"You cannot use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." – Maya Angelou At My Desk Writing is the most difficult thing I have ever done, and after being a mom, it is also the most rewarding. (Being a mom, at least so far, is not nearly as difficult as writing because I love being with my daughter so much!) The hardest part of writing for me is the getting started part. I resist putting words on the page because I'm a perfectionist and I hate the unavoidable fact that first drafts can never, by definition, be perfect! "The greatest loss that we all have to deal with is the loss of the image of ourself as a perfect person." – Mr. Rogers To help myself when I'm starting a new project, I try to remember that what I'm doing when I write first drafts is like sketching to an artist. A sketch is exactly what it sounds like — some brush strokes, the outline of an image — not something an artist would ever present as a finished product. Writers need to sketch, too, in words. I will fill in the details and strengthen my images later. But first, I need to have an idea of where I'm going. I need to have material to work with before I can sculpt my piece. So I keep putting the words on the page, even when those words sound horrible to me and I'm not sure they're getting me anywhere. I try to remember Maya Angelou's wise words that creativity begets creativity, and to accept myself and follow my voice — this is what will get me where I want to go. "In large measure becoming an artist consists of learning to accept yourself, which makes your work personal, and in following your own voice, which makes your work distinctive." – David Bayles and Ted Orland Below you can find the list of books and other writing I've done in recent years. Follow the links below to learn more about each title, read excerpts, order books and more. Brendan Buckley's Universe and Everything in It Delacorte Press/Random House, Inc., 2007 Biracial Brendan Buckley builds a secret friendship with the white grandpa he's never known. Read more about Brendan Buckley's Universe! CHECK ALL THAT APPLY: Finding Wholeness as a Multiracial Person InterVarsity Press, 2002 A nonfiction book for mixed-race people of all ages that presents a message of hope and encouragement: We have a place in this world. Read more about Check All That Apply JUST DON'T MARRY ONE: Interracial Dating, Marriage, and Parenting Edited by George A. Yancey and Sherelyn Whittum Yancey Judson Press, 2002 In my chapter, "What About the Children? I Am One," I take on the common objection to interracial marriage that multiracial children are at a disadvantage because of their unique ethnic status. Read more about Just Don't Marry One The Girls (an anthology) Blooming Tree Press, TBA "Sunflower Summer" During Shelley's stay with her grandparents, she learns an ugly truth about their neighborhood and an important lesson about standing one's ground.
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