Call for Submissions: Anthology on Motherhood

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS:

Who’s Your Mama: The Voices of Unsung Women and Mothers

Looking for women writers in the U.S. who are mothers, trying to become mothers and who are childless by choice or circumstance.

There are so many books published about the motherhood experiences of affluent, married, White women, books that often revolve around the "mommy wars," the raging debate between mothers who work and those who stay at home. The fact that this small demographic is represented in the media as the face of U.S. motherhood has effectively removed the voices and stories of the true majority of mothers from the public dialogue. The true majority includes mothers who are: women of color, low and middle income, single, bisexual or lesbian.

This anthology proposes to gather women’s writings about motherhood that addresses race, class, sexuality, identity and intimate partnership. We have chosen to use the words women and motherhood, but it’s being used to focus on the female experience of parenting under patriarchy, not to exclusively define it.

Gen-X/Hip Hop generation women, those born between 1965 and 1984, grew up in the aftermath of social and political revolutions of the 1960s and 1970s that sought to re-define marriage, sexuality and motherhood. While the primary societal messages continue to trumpet traditional values and heterosexual marriage as the preferred norm, on the ground, women are actively engaged in crafting identities and family structures (including remaining single and/or childless) that speak practically to their personal beliefs, intimate relationships and economic realities.


Demographically, this generation of mothers looks different from its predecessors. Many did not even have children until they were 25 years old or older and on average they are having only two children. Therefore in comparison to their mothers and grandmothers they are older and have fewer children to look after. Having come of age in the 1980s and 1990s these women also grew up taking feminism (and the benefits it bestowed) as a given. For Gen-X and Hip Hop generation women, they believe that they can choose to raise healthy happy children and still be true to themselves.

Unlike previous generations, Gen-X women are represented by a diversity of contexts for motherhood that include heterosexual marriages, single parenting, committed partnership and gay marriage. Furthermore we recognize that the ability of a woman to have the option to be a working mother or a stay at home mother is frequently dependent on her socio-economic standing as demonstrated by her access to informational and financial resources, nearby, reliable and affordable child care and good fortune to work in a flexible work environment.

Furthermore, more women are consciously choosing not to have children and it is necessary to understand the remaining societal costs or the unexpected freedoms that are the consequence of choosing to remain childless. Lastly, every mother was someone before she had children. Therefore while motherhood is a significant life event, this book wants to examine how women develop other aspects of themselves alongside their identities as mothers, including their careers, friendships (particularly with other women), sexual personas, intimate relationships, familial and community bonds.

Many Gen-X women, although they were brought up and encouraged to "have it all" have a thorny relationship with feminism. Many understand that the freedoms that they take for granted, including the right to: work in nontraditional jobs; receive equal work for equal and; have reproductive choice were the result of feminist agitation. Nevertheless while many young women eagerly embrace the feminist label, far more equate feminism with angry, unattractive, affluent, man-hating, White women and do not believe that feminism represents their perspectives on religion, sexuality, culture, class or race. We are interested in ascertaining whether a woman choosing to become a mother or not is influenced by her identification with feminism (even if that identification is oppositional) and its perceived tenets, how does a woman’s acceptance (or rejection) of feminism or its principles inform her mothering or extend her focus on social and political issues such as parental leave, affordable childcare, court enforced child support, etc?.

We are seeking honest essays written in the first-person from Gen X/Hip Hop generation women of all classes, races, sexualities and religions. Submissions from emerging as well as established writers, activists, scholars and everyday women will be accepted. The personal narrative should record how your decision about motherhood empowered you and in some way made you reconsider a way of being, a personal truth, political ideology or cultural norm or community standard that you have never previously questioned. Additionally, we are interested in essays that explore how new definitions of motherhood and female empowerment are pushing women toward new thinking around social and political change. We welcome and will consider new ideas in addition to the topics suggested below.

the emotional and financial costs of motherhood

mothering and sexual identity

how becoming a mother changes your politics

daycare and childcare

single motherhood

lesbian or bisexual mothering

motherhood and marriage/committed partnership

gender and care of the children

health care and motherhood

motherhood and poverty

what does having it all really mean?

what makes a feminist mother different from others?

balancing motherhood and work

discrimination against mothers in the workplace

negotiating societal expectations about motherhood

race, class and motherhood

raising bi-racial children or children of a different race

childless because you do not want children

childless because you do not have a committed partner (and you do not want to be a single mom)

childless because you believe that having a child would adversely affect your career or finances

infertility

adoptive mothers/guardians/ foster parents

incarcerated mothers

DEADLINE: February 1, 2008

WORD COUNT/PAGE LIMITS: Personal Narratives - 20 pages/5000 words.

FORMAT: Essays must be typed, double-spaced, and paginated. Please include your address, phone number, email address, and a short bio on the last page. No simultaneous submissions. Previously published essays will be considered if the writer owns the copyright. Essays will not be returned. Essays will not be published without the writer's consent.

SUBMITTING: Electronic submissions are preferred. Send essay electronically as a Word format file (with .doc extension) to Yvonne@YvonneBynoe.com. Write "Motherhood Anthology" in the subject line. If email is not possible, mail two (2) copies of the essay to Yvonne Bynoe at PO Box 14068, Washington, DC 20044 attn: Motherhood Anthology. Please direct any inquiries to info@yvonnebynoe. com.

