June was a lazy month for me. I laid around, eating snacks and taking naps. I had become a bad version of myself. So, in an effort to pick myself up by the bootstraps, I decided to have a more productive month. When July rolled around, I was determined to become more active by going… Continue reading 30 Days in July
Category: Uncategorized
My Girl, Nikki
I’m calling her “my girl”. But I’ve only met her once. That one time I made a fool out of myself. A bumbling crybaby, I walked to the microphone and said, “It’s not often people meet their heroes. But today, I’m meeting mine.” I cried. She smiled. Nikki then proceeded to say some kind words… Continue reading My Girl, Nikki
Down Feather Pillows
Down feathers litter my bed. My beauty rest pillow is in shambles. A large gash in it has exposed the inside and caused feathers to leak onto my sheets. I awake each morning with feathers in my hair, stuck to my face, lodged in my ear. Yet and still, I sleep with my beloved pillow… Continue reading Down Feather Pillows
Let’s Get Moving!
Today, I’m joining the gym. I’m going online, signing up for membership, paying my fee and becoming a member. This is what I keep telling myself. I’m not into this “New Year, New You” mantra that many of us subscribe to. I rarely, if ever make resolutions. But with my age and health, I’m finding… Continue reading Let’s Get Moving!
So Much More To Say
There has been radio silence in this space. I’m aware of that. My last blog post was nearly three years ago! I wish I could tell you I regret taking this long to blog again, or that I’ve been busy with author stuff and haven’t had an opportunity to update my site. But none of… Continue reading So Much More To Say
One Thousand Yellow Butterflies Released
Wait a minute! After publishing that last post I realize I never officially announced my new book! Last week (March 23) I celebrated the release of my 6th book and first volume of poetry. One Thousand Yellow Butterflies is a collection dedicated to the memory of my mother, Okla Chatman Kenely, who passed unexpectedly 10 years… Continue reading One Thousand Yellow Butterflies Released
Little Girl Dreaming
Sometime around my 12th or 13th birthday I began dreaming of being a writer. That dream was prompted by my love of books. I was surrounded by them. There were stacks and stacks of books everywhere in our home. On bookshelves, in boxes. Literally everywhere: math textbooks (my parents were high school math teachers), yearbooks, Bibles, encyclopedias. My… Continue reading Little Girl Dreaming
Atlanta African-American Authors Book Festival
Now that the dust has settled, and smoke has cleared I can take some time to tell you about the Atlanta African American Authors Book Festival held on July 14, 2018. Incredible, inspiring, awesome, unmatched. Those are a few of the many, many complimentary adjectives I can use to describe this event. Held at Georgia… Continue reading Atlanta African-American Authors Book Festival
Hello 42!
My birthday party was incredible. I was a bit indecisive the past few weeks with the plans for my celebration. I was unsure whether people would REALLY show up. But I overcame my fear and moved forward with my plans. And I’m so glad I did. Thirty of my closest friends and family came out… Continue reading Hello 42!
Author’s Tea – The Sidewalk Cafe
South Carolina is my home. So, when I found out Sumter would host a local author’s tea I jumped at the chance to participate (any excuse to visit my hometown). The event was held in downtown Sumter at The Sidewalk Cafe on Main Street. It was my first time at this particular restaurant and I was… Continue reading Author’s Tea – The Sidewalk Cafe
The Problem With Being a Writer
The skill of writing, penning a piece of work, whether that work be a blog post, short story, article or novel, is that it is such a solitary endeavor; one that you complete alone, without the aid or accompaniment of any other living being. And that aloneness can be staggering. You are left with only… Continue reading The Problem With Being a Writer
Tips for Your Next Speaking Event
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending a book conference with a host of authors. This blog post is inspired by my time there. I curated a few tips for any writers who may have upcoming speaking engagements. I hope you find these suggestions helpful. 1) Represent yourself in a professional manner.… Continue reading Tips for Your Next Speaking Event