It’s almost 3 a.m. here and I’m wide awake pondering over story ideas. I’m curious to know, do other black writers come up with great story ideas and then go “wait a minute, will a publishing company buy this?” “Will they give it chance?” “Will people read it?” “What will they categorize this as?”

For me as a young black woman and writer, I automatically would cross the story idea off the list and go to the next one. Tonight I ask myself, why? The answer: because I’m a coward and taking the easy way out by not writing it at all.

I’m almost sure white writers of romance isn’t worrying over these questions. If they are, trust that it’s for different reasons and not because of race. They’re writing what they love, what they’re passionate about, what they know and sometimes what they don’t know. They are taking chances. So why shouldn’t I? Or any other black writer? We should, and many already are

I’m forgetting about what publishing companies would think, and focus on writing a great book. Chances are if it’s good, someone might take a chance on it. I shouldn’t be sitting here worrying about all the “what if’s” of the publishing business. Instead, I should be dedicating myself to finishing manuscripts.  It is a shame that because of my character’s race, I’m hesitating or thinking twice. When I know, in the back of my mind, it I make my characters white, I would write that story. But, I shouldn’t want or have to change my characters race. Nor should I have to disguise my own. Yet, the sad reality is that people do just to see their story published. It’s sad that we have to even think about race at all, our’s and our characters. But that’s for a different post.

Now, if I’m dumping my own story ideas because of fear that publishers won’t buy it, then what gives me the right to complain about publishers not buying enough black romance novels. I can’t fight for a cause as well as hinder that cause. I’ve heard many people complain about the lack of romance novels with black characters or by black authors. I always ask them if they ever took the time out to find one and purchase it, the answer is usually no. I let them know that publishers are about making money, not ending racism. They are buying books that are selling. If your not taking the time out to buy a book written by a black author, then why should they (publishers) buy books from black authors.

This same theory apply to me as well with writing. If I’m complaining that it’s unfair that I have to second guess myself and my story ideas. Then why should publishers/agents/editors take chances on us? If we all write whatever we want, whatever genre, subgenre, hey, something will stick. Then get everyone we know; black, hispanic, white, etc. to buy novels written by black aauthors. Who knows we might be able to start the next hot trend!

This is just my opinion, I’m not published (yet) just a wannabe! I needed to vent about myself being my own speed bump, and the hubby is already sound asleep. 

So the only thing left for me to do is follow through…

My name is Velma, and I love reading and writing. I would read anything with a pulse. In the past I’ve spent many nights (okay I still do) making up my own characters. I’ve written a few short stories, and for a short while a few articles for our local paper. I’ve been itching to write a novel and when I became pregnant with our third child, my husband and I decided I would stay home with the children and work on my writing career. Really, he didn’t want to deal with daycare costs, but I’m not complaining, it works for me. I can finally work on achieving this life long dream of becoming a published author. So far I’m enjoying the writing process and hopefully you all will see a little more of me as I continue on with this journey.

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