Sunday, March 29, 2009

Keepin' It Real with Screenwriter Cynthia Dagnal-Myron

For the month of March, All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP) has gone to the big screen as we talk to screenwriters!


This week, we wrap up our March series with a woman who offers GREAT advice to any writer: screenwriter Cynthia Dagnal-Myron!









For the month of March, I asked SEVERAL questions regarding fave sites for writers, advice, differences and similarities between the different media platforms in regards to writing, etc. When I asked, For those of you who write for different arenas - big screen, boob tube, stage, page, web - what are elements that differ for you as the writer in regards to how you SEE the story unfolding in each arena, Dagnal-Myron replied, "I only write for the big screen and the "page," so I can only speak for those two. But the difference is that when writing a novel or an article, I can offer both action and the "motivation" for what the character is doing in words on that page. A script is all "action." You're showing, not telling. What a character does has to carry that story, and the power is in what the character does even more than what he says. In fact, if you write about what a character is thinking in a script it will receive a quick "pass." When writing a "story," you can have the character ruminate, think aloud, discuss.


"You can also spend a whole page on description, to set a mood or make a point, when writing fiction. You create a whole world with words. Script writing has to be very economical, and exposition is to be avoided like the plague. In other fiction I can tell you what music is playing, what the character looks like, what perfume she wears. In a script, they frown upon this, because in the end, none of that will be decided by the screenwriter. So there are remarkable differences--glad you asked! I hadn't really thought about it this seriously before, though it's something I work with everyday."




To read the rest of Cynthia Dagnal-Myron's comments on screenwriting, head to All the Blog's a Page!


And while there, check out the screenwriting features from Stephen Kogon, Brian Spaeth, Kristin Johnson, and John W. Bosley!



ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE (AtBaP) - Where everything relates to writing

[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Support Women, Support Fem 2.0!

Women and Work: Why Employers’ Work/Life Policies Can—and Should—Survive the Recession

Over at Fem 2.0, Joan Williams, Distinguished Professor of Law at U.C. Hastings College of the Law and Director of the Center for WorkLife Law and the Co-Director of the Project for Attorney Retention, discusses the importance of maintaining work policies that benefit and support women in the workplace. Definitely take the time to check it out and leave YOUR thoughts!

Here's the [LINK]!

And if you're a part of the Twitter Nation, check out Sunday night's Fem2.0 twittercast at 10 p.m. EST, hashtag #fem2. The conversations are always lively and full of people who are dedicated toward the empowerment of women.

Monday, March 23, 2009

March 29 - Screenwriters Go Wild on Tale It Like It Is

ScreenwritersGoWild





JOIN TILII HOST SAMARA KING AS SHE GETS THE INSIDE SCOOP FROM SEVERAL TALENTED WRITERS AND THE WORLD OF SCREENWRITING.





WWW.BLOGTALKRADIO.COM/SAMARAKING



Time: 4:30pm EST



Call-in # (347) 215-9311

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Unlocking the Diary of Author Nikki Urban: The Interview

The Author



Nikki has been writing since childhood and has always had a flare for telling stories. In June 2008, after being laid off from her job, she endeavored to pursue her lifelong passion, writing. In August 2008, she completed her first manuscript: Jade’s Diary.

In an effort to get published, Nikki sent her manuscript to several predominant publishing companies, but Jade’s Diary was rejected. However, Nikki took the rejection as a sign. Nikki along with her husband and mother created DiamondStone Productions. Jade’s Diary was sent into production, and the book took off like a California wildfire.

Nikki currently resides in Jacksonville, FL, with her husband. She is a proud graduate of the HBCU Shaw University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication. She also received her Master of Arts from East Tennessee State University in Public Relations.

Nikki is currently working on her second novel and other business ventures with her husband.

You can learn more about Nikki at MySpace and at DiamondStone Productions.



The Book



Jade's Diary is a tale of a dead woman's diary that is left to her daughter Mikleah. As Mikleah reads her mother's diary, she turns the pages of her mother's secret life that includes sex, lust, lies, betrayal, and vengeance.

Mikleah learns from her mother's diary of the father she never knew and of a long lost sibling. Jade's daughter also learns she has been having an incestuous relationship with the sister that she never knew and learns to what extent her mother would go through to get what she wanted-her lover's wife.

The diary exposes the many secrets of Jade's lovers, which leads to death and imprisonment.


Click cover to order JADE'S DIARY!



