Tag: Books

In Writing-Proud 2022 Moments #1

This month I’ve been looking back over things I’m proud of that I accomplished in 2022. One of the things at the top of that list is getting back into reading. As a author of two published books and working as a librarian, it goes without saying that I love books. However, recent times have caused me to feel like a bit of a fraud when I leaved the phrase “avid reader” in my bio. The truth is that I used to be an avid reader BEFORE I started writing. Now I’m more like a “wannabe” avid reader. Since beginning my writing journey, it seems, I’ve always been in some stage of a writing project. When I would pick up a book, I would soon feel like I should be writing (there’s a podcast that goes by that name, which I wish I chosen as my own!)

Nevertheless, reading is a MUST for me. I need to do it like I need to breathe. And no more matter how tempting it is to come home from work or wake up on a Saturday or Sunday morning to stream the latest popular series on Netflix, I had to make time for reading. It is apart of my writing craft. And I have fond memories of cozying up on the couch with a book. It was something I looked forward to. If you follow my blog, you’ll remember my New Year’s post declaring doing more things in 2023 that bring me joy. If reading didn’t make it list, charge it to my head and not my heart, because it’s there.

Through a combination of physical books and audio books, I completed at least 20 books in 2022. Below are a few of my favorites!

Sis Don’t Settle: How to be Smart in Matters of the Heart by Faith Jenkins

Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Reid

You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Awaeke Emezi

The Other Black Girl by Zakiyah Dallia Harris

Rare Danger by Beverly Jenkins

Who Are They Series?–Kania

Kania LyShay Johnson

I named my current main character so many years ago(1996) that when I started writing her story (2017), it wasn’t even an option to give her a name with any significance to her story. Kania LyShay Johnson was created as a supporting character in my debut novel, Unfinished Business. In that book, the main character had two best friends that were on the sideline of her journey to closing the revolving door she had with her first love. I was twenty-one years old when I started that novel so my point of reference for friends had been my own. Kania’s name is so similar to one of friend’s actual name that when I speak about the actual character or say her name in my head, I actually come close to saying my actual friend’s name. But it’s not just the name of my character that’s similar to my friend. Their physical features and personalities were similar too. Petite, shapely frame, curious brown eyes, smooth dark brown skin. She’s a smart, often thinking she knows more than everyone else, sassy, and no-nonsense. She’s the calm and cool friend of the trio, always having her friends back and setting them straight when necessary.

That was the gist of the character development in that first novel, created waaaayyy back in the late 90’s. Fast forward to the 21st century, Kania, being written by 40-something L.A. Jefferson, has evolved into a complex, flawed woman, walking backwards on the right path. She’s bumping into stuff, falling backwards and forwards trying to do the right thing, the wrong way. I could not fathom my real friend, who has chosen to literally unfriend me in recent months, experiencing the dilemma that today’s Kania is living in.

At the onset of writing this novel, I enjoyed paying homage to my friend with this character that mirrored her friendship in my life. Not so much lately.

Nevertheless, I’m excited to bring you Kania’s story. Stay tuned!

Naturally Yours,

LA

The Writing Continues: 3rd Novel Loading

The story of Kania Johnson, the third and final friend introduced in my debut novel Unfinished Business, is loading for publishing in the early fall of 2022. I started writing her story sometime in 2017, maybe 2016, when I realized she needed a story. Her character evolved from the friend getting married in Unfinished Business, to the friend who transformed from being career driven to mom driven in my second book, Reconciliation to Hell. Her relationship and marriage appeared perfect, untouchable from the vantage point of her friends. But no marriage is safe from strife and temptation. Kania, and her husband, Kenneth, are no different.

So the question,then, became, what should this well-put together, loving couple encounter to test their marriage? How about a threesome partner, a pastor, and a family secret? Sound juicy? I hope so!

I was having a ball creating this story in the writing software, Scrivener, and just when I decided to a do a copy and paste from that software to Google docs, the software crashed! YIKES!

Let me tell y’all..I was thanking God for the spirit that led me to back up my work or else I would have been starting from scratch. But here I am 3 years later, in the rewrite stage following a developmental edit of the book last summer.

Just to give you a snippet of what it’s like to rewrite based on a developmental edits, here ya go:

But at this mid-point of January, I’m trudging along making progress everyday. I’ve set a had goal to get through the edits by March 1st. I’ll definitely keep you posted.

Naturally Yours,

LA

Delta Authors on Tour-Detroit Style

The big day has finally arrived! I couldn’t be happier.

I have been a member of the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc for nearly 9 years. And as soon as I got the chance, I registered my first novel, Unfinished Business, in the yearly Delta Author directory compiled by our National Arts & Letters Commission of our national organization. When I published my second novel in 2016, Reconciliation to Hell, I included that one, too.

As I a result, I have been invited as a feature author for literary events on two different occasions by two different local chapters. First, the Inkster Alumnae Chapter, followed by the Southfield Alumnae Chapter. But this is my FIRST time being featured by my home chapter, the chapter where I was initiated–the Dynamic Detroit Alumnae Chapter. I am super geeked! It’s nothing like the support of home!

Detroit Alumnae Chapter is the final stop on the National Delta Authors on Tour. There is a private event taking place on Friday, May 1st, in which the featured authors will hobnob (virtually, of course) with national and regional leadership and fellowship with one another. The next day, Saturday, May 22nd is the event for the public to meet and greet (virtually, of course) with the authors and talk about the awesome, exciting, and intriguing books that everyone has written.

If you haven’t had the chance to register, here’s the registration link. If you can’t make the event you can go here to order books.

Conversation with the Author

I’m happy to announce that I am the feature author this month for the Detroit chapter of Rotary Club. They host an author every month and it’s no coincidence that I’m up for National Reading Month. Or is it? Lol!!

Mark the date in your calendar and join us!