Posted on February 26, 2020
by StellaLove4Life
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Representation Matters: A Poem by Stella Williams
I am a Black Author.
I write diverse characters in my books.
I am a Black Wife
I write Black love.
I write Interracial Love.
I write ROMANCE.
I write Paranormal Romance.
I am a Black Mother
I want my readers to finish my books with a wistful sigh,
a deep need to explore the worlds I create.
I write for the escapism.
Away from the side eyes, the suspicions, the threats.
I write for the drama and the joy.
I write to push boundaries.
Glass ceilings, border walls, and Gatekeepers Beware.
I write to bring awareness.
I write for people who look like me and for those who don’t.
I am a Black Veteran
I write to protect my peace.
I write to protect my sanity.
I write to fight racism and in spite of racism.
I am a Proud Black Woman
These are my ideas, my words, my stories, my voice.
Not to be stolen, adapted, ignored or pushed aside
Writing is my life.
I REPRESENT
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Social Distancing & The Writer
Posted on March 16, 2020 by StellaLove4Life
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We are living in crazy times. I am almost nostalgic for the social catastrophes of 2019 at this point. At least then it was the same old BS and not a global pandemic causing people to lose their ever loving minds. The nihilists of the world are all sitting back with smug ‘i told you so’ smiles. I am an author by trade. I spend long hours alone in my office tapping away on my keyboard. The majority of my socialization is over the internet.
I honestly can’t relate to those who have no idea how to just stay home for a few weeks. I also can’t relate to the people who are selfishly stockpiling supplies like it’s the end of the world with no regard to their neighbors. So here is my attempt at explaining a few things about social distancing from someone who is a natural distancer.
*Disclaimer: I am not a scientist or health professional this is a summary of how I have interpreted facts about COVID-19 and what changes I have made in my life because of it.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
What is social distancing?
Basically staying as far away from other people and crowds as possible.
Why is it important?
The further away people are the less chance of human to human infection. Which not only slows the spread of the virus but allows scientists more time to produce a vaccine.
How am I coping?
Like I have stated above, the majority of my work I do from home in front of a computer. My volunteering exposes me to less than 10 people a week. So for social distancing the areas I have to worry about is grocery shopping and going to bars with my writers group.
How do I solve my distancing hot spots?
What’s my entertainment plan?
I am a homebody so I am already stocked up on things to do at home. Also keep in mind that Social Distancing does not mean that you can’t enjoy time outdoors.
What I am basically trying to say is that Social Distancing isn’t hard. I’m not saying that it doesn’t have some detrimental economic consequences but those of us who have the privilege not to worry about the financial impact shouldn’t be complaining. Social distancing is the easy part. It could be so much worse and the whole point is to not let it get any worse. Staying home and not depleting resources in a panic is the least we can do for the greater good.
My Message to Fellow Writers
Please, for the love of all things literary DO NOT throw together COVID-19 stories to capitalize on this very serious global event. I’m not saying don’t write these stories if it helps you cope with the fear and anxiety. I am all for writing as therapy but it is an entirely different thing to monetize the fear and anxiety of others. Don’t be like those shady dealers selling dollar store sanitizer for insane mark ups.
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Pieces of Me: A Letter to My Fans
Posted on March 2, 2020 by StellaLove4Life
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Dear Creatives,
It’s the third month of the year and I am feeling a bit overwhelmed with everything that has happened in my life so far this year. I wish I could say it’s been nothing but daisies and hours of quality writing time. Instead, I’ve been sucked down the rabbit hole of having a social media presence and marketing my butt off for my latest release. I just want to say at this point that I am not complaining. It is an absolute gift that I can spend most of my days in front of a computer working for myself. I have few major distractions from my work other than my own bad habits with procrastination.
I continuously tell myself that I need to scale back. To give up just one thing, to prioritize like the boss I am. I just can’t. I want to. I think about it. I make lists and plans and strategies but, in the end, I only ever add to my list of to do’s more than anything else. It’s a real struggle. I’m trying to be better. So if You don’t see a post from me on social media or here on this blog. If you notice I go a week or two without a new YouTube Video please don’t take that as me being lazy or not caring. I just need a break before burnout truly sets in or I’m focused on a different aspect of my life. I am an Author, a blogger, a YouTuber, a Mother, a Wife, A community Activist, and HUMAN!
