Favorite and Least Favorite Characters from The Other Side of the Fence

Favorite Characters from The Other Side of the Fence from Ang Harper on Vimeo.

Interview on Quarantine Radio

This is my 1st interview about The Other Side of the Fence! I had a great time discussing the book and other topics. Enjoy!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/quarantine_radio/2012/09/05/quarantine-radio-interview-with-writer-angela-naomi

Writer’s Blockage

Writer’s Blockage is what I’m currently experiences. I’ve so many things to write about that all these ideas are trying to escape at once. If it were possible I would retreat inside myself and start shouting orders, “You sit down!” “You stop it!” “Pause! It’s not your turn!” UGH! However, I can’t do that.

What will I do? I will write a list of topics and work on each one. Trust me when I say my brain is overwhelmed. I’ve a new vlog coming up in which I will be discussing my favorite characters from The Other Side of the Fence and revealing the upcoming e-books! Oooh, I’ll also let you all know what happened to Social Commentary.

The Other Side of the Fence- Paperback Copies!

The UPS man arrived today with a small package for me. I ripped it open and behold there was a paperback copy of The Other Side of the Fence! I want to say thank you to everyone for being so patient. Those who have already pre-ordered I will be placing your orders this weekend and shipping next week.

I am a woman of my word and I know I promised that a certain amount would be hand signed. I don’t remember that number so I’m going to say the first 29 will be hand signed. Why 29? Well, I’ll be 29 in September so yeah…that’s why.

Thanks again for your support!

The Other Side of the Fence

Warning Label

If people came with a warning label what would yours say? Here’s mine

Warning:

1.  Indecisive about certain things (i.e. where to eat, where to hang out, what to wear)
2. Hates being forced to be the leader.
3. Doesn’t like when a group effort turns into a single lead project (refer to #1)
4. Likes foods from different countries, be prepared to taste test
5. Doesn’t cry, but when she does it’s bad.
6. Has a temper, but you’ll rarely see it
7. Loves to dance and loves to watch So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars and anything else that deals with dance.
8. Hates being bossed around
9. Introverted and extroverted get over it
10. Writing is a passion…not a hobby. Pens, pencils, papers, and notebooks will be strewn about
11. Keeps a messy room, but makes an effort to clean it periodically. You have no business getting comfortable in her room anyway
12. Doesn’t trust easily.
13. Keeps few friends.
14. Is used to people leaving her, so if you leave don’t think you’re doing any new damage.
15. Only likes being single because she knows no other way
16. Has an extensive vocabulary. Words are important (refer to #10)
17. Doesn’t like going to random weddings. She must be a friend or family of bride and/or groom. Don’t take her to a wedding of your friends, if you two are JUST friends.
18. Loves children, but doesn’t want any until the time is right
19. Hates being lied to. Just be honest. 
20. Traveling is in her blood. Be prepared to go everywhere.
21. Doesn’t show many emotions, but has a lot of feelings.
22. Will sometimes withdraw from people, nothing personal just needs a moment
23. Needs hugs periodically.
24. Tries to save the world, but would rather not get any praise for her good deeds.
25. Doesn’t like to be the center of attention.
26. Is not materialistic, but likes to have nice things.
27. Loves scary movies.
28. When she loves you she’ll go through hell and high water with you. (Don’t take that for granted)
29. Doesn’t like to cook. It’s just a part of life.
30. Talks a lot, but holds a lot in.
31. Loathes when people with no experience try to tell her how to do what she’s been doing for years.
32. Has a great sense of humor, but can’t tell a joke.
33. Do not threaten her. Idle threats are for idle minds. Feeling froggy? Leap.
34. If you choose to argue with her be prepared to defend your every word. She does not back down from an argument.

Getting Started

I’m constantly fascinated by the writing process. Each writer has their own unique way of getting started, working through it, and finishing. I hand write before I type. Creating The Other Side of the Fence was a process that started in 1 notebook and slowly, but surely crept its way onto several sheets of loose leaf paper and legal pads. For some strange reason, my brain does not function well writing directly on the computer. I can blog, but I have trouble writing creative fiction on the computer. I need the connection of pencil to paper. I need to draw my arrows, lines, loops, and note bubbles.

As writers we can have all the ideas in the world, but if we do nothing with those ideas what good are they? I admit, I have been lolly-gagging around with a writing and it’s time to stop! I encourage ALL writers to get started on their projects. Don’t hesitate! WRITE!

