As you guys can see, the posting on the blog has been very sporadic. To be honest this will probably continue. I'm going to try and post on the LPE on the regular but, I'll be posting on this blog no more than 3 times a week. This will continue until the blog gets redesigned and I merge the two. Okay, now that we have that out of the way, today's lesson is, How to Develop a Critical Eye.

Having a critical eye or the ability to critique is very important when writing, especially blogging. As Bloggers, we usually discuss pop culture, society, and the trials and tribulations of life. But, in order to engage an audience, you have to be able to state what you feel in a clear, concise manner, and also make sure that you don't offend anyone. Basically, you have to be able to state your opinion while simultaneously getting others to see your point even if they don't agree.

Personally, I am a overly opinionated person, who loves to volunteer my thoughts at any chance. Therefore, I usually have no trouble stating how I feel about a particular issue or topic. But, it's the way you analyze and critique that makes people listen. First, you have to state the item that you are critiquing and give reason as to why. Then, you observe the item from a neutral standpoint and make sure you weigh the good and the bad. If you feel that one outweighs the other, then state why and make sure you use valid reasons. Next, see how the item you are critiquing works within the broader sense.

For example, I have criticized the mainstream media's coverage of Michael Jackson's life and death, because, I feel that they focus more on the "scandal and drama" of Michael's life and not the good. Essentially, the media is doing what they have always done and that is giving people news, drama, gossip, and scandal. However, recently, the entire media industry has become based on its ability to make you feel angry about hungry children in third world countries, conflicted about the Iran/Iraq/Afghanistan/N. Korea wars, and judgemental of Michael Jackson. Silly me, I thought the news was supposed to OBJECTIVE. Meaning, if the news is truly be reported to you in a neutral manner, then, you would not have any feelings while watching the news. It would simply be like you were watching paint dry...it wouldn't affect you.

Veering back to my point, you can see that I have taken a topic (the media) discussed it for what it is and then, outlined why I feel the way I do. People don't have to agree with me, but, I hope that they would agree that I have at least stated my point in a way that's easy to comprehend. I hope that this post and subsequent example have helped you to become a better critical thinker and writer/blogger.

Remember when the page comes to life...so do you.

So since last Thursday, the blogosphere and the media have been influxed with the news of Michael Jackson's death. I'll admit that I was in denial at first. When my co-worker texted me announcing it, I didn't believe her. I texted her back and said that Mike was just being dramatic and would be okay. Sadly, this was not true. After gulping down a couple Heinkens and watching CNN, I realized it was true. However, it wasn't until I got home and put on the HIStory DVD, that I was able to fully come to terms with the fact that my hero was no more.

After reading tweets, blog posts, and the articles of the mainstream media, I finally feel that I am ready to write my Michael Jackson tribute post. However, because on this blog is usually the how to blog that teaches writers and bloggers to become better writers, today I am going to teach you how to write a Michael Jackson tribute post.

First of all, you must start with a basic description of Michael's early life the fact that he was born in 1958 in Gary, Indiana, the seventh child of nine. Then give a brief description of his years with the Jackson Five; maybe even add in tidbits about how cute Michael was and a comment about how Michael was the star of the group. Move onto to talk about how Michael goes solo and begins coming into his own with the classic album, Off the Wall. Fast forward to an anaylsis of Thriller and make sure you say that it was the best video, choregraphy, make-up, and acting ever to be produced in a music video (because it was).

Go on to talk about how Michael continues to bring out great music with the Bad album, even though he continued to get lighter and weirder with each song and video. Throw in more tidbits about how Michael starts to experience scandal and how he must confront the pressures of fame. Allude to the fact that Michael's legal troubles, "financial woes", and drug addiction lead to his downfall. To end your tribute post, write all your favorite MJ songs and videos and show cute pictures of yourself as a kid with all your MJ memorabilia still in tact. Then ask others to comment on the tragedy of the life that was Michael Joesph Jackson.

But, it doesn't end there. Because that's just how they wrote their Michael Jackson tribute post. This is how I'll write mine, I'll say Michael, I never understood you, met you, or saw you in concert. But, your music, the only part of you that I was ever truly supposed to know, touched me. And because, I knew your music. I think I know you. You were the cute boy who sang his ABCs, the boy who grew up and felt the force, then became Badder than Wesley Snipes (who keep in mind was Nino Brown), you remembered the time with Iman, made me feel butterflies...you just made me feel and love. And dance. And that's the Michael I know.

