MOTIVATION

Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

I went to see The Secret Life of Walter Mitty last Friday.  It was a great movie.  The main character, Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) was a man whose life seemed to stand still after the loss of his father. Instead of living life to the fullest as his father would have wanted him to, Mitty lives his life through his action-filled, colorful imagination.  He gets so caught up in his ruminations that he is oblivious to what’s going on around him. 

Mitty’s courage to take a “leap of faith” doesn’t come about until he meets the woman of his dreams.  Her appearance in his life, a milestone birthday and a special message from an important colleague, motivates him to do things he would never have done in the past.  It forced him to think about how his life was progressing – or not progressing LOL.  The movie was inspirational and moving.  Mitty’s character was motivated to do more, because eventually he realizes that he wants to be more than he has become.  And it made me wonder, what motivates a person to write?

Let’s be realistic, I doubt that even the most seasoned writer knows what they want to say all the time.  Even the Rowling’s and Meyer’s of the world have had a moment when they’ve struggled with a scene or found it hard to give a certain character a voice. 

When you write are you compelled to write because something has motivated you to do so?  And if that is the case, what was it?

Is it the approaching New Year and your determination to have something tangible before you by a self-imposed deadline?  Did you see or experience something that inflamed your imagination and gave you ideas for an awesome article, short story or book?  Did a certain song trigger a memory, something that you haven’t thought of in years?  Have you come to the realization that you’ve run out of excuses?  Or are you just tired of saying “I’m writing a book” and yet you are still in the same place you were six months before?

Once we get there, once we’ve starting writing, how do we keep going?  How do we keep the creative juices flowing?  A friend of mine has decided to join a writer’s group.  She has already written her story, but she feels like there maybe something missing.  The story has been edited more than once and she has received a lot of positive feedback.  But she doesn’t understand the rejections she gets from agents and publishers.  It is her hope, that this group will help her see what’s missing or give her even more ideas for her book. She has been motivated to do more by take additional steps towards her future. 

Motivation can come in so many ways.  But it’s up to you to decide the best way to utilize it.  A muse, an emotion, an idea, a painting? What among them helps you create? Are you doing it for yourself or for someone else? Will your book be a gift to another?

I find that motivation can change throughout the writing process.  Our momentum can increase or decrease depending on how far along we’ve gotten. You may have become frustrated because nothing seems to sound right.  And the reams of paper you’ve gone through are embarrassing to admit to.

You may find it hard to stay motivated, because you’ve been writing for years, and you’ve had no luck.  How do you keep positive? How do you not give up? As a new writer, who has just started drinking from that well, I must say it definitely leaves a bad taste in your mouth. LOL!  But you know what, it’s too early in the game for me to give up and I hope you intend to do the same.  Motivate yourself to be the best writer you can be. Associate yourself with people who will motivate you and you them.  It’s hard to stay positive when you surround yourself with people who don’t want the best for you.

There’s a quote that I believe is fitting for today’s message:

“Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.”    

-Golda Meir-

I hope this quote motivates you as much as it motivates me!

E ku odun tuntun

Happy New Year!

S-

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Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog post (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J

RESOLUTE IN 2014

Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

On Saturday night, I attended my firm’s Christmas party.  I went there with low expectations.  I believed I would be walking into a corporate cocktail party. You know those “wine and cheese” gatherings; all fake smiles and boring conversation. Sort of like what I’ve experienced in the past.  Imagine my surprise and pleasure when my hubby and I walked in on a jamming live band, great food and drinks.

You would think that in such a relaxed atmosphere, that more people would have been willing to dance. But no, out of the hundred or so people that attended only fifteen of us danced at one time or another.  Wallflowers verses the courageous ones LOL.  As I was dragged onto the dance floor for the umpteenth time, I looked around at the people on the outside looking in.  And it made me think about the journey I’ve been on in 2013.

At one time or another, I was just like the wallflowers at the party.  Either too scared to take a step forward or too concerned about how others would perceive me. I’m proud to say that I was a risk taker in 2013.  I took chances that I would never have taken in the past.  I put myself forward, reached out and introduced myself and Amachi to the masses.  I created this blog, I’ve done author interviews on other blogs, and I even entered a writing contest or two.

Yes, I also had some setbacks (publisher and agent rejections) but what writer hasn’t had setbacks?  It is well known that the path to publishing is a tumultuous one.  Only the truly lucky are able to avoid the twist and turns.

There are only a few days left in the year and there’s still time left for the unexpected to happen to you.  You might get that “email” or “phone call” that will be taking you down a new and exciting road in 2014. You may have “finally” caught the eye of an agent or publisher.  Your short story or article is going to be published.  An illustrator, who you could never afford, has offered to do the cover of your book.  You may have even found the perfect editor to help you get on the road to publishing perfection.

What have you done family?  What experiences have you had in 2013.  I’ve been sharing my experiences with you and I would love to hear about yours.  Have you been published?  Have you experienced disappointments?  Have you finally found the courage to write the book of your dreams? I would love hear your story!