EDITOR: Yvonne Bynoe is a Senior Fellow at the Future Focus 2020 Center at Wake Forest University and the author of Stand & Deliver: Political Activism, Leadership and Hip Hop Culture and the Encyclopedia of Rap and Hip Hop Culture.

PUBLISHER: Soft Skull Press (New York)

REPLY: Please allow until March 1, 2008 for a response. If you have not received a response by then, please assume your essay has not been selected. It is not possible to reply to every submission personally.

Deadline Extended for the SORMAG Conference

The deadline has been extended for the Shades of Romance Magazine On-line conference! You now have until this Saturday to register. So hurry and register today!

The conference takes place during my first week of classes. So, I'm not sure I'll be able to participate this year. But the on-line conferences and other events that I have participated in with SORMAG have been top-notch. I highly recommend them for aspiring writers and seasoned writers as well. They're perfect for networking.

The conference takes place August 26th-September 1.

Learn more about the conference here:

SORMAG Online Conference

Check out Shades of Romance Magazine's blog here:

Shades of Romance Magazine

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

New Book Club: Black Butterfly Review Book Club

There's a new book club in town:

Here's some info:

Black Butterfly Review is announcing the formation of the Black Butterfly Review Book Club. In this clubs our mission will be to read and celebrate the written word.

If you feel that this is something that might interest you, we invite you to join us at : www.blackbutterflyreviewclub@yahoogroups.com.

If you are an author and would like to have your book considered for our book club; please send an email to blackbutterflyreview@gmail.com with a synopsis of your title.

You can join here:

Black Butterfly Review Book Club

Great Posts on the Writing Life…

Wendy Coakley-Thompson asks “Are We There Yet?” on Blogging In Black

Wendy Coakley-Thompson: Are We There Yet?

This is a thoughtful post that deals with the level of faith writers need to have as they pursue their careers and what happens when that faith is tested.

AcVernon Mechan explores the nuances of criticism in her post “Constructive Criticism.”

acVernon Menchan: Constructive Criticism

This great post looks at criticism in a variety of ways and really gets at the heart of the matter: how we take criticism depends both on the way it is given and our own willingness to receive it…

Farrah Rochon has some thoughts to share on the writing process in her post “Different Book, Different Process.”

Farrah Rochon: Different Book, Different Process

If you are one of those lucky people who has a tried and true writing and revising process that works every time, the same way for every book you write, then not only is this post not for you but I’m sticking out my tongue at you right now as I type. But if you’re like the rest of us poor folks who have to get in where we fit in and find new ways to work that muse each time, then check out what Farrah has to say. And don’t forget, Ms. Farrah Rochon will be our author for the month of September here on Gwyneth’s Blog.

Okay, what are you still reading this post for? Go Check out these blogs and comment over there. And then go write something… Me? I’m still celebrating my birthday… LOL.

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Happy Birthday to Me... :-)

It's my birthday! It's time to party! Come on in and have some chocolate cake. I'm going to sing Happy Birthday to myself now...

old school style...

Happy birthday to me-ee. Happy birthday to me-ee. Happy birthday to me-eeee. Happy birthday to me-ee. How old am I now? (21) How old am I now? (29) How old am I n-ow? (Fine 37!) Happy Birthday to me-ee....

new school style...

Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me. Happy birth-day... Happy birthday to me. Happy birthday to me. Happy birth-day....

hip-hop remix style...

Go, go, go me. It's my birthday. I'm gonna party like it's my birthday. I'm gonna drink mojitos like it's my birthday. And you know I don't give a wha- 'cause it's my birthday....

Okay, I'm off to celebrate. Have some cake. Have a mojito. I'll catch you all on Sunday night or Monday morning... :-)

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Talk about incentive...

... to buy a Kanye West CD

50 Cent said he would stop making solo albums if Kanye West out-sells him when they both release on September 11th.


"Let's raise the stakes," the 31-year-old rapper told hip-hop Web site SOHH.com in an interview posted Friday. "If Kanye West sells more records than 50 Cent on September 11, I'll no longer write music. I'll write music and work with my other artists, but I won't put out anymore solo albums."

Promises... Promises... I don't know about y'all. But I'm buying as many Kanye West CDs as my budget can handle. I'm talking about, family and loved ones might be getting them for birthday gifts and Christmas. Both 50 and Kanye are pretty annoying in an man-child kind of way... I mean instead of having a contest for who can sell the most CDs, they could have a contest for who can through the biggest tantrum. I wouldn't even know who to put my money on for that one... But I actually like Kanye's music. And if there is a chance he can help get rid of 50, hey... why not? If only 50 said he would shut up and disappear forever if Kanye outsold him. Boy, I'd really buy a lot of those Kanye West CDs then...

Buy Kanye West's CD and let's see if 50 disappears... LOL.