I don't know the Michael who was scared or insecure cause I never had personal interactions with that Michael. I don't know the Michael that fell in love and got married to Lisa Marie and those other chicks (whose names I don't feel like googling); I wasn't at those weddings nor was I there for the courtships so how do I know that love was real? I wasn't there when your "children" were born so, I definitely don't know Michael the father. I don't know the Michael that "molested" those boys, because, again, I was not there.

And in the last years of your life, I didn't know that you were sick or that you were on presciptioned narcotics. How was I supposed to help you or love you? All I know, all we know...is the music. Your music. And that's all we were ever supposed to know. So people, do like me...when writing your Michael Jackson tribute post. Write about his music and his music only. Leave all that other ish out cause the truth of the matter is...no matter who reports it, CNN, NBC, FOX, your favorite blogger...it ain't true. WHY? Cause they weren't there. No one is EVER really going to know. That's between Michael and God. And only God can judge me so either love me or leave me alone. (Jay-Z)

That's my tribute to Michael Joesph Jackson.

Today, I'm going to switch things up a bit and do a narrative non-fiction piece about my life as a writer: Where I've been and Where I'm Going.

Today's date is a special day for me because it marks the one year anniversary of my college graduation. Scary, right? As I woke up this morning, I began to reflect on the past year of my life and I realized that...it's been a crazy one. My last year of college was my hardest, because, English majors at Hampton University (the REAL HU) are required to take a year long Senior Seminar course where you must write a twenty to twenty-five page thesis paper, and at the end of the Spring semester you present your paper and defend it in front of a panel of professors. Scary, right?

But, I managed to pass this class with flying colors and go onto march in that Mother's Day commencement. After graduation, I was beyond flustered and confused about what the heck I was going to do next. I returned to my parents house in Cincinnati, where I proceeded to be absolutely miserable. I was on a job search grind, but, with a bad economy the job search was bleak. So, somehow I end up getting an interview with a huge company in NY and when I came up here for it, I basically never left. I crashed on my friend's couch for a few days, then I started renting a room and once I got my first job, I got my own place. Scary, right?

So there I was, in NYC a place I had only been to once before moving to, all alone in an unfurnished apartment. Things were very strange in those days. I kept to myself and didn't say much to anyone. I watched the same movies over and over again and basically ignored everyone except, extremely close friends and family. And the fact that I was/am working two jobs didn't help matters. I was on constant overload and the worst part was that I still didn't know what I wanted to do with my life.

Then one day, something in me snapped. It was just like, ok, no more feeling sorry for yourself, get up and stop stressing everything and just be happy. And since that day, that's what I've been doing. I try let things roll off my back and not get stressed about little things. Plus, I know what I want to do now. I want to be a famous Blogger with a blog that's equally as famous, I want to create an event/organization that will serve as a community for Bloggers of color, then I want to start my own production company, and lastly, I want to become a millionaire. Scary, right? I mean, it's like I want to take over the world. Oh wells, it's the ambitious Virgo in me.

But, for real, I just wanted to share with you, Where I've Been and Where I'm Going. Hope you had fun reading my tale. Writing a personal story helps you to reflect and think about things you would or wouldn't do differently. That's why I wanted to share my story with you.

Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.

Last week, I talked about developing an editorial calendar for your blog in the post, How to Choose a Blog Niche. Today, I would like to delve further into that topic. Developing an editorial calendar is great for Bloggers and Writers. Why? Because it gives you direction and focus. Also, it forces you to plan your time wisely.

As I stated in the How to Choose a Blog Niche post, to develop an editorial calendar for my blog, The Loudest Pen Ever, I simply wrote down each day of the week and wrote what post will correspond with what day. For writers, I recommend structuring your editorial calendar based on what you're writing. Meaning, if you are writing a novel, then plan to have chapters 1-5 done in the first six months or if you've written a poem, then plan to edit that poem on a day that you'll have free time.