I am resolute.  I am determined.  In 2014 I will bring myself that much closer to publishing Amachi’s Hope.  Will I be published?  Well only the cards and god’s will (depending on which you believe in) will decide.  But I will not just stand by and wait for something to be handed to me.  I will take it for myself.

It is said that the meek will not inherit the earth.  Don’t be an outsider looking in.  Don’t let the world pass you by.  Step up, take chances, and let 2014 be the year of your awakening!  I hope that you will reach out to me and share your experiences in the New Year! 

Mari e laipe!

See you soon! 

S-

*****

Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog post (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J

I AM A WRITER

Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

Angela is at a cocktail party. She runs into a bunch of former classmates from college.  Everyone’s tooting their horns, talking about all they’ve accomplished or what their spouses have accomplished through the years. Some not even bothered by the fact that they’ve ridden someone else’s coat tails to get to their current station in life.

“I’ve recently been promoted to Director of blah, blah, blah.”

“John is now head of surgery at the hospital of blah, blah, blah.”

“I am now head partner at BLAH, BLAH, and BLAH!”

I’m barely listening to what everyone’s saying because I know that the conversation will soon rest on me.  Soon I will have to share what I do for a living.  And after all these years, I’m still not sure what to say.

You see I am a writer. I am a writer but I’ve never introduced myself as such.  (At least not outside a writer’s venue.) I’ve published articles, short stories and I am proud to say that I’ve written and finished my first book.  You say, “What’s wrong with you?  If you’ve done all of that, why haven’t you introduced yourself as a writer?” That’s a good question.

I guess my issue is the fact that I haven’t “published” my book yet.  I feel like my journey won’t be truly complete until my book is on the shelf.  When I can walk up to the nearest Barnes and Noble or local book store and see my book proudly displayed in the window. Or my book has become "the" discussion piece at a writer’s conference. (Positive thinking LOL!) I know it may seem silly.  But there are those who feel that I have no right to say I’m a “writer” when my book has not been published.

Even now with publishing being a multi-million dollar industry, influenced by so many genres, my work is not considered “serious” literature.  ‘You are not a real writer,’ they say, ‘if you haven’t written works worthy of C.S. Lewis, Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Maya Angelou, Alexandre Dumas, or a James Baldwin.’  Goodness if I compared myself them and the many other great authors out there, I would never have found the courage to write anything.

And yet with everything I’ve done, when the conversation finally settled on me, I said, “Well I’m a legal secretary at a firm in D.C. but I’m currently working on getting my book published.”  I guess in comparison it may not seem like much to them. I get a lukewarm, “Wow Angela that’s great…” And then the next dreaded question, pops up its head. “So what is it about?” asks one of the women of the group. “Romance.” I respond.  Silence.  I could say more, I should say more, but this happens so often that I no longer have the energy to defend myself.  Pitiful isn’t it?

“Well that’s just great. I barely have time to read anymore and when I do I don’t want to read something that will require me to think!” She chuckles out loud.  Hold on.  Did she just imply that my work would not require her to think?! Ugh!

Suddenly, I hear the voice of one of my writing colleague’s in my head.  For years, she has been on me, pushing me to stand up for myself, to defend all the awesome work I’ve done.

‘Come on Angela, have you already forgotten what that critic said about your short story last year? ‘Angela Thompson is one of the most intelligent, expressive, and creative writers I’ve come across in a long while. I’m impatiently waiting to see what she will bring to the table next!’  You my dear Angela, should be doing more than tooting your horn, you should be running your train full throttle, with your horns blaring!’

Covering my mouth with my hand, I stifled a giggle.  My old classmates looked at me weirdly.  Once again, I missed what was being said.  “Actually, Melanie,” I spoke up bravely, “My work has been hailed by a number of critics and I’ve recently been approached by a publisher!”  Taken aback, Melanie surprised me when she responded, “I am proud of you Angela.  It takes a lot of gumption to do what you have done.  I could never have become a writer.  Maybe I should have paid more attention during Composition and Rhetoric!” Everyone laughed out loud. “Thanks Melanie, I appreciate that!”

I am a writer.  It’s time that I introduce myself as such.

***

I’m not as accomplished as Angela is, but I do agree that it can be hard to introduce yourself to strangers or to people who don’t truly know you as “A Writer.” I realize that it’s an issue that I need to get over.  When you dedicate years of your life towards one goal, the creation of a piece of literature that’s truly important to you, then why not introduce yourself as a writer?  If you have a blog, or you’ve self-published your book, doesn’t that make you a writer?

When we are born, we are given a name. Our name acknowledges, proves and gives credence to the fact that we exist and we are now a new member of the human race.  The same can be said when you call yourself a writer.  It gives power to all you have done and what you will continue to do.

