Creative Advocacy-Are You In?

“My parents said I came into the world, screaming and hollering. I’d like to think that I was merely protesting!” Clara Freeman

Happy Monday! It’s a beautiful day every day when we can open our eyes and say “Thank you lord” for allowing me to see another day of following my dreams, speaking my truths and living a life of purpose and possibility. I believe the universe hears and receives your offerings. So, I begin by thanking God for loving me, guiding me and carrying me through the storms.

I awakened from a fitful sleep in 2008, determined to create a platform for women that would champion the voice of the “underdog” and empower the “power” that we possess. I’d always served in some capacity of leadership, whether advocating for children in their communities and schools, or recording the stories and voices of the elderly who felt forgotten in the anesthetic environment of the hospital where I worked as a young nurse.

My belief is that I’m being my best self when my work helps others and leads to positive change in some small space of their living. I’m happy with the work that I’ve done over the years and the achievements I’ve accomplished in the process, but I know there’s much I still need to do.

There are plans to revisit my memoirs. I’ve attempted the process many times:) and I remain focused on championing the voice of the “voiceless” and promoting Unleash Your Pearls Empowering Women’s Voices to women and the men that love and support them, on a global scale. I concede that my time on earth, like yours, is limited and therefore, I need to concentrate on doing valuable and meaningful work.

My mission is to ensure that Unleash Your Pearls, lands in the hands and on the hearts and minds of every woman and man, in the nation who seek to unleash their authentic voice and live a more authentically empowered life.

I humbly ask for your assistance in this endeavor. Email unleashyourpearls@yahoo.com to purchase a signed author’s copy for yourself and for all the warrior women in your life.

I will be taking an indefinite leave from my blogs in order to do work that makes a difference in my life and the lives of others. I’ve been asked to do more radio talk, and  check here for a recently published essay in The Book Of Hope Anthology by Krysta Gibson http://newspiritjournalonline.com/the-book-of-hope.

My personal narrative on life during Jim Crow was among the 88 contributors chosen from over 200 submissions for inclusion in the upcoming release anthology, Black Lives Have Always Mattered, a collection of essays, poems and personal narratives, edited by one of the original poets, Mr. Abiodun Oyewole and published by GABRIELLE DAVID of 2LeafPress.

I hope you reserve your copy of this important contribution to America’s History.

Preorders are available at http://2leafpress.org/online/black-lives-always-mattered-contributors/

http://bit.ly/blham-amazon).

Whatever mode of creativity you are in, in regards to walking in your authentic truths, I would tell you to just follow your passion, because that will ultimately lead you to your purpose. Go with your heart’s calling. Do the work you feel compelled to do, work that makes you happy as your contributions will make life matter, not only for yourself, but for others in the world needing to hear, see and feel your flow…

Peace and summertime blessings!

xoxo

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Writing Announcements

Happy TGIF!

I was asked to spread the news and so I am. If you’re in the Chicago/Illinois vicinity on these dates, please show up in support. The writer retreat sounds  like cotton candy on a rainy day! Sorry, Nikki Giovanni, had to go there:)

First up-

Romance is on the Menu:

Please join Woodson Regional in welcoming local Romance Novelist Eve Cogdell as she discusses and signs copies of her works, including her latest work, “The Essence of Romance”.
Who: Eve Cogdell
What: Author Event and Open Mic
When: Tues, Sept 15, 2015
Time: 5:00 pm ‘til 8:00 pm
Location: 1st Floor Conference Room
AGENDA: Discussion regarding romance, dating and marriage. Open Mic Poetry and lite refreshments. Prizes and giveaways.
Sponsored by
GREEN APPLE PUBLICATIONS

AND…

Renewal and Revision
Writers Retreat for Women
Relax. Walk. Write. Share Work.
Friday, October 23 – Sunday, October 25, 2015
Join MuseWrite for a weekend of relaxation and revision in Lake Geneva, WI.
Small group peer critiques and professional guided feedback on manuscripts.
Get away from work, family, traffic and other obligations and distractions to
simply focus on your writing.
Group nature walks and opportunities to sip hot cocoa
and exchange ideas.
A flat fee for the retreat includes a reception, one lunch, and guided professional critiques.
Attendees are responsible for the cost of their room, which would include a
complimentary breakfast.
To register, visit www.musewrite.com
Space limited to 30 women
Cost: $150 Early Registration
EXTENDED to 9/15
$180 for registrations after 9/15
Manuscript consultation (up to 15 pages): $45
Harbor Shores Hotel, Lake Geneva, WI
300 Wrigley Drive
(262) 248-9181
Each room has two double beds and can be shared. Rooms must be booked by 9/22 to receive discounted rate. Mention MuseWrite block when booking.
About MuseWrite
Trina Sotira and Michelle Duster are two accomplished writers with over 40 years of combined
experience and five published books between them. They both teach writing at the college level and since 2009 have conducted several writing seminars and workshops together. Under MuseWrite Press, they published Shifts: An Anthology of Women’s Growth Through Change in 2015, a collaboration of 35 nationally recognized writers. For more information please visit www.musewrite.com.

