So You're a Writer?

Monday, October 15, 2012


Today Jamaica celebrates National Heroes Day, when we remember 6 men and 1 woman who fought for the freedom we now enjoy. I don’t think about them much during the year, but certainly appreciate how the quality of life has improved for all Jamaicans because of the sacrifices made by our heroes. If I wrote historical fiction, these stories would make interesting telling. I’m not even going to entertain that thought for long because the next thing I know, I’ll be off doing research alongside the many other incomplete mss I have going.


I did a television interview last Thursday, where I talked a little bit about a couple of my books. Have a look, if you’re interested. And no, I don’t have a tooth missing, just an extra-wide gap in my front teeth.

The link is here...http://www.televisionjamaica.com/Programmes/SmileJamaica.aspx/Videos/21428
One thing I've learned from this experience is that people are willing to support your efforts if they know what you're doing. So many people have asked me where they can buy the book I spoke about and, of course, they didn't know I write because I didn't tell them. I find it hard to talk about my writing in the real world. I think it's vulgar to bring up the fact that I write in conversation, but people counter that with common sense, as in, how are we gonna know you write if you don't tell us? Sensible arguments, eh?  

This week, I’ll be trying to wrap up some stuff on the writing front. I’m working on a short story that’s not coming together as I’d like. The bones are there, but the emotional depth isn’t, so I’ve left that since Friday.  

That tale will be part of the second short story collection I’m working on. Don’t Get Mad...Get Even has now had over 46,000 downloads. When I was counting that off in preparation for the interview, it reminded me that I was lagging on getting the next set of stories together. I’ve also been slow on visiting my internet buddies.

It’s hard for some of us to stay focused, especially with a full-time job, kids, plus other activities, but we must make a plan for the business end of things, as well as time to do all the things we love. 

What jobs d’you have lagging?

30 comments:

  1. You made me laugh. I am never happy to see myself on video!

    Good luck wrapping up your writing.

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    1. And you made me laugh too. :) Thanks for your good wishes.

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  2. You are busy in such a satisfying way-- bringing all your goals to fruition is exciting. I have a hard time talking about my writing as well. To this point, it's just been freelance stuff,so I thought maybe I just didn't feel "legit" yet as a writer. But you're right, it's hard to talk about our successes. An exaggerated sense of modesty?

    How fun on the interview!

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    1. Dunno, Julie,
      I didn't think I had the right to call myself a writer until I was published. Now, I've revised my opinion. As long as we're writing, we're writers.

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  3. Congrats Joy! I'm happy to see you so busy and your success is certainly inspiring:)

    Nutschell
    www.thewritingnut.com

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    1. Hi, Nutschell, seems I don't know how to do anything else but to stay busy. :)

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  4. What a great interview! And so good to see you as a real person and not a tiny little photo. And to hear your voice. Loved it!

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    1. Thanks for watching, Carol. I'm not big on videos, but yes, it's always nice to see our blogging buddies kinda in the flesh, so to speak.

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  5. I think you're brave to get in front of a camera! And listening to you two ladies talk makes me homesick. Great interview.

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    1. Thanks, Bish. I was nervous, but Dahlia is good at what she does. She asked me a few questions beforehand, which helped.

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  6. I don't mind mentioning that I write, it's my closest family members who aren't interested but even strangers perk up, oh well. Congrats on your interview, too bad I missed it last week and Heroes Day is essential to celebrate those who helped us have the liberty we have today.

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    1. Hey, Sheena,
      My relatives knew I was writing when I was published, but my husband knew before that. Yep, Heroes' Day helps up to appreciate the freedom we now enjoy.

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  7. Great interview!

    Jobs undone, all of them.

    Talking about my writing, impossible. I'm the worst marketer. I had a radio show where I interviewed other authors and found it almost impossible to talk about my own. Crazy!

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    1. Thanks, Renee, I find it kinda hard to just bring up my writing in ordinary conversation, but in an interview, you can draw from your experience to ask questions and it wouldn't sound unnatural.

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  8. 46 thousand downloads! Holy camolee! That's awesome J.L. May you become the next big thing in Jamaica. Now I'm off to check out your interview.

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  9. I LOOOVEEEE YOUR ACCENT! It never hit home that you'd talk in a full Jamaican accent LOL and that's so cool. I love the blond-ish hair too. You are stylin' miss author!

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    1. Mike, thanks for having a look-see. Always loved some colour in my hair. It's nice to mix things up a little. :)

      Putting together a second volume of those stories. About time I did something with them.

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  10. Enjoyed the interview. So interesting to see you "in person." Plus, you won Chicken Soup: The Power of Positive. Email me your mailing address. :)

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    1. Thanks so much, Linda. I know I'll enjoy that since I always need to be reminded to stay positive.

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  11. Great interview, Joy! I loved seeing you!!!
    You and I are so much alike. I can't get get too many ideas in my head either (your historical fiction comment) because then I'll be off on another tangent, too. Also, I do not like to bring up the fact that I'm a writer either. Instead of feeling like I'm telling about myself, it feels like I'm trying to self-promote (which does feel vulgar).
    You're wonderful!

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    1. Susan, yeah, don't we know about running off in every which direction. :) I got told off by some people at church this weekend because they saw the interview, but didn't know I was into writing. To me, it's hard to just bring up the fact that you write, especially when it has nothing to do with anything. :D

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  12. That was a super fantastic interview, Joy. You're so cool under pressure. I understand what you mean about not wanting to bring up writing. Anyway, I read above about all those downloads. Girl, you're on your way! I'm so excited for you. And, I love your new hair style. Not that there was anything wrong with the wasn't. It's just fun to have a bit of fun.

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    1. Thanks, Kittie. To say I was nervous is an understatement. :) Thanks for your kind words. Just got a not-so-nice review on Don't Get Mad and you know what that does to writers. Won't dwell on it though. Onward and upward I say!

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  13. I can't believe you didn't even share your writing with some of the people in your church, but then again, they may get shy reading all the steamy love scenes...

    Congrats all around. I check the link.

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    1. Kinda hard to bring up writing if it doesn't come up in the conversation. :)

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  14. I enjoyed the interview (talk). She asked the right questions. You're self-taught writer - great.

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  15. I wish I could write short stories. I should read a book about how to, because I truly don't know how. I figure it's like writing a shorter version of a novel, right? (Duh, huh?) :) Have fun writing yours!

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    1. Hey, Emily,
      There are tons of articles on the net about writing short stories. And yes, it is writing a condensed version of a novel, but in a lot less words and usually it deals with one subject matter. Short stories kinda cleanse my writing palate. They're an opportunity to do something different and enjoy a change of pace.

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  16. Wow, congratulations on all your accomplishments. It is uplifiting to read your post.

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  17. Wow. You've gotten so many downloads. Congratulations and keep writing. =)

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