I have great news everyone. I finished my first book—well a couple of months ago—but I didn’t think my work was ready. After months and months of editing, I can finally say that it is ready for the public. I’m so proud of all the hard work, time and energy I’ve invested into this project. It’s been through the ‘proofing’ stage at least four times. I know it won’t be perfect but I tried my best to give you all my best.

To shed some light; this is a self-help book geared towards uplifting women. It was written not only for mature adults but for young women that need some guidance on how to achieve goals. My readers tell me time and time again that I am an inspiration so I pray that this book motivates you all to be all that you can be.

I had no idea that so much was involved in the publishing stages. I struggled to select a book cover but I believe that it symbolizes my purpose. I submitted my final edits and I’m waiting for it to be reviewed so that I can approve it.

I cannot believe that it’s almost here and I’m so nervous about the release. I’m excited and hope it will be well received. This blog is to announce the BIG day…the day the public has a chance to see what I’ve put months into. There won’t be a book release party but I do hope that you, my readers will support by purchasing the book and leaving reviews on my site and/or Amazon. The official release date for You Have What It Takes is, 5/25/2012.

On the release date, a preview of my book will be available on my “Screenplays/Books/Plays/TvSeries” page. I will also attach a link where you can purchase the book. I look forward to your reviews.

Enjoy,
Nai’lah

Well, I just logged onto my page and was disappointed to see how infrequent I’ve been with blogging. Honestly, it’s been across the board. I barely Tweet anymore—not like I used to at least. I just have so much going on it seems impossible to keep up with everything. I have days when I can stay up and write then there are days when I can barely make it up to my bedroom to sleep. I get home, fix dinner and crash on the couch.

I know what you’re all saying—that’s normal; “you’re pregnant” but my readers deserve so much more of me. Trust me when I say I am trying. Even though I may not be online often, I have been working. I’m proud to announce that I submitted the script that I’ve edited over two millions times—to the Nicholl Fellowship. Please keep your fingers crossed that I am one of the recipients—OMG that will be such a blessing. I busted my behind on it and finally got it where I wanted it. I was/am so THRILLED!!! I’m so proud of all that I’ve been accomplishing—though minute—I’m still getting things done.

A few months ago I posted a blog that detailed my projects—I can cross two out of eight items off my list. I’m seven months now and only have a few more weeks left. I’ll keep you all posted on my progress.

Keep on reading,
Nai’lah

I cannot wait to go on maternity leave. I’m so much more irritated with the bullshit at work; maternity leave cannot get here any faster. Now, I’m not a big person and even though I’m 28-weeks/7 months pregnant I’m still fairly tiny. However, you can tell that I’m pregnant.

Of course here comes the idiot with the stuff that makes me want to hurl someone out of a window. I exit the bathroom to be greeted by a coworker—an older lady that clearly loves to hear herself talk. I’m cordial as always; I bid her the time of day. She looks at my tummy and says, “Are you pregnant?” I wanted to get a skillet and go upside her head. Seriously, if I could’ve turned into Hulk and rip the sink off the counter and slapped the foolishness out of her; I would’ve. “What the hell? Am I pregnant? Bitch, yes I’m pregnant—get out my face with that dumb shit!” This was my initial reaction but I suppressed the urge to let loose and politely replied, “yes” and quietly left while she continued her conversation about who knows what but I didn’t care. Okay so that was a bit rude but it was better than my initial response.

Did I tell you all how intolerable I’ve become since I’ve been pregnant? Okay okay so I hate my job and it doesn’t take much to push me off the edge. I can get mad at someone for saying good morning to me in a jolly mood on Monday then get equally upset at that person for not saying good morning to me in a jolly mood on Tuesday. My sister tells me I’m moody—LOL—okay okay you’re right, sis. I admit it! I’ll be stubborn and use the excuse that I’m pregnant but we all know that it’s just that I hate my job!

Anyway, like I said before—come on maternity leave!! I welcome you into my life! Man, am I going to be hurting when it’s time for me to return to work after I have the baby. Not sure how I’ll do it but I believe that God has something planned for me.

Aright folks, I just knocked out three blogs in an hour. It’s time to get to work on project numero tres! Let’s hope I can stay up for at least an hour—plan on going to work early tomorrow so let me get going. Stay tuned, folks.

Nai’lah

I started thinking about this concept a few months ago and it’s pitiful that I’m just getting a chance to write it. Sometimes I’m not sure if my writing is a gift or a curse. Don’t get me wrong, I love writing and who I become when the pen is to the paper.

However, there are times when my writing is simply overwhelming. Ideas come to me at the most awkward moments. I’m a writer with a purpose and I believe that God reminds me of my gift in my sleep.

Unfortunately for me, this creates memories from experiences I’ve never had which leads me to ask the question, is my writing a gift or a curse? I normally host a session each Thursday to help writers that may be struggling with writer’s block. I often get messages like, “that was just what I needed…” or “this prompt reminded me of something I needed to work on” or, “this has helped me in ways you can’t imagine.” It’s like I’m connected with so many people around the world, in some weird telepathic way. I sense someone’s hurt and know exactly what to say in order to help him/her through a rough patch. It’s my passion to help others and I can’t describe how warm it makes me feel to achieve such a goal.

