Recently, I participated in the #SassBossLinkUp (founded by Sapphira Martin) a panel about creative leaps and entrepreneurship, which inspired this post about 11 quotes for newbie writers (obvi). All of my fellow panelists and the moderator are pretty badass—one of them, Briana Owens, has a gig in advertising but also owns Spiked Spin, a hip-hop cycling […]
11 Quotes For Newbie Writers And a J. Cole Lyric Read More »
I’ve dropped some serious coin on writing workshops with schools like the Frederick Douglass Creative Arts Center in Harlem (RIP), Gotham, Mediabistro and The Best Sellers Publishing Course. The last one was more about publishing than writing, but that’s for a later post. It’s safe to say I’ve seen my share of writing communities from
Here’s What I Know About Writing Workshops Read More »
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 »
Sometimes it takes a minute for a documentary to hit me. This was the case with Everything is Copy, Jacob Bernstein’s tribute to his late mother Nora Ephron. I had watched it weeks ago and it burned slowly in my subconscious. Maybe it had something to do with me wanting to hear more from the folks
This Is What Nora Ephron Taught Me 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 »
When I interview someone for a magazine, celebrities included, I want it to feel like a conversation. I hate when interviews sound or read like the subject was constipated or worse, held at gunpoint. It’s like the interviewer is only there to get the answers and run, not conduct a conversation where the viewer or reader
3 Things I Learned From Interviews: The Taraji, Tyra & Jordin Edition 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 »
I’m going to stretch the truth a bit and say every English teacher has heard a student ask: What should I write? And many teachers have responded: “Write what you know.” I call it WWYK. For many writers this bit of wisdom falls into the best/worst advice ever category. It’s cliché and a bit confusing.
The $64,000 Question: What Should I Write? Read More »
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