In January, my dad sent a text saying that Bae and I “were made for each other.” It’s the kinda thing the best man says during his wedding toast. I could practically hear John Legend in the background singing Made to Love. (It’s the kinda thing a writer learns from listening and observing.) I was curious […]
Want to Write Better? Listen and Observe 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 »
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 »
A few weeks ago, I hosted my #BeTheStarOfYourShow Workshop at Mott Hall Bridges Academy in Brooklyn and this question popped up: How do you silence the critics and write for yourself? Side note: This isn’t your Grandma Joyce’s workshop. It’s based on my book Famous! How to Be the Star of Your Show and it’s
Write For Yourself, Not Your Cousin Peaches 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 »
I did some dope stuff this year, like writing Famous! for teen girls, helping The No.1 Son pick a high school that celebrates his creativity and jogging in the park. (The last one is a big deal since I’m the girl who envies runners like, I wish I could do that…as if they were Mutants melting
5 Mistakes I Made in 2015 Read More »
Picture me playing Big Sean’s “Blessings” right now, singing: “Waaaay up, I feel blessed” as I type this post. Why? My book signing for Famous! How to Be the Star of Your Show: A Teen Girl’s Guide to Embracing Her Fabulous Self at Amarchi Prime in Brooklyn was amaz-zing (yes, that’s with two Zs) and it
My Amazing Book Signing And Launch Party! Read More »
This morning I fiddled with my braids to whip up a quick style and without even thinking, I pinned some strands back and looked exactly like an older version of Jada. Jada is the 16-year-old girl whose rape went viral on social media when someone took pictures of her half-naked, unconscious body, and others imitated
Jada Tells Her Story With #IAmJada Read More »
Don’t just chill at the pool, or work yourself into a stinky sweat at the burger shop. Buy a gallon or two of chocolate chip ice cream, call your friends over and have an ice-cream eating contest. (Don’t act like you don’t have a Baskin-Robbins coupon burning a hole in your pocket!) Be sure to
11 Things to Do This Summer! Read More »
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