When accepting the good, I also have to acknowledge the bad. There a nights when I am startled from a dream by my muse. I keep a pen and note pad by my bedside for when this happens. I find myself unable to sleep until I ponder about what awoke me in the first place. Sometimes it’s a story, a character, a theme…that may make no sense initially but as I focus; I feel life gearing me in a direction that is somewhat healing. It’s not necessarily therapeutic to me but in the back of my mind I know that it will help someone. Though the final product is remarkable; the steps to reaching that point is sometimes painful and scary. It’s the path chosen for me.

I ask my fellow writers—am I alone? Do you have thoughts that simply, ‘freak you out?’ Do you question if your writing is a blessing or a curse? I anticipate your comments.

Nai’lah

I’ve been M.I.A. (missing in action) lately. I visited my website today and was so disappointed in myself when I realized that it has been over a month since I last posted a blog. Readers, please understand that I’ve been working on projects but unfortunately haven’t had a moment to work on anything new.

Between my nine-to-five and my family it seems as if I can’t make time for anything else. My energy level has increased though inconsistent; I try to do as much as I can. Yet, it’s never enough.

I have a list of projects and deadlines that I’m insistently trying to fulfill before my due date (7/29). Accomplishing these seem damn near impossible. So, I’m going to list these along with my current deadlines in effort to put some pressure on myself. Hopefully by the beginning of July, you all can ask on the statuses and I can say that I completed them all.

Here’s my list:

1. Edit TV-format/Pitchbible: 3/31
2. Query letters to agents/producers: 4/1
3. Pilot (for TV-format): 4/8
4. Spec Script: 4/11
5. Feature film #2: 6/20
6. Novel: 6/16
7. Sitcom TV-format/Pitchbible: 7/5
8. Pilot (for Sitcom—TV-format): 7/6

Okay so I know you’re probably looking at my list and thinking that I’m crazy. I work on projects simultaneously but my only problem is that I don’t have the energy to work as much as I would like to. My intentions are to achieve these goals so wish me luck you guys.

I plan on taking some time off to prepare for the arrival of my little one on: 7/24. Will definitely keep you all posted. I welcome your comments/emails so please don’t hesitate…I always make time for my readers.

Talk to you all soon,
Nai’lah

Sometimes it seems as if I’m moving backwards instead of progressing forward. With each day, I face more tribulations. As I reflect on 2011, it’s as if my trials have multiplied while my triumphs were subtracted then divided into smaller pieces. Though I’m growing as an individual each day, I feel like my career, my life and my path continues to take me further into an abyss of incompletion.

I’m always yearning for better and brighter days. I’m always, dreaming. I exist only in what I would like things to be for me and my family. I work hard, sacrifice, struggle—willing to do what’s necessary to make my goals tangible. Intangibly, I’m grasping, reaching out when I clench my fist to see what I attain; it’s less than nothing in the palm of my hands. I’m always left with the dreams, my dreams and hopes that things will get better.

“One day at a time, it will happen.” Sometimes it’s harder to believe on the bad days especially. I will continue to strive, to dream, to be. I will continue to write and fight for what I hope to one day attain. My life—I’m reflecting on it and I hope that one day my prayers will be answered.

I’m a starving artist!

For those who know me and stay abreast with my daily activities understand that this pregnancy has been kicking my butt. I’m four and a half weeks pregnant, now. In addition to being nauseous, grumpy, achy, bloated; I’ve been drained to say the least.

Normally it was easy for me to juggle my nine-to-five, tend to my family then work until the wee hours of the morning on some grand writing project. Not that my writing fails to sustain my passion—I love who I am when I can write. I use the word, “can” now because well…I just don’t have the energy anymore. I was hoping that once I got past the first trimester things would be back to normal but I’m still experiencing the morning sickness. Things are getting better.

Getting used to the changes and not being able to do it all seems like a hindrance. I feel like an old lady—it’s as if in the past few months, I’ve added on about thirty years to my body and spirit. During the day while I’m at work, I think about all the great things I will work on that night. However, by the time I get off from work and take care of things at home, I’m too exhausted to do much of anything. Then, by 8:30 PM; I’m in the bed until the next day.

Okay okay, so what I try to be super woman and sometimes it doesn’t always work. I’d rather die trying to achieve something rather than dreaming of doing it but never putting those thoughts to action. I remember (a few months ago) going to work like a zombie because I was up all night writing. Even though I was irritated as heck by my coworkers and upper management, I was comforted by the fact that I was sticking to my writing schedule. I made a promise to myself that I’d be a professional writer by 2012. You see, nothing matters to me more than this writing. I understand that this nine-to-five bull-shit is only for a time.

I was becoming a little frustrated with my new circumstance—not that I was unhappy about being pregnant but unhappy that due to my circumstance, I was being forced to slow down! My family and friends tell me time and time again, you need to rest. When do you sleep? When do you do anything outside of take care of your household and writing? Some don’t understand; I live and breathe this writing!

