On Writing: Discipline

I suffered from writer's block for more than 15 years before I wrote my first book. Those days were very frustrating, and at times, downright difficult. I'd start writing and then, wham! The words would stop and I couldn't seem to get them back. But once I started writing my first manuscript in earnest, my muse came to me (on a sunny Monday morning in March 2004. It's a day I'll always remember!) and has been my good friend ever since.

Even though I don't suffer from writer's block the way I used to, there are days when my muse says she's tired and needs a break! So, what do I do when that happens?...I still write! Don't get me wrong, I never force writing because that's a recipe for disaster. But in order to complete a novel-length manuscript (75-85k words. Mine are usually 95-100k words) you have to buckle down and exercise a fair amount of discipline.

Writing a novel requires a great deal of discipline, stamina, and dedication. The only way to finish a book is to write as much as you can. Even if I don't write a new scene, I go back over what I've already written, and when I do that I always end up adding more words to the pages and making what I've already penned even better. Essentially, writing is re-writing.

The discipline involved in completing a book isn't easy. Going from a blank screen to one filled with over 350 pages requires hours and hours of uninterrupted time each day, month, and year, if you want to maintain a career as a writer. A good way to make sure you write each day, or at least work on your manuscript, is to schedule an appointment. Just as you would schedule a hair appointment, dental office visit, or a workout at the gym, you have to schedule writing time. You have to treat your writing as a necessary appointment that you can't miss. However you decide to organize your time, find what works for you and make it a part of your routine, so that writing becomes a habit!

Blessings,
Trice
www.tricehickman.com

Interview with China Ball

Each month I will feature interviews with a diverse group of authors here on Trice's World. Some will be New York Times bestsellers, while others may be just starting out. If I can keep up with the pace I'd love to feature several each month. But for now, seeing as though I'm getting back into the swing of things, I'll start off by taking it slow, one author at a time.

First up, is China Ball!

China Ball is the author of four novels with her fifth book to be released in March 2013.  China released her debut novel Eleven Months of Hell in 2008.  China Ball was invited by the NAACP Image Awards to participate as a nominee for best debut novel in the 2009 Awards show and was invited back for her second and third novels.  China Ball hails from Richmond, Virginia, served the United States Navy for 9 ½ years, received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism/Public Relations from Norfolk State University.  She went on to receive her Master of Science degree in Public Administration.  She resides in the Washington, DC metropolitan area with her fiancé and son.

Hi China! Thanks so much for agreeing to interview with me, I really appreciate your time and I'm sure the readers do, too! Let's jump right in with questions.

1.     What prompted you to write your first book, and looking back, if there was one thing you could change about that book what would it be, if any?

I come from a family of story tellers who loved to read.  I began writing when I was three years old when my mother gave me a piece of paper and a crayon to entertain me, and it was love at first sight.  I use to tell my fiancé several stories of my life experiences and he prodded me into writing my first book.  He felt it would be a story to benefit people who had gone through what my story entailed.  The one thing I would change is one chapter that was 41 pages.  I would have shorten it or make it into 2 or 3 chapters.

2.     The current climate in the publishing industry is very precarious and filled with lots of changes. What do you see as the biggest change in the industry since you published your first book?

When I first published my first book, there were a plethora of book events to market and sell your book and readers were anxious to get new books.  The biggest change came when the e-book was introduced to the market.  It took off by storm and now readers would much rather read their books electronically for the convenience rather than taking a book.

3.     You've published five books in five years, which is a major accomplishment. How do you balance your time so you can write, market, promote, and publish your books?

Writing is my passion.  Writing relieves my stress and lets me express the things I’ve thought and imagined.  On days when it has been especially challenging, my relief comes from writing.  Sometimes I use my lunch break to write, I take mini vacations to write, and on the weekends or my days off I market and promote my books. 

4.    What aspect of writing do you like most and what part of it do you like least?

As most authors would say, I love the writing and creating.  What I like least is the business side, invoicing, and competition with other authors for the readers’ attention.

5.     There's a saying, "I wish I knew then what I know now." As it relates to publishing, what is one thing you know now that you wish you had known when you started your literary career?

I wish I had known the publishing industry was going to suffer as the years moved on.

6.     Are you working on any new projects? If so, please do share!

My next novel to be released in March 2013 is the sequel to my fourth book I AM Vanessa, which is titled No Analysis Needed.   I am currently working on Tessa Don’t Take No Mess which will be released in September 2013.