Two New Paranormal Reads For You! Because I care... ;-)

We have two new paranormal romances that are doing innovative things with the genre. Tired of vampires and werewolves you say? Not so keen on adventures in outer space but you’d like some speculative elements and magical realism in your romance? Well award winning author A. C. Arthur and debut author Stefanie Worth have novels to fit the bill. And me being the bookaholic enabler of other bookaholics that I am, well, I just had to pass the information along to the rest of you...

I love everything sci-fi, speculative, paranormal, etc… Okay, maybe not everything, but I took a moment of me-time/reading time before diving into my revisions. And I decided I’d read a couple of new paranormals since I’m not writing my own paranormal at the moment. And since I always have to share when I read a good book, I figured I'd let you know about these...


A. C. Arthur’s Heart of the Phoenix was truly amazing. She takes Greek mythology, the intrigue and suspense she is known for, as well as the heat she is known for, and really delivers on this one. Normally my pick for shape-shifter books is always werewolves. Nalini Singh’s books have me considering putting the big cats in the mix since I have really enjoyed her two paranormals. But mostly I'm a werewolf gal. However, A. C. has me thinking about a phoenix… This hero is part phoenix and part god… And lawd have mercy, I see I’m going to have to add a bird shape-shifter to my list… I love the way Arthur weaved the Greek mythology into the novel. It reminded me of my first reading love. I spent a lot of time reading Greek myths as a kid. I highly recommend this one for folks who enjoy paranormals but want something different and more refreshing.

Here’s the blurb:

From the ashes he was born and in the thunderous flames he will soon die. But not before branding her heart. Tayla Hampton thought she had escaped her past. She was wrong. It’s caught up with her. Luckily she has a guardian angel…or something like that.

Thaddeus Delos is not you’re ordinary protector. His mythical DNA is proof of that. Still he hungers like a hot-blooded man, loves fiercely and will protect Tayla with his life. Only that life isn’t promised to him for much longer.


The next book comes from newcomer Stefanie Worth. Where Souls Collide is nothing short of a stunning debut. I loved this book and I was still thinking about it when I closed the pages. It is such a refreshing twist on soul mates. Refreshing and innovative and thrilling, those are words that come to mind as I try to think about how to describe this book. And the speculative elements and magical realism are done so well that it really pulls you into several worlds seamlessly. It really is a novel that you have to experience. I can’t really put into words all the things that are great about this book. As a writer, I appreciated the risks Worth took with the story telling, the rules of romance certainly get twisted all around in this one. And as a reader, I loved the voice and the draw of this novel. It pulled me in and refused to let me go. I highly recommend this one as well.

Here’s the blurb:

RELECTIONS OF THE PAST
Detroit journalist Nevena Larimore thought her romance with NBA star Maxwell McKnight would last forever, but forever came to an abrupt end fifteen years ago, leaving her brokenhearted. Now Maxwell is back in her life as the owner and editor of her newspaper, and Navena's turbulent feelings have come rushing back.

VISIONS OF THE PRESENT
Navena cannot find peace at home, either. Her boyfriend wants more of a commitment than she can give and she's haunted by prophetic dreams of murder.

DREAMS OF THE FUTURE
It is up to Navena to figure out her psychic legacy and prevent the murder...but not alone. After struggling with doubt, Maxwell realizes that Navena's visions are authentic, and it is she who might need saving. Navena may have extraordinary powers, but together they discover that real love is a force of its own.

What about you all? Have you read any good books lately? Go ahead, add a few books to my to-be-read pile... I won't mind... :-)

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth

How Bad is Too Bad for the Romance Heroine?

Most romance heroines are syrupy sweet. There's like a romance rule and everything... Thou shall not have a mean or bitchy or otherwise unworthy romance heroine for she does not deserve the love of a HOT, sexy hero. Well, when I wrote my first romance novel, I had no idea that there was a rule. And my first heroine was really bitchy until my editor (I love you Deatri) told me that I had to tone her down and make her likable. So I did (I hope). And that's when I realized that as much as I embrace my inner bitch and encourage others to do the same, I can't have a true bitch... a real bitch... a-sho-nuff-take-no-stuff-bitch as the heroine in my romance novels. Bummer... So no more bitches...

But what about bad girls? Now, I know I could get away with naughty girls in an erotic romance. But I'm talking about bad girls. I'm talking about a chick that might have done wrong in the past and she's a little sorry for it... or at least sorry she got caught. LOL. Or a girl who might break the rules, for a good cause or a good reason of course, but she's a rule breaker nonetheless. She might lie or steal, you know... She's just not the perfect sweet little heroine we're used to seeing in romance. Would this ever work in a romance novel? I'm thinking only if it was a part of her past. What do you all think?

I realized after I finished the first novel in my Hightower series that two of my heroines, the two that will fall in love with my cops, are what some would consider bad girls... Their stories are so much fun to write. Their histories are so rich and they bring all kinds of emotions to the story. I love emotional writing almost as much as I love emotional reading. And after reading countless books where the hero is the one doing the big apology at the end, it is so cool to think that I could flip the script on all that with the right bad girl...

But how bad is too bad? What are the limits? What would turn you off in a heroine? Do you like your heroines a little naughty? Is syrupy sweet more your style? Who are some of your favorite bad girls in fiction? What about real life? I have to say, I enjoyed writing about my first true bad girl. The heroine in Protect and Serve had me on edge. My editor might make me tone her down by the time readers see her... but she was something else for a minute... I just hope readers will still like her... we'll see... What do you all think about bad girls in romance?

