This one will be short and sweet, as the cheesy smile on my face is all I really need right now.
I actually finished a story.
How long has my writer’s block been in effect?
Years.
And yet, today I finished a (still untitled) short story about Luke and Naya.
It’s a meta-ass love story, that’s for sure.
I think it helped that I had all of those great artists make some kick-ass artwork for me. That really got me inspired.
I’m now in a space where I’m talking to my “characters” more. It’s been helping to pull me out of my writer’s block.
And it’s helped me rediscover key things about their characters, my own desires, and my motivations for creating them.
Luke… he’s a special kinda hero. He deserves some time.
And Black men – no, Black boys coming up – deserve an example like him. Someone who is kind yet strong, loyal and values marriage and family. Someone who is honest and hard-working… a man who values knowledge, education, and community. Someone who isn’t afraid to meet problems head-on and solve them. He may not be perfect, but he’s a true protector and provider.
It’s time to fight back. Time to sow seeds again. Molding the minds of our community through the stories and characters we create and display IS our business.
Wanna know what helped me STAY writing this? I had the most eclectic track of love songs playing to keep me inspired on Black love. Surprisingly, quite a few of them are NOT Black.
Talk about things that make ya go, “Hmmm…”
THE PLAYLIST:
- Tonight You’re Mine – Ronnie Spector
- Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis
- You Da One – Rihanna
- Kissing You – Sade
- Together Again – ‘NSync
- Beautiful People (Remix) – Chris Brown
- Back At One – Brian McKnight
- Un-Thinkable (I’m Ready) – Alicia Keys
- These Are The Times – Dru Hill
- Beauty – Dru Hill
- Angel – Dru Hill
Here’s what’s crazy. I played that playlist as I was re-reading and editing it… and EVERY SONG perfectly synced to what was happening to Luke and Naya at the time. Each song fit the changes of mood, atmosphere, dialogue, and action. How serendipitous is that?
I like action, by the way. I can’t help but throw in a fight scene into any kind of story, even if it’s a very short confrontation. And this time around, I wanted Luke to fight. To be the stronger one.
I also wanted to set up “Flames of Redemption”. I can feel that book percolating inside my mind again.
But the good news is… I got my Black love story. And I even managed to slide in a love scene without actually mentioning any super-graphic sex. I try to keep it a little bit classy.
Got-damn, I’m shittin’ gold… (my new favorite line from “We Made It” by Drake and Souljah Boy) LMAO
I want to read Black love stories from everyone else now.
Time to go stalk some Facebook Black writer’s groups now, I guess. 
Tips for my fellow writers:
Retro Write #3: I Want To See (and Read) Black Love
Date: 7/2/2021
TRUTH: Date penned – February 12, 2021