The key to developing an editorial calendar is to be realistic about your time constraints and ability to complete tasks on the days they were scheduled to be completed. For example, Wednesday is Buzz-Kill of the Week on my other blog, the LPE because, this post is short and easy to write, and since I always work a double on Wednesdays, it would be almost impossible to try and write longer posts.

You can develop an editorial calendar through many different mediums, such as, Google Calendar, MS Word or Excel, on your BlackBerry or cell phone, or you can use old fashioned pen and paper. All you need is a calendar and the ability to plan your time. An editorial calendar is simply the planning of your writing time. You need to know when you are going to write/blog, edit, and then submit/publish your work. Being organized will make the process of writing a lot easier and less painful.

Remember when the page comes to life...so do you.

First of all, I would like to apologize for not posting on this blog yesterday. Now, that we have that out of the way, let's move onto today's lesson, which is How to Get Motivated to Write.

How do you get motivated to write? Simple, just start doing it. I didn't feel like writing this post, but, obviously I did so...

Trust me, when it comes to writing, don't overthink and overcompensate. Simply write. You can worry about editing or who's gonna read it later. These are simple excuses not to write. Just write for the sake of the act and this will keep you constantly motivated.

Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.

Today, I would like to define the word Blogger. Why? Because, it has some to my attention that bloggers especially those of us of the colored persuasion, have a different take on the world and how we view it. Therefore, I wanted to post the definition of a blogger (of the colored persuasion).

A Blogger is a person who seeks to share their views with the world and because their family and friends got sick of listening they decided to start their own blogs. This means that bloggers are obviously talkative people and essentially good coversationalists. So, their blogs then become an extension of that conversation meaning that their blogs read as if someone is speaking to you directly.

A Blogger also has a diverse field of interests meaning it can be hard concentrate on one thing. Therefore bloggers start many different blogs, write a variety of posts on their own blog, or are constantly commenting on other blogs.

A Blogger loves to state their opinion and is very outspoken with it. On every blog that I've ever been on, no matter what the topic, there is this vibe that I get from the author that says, here is my opinion, take it or leave it. The outspokeness of a Blogger is what attracts people to them because visitors can't believe you would say some ish like that!

A Blogger likes no loves to crack jokes and tell stories. Some blogs are dedicated to making people laugh, but, in every blog there is always a humor element. In order to keep people interested and stand out in blogosphere, you have to entertain people and humor is the easiest way. Telling stories in posts simply illustrates the point you are trying to drive home to readers.

So, if you fit the above definition, then you can now classify yourself as a Blogger. Anyways, I'm done yapping now (wink to Carey for calling me longpen).

Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.

Okay, so the last few posts focused on writing and blogging, but, today I want to focus on blogging. After reading, a post on http://careycarey-carrymehome.blogspot.com/,called I'm Blogging from the Cheap Seats...can you hear me? I realized that needed to write this post, I'll tell why later.

In the post Carey (the author) talked about how he's new at this blogging thing and made the metaphor that blogging can be like being at a concert, yelling from the nosebleed section where no one can hear you. Not only is this assertion true, but, it seems that alot of bloggers feel this way. Why? Because most of us don't really know what we're blogging about and so, of course it is hard to obtain readers.

Therefore, I would like to teach you how to choose a blog niche. How do you do this? Find a central point to blog around and then do it. Like if you interested in Fashion, then you can blog about fashion but, twist it and blog about Fashion don'ts instead of fashion dos. Or if you like Comedy then make your blog, humor based but, highlight comedians of the past. Whatever you blog is about just make sure it's unique and different and the accolades will come.

Also, you can do what I did for my other blog, The Loudest Pen Ever, and develop an editorial calendar. When I say editorial calendar, I mean that I wrote down each day of the week, and wrote a blog post title that I would blog about on that day. This gave me more direction and took a lot of pressure off of me, because, all I now had to do was write the actual post. The hardest part of blogging is figuring out what to blog about. But, if you have an editorial calendar, you now have a theme-based blog, and you never have to worry about what you will blog about and neither will readers.

Anyways, I hope this post has helped my fellow bloggers. And as my promised, I will be explaining why I wrote this post on tomorrow's post. The post is tentatively titled, How You Know You're A Blogger. So stop by tomorrow to check it.

Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.