I’m off the writers blog until Sept 11th. I heart you all and so appreciate your support .

Updates From The Writer’s Blog

Happy Saturday!

Did you know that “brainchild” as used in referencing a creative product shouldn’t refer to the person but the( product) that the person has created?   ” A fictional character may be someone’s brainchild, but a human being cannot be.”

Okay:)

Things are at a snail’s pace on the relocating front IE, monies negotiations, increased hidden fees, remodeling schedule conflicts, etc. But, I’m not stressing cause God’s got the wheel ; am ready whenever things fall into place. Also this time freeze, frees me up a bit  to concentrate on a bigger “creative at work” project of mine. Hope to share good news soon.

Evelyn Cogdell’s relationship guide, Essence of Romance  (yours truly co-authors) is now on Amazon.com. Great dating resource for singles and couples-truly. Thanking you in advance for your purchase:)

http://www.amazon.com/Essence-Romance-interested-improving-relationship/dp/0966489845/ref=sr_1_63?ie=UTF8&qid=1439657152&sr=8-63&keywords=essence+of+romance+book

Email Evelyn at evecogdell@sbcglobal.net

I was asked to write a  LinkedIn recommendation for a former mentee and although I’m swamped right now with ‘stuff’ to do, I was happy to oblige. Mind your time management and always choose your “nos” wisely.

I finally heard back from the authors about The Michele Obama Anthology, where my poem, Brown Girl Challenge was selected from hundreds of submissions, for inclusion. I thought the project had been scraped, but the edits are done and the book is ready for the publishers. YAY!

Your Writing quote:

“All writing problems are psychological problems. Blocks usually stem from the fear of being judged. If you imagine the world listening, you’ll never write a line. That’s why privacy is so important. You should write first drafts as if they will never be shown to anyone.” — Erica Jong

 

 

Sharing News From The Writer’s Blog

Good morning, creatives! I hope everyone have a productive day today, along with a fantastic weekend!

I am excited to share my debut “Celebrity Dish” column appearing  in the March issue of Urban Images Magazine. You can read my in depth interview with actor Lyriq Bent about his leading role in The Book of Negroes here:  http://urbanimagemagazine.com/mag-library/

I’m also sharing a recent interview, my colleague, Evelyn Cogdell and I did to promote our book collaboration, Essence of Romance, a relationship guide for singles and couples. 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dub-wyze-talk/2015/03/03/dub-wyze-talk-with-eve-cogdell-and-clara-freeman

Alas, my productivity cup needs a refill, so I’ll be taking the remainder of March off from the writer’s blog.

I’m so feeling the blog love and camaraderie from all of you… Know that I got ya!

Peace, blessings and always remember to treat yourself  special.

5 Benefits of Writer Collaborations

Happy Friday, writers and all creatives! I hope you all have a relaxing and stress free weekend. I’m looking forward to a bit of ‘me’ time to reflect upon personal and professional challenges of the last months. I’m also giving thanks for having achieved success in completion of Essence Of Romance, a relationship guide that I signed on to write as co-author with my friend and colleague, Evelyn Cogdell last summer.

I am so excited about the outcome of our book collaboration, that I decided to share five great benefits of doing this project with Evelyn, that will benefit, not only me, but some of you on your solo writing venture.

1. Deciding to accept the offer to work on Essence, actually freed me from the perils of procrastination that I was experiencing with my works in progress.  It’s oftentimes difficult to put those great scenarios in your head onto a blank page. My work was starting to feel forced, but working on the book with Evelyn helped to free my creative juices from captivity.

2. It was good working with another writer with a common goal. In this instance, we shared our personal experiences and expert wisdom’s from 4 decades of dating  and relationship issues that comes from ‘having been there and done that’. There’s discussion on how to recognize red flags…how to going from being bitter from lost relationship, to forming better, lasting, loving and equally yoked relationships.

3. Being a co-writer strengthened my writing technique through positive feedback and helpful critique. Writing with Evelyn also allowed us to recognize our individual strengths and weaknesses and allowed us to mesh our strong points to deliver a better client product.