7.     Thanks so much for your time, China! I'm sure readers and writers alike will benefit from your insight after reading this interview. Please tell the readers how they can find out more about you and your books?

Readers and interested people can visit my website at http://www.chinaballauthor.com/.  I welcome them to visit and join me on Facebook and Twitter.  My books can be purchased on Amazon, Amazon Kindle, Nook , Smashwords and my website.

 

Pre-orders: Why They're Important

In the publishing business, as with most other industries, it’s all about the numbers.  Publishers look at them closely, reporting stores submit them, Nielson BookScan calculates them, and authors work hard to increase them. The quantity of units sold can mean the difference between being able to publish another book, or the beginning and end of a literary journey.

Pre-orders are an important component in book sales. Essentially, pre-orders serve as the launching pad for a book’s success, giving it wings to fly off the shelves—or in today’s marketplace, clicks to digital download heaven.

When I self-published my first novel, Unexpected Interruptions, in November 2007, I started my campaign for pre-orders five months before my pub date. Although 2007, wasn’t so terribly long ago, it feels like eons now, when I reflect back on it. Technology has changed so many things, and social media combined with e-readers have provided a more efficient way to spread the word about a book and increase access to sales. But whether then or now, pre-orders still remain a critical part of selling a book.

Pre-orders generate buzz, which creates anticipation, and ultimately drives sales. My goal was to generate enough pre-orders to pay for my first print run, which was a modest 2,500 books. On the day of my book’s release I had pre-sold 1,000 copies, and within 30 days I sold the rest of my stock and ordered a second print run. I wouldn’t have been able to do that had I not pre-sold units to cover those expenses. Readers who had pre-ordered the book received it on the day of its release and quickly posted reviews, which helped to build more interest, increase momentum, and boost sales.

Another important thing about pre-orders is that they count toward an author’s fist week sales. As I stated in a separate post about first week sales (January 29, 2013), those numbers help determine whether a book makes its way to a bestseller list or not.

So how do you generate pre-orders? What kinds of marketing and promotion strategies yield the best results? Check back next week for my post on marketing and promotion.

Trice Hickman

www.tricehickman.com

Writing: How To Get Started

A lot of people say they don't know where to begin when it comes to writing a book. "How do I get started?" is one of the most frequently asked questions I hear from aspiring writers. I'll be honest, writing a book is no easy feat. Many new writers obsess about how their story will unfold, the pacing of their plot, and the likability/believability of their characters. And they wonder how their beginning, middle, and end will all come together to form a good book. All those concerns are valid ones. But I think the most important aspect of "getting started" involves discipline.

Books are not written overnight, they are written over time. It is a process, and that process involves making a huge time commitment for the endeavor. Sure, there are some writers who can complete a book in record time and can churn out 10,000 words in one day. I once did 9,000 words, but the next day I felt as though I'd suffered a mild concussion. The truth is, writing requires long, uninterrupted hours of solitary time, where it's just you and your characters filling up blank pages.

How do you fill up those pages? One day at a time.

Getting started requires an every day commitment. If your lifestyle won't allow you to write for long hours every day, do something, even if you only write a few paragraphs or go over what you've already written. When you engage in the exercise of writing each day, your mind and body will soon grow accustomed to the familiar journey, and it will become a habit. Initially, it can be a challenging thing to do, so I tell aspiring writers to schedule writing time on their electronic calendar. Set the alert/alarm so it reminds you and holds you accountable. Just as you would schedule a hair appointment, doctor's visit, or a night out with friends, schedule your writing time!

Another thing I've found helpful is to record your word count every day. I keep a writing journal for each one of my novels. When I start writing in the morning, I record how many words I have on paper and I do it again at the end of my writing day. This allows me to see my progress (or lack thereof) and gives me the push to do more than I did the day before. 

Each writer will find their own rhythm and what works best for them. But the main thing is to commit yourself to doing something every day. Disciplining yourself will help you get started and before you know it you'll have a completed book.

Trice Hickman
www.tricehickman.com

Wow All Over Again!

Wow, I can't believe we're already into the third week  of 2013. I think I may have said the same thing and had the same feeling this time last year! It's "WOW" all over again!

But there's one thing I know that will be very different this year...I'm going to take better care of ME!

So often in the past I've neglected my health--physically and emotionally--trying to do too many things all at once. It was maddening, and after a while it wore me down. Last year many of my friends and close family members were affected by health challenges. I even had my own battles. The one thing I realized is that without good health nothing else really matters. Without good health you can't enjoy the things you work so hard for.

