with the genius. Pretty much all the characters have meanings in their names since Ramona is a linguist and it fits with the theme of the book.

How do you go about choosing a setting for your novel? Does it, like New York in Sex and the City, almost play the part of another character in the book, or could the plot be transported to another setting and work?

Picking the setting is one of my favorite parts of brainstorming upfront, because I do think it's so important. I selected Austin, Texas as the setting for Dating da Vinci because I wanted a college town and Austin is the home of UT (rival to my beloved Sooners), because I needed Leonardo da Vinci to be in America on a student visa and Ramona is finishing her Ph.D. And I've actually been there several times, so that helps, too.


Any tried and true tricks for beating procrastination?
I have to say, I'm pretty lucky. Hugh (Jackman) typically promises a shirtless steak dinner (him, not me) if I meet my word count goal. If that's not enough motivation, Brad's aromatherapy massages usually get me in the mood, though sad to say, it's not for writing. Heck, usually my imagination can trick me into getting back on the laptop to write away into the sunrise. Like, "finish this and you'll be as famous as Sophie Kinsella and you'll never have to buy groceries again and you can spend all your time lounging on the beaches drinking frozen Flirtinis!" I'm so easy.

RAWSISTAZ Panel Discussion

The RAWSISTAZ book group is having an online conference Dec. 8-13. Stop by and check it out. On Wednesday, Dec. 10, I'll be participating on a panel called "Depicting the black family in literarture."

Good news and bad news

First the bad: the Rocky Mountain News is for sale. But it will be a miracle if they get a buyer. Some journalism expert said "trying to sell a newspaper right now is like trying to sell an anchor somebody else has already thrown overboard." Ouch! Denver has been a 2-paper town as long as I've lived here. Having competition for stories makes for better journalism. If they don't make it, I will be sad to see them go.

Now the good: In the latest edition, the Rocky included Orange Mint and Honey in their holiday books gift guide. The books editor Patti Thorn has always been very kind. One more reason I'll be sad if the Rocky doesn't make it.

Needless to say, there are many other suggestions on the list, so check it out and buy something!

Great news: Jihan's transplant was successful!

Remember my friend Jihan who needed the heart transplant? Just got an email from her and she received her new heart and has had a speedy recovery and is home! In her own words:

It has been an AMAZING and whirlwind experience! God is an awesome god and She gets all the glory. I feel so fucking good! The nurses and doctors were just blown away by my speedy recovery.

And I want to thank you again for reaching out to your readers on my behalf. We still have some hefty financial hurdles to overcome, but right now, I just don't give a damn! LOL! I'm alive!!!

Thanks everybody who sent a little gift to help out. Jihan told me she received gifts from all over the country, from people she didn't know and she chalked that up, partly, to this blog community--so thanks! Y'all rock!!!

Welcome Jessica Brody!

I've been horribly behind with my posts for the Girlfriend's Cyber Circuit. It's not due to CP time, I promise! Ok, maybe it's a little CP time. I've been really busy with my other blog. But I'm going to try to get back on schedule.

So...welcome Jessica Brody! Jessica is author of The Fidelity Files, about a woman who busts cheaters. She's also a full-time writer and producer, she lives in Los Angeles where she is currently working on her next novel.

The Fidelity Files confronts the thorny issue of infidelity head-on with its controversial main character Jennifer Hunter. Operating under the code name “Ashlyn,” Jennifer leads a double life. Her friends and family all think she’s an investment banker who’s too busy to date. In reality, Jennifer is hired by suspicious wives and girlfriends to test the faithfulness of their partners. Her job has made her pretty cynical about her own love life. But just as she’s ready to swear off men for ever, Jennifer meets sexy, sophisticated Jamie Richards, a man who might just past her fidelity test. However, before she retires her secret agent self forever, she takes on one last assignment – a job which will permanently alter her perceptions of trust, honesty, and love.

I admit I had a brief fascination with the show "Cheaters." There's something satisfying about busting liars. Our conversation is below. Stay with me: this is gonna be good!

Q: Tell us about your latest release and the inspiration behind it.

A: The Fidelity Files is the story of a beautiful, L.A. woman who works as an undercover “fidelity inspector,” hired by suspicious wives and girlfriends to test the faithfulness of the men in their lives. Except no one in her life knows what she does. Her friends and family all think she works for an investment bank.

Before I became a full-time writer, I worked in a very corporate environment. And like all corporate jobs, there were a certain number of “alcohol-related” events that I was expected to attend. I would often find myself at work happy hour functions in nearby bars, observing the interactions between single and non-single co-workers as their behaviors gradually declined from professional to something else entirely. Something hardly capable of being described as “appropriate.”

Witnessing these “indiscretions” upset me on a profound level. I secretly wished that someone would tell the “conveniently” absent significant others about what their husbands/wives/boyfriends/ girlfriends/fiancés really did while attending these “obligatory” and supposedly “uneventful” work functions. But I certainly wasn’t going to be the one to do it. I was brave enough to think it…but not exactly brave enough to go knocking on people’s doors with bad news. You know what people tend to do to “the messenger.”

So instead I created a character whose job and purpose in life was to do just that. To reveal the truth to anyone who wanted to know. To knock on all the doors that I never had the courage to knock on. An invincible superhero-esque woman whose quest is to fight against the evils of infidelity. But of course, she soon finds out…she’s not as invincible as she once thought.

Q: What's been your biggest surprise about getting published?

A: How LONG it takes for a book to hit the shelves! Holy cow! I was a young woman when I sold that thing. I really wasn’t expecting it to take that long. I thought six months maybe, nine tops. But from the time I got the publishing deal to the time it was actually available in stores was 19 months! And I recently sold a YA novel to another publisher and that one is going to take 24 months to release. I’m still not entirely sure why it takes so long but that was definitely an unpleasant surprise. Especially for someone like me who get frustrated when it takes longer than ten seconds for music to download.

Q: Do you have a favorite character in this book? If so, why?

A: My favorite character is definitely Jen’s gay friend, John. Every scene he’s in was always the most fun to write. And the easiest. He’s definitely the comic relief of the book. I don’t know where some of his lines come from. They just kind of emerge as if I’m channeling a flamboyant and sometimes annoying gay man from another dimension. I would be writing a scene with him and he’d respond with a line that was so him and I would just stare back at it on the page, laugh and say, “Where did that come from?” Needless to say, he was one of my favorite characters to return to in the sequel.

Q: What advice would you give to other writers trying to get published?

A: Take criticism. Believe in your work and stand behind it, but don’t be afraid to make changes. Try to be as objective as possible when it comes to your writing (I know how impossible that sounds) but it will only help you in the long run. Use rejections to evolve yourself as a writer, not just to line your waste basket. When someone rejects your work and offers a reason, don’t just blow it off and claim that they “didn’t get it” or that they clearly didn’t read it closely enough, dissect it and try to figure out if what they’re saying makes sense and if it will inevitably help your work. There a lot of people in this industry—agents, editors, other writers, etc.—who know what they’re talking about and know what it takes to make a book work. After all, that’s what they get paid for! Listen to them with open ears and grateful hearts. There’s a fine balance between staying true to your art and being open for suggestions, try to stay somewhere in the middle. If they “didn’t get it,” chances are, readers won’t get it either. And you won’t be there to explain it to them in the middle of Barnes and Noble.