Lena's Literary Lounge

Book Rewrite

2008-10-28T07:46:00.005-04:00

It has been a while since I posted to my blog; I know I have to get on the ball. I recently added more to my workload. I have been freelance writing for a company by the name of Triond and hopefully I will also be writing for another company name Conjecture. I am enjoying having my work seen. It has done something for the confidence of this amatuer writer, but what I am finding is that with each article I write, I am not only developing an individual writing style, but my writing is getting much better. With that being said, I have some bad news.

The Bad News

My book has been on hold for quite some time now and for the life of me I could not understand why I was stuck writing a book that I have lived. I should know the story line with no problem right? I sure do, but when I began writing my book I was a true novice. My grasp for the English language was pretty tight, but I had no writing style to call my own. I hadn't even adopted one from someone else. I was just writing.

As I have read my book over and over a million times it dawned on me that, I really just didn't like the way I had written it. As I become a better writer, I have learned that I can make my book better, so with that being said I have decided to scrap this one and start over. I know, I know, what the hell am I talking about? Why would I do that after taking so long to write the first draft? Well, if I am not happy with it then no one else will be. I have had family and friends read it, but they are very partial to my writing and will not tell me what I really need to hear.

There was one female writer that was perfectly honest with me. I don't know her from a can of paint, but she took it upon herself to give constructive criticism and I took it. I didn't take it to heart, but I did take. She was right in her critique I know this now and I would have only known by writing other works and having them critiqued just the same. I will be rewriting my book and you all will just have to wait.

With that being said, I want to thank the four people that come and check my blog for updates and are true fans. No exhageration, but all good just the same. I will keep you all posted on the progress of the book and here is where you can find that. Until I am done, God bless and thanks for allowing me to share.

Freelancing Writing

2008-09-27T13:06:00.002-04:00

I never realized writing a book would be so boring. I would imagine writing about material that is so familiar would become monotonous. Now, I understand why it was so difficult for some of my professors in college to get their point across. They were too versed on the subject. So, I am taking an even longer break from writing 'Camouflage', but I am still writing. I am not suffering from writer's block nor is my personal life an interference. I have had some recent life changing moments occur in my life. I am just bored with this particular book. It is a good read, but I am just tired of writing it already. I am still writing! Click on the title (Freelance Writing) above to go directly to the page; you will find some of my writing, articles and poems.

There are interesting original articles that I wrote about my life, experiences and some that I have had to gather researched information, such as the article about Sen. Obama. This particular article brings to you those things that make him special. Check it out.

Well, for now I am freelance writing. I pray you all get a chance to check my stuff out and I pray you like it or at least find useful information. Thanks for listening because I will be talking about it!!

Lena

In Love in More Ways Than One!!

2008-08-23T07:51:00.000-04:00

I have to tell you all that I am deeply apologetic for taking so long to write this next entry. I have been unbelievably busy these past months, but for good reason. Planning for my 23rd class reunion was in order. It was about time and I have to say it was well worth the wait. We promised we would not wait that long for the next one. We have to do the every 5 year thing after the 25th in two years. I had no idea a reunion would have such a profound affect on my peers and myself. We had a great turnout. The committee did a great job at getting as many of the alumni from Springfield Gardens High School as we could find. The next one will be even bigger and better. We will start a year out. We know what not to do the next time around.

This reunion was particularly great for me because I was reunited with my boyfriend when I was 15 years old. Remarkably, it was like time had stopped. The chemistry was still there and it was apparent. The downside, he is married. The upside, he is getting a divorce. I would say seeing me prompted him to act a bit quicker, but he had a plan and that was to find the girl, now a woman who made him feel so good 25 years ago when his life was a big mess. He has told me constantly that he never stopped loving me that he was still in love with me after all these years and I believe him. He has show such kindness, love, patience, honesty and just sheer courage it is surreal.

So, with saying this you can all imagine my book has suffered much like everything else in my life. I am desperately hanging on to what little bit of focus I have. I don't want to lose it all. I will never get anything done. He is very supportive though and I get the feeling he will make damn sure I finish my book. He told me he bought a bookshelf for all the books I am going to write. I love this man.

I needed to get this one out. I haven't written anything except love letters and poems since my last blog and I apologize. I have decided to publish with Publish America and my agent is doing a good job of keeping me informed on all that I need to know about the industry right now. Thanks Collette. You are a gem.

