Loyalty

Hey friends! I just wanted to hop on here and give a quick update on writing and such. I finished the first round of revisions in my manuscript, and I’m gearing up for round two. There’s no telling how many edits I’ll go through, but one thing that will likely remain is my main character’s perception of loyalty. Loyalty seems to be the running theme of this story, but it isn’t something I’d set out to do. And it’s not just Nadia Price, my protagonist. All the other characters have this theme in common, and I didn’t realize it until now. I don’t use the word loyalty throughout the story (yet), but it’s the root cause behind their behavior – good and life-changing.

Loyalty is a quality I place in high esteem. Loyalty to family, friends, and the workplace. I’ve lived my life being faithful to the people I care about. Sometimes to the point where my behavior ultimately hurts me. The fact that my characters are loyal to a fault and are willing to cross a line they can’t come back from shouldn’t surprise me – I am the writer. It’s just interesting how one’s loyalty to another can influence their actions – the lengths they’ll go to support another in real life and fiction.

As revisions progress, the story’s theme probably won’t change all that much unless it’s supposed to. The goal is to relay the characters’ thoughts, feelings, and actions to the reader. It’s important to tell their story the way they want. So the revisions will continue. Character attributes and motives will be fleshed out. I might have to cut some of my favorite scenes or dialogue. Whatever needs to happen to portray this story appropriately will happen. If loyalty is meant to be a running theme, then all the editing in the world won’t change that.

Books

Not only have I been focusing on my manuscript, but I’ve also taken some time to read for fun before classes start next month. I recently posted on Instagram how I planned on reading books written by Black authors for Black History Month. I have a stack of books from various genres (i.e., nonfiction, YA fantasy, mystery) I couldn’t wait to get into. I started reading Within These Wicked Walls by Lauren Blackwood and, so far, it’s good. However, it’s moving slower than I’d like. This isn’t a criticism against the book. It’s my mind’s way of telling me that even though I want to read out of my comfort zone (YA fantasy), I’m craving some mystery and suspense. Down the River Unto the Sea by Walter Mosley is calling my name. I’m also anxious to read Razorblade Tears by S. A. Crosby.

Since my mind wants a good mystery, I’m putting down one book (unfinished) and starting another. Yes, I’m that person. I read whatever I’m in the mood for. If I put off what I want to read, by the time I get around to reading it, I’ll be in the mood for something else – which is exactly what’s happening right now. There’s a book for every season and feeling. The best way to judge a book is to read it when the time’s right. Otherwise, I’m faulting a book for not holding my interest when what I need at the moment is a novel from a completely different genre. Plus, a good mystery helps get the creative juices flowing.

Love

By the time you read this, Valentine’s Day will have come and gone. Instagram posts have gone up celebrating love – of self, each other, or love lost. Some authors might have used the opportunity to highlight their work or promote a sale. Regardless of how the day was spent or how some of you feel about Valentine’s Day, I hope you realized the importance of loving yourself first and foremost. How you treat yourself influences how you give and receive love. It also attracts certain types of people. Love yourself the way you want to be loved. Every. Single. Day.

Following your passion is challenging (Hello, imposter syndrome!). If we’re not careful, we can talk ourselves out of what we’re meant to do. We can shelve story ideas out of fear or stick to doing what’s comfortable. We can let someone’s opinion or feedback validate who we are as writers or artists. If we don’t love or believe in ourselves enough, then we listen to the wrong voices or follow the wrong people. We may never show our creativity or produce the work that someone needs.

Writing can be lonely, especially when the negative voices are louder than all the positive feedback you’ve received. Or the joy you feel when you see the work you’ve created. Love yourself. Be proud of your work, and most of all, have fun with it.

Til next time…