First of all, I would like to announce that both of my blogs are finally starting to get read and commented upon. Any blogger knows how great that feeling is. But, let me get to the point. Today's lesson is How to Find Joy in Writing.

As I discussed in my last post, it is hard for new writers/bloggers. You're just starting out so, it's hard to find your niche and because you don't have a major readership, you have no one to tell you what you're doing wrong. So, what do you do? You find little things about writing/blogging that makes you happy. How do you find these little things?

Ask yourself the following questions, "Why did I start writing this piece?", "Why did I start this blog", "What is this piece about?", "What is this blog about"? Answering these questions will give you more knowledge of the topic you are writing about and therefore, more direction. Once you have more direction, your writing will improve. Also, you'll be happy with the content you are writing or blogging.

This is where you find the joy in writing; because, you have now removed the element of misdirection and how to please people. You are now more comfortable and relaxed. Your newfound relaxation mode will make writing fun again. You can now write for yourself and yourself only. This means that you could care less about whether or not the writing or the blog posts get read. All you care about is the fact that you wrote something and it was beautifully crafted. So, who cares if you wrote the Great American Novel and no one knows. The fact of the matter is it got written.

Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.

Today, I would like to encourage you all to keep on writing. Why? Because, I was ready to stop. I was ready to delete both my blogs and give it up because I have been blogging for almost a year at my other blog and have only three followers (as of today) and I am convinced that I am the only person who truly reads my blog.

So today, as I was contemplating hitting that pretty orange "delete this blog" button, I logged unto my blog and realized that I had received a third follower who had also left a comment. This to me was a sign from above. This sign showed me that you should never give up hope or stop believing in yourself. I know that sounds cheezy and is a recycled cliche`, but, it's true.

As soon as I was ready to say, forget it, the sun came out from behind the clouds. This just goes to show that although, it seems that no one reads your writing or your blog, that doesn't mean that you're not good at what you do. It simply means that you need to work on building a relationship with readers. Find out who your potential readership is and figure out what they're currently reading. Then find a way to inform them of something, entertain them, or figure what is missing from their bookshelves or Google Reader (if blogging), and write it. Write a blog post, poem, or short story that is original or different from what readers are currently used to.

In essence, you should keep writing, because, it's what you were born to do. You love it and you know it. You wouldn't be on this blog, if you didn't. Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.

Today, I would like you to take the time out to gather all your old writing, and read through it. Don't make any changes or edits. Simply read and assess all of your past writing. Start with your oldest work and work your way up to your newest stuff. See how your writing has changed or evolved, if it has at all.

The purpose of this exercise is to reflect and remember where you have come from as a writer. When I look back at my old work, there is some of it I like and some of it I don't like. But, reading it reminds me of what I was going through at the time. Also, it shows me how my writing has transformed or how some of it has stayed stagnant.

Reading your old work lets you know what you should improve on and what you should continue doing. Assessment is very important, because, if you don't where you've been you don't know where you're going.

Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.

Today, I would like to share with you the story of how I became a writer. Since I was a child, I've been writing. Over the years, I have filled up notebooks full of poems, diary/journal entries, plays, and short stories. I even started an unfinished novel in high school. However, none of these things made me a writer. I was simply a person who liked to write, but, I was not a writer. Believe me there is a difference.
I didn't officially become a writer until I was twenty-two years old and in my last year of college.

The reason I became a writer at twenty-two was because that's when I discovered my writer's voice and my writing style. I discovered my writer's voice through my manuscript, The Loudest Pen Ever. I started writing my manuscript after going to an amazing poetry slam. Upon coming home from the slam, I was terribly distraught. Now, I know that you're thinking why was she distraught after attending a great poetry slam? I was distraught, because, I had also read a poem that night and only received a mediocre response.

So once I got home, I turned on my laptop and started writing. I wrote whatever was on my mind. I wrote through the stream of consciousness of my mind. I did not censor myself nor did I think about what other people were going to think. Before I knew it, I had twenty pages written. But, not only that, I had discovered my voice as a writer and even more about myself.

I learned that I literally write the way I think and talk. And because, my mind is full of random, disconnected thoughts -- I tend to write this way (in my manuscript) and I also love telling. My stories are usually some dramatic incident from my life that I must tell in a comedic way. (which I do on my other blog loudpennies.blogspot.com)

So now that you've heard my story, I hope it will motivate you as you disvcover your writing style. Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.