The Interview


Fill in the blank: "If you peek into JADE'S DIARY, you will find an adventure. Jade’s Diary is an adventure that will take you through a sex-filled ride with a splash of suspense."


You walk into a movie theater and there's a movie poster for JADE'S DIARY: SEX, LIES, LUST, BETRAYAL, VENGEANCE. What's the logline?
Unlock the Diary! What are your secrets? Remember, all secrets have consequences…


What are THREE adjectives that best describe JADE'S DIARY?
Hot, Sexy and Erotic


What are THREE adjectives that best describe YOU?
Funny, Smart and Sexy


What's your favorite thing about JADE'S DIARY?
The characters. I especially like how each of the characters are intertwined in an unexpected way.


How do you spend your time when you're not writing?
I work at my 9-5. I’m always thinking of a new story. I work on promoting Jade’s Diary. I look for new talented urban writers to join my publishing company DiamondStone Productions. I update my website. I’m always trying to keep in contact with my readers through e-mail, through my website, and facebook sites. I love spending time with my husband, family and friends.


NIKKI URBAN: THE SOUNDTRACK. What are three tracks that would HAVE to make it onto the soundtrack of your life?
There are so many songs that I could name to describe my life and who I am. But, if I had to have the ultimate soundtrack of my life the three tracks that I would choose would be: 1) I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan because I am that every woman. I can do all things. 2) Tender Roni by Bobby Brown because once you meet me, you will never forget me, and I always make my father feel proud. 3) Hustlin' by Rick Ross because I’m always hustling until I make it to where I want to be.


You're strutting down the street - sexy, happy, and confident - what song is playing in your mind?
Hate on me by Jill Scott


Do you have a standard process to your writing? Are you an plotter or a pantser?
I’m not a conventional writer. I see a plot in my mind. I see the storyline and then I sit at my computer and start typing. The characters come to me as I am typing.


What are you doing to promote and market JADE'S DIARY?
I promote Jades’ Diary by word of mouth. I have connected with my local bookstores and key bookstores throughout the South East. I am currently in the process of having Jade’s Diary in these bookstores. I have a few book signings set up. I have an entrepreneurship workshop where I am the keynote speaker. I have been invited to several book clubs in my area. Lastly, I am planning an event for the Jade’s Diary’s official launch to the public in the fall of 09 in the ATL.


You are publishing JADE'S DIARY through Diamond Stone Productions. Talk to us about your role as a publisher; what have been some major things you've learned?
My husband and I started DiamondStone Productions because I was not getting picked up by any traditional black publishers. In the process of starting Diamondstone Productions, I have learned that as publisher you must be a good negotiator and you must be involved in every aspect of the book process (writing, editing, book design, etc.). In addition, you should always have an abundance of books on hand and various outlets where your book can be sold at. Lastly, have a good accounting program on your computer and have a good marketing strategy. A good marketing strategy is key to the success of your book and publishing company. Once your publishing company is out there, vendors, readers, and other wholesalers will be more willing to take a chance with you. Reputation is key!


What are three pieces of advice you would give to writers thinking about going into indie publishing?
Have a good proofreader, shop around at various book binding companies and compare prices, and have a good marketing strategy.


At the end of the day, what do you want readers to feel about you as a writer?
I want for you the reader to feel that Nikki’s story takes you through the lives of the characters. I want for you reader to feel the characters' emotions.

I want for the reader to wonder if they would have the nerve to do some of the same things that the characters have done. I want for you the reader to think you have read one of the best books that you've ever read.


What advice would you offer aspiring-to-be-published authors?
Have your money right! Believe in your work and its potential. Network with book clubs, bookstores, book distributors, etc. Tap into your connections through friends, family and social network outlets.


What projects are you currently working on?
I started on my next book. I THINK I’m going to title it Momma I’m a Thug.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Getting in the Know with Freelance Writer & Blogger Mary Davis

The Writer



Mary Davis is a freelance writer and blogger from western Pennsylvania. As a former college adviser, she’s thrilled that she is able to continue to advise students at the blog And You Will Graduate (http://www.graduate.andyouwill.com) She also writes about health, beauty, and personal development at her personal blog, Everyday Baby Steps (http://www.everydaybabysteps.com), and you can follow her writing journey at Adventures in Freelancing (http://www.adventuresinfreelancing.com), her blog for newbie freelancers.

You can follow Mary on Twitter!



The Interview


What three adjectives would you use to describe yourself?
Positive, Intuitive, Impatient


Take the adjective that best describes you and explain why.
Positive probably describes me best. I make a concerted effort to look at things in a positive light, to try to see all perspectives before making judgments. Life’s tough enough without dwelling on the negative. I’ve learned that the way you think truly does affect the way you feel.