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

August Interview with acVernon Menchan

GB: Well hello acVernon Menchan also known as my girl Angelia. Thanks so much for blessing my blog with an interview. I know that you’re busy on your grind writing wonderful books, insightful blog posts, selling your books all over the place, meeting with book clubs, reviewing books for APOOO, being a wife and mother, and giving back to the community by mentoring young sistahs. Whew! I know your time is very valuable, so I appreciate you taking time away to chat. Your busy schedule leads me to my first question. How? How do you do it all and do it all so well? Do tell…

AM: I guess what has made it relatively easy is that I waited until I had time to do the things I wanted to do. My husband spent twenty-two years as a soldier and we traveled the world, I also have two sons who are now twenty-seven and twenty-two, so I guess it is my turn to do what feeds my soul. Writing and reviewing and talking to my girls really doesn’t feel like work, it is a soul experience, Not only that but when a sister is tired she will get her rest. I have always known that taking care of me shores me up to take care of the rest.

GB: A soul experience… I like that. Okay, you have done what many authors dream of doing. You’ve taken care of your own business and self-published your three books. Having control of your own destiny must be a beautiful thing… Kudos! What made you decide to just go ahead and do it yourself? What has the journey been like as a self-published author? Would you ever consider going with a traditional publisher in the future?


AM: As someone who has spent a couple of decades working for the government I knew that if I really wanted to color outside the lines I would have to own myself. So as with most things I just did it. My first work wasn’t truly self-published, I worked with a vanity press because that first book was written on a lark, was just going to be something for friends and family to talk about. Little did I know about how people would react to my work. Thank God! I am open to anything but in the mean time I will continue to do what I am doing.

GB: Now you know I have to talk about your novels, Black’s Obsession , Cinnamon’s Universe and the forthcoming (soon I hope) Brown’s Possession . These novels are part of a trilogy that you call “Black’s Trilogy” and they give three sides of tantalizing love triangle. I really love the idea of getting three sides of the story and found myself eagerly turning the pages as I read Black’s and Cinnamon’s stories and now waiting not so patiently for Brown’s piece of the puzzle (no rush… but err… hurry up...). Anyway, what was your inspiration for this trilogy?


AM: I am a short story writer at heart. I was working on a series of short stories and one was entitled ‘Whose Baby’. The premise was a guy would call his friend on the eve of his wedding to confess his feelings for her. It was eighteen pages, but that story wouldn’t let me go and became this three book series. Also, I wanted and needed to write about brothers as I knew them to be. Loving, complicated and diverse beings, not just fodder for the six o’clock news. Thus, Black. There are many Malcolm Blacks in our community.

GB: We have something in common. (smile) Many years ago when I was working on my MA in Creative Writing I just knew I was going to be a short story writer and my thesis was going to be a collection of short stories, until one short story refused to end. It is so funny the way a piece of writing will do that to a writer. It really does tell you when it is supposed to end if the writer is listening. I still want to write that collection of short fiction one day… Anyway… In Love Stories of Some People I’ve Known , you give the reader a glimpse of so many different kinds of love. It was a nicely done, very nuanced look at love. So, what made you want to take on love in these shorter vignettes? Can readers expect more of this kind of short story collection from you in the future?


AM: Short stories are my first love when it comes to writing. I can have a conversation or see a situation and rush home to write about it. People fascinate me and have a tendency to tell me the most amazing stories. I will then fictionalize them so they no longer recognize themselves. (giggling). I have a short story on Amazon entitled, “If I Didn’t Know Better,” that story was based on a Luther Vandross song. I heard it, went back home and two hours later I had a story. I have hundreds of those.

GB: Speaking of your shorter pieces… You know I just adore your blog. And I think you have the one of the most wonderful, real and provocative voices out there in the blogosphere. I love the way you make it plain time and time again and bring home such thought-provoking truths in such few words. When I read what you can do with short pieces of prose, it reminds me of how I feel sometimes when I read short stories and poetry by Alice Walker or short stories by J. California Cooper. Okay, I promise there is a question in here and not just me gushing. (Smile) So, let me see… how do you bring all that down home wisdom out in so few words? What inspires you?

AM: Gushing is good… he he… Thanks Gwyneth, you are so kind. I write the way I think and speak. I have been blessed with an ability to say what is in my heart and I seem unable not to do. Some love it, others might not. That is too funny, Ms. Cooper is my absolute favorite short story writer. I love her. I just say it as I see it. When one speaks truth as they know it, not many words are needed. I am inspired by people, my love for people and the love I get back. I am blessed.

GB: I love Cooper too! She’s amazing. So, have you always known that you wanted to be a writer?

AM: Yes indeed, I have been writing in journals all my life. My books are an extension of that.

GB: Has your writing changed over the years? What kinds of changes have you seen in your work?

AM: Oh my God, yes. My first book was a hot mess in terms of the way it was written. And for a hot minute, when people in the know mentioned my mistakes I thought okay I am done. But, you know what, readers had a different take, they wanted to hear what I was saying, so I tightened up my game. I am still very much a work in progress, very much!!