I also realized that once you slow down, things still manage to get done, maybe not in the time you would have liked, but they still get done. And even if they don't, it's not the end of the earth, so to speak. Taking a breath to gather yourself in the face of stressful situations can prove more productive than plowing through the work and ending up with an ulcer, high blood pressure, or worse.

Will I work hard? Absolutely! Will I work non-stop? Absolutely NOT! Moderation is going to be my motto. I know I'll have to adjust in order to ease into this knew way of being, but I'm looking forward to the experience!

Blessings,
Trice
www.tricehickman.com

Imagery Is Powerful

Imagery Is Powerful

I’ve seen some distasteful comments on websites and read some very disturbing things that prompted me to write this post.

This week the Internet was all abuzz with pictures of Beyoncé and her adorable 7 month old daughter, Blue Ivy. But things quickly took a turn for the worse. Vicious comments about baby BI’s facial features filled the comment sections of sites that posted the precious picture of Beyoncé and her and Jay Z’s little chubby-cheeked beauty. What was even more disturbing (to me) was that black folks were making pointed comments that made me shake my head. I copied some of them below.

“She has nappy hair.”

“I hope she doesn’t end up with Jay Z’s big lips and nose.”

“Damn, her nose is already wide. I hope she don’t end up looking like her daddy.”

These are just a few of the horrible, mean-spirited things people were saying about Beyoncé’s and Jay Z’s beautiful daughter. Who says stuff like that about a baby? Anyone who can do that is obviously a very sad person inside. And deeper still, this vitriolic banter sheds light on an even more troubling problem. The issue of how we view beauty in the black community.

Black folks are still carrying around a heavy amount of plantation luggage. There are many in the black community who still believe that dark skin, wide noses, full lips, and kinky hair equals ugly. Instead, they strive for lighter skin, slim noses, moderate-size lips and straight hair, because these are all signs of perceived European beauty. That standard of beauty is especially hard for black women. A chocolate brother is all the rage—Idris, Morris, Lance, etc. But a chocolate sister? Not so much.

I remember when the striking Sudanese supermodel Alek Wek hit the scene back in 1995 with her smooth, onyx-colored skin, lusciously full lips, deep-set eyes, and toned, slender body. The reaction in the world of fashion was one of fascination and intrigue. But the talk in the black community was downright hateful. Black folks panned her “African” features as though this beautiful woman was the ugliest thing they’d ever seen. I remember hearing brother’s say things like, “She’s way too black” and some sisters say, “She needs a weave to hide those naps.” Those remarks both angered and saddened me. I was so happy when Oprah had Ms. Wek on her show and said, “If you'd been on the cover of a magazine when I was growing up, I would have had a different concept of who I was.”

Imagery is powerful.

Growing up, my father used to always tell me how beautiful my chocolate brown skin was. I didn’t appreciate his praise back then, but I certainly do now. My father was letting me know that I was beautiful and worthy, and he was also preparing me for a world that wouldn’t always be as welcoming. It was especially hurtful to me that I would be rebuffed by other black people. Brothers and sisters alike have told me, “You’re pretty to be dark skinned.” Yes, idiots have actually told me this to my face, as if dark skin couldn’t possibly embody even a hint of attractiveness.  

Women of other ethnicities spend large amounts of money to get what the majority of black women have naturally—tanned/brown skin, full lips, round hips, high cheekbones—it’s all so beautiful! A flat nose can be just as beautiful as an angular one. Kinky hair can be rocked with a fierceness equal to its long, straight counterpart. Beauty is truly in the eyes of who beholds it, and it’s felt in the way each of us embraces what they have. It’s okay to have hair that’s kinky or straight. It’s okay for skin to be dark or light. It’s okay to have African, Asian, European or any other type of features. But it’s not okay to uphold one standard of beauty as the yardstick by which all other beauty is measured. We (human beings) are so much more than that.

Humanity is simply man’s love for his/her fellow man. Once we embrace our shared humanity (love), we will embrace the beauty in each of us. These aren’t just pie-in-the-sky words I’m speaking. This is real talk! I pray that as the millions of Blue Ivy’s in the world grow up, they will look in the mirror and embrace what they see, and they will live in a society that nurtures it.  

   

Body Image: What’s It Really All About?