Well, thanks for listening and I promise to be more on top of this thing. After all this is my love and it was here first. Talk you all soon....

Distractions

2008-05-05T21:12:00.000-04:00

Hello to all,

Just want to let you all know that I appreciate you stopping by and keeping up with me! Much love and appreciation!!!

Well, all I can say is it has been hectic to say the least. I have tried to keep it all together, but today I had the scare of my life. I THOUGHT I DELETED MY BOOK FROM MY COMPUTER!!! What? How in the hell does that happen? I won't go into the that. but I will say that I did say I thought. You have to understand when your life gets busy as mine has lately, you lose track of everything. I don't care how careful you are. Now I understand why these celebrities require so much assistance. Damn! They would lose their heads if they didn't have their PAs to keep them attached. I was trying to get all my files together on my computer in folders (how ironic) and there were a whole group of files I could not find. My daughter finally got her own laptop, (yes I am doing the laptop dance) and I wanted to get rid of all her files and straighten mine up a bit.

I put my book and some other very important files on my external hard drive and why didn't I remember that? I would say that I am so organized that I don't even realize, but honestly it is because I have way too many distractions. I work from home, everyone knows this and they still call me during work hours, which I have created for those that work so we could be on the same schedule, but they still call. My people in California. Come on guys, I really have a job. I have been called Tommy (from Martin) because people don't think I have a real job. I am probably the most flexible person I know. But, that is flexible for my and my daughter's benefit, mom and dad maybe, but no one else.

I can't seem to finish the last couple of chapters of my book and it is getting very frustrated and pissed off. I do know how to not answer my phone, but then they call the home phone and there is no turn off button. The ringer causes me to lose focus. I turn the cell off and that doesn't work and they ask if I have finished the book. They want the emails, they want the IM's. I disable everything and people still trying to get at me anyway possible. WOW!!!

Well, I thought I didn't have the luxury of moving to be isolated, but it turns out I do. I will be moving to Atlanta, Georgia to get my mind right. I love it down there and I am not sure I will return to NY, but I have to finish this book. I have publishers waiting.

Come on yall give ya gurl Lena a break and let me finish this book. I am bored with it already and I am ready to start the next one. In fact I have, but I can't continue on until I finish the first one. Love you all still.

Lena

ATL Radio Talk Show/Camouflage Promotional

2008-04-12T08:08:00.000-04:00

Hello All,

I have been away for sometime and for this I apologize. Book writing is very difficult when you don't have the luxury of going into seclusion. It has been hectic to say the least. For those of you that have been here to check out my blog, much appreciation. You won't be disappointed when Camouflage is done.

I wanted to share with everyone my recent activities as far as promotion for Camouflage. I was afforded the blessing of being able to not only talk about Camouflage, but also share my thoughts about my take on this current war with Avery and Karma on WATB 1420 AM, Atlanta talk radio last night. (The show is on every Friday night from 8:00 to 10:00 pm) I was very nervous to say the least. I am making this point because the realization came over me just how much controversy Camouflage is going to bring. I did hold back a great deal because not only didn't I want to give the contents away, but I became paralyzed when it finally sunk in that this book was going to carry an extremely large amount of controversy. I was both excited and afraid of the fallout.

Being as honest as I can be I have often wondered through my life's travels what my purpose was. Being a natural writer and thinker, I was plagued with drifting though life helping others and I was resentful of not being able to do what I needed to do for myself because I was not only bogged down, but even worried about helping others. I know that Camouflage will not only help people understand what goes on in the minds of soldiers, but it will also assist those that are considering joining if they share those same thoughts. It takes a very special person to be a soldier.

Coco (main character) was only 18 when she joined the Army back in 1986. The racial and sexist ills and woes that were confronting her still exist today, but not on the same level. The men that were soldiers back in 1986 were Vietnam Vets and they had very little tolerance for women in the military then. There is a bit more acceptance and tolerance of women in the military today. The mind of a women is needed in bringing about some form of balance in the US military and it is not uncommon in many other countries for women to be arm and arm with men in battle. In some countries it is both encouraged and expected. I am not saying it is a good thing because I don't support this war, but I will say that just like every other country we need to be able to DEFEND our freedoms. Not to be bullies, but to have a standing army for protection. I believe we need protection from our own government at times, but we need protection for the country just the same to be able to be as free as we are and continue to have such freedoms. Without war there would be no peace. It is just a shame we have to be entered into wars that don't make any sense and wars that are greed induced.