GB: You also review books for APOOO Book Club. How did you get started reviewing books? Do you think that book reviewing helps you in your own writing?

AM: Yasmin Coleman, owner and moderator of APOOO, my sister-friend, sent out a call for reviewers and I raised my hand. It has been one of the best experiences. APOOO reviews with integrity and I love being a part of it. Reviewing has helped tremendously in my writing.

GB: What’s next on the horizon for you? Tell us a little bit about your upcoming projects and give us a sneak peek at some of the things you have in the works.

AM: I am now working on a series of books for young adults. The first one is tentatively titled, What Part of No Is Not Clear to You? My heroine is sixteen and knows her own mind. My kind of girl.

GB: Sounds like my kind of girl too. The novel sounds wonderful! You’re going to have me reading young adult books. LOL. So, who are some of your favorite authors? What are you reading right now?

AM: My all time favorites are James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Colin Channer, Pearl Cleage, Diane Mckinney Whetstone…there are so many. I have a new favorite, Kwame Dawes, that brother can write. I love your writing also Ms. Bolton. I am reading, Selah’s Bed by Jenoyne Adams and reviewing a couple of books.

GB: Thank you. (Smile) Do you have any advice for aspiring writers about the publishing business? Do you have any specific advice for writers thinking about going the self-publishing route?

AM: I would have to say first and foremost, hone your craft and have faith in your abilities. I don’t know anything about traditional publishing. I am probably one of the few who haven’t even tried. If you are going to self-publish make sure you do your research and are willing to get your hustle on. Writing is the easy part, selling yourself is work.

GB: “Writing is the easy part, selling yourself is work.” Girl, you ain’t never lied. Someone needs to put that quote on a bumper sticker. It needs to be a mantra or something. LOL. Okay, so, thanks so much for the interview and blessing us with your time. I appreciate it. How can readers best contact you?

AM: Thanks so much Lady Gwyneth. I have enjoyed this. You are my sister and a true ‘Write or Die Chick’. I can be reached at www.acvernonmenchan.com or my email acvermen@yahoo.com or my blog, http://acvermen.blogspot.com

Registration is Now Open for 2008 Romance Slam Jam in Chicago!

In case you haven't heard, the 2008 Romance Slam Jam will be held in Chi-town. (My favorite city to visit right after Hot-lanta and NYC of course... Heck, I just love cities. And I love citylines when they are all lit up at night. Isn't that a cool picture of Chicago at night? Anyway...) The dates for the conference are April 30-May 4. And if you haven't checked out the website for the upcoming event, you should. There is so much history about the event and how it came to be posted on the site. And there are lots of authors already confirmed and lots of really innovative activies planned. For this romance loving girl, the end of April can't come soon enough...

Check out the website and register! Hope to see you there...

2008 Romance Slam Jam in Chicago

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Writer at Work

Honest, I haven't forgotten about my blog. But, I've been trying to get some more writing done before the end of the summer. I'll be cutting my post down to once a week or so until I get these novels done.

I'll be back. In the meantime isn't this a funny cartoon. LOL.

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Great Post on Taking Care of Yourself as a Writer

Lynn Emery has a wonderful and insightful post on how writers can take care to guard themselves emotionally, especially when it comes to criticism. I loved what she had to say and I thought I'd point you on over there so you can read it and comment. Check it out.

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Blogging In Black: Lynn Emery
"Taking Good Care of Yourself"

Great Post on the Responsibilities of the Artist/Writer

Check out this wonderful post from AcVernon Menchan (aka our girl Angelia, who will also be our author on Gwyneth's Blog for the month of August.) Anyway, I love reading her blog because she has this cool, insightful and always on-point way of breaking things down. And she brings it today with her post "Am I My Sister's/Brother's Keeper." Check out what she says and let her know what you think.

acVernon Menchan...Stuff: Am I My Sister's/Brother's Keeper

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

My Fifty ‘Leven Cents on Remy Ma

Well, there's something about Remy all right. And apparently it isn't all about the rhyme. Female rapper Remy Ma has gone and gotten herself arrested for a shooting. When will they learn...

First of all, girlfriend, femcees going to jail is so-oo two years ago. Lil' Kim has been there and done that even down to the shooting. Second of all, anyone walking around with a two-toned hairstyle a la Josie and the Pussy Cats is not really hard. (How can we take you seriously as a threat with that hair?) You getting arrested is not going to up your street cred in that regard. Third of all, I really hope that you weren't stupid enough to have actually pulled the trigger. And if you didn't I hope you're not on some silly "I won't snitch" tip like Lil' Kim was. Because you will not have access to hair dye in prison and how will you get that little front section of your hair the proper shade of auburn? A girl has to consider these things before she goes out and commits a crime. Now, I really hope that you didn't have anything to do with it. But if you did just know you will more than likely go to jail. If they sent Martha Stewart and Lil' Kim to jail for lying, you know they will get you... And don't expect the same media hype that these other women got when they went to jail. I told you, it's so-oo two years ago... All folks will have for you is "whatever..."

Urban Reviewers Featured My MySpace Page... Cool!