4. Collaborating on the project was actually fun and I wasn’t intimidated by research and tedious fact checking. The articles in the book are based on fact and statistical data, along with personal stories and experiences that aids women and men by providing food for thought and pro-active steps to  a better relationship outcome.

5. Since Essence of Romance  became available for purchase in January, the author has been making book appearances at local libraries, churches and other offline outlets.  Recently we appeared to talk about the book as guests on the Judah Stallworth’s  blog-talk radio station.

This is what the host said about our book:  “eye had a blast with your book’s energy!  thankh you!” He invited us back on the show.

Here’s the link to our ESSENCE interview.  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/dub-wyze-talk/2015/03/03/dub-wyze-talk-with-eve-cogdell-and-clara-freeman

Collaborating with another writer frees you up to regains your writing mojo and also allows you to examine your weaknesses and strengths. It’s also introduces you to a whole new audience.

These are authors who recently co wrote and completed their books.

Evette Collins and Yvonne Randle , The Secret  To Creating Loving Relationships.

Michelle Duster and Trina Sotera, Shifts; An anthology of Women Growth through change.

Have you collaborated on a book? Feel free to share your experiences.

“Always treat yourself special.”

 

 

5 Ingredients To Spice Up Your Fiction

Happy Valentines Day, my Valentines! Have you been rejected by major fiction publications because your story just didn’t have the spice? I cannot tell a lie:) I have, many times. But, you know what, even though writers tend to follow the golden rule when it comes to writing fiction- adding sex, religion and money to the mix,it’s not always about that sizzle. Sometimes it’s the butter that makes a great batter. (famous for analogies I’m not)

Here are five ingredients that will add spice to your fiction and bring it up a notch!
1. Conflict
2. Action
3. Dialogue
4. Feedback
5 Editing

Whoever said, “Easy reading is damn hard work”, made a believer out of this writer. It’s no secret that in order to become one of the greats (writers) you have to read and write. It’s how creatives learn how the writing process is done. Now go out and write your greatest fiction to date!

Feel free to add your saucy ingredients to writing a great piece of fiction with my readers and always treat yourself special, not only on Valentine’s Day, but, every single day of your life.

2014 Holiday Shout-Out To Authors Who Completed Their Books

Happy Holidays everyone!

I want to end this year 2014 by sending a shout-out to my writing buds who have completed their books and have them ready or in final stages for publication and purchase. Congratulations authors!

Marcie Hill’s book,62 Blog Posts To Overcome Bloggers Block, is available for purchase in January. Here’s the pre order link: http://overcomingbloggersblock.com/

 How do you show your mate you love him or her without

coming on too strong? How do you show them your appreciation while still being respectful? What should one do when they can’t seem to attract a mate? How does one flirt successfully; what are the dynamics involved? What is the effect of marriage on mortality rates? How does a couple know if

their relationship or marriage has been ordained by God?

These are just a few of the questions answered by “The Essence of Romance”, a practical guide for today’s male/female relationships, for both the novice and the expert. So, whether you’re single, married, widowed, separated, or divorced, “Essence” just might help you deal with your situation tactfully and constructively.

The Essence of Romance by

Eve Cogdell

featuring Clara Freeman

GREEN APPLE PUBLICATIONS

FIRST CHOICE BOOKS

ISBN 000-0-00000-000-0

$20.00

Working with Evelyn on her book was an awesome experience, resulting in a wonderful relationship resource for couples and singles. I hope you support our collaboration and purchase a copy of The Essence of Romance either for yourself or as a ‘holiday’ gift for your friends. Contact Evelyn Cogdell at 773-488-4119 for purchasing information.

Congratulations to Kathleen Pooler for completing her memoir Ever Faithful To His Lead. Read more about Kathy’s book/purchase info at  http://www.amazon.com/Kathleen-Pooler/e/B00GIBCKQC or visit her website:

http://www.krpooler.com

My final holiday /end of 2014 book accomplishment goes out to a favorite cyber connection/friend/supporter and author, Ms LaTanya Davis @reflectionsbooks.org and whose memoir is in ready for editing & proofing. All of you have inspired me to “keep-a-going” and perhaps my year of book accomplishment will come:)

I’m taking a holiday break until January…peace, blessing, love, grace and glory to everyone during this festive holiday season and a new year ahead.

“Always treat yourself special”

Clara.