Body image. It’s an issue most women struggle with at some point in our lives—I know I certainly have, and still do. During my 20’s everything was perky and tight. I ate whatever I wanted and I still looked pretty good. When I entered my 30’s I began to notice subtle changes. Things weren’t as they had been a decade before, but, it was still all good! When I slid into my 40’s reality started kicking in, my metabolism slowed down, and I found myself wondering what had happened to my body. Even shopping, one of my favorite pastimes, became challenging. *Cautionary Note*: There is nothing more sobering than taking your clothes off in a department store dressing room and looking at your half-naked self under the glare of those ultra bright lights. As we age, we gain things we didn’t have before, and lose things we wish we could hold on to.

I don’t know a woman alive who thinks, “My body is great just the way it is!” I’m sure such women exist, and that they are actually inhabiting this planet (well-adjusted aliens living among us, disguised as humans)…just kidding…a little! If I conducted a poll and asked the average woman to name one thing she’d like to change about her body, I guarantee she could come up with at least three different things off the top of her head. Some want thinner thighs, smaller waistlines, slimmer hips, and firmer everything! And on the flip side, some long for larger thighs, rounder behinds…and yes, firmer everything! Whether we’re big or small we fantasize about having the perfect bikini body. But let’s face it, even the svelte swim suit models gracing the fashion magazines are airbrushed to death, so what’s it really all about?...I believe it all starts with good self-esteem combined with good health and fitness habits.

Our society has become obsessed with beauty over substance. We live in an age of mid-drift bearing, booty-shakin’, breast implant having, show-what-you-got, in-your-face boldness. The unrealistic standards of beauty and body size thrust in front of us by way of magazines and music videos can make the average woman feel inadequate…and I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been guilty of succumbing to the hype.

I’ve often bemoaned and criticized my wide hips, thick thighs, and big legs. But slowly, and I mean very slowly, I’m learning to appreciate my curvy, grown woman shape. The other day I stood in front of the mirror, naked as the day I came into this world, and studied my body closely. Every inch of it. I closed my eyes, then opened them again. I spoke affirming words to the woman staring back at me. I embraced my soft, smooth, cocoa-colored skin that protects my body, and I thanked my big legs for allowing me to walk everywhere I need to go. I’m truly thankful for both. And even though I didn’t get around to praising my wide hips or thick thighs, I know I’ll get there soon, and when I do I will appreciate them, regardless of their size. This whole thing is a process—and it’s called acceptance. Loving who you are is a necessary exercise. Both the mind and body must be treated with reverence and care.

It’s important to be healthy, no matter your body size. There are thin women who are grossly out of shape and haven’t an ounce of cardio endurance, while there are overweight women who are fit and can run circles around their thinner counterparts. As I’ve gotten older, I realize how much more important it is to feel good than to look good (but for the record, I do want to look good, too!). I’ve also learned that educating yourself about proper diet and exercise, and incorporating both into your daily lifestyle is essential at any age. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, and moving your body in some sort of aerobic activity for at least 30 minutes a day can make all the difference in the world. When we do good things for our bodies we get great result. And when we love what’s on the inside, that’s an unbeatable feeling!

So tell me, how do you feel about your body and what issues are you struggling with, if any? What are some of the things you’re doing to stay fit and healthy? Let me know and share some of the health and nutrition tips that have worked for you?

I Carry Both Their Names and Their Pride: Honoring My Grandfathers During Black History Month

During Black History Month we celebrate great men and women of African descent who have contributed to the betterment and equality of African Americans and all citizens of this country, for their contributions have impacted us across race and gender lines. We’re all familiar with Medgar Evers, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Thurgood Marshall, and other phenomenal individuals who championed equality and civil rights.
But when I think about giants who fought for justice while reaching out to help their fellow man, two names always come to mind—Reverend W. G. Hickman, my paternal grandfather, and James Thomas Trice, my maternal grandfather. I carry their both names and their pride.

Granddaddy Hickman, (Willie Gray, as his family called him) was a powerful man. He was one of the first black male teachers at the local high school I attended, he was instrumental in helping to start the Voter's League in my hometown, and he was president of the local NAACP chapter for many years. Granddaddy was also a pastor, and boy could he preach! As a child I remember sitting in the pew at his church and listening to his thunderous voice as he delivered his sermon. (I would later do the same with my own father). He marched with Dr. King, and he championed the rights of underserved and underrepresented citizens. He was a business owner and community leader. Granddaddy stood up and spoke out during a time when it was dangerous for a black man to do so, especially in the South. He staged the first sit-in (and took my father with him when my Dad was just a small boy, setting an early example for him) at a restaurant in my hometown that refused to serve black people. He was an “agitator” (I love it!) who stood his ground and fought for what was right. He was proud and fearless, and I greatly admire him for his determined spirit.