Today, I would like to teach you how to chose a writing topic. Writing is great because it allows you to explore the world, people and culture through the written word. However, how does one choose what to write about and when?

Simple, start off writing about what you know. Meaning write about your life or fictionalize real events from your life. Basically, by keeping it simple and writing about what you know you will discover how you like to write. Also, writing about what you know will help you master the art of writing itself.

Now that you've written one or several pieces about your life, you are ready to branch out. Brancing out means reading different works and researching a variety of topics. These are ways to broaden you knowledge and they will give you the ability to write about them.

The key to choosing a great writing topic is to figure out what people are interested in or what people would like to know more about. Meaning, assess what people are already reading because this is what they are interested in. To figure out what people want to know more about listen to reader questions and inquiries. In order to build a readership or fan base, you as an author must be able to write readable and relatable content.

Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.

Today, I would like to discuss what we as writers should do when we have writer's block. The answer...absolutely nothing. Like that old school Xscape song, kick off your shoes and relax your feet. Don't worry about finishing the story or whatever you're writing, right then and there. Take a break and go have fun. Also, make sure you don't do anything related to reading or writing.

I learned this lesson this past weekend, because, I was experiencing writer's block. However, as the typical writer, I was in denial. I kept forcing myself to try and write and I ended up frustrating myself further and at the end of the day, I still had nothing to post on either of my blogs. So, I finally gave up and decided to try and post again the next day. The next day, I still had no luck. But, what I realized on day three was that I needed those three days to relax and not think about what to write and how to write it. I was in desperate need of some mindless entertainment.

Getting back to the original point, my break from writing/blogging gave me a chance to relax and stop pressuring myself into writing the next great blog post. Then on Monday, when I came back to the blogs, I was more excited and refreshed and happy to be posting on my blogs again. So, take my personal advice, if you have writer's block don't stress it. Take a break and go kick it with your homeskillets and when you come back, the writing will bigger and deffer.

Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.

First of all, I would like to apologize for not posting on this blog over the weekend, but I was taking a reflective break from blogging/writing. Ok, now that we have that out of the way, today, I would like to teach how to engage your readers.

As writers, we often assume that because someone buys our book or visits our website that we automatically have their attention. However, this is not always the case. Therefore, it is important to draw the reader in from the onset of the story. This can be done by catching the attention of the reader in the first sentence. This means writing a dramatic or comedic introduction. You can also write an abstract intro to pique reader interest and make them want to read on. Keep in mind, that if you don't catch the reader's attention in the first five pages, paragraphs, stanzas, or words, they will stop reading.

Engaging the reader also means keeping their interest throughout the story. This means create scenes or situations that build upon one another so that the reader has to keep reading in order to learn the outcomes. Also, make the interactions between characters interesting so that the reader will want to see how their relationship unfolds. An example is writing about a husband and wife and make the husband have an affair with the wife's sister; this will encourage readers to read on because there is now a conflict (the husband's affair), that needs to be resolved.

Lastly, engaging the reader means providing them with a complete and well rounded ending. Meaning, the climax (ending) of the story should resolve the conflict of the story. However, keep in mind that the ending should be aligned with the storyline and its characters. Stay close to your original storyline so that the ending makes sense and doesn't confuse the reader. An example of a disengaging ending, the wife divorces the husband and marries an alien. This is not a plausible climax, because, the storyline was simple and relatable, but ending the story on a Sci-Fi note would throw readers way off.

Engaging the reader from beginning, middle, to end is not only necessary, but, it is fun because you can build a fan base and learn what readers like and don't like. Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.

Today, I would like to talk about characterization (again) and how to build your characters. The other day, I discussed making your characters seem realistic but that is really only a small point. As a writer, you need to know how to build a writer from the onset of the story. Giving the character relatable feelings, actions, and emotions is what makes them seem realistic, and building a foundation for the characters will let you as the writer know how the character would react to or deal with certain situations.