Have you found yourself in a situation where you’re not quite sure how to introduce yourself when asked?  Are you in another field but you are ‘writing’ on the side?  Or are you a writer and everything else is secondary?  Regardless of the venue, I hope to find the courage to introduce myself as the writer I am.  And let the chips fall where they may.

Are you ready?

Mari e laipe!

See you soon! 

S-

*****

Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J

LEGACY

Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

“There is no passion to be found playing small – in settling for

a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela (July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013)

It is with a heavy heart and great respect that I acknowledge the death of one of the greatest men in South African and African American history. Called home at the age of 95, Mr. Mandela accomplished after much sacrifice (27 years of imprisonment), the end of apartheid in South Africa.  A goal that seemed impossible; the country was ravaged with racism, hate and inequality.

Nelson Mandela. He was so many things to so many people. A father, son, husband, leader, politician, revolutionary, anti-apartheid activist, first black president of South Africa, the list is diverse. During his tenure as president he brought forth a new constitution for South Africa which was an essential part of the negotiations conducted to end apartheid. In addition, he was bestowed over 250 honors in his lifetime.  Among them was the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, “. . . for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa." 

One of my greatest regrets was not seeing him when he visited New York City and spoke at Yankee Stadium in 1990.  David Dinkins was mayor at the time and I was still in high school.  I cannot remember why I did not attend (it was likely impossible to get in or near the stadium) but I do remember a classmate saying how moved and emotional she was upon seeing him.  She could not stop her tears from falling. Imagine the power and energy that surrounded him.  It must have been immeasurable.

Nelson Mandela has left behind an awesome legacy. Not just to his family, but to the people of South Africa and to the world.  His death has forced us to re-evaluate our responsibility as people of color, as people period.  To understand that we have an obligation to teach our youth about the kind of people they should endeavor to become. To be the human race, not races divided. To acknowledge that there is nothing that they cannot achieve.  Strength, character and courage can be found within us all. Do not settle for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living! Amandla! Power! Recognize it!

Mari e laipe.

See you soon.  

S-

*****

Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J

BLACK THEMED

Ek'abo Ebi! (Welcome Family!)

Last Monday, I finally saw The Best Man Holiday.  As a big fan of The Best Man I must say that the second movie had me pulling out tissues, it was great! J Director Malcolm D. Lee of The Best Man, The Best Man Holiday and other well received movies, said the following regarding the new movie:

“. . . to call The Best Man Holiday a “race-themed” film is extremely limiting and downright ignorant and tiresome.  I think people are fed up with being categorized as separate and apart from what mainstream movies are categorized as. The notion that there’s a “black movie,” “urban movie,” or a “race-themed’ movie makes the film sound like it’s not for anyone but the people that look like the actors in the poster. It’s extremely limiting… I think it’s ignorant and it’s tiresome at this point. The movie was enjoyed by African-Americans, but it’s a movie that can be enjoyed by all races.”

Once again the term “othering” has reared its ugly head.  You remember that word, any action by which an individual or group becomes mentally classified in somebody’s mind as “not one of us”.  This movie has been placed in the category of movies for “black people” instead of being seen for what it really is.  An awesome story, about friends that share history and a connection that kept them linked through the years.  No matter what the race, we all share a common bond.  We are of the human race and as humans we are capable of experiencing the same, if not similar occurrences, events, or encounters throughout our lives.  We are born, we live our lives and then god calls us home.

Can we seriously sit here and say that because Malcolm lives in Harlem, New York and Alexei lives in Russia that they can’t break up with their girlfriends for the same reason? Can we actually say that Li Na in China and Afua in West Africa would never understand what it’s like to have a cheating boyfriend because they live in different parts of the world? Give me a break!

Unfortunately, if you’ve grown up with certain believes, it’s hard to break them.  “A place for everything and everything in its place.”  Categorizing is a habit. It’s sort of like all the drama that occurred with Ms. Deen early this year.  Many people were extremely offended by what she said, but I do believe that part of her attitude towards race is based on how she grew up.  If this was all you knew, and no one ever took the time to correct you, then you have no way of knowing that what you say may be offensive to others.  In her mind, race was placed in its own category.

There is a wall that will always separate us.  Within that wall you will always find issues with religion, culture, history, and so forth.  On top of this wall is race.  We look over it, we look past it, and we even look through it.  And yet people fail to realize that it’s one of the main reasons why we find it so hard to connect.   Why we sometimes find it difficult to relate to one another.

Drama, angst, betrayal, sex, and hilarity were prevalent in both Best Man movies. Each of us can think back to at least one time in our lives where we’ve experienced (or one of our friends has undergone) something similar to what happened in those movies.  Commonality is shared between us all whether we want to admit it or not. Food for thought fam!

Mari e laipe!

See you soon!

  

S-

*****

Thanks for visiting ‘Amachi is Hope.’ If you were inspired or felt a connection with today’s blog (or any of my previous entries) please leave a comment. J