I just found out that the Urban Reviewers featured my MySpace page on their site. They called me a "hot romance novelist." How cool is that?

Check it out here:

http://www.urban-reviews.com/authorconnect.html

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

My Fifty ‘Leven Cents on Puffy and Kim's Spilt...

I know I shouldn't be happy that Kim and Puffy (And I know he's Diddy now. But I don't care. He'll always be Puffy to me) broke up. I know that I'm a romance writer and I'm supposed to be all about the love. But if you've read my blog before, you know how I feel about Puffy and Kim. All I can say now is I hope the sista has finally seen the light and leaves his ass for good. I knew when I saw recent gossip that he was running around with some other chick and his twins are barely seven months old, that Kim was in for heartache the likes of J-Lo all over again. But it looks like Miss. Kim ain't having it. Time will only tell... Take my advice girlfriend, run as fast as you can. (But don't forget your child support!) And for the record, I think her silly behind will take him back yet again after the sting of his latest affair wears off. And he still won't marry her... What do you all think? I'm sure you all saw it coming...

much love and peace,

Gwyneth

It's My Blog Anniversary.... (well sort of)

Has it been a year already?

I just realized that I missed my one-year blogging anniversary. I made my first post on this blog on June 28, 2006. I’m very bad with dates and remembering anniversaries. I realized this when I was sixteen and had to find out from my first boyfriend how many months we’d been dating. He looked at me kind funny and said, “Aren’t girls supposed to remember stuff like that?” And I hate it when people ask me how long I’ve been growing my locs. I don’t know. Four years? Five years? Something like that... But, my husband taught me how to remember our wedding anniversary. I just have to think 3/3/99. Now how many years is that? I guess I’m just bad with numbers... But I so wanted to remember my blog anniversary. I was going to do a special post and every thing. But it’s gone now. Oh well, it’s been a little over a year and I’m still blogging. I may have to cut back some due to deadlines. But I think I’ll keep the ole blog a little while longer. So, all together now, “happy (late) blog anniversary to me…” Thanks for hanging with me so far blog buddies.

Much love and peace,

Gwyneth

Wild Women: Columnists Think Romance is Porn and Women are Stupid

Wild Women: Columnists Think Romance is Porn and Women are Stupid

Seressia Glass has some interesting thoughts on a recent so-called commentary in an Atlanta paper that disses romance readers and writers. Go over and check it out on the Wild Women Writers Blog.

July Interview with Romance Author Patricia Sargeant

GB: Hi, Patricia! First let me say that I loved your novel You Belong to Me . And I’m so glad you could spare a moment to do an interview on my blog. My first question is how long have you been writing and when did you make the decision to pursue it as a career?

PS: Hi, Gwyneth! I loved your novel, Sweet Sensation. I’m Gonna Make You Love Me is on my to-be-read pile, and I’ve ordered If You Only Knew . You’re a fabulous writer, and it’s an honor to be interviewed by you. Thank you.

Regarding my writing, I can trace my desire to become a published author back to the age of nine. Way, way, way, way back. (smile) When I was nine years old, I read Black Hearts in Battersea by Jane Aiken. That story was like an amusement park ride. It picked me up and carried me away. When I finished the book, I hugged it to my chest and decided I wanted to write something that would give people the same feeling Jane Aiken’s book gave me. I started with essays and poems, and worked my way to short stories.

Like every author, my dream is to write full time. But right now, I have a day job. There’s a certain comfort and security that comes with the regular paycheck and the health-care coverage. (smile)

GB: Yes, a steady paycheck and health-care coverage is a comfort so I understand you on that. So, did you read a lot of romance novels before you started to write them? If so, do you think that helped you once you started writing them? If not, do you think that gives you a fresh approach to the genre?

PS: Yes, I did I read a lot of romance novels before I started writing them. I got hooked on romance when I was eleven years old. I credit my sister for that. She introduced me to Harlequin Romances.

I also read a lot of mysteries. I think that’s one of the reasons I include a suspense plot in my romances. I write what my husband refers to as “murder, death, kill.” That term is from the Demolition Man movie with Wesley Snipes. Have you seen it? Sorry, off topic.

It’s important to read within the genre you want to write for several reasons. It helps you keep up with your genre’s trends. For example, decades ago, romances were written only from the heroine’s perspective. Today, in addition to the heroine’s perspective, we have the hero’s and the villain’s. Heroines also are a lot more adventurous and independent today. They’re not searching for a man; they’re looking for personal growth. But, if they find a man along the way, they won’t necessarily toss him aside. (smile)

I also think it helps to read books outside of your genre. I think cross-genre reading adds another dimension to your writer’s voice. For example, Gwyneth, it’s obvious you enjoy poetry and hip-hop. I sense both in your voice, which adds another level to your stories.

GB: I have seen Demolition Man. And, I started reading romance novels by sneaking my mom’s Harlequins. That’s so cool that you started reading them when you were eleven.

I see that you recently placed third in the Reviewers International Organization Favorite Debut Novel Category. What went through your mind when you got the news? It must have been so fulfilling and invigorating to have your published first novel get an award. Please, tell us all about it.