My main reason for writing this post is because, I was struggling with a character that I am currently writing about for my screenplay. My problem was that the character is the complete opposite of me and I kept writing her according to the story and not my initial character description. Then, I realized that the character description was a partially fictionialized bio of myself and not a description of the character, I was writing in the screenplay. In the screenplay, I was writing about a sweet, polite, southern girl who wants to follow the rules. I, however, am from the midwest and I love breaking the rules and being unconventional. But, the way the character grew up and where she was raised, it just doesn't make sense for her to be this wild free spirit.

Veering back to my main point, building characters starts with a basic outline of who your characters are. Write their full name, age, DOB, and current residence. Then, answer the following questions, "What are their likes/dislikes, interests,/hobbies? Level of education? What is their current economic status?" It is important to answer these questions, because, they are the foundation of the characters, these are the elements that makes them who they are. These characteristics also affect how they will function in your story.

In conclusion, once you understand your characters, they will either inspire, sadden, or anger readers. Knowledge of your characters and the ability to create unique, yet relevant, characters will impress your readers and you as a writer will have won the war. Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.

Today, I would like to talk about Symbolism, because, it is very important and the key to writing great stories. Symbolism can be used in many different ways, to illustrate a point, to make things more relatable, or to make an example of something without using its real name.

I love to use symbolism, especially in my poetry. I usually use symbolism through the method of personification. Meaning, I take symbols and personify them with human characteristics. My poem, The Faucet is a great example of this because in the piece I talk about the leaking of my water faucet yet, I am really talking about a guy I was seeing at the time that refused to let me go. He bothered me like my leaky faucet bothered me, all day everyday, drip, drop, the water wouldn't stop, just like his calls and text messages. When I was writing it, I was simultaneously annoyed by the leaky faucet and him, but, instead of using him directly, I cast my anger on the faucet. Why? Because, even though the guy was getting on my nerves, I still had feelings for him, so it was easier to be mad at my leaky faucet than at him.

Back to symbolism, I recommend taking random everyday tidbits of life and making them mean more or SYMBOLIZE what they truly are. In the movie, Fools Rush In, a preacher tells Matthew Perry that there are signs everywhere. This statement is so true, because, when you first began reading this post, did you think I would reference a pop culture romantic comedy to illustrate a point about symbolism in writing? Most likely, not. To finish my point, signs/symbols are everywhere, when you see a cross you think of Jesus, when you see a yellow car you think of a taxicab.

To conclude, make symbols and signs in your writing. Make something that is regular or that everyone understands and knows and disguise it with human emotions to make it abstract and relatable. Remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.

Today, I would like to talk about how to live a poet's life. I was inspired by The WritingNag.blogspot.com because last week The Writing Nag posted the article How to Be A Poet on ehow.com. The WritingNag gave great tips on how to write poetry now, I would like to expand upon that article and teach you how to live like a poet. P.S. I am also posting a link to the eHow article by the WritingNag.

Step One: Be random and different. Great poetry is abstract, rhythmic, and emotional, or basically, three elements that don't seem to go together placed in a beautiful written art form. Therefore, if you are diverse and interested in a variety of topics, then your writing will reflect these interests.

Step Two: Don't be scared. Try different things. Stay away from your comfort zone and the familiar. If you experience a variety of what life has to offer then you will be more knowledgeable and able to apply this knowledge to your poetry.

Step Three: Have fun. No one likes boring people. Dance, party, and relax so that you have social skills. Social skills are great for writers to have because a writer is better able to relate to and engage the reader. Plus, you'll erase the stereotype that writers are anti-social weirdos.

Step Four: Like WritingNag suggested find poetry in everything. Listen to music, the radio, and watch t.v. and make things that seem simple and un-poetic, poetic. For instance, did you know that Beyonce` says..."I can do for you what Martin did for the people, ran by the man but the women keep the tempo" in Upgrade U from the Bday album? In this song, Bey makes a reference to Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement in a very quick-witted, catchy, yet simple way. Who would've pegged Beyonce` for incorporating poetry in her music?

Step Five: Be friends with writers, but, make other friends also. Writers are great artists, but, let's face it some of us are a little off. Having diverse friends will make you a better writer because you are not always under pressure to compete with other writers nor are you constantly being analyzed by another writer.

Step Six: For the last and most important step, be yourself. Don't try to be the next Walt Whitman, Gwendolyn Brooks, or Shakespeare. Just write about things that you know in your own voice. The accolades will come later.

