Love is complicated.
This week’s tip is simple. Keep going, young writer. Keep going.
I started writing in 2014. Published my first book in 2017. And it’s on the book shelf in 2020. Don’t give up. Keep striving and learning. The rewards will come.
A dream come true.
My book on the shelf at Barnes & Noble along with many authors I admire. Look who else is there!!! (Screams in excitement and does a happy dance.)
JOIN US TONIGHT! With more than 30 books in print, National Bestselling Author and Editor, J. L. Campbell, helps aspiring and seasoned authors fine-tune their writing process. If you’re unable to make the live 2-hour recorded session, it will be emailed to you. https://bit.ly/JulySeminarsandworkshops
Katniss Everdeen. Luke Skywalker. Olivia Pope. Neo. Annalise Keating. Axl Foley.
All character names that immediately conjure the image in your mind.
Something I spend a lot of time on is naming my characters. Typically, a character comes to me fully formed physically, and I know their significant issues. What I don’t know is their name?
In my book, Moment of Truth, one of the main characters is named Logan Charles Rutherford, II. He is the son of a prominent local attorney, and I needed his name to reflect that sort of heritage.
When it comes to naming your character you must be cognizant of the time period, region of the country, and ethnicity. Think of the world your character inhibits and name them accordingly. A nineteen year old is present day would have a different name from a teenager born in the 60’s.
What are some of your favorite character names and why?
If you’re like most of the world, you’ve been social distancing and working from home. It’s time for a break from the news. I offer a list of books I’ve read and you and enjoyed. Dive into the pages of these gems and escape for a few hours.
The story of a man who balances two wives could have gone down a predictable path. This story takes you on a ride and throws out twists that leave you turning the pages. Xavier made me tired. He was a busy man with all the lies he had to manage. The two wives, Patricia and Lauren were both formidable women in their own ways. The author did a wonderful job of showing them as fully formed people. I understood how Xavier could love them both. This is a great read.
First Grave on the Right – Darynda Jones
I read this hilarious, quirky novel in two days. The heroine, Charley Davidson, is a grim reaper. Picture “I see dead people” but as a comedy with a mystery thrown in. This PI series will occupy my Kindle until completion.
So We Can Glow – Lessa Cross-Smith
My absolute favorite author. Everything the woman writes is filled with lyrical goodness. Reading her stories is a master class in putting words on paper. She’s my friend in my head. We would spend our time together dancing to 80’s music and talking about books.
Kings of the Castle Series –
This series of books is brought to you by Naleighna Kai, S.L. Jennings, Martha Kennerson, J.L.Campbell, Lisa Watson, Karen D.Bradley, Janice M. Allen, London St. Charles and MarZe Scott. These books are like Lay’s potato chips, you can’t read only one. Once you enter the world of these eight Kings, you gain an appreciation for Good Men.
Black Girls Must Die Exhausted – Jayne Allen
The title says it all. I enjoyed the relatable characters and the real life situations.
Such A Fun Age – Kiley Reid
Red at the Bone – Jacqueline Woodson
A wonderful tale about coming of age and how the choices you make then affect your adult life.
Don’t Get Mad…Get Even – J. L. Campbell
This collection of short stories showing heartbreak and laughter told from the Jamaican culture are entertaining and good damn writing.
JUST IN TIME FOR VALENTINE’S DAY!!!
This FREE cookbook, created by USA Today and National Bestselling Authors, is inspired by the Kings of the Castle Series. It contains an interesting mix of cuisines from India, Italy, Southern USA, Africa, and many other places. Several authors from the series and their friends, have shared everything from childhood favorites to main meals that are sure to please the most discriminating tastebuds.
Enjoy! http://bit.ly/FitforaKingCookbook
ENTER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD
No purchase necessary.
The theme for 2020 is “Stay afraid, but do it anyway”. Whatever you are called to do, you shouldn’t let anything stop you. Especially your own insecurities.
I’m sure MLK had doubts about some of the things he was called to do. But he did them anyway. And he left a legacy that people are still trying to live up too.
What legacy will you leave?
