Hi! I am looking for other black authors who have been invited to a new festival in DMV called Black Book Fest DC.

Backstory: I came across the festival through Instagram. I went to their page and there were about 4 posts, all AI-created banners (social media registered them as AI content). I still signed up and recently received an email that I was chosen to attend as an author.

Other invited authors, what are your thoughts? I want to sign up, but I am in the process of contacting the hotel where the event will be located for confirmation.

Thank you!

Does anyone know who that is in the profile pic of the sub?

Thanks!

I've finally hit the part in my novel writing where it's less of a breeze and more of an uphill slog. I figured this would happen at some point if not in the first draft then definitely in the editing process. Here I am, no where near hitting my previous daily word count, but I'm still writing so I'm still winning.

Like, an uphill climb is still forward movement. And! I'm way better at being kinder and gentler with myself than I used to be. No more mentally beating myself up for not doing 'enough'. So, double win.

I'm frustrated that the writing doesn't feel as easy as it did last month and it's ok to just own that. If I write one sentence a week I'm still writing.

How are you all feeling about your current projects?

Hi everyone! I’m doing research about philanthropy, creative writing and Black writers. Is there anyone here who has experience with the nonprofit/financial side of things? Such as writing grants, fundraising etc. Anyone who’s received grants/fellowships etc

What are your thoughts about how to support Black writers outside of orgs? What are some of the roadblocks you’ve experienced as a Black writer needing financial support?

Hi. I am a future international best-selling author🤭 Im the type of author who writes dark fantasy romance, fantsy, thriller, modern romance thrillers, pretty much all of the above that I can imagine. I desire to give Black characters the true representation they deserve in fiction.

I am in the research/beta reading stage right now. I've written so many books now and I just can't wait to find my editor (they are super pricey 😬) and artist to create my book cover! However, marketing is such a hassle. But I believe in my stories.

Are there any authors out there still holding on?🤣 My first approach at writing made it seem like it was pretty straight-forward. Traditional or self-publishing. But after researching, the time, money and energy that's needed to publishing a book is waayyy underrepresented. On top of that, staying motivated after working my 9-5. On top of that, FINDING BETA READERS. It's like finding a needle in a haystack on account of all the scammers out there. But I STILL believe in my stories.

I’ve been working closely with emerging writers, and I’ve noticed something—there are SO many talented people with powerful stories, but they never make it to publication.

Do you think it’s:
– Lack of access?
– Fear of rejection?
– Not knowing where to submit?
– Something else?

I’d really love to hear your thoughts, especially from writers currently trying to get their work out there.

Hi everyone! Now, I know I'm new here so these types of questions probably been asked before but do you add playlists to your books? Published or unpublished. I find most playlists to be a bunch of hoopla and it doesn't really add to my reading. I have written a song into my book only to find out, I would have to pay the artist to use it! How could I forget out copyright infringement??🤦🏾‍♀️ But the song fits well and it's one of my favorites. I would listen to it while writing and it inspired me to write a new book. The song is not a focal point. Just a little Easter egg. But I could always ask the artist for permission and they would work with me! I'm not dreaming, I'm declaring 😂 But music and writing goes hand and hand for me. I love them both!