Writing is Just Different for a Black Man

Who will be the next Ralph Ellison?

A writer wakes up each morning, or at the end of the day, and begins crafting narratives. This is what writer's do. Traditionally, a writer would complete a manucript and purchase Writer's Market, or some other publication and begin looking for agents. I did this before and during graduate school. In graduate school I was told by my professors that I had what it took to become a "writer". What I failed to understand is that although they had christened me and given me all of the motivation I needed, my writing program failed to explain the realities involved in writing. They specifically failed to explain to me that a Black man writing is unlike any other person creating narratives.

The publishing industry used to be veiled in secrecy. A group of old White men decided the fate of a manuscript: slush pile or publication. Today, self publishing is as accessible as television stations to viewers. Basically anyone with a bit of savvy and computer literacy can put out a publication. I have had the "honor" of being signed by an agent, and having books "sold" under the premise that I rewrite. My problem was I didn't understand publishing and my MFA program did not explain to me that the writer makes concessions. I didn't want to change anything in the story. The editing I was okay with, but changing what happened with a character? Out of the question. Needless to say, my writing career with an agent, went south very fast and I did what most people do today, I self published.

The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown: A review

Dan Brown has crafted several novels that resulted in a massive number of sales and in all honesty created an industry in tourism. His novels Angels and Demons and The Davinci Code sparked tours and ignited a fascination with symbols, myths, conspiracies and controversy. The Lost Symbol, released in 2009 has not generated the same type of interest.  People have not decided to devote time to setting up TLS tours in the nation's capitol. Ironically, it seems that Dan Brown has an effect on the rest of the world through his literature, yet in America where The Lost Symbol is set, this same passionate response is non-existent. Possibly this speaks to the point of this text. Which is how apathetic the American society has become. Actually, there isn't one point in The Lost Symbol, this book is an arrangement of facts, and storytelling that lends itself to dialogue and the generation of a conflict which actually has the power to destroy an industry, or support it. That industry is the big business of the church. Then again that isn't the only point of the book. Confusing isn't the word I'm looking for to explain why America hasn't created the same fervor for The Lost Symbol as it did for the other books. The United States is the youngest nation in the world and with youth comes the inability to focus. Americans have simply added TLS to a long list of to do items. I happen to think it should be in a short list of must do, must understand, must implement.

Dexter is Delicious: Kind of a review

I have finally reached the fifth installment in the Dexter Series. Last week my wife showed my a gif on Tumblr. In this rotating gif a man was dragging himself from his living room sofa with his legs laying behind him like a wounded seal. The man's face was a twisted canvas of satisfaction and pain, is that possible? Beneath the picture was the caption: What it looks like when your favorite show airs its episode finale. Jeff Lindsay, I have entered Dexter Morgan's dark, delightful, devious, demented, decadent domain. In it I saw images of blood moon inspired heroics. Yes... heroics. Dexter is a living and breathing almagamation of my frustration and anger in a society where justice is the simple execution of time and who has the best connections. In Dexter is Delicious, this is the problem and in this narrative I actually found myself questioning the realisim in the characerization of the villains. While I questioned, I still wanted Dexter, who I have finally come to the conclusion that he is not as intelligent as I thought he was, to be okay. In Dexter is Delicious he is not okay.

Dexter by Design: A review

In the fourth book in the Dexter series, Jeff Lindsay continues the struggle of the forensic blood spatter analyst/serial killer Dexter Morgan. After reading the previous books, I expected to get back to fireworks, or better bloodworks in the fourth book. In Dexter In The Dark, the author decided to utilize the creation story to lend description to the foundation of evil. While the creation story missed its mark, it was a compelling analysis of Moloch's influence on chaos and death in today's society. The third story never really moved towards the core of explaining the deviant Dark Passenger of Dexter, but as I completed that book I felt okay with it. In Dexter by Design, the author uses flashbacks to further cement the code of Harry on Dexter's state of mind.

