My last blog stated how I was on my fourth edit of my next novel, Someone Like Them. Well, scratch that, I am now on my fifth edit and counting. I've agonized on why this book is taking me so long to get right. Why have I not been satisfied by the main character in this book. The personalities for the protagonists in my other novels came so easily. Eventually, it came to me. The protagonists in Someone Like Them started out weak, and I cannot write about weak women, mainly because I don't know any. I was raised by strong, competent, independent women who taught me to be a strong, competent, independent woman, and that's what I write about. In Someone Like Them I was trying to create a character I really didn't know. Thank goodness I've finally discovered who she is, and no matter how long it takes, Wanda Carson is going to shed her light brightly in Someone Like Them.
Meanwhile, for those writers of color who might be looking for a writing community to join, I would like to suggest Crime Writers of Color (CWOC). Most of its members write crime and mystery novels, which I write with the co-author of our Grandmothers, Incorporated cozy mystery novels. However, I do believe that there are some writers who are members of the group who don't write mysteries. Nevertheless, I think it is a group worth exploring. I stumbled on CWOC by accident a few months ago. I find the members to be very supportive of each other and the information they share is very helpful. I've attended a few panels and workshops that the group has held via Zoom and I've been very pleased with the results. It cost nothing to join the group. Simply put Crime Writers of Color in the Google search engine. The name should come up and you can read about them. If you're interested, follow the directions regarding how you can become a member.
Until next time...