I am a fan of your blog, Adventures in Freelancing [link]. On your blog, you state, "Join me in my journey to a freelance career. Let's learn something together!" What sparked you to start your journey into freelancing?
Thank you so much! I worked as an academic adviser at the local community college, and I really loved my job, but I was living a crazy-paced life and felt that I wasn’t giving my family sufficient time and attention. So when I found out that I was pregnant with my third child, I made the decision to leave my job and try to earn an income from writing. I’d done lots of reading on the subject and knew that it was possible.


Are there particular fields/subjects you're developing your freelance career around? If so, what are they, and why do they interest you?
Yes, I made the decision to write about topics with which I’m familiar. As a mom of three young children, my quality writing time is limited, so I’ve found it more convenient to begin my career focusing on areas I know. I write primarily about issues affecting college students, health, beauty, and personal development. As my children become more independent, I hope to become more of a generalist because I love learning about new things and enjoy the researching and interviewing involved in freelance writing.


What opportunities have you taken part in since starting your career?
I jumped right into the blogging world because it was a way to practice my writing and to force myself to write on a regular basis. Putting your writing out there can be very intimidating to someone just starting out, and blogging is a great outlet to get your feet wet. I began practicing my interviewing skills by talking to people I met through social media, and through those contacts, I’ve obtained some paid blogging positions. I’ve also begun querying online and print publications for college students. These are writing avenues that fit well into my lifestyle.


Since you began your journey, what have been three important things you've learned about freelancing?
I’ve learned so much! One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the importance of marketing yourself. As a freelancer, you’re constantly searching for opportunities; employers don’t initially come to you. I’ve also learned that my time-management skills need some serious tweaking! Starting out as a freelancer is pretty much like starting any other business. A freelancer’s start-up requires a tremendous amount of time and dedication, and I’ve really had to work hard to find a writing schedule that fits around my family. On that note, I’ve learned that you really need to set firm boundaries with your friends and loved ones, as well as with yourself. It’s so easy to blur the lines between work and personal life when you’re an independent contractor. There’s no boss keeping an eye on you and no time card to punch.


What are three tools (books, sites, etc.) you believe every person interested in freelancing should have in her arsenal?
I have a ton of books on writing and on freelancing as a career. One book that I would definitely recommend for anyone wanting to write articles for print or online publication is The Renegade Writer by Diana Burrell and Linda Formichelli. These women teach you the ins and outs of freelancing and give you the straight story on which rules can be broken. If you’re interested in copywriting or writing for corporations, you really need to read The Well-Fed Writer by Peter Bowerman. While this book focuses on writing for commercial purposes, there’s so much that any freelancer can learn about marketing and about the business aspect of freelancing. A terrific website that I visit regularly is Freelance Writing Jobs (http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com). You’ll find so much more here than just job leads here. There’s information on blogging, article writing, networking, and so much more you need to know related to the world of freelancing.


For someone who is interested in going into freelance, what questions should she asks herself FIRST to see if she has the gumption to jump into the fray?
This is such a good question. I read so many books that addressed this issue, and I assured myself that I had all the necessary qualities. Then I actually started my freelancing career and almost gave up so many times! I’d say the most important quality to have as a freelance writer is persistence. Actually, it’s in your best interest to be downright stubborn. I’m too stubborn to give up. I know I can succeed, but I also know that I have to always keep my goals in sight. A successful freelancer has to be goal-oriented and also must be able to push insecurities aside and not take things personally. Fear and rejection are part of the game, but you can’t give into them!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

ChickLitGurrl Shon Bacon Is Interviewed

Jessica Ferguson, author and president of the Bayou Writers' Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana, interviews me on her blog Praise, Prayers and Observations as part of her "Louisiana Saturday Night" series!

In the interview, I talk about editing, writing, coaching, critique groups, branding, and MORE.

Check it out - [link] - LEAVE COMMENTS!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Ultimate Yes Yes with Author Tamika Newhouse

The Author



Tamika Newhouse [website] is an author, radio host, book club owner, publisher, and book promoter.

In February 2008 Tamika created the online based book club African Americans on the Move book Club in hopes to fill the void of wanting to be a part of a book club. In a two months time AAMBC grew into an astonishing literary source catering to men and women who wanted to have a book club of their own. Through AAMBC Tamika started a book promotions branch, and the now syndicated AAMBC Radio show. On her radio show she interviews some of today’s prominent new and season authors to date. The show brings an audience of book lovers who crave to meet authors on a personal level.

