(c) 2015
Some time in July, I decided to abandon a novel I was trying to write (based on the short stories I wrote for my MFA thesis) and focus on a different book. During that time I was also preparing for my first masquerading experience as part of the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn (which didn’t end up happening) and handling some other personal matters. Then my mood began to shift and everything came to a halt.
All that to say that I’m trying really hard to re-enter the NYC literary world. I’m trying to force myself to get interested in others’ events. I’m trying to make myself get excited about my OWN events (October 8, people, I expect to see you there). I’m trying to fall back in love with what I’m writing, even though I’m beefing with my characters and my muse and hell, even with Joshua II, my computer.
I’m waking up every day and really, truly, madly, deeply trying to invoke whatever spirit of motivation I need to get out of bed and be great. Or not even great, but be present. Hopefully meeting Edwidge Dandicat at La Casa Azul Bookstore will smack me awake. Next month I’m attending a writing conference where I’ll have a chance to pitch my new book to an actual publishing professional. And later this fall (winter?) I’ll be sharing air space with the magnificent Shonda Rhimes. I’ll also be traveling a bit and spending some much-needed time with family. All in the name of making amends with myself.
After all, who am I if not Raquel the Writer??
xoxo
Raquel Ivelisse