I hope you all enjoyed this blog and if nothing more picked up some jewels that you may be passed on or even debated. We are talking about it, but are we REALLY talking about it?

Thanks for reading! (Achives of the show will be available and posted soon)

Lena Brown

Excerpt from Camouflage

2008-02-08T09:32:00.001-05:00

Good Morning All,

It is very early and I am up and ready to finish my book already! It has been a long year and I am just ready to finish. I want to share with all of you one portion of the book that touches on race. It deals with a soldier in the platoon that was from Mississippi. We never want to label anyone with sterotypes, but this woman was the epitome of racism. She is it's poster child.

The troops were sitting in the break area outside in the backyard of their barracks. This was a very serene place. The landscaping was beautiful thanks to the troops. It was the duty of those that didn't attend church to do the landscaping. It didn't need it though. The mountain back drop didn't look real. The sun soaked trees and grass were a display for the best picture ever taken. The women were all relaxing. Something they didn't get to do often. They spoke freely.

Private Pope was always too free with her mouth though. Her cohort, Klein, wanted to get to a can of shoe polish that was sitting along side Pope. "Pope can you pass me that can of shoe polish?" Pope replied uncensored and without any remorse, "Do I look black to you?" Klein was appaulled and embarrassed. This was her "friend". She knew she was a redneck, but didn't think she was also a racist. Not all rednecks are racist and not all racists are rednecks. Pope was both. "What?" Klein responded. "You heard me, I said (in the slowest southern drawl she could muster), Do I look black to you?"

Coco couldn't believe what she had just heard and with three giants steps ran towards Pope. Trina, Coco's best friend cried, "No Coco!" She knew what was about to transpire. Coco grabbed Pope by her extra long hair (hung down to her butt) and pulled her to the ground. Coco was so bothered by what she had just said that she only knew to react. As she dragged her along the rocks, she began hitting her in the face with her fist yelling, "Don't you ever think it is all right for you to talk like that. I don't know what the hell you were thinking, but here is your answer right here."

Yes, it is all true and yes everyone had heard it. How is it people think that it is all right to speak this way? Why would she think for one minute that no one would respond or react to her words?

That is just one time that racism was presented to Coco in a way that she was not accustom to. It certainly was not the last time.

Just a tidbit for you all.

Rolling Right Along

2008-01-31T14:13:00.000-05:00

Hello all,

It has been a wonderful New Year so far. I truly can't complain. I realize it has been quite sometime since I posted a blog. It has been very difficult for me to do so much typing. I type for work all day, I type my book and now this blog. It has been hell on my hand, fingers and wrists. I don't want to get burned out before I start. What I have decided to do in order to keep the progress of my book going is to write the remainder free hand. (As I am typing this I am working)! This has worked well for me because I can write wherever I am.

I have about three chapters left and I am excited.

I have gotten in touch with some publishers and one has shown a lot of interest, so please all prayers would be appreciated.

That is it for now. I will do my best to keep everyone informed. Thanks so much for all of the support and see you next time.

Lena

Myrtle Beach Sunrise

2007-11-17T07:50:00.000-05:00

This is the Mrytle Beach sunrise!! It is a fabulous new day!!! Enjoy!!

Myrtle Beach, it's not a post card, it's a cell fone pic!!!

2007-11-16T23:03:00.000-05:00

Have you ever seen something so phenominal. This is Myrtle Beach right now as you read this. I am here having a wonderful time. It is cold as hell though.

It took about 11 hours to get here and I am exhausted, but not tired enough for a blog post.

If I was having trouble getting this book done, I have found the perfect place to get at least some of the book done. It is quiet, serene and you see for yourself, this is enough to get anyone's creative juices flowing.

It's not a postcard yall, that is a picture taken on my cell phone can you believe it. This kind of scenery makes any kind of camera look like a million dollars. It is late and I am falling asleep at my computer.

Talk to you guys later, I will put some more pictures up so stay connected!!

Colleen

Vacation

2007-11-14T18:28:00.000-05:00

I am in need of some get away from New York time and with that being said I am taking a trip with a good friend of mine, Carmella, to Myrtle Beach. I can't wait!