Dexter In The Dark: A review

The third book in Jeff Lindsay's Dexter series, Dexter in the Dark, takes a detour from the first and second novels. Upon being introduced to the dark hero Dexter, I found myself drawn to the simplistic nature of his horrible, handsome, hidden desire to murder. This created a paradox and an unsettling feeling for me. I thought, "If I respect and care for this character, doesn't this create a dark passenger within me?" How can a person laugh with and attempt to justify the vigilante nature of a beast who, while completely accurate in his decision to kill those who have committed heinous acts, is a killer himself? Does this make me a bad person, or am I simply reading horror and laughing at the absurdity involved in cheering on the antihero?

Stages: A Handbook On Men and Relationships Chapter Breakdown with Links

I had a friend who recently said he wanted to read Stages, but he couldn't find the first chapter easily. I am remedying that problem by setting up this post. Here you can click on each chapter and read the book from beginning to end. If you decide to buy the e-book or the actual book just go to the right and click on the link and the book will ship to you. Thanks for the support and enjoy.

Dearly Devoted Dexter: A Quickie

After reading the Millenium Trilogy (Girl Who Played With Fire, etc.) I needed a book to read. I read the first Dexter: Darkly Dreaming Dexter a few months back and enjoyed the first book which was so unlike the show that I actually forgot what the show was about. So I went back and began rewatching the Showtime series on Netflix. What I then realized was that, like the Millineum Trilogy, Dexter is a dish best served with prior knowledge. I watched every season of Dexter prior to getting the books. So I had a general understanding of disturbing Dexter. I knew that the writer seemed to be influenced by American Psycho, but probably pitched the book as, American Psycho with a conscience and a few very funny quirks, for a killer. I just finished the second book in the series Dearly Devoted Dexter.

Toni Cade Bambara's "The Lesson"

After teaching and working in schools for 16 years, I had an epiphany yesterday. Everything that is wrong with Memphis (insert your school system here) City Schools can be found in Bambara's highly anthologized short story, The Lesson. I've assigned and discussed this work of fiction a number of times over my last six years as a college professor. During a discussion yesterday my students, which consist of both traditional and non-traditional students, raised a number of interesting theories in regard to the main character Sylvia. If you've never read The Lesson stop reading this post, pull it up on the internet, and spend about 30 minutes with Toni Cade.

The Lesson on the surface appears to be a power struggle between a young person and an adult. In many lectures students state that it is a coming of age story that utilizes society as a means to understand how a teen learns about the world around them. The story certainly has elements that would lead a discussion in this direction. However, what I realized yesterday was that, while everyone in the country is attempting to throw money at the American Educational System, while everyone is attempting to create districts that improve by joining great school districts with mediocre districts, no one is truly addressing the true issues that exist in education.

The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest: A review

Stieg Larsson writes with an attention to detail of an investigative journalist seeking to create a narrative that educates and entertains. The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest is an excellent work of fiction that has the mimesis and verisimilitude that college professors speak of when addressing works in a literature course.

Hornet's Nest carries the momentum from the end of Fire, into what is a completely different text. The intricate nature of Hornet's Nest requires a notes section, at the end of the book, to verify the allusions to real elements utilized in the creation of the story. Larsson utilized his expertise in journalism, and with aspects of counterculture to impress upon the reader the importance of his story. By the middle of the book the reader feels a sense of trepidation and wants, no needs, for the main character Lisbeth Salander to pull through this murky, distorted novel that captures the shadowy and conspiracy laden nature of countries that dealt with the darkness of the Cold War.

The plot itself is simply the story of a dysfunctional family, and the characters that align to bring justice to one woman. This woman, Lisbeth Salander, is a metaphor for women who have dealt with the uncertainty of a justice system that aligns itself with men and caters to the paternalistic slant of all facets of life. Hornet's Nest takes the mystery novel and details every aspect leaving nothing to question and effectively tying up every loose end successfully without Deus Ex Machina or some simplistic resolution.

