On Tuesday this week, I was able to hear authors Tomi Adeyemi (pictured with me above), Yomi Adegoke, and Elizabeth Uviebinene talk at a bookstore. These authors all had one thing in common - they were black, and they were Nigerian. It was a euphoric experience! I'm not the kind of woman (and never was… Continue reading What A Panel of Black Authors Meant for Me
Tag: write
How I Know I was Meant to be a Middle-Grade Author
Hopefully you know by now that I've made the switch from writing YA fantasy to now writing MG fantasy. I've been thinking lately that it's always been obvious that I am better suited to children's fantasy than young adult or teen fantasy, and here's why... I can be poetic and whimsical and silly with my… Continue reading How I Know I was Meant to be a Middle-Grade Author
Knowing What Kind of Writer You Are
I was speaking to my friend (and critique partner) about our books the other day. I'm in the editing process but she's still in the writing the draft process. And we were envious of each other! You see, I think there's different kinds of writers who thrive in different ways. I thrive in the writing… Continue reading Knowing What Kind of Writer You Are
Mind Mapping for Writers
I love mind maps. Countless times have they helped me figure out ideas that I was struggling with. Here are a few ways that you can use mind maps: Details for your story: this is the biggest one. I've used many mind maps to help me to discover detail about my story without feeling like… Continue reading Mind Mapping for Writers
Why Writing is Hard
Writing is hard. It is. Not because writing something is hard, because technically everyone can write something. Not because coming up with good ideas is hard, because all kinds of people (extraordinary and not so extraordinary) can come up with ideas everyday. No, writing is hard because: Discipline - it takes discipline to sit with… Continue reading Why Writing is Hard
What Do Children Want and Need from a Book?
By children, I mean middle grade (8-14) really. I've been thinking about this a lot, as someone who plans to be a middle grade author in the not too distant future. What do children want and need from a book in this day and age? Because, I bet it's not the same as 5 years… Continue reading What Do Children Want and Need from a Book?
How to Become a Writer (Beginner’s Guide)
*Here is MY advice on how you can become a writer, too. In no way is this the ONLY way to becoming a writer...* Write…a lot and often The only way to be a writer is to write. Even if you do nothing else on this list, you need to write. Writers write. If you… Continue reading How to Become a Writer (Beginner’s Guide)
How to Do a Boring Task Effectively
I have quite a few things in my life that are "boring" to do, but nonetheless, they need to be done. We all have those tasks, right? For me, it's writing pieces that aren't in my niche (topics that I love) and editing my writing extensively - these are my biggest boring tasks that I… Continue reading How to Do a Boring Task Effectively
“There’s No Room” – Poem
There's no room to grow, Within these four walls. These hallowed halls, Ring too loudly Of the past. There's no room to breathe, Among these toxic fumes, That have been festering, For years, Within the minds Of my family. There's no room to heal, When the black clouds do grow, Casting a shadow… Continue reading “There’s No Room” – Poem
“My Author Journey” Part One: First Fantasy Book Publication (Ash Born)
I'll start with "Ash Born". Anyone who has followed my journey or known me for a while should have heard of "Ash Born" at least once. If not, I really have failed it. Ash Born is the first book I ever published, well, it wasn't always known by this name.
S. R. Crawford 