In December 2008 Tamika Newhouse launched her first anthology publication which caters to new and seasoned authors wanting to get their name known. A Reflection of Me Anthologies showcases all genres of writings allowing each author to express their passion. Also in December 2008, Tamika Newhouse debuted her first novel entitled The Ultimate NO NO, an urban romance dedicated to bringing a new twist to the genre urban lit.

Alongside a fellow author, Tamika Newhouse created an author tour group named Authors with a Passion Book Tours. This tour group of men and women will focus on brining that author-reader contact to cities across the nation. The mission is to bring passionate authors to the front line, and together they will produce an anthology. This will be a collection of works from each author as well.

Tamika Newhouse is currently working on her second novel entitled The Ultimate Moment, and hosting her radio show.



The Book



Are you a woman who has been hurt by a man and wonder what it would be like if you could give him a dose of his own medicine?

Well, the characters in The Ultimate No, No give you the opportunity to live vicariously through their lives and the events that transpired during The Scam Nitrah a teacher is drawn between her friends and a man named Troyon, when her friends ask her to do the unthinkable. That's get revenge on a man through his heart. Things go as planned until Troyon and Nitrah find themselves infatuated with each other. What happens to this relationship that was doomed from the beginning when the lies, sex, and deceit come to the surface?

On the other hand there's Dahlia, Nitrah’s best friends and the master mind behind the plan to break Troyon's heart. Her secrets will come back to haunt her as her world comes crashing down. She thinks this is the perfect plan to hurt the man who broke her heart, but then again she could be right. Find out what happens when the person Dahlia keeps close eyes on turns out to be her worst enemy and it want be who you think it is.

In this romantic tale you will witness a sisterly bond, a passion to be loved, and the yearn to be with the one you love. Learn what The Ultimate No No is when it comes to love.



Click cover to order THE ULTIMATE NO NO!



The Interview


You have 25 words or less to make us pant for your novel, THE ULTIMATE NO NO! Go!
Can you love someone knowing you lied to them from the beginning? Can you handle helping your friend gain revenge by getting involved with her ex?


What was the initial spark that brought THE ULTIMATE NO NO into being?
I knew I wanted to write a love story, but I also knew that this story had to be relatable. I abandoned the typical fairy tale ending in this book because life isn’t a fairy tale.


What's your favorite thing about THE ULTIMATE NO NO?
What I enjoyed the most about The Ultimate NO NO is the unforgettable secrets that continue to come out in this story. Many of the secrets I created were a spur of the moment; none of it was planned.


What are three adjectives that best describe THE ULTIMATE NO NO?
Love, revenge, deceit


What are three adjectives that best describe YOU?
Day Dreamer, enthusiastic, determined


Do you have a standard process to your writing? Are you a plotter or a pantser?
I first have to know the concept and storyline that I want, and I usually have the timeline of the story the same day. I usual plot but abandon most of that when I start writing because I usual go another way with the stories.


In addition to being an author, you are also the owner of AAMBC Publications. What led to you start AAMBC, and what type of books will we see coming from the press?
AAMBC Publications has the vision of publishing authors who need more exposure. You can also be an aspiring author and we give them the opportunity to be published. The main focus is to publish only anthologies to help promote black authors and their works.


You are a mother, wife, student, publisher, author, literary consultant, and book promoter - how do you find the time to do everything and do them WELL?
Well I do a lot of multi-tasking. I am just about done with school so that will be one thing less. I am just hungry for success, and I simply pace myself on everything I do. All my tasks really don’t take that long. I honestly still watch TV about 3-4 hours a day and sleep 8 hours a day.


TAMIKA NEWHOUSE: My Life & Times -- The Soundtrack. What three tracks would make it onto a soundtrack of your life, and why?
Jennifer Hudson’s "You Pulled Me Through," KC and JOJO’s "All My Life," and "I’m Going up a Yonder" by a gospel singer I don’t remember. All these songs speak to my soul and inspire me. I think of my mother a lot when I hear these songs and she is my inspiration.


Word Association. What comes to mind when you see the following words:
NITRAH: bold
THE ULTIMATE NO NO: playing with love
FRIENDSHIP: companion
LOVE: emotions
TAMIKA NEWHOUSE: busy


What advice would you offer aspiring-to-be-published authors?
Do a lot of research because there is always someone out there trying to take advantage. How will you know if someone is using you if you don’t know the business? Publishing is a hard industry just like any other.


