"I’m going to write a book!" As a librarian, I hear that a lot. Hey, I was once that patron who said it! And a very knowledgeable librarian helped me. I checked out books on writing, and after a few months, I thought I had a really good story and gave it to a few trusted readers and waited for feedback. My new friends told me the story was dry and needed work. Talk about a reality check! After picking up my ego, I realized they were right and was determined to learn how to make it better. One of the things I learned was it takes more than likeable characters to tell a story. In order to grab a reader’s attention, your story has to reach their emotions in ways that make the story memorable. Part of that is done with a great setting. What is a setting? Dictonary.com defines setting as: the local or period in which the action of a novel, play, film, etc. takes place. In my opinion, the setting is another character in your story. It’s the location of your novel, the background of a scene. It is the catalyst for what motivates your characters. You need to know as much about your setting as you know about your characters’ backstories. After all, most small towns, cities, states, and countries have histories—good and bad. So, how do you use setting in a story? If you’re reading, does the setting stand out? In the Butterfly Memoirs, the setting for the first three novels is Los Angeles, California. Books 4 and 5 are set in Atlanta, Georgia, and book 6 is set in Miami, Florida. Writing the setting for four of those books was a challenge! Why? Because I am from Atlanta and have never been to Los Angeles! I did visit Miami once, though. For settings where I’ve never been, I trust Google a lot! I had a vision, of course, but then Google made it possible for me to research the locations. Searching for images helped me accurately describe a location such as the Santa Monica Pier and the Los Angeles Zoo in A Heart Not Easily Broken. Using places I was more familiar with in Nobody’s Business and Alone were easier because I live in Atlanta. That didn’t stop me from using Google to keep the details accurate even in Atlanta. The last thing you want is to write something that you see in your mind without fact-checking, and then have readers call you out on it. Beta readers help, too! Especially if you know someone from the area you set your story. Happy Reading and Writing! MJ Multicultural Romance with Heart and Soul!
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Embarking on the journey of writing my first novel was a tumultuous adventure filled with trepidation and excitement. Armed with nothing but passion, and driven by my Muse, the process started. The choice was clear - I would create a narrative where love blossoms beyond the barriers of race and color, echoing my personal belief that love knows no bounds.
Ebony Campbell, my heroine, is a strong, goal-oriented black woman. A twist of fate throws her into an unexpected whirlpool of emotions, making her question the path she meticulously planned for herself. As an African-American author, the obvious choice for a hero would seem to be a black man, but creativity took the reins, leading me to envision a different, captivating romantic interest.
During the narrative's inception, I stumbled upon the character of Brian Young - a charismatic, white man with blue eyes that seemed to see right through Ebony's strong exterior. Brian, defying stereotypes with his compassionate nature, became the pillar Ebony didn’t know she needed.
Determined to infuse authenticity into the interracial relationship of Ebony and Brian, extensive research became my ally. Exploring stories of real-life interracial couples, delving into statistics, and absorbing the nuanced experiences of people in such relationships, became stepping stones in crafting a story that resonated with realism and heartfelt emotions.
A Heart Not Easily Broken focuses not just on the racial aspect but also navigates through the couple’s individual journeys and collective experiences. It shines a light on love’s ability to triumph over societal norms and personal insecurities, painting a canvas where colors blend seamlessly, fostering a beautiful relationship.
Even today, the world behind closed doors whispers judgments, and skepticism looms around interracial relationships. However, my story encourages embracing love beyond color lines, emphasizing that happiness blossoms where love is nurtured, irrespective of societal norms.
The positive reception and heartwarming reviews from readers, including those who found a piece of their truth in Ebony and Brian’s journey, remain the treasures of this writing adventure. A Heart Not Easily Broken is not merely a tale of love but a reflection of life’s ability to surprise us with the beauty found in unexpected places.
Discover this journey of love, overcoming societal judgments and personal fears, in the vivid pages of A Heart Not Easily Broken - where love knows no color. Learn More on Amazon.com, or Read an Excerpt.
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