For the past 8 weeks, I’ve been workshopping this novel in a screenwriting class. The crossover isn’t as far-fetched as it sounds. The teacher, Alan Glazen, had the class write a short story. From there, we’ve gone to a treatment and, ultimately, to a script.

The process of clarifying characters, creating a character web, and continuously re-examining everything from theme to word choice has dissolved my writer’s block. I have a much better handle on the direction of the story. I still haven’t decided whether it’s going to be a novel, or something else.

Thanks for hanging in there with me. I’ve contacted some of you privately with a draft of the short story. Your suggestions are appreciated. Others of you will hear from me soon.

I’m seeking suggestions about this chapter. It’s the most important in the book because it sets up the conflict that will drive the plot. 

I had problems maintaining present tense – so much so, I’m considering rewriting the book in the past tense. And I want ensure the action flows from seamlessly from the kitchen to the dining room table. Any advice will be appreciated. 

Parents leave lots of clues when they want to talk about something serious. If you’re smart, you can figure them out

The dishes on the counter are my first hint. Mama pulled out  plates with the blue and white flowers and windmills. And she’d folded the light blue cloth napkins. And she’d picked out the knives and forks with the circles and scrolls on the handles.

She wants me set the table with the Sunday Best. And when  you eat off the Sunday Best, you have to use Sunday Manners. So no elbows on the table and no reaching to get the food yourself. You have to ask for what you want. And you have to say, “Pass the serving dish, please.” read more here

I’ve added a new page: Archived Chapters.  Click the tab at the top to see a drop down menu with all archived chapters.

I go to Maple Street Missionary Baptist Church. Mama says it’s the oldest Negro church in Nashville. Daddy laughs when she says that. He says it’s the second oldest Negro church in Nashville. Then they have an argument, but they aren’t really mad. They’re smiling the whole time.
Oldest or second oldest, my church is still old. Mama June, my grandmother goes there. So does Mama Bessie, my other grandmother. My grandpas go to Maple Street. And Mama Bessie said even her mother went to Maple Street.
I know that was a long time ago. Mama Bessie is so old, her hair and her eyebrows are gray.
Everybody in town know my church. One because it’s the oldest church, or the second oldest church. And two, because we have wide white steps that go up and up to huge white doors. The doors have golden knobs that are as big as a basketball. And the knobs are always shining. The ushers wear white gloves, so they polish the knobs every time they open the door.
But three, everybody knows my church because we have the Easter Parade. (read more)

Wow (which means “Yes” in the West-African language Wolof.)

Wow, wow!

Yes, thanks for your time, your attention, and your comments. Your enthusiasm about this project is pushing me through the tough parts of the writing. I’m paying attention and making changes based on your comments.  Hhere’s what you’ll see in the next few chapters.

1. I’m going to make the sentences longer. I’m aiming for readers in grades 4 -6, or students reading at that level. I think I can add some clauses without writing above grade level
2. I’m going for more poetic devices. Again, I’d been quite conservative because I feared writing above grade level. However, as I read Because of Winn Dixie and other similar books, I realize I can be less restrained in my descriptions.
3. The main theme will emerge. Obviously, this book isn’t about new clothes and Easter parades. By Chapter 4 you’ll discover the conflict at the heart of the story.

Again, thanks for your interest and your feedback. It’s helping immensely.

Yes, I know. I’ve used the generic headline from wordpress.com, but hey, it’s working for me.

For the past four years, my website has been my calling card. This year, however, it has a different function. I’m using the website to write a book that looks at segregation from a nine-year-old’s point of view.

The book, as yet untitled, takes place during Easter, 1963 in Nashville, Tenn. The heroine, Stephanie, learns she won’t get a new dress because Negroes are boycotting the department stores downtown. She crushed – until a friend offers a way to circumvent the boycott without anyone knowing.

Now Stephanie has a choice to make.

I’ve been working on this book since 1995. It started as a picture book, was rejected and has sat in my computer ever since. I’ve written a couple drafts, but I haven’t been able to get things right.

This blog is my latest attempt. I’m asking readers to make critique – not criticize – as I work through the manuscript. I’ll be posting drafts of each chapter, and  I’ll ask what works and what doesn’t. I’ll also ask for suggestions for getting over specific humps.

The drafts will be short – probably about 800 words. All comments will be moderated, of course.

By the way, it may pay to stay involved in the process. Once the manuscript is completed, I’ll invite the most regular commenters to suggest a title for the book. The winner will get $50.

I’m serious.