I started writing the sixth chapter of the book, but again I am truly having memory loss. I know what happened, but I just can't remember in what order. I guess that is something you have to look forward to at 40, not being able to remember nothing!! For the most part, it has been an absolute thrill writing this book; although, sometimes frustrating. I can't wait to be finished already. I am truly amazed at how writers just crank books out one after the other. I pray that I will be able to do the same.

I have had some very positive feedback from my family and friends about the book and I am really gaining a lot of confidence. I must say that I was a bit anxious about what people would say, but honestly I feel if I like it then it is all good!

Thanks for stopping by and listening to my trials with this book. Many continued Blessings to all!!

Veteran's Day

2007-11-12T17:41:00.000-05:00

How coincidental that my birthday falls a day before Veteran's Day! I never really paid much attention to this day until I started getting Thanks for your service messages and things of that sort. I think that I never really paid attention to this one particular holiday because I have my brothers/sisters fighting for us in my prayers all the time. I represent them everyday!!

My mother and father finally read the very very rough draft of my book and were very pleased. I think they were both really surprised at how expressive I could be. I was surprised that they didn't know that about me. I have always been over the top with my emotions. Writing has made it easier for me to express myself in a more positive way. They both really like the book and finished it in about two days.

I would imagine this type of book has to have some element of readability, so I am not concerned about how fast people read it. I realize I had left out some key elements that I had spoken to them about. The mind only remembers what it wants. That is my struggle right now. I want the book to have authenticity, I also want it to make you feel my emotions at that time. I believe a lot of young women will be able to relate.

I still have about 50 pages to write, about two chapters. I have all the editing to do and hopefully I still have the energy to self publish. I don't want to do it, but I don't want to give up the rights to my story or my book. I think I have found a publisher that will allow me to keep the rights. I will find out soon enough.

I am working hard and praying even harder. Thanks again to all of my friends and family for stopping by!

I Appreciate My Friends

2007-11-10T02:04:00.001-05:00

I am truly blessed. Thank you to my friends that took the time to come to my blog. You don't know how much that means to me, but I can show you better than I can tell you. I am definitely going to be giving copies away...

I am 40 years old today.... That is a blessing in itself. I mean we always say if God willing and he was willing, so here I am. For all of my friends that are turning 40 ( you know who you are) I don't know about you all, but I feel very different, physically and mentally. Honestly, I feel like a grown up finally. Realizing that you are capable and can RELLY do anything just doesn't come as easier for some. I was so wrapped up in the lives of people I loved, I pushed a lot of things to the side. It sounds crazy, but it is true.

It is a new day though....

I want to tell you all that, I will be including excerpts of my book in the blogs so make sure you subscribe to my blog so that you can be notified of when I make a post.

Please remember I am still writing the book and it is in it's very rough draft state. Although, I type and proofread all day with my regular job, this is different. It is much more work than I expected. What the heck was I thinking? Now what do you make of that? I guess I thought the book was going to write itself. Well you know what, I did and I say that because I thought that since I was drawing on my experiences that it would come easy.

So, wrong was I. It has been a journey though, and I wanted to share it with my friends and my family. I am not much of a blogger because it required more typing and more proofing. I had to take a break from the book because I was sort of burned out on typing and proofing. But, I will do my best to maintain this blog. I have a myspace page also, so I am just a glutton for punishment....

This is my way of keeping a journal. I wished I would have done this years ago. My book would have already been written.... Thanks for listening, thanks for your support and many blessings.

Oh yeah and I have to tell you all this; if my blogs seems to have a sense of meloncholy it is because I can't use exclamation points in my blogs, can you imagine that??? Talk to you all later.....

2007-11-09T14:50:00.000-05:00

Let me start off by saying my life is wonderful, God is truly amazing! This book writing journey has been a truly enlightening experience. I have been told too many times, "You should write a book." Well, to all of you that knew that writing was my "calling", THANK YOU!! I have finally found something that I am passionate about; something I get excited about when I wake up every morning.

I am almost done with my book. It has been difficult to write only because I have to draw on my experiences in Basic Training over 20 years ago. If I regret anything in my life it is that I never kept a journal. I bet you I do now!! My dad, handed me some letters I wrote when I was in basic training that I never knew he kept. How cool is that? Those letters have made it much easier for me to remember the who's, what, where and when. Thank you Daddy!

This is my first time out and I have never felt such confidence. I will add excerpts of the book from time to time. So, please come back often!!

Thank you for stopping by!!

Many Blessings