The climax of the text feels never ending, but can be given one point of clarity at the end of the book in the courtroom scene which literally makes the reader laugh, shout and pump their fist in approval of the decimation of authority figures that have made the life of Lisbeth Salander a complicated mess of injustice. This is not the resolution however. In a twist the book does not end once Salander is somewhat vindicated, the book continues forward to enhance the reader's understanding of points that were began in The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and The Girl Who Played With Fire.

In short, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest is damn good and the Millennium trilogy is worth the investment of three weeks. At 600 pages each, the books read incredibly fast and for a text that is complicated, it is clearly drawn and presented. Read it and then watch the films. Rest In Peace to a masterful writer.

The Girl Who Played With Fire: A review

A couple of days ago, I did a grand disservice to Stieg Larsson's The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I sandwiched a review of the book into the middle of a social commentary on whether Blacks read White books. Honestly, who gives a damn? I know what I do give a damn about though, the Larsson Trilogy. While I am a bit late in reading the books, I am finally worked my way to the third book in the series, The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest. I shouldn't say worked because it is my own fascination with Larsson's narrative that has driven me to read the first two in one week.

While the first book The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo has the potential to stand on its own, The Girl Who Played With Fire is a traditional cliffhanger, mystery novel. What remains non-traditional is the depth and detail that Larsson crafts his texts with. Fire brings us back into the world of cyberpunk Lisbeth Salander and publisher Mykael Blomvkist. In the first text the complicated relationship between the two is dealt with in a closely drawn plot structure that forces the two together while solving the case in Hedestad. In the second novel, the regular storyline of returning to a person's surroundings and things going back to the way they were is established but not in a way that feels routine. Blomvkist has been catapulted to 'stardom' by his book on the Wennerstrom Affair and the magazine Millineum is benefitting from the shine of its star.

Do Black People Read "White" Books?

Obviously if I'm writing a quick review of a "White" book then Black people do read White books. An interesting thing does exist in literature however. Typically a White author is only approached by Blacks while they are in college. Introduction to Lit courses are filled with the rich literary history of White authors that Black students have to read to pass the course, and this is the way these books are approached. Novels, short stories, poetry by authors that don't look like Blacks are basically placeholders in the pursuit of attaining a passing grade. The appreciation of literature for the Black person is somewhat skewed and lacks a foundation in understanding the function and scope of writing. Consider that Phyllis Wheatley was the first Black woman to publish and then realize that not until the 1900s was Black literature given any respected status in academic and literary circles and there lies the problem. When a group of people have only been writing and reading as a culture for around 100 years, literature for that group is in its infancy. Now I am only looking at Black America. With that said, do Black people read White literature voluntarily and does it matter?

Part 2: Stages: A Handbook on Men and Relationships - Chapter 25

Chapter 25

I told you to bear with me. Now aren’t you glad you did? The whole engagement thing went over without a hitch. If I don’t say so myself it was smooth, just like me. Come on now, you know I’m smooth... Don’t front.

I truly hope you understand where this came from. I just felt a need to give you my story in the best way I knew how. I knew if I would’ve just told you about the Stages you woulda been like, “And who are you?” Sometimes a story has to be told. This is just the way I see it, but every man has a story, if you ask. But if you fail to ask then you’ll never know. In other words make a brother talk, before you give him your soul, make sure he’s willing to give you his. Who says all men are dogs? Whatever.



Part 2: Stages: A Handbook on Men and Relationships - Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Stage Four isn’t approached without trepidation. It’s an awkward time for any man. Making a commitment is one thing but saying to a woman that you want to live the rest of your life with her is an entirely different monster. In other words Stage Four is the final phase before you leave the Stages behind altogether and graduate.

But this book is about the Stages not the graduation, so allow me to give you the specifics of what Stage Four is:

The road that has been traveled had so many obstructions in what lay ahead, that you can barely believe that you made it this far. You have finally accepted the fact that life is meant to be shared with the woman you care for, honor, and above all respect. Love comes after all of these other things. At Stage Four the words I love you are small compared to the feelings that you have for your lady. When you said those words in all the other stages it was a word that conveyed what you thought you felt. In Stage Four you no longer think it you live love, breath love and share it: that it being a commonality, sexual and mental connection that heightens each day that you are with her.