Forgive Yourself

I’ve dabbled in songwriting for a few years, however, I haven’t written a song in SEVERAL years. Last night I read a few chapters of Paulo Coehlo’s Aleph and then laid back to watch The Real Housewives of Atlanta (don’t judge I love that show). Anyway, I started humming a melody and suddenly these lyrics about forgiving ourselves flooded my head. I grabbed my iPod and began to type until I fell asleep…literally. I made it to the bridge, so I am okay.

My writer’s block I’ve been experiencing has been due to my personal life. Currently, I’m going through a huge transition and relocating to another state. The lyrics accurately capture things going on in my life. We all make mistakes and we apologize to others; we even learn to forgive others for the wrong they’ve done to us. When do we forgive ourselves for the mistakes we’ve made or hard choices we had to make? When do we finally let go of all the hurt, sadness, pain, and frustration?

I’m not sure when I will sit at the piano and put the music to the lyrics, but who knows it may be powerful enough to be done acapella.

Writer’s Block Part 2

The writer’s block monster accosted me again! This time around, I didn’t fight back. I succumbed to the dangerous lullaby of, “Nothing to Write Tonight,” and allowed the monster to rock me to sleep. Why did I allow this to happen? I will usually find the root cause and wield my sword (pen) at the monster! Well, truth be told, I’m tired. A good friend of mine quietly said to me, “Ang, you’re only 1 person.”

I am guilty of forgetting that I am only 1 person; I can’t handle everything and it’s fine. There are no quotas for me to fill nor are there any deadlines to reach. If I don’t have anything to write or don’t feel like writing, I don’t have to write. My personal life has interfered with my writing. There are things I need(ed) to take care of before I shift my focus back to writing; evenly for leisure.  Once I take care of these things, I will be able to return to my usual flow.

Brainstorming doesn’t cease when I’m dealing writer’s block. In fact, I have been brainstorming the next 4 e-books and have begun writing 1 of the shorter ones. The monster is not singing the lullaby as loudly, but it’s still singing.

Then and Now

Thanks  Farai Chideya and Tayari Jones for this challenge.

Time Capsule Challenge. Tayari gave me age 21

Then: I had 3 celebrations. The first was spent with my mom’s side of the family. My cousin was turning 1 and I was turning 21; we had a joint family bday party. The 2nd was dinner with my sister, parents, and close friends. The 3rd was a wild house party that should’ve landed me and a few of my guests in jail; it was epic. I was a junior in college and miserable. I finally gave up being a NC Teaching Fellow and changed my major from Sociology Education to just Sociology (my 3rd major change). I had a haphazard attempt at my first relationship and before we even got started it was over. Seriously, I didn’t even get to answer if I wanted to be the girlfriend before shit hit the fan and I was tossed to the side like week old garbage. I was even told that I didn’t matter in the first place. I was contemplating dropping out of school; nothing new cuz I had been thinking of dropping out since I was a sophomore. I had nothing to look forward to and was just doing the whole college life thing cuz that’s what I was supposed to do. I was still mourning the death of my Pop-Pop and not coping in a healthy manner. My friendships and being involved with The P3 Group were my saving grace and the best thing that happened to me was my best friend moving back to NC; I hadn’t seen her in 5 years.

Now: I’m 28. I’ve yet to have a relationship. LOL! I’m working on several interrelated projects and I am looking forward to this year being OVER! I’ve been living in Raleigh for 3yrs and am adjusting to my current living arrangements. I finally feel like I’m living my life for ME. Everything I do is for the betterment of myself. I’ve learned to say, “NO” and thoroughly enjoy saying it. I no longer do things to appease others or because it’s the “right” thing to do.  Others have called my life exciting, a movie, and a soap opera; it’s normal to me. I self published a book that I had to find the courage to write. I’ve grown so much as a person and my close friends have seen this growth. I’m still a work in progress, but thank the gods I don’t look like what I’ve been through.

It’s Been too Long!

I sincerely do apologize for the neglect of this site. I murdered my laptop and then life got in the way. I’m back in business now!

Been working with the printing company on hard copies of The Other Side of the Fence. Being without a computer and everything else that has happened pushed the book to the rear of my life. No worries, e-Copies are still available on Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and direct download.

The webseries is on hold. We did have some donations come through. I thank each of you; your funds are safe and waiting patiently.

I’ll be posting more! I promise!