Writing Tips for African Americans

Thinking Outside the Box

When you decided to become a writer, whether it was yesterday, last year or years ago, you were excited and motivated. You wrote your first novel or novella, told all of your family and friends, posted a blog and then your book was published and... only a few people bought it. You say to yourself, "I don't understand. I did my research. I marketed. I have a great cover, but my book is barely selling and on top of that, I don't have good reviews." There may be a few reasons for that. So, don't beat yourself up. Take a few steps back and let's figure this out for a moment... and breathe.

Okay. Now, just because you want to be a writer, doesn't necessarily mean, you are a writer. Let me explain. Writers obviously have something to say. They are great storytellers, enjoy creativity with regards to words, and have a great imagination. Their writing doesn't have to be too fancy, but fancy enough to get the point across, give the reader some type of emotion; such as, laughter, tears, anger or joy, and writers will, most often, give you something to ponder.

Is your writing original and fresh? We have all heard the phrase, there is nothing new under the sun. That's true, it isn't; however, when it comes to writing, it can be similar to another piece of writing, but have a slight or unique twist or element. Dare to enter a world where the other authors have not journeyed or journeyed carefully, or a little. Dare to go there. In other words, don't let your writing be so familiar that it's boring or predictable.

Write in your area of expertise. Many will disagree with this statement saying, "Don't write want you want, write what the reader wants." That is true to a certain degree. If your area of excellence is in the genre of Romance, then you could write romance novels or novellas. It would come easy for you; however, if many readers want to read Paranormal books, then you could be creative by writing a romance novel with elements of paranormal activity.

A great strategy in finding out what readers want, is to read the reviews of books similar or somewhat similar to your book or your idea for a book. If you are in social media groups, pitch a question. Ask your group what they find the most irritating in a book. What makes them want to turn the next page? How do they want to feel after reading a book? Are titles important? This is thinking outside the box. Don't simply ask your family and friends, but ask others you can give you a bias opinion.

As we talk about your book, has it provided any of the above to the reader? If not, that may be why your book is barely selling or getting average or below average reviews. Remember, don't take your reviews too personal, but rather learn from them. The reader is not attacking you... it's your writing they are scrutinizing, not you as a person whom they've never met.

When I first began writing, a few of my friends would ask me, "Why don't you write for African Americans?" My answer was, "I don't want to limit myself to one particular group of people." That was part of the reason. However, the other reason was, as a writer, I am an avid reader and I don't read many African American books, mainly because many African American books follow the same theme, slavery, hard-times, rape, drugs or murder. As a result, those topics are not an interest of mine at this point and time in my life.

As a race, I believe we have evolved, and no longer need to limit our enjoyment and entertainment based on those topics. I would rather like to see my African American family, learn and understand that part of our history, not stay in that part of history, but move on and rise above it.

This is a part of thinking outside the box and broadening your vision and imagination. Our books and movies do not always have to be centered around slavery, or single parent homes, but can be uplifting or mythological.

So, as you develop your mind toward thinking outside the box, you may want to read books in the genre of fantasy, comedy, or romance. Try reading a book that might inspire you to be different. A book that will spark your imagination allowing you to be free. You will be surprised how many adults read teen books, every now and again, to lighten the emotion and structure of their book. Comedy books can also bring a different free-spirited approach to your characters, allowing them to be less stiff.

Whatever method you choose for thinking outside the box, let your writing be unique and fresh, but most of all, have fun!

Until next time, keep writing!