At the point when all of this has finally come together, you take the last step and ask her for her heart in marriage. You have doubts, but those fears soon subside when you realize that your relationship has survived the strains of ex girlfriends and major arguments. You buy the ring and become a part of a life circle. A never ending connection of souls that when completed will have no beginning and no end.

Part 2: Stages: A Handbook on Men and Relationships - Chapter 23

Chapter 23

I’m still trying to figure out a few things. If a relationship can be as good as it was with me and Janice why in the hell was I so afraid to try it before? I know the trauma from the first girlfriend thing was my excuse, but it was just that, an excuse. I should’ve done this relationship thing a long time ago. I’ve done things with Janice that you only do with a girl that you know and trust. Everything we do seems to be more fulfilling.

There are things that she does to keep our relationship fresh. She sits down on certain days and maintains a book, kinda like a log of all we do. The log has pictures, silly letters and other little things that we could look at and laugh at. That seemed so small to me when she started the book. Now that book is like an intricate part of who we are, it grew. All of the little stuff like catching a movie or walking and talking about things that we want and have dreamed about is something that I obviously hadn’t done with anybody else, except maybe Laney. I once thought that settling down meant you run out of things to talk about in a year or two. That can happen if you stop doing things. But the hobbies that we have always gives Janice and I some kinda conversational pieces. She reads a lot of books, which always gives her something to say and it’s not just meaningless little words to fill quiet space. Each word is meaningful, unless we’re just trippin. Janice is a dream come true for me, and Tina is a dream woman for Flip. The closer it came for me to propose though, the more nervous I got. I started feeling like I was doing this proposal thing more for myself than I was for her. Maybe it was a new experience that I wanted to have. I didn’t know. I just started feeling uncomfortable.

Part 2: Stages: A Handbook on Men and Relationships - Chapter 21

Chapter 21

I was on top of the world after that night. My life seemed so perfect. We shared our first week with each other talking and feeling excited about us. It all seemed like a dream. I never expected to be this happy. The second week passed and Flip and I had talked about everything. About how I had adjusted and how he and Tina were doing. I knew that the day we went to church together that everything had changed in Tina and Flip’s lives. I could see it in her confidence and in the way he said her name everytime he had a chance. For the first time since Flip and I had been boys we shared the same thoughts about women and relationships. I remember saying that if there were three men, one would be Stage Four, one would be Stage Three and the other Stage Two. In all honesty I’m not sure how that one works. But I can confirm how Flip and I were, Stage Three all the way, the right way.

The wrong way would’ve been decisions to be with the ladies strictly for our own personal reasons. We laughed and joked at work and it made the days fly by. Our spirits seemed to affect everyone. The guys on the line seemed to be pushing out the equipment just as fast as we could inspect it. Even the engineers upstairs were coming down to the floor and inspecting stuff, at least trying to inspect stuff. Work was good and life was great, life is great.

Part 2: Stages: A Handbook on Men and Relationships - Chapter 20

Chapter 20

We made it home at a little after 10 pm. I instantly walked in and turned on the radio, which was routine for me. Janice walked over and turned it down.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“I really can’t stand loud music late at night.”

“That wasn’t loud.” I turned the radio back to where it was.

“It’s loud Terrence.”

I knew we were headed into argument territory so I backed down. Sometimes you have to back down, but not all the time.

“I’m going to leave the radio on, but I’ll turn it down okay?”

“That’s cool,” she said confidently.

“Don’t think you’re going to win every little fight we have.”

“I don’t expect to. I don’t plan on fighting over too much, do you?” She slipped her shoes and socks off.

Part 2: Stages: A Handbook on Men and Relationships - Chapter 19

Chapter 19

Stage Three Amendment Two: When everything is stated and it’s honest and sincere, there is a feeling that comes over you that makes you shiver. It isn’t a small thing. It’s very noticeable and you remember it. It is the moment you realize that maybe you’ve found the right person.