PS: LOL! Gwyneth, I hope one day to receive as many awards for my work as you’ve already earned with your novels.

Thank you so much for asking about the RIO award. It was a thrilling and shocking experience. I didn’t know You Belong to Me was being considered for the award.

I got an e-mail with a link to the list of nominees from a friend late one night. She’s garnered a slew of awards and recognition for her books so I thought she was sharing another announcement with me. Imagine my surprise when I saw my name under the Romantic Suspense and Favorite Debut Novel categories.

And when I saw the authors I was nominated with … There are New York Times best-selling authors listed under the Romantic Suspense category. With me. Unbelieveable. I searched the Internet to see if it was some kind of hoax. Perhaps a computer virus sent under the name of someone in my e-mail address book. The next morning, I received an e-mail with the announcement from my agent. That’s when I knew it was real. And I thought, “Wow. It really is an honor just to be nominated.”

It was a great, great honor to receive that recognition. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget and an experience I’ll always treasure. But, quite candidly, kudos from readers are even more exciting to me. When someone says, “I enjoyed your book,” I just want to hug them really, really hard. I’ve kept some of those e-mails for days when I wonder what makes me think I can write a book.

GB: Your novel, You Belong to Me , has the perfect mix of romance and suspense. Often times as a reader I’ve found that authors have a hard time keeping that balance. What are your secrets to writing really good romantic suspense that has the right proportions? Come on… spill it. (smile)


PS: Gwyneth, thank you!!! What a wonderful compliment. Now I’m going to admit that I’m really not sure. (smile).

I try to write stories in which the suspense, romance and personal grown are actually entwined. Those are the stories I enjoy reading. Stories in which the external conflict the characters face forces them to deal with their internal conflict, and that internal conflict is connected to the romance.

For example, in You Belong to Me , Malcolm and Nicole divorced basically because he shut her out emotionally. His internal conflict is learning to let people in; learning to accept help. Malcolm wants Nicole back, but someone is trying to kill them. That’s the external conflict. Once he learns to accept help (internal conflict), not only will he be able to stop the killer (external conflict), but he’ll also reunite with Nicole (romance).

In my September 2007 release, On Fire , the hero has trust issues. But, if he wants to catch the arsonist/murderer – and earn the heroine’s love – he’s going to have to trust her.

GB: I’m assuming that you will continue to write wonderful romantic suspense. But in my research on you I came across an interesting kernel of information having to do with you and a mystery series. Can we hope to one day find a new detective, PI or amateur sleuth coming our way via your pen? Is mystery a genre that we can expect to see you in eventually?

PS: I truly hope so. My agent is shopping the proposal for my mystery series, which has romantic and paranormal elements. The series takes place on a fictitious Caribbean island. The hero is a city-born detective chief inspector and the heroine is a country-born nurse. The hero and heroine eventually fall in love. However, in the beginning, there are several things keeping them apart, including island customs city residents distance themselves from even as country residents continue to honor them.

This series is my way of paying tribute to my family and my culture. I was born on the island of Grenada in the West Indies. Research for this series gives me the opportunity to immerse myself more in Caribbean history, traditions and culture. For example, the first book explores the difference between the alternative religion of voodoo and its darker cousin, obeah. A lot of people don’t realize that, while voodoo is a healing practice, obeah is meant to harm. People lump the two together.

I can go on and on about this series. It’s really in my heart. I hope to hear something by the end of July/beginning of August. The waiting is killing me. (smile)

GB: The mystery series sounds wonderful! I hope it gets picked up. I love to read mystery novels. And the fact that it will explore Caribbean history and culture is great. We need more books that bring in other aspects of Blackness. I’ll be keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you on this one.

I also noticed that the heroine in You Belong to Me is a science fiction writer. And my sleuthing skills tell me that you are a member of the Futuristic, Fantasy and Paranormal chapter of Romance Writers of America. So you know I have to ask… Will you be writing some fantasy and science fiction in the near future?

PS: Gwyneth, you are good! I’ve written an epic fantasy – part of a trilogy that takes place in another galaxy and involves four alien races. The trilogy subtly deals with issues of race and religion. It includes space battles, political intrigue and, of course, romance. The hero is a warrior and the heroine is the spiritual leader of a pacifist planet.

This is another series that I really love. Right now, though, I’m focusing on my romantic suspense and mysteries, but I do intend to shop this trilogy in the future.

GB: Can’t wait for that trilogy also. It sounds great. I love to read these kinds of novels.

You belong to two blogging groups, the Pink Ladies and the Crime Sistahs. Can you tell us a little about what to expect from you on these two sites and maybe talk a little about what your experience has been like in the blogosphere?

PS: Wow, this is a fantastic question. The two sites, Pink Ladies and Crime Sistahs, have distinct personalities. Or perhaps they just bring out very different personalities in me.

The Pink Ladies blog launched in March 2007 and spotlights seven women who write in different romance subgenres. My posts on that blog tend to be more whimsical and personal. I’ve admitted to my addiction to entertainment news. I’ve shared secrets and even talked about who I would haunt if I were a ghost.

