Happy Anniversary to Me: Celebrating Twenty Years in the Literary World

 



Single mothers struggle with feeling overwhelmed at times with the responsibilities that they must juggle alone. A Single Woman's Parenting Journey: Survival Tidbits, will uplift and empower women who are on the challenging yet rewarding journey of parenting solo. This book steers clear of child-rearing suggestions, choosing instead to focus on nurturing single mothers, who sometimes forget the importance of self-care, and not making themselves priorities.

 


I am beyond excited to announce that an updated twentieth-anniversary edition of my first book A Single Woman’s Parenting Journey: Survival Tidbits has been released today and ready for purchase. Truthfully, it is surreal to think that twenty years have gone by since the release of this book, but how can I forget because it is the same year that my oldest granddaughter was born. Thank you, 220 Publishing, for republishing my first book.

It seems like yesterday when I embarked on this literary journey not knowing where it would take me. I remember jumping on the internet to do some research to look for someone to assist me with this new endeavor. I spoke to someone locally, but it did not work out. However, I eventually connected with two gifted authors and businesswomen in Inglewood, California, Dr. Rosie Milligan, and Mrs. Maxine Thompson. They graciously took me under their wings and helped this amateur in the literary game birth A Single Woman’s Parenting Journey: Survival Tidbits and the rest is history! 

I truly thank God that I was able to meet them both in person one year when I attended the Black Writers on Tour event in Los Angeles, California sponsored by Dr. Milligan. I have remained in contact with them at different times over the years. And, I have taken one of Mrs. Thompson’s writing workshops and have used her editing services as well. I am forever grateful they embraced this country girl from the Midwest to begin teaching me the ropes about this literary world. 

Since 2001, I have written a few other books, book reviews, blog posts, and articles for online and print magazines as well as edited and proofread books for other authors. I am thankful that I pushed my fears and insecurities aside and forced myself twenty years ago to become a part of the literary world. During this journey, I have met some wonderful and gifted folks who freely provided me with wisdom and positive and constructive feedback. There are entirely too many people to name, but just know if our paths have crossed whether, in person or online, I am thankful for you. 

Although I love writing, it is not easy and can be lonely at times, but I would not trade it for the world. My mother, rest her soul, was an excellent writer but she just did not pursue writing as a career. Plus, my mom drilled in me the importance of speaking and writing well, and it used to get on my last nerve, but I know that she meant well. So, I owe my writing skills to her.

Again, thanks to everyone that has supported me on this journey, and most importantly I thank the readers that have read my books and any of my writings that have cheered me along the way. I also thank those individuals that took the time to write reviews for my books – whether good or not so good – because either way, I have learned from what you wrote. I also thank everyone that has helped to edit, market, and promote my books. 

I digress…now if I can just get my brother, Larry, and one and only grown baby, Terra, to co-author books with me, then two goals on my bucket list can be crossed off. Larry and Terra are both excellent writers and I am sure they are going to send me a few nasty text messages for putting this out there – but hey it is the truth, and the truth shall set you free!

In closing, I ask if you are so inclined to support me and purchase a copy today of A Single Woman’s Parenting Journey: Survival Tidbits – if not for yourself, buy a copy for a friend or relative. Just click the links below to purchase either a print or e-book version of the book. I would be forever grateful!

Paperback-A Single Woman's Parenting Journey: Survival Tidbits

Kindle-A Single Woman's Parenting Journey: Survival Tidbits

Happy anniversary to me on celebrating twenty years in the literary world. I am thankful for this milestone, and now, on to the next twenty years…



7 Benefits of Personal Transparency

 

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Originally published on Medium.com, January 20, 2021

Baring our souls and being transparent about our valley experiences can sometimes feel like getting an infected tooth extracted.

Painful!

Yet, if the tooth does not get pulled out, the infection can spread to the entire body.

All of us experience times when we feel hopeless, overwhelmed, joyless, fearful, confused, nervous, and doubtful.

After all, it is normal to have these feelings.

Even so, we must not dwell on these negative experiences. We must push through and move forward no matter how difficult it may be so that we can begin again experiencing hope, joy, balance, clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

One of the ways to get through tough times is by being transparent about our current situations and not suffering alone, rather than downplaying our feelings because of the fear of being judged and rejected by others.

Below are seven benefits of personal transparency:

1. It shows your humanity.

2. It demonstrates genuineness.

3. It humbles you.

4. It makes you less self-absorbed.

5. It frees you from holding on to negative emotions that can keep you stuck.

6. It can help you feel less alone as you go through your valley experiences in life.

7. It allows you to gain authentic friendships.

What do you need to be transparent about today to gain more emotional freedom and peace of mind?

19 Tips for Preventing Relapse during the Holidays

                                                                    Sarah Lawrence for Vox.com 


Originally published on Medium.com, December 26, 2020

5 Tips to Help Adults Dealing with the Death of a Sibling



Originally published on Medium.com, December 23, 2020

Happy Anniversary to Me: Celebrating Twenty Years in the Literary World

  Single mothers struggle with feeling overwhelmed at times with the responsibilities that they must juggle alone. A Single Woman's Pare...