Bebe Moore Campbell / NANOWRIMO
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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!
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