What I’m Reading For A Holiday Amazon Review

I will be reading Kathy Pooler’s new memoir, Ever Faithful To His Lead, for an upcoming holiday review at Amazon.com, courtesy of Story Cartel where you sign up to receive free books for review. I’m one of those long time members who always come back to pursue great reading material when time permits- I promise to get the review done! Go here if you’re interested in joining Story Cartel. https://storycartel.com/?awt_l=OcCo.&awt_m=3lB3fBnhAInXk5r

Also, if you’re in the spirit of continued inspirational reading material and gratitude, make sure to pick up my short ebook to read this holiday season on your Kindle or from Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Woman-Story-Clara-Freeman-ebook/dp/B008FF6BH8

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-authentic-woman-story-clara-freeman/1111834210?ean=9781623092276

Happy Holidays!

Always “Treat yourself special!”

My Purpose For Writing-Blog Tour

When I was growing up I read everything I could lay my hands on, including true story magazines (kept hidden underneath my mattress, along with a copy of Valley of The Dolls)) harlequin paperback romances and literary school assignments from books such as David Copperfield, How Green Was My Valley, Wuthering Heights and The Good Earth.

I was nominated by Audrey Chin to participate in the #My Writing Process Blog Tour, a global blog tour where writers and authors talk and answer questions about their writing process. I’m honored and humbled by her recommendation. When I told Audrey I was feeling a bit intimidated at the awesome company she keeps, she simply reminded me that I am also a part of that company:)
I reviewed two of Audrey’s magnificent books, Learning to Fly and As the Heart Bones Break at the site and for Amazon .com. Visit Audrey Chin’s blog, Sometimes Words Help at http://www.audreychin.com.

What am I working on?

I have two untitled WIP that I am absolutely comfortable talking about. I quietly revisited my memoir in December of last year, after numerous failed attempts, due to an admitted lack of discipline, focus and motivation. I have been a creature of habit in the past that is reluctant to sit down and actually write what’s brewing in my head but I’ve learned to shift my mindset to stay productive.

My story is basically a coming of age memoir where a young girl of color searches for hope and beauty, in a dark place during even darker times of racial divide, hatred, and killings, in the underbelly of a segregated south. It is a recollection of how people came into my life at pivotal points in my life and made an indelible impression that either touched my heart, changed my thoughts or allowed me reason to hope. I suppose it’s one of those coming of age true stories where life, love and loss mesh into a memorable work that’s written with a southern flair.

The characters in my romance /mystery novel serves as a distraction from the seriousness of the memoir and something I’ve always envisioned doing because I’m a romantic at heart. It’s interesting to note how the protagonists in the story have decided to take the lead in the telling of it and I’m not pig-headed enough to insert my objections. I understand that when the characters want to have their say, then the writer might want to listen.

The book follows a forty something year old journalist who have seen her share of heartbreak and troubles. When she is assigned to do a story on the upsurge of fraud and embezzlement in the gambling Mecca of Las Vegas casinos, she meets the son of a casino mogul and becomes smitten. Of course, at some point, the woman finds herself in a world of trouble when she is entrusted with a secret that leads to death.
I refer to both books as “a process to progress” and I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished so far.

Why do I write what I do?

Writing for me is a prescription the doctor hands you and says, “Here take this and you’ll feel better in the morning.” I am healed when I write. It’s the essence of all that I want to be or become, no matter the genre, and I have dabbled in many. There have been so many theories on how writers come to call themselves “writer.” Are we born or taught this innate gift of expression?

As one who loves to write and have always written something for as long as memory serves me, I don’t ponder how it came to be. I just know I’m doing what I love and if my writing touches another, however big or small, it’s thrilling and humbling at the same time. Writing is as important to me as breathing and I will continue to breathe life with my writing in every aspect of my creative ability.

How does your writing process work?

I look forward to writing in the early mornings before a world awakes, where I’m alone at the keyboards with my delicious cup of Boston java (half cream half coffee) amid the silence of the universe peering over my shoulder.
I once wrote a poem about my love of waking up to greet the ambiance of the mornings, called “Before a World Arises.” It placed in the Illinois Vanderpool Poetry Competition back when I only dabbled at my craft.
I could go on and on about this wonder of expression, but there are so many writers and authors I’ve been fortunate enough to meet and whose works always add value to my writing life. Here are three of them:

Kathleen Pooler- Kathy is a retired family nurse practitioner whose work references the power of hope through faith in God. Her words are gifts of cathartic healing to everyone who reads her blog. Kathy also invites guest posts from other writers and authors who want to share their writing insights and recently published her memoir, Ever Faithful To His Lead: My Journey Away From Emotional Abuse.

