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The fog is clearing and I'm able to think clearly. I can't believe I cranked out over 60k words in 30 days. It's inhuman...(smile)

I am happy to be back. I shelved the book and worked on a few articles but I'm back. I plan to participate in the Fear of Writing 10k day next week so I need to get going.

What's the plan? Well, I'm sure I will trash a lot of the book. I am reworking my book summary and adjusting my chapter outline. I'm spending time with my book notebook and getting things in order for my first full draft of the book.

I hope to share the synopsis for African Emerald with you soon. Stay tuned!
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NaNoWriMo Winner | JaNese Dixon
I WON!!! But...after last year I know that this is only a small portion of the work that I need to do. After NaNoWriMo last year I rewrote the book at least five times.

The plan is to rest and get back on it next week. I'm excited about the direction of the story. I won't shelf it completely until the right before Christmas. I will spend this week researching and working on bits and pieces. Then it's back to writing.
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NaNoWriMo | African Emerald | National Novel Writing Month | Ja'Nese Dixon
I've hit over 25k words. Yeah!!!

I've had a day of writing and I honestly can't add another word. I'm heading to bed to relax with my hot green tea and a movie.
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I have one more element from African Emerald that I want to share. This will be a rare weekend post for me (at least I believe so...).

Have you ever experienced a relationship that literally saved you from yourself? Talib may have a chance to change...to be a different person, a better man.

Today's video represents another element of African Emerald--the power of love. Enjoy this video thanks to Drake.
"Find Your Love" by Drake

Do you believe love can conquer all things?

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Self-destructive behavior is visible by everyone. Loved ones, friends witness the behavior and in reality they are watching you burn. Watching you be less than your true self. Watching you be sucked it...

I'm continuing on the theme of this week--music that represent elements from African Emerald. Today's video is from Eminem. It's graphic but it's about self-destructive behavior and the violence that can lie in wait.


"Love The Way You Lie" by Eminem featuring Rihanna
Have you witnessed a situation or person burn (i.e., figuratively) before your eyes? Did you address the behavior or the fire?
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Angelica Joseph is a woman that shines in a dark place. Talib is at a crossroad in his life, Angelica will represent many things in African Emerald. For today, she will be represented by P!nk and this wonderful song (and performance) Glitter in the Air.

"Glitter in the Air" by P!nk

I love this performance I feel hope. And hope is mere steps before belief. I don't have a question to share today, but I have a small request. Hit "Repeat" and think about a relationship in your life that gives you hope that things could be better.
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Yesterday I shared a video that represented Talib. Today, I'll continue with "Power" by Kanye West. This song represents The Concave.
"Power" by Kanye West
The lengths that some go to acquire power is relentless. This group is no exception. Can you think of one group and/or person that yields too much power?
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I am almost ready to share my short synopsis for African Emerald. In the meantime, I plan to share some of my inspiration while writing. I use several techniques but the one that I most is enjoy is creating a soundtrack for my book. A soundtrack? Yes, a soundtrack. (smile)

I am starting today by showing you a video that helps to identify with the main character, Talib Kamwi. I first introduced Talib to readers in Black Diamond. (Don't have a copy? Order it on Amazon.)
"Bad Man" by R. Kelly


I will leave you with a thought. What would it take for you to believe that a bad man has changed?

I would love to read your comments.
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There are many types of writers. Writers that sit and pound out the story. Others, like me, that plan.

Last year I wrote Black Diamond while participating in NaNoWriMo. For about a month I spent time thinking about my characters, my plot (i.e., what I plan to happen in my story?), and readying myself for November. However, this year things are a bit different. Between traveling, promoting my book, and living (smile) I have spent very little time preparing for this year's book, African Emerald.

I will keep you all abreast of my progress. I am excited about the story brewing in my head. Now, I'm left wondering...Am I ready to put it in writing?

What is NaNoWriMo?

NaNoWriMo is National Novel Writing Month. And I should have started with a brief apology because I use the acronym NaNoWriMo with ease forgetting some of my visitors that have no idea what I'm writing about.

Participants join the challenge with the common goal of writing book with at least 50,000 words.

You can learn more at www.nanowrimo.org.
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