the craft. what questions are you asking?

What questions are you asking?

Well, let me give some context here. In 2017, I listened to an album from a male R&B artist and started thinking, what happens when the playboy finally falls in love? That was the question that led to my debut novel, Good Morning, Love. I wanted to explore that idea through my story. I had no idea it would be the story that would land me an agent and my first book deal, but here we are.

What I’ve noticed about great writers, not saying I am (lol), but when I’m listening to other writers, they seem to always be asking questions. Same for different article ideas. Like why isn’t there more easily accessible information on the home buying process? Or why are our hip-hop legends dying so young and what can we do to prevent it?

The stories are in the questions we ask. The themes that we’re able to identify, explore and then articulate in a way that will help others relate to them as well. I remember reading “Bird by Bird” by Anne Lamott and she talked about exploring secondary characters in other stories. That led me to write a short story about Nia Long's fiance in “Love Jones” that she left behind. I kept thinking, dang, what happened to that brother?

We often talk about getting stuck or having these mental blocks and I’ve found that avoiding those blocks is about paying more attention. Asking more questions. Getting out from in front of the laptop to actually live a little for inspiration.

Writing is not all about word counts. Can we talk about how this weekend I spent time watching films about love triangles for inspiration? That’s all a part of the work. Immediately my brain started to understand what I needed to do in my own revisions. Works like a charm!

What I’ve learned is that writing is not about waiting on inspiration, but finding ways to be inspired by every part of life. And more specifically asking questions.

It’s a brand new month and I hope you’re feeling optimistic like I am. Somehow April really did me in. But I’m excited about hopefully turning in the last large revision for my book and moving on to the next part of the process. Maybe even being able to start on something new.

What questions do you want to ask in your work? What are some things you’re hoping to accomplish this month and how can this community help to hold you accountable? Feel free to reply or hit up Slack!

Writing/Job Opportunities

For Pride Month, @iamwellandgood is looking for pitches from LGBTQ+ writers for personal essays on the theme of love in all its forms. Rates start at $250. Email your ideas to james.thilman@wellandgood.com by Tuesday, May 4.

Input Magazine is looking for reviews, how-tos, and guides. Email pitches@inputmag.com.

The Monitor is accepting submissions. Whose Harvest? Decolonizing the Food Justice Movement.

Vice posted their pitch guidelines to solicit more diverse voices.

The Daily Beast is hiring a Social Media Editor.

The Pudding is hiring a Managing Editor.

The Economist is hiring a Senior Editor.

Dina Morales for Mayor is hiring a Senior Copyeditor.

Insider, Inc is hiring a Home & Kitchen Editorial Reference Fellow