My health and the health of my little tiger is most important to me so…I am slowing down and only doing what I believe my body is telling me I can do. I’m stubborn but I’m finally listening to my body and all of you, who have said, ‘take it in stride’. With that said, understand that I’m still grinding—just taking it slow for the sake of my unborn. Being a mom comes before everything so I’m doing what I need to.

To all those that continue to support me and The Writer’s Block on Thursdays, thank you! I will not disappoint!

Stay tuned…there’s so much in stored for me and for you, my readers.
Nai’lah!

When I started looking into ways to network, I was told to ‘get on Facebook!’ Well, I’ve done so and maybe I’m not using Facebook to its fullest capabilities. Or maybe I just don’t ‘get it.’ What’s the big deal? How is it such a great networking tool? Okay so you can create thought provoking questions or statements and people can converse about an issue—big deal! I do that on Twitter daily.

Maybe it’s about preference. I think that Facebook is more sociable as opposed to being beneficial. You can keep in touch with friends that you haven’t seen in years. Well, if I wanted to keep in touch with a specific person, wouldn’t I have their contact information? If I haven’t talked to you since we were in high school, then chances are I don’t want to talk to you now. Facebook is a remarkable tool if I was a stalker but as a writer, I just don’t get it.

When it comes to Twitter, I’m all over it. I get a chance to express thoughts, meet great writers and people from different walks of life; I think it’s amazing.

I’m curious about my readers’ input, how do you all feel about Facebook? Please share your thoughts; I’m eager to learn.

You all know that I have no problems admitting that some things I do may come across as weird. I’ve always enjoyed spending a lot of time alone but never truly understood the reason. I know now that it’s because I’m a writer. As a writer, we need a lot of time to think.

On my way to work one day, well everyday—I think about my writing—it’s the only thing that deters me from walking into that office and saying F*** it.

The more I thought about it, the weirder I thought I was. I started making a list. Well, here are some of my weird writing muses:

1. No matter what’s going on in my life—stress or sadness—there’s something about water that soothes me.
1. If I take a shower, I find that I either wash off my gloom or as if the words flow from the water onto me.
2. If it rains—oh my goodness this is the most powerful muse for me. Listening to the rain drops on the window pane is so invigorating.
2. Music—sometimes it can be a hindrance. It all depends on my mood. If it’s blasting in my ear, I can conjure amazing ideas then there are days when I have to turn the volume all the way down for me to concentrate.
3. Closing my eyes—sometimes I lie in the bed and just think my story through to the end, like I’m watching a movie.
4. Dreams—I swear I have the weirdest dreams! I believe there’s some message to be conveyed within the mayhem so I started translating them. I can go from thinking about a dream to coming up with some insane but wonderfully creative thoughts.
5. Doodling—I’ll get a scrap paper and think. I’m not an artist so my ‘doodles’ normally looks like a four year old learning to hold a crayon.
6. Talking to myself—I actually enjoy doing this; I’m my best friend. I started recording my thoughts and it helps when I’m working through problems with stories.
7. Observe things, places or people. Like an artist sketching a portrait, I may take notes: write what I see no matter how simple it may appear.

I was curious to find out if other writers could relate. Tell me, what helps you to write? If you’re in a bad mood and you’re dedicated to writing each day, what keeps you focused? I would love it if you all would share.

Okay, you all are aware that I finished my script “Tomorrow maybe too late” MONTHS ago. I haven’t let it out of my hands yet. I wanted to make sure I stepped away from it long enough to be able to have an unbiased eye to it—hopefully to pick up any minor errors I may have missed. It turns out that even though I reread and reread, edited and edited for weeks, there were trivial formatting issues. When I say trivial, I mean in the sense that I picked up on it, but had I sent it out; I could’ve come across as unprofessional and amateurish. For the past few months, I’ve been contemplating on whether or not I should get an agent/manager or whether I should continue to work on my own. The funny thing is, having an agent/manager represent you does not spell success.

From the different articles I’ve read, a screenwriter is still expected to do his/her share of the work. The funny thing is that most prominent production companies won’t accept any manuscripts/query letters from writers without an agent. Even though many books say, “you don’t need an agent to make it in the industry,” I’m not trying to sit on my work and/or career for years before I make something happen.

Anyone that knows me understands that I’m a woman that doesn’t sit around and wait for things to happen. So after thinking long and hard, I came up with two options, weigh them out with me:

1.  I can potentially earn 90% of something—by working with an agent,

OR

2.   I can continue working solo and make 100% of nothing.

Well, the first option won. I’ve got a baby on the way and I’ve got to get something in rotation. I’m not saying that I will sell a script or two within the next 6 months but I’m going to try to build some repertoire in the industry. So what if I have to do the bulk of the work even with an agent—it’s my work!!

For the producers that require agent representation, I can have my agent submit my work as opposed to it coming directly from me. I need to be doing this for a living. I need to be compensated for my talent. I’m a great writer. My work is profound; contains depth, concept, intriguing characters and it’s down right captivating. I’m ready to share my other talents with the world and I’m going to do what it takes to get to that place.

Wish me luck, guys! Hopefully I’ll have some news to share, soon.
Nai’lah