Never was a journalist, editor, or writer in any form, and only once in my lifetime did I read an entire book cover-to-cover (and that was only 100 pages). Absolutely despised essay assignments in my English classes; that’s right, no interest at all! So why in 2002 did I decide to write a book, good question!
In 1986 I went into business for myself and left the rest of those poor nine-to-five working saps behind. As it turned out, in my glamorous new position as “the boss,” nine-to-five became only a dream I had once lived and that weak minimum wage job I had left paid the bills more steadily than my new found “riches.” In addition to spending the following 15 years in a continual struggle for financial freedom and status, stress took its toll and I became ill. Financial creativity played a strong roll in my ability to retire at the age of 42. All said and done, I walked away happy and healthy once again.
Along my self-employment journey I would constantly wonder why wasn’t the truth of self-employment apparent to me before I jumped in to this venture? So I did the unimaginable; I read some business books. I found that virtually none of the business start-up books I read told the truth. Oh, they educated the reader on the “business” aspect of being self-employed, but none spoke of the real truths; family stress, bad locations, employees, bank loans, partnerships, etc.
Seeing the need for those “poor working saps” to know these truths became my inspiration for writing my first book, Are You Ready to Be Your Own Boss? That was the beginning; I was hooked. Next came my stress relief book for the ones who were already in business. Then of course after writing and publishing two books, I had to write the next one on writing and publishing.
Writing can be addictive and frustrating as well as healthy and fulfilling. The good, the bad, and the book that can’t find a publisher, it’s all there when you’re an author. But seeing your book in print and knowing that someone somewhere has paid money to read what you have to say, gives you a real sense of accomplishment and a warm and fuzzy feeling unlike any other.
Still not thrilled reading books, but I find it to be my loss that I never pursued writing before this point in my life, but a treasured gain for me now.
I am a retired business owner, mom of two awesome kids, and the author of four non-fiction books (co-author of two others). I share my writing and publishing experience with forthcoming authors through my blog at, http://ABookInside.blogspot.com. Visit my primary websites at http://www.BooksByDenbow.Weebly.com and http://www.authorsbox.com
You may not know me or my work, but I am the national bestselling, award winning novelist of six critically acclaimed novels who has been twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction
On Jan 9th, 2010 my debut novel, SUGAR will celebrate its 10th anniversary and in order to commemorate this milestone I am campaigning to sell 10,000 copies between now and that date.
“Bernice L. McFadden's first novel begins with the brief, poetic description of a crime so startling that the reader is helplessly drawn in, as if a bright red door stood ajar on a bleak and forbidding house. Pearl Taylor's daughter, Jude, has been found murdered and mutilated near a field at the edge of town. "The murder had white man written all over it," writes McFadden. "But no one would say it above a whisper. It was 1940. It was Bigelow, Arkansas. It was a black child. Need any more be said?" In the years that follow, Pearl catches sight of Jude in so many strangers that when Sugar Lacey comes to town and sets up her unwholesome "business" in the house next door, she doesn't know whether to believe what she sees in Sugar's face: a striking similarity to Jude, dead 15 years. In her sedate but supple prose--rising at times to a light, unforced lyricism in the description of landscape or character--the author perfectly renders the closed and protective society of a small Southern town, the superstitions, gossip, and prying.”
I’m asking that you purchase a copy of SUGAR for yourself, a friend or family member. And yes, KINDLE purchases count.
If you could help spread the word by blogging, twittering ad Face-booking my campaign, it would mean the world to me.
Carol: thanks for the words of encouragement. Would you believe I bought a Project Planner notebook with each page section for topic, brainstorming, process, notes, date, description, etc. I plan to first start with people (cousins) whose information I've gathered from email correspondences. I have still to make several phone calls for more details re our grandparents, etc.
It will take me a while, but I hope eventually to get to the point where I can start to write.
Ms. CarolI have read you article above. You style of writing is cominicating, as you use the words from day-to-day dictionary, I would like to read more from you. Naval Langa
http://cleanfiction.blogspot.com/
http://paintingsgalleries.blogspot.com/
It's really nice to meet you! I always enjoy hearing about authors and their experiences. Your "About Me" is wonderfully written! Good luck on your career as a writer.
Comment Wall (7 comments)
You need to be a member of Book Blogs to add comments!
Join this Ning Network
You may not know me or my work, but I am the national bestselling, award winning novelist of six critically acclaimed novels who has been twice nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction
On Jan 9th, 2010 my debut novel, SUGAR will celebrate its 10th anniversary and in order to commemorate this milestone I am campaigning to sell 10,000 copies between now and that date.
“Bernice L. McFadden's first novel begins with the brief, poetic description of a crime so startling that the reader is helplessly drawn in, as if a bright red door stood ajar on a bleak and forbidding house. Pearl Taylor's daughter, Jude, has been found murdered and mutilated near a field at the edge of town. "The murder had white man written all over it," writes McFadden. "But no one would say it above a whisper. It was 1940. It was Bigelow, Arkansas. It was a black child. Need any more be said?" In the years that follow, Pearl catches sight of Jude in so many strangers that when Sugar Lacey comes to town and sets up her unwholesome "business" in the house next door, she doesn't know whether to believe what she sees in Sugar's face: a striking similarity to Jude, dead 15 years. In her sedate but supple prose--rising at times to a light, unforced lyricism in the description of landscape or character--the author perfectly renders the closed and protective society of a small Southern town, the superstitions, gossip, and prying.”
I’m asking that you purchase a copy of SUGAR for yourself, a friend or family member. And yes, KINDLE purchases count.
If you could help spread the word by blogging, twittering ad Face-booking my campaign, it would mean the world to me.
Peace & Light,
Bernice L. McFadden
www.bernicemcfadden.com
www.firstborngirl.blogspot.com
www.amazon.com
www.B&N.com
I may have to consult your book as well! I know my intended audience - a small group but I will be trying to have a broader appeal, somehow.
Harvee
It will take me a while, but I hope eventually to get to the point where I can start to write.
Naval Langa
http://cleanfiction.blogspot.com/
http://paintingsgalleries.blogspot.com/