Bebe Moore Campbell / NANOWRIMO


Bebe Moore Campbell passed away on Monday, November 27th at the age of 56. I read a few of her books back in the late 90’s and still have one on the shelf I have been meaning to pick up. With so many books coming in, I’ve been slowly weeding through which books I want to review. That sounds bad, but I’m determined if I’m going to review a book, it has to be a book I want to read. Interesting enough there are a few historical fiction books on my stack – which is highly unusual.

Now that I’m really trying to work on the craft of writing, I understand I need to read more. That means outside of my usual mystery and suspense novels. While perusing Bebe Moore Campbell’s site, it occurred to me how much her novels entertained and touched upon crucial issues like racial injustice and mental illness, topics that might be considered taboo.

As I continue to crank out my stories, I want to create characters and storylines that do more than create “feel-good” emotions, but display how one’s quest for authenticity in her Christian walk is indeed a battle – but the battle is not ours, it’s the Lord’s. This life is not about us, but what God can do through us to bring another in to the folds of his grace. Oh, how often do we simply screw up or grow discouraged while God the Almighty looks upon us, waiting for us to lift our eyes above the problems and up to him.

I’ve been collecting quotes and thoughts from authors. Here is how Bebe said she came up with ideas for her books.

“A good idea for a book is one that doesn’t have to be written down, because it sticks with me. It haunts me and will not got away. From the moment I start thinking about it the idea seeps into my soul and begins to germinate. When I wrote Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine the idea had been on my mind for three years, which included the time I spent writing Sweet Summer.

When an idea for a book hits me I sit on it for a while to see if it will go away. If it doesn’t, I begin to play with it in my mind. I shuffle beginnings, endings and the so elusive middle. Characters begin to emerge, usually the main ones. That’s all I need to begin. After some time it will take on a life of its own.” – Bebe Moore Campbell

Read more of the interview at bebemoorecampbell.com. Bebe, you will be missed in the literary community. My prayers go out to the family.

A WORD ABOUT NANOWRIMO

Well as of 11:59 pm tonight the National Novel Writing contest ends.

Unfortunately, I did not reach the 50,000 word count. Who knows maybe next year? I’m happy with my 10,000 or so words. I’m not much of a SOTP (Seat of the Pants) writer and I definitely like plotting. The contest provided an opportunity to get a head start on my second book and to re-work my first book. Some of the same characters show up in both books, so I’m getting to know them. These “people” are definitely not going away!

BOOK REVIEW | The Christmas Letters

The Christmas LettersTHE CHRISTMAS LETTERS
by Brent Nicholaus

It’s Christmas Eve and a family settles down for a feast. Grandpa uncharacteristically stops the conversation around the table with an announcement. He passes out envelopes to each member of the family. Inside each envelope is a special message for that particular individual that will last long after Grandpa’s gone.

I rarely read Christmas stories, but this was a short book and I was looking for something different to read. The Christmas Letters is a sweet story that has all the elements to become a Christmas classic for all ages. Readers might be influenced to include the storyline as apart of their own family traditions. If you are looking for something new to share with your children or family during this upcoming season, definitely look for The Christmas Letters.

Book Series Description – Book 2

I wrote another 1000 or so words Friday night for my second WIP. I’m way behind the Nanowrimo suggested word count, but that is ok. I’m happy for the jump start. Getting ideas from your head on paper is a big relief!

Tonight I have written the book description for my second book, When Thunder Rolls. I have no idea if these titles will change or not so they are working titles for now. The key connection in this book series centers around the church. In each book, the protagonists are members of Victory Gospel Church, a non-denominational mega-church based in Charlotte, NC.

When Thunder Rolls
Overcomers Series Book 2 (work in progress)

The truth shall set you free! What if the truth can kill you?

Elaine Freeman has managed to move her life forward after her mother’s disappearance. Or so it seems. Elaine feels God is calling her to a new level in her walk. Even though she has received confirmation from friends and mentors, her reluctance hinges on unresolved issues. When her grandmother suffers an irreversible medical setback, Elaine’s fears intensify.

As a staff member at Victory Gospel Church, Elaine is putting in overtime to revive the shaken church over the loss of their charismatic shepherd, Pastor Jeremiah Burns. With a new pastor in place, the old ways are being turned upside down to make way for a new beginning. Needless to say, several people are not happy. Unhappy church members are the least of Elaine’s concerns.