What is one big thing you've learned about the industry since you became published?
That once I learned the ropes the journey became easy. I opened up my mind to meeting new people and that helped me a lot.


THE ULTIMATE NO NO: THE MOVIE. Who plays Nitrah, Troyon, and Dahlia?
I will like Keshia Knight Pulliam to play Nitrah, Shemar Moore to Play Troyon, and the girl off Baldwin Hills who takes her best friends ex to play Dahlia.


What projects are you currently working on?
I am writing two books - the sequel to The Ultimate NO NO titled The Ultimate Moment No Regrets, and Cookie A Teen Story loosely based off of my life.

Monday, March 09, 2009

Dotcomers.tv's Kristin Johnson on Writing across Media

For the month of March, All the Blog's a Page (AtBaP) is going to the big screen...and center stage as we talk to screenwriters and playwrights!


I'm excited to have writer of all trades Kristin Johnson @ AtBaP! This week, she writes about writing across the media and her project, Dotcomers! If you are a writer interested in screenwriting...or in any creative writing, you owe it to yourself to read the entire feature @ AtBaP









About Dotcomers




Teenage waitress Honey Dee battles the greedy, slick, corrupt businessman Dubious Diction, who owns her hometown of Greedville. She creates Dotcomers CafƩ, the main setting for the series, and inspires the cast of quirky eccentric characters to resist Dubious.


"Dotcomers" is a creative blend of today's edgy, satirical cartoons and yesterday's zany, classic toons; that means its appeal is...we can almost hear Yogi Bear saying this...broader than the average cartoon!


Dotcomers explores the culture of social-networking entrepreneurs who don't wait around for a bailout to solve their problems. They fight the old corrupt system, represented by greedy Dubious Diction, which is open to excess. Although they are quirky and they clash on more than one occasion, Dotcomers represent the best of the Internet culture, and Honey Dee, founder of the Dotcomers Cafe, is a female role model who uses her mind and common sense to make a difference in the world.




For the month of March, I asked my featured panelists SEVERAL QUESTIONS. When answering the question, What similarities, things no matter the medium, are important for a good story to be told, Johnson stated, "The commandment of "Thou Shalt Not Bore Thy Audience" is still valid no matter what the medium. I don't mean that you have to have nonstop violence or sex, since many people, myself included, find *those* boring.


You have to care about the characters. "WALL-E" connected with audiences because, even though many people (including my movie buff friends) found the notion of a fat, childlike future population and a destroyed Earth depressing, you still cared about that cute robot. "Slumdog Millionaire" had depressing elements such as cutting out street kids' eyes to make them more sympathetic and earn more begging money for the gang lords, but in an economy that gives us nothing but bad news, we love the idea that people can improve their circumstances. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" suspends disbelief and gives us a great love story.


Similarly, Richard LaGravenese made people care as much about the romance in the movie "The Bridges of Madison County" as people did in the book. The images were visual poetry."Gone With The Wind" was so powerful as a book that people forgot the changes of their world and experienced the changes of the Old South, and they immediately cast Clark Gable as Rhett Butler. The movie did justice to the book because it captured the essence of Scarlett and Rhett and Tara without getting bogged down in details. How many people find it impossible to forget the image of Scarlett in shadow?


And two words: Harry Potter. Take an orphaned kid who turns out to be a wizard, and finds just as much trouble in his new life as in the old, but with more joy and a sense of purpose, give him a monumental challenge and a fascinating world to play in, and the result is gold.


You have to touch your audience. Make them laugh, make them think, shift them from their reality."





To read the rest of Kristin Johnson's wonderful comments about writing across the media, head to All the Blog's a Page!


And while there, check out John W. Bosley, writer/producer/director of AMNESIA, as he talks about screenwriting!



ALL THE BLOG'S A PAGE (AtBaP) - Where everything relates to writing

[http://alltheblogsapage.blogspot.com]

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Want to Talk about & Write Screenplays?

Ever thought about turning your novel into a screenplay? Have a great idea for an original screenplay?

Then come hang out @ Book to Screenplay @ Yahoogroups.


For authors who are interested in creating and marketing screenplays of their books. All scriptwriters at all levels are welcome to join our discussions.

It is our goal to explore all aspects of screenwriting, from the first glimmer of an idea to your march across the stage accepting that Academy Award!

With Script Frenzy starting April 1st, this is a GREAT time to get an idea developed for the month of writing!