And the idea of just wandering off to a cafe with a notebook and writing and seeing where that takes me for a while is just bliss. J. K. Rowling
Am I alone? Am I the only one obsessed with writing? I can’t seem to get enough of it. I eat, sleep, dream, and I write.
Can the doctor help? Noooo…don’t need it. I write because I’m compelled to release, to ease, to let loose what’s inside… what drives my heart to peace.
I care about you. I respect you. But please talk to me when I’m done. For me to be more impacting to you, I must write. The thoughts, stories, insights yearn to be set free.
Sometimes it seems life throws us a curved ball. We go off course, get depressed, sad and down. But it’s at those times that we need to get back up. Step forward with confidence knowing as Oprah reminds ….There are No Mistakes. Everything is setting us up to achieve what’s rightfully destined for each of us. So Move forward. Stay strong. Go do you.
“Captivated and inspired by the enduring power, creative joy and beauty of words, they are the South Florida writers of novels, short stories, poems, plays, memoirs, essays, autobiographies, science fiction, biographies, anthologies, children books and more.”
— Ralph Hogges
The Ralph Hogges and Benjamin Cowins, South Florida Writers of Color Literary Magazine. An Online Literary Magazine. Read the 1st Edition here South florida writers of color magazine
Whew, another year! It’s like it flew by in a flash! I’m a firm believer in looking back to get ahead. In business we look back to assess our performance for the year. Often it’s even mandated. I have always maintained that we apply the same principles to our own personal life. Some don’t like to look back because they believe, they must focus on the future. If you’re driving and need to change lanes it’s important to look back then make the change. Only then will we able to know when it’s safe to do so…. or face the consequences.
For me I believe it’s important to look back to give thanks. To look back to see what worked and what didn’t. If we don’t look back we won’t know where we excelled or where we need to improve. So, here I share a few of my major points in 2018.
South Florida Writers Of Color Recognition
I love to write and was thrilled to be recognized by the South Florida Writers of Color for my writings. If I can help someone through my writings, then my purpose is served.
Two New Books Released
101+ Empowering Quotes For New Entrepreneurs
Do you know why some people succeed while others don’t? It’s simple. They never give up. Successful people press on when the going gets tough and they become discouraged. Why Motivational Quotes for New Entrepreneurs? Because Motivation is the key to Success. With over 25 Million Americans starting or running new businesses, entrepreneurship has become incredibly attractive, yet extremely difficult to sustain. Even with the traits of fearlessness, risk-taking, passion, resilience, and creativity, difficulties arise, and Entrepreneurs need to keep going. That’s where a boost of inspiration comes in. So, get this little book of Motivation. Offer it as a Corporate or personal Gift and sow seeds of encouragement today.
GreenLight
GreenLight is a book of inspiration which we get step by step as we walk along the way. We cannot get green lights before we are on the road. At the lights, we are told what to do. When we get to life’s intersections whether it’s decision-making, career, business, or relationships, we find out what to do. In this book of Prayers, you will find: •Inspirational Short Stories and Exhortations to Uplift You •Prayers for Difficult Journeys •Devotions to Boost Your Prayer Life. So get your copy today
Pride in Other’s Publishing Achievement
I am pleased to have collaborated with others on their own publishing journey. Be intentional and Get a copy of these books for your own personal needs on Amazon.
Coming Soon
The Reggae Music Journey
The Reggae Music Journey which tells of the Iconic Patricia Chin’s contribution to the Globalization of Reggae Music.
I Speak. You Read.
Poetic words by Charmaine Allwood-Hanson
Community And Industry Work
Serving in Industry and the community is always a pleasure. Tons of hard work, but the results are satisfying.
Hospitality and Human Resource Association of Broward County, Florida (HHRABC)
30 Under 30 Millennials, Washington DC
It’s always a pleasure to serve as chief judge for the annual Ignite Caribbean’s 30 Under 30 Millenials making waves globally.
Book Signings and Interviews
Book signings and interviews remained a big part of my theme in 2018. Giving thanks for partnerships throughout South Florida’s libraries, Museums, and events. Deeper exploration continues in the New Year.
Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Senator the Hon Ruel ReidThe Iconic & Hilarious Oliver SamuelsThe Best of the Best! Artist, Singer and Song-Writer Beres Hammond
Interviews
Helping others develop and achieve their best potential through career and new entrepreneurship is a passion. Listen to this interview on How To Evaluate Your Career… done with Kerry-Ann of Carryon Friends.
Dreams Come Through
Trip To Paris
As always the year was filled with travels but my greatest personal memory was the surprise trip from my oldest of a Weekend in Paris. All the way to Paris for a weekend? I questioned. But it sure was a memorable event that has left me with the notion that our dreams can come sometimes in ways we think not.
The Journey Begins
The greatest joy a parent can have is seeing their child accomplish their own dreams. Congrats to my youngest on achieving her BSc Forensic Studies and Criminal Justice. Mom’s real proud.
Cheers to you!
Finally, looking back on the past 12 months, the memories made and the goals tackled, I am truly thankful. I now look forward to the future and the expectations ahead. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Here’s to you and your family as we wish you health, peace, and hope that all will be well in 2019, and beyond!