Usually reserved around men, is she letting her guard down with the wrong man? She will soon find out when she teams up with news reporter, Wesley Cade. Wesley and Elaine uncover startling information about her own life as well as a strange pattern which connects a series of murders. Is Elaine the key to solving several cold cases? Before time runs out, Elaine must conquer her fears to find the truth.

Book Series Description

I’m sagging in the middle of my first WIP so I decided I need to rethink my characters. There is a lot to learn to writing a novel, like doing a better job at plotting! Unfortunately today I didn’t make much progress towards my word count, but I tried to summarize the series and book one. I like what I have for now. I’m going to work on the descriptions for the other two books in this series, so I can see where I’m going with the characters. While each book can stand alone, the characters will show up in all three books.

Overcomers Series

For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. — 1 John 5:4

Over 6,000 members attend Victory Gospel Church each Sunday. Every individual has a story. Despite the smiles and emotions during service, darkness lingers. A group of women from various backgrounds form a ministry. Determined to break free from the darkness they struggle together to walk in victory. They are Overcomers.

When Rain Falls
Overcomers Series Book 1 (work in progress)

When it rains it pours. How do you see your way through the downpour?

Trying to put the pieces of her life back together, Candace Johnson suffers yet another devastating blow within a year, when her childhood friend, Judge Darlene Coleman is murdered. Already flooded with financial troubles with her beauty salon, a strained relationship with her teenage daughter and a newly acquired role as a single mom, Candace’s faith is slipping fast. With a friend’s encouragement, Candace joins a women’s ministry at Victory Gospel Church.

As the news media tears into Judge Coleman’s life, Candace begins to question if she really knew the woman she called her best friend. Her surprising attraction to Detective Darnell Jackson is not helping matters, but she needs his help to find the truth and a murderer.

Unable to sleep at night, the nightmarish dreams that have plagued her on and off are back. Confused, Candace senses danger but is clueless as to why. Should she share the dreams with Detective Jackson, who probably already thinks she’s borderline crazy? Can she confide in the women in her group? Candace does not want another death, especially her own.

BOOK REVIEW | Zora’s Cry

Zora's CryZora’s Cry
Tia McCollars

Zora’s Cry is Essence bestseller Tia McCollars’ second novel. Readers will be introduced to four women whose very different lives merge into a friendship via a brand new women’s discipleship group.

Zora is looking forward to her upcoming wedding when tragedy strikes. In one horrible accident, she loses both her parents. The devastation of her parent’s death is intensified when she comes across adoption papers among her parent’s possessions. Confused and hurt, Zora decides to search for her birth parents. Read more

BOOK REVIEW | Forgivin Ain’t Forgettin

Forgivin Ain't ForgettinForgivin’ Ain’t Forgettin’
by Mata Elliott

I think I have often gushed over how much I enjoy Walkworthy (under Hachette Book Group) books on this blog. The publisher definitely publishes books well “worthy” of one’s reading time! I especially enjoy reading debut novelist and Mata Elliott strikes it hot with her first novel, Forgivin’ Ain’t Forgettin’.

Cassidy Beckett arrives home from a conference to find her aunt has been up to her usual generous self – maybe too generous for Cassidy’s comfort. Recently widowed Theron Monroe and his two young daughters have been offered a place to stay in the home Cassidy shares with her aunt. Not to thrilled with this temporary arrangement, Cassidy is determined to be cordial to the hotly pursued baker, but not too friendly. Travis’ charm soon breaks through Cassidy’s wall, but neither of them are really ready to let go of the past. Read more

My NANOWRIMO Start

Well, I started off pretty good on November 1st for the National Novel Writing Month contest. On Thursday night Ugly Betty, Grey’s Anatomy and ER were my focus. Ok, I was just plain lazy. The laptop sat as I proceeded to be a couch potato. Sometimes trying to write after a full day of working is plain ridiculous to consider.

This weekend, I plan to push forward with some real progress on my word count. As the annual Thanksgiving cook, I know during the week of November 20th I’m going to be pushing it to get any writing done.

Check out some fellow participants:

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