James Trice was one of the best men I’ve ever known. Granddaddy James had what people called “the gift of gab.” He could talk to anyone about anything! I remember having conversations with him that lasted for hours…and that’s a really long time when you’re a kid! He was smart and wise, and he loved his family with a deep, unwavering passion. He was a man of honor, integrity, and kindness. Granddaddy James served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II, and then worked for the federal government for 37 years before retiring. He was a member of the Masons, Shriners, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and he volunteered in his community. I always knew that he was a great man, but it wasn’t until his funeral that I realized the powerful impact he’d had on his community. His home going service lasted for several hours because person after person stood up and gave testimony about the good deeds he’d done over the years. From taking food out of his refrigerator to feed his neighbors, to physically saving one young man’s life, my granddaddy helped people whenever he could. And it’s ironic because for a man who loved to talk, he never breathed a word about his selfless acts of kindness. He just went about the work of being a good human being. His heart was so big, and I miss him so much.

Both of my grandfathers taught me valuable lessons about strength, determination, and kindness. No, they weren’t perfect men, but they were solid men. They stood tall in their deeds and beliefs. They provided for their families and were responsible citizens. And I’m confident in saying that their communities were better places because they had lived in them—what a lasting legacy! My two grandfathers are the yardstick by which I measure greatness, and that’s why I celebrate them during Black History Month.

I believe we all know unspoken hero’s—those individuals who’ve made a difference, touched a life, or fought for what was right. During Black History Month and every month thereafter, let’s honor these hero’s by remembering them, talking about them, sharing their stories, and celebrating their deeds. Who are the people in your family that deserve to be recognized and honored? I challenge you to tell their story…it just might inspire someone!

Valentine's Day Tips...Spice Up Your Man's Day!

Valentine's Day Tips from Victoria Small of Divine Occasions

Who says that women are the only ones who like romance? Men like it, too! This Valentine's Day, make it ALL about him by showing your man you appreciate him in ways that will make him sit up, take notice, and beg for more! Here are a few tips from Divine Occasions owner, Victoria Small, to help you make your guy’s cupid day memorable!

Divine Occasions Valentine's Day Tip #1—Ladies, start your man's Valentine's Day morning off right by feeding him a delicious, healthy treat in bed. Mix strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries in a bowl, then top it off with a little whipped cream (on him!), and lick it off of him in small, delicious nibbles so you can have a sweet treat, too!

Divine Occasions Valentine's Day Tip #2—Pack your guy a sexy, heart-healthy Valentine's Day lunch. Every man loves to be fed, so before he walks out the door, hand your man a lunch bag that includes fresh fruits and nuts atop leafy salad greens, a juicy red apple, and a small box of red hot cinnamon candies...and don't forget to include a love note letting him know that you can't wait for him to get home so you can give him a "REAL" gift!

Divine Occasions Valentine's Day Tip #3—When your man comes home, greet him at the door in sexy lingerie and your most fierce pair of stilettos...but don't let him touch you. Take him to the dinner table (which should already be set with flowers, candles, and a delicious meal) and let him savor the pleasure of watching you dine in your sexy silk and lace (or leather if that’s your pleasure!). Then, continue your romantic evening by relaxing together in a warm bubble bath sprinkled with rose petals (by this time your lingerie should be off!).

Divine Occasions Valentine's Day Tip #4—Light an aromatherapy candle, turn on soft music, and give your man an all-over body massage with non-scented oil. Then, once you’re finished, hand feed him some delicious treats (chocolate covered strawberries, grapes, berries, and whipped cream)…Oh, and did I mention he should be blindfolded during this sensual pampering session!

Divine Occasions Valentines Tip #5—Wake him up with a sensual Lingam massage (It’s a Tantric, male centered massage that’s dedicated to one area of his anatomy) that will get his day started on the upswing *wink*. Meet your guy during his lunch break and sneak away for a sexy mid-day romp that will make him return to work with an extra pep in his step! Then, pick him up from work at the end of the day and tell him that the evening is his—do whatever he likes. He’ll appreciate that you made this day ALL about him!

Check out Victoria Small, her exciting life, and the amazingly colorful cast of jump-off-the-page characters in my novel, Unexpected Interruptions, (Dafina Books, March 29, 2011). Visit Trice Hickman at http://www.tricehickman.com/.