I had to place in maybe because we have not, I repeat have not, made it to Stage Four. After that Saturday night at Flip’s house Janice and I went to our own homes. I didn’t push anything. I wanted to let everything settle down for a while before I tried to make love, or have sex, or relations, whatever you wanna call it. I wanted to give her time to reconsider and make sure she made the right decision. I also waited, for the same reason. When we left Flip’s place we all felt relieved, I think. Maybe the feeling wasn’t relief, it may have been something closer to true happiness. I hugged Janice and walked her to her car which was parked further down the street.

Part 2: Stages: A Handbook on Men and Relationships - Chapter 18

Chapter 18

I thought about what I would say to Janice on the drive to the house. How would I begin? I had been practicing certain lines like, “I want this thing to work but it’s gonna take both of us.” Nothing seemed real. It all sounded rehearsed. I figured when I saw her I’d know what to say. We pulled up in front of the house, I didn’t see her car. The garage door was open and my car sat next to Tina’s inside. But Janice’s car was nowhere in sight. I felt kinda depressed when I saw that.

I had really changed and I couldn’t believe that it had happened. Over the course of putting this down on paper everything I thought was going to happen didn’t. I converted and the funny thing is Clyde my barber said it would happen soon. He was right. When I asked him to give that card to old girl at the shop, he said something that I declined to say. That day in the shop went down like this, I hope you remember:

Stages: A Handbook on Men and Relationships - Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Stage Three amendment: When a man has come to a fork in the road, he can’t sit and take his time. He has to choose and accept what may come. No turning back and going to look down the other road. Keep straight and accept it. Allow God to do his job and all things will turn out fine.

I thought long and hard about what had occurred. I knew that I’d made a mistake and that I’d blown my chance at stepping up. What I didn’t know was that I’d blow it in an attempt at moving up to Stage Three. That could’ve caused a bigger problem in the long run if I would’ve acted on my emotions and called Ros or Laney. The thought had crossed my mind. But I knew I had to reconsider. I wrote in my journal and it finally came to me. I had to get Janice back. I knew if I got Flip to talk to Tina then I could get back in there, but I had to fix this one. I had to take responsibility.

I didn’t talk to Janice for a week. That next weekend I had to help Flip move to his new place. He didn’t have much stuff, but the things he did have weighed a ton. We rented a truck and started with the living room. He refused to put his CD player and stereo stuff in the truck even though he still had the boxes for it all. There is nothing like a man and his music. Without a good stereo system a man is only half the man he could be. The same thing holds true for a man and his car. Flip saved all of his stereo equipment to move last. He put all of his stereo equipment into his SC. We filled the truck with all of the stuff and began cleaning the apartment. We didn’t have much to do considering Flip had stop spending the night at his house. He was staying with Tina at her crib, which is normal I guess. It’s that whole process when you start dating seriously. You spend one week at her house she spends the next week at yours. It eventually gets to the point that you question why you both have a place to stay. The normal progression is to make the next jump, moving in together. I guess that’s why Flip was asking me about it that day.

Stages: A Handbook on Men and Relationships - Chapter 16

Chapter 16

A reflection can be found anywhere, or it can come at anytime. Two of the most important reflections I’ve had in my adulthood happened because of a conversation with a brother three years younger than myself. Flip, like he said about Tina, was brought into my life for a reason. People coming into your life can happen guy to guy, just as it does with men and women. I knew it and I thanked God for bringing me a brother.

What I didn’t appreciate was his Stage Three whining. I just wasn’t in the mood for it. But he was my boy so I had to listen. Do you recall when I said that this book wasn’t going to change me, and that it was just a handbook? I guess by now you realize it’s more than that. It’s therapy. I’ve been listening to myself and actually paying attention to everything that’s going on around me. And for once, I’m willing to say that I would like to find a little peace.

It would be nice to wake up next to someone, without saying, “Damn, Damn, Damn,” like Florida Evans. It would be nice to know who’s calling when the phone rings and it would be nice to have consecutive birthday’s with the same woman. But there is always some unfinished business to take care of, so until I finish I won’t make that move. I’ll continue with what I’m doing.