Some of the Greats

This month is black history month. In my eyes, everyday we as individuals are contributing to black history in some type of way. I love to read books and writings from authors such as Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. Du Bois, James Baldwin, Amiri Baraka, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, Jamaica Kincaid, Ann Petry, and Booker T. Washington among many others.

I read books and writings from these authors in history especially in class. This allows me as a writer to see the style of authors and writers before us.As a writer I will purchase books to support other authors but I won't read them because when I write I don't want to read something in someone else's book and have something similar in mine. It's one thing that make my writing unique.

Each one of the writings I have always been able to learn something from them. There are those who came before us the authors of today. Even back then they had a story to tell. I am a big fan of quotes especially inspirational quotes. There are many that I love but there are two that I will shae with you.

"Nothing will work unless you do" ~Maya Angelou

"If there is no struggle, there is no progress" ~Frederick Douglass

Both of these quotes are true and I often think of them when something tries to keep me from reaching a goal or if i just feel discouraged. It's the inspiration needed to get back up and try again.

Another person's writing I love to read is Amiri Baraka. Someone Blew up America was a piece that was very controversial. If you have time read his story it's very interesting.

I'm very ambitious and I love growth and if I can't grow then I can't live. Like a plant that needs water I have to keep going because there is always something more to learn.


I leave you with one of my quotes from my new book Girl, Come and Get your Blessings....

"If you're going to be used by anyone in life let that someone be God" ~ Shalona L. Amos