Remember when the page comes to life, so do you.

WritingNag Link: http://www.ehow.com/how_4901336_be-a-poet.html

Today, I would like to talk about characterization and how we as writers can make our characters seem more real. As writers, we usually know what stories we want to tell but sometimes we have trouble making the characters seem realistic. So, if you are having this form of writer's block, then this is the post for you.

First of all, you need to understand the setting and background of your story. If you are telling a story about the South in the 1800s then chances are your characters need to be black or white and need to be connected to slavery in some way shape or form. Why? Because most of the Southern population at that time was black or white and was involved in slavery as slaves, masters, overseers, or slave auctioners. If you want to be different, you could use a Native American perspective to tell a story of the South in the 1800s that is not normally told.

Returning to my main point, characterization is key to a great story. If the characters are unbelievable or if people can't relate to them then the appeal of the story will be nonexistent. Another good way to write strong characters, is to use people around you as inspiration. If you have interesting people in your life, such as, the drama queen, the liar, or the crazy, alcoholic uncle then create characters similar to them and adapt them to the situations happening in your story.

Movies can also help create great characters. Movies are a visual medium that give you a chance to see the characters and interpret how they look and behave. Use these characters as models for yours. If you don't like something they did or said, then change it in your story.

Characters are the essence of a good story because they are what keeps the story moving. Therefore, it is important that they be complete and believable so that the story has foundation and room to expound upon. Characters must be so real that people talk about them like they exist. For instance, my friend and I love the book, "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston because of Janie's (the main character)love interest, Teacake. We are always jokingly saying, "Where's My Teacake at?"

Characters are the life of the story so remember, When the Page Comes to Life...so do you.

Today, I would like to talk about where you as a writer can draw inspiration from. Being a creative writer can be challenging becuase there are so many classics out there already that it is hard to come up with the "New Classic". So, you have to look at your life and surroundings and use people, places, and situations to base your stories upon. Meaning, if you are poor and living in the hood, then you can write a story based on your situation or you can make your characters opposite of you meaning that they are rich and have completely different problems.

Inspiration is what you make it. Your inspiration could be changing your life for the better, your family, music, or writing itself. Use inspiration as fuel to write creatively and maybe one day you'll write the new classic. Inspiration itself is simply motivation and if you have the motivation to write then you will write.

I hope this post has inspired you. Remember, when the page comes to life, so do you!

The key to becoming a writer is writing. Now, I know that seems simple and redundant but, you would be surprised how many writers hate writing. Most writers have so much they want to say and share but, have a hard time actually writing it down. Meaning, they have all these great ideas but are unable to transfer ideas to paper because of fear of rejection, procrastination, lack of time, or general laziness.

So in order to become a writer, you have to write about any and everything whenever possible. It doesn't matter if it makes sense or if it's all gibberish. Just write. If you write about different topics and in an array of different styles then you will find what kind of writing you like to do and you will discover your stylistic voice.

The way I discovered my voice was through my manuscript, The Loudest Pen Ever. I started writing my manuscript in September of 07 and originally it was a way to get my thoughts out and figure out what my writer's voice is. Through this I discovered that my writing voice and my speaking voice was one in the same. Meaning that both my voice as a person and as a writer is loud and we both like to tell stories. Plus, I love to crack jokes so I figured out how to also incorporate this into my writing.

My manuscript allowed me to have complete freedom of expression. Why? Because, I stopped limiting myself. As writers, we read and study the great works of those who have come before us and we participate in writer's workshops that usually feature fellow writers and this does NOTHING but intimidate us and make us doubt our writing skills. Basically, after reading and hearing the works of others we feel inadequate and unwilling to try and complete our own writing. But, you have to start writing something so, I suggest a memoir of your own life, because you will learn more about yourself and your writing will improve. And do NOT set-up a schedule or plan what you will write about. The memoir must be a stream of consciousness that is completely uncensored and unmonitored. The only way to discover your raw self is to be your raw self through writing your natural thoughts. Don't think oh this is mean I shouldn't say that or I shouldn't curse or this might offend someone because those are all limitations and limitations will hinder your writing because then you are writing to please others. Please yourself first and foremost.

So after this long post, take everything I've said into consideration and remember, when the page comes to life...so do you.