The Crime Sistahs blog was established by three mystery writers, Angela Henry, Pamela Samuels-Young and Gammy Singer. They’d already set the tone for the blog by the time I joined them in June. It’s a more serious tone than the one I use on the Pink Ladies blog. The Crime Sistahs’s focus is more on the publishing industry, mystery novels, current news and social issues. For example, I’ve discussed the perception of African Americans in popular media and the trend of mystery and suspense heroes and heroines.

I hope that blogging with both groups will help me connect with romance readers and mystery readers.

I’ve only been blogging for about three months. I don’t know if it will allow me to connect with readers the way I’d like to. My hope is that blogging will allow me to interact with readers more easily than I can with events like signings and conferences. The ideal is meeting readers in person, but that’s not always possible.

For example, at the end of June, I attended three signings in two states all during one day. Although I enjoyed chatting with the other authors, talking with readers who stopped by and meeting the book sellers, the majority of the day was spent on the road. In comparison, a good day on the Internet, I could spend one hour exchanging blog comments with perhaps ten readers.

I want the opportunity to meet readers, whether they read my books or someone else’s. And for those who do read my books, I want the opportunity to say thank you. I know people work hard for their money, and they have a lot of demands on their time. For someone to spend their hard-earned money and precious time on my books means a lot to me. I hope they consider both well spent.

GB: So what can you tell us about your second forthcoming novel, On Fire ? I love the title. It sounds like a hot one. Details… details…


PS: LOL! I want there to be honesty in our relationship, Gwyneth, so I’ll admit up front that On Fire isn’t quite as hot as the title and cover may lead readers to believe. I’m truly sorry about that.

On Fire is a romantic suspense, of course (smile). The hero is a fire investigator and the heroine is a newspaper reporter. These two start out as adversaries but become allies when they realize the string of arsons they’re investigating is connected to a series of murders.

On Fire was the first single-title novel I completed back in the early 1990s. I learned a lot writing that story, including the importance of three-dimensional characters and larger-than-life emotional conflicts. Originally, the heroine’s conflict was whether to focus on her career or try to balance her profession with marriage and children. For a romantic suspense, that kind of conflict wasn’t going to cut it. But, when I gave her a different kind of hero, a hero with a lot of baggage and trust issues, she owned the page.

Come to think of it, I had a similar experience with You Belong to Me . At first, the conflict between Malcolm and Nicole was going to be poor communication. But Nicole really came to life once I made Malcolm emotionally distant. I guess my subconscious subscribes to that old saying, “Behind every great man is a woman.” (smile)

GB: What are you reading right now? Any good reads you want to offer?

PS: Well, I’ve recently finished reading Sweet Sensation . Lip-smacking good! Thank you, Gwyneth, for hours of enjoyment. I’m enjoying Angela Henry’s Tangled Roots, which is the second installment of Angela’s Kendra Clayton mystery series. I also can heartily recommend her first Kendra Clayton mystery, The Company You Keep.

GB: Ohhh… Your welcome, Patricia. Since your book gave me hours of enjoyment, I’m glad Sweet Sensation could return the favor. (smile) And I have two of Angela Henry’s books on my to-be-read pile. I can’t wait to dig in.

What are you working on right now? Can you give us a sneak peek, please?

PS: I’d love to give you a sneak peek. Thank you for asking.

On Fire is actually the first book in my “Fire Trilogy.” I’m working on the proposal for the other two books. The political intrigue continues in Through the Fire , which brings back the heroine’s friends, Allyson and Andre. It also introduces the third couple, who complete the trilogy in Fire and Ice . Of course, Through the Fire and Fire and Ice are working titles. I really hope the publisher keeps them.

GB: I hope the publisher keeps them too. I love connecting books! And I adore the titles that you have come up with. I hope you get to keep them.

So, Is there any advice you’d like to offer to aspiring writers?

PS: I have a few thoughts I’d like to share, please.

First, if your dream truly is to become a published author, never give up, never surrender that dream. No matter how long it takes. It took me fifteen years.

Second, remember that writing is not only an art; it’s also a business. If you want to succeed, you have to study both the art and the business of writing. Research the pros and cons of contractual terms so that you know how to handle those issues when you’re offered a contract. Even if you have an agent, you need to understand your contract. You are ultimately responsible for you. It’s your signature on the dotted line.

And, third, the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask. In this business, the question you don’t ask can negatively impact you for years.

GB: How can readers best reach you?

PS: Readers are always welcome to visit me on the Pink Ladies Blog, www.PinkLadiesBlog.com; the Crime Sistahs Blog, www.CrimeSistahs.blogspot.com; or via e-mail at booksbypatricia@yahoo.com.

Gwyneth, thank you so much for this interview. I had a great time answering your wonderful questions. Very best wishes for continued writing success!

Hanging with the Pink Ladies today...

Hey Everyone!

I'm hanging out over at the Pink Ladies Blog Spot today. Come and check out what our good friend Patricia Sargeant had me come up with after her brilliant questions about what inspires my writing. Check it out here and leave us a comment. And don't forget, Patricia will be blessing us with an interview on Gwyneth's Blog next week as our July author.

Pink Ladies Blog

I'm off to visit family in Jersey. I'll check in later.

much love and peace,

Gwyneth