Kathy blogs at http://www.krpooler.com/blog

Pauline Haynes- Pauline is a life coach and when shift happens on your journey of living and learning from life experiences, you’ll want to know Pauline Haynes. Her positive, upbeat message takes folk from where they are to where they want to be in every aspect of life.
I often visit and email Pauline when I need an extra dose of courage and inspiration. She is personable, gifted and authentic in her mission to make a difference in the lives of others.

Pauline blogs at http://www.paulinehaynes.com

Sue Mitchell- I met Sue through an interview I was conducting at my blog on the how-tos of memoir writing. She had kindly left an encouraging comment on the lessons of memoir writing and who better to offer advice? Sue is a memoir writing teacher and creative writing coach. She recently returned from a blog hiatus and was happy to participate in the blog tour.

Visit Sue Mitchell’s blog at http://www.anuntoldstory.com/blog.

Sharing an Excerpt from “Technicolor Love”

Happy Friday and I hope you all have a glorious and joyful Easter weekend! You all know I’m always promoting and sharing the works of creatives at the writers’ blog and it’s a blast. What I haven’t been doing on the regular is sharing my own works. We can sometimes be our own worst critic, right? Currently, I have 2 works in progress; a return to my long overdue memoir and a new romance/thriller. I call my babies “My process in progress” in hopes of completing them sometime in 2014 🙂

This is an excerpt from an already published Indie work that’s a part of the Independent Author Index IAI Short Story Compilation, authored by Faydra Fields and available for purchase at Amazon.com. This material is not for under 13.

Technicolor Love Excerpt:

Hmm…
looking at her backside with critical brown eyes, Rhea was standing near
the foot of the same bed where she’d consummated her marriage to Gerald over
fifteen years ago. Sometimes, she regretted never having a honeymoon, but there
was no money back then and Gerald had been left this beautiful home after his
parent’s untimely death in a car accident.

Rhea repositioned the floor length mirror covering the door to their bedroom. Stepping back for a better view of
herself from every angle, she sucked in her stomach, held her shoulders erect and stuck her chest out, all the while listening for Gerald to stop singing in the bathroom shower where he was taking one of his “readiness” baths.
At 5’9” and one hundred thirty-two pounds, 36-year-old Rhea Perry decided she still looked like a rock star…a tad more junk in her trunk than the norm, but still hot…
She blew a kiss at her reflection and turned away from the mirror to bend down and remove the designer ‘intimates’ box from its hiding place underneath the bed. She didn’t really want or feel the need to hide things from her husband, but this was a secret. When the singing ended in the bathroom, Rhea Perry climbed upon their king-sized bed, moistened her lips, crossed her legs in a sultry pose and waited for her husband’s reaction.

Gerald dropped the towel, mouth agape at the boldness of this sexy woman, nearly naked in skimpy red lingerie and matching panties. He was staring at Rhea with water dripping from his hair, his private parts saluting to its own instrumental love song.

They hardly had time for each other, now that Gerald had made head salesman at the car dealership over on Lyndhurst, about 30 miles from their home in Cleveland Heights. Rhea loved living in the suburbs, quiet, but not so far away from the 490 leading into Ohio’s bustling city limits. She embraced becoming a homemaker and was still trying to get used to the idea since she’d worked most of her life, but since the promotion, Gerald had wanted her to quit her job as a rehabilitation tech in the township of Blacklick, citing the dangers of a working woman out alone in the lower parts of Ohio.

Even though Rhea was raised up in similar townships and was no stranger to the culture, she knew not to argue with her man when he set his mind to something. He’d insisted he could handle their finances and anything else they might need to live a comfortable life and well he could.

It was a bit disconcerting when she heard tidbits of gossip floating around about her husband, but folks
gossiping tended to cause dissension in a happy home and Rhea wasn’t giving in to the hype.
She believed Gerald was a faithful husband and quite frankly, she had no concrete reason not to…They’d just made good love and… smiling, she concluded that there were no worries in that department!

Gerald was a good-looking man and that was just a fact. He had the Carmel colored skin that women swoon over. A six-pack she never tired of placing hands on and a pair of the sexiest green eyes she’d ever seen. At 6’ 2, Gerald Perry was a bronze God “look out Denzel!”

Rhea loved Gerald and in her eyes, he could do no wrong. He was a hard-working man who loved her right back. When she lost their only child in stillbirth, Gerald didn’t place blame, only scooped up her sobbing and broken body from the hospital bed where they’d gotten the news and held her in his strong arms, vowing to always love her, no matter what. Their little girl would have been ten…

To purchase the compilation and read my story, visit http://www.amazon.com/Independent-Author-Index-Compilation-Volume-ebook/dp/B008Y0J8KQ.

Are you hesitant to share more of your creative works and why?