How about you? What was your favorite experience in 2018? Do share. We would love to hear!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas! The Holidays! Whatever you call it… to me its the most wonderful time of the year! People are kind, joyful, generous, smiling, pretty-all dressed up for those office parties, and family gatherings! There’s sumptuous food, Folly jolly chocolate delights, gifts and so much more! Yes, I know there’s always the Grinch but they’re just a few, so let’s not let them spoil it for us too.
Music of the Season
The season kicks off with holiday music… and today I would love to share them all! Hey, I’m just kidding! I will just share 11 of my favs!
All I want want for Christmas is you (Mariah Carey)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year (Andy Williams)
Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives)
Feliz Navidad (Jose Feliciano)
Mary did you know (Pentatonix)
Silent Night (Temptations)
Last Christmas (Bing Crosby)
Let it Snow (Dean Martin)
This Christmas (Chris Brown)
You’re a mean one Mr. Grinch (Thurl Ravenscroft)
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas (Johnny Mathis)
Am I missing any of your personal favs? Do Share! We would love to hear!
Don’t Waste Time Trying to Please People. -Stephen King.
Wanting to do their best work, new writers are naturally anxious. They ask questions. They probe. They Gorge. They sweat. It’s hoped they sweat while writing and not about how to start. Stephen King in his memoir titled “On Writing” stressed don’t waste time trying to please people. Indeed this is applicable in many situations as individuals attempt to develop their own Identity.
In a public authors forum, the question was asked “What does it take to be a good writer?” Writers chimed in. Here I share a few of their responses.
Writers…On Writing
Read a lot. Write, write a lot
Patience and Perseverance
Finding the connection between your soul and your writing hand. It will require a number of disciplines like grammar, voice, tense and genre. But the key is opening your spirit to the process…
For the months I carried you, growing inside of me...
For the months I carried you growing inside of me… Entrepreneurs know the travails of starting and growing a business. The challenges associated with carrying a business from incubation to reality. It’s no easy task.
Career transitions, college students, and goal seekers all know how difficult it is to carry the burden of studies to get to the finish line. It’s no easy task.
Parents know how difficult it is to bear the burden of the change in lifestyle as a newborn is expected. It’s no easy task.
Let’s not forget authors whose stories became known from a dream, to a thought, to a page, to a book. Published! It’s no easy task.
So it is with whatever we put our minds to. Whatever we decide to do from idea, thought, dream, goal… it is not going to be easy until it becomes a reality. Success involves dreaming; it involves planning; it involves hard work; it involves dedication, determination, commitment, and most of all resilience. Many are the athletes whose stories have been told of the journey that they had to embark on and overcome. Not only days, months but for many years, athletes stood the test of time to achieve their goal. They were able to achieve because they stuck to their dream.
Today whatever your dream is … don’t give up. Strive, put in the hard work; put in the dedication, put in what needs to be done, and your success is inevitable… however you define it.
Such a joy to receive the first copy of my new book 101+ Empowering Quotes For New Entrepreneurs. So fitting to have it by my fav HGTV’s Fixer Upper Author Joanna Gaines.
Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life—and travel—leaves marks on you.” – Anthony Bourdain
A book is a gift you can open again and again. ~Garrison Keillor
Barnes and Noble asked Readers to identify who their favorite Author was and the reason. Here I share excerpts as Readers chimed in telling all.
Sarah J. Maas because characters are one of the most real and complex characters of all time because
Sarah J Maas, because she tells stories of strength, epically and fantastically, and the writing is like music; just as amazing as any symphony.
Cassandra Clare. Her books inspired me to write more stories, and not stop loving books
My favourite write is Paul Coelhobecause he impresses me with each sentence and teaches me a lot, both about life and writing
J.K. Rowling, because she wrote Harry Potter
Megan Whalen Turner because I love her characters.
Arnold G. Fruchtenbaum, his books changed and inspired so much my life that I decided to translate them in Italian! Such a blessed decision
J.K Rowling because she gave us the greatest Wizarding World
Stephen King because his talent is bottomless – as is my fascination with everything he writes
Agatha Christie because she gave me Hercule Poirot, the greatest detective in the world
Danielle Steel because she’s a master of romance
My favourite author is Andrzej Sapkowski because he got me thinking outside the box.
Danielle Steele because she keeps me entertained the whole book through.
My favorite author is John Green because his books are filled with mysteries and I love his way of writing.
Shakespeare because he is just timeless. Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte because when I read their books they take me to another world and the women in their stories are strong and what ever they dream of doing they do and that inspires me to be and do what I want to do.
Elizabeth Gilbert, because she wrote one of the most inspiring and life-changing books I’ve ever read.
Jane Austen, because her books are an insight into characters who we can relate to from a time when people and places were different.
Madeleine L’Engle is my favorite because she was able to write for a range of readers. She wrote children’s books, YA, adult, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. My second favorite is Jane Austen. Her works transport me to the nineteenth century in England, which is my favorite setting to read about.
John Hopkins because Lost Cactus is awesome!
James Patterson. He thought what life is about… I lived through his stories.
Truman Capote because he somehow makes beautiful stories from such simple words.
So who is your favorite author and why? Do share. We would love to hear.
