2024, the Year of Caribbean Fiction

We are in March already!?To everyone working on a Caribbean Folklore Adventure, how are you going?

This is just a note to say Keep going, you’ve got this!

I see you navigating the twists and turns of your manuscript, and let me tell you, you’re not alone. I’m here too. Every writer has faced moments of doubt, frustration, and the dreaded pause. But guess what? Time flies whether you we are writing or not, so, make time to write and say to yourself by June, I'll have a manuscript that I can work with.?

Remember, as we develop, so too must the stories we tell to and about ourselves. I have stopped arguing about the accuracy of legends and instead wish to be part of the legend that lives on, in the beliefs we choose to let resonate and share. So, as I write other books on folklore, and incorporate folklore into my stories I'll be changing things up. There are many more characters and beliefs and there are even the ones yet to be created. Yes! They are waiting on this generation’s genius to be born. Our folklore tradition is past, present and future, the story continues with our writers and illustrators of today. These are your stories, feel free to redraw them, retell them, and re-purpose them. It is better that they live a renewed life than die a forgotten death.

Today, you are in the middle of it, and that’s where the story needs you most, don’t give up on it.

Embrace your process:

Manuscripts are like clay waiting to be moulded. They start as raw ideas with mixed up sentences and that’s okay! You can be messy, it’s just a first draft. You’ll fix it later.

Silence the Inner Critic:

That little voice whispering, “This is not right!” Well, tell it to hush … first drafts even second drafts are supposed to be drafts. So, write and edit later.

Set Small Goals:

Break down that mountain of words into something doable 500 a session is fine. With consistency we can aim for more, tiny victories, add up!

Keep your Secret:

Your manuscript is your secret, until you are ready to show it off. Forget about judgment, trends, or market expectations. Write your truth now.

Get excited to see a Blank Page:

That blank page is your friend, it’s your canvas. Fill it with your dreams, your fears, your essence and then give it more.

Remember Why You Started:

What ignited your passion for this story? Was it a character’s whisper, a vivid setting, or a twist you couldn’t resist? Reconnect with that spark. Let it fuel your words.

Seek Motivation:

Read a favourite book, listen to music, take a walk, go out with friends. Inspiration hides in unexpected corners. Let it infuse your words. Let it remind you why you fell in love with telling this story.

Permission to not get it right:

Yes, you read that right. Give yourself permission to write badly because at least now you have something to work with. You need a first draft to polish it into the final masterpiece.

Community Matters:

Connect with fellow writers. Join forums, attend workshops, or find a writing buddy to lift you up when you need it. If at any time you need to ask a question on publishing, reach out to me at [email protected] for free advice.

Remember, every word you write is a step toward completion. You’re already closer than you were yesterday. So, take a deep breath and face that manuscript today, only you can give it life, and it is waiting for you.

You’ve got this. ????

Have a great day, Marsha Gomes-Mckie

#caribbeanbooks #martiniblu #marshagomesmckie #blackbooksmatter #africantales #africantales #caribbean2024 #marshagomesmckie https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPQ9Q39P

You would also like to read ... African Historical Fiction

The story tells of the making of the very first ball of fire. Trinidad wavers between the British and the French and SouCou is a slave, stolen from her beloved homeland. Born a Sharman in Africa she is a prized possession because of her talents, she finds love then heart break but through it all she wants her daughter to be free. She refuses to believe that her new owner Governor Yant will keep any of his promises and instead bargains with Shango, the God of Fire to grant her heart’s desire in exchange for her very soul but SouCou she becomes a new creature of the night …

Published by ....

VISIT The Caribbean Pen Magazine

VISIT our PHOTO HUB for free diverse pictures downloads.