Yours Truly,
Stella Williams
P.S. Make Sure You Vote and for the love of humanity Wash Your Hands People! #CoronaVirus
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Representation Matters
Posted on February 26, 2020 by StellaLove4Life
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Representation Matters: A Poem by Stella Williams
I am a Black Author.
I write diverse characters in my books.
I am a Black Wife
I write Black love.
I write Interracial Love.
I write ROMANCE.
I write Paranormal Romance.
I am a Black Mother
I want my readers to finish my books with a wistful sigh,
a deep need to explore the worlds I create.
I write for the escapism.
Away from the side eyes, the suspicions, the threats.
I write for the drama and the joy.
I write to push boundaries.
Glass ceilings, border walls, and Gatekeepers Beware.
I write to bring awareness.
I write for people who look like me and for those who don’t.
I am a Black Veteran
I write to protect my peace.
I write to protect my sanity.
I write to fight racism and in spite of racism.
I am a Proud Black Woman
These are my ideas, my words, my stories, my voice.
Not to be stolen, adapted, ignored or pushed aside
Writing is my life.
I REPRESENT
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New Release! Dauntless
Posted on February 3, 2020 by StellaLove4Life
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The book you have all been waiting for has finally arrived! Dauntless Secret of Ceres Book 2 is set to release February 29th 2020 and pre orders are open now on Amazon!
ASIN: B084BNBKGP
The Great Sanctuary of Ceres is at a crossroads.
The Barrier is failing, Vampires are hunting innocent Aura, and the Ruling Council is in shambles. It is now up to the High Magistrate, Disrayan Centaurus, to diffuse the tension that threatens to implode everything the Aura ever stood for. However, the solution to her problems is also the man she swore never to trust again.
Maclovis “Mack” Andromeda has been working undercover with Vampires for years, forced to leave behind everything and everyone he held dear. Mack wants nothing more than to show Disrayan that he is still the man she fell for, but until his assignment is complete, he can’t risk being outed, even if that means losing Disrayan all over again.
The personal and the professional collide in this epic tale of myth, politics, and legendary love.
Haven’t read Ferocious: Secret of Ceres Book 1 yet?
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The longest winter ever…
Posted on January 29, 2020 by StellaLove4Life
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I don’t know about you but this January 2020 has felt like the longest month in existence. Everyday it seemed some new catastrophe or drama just sprung up out of nowhere. There has been death, disease, political turmoil, and natural disasters and there are still days left to go before this tragic month comes to an end.
I know I sound pretty nihilist right now but I am bringing this all up to say that it’s times like these that spawn the best stories. When faced with hardship we as creatives are inspired to create beauty and light. So, yes, January 2020 has been a whole cluster but that just means we should all get to work in bringing the world back to rights through our art.
For me that looks like finishing the Secret of Ceres Series, creating fun and informative videos for the Serpentine Creative Youtube Channel, sharing the laugh out loud worthy memes on Facebook and Twitter, and filling your Instafeed with beautiful and creative content. These are not New Year’s Resolutions. I don’t believe in those. This is simply a wish list, a goals sheet, intention setting if you will.
Peace, Love, and Happy Writing!
Stella Williams
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RWTF- AOC Perspective
Posted on January 7, 2020 by StellaLove4Life
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Just when we thought the New Year would bring a fresh start in 2019 shenanigans, Romance Writers of America attempted to drop a sneak diss against Authors of Color. If you are unaware of the inciting incident that led to the implosion of RWA all the drama can be found under the Twitter hashtags, #IStandWithCourtney and #RWAShitShow.
To be complete honest, as a black female author I was unsurprised by the attempts to silence and discredit an author of color by an establishment that had proven time and again that voices of color are not their priority. (see #RITASoWhite). Likewise, I was not surprised by all the NWL’s calls for “calm” explanations of the trauma inflicted by their inability or unwillingness to accept systemic racism and microaggressions exist.
If anything, the entire situation is a prime example of how far people are willing to go to invalidate the accomplishments and concerns of marginalized groups. RWA circumvented their own bylaws to punish an author of color for calling out a racist book, attempted to lie to their own membership about the reason behind their shady behavior, offered a non apology and made several statements filled with veiled threats against any member who continued to speak out against the board. Even going so far as to attempt to stop a petition demanding the resignation of Damon Suede and recall of all board members involved.
I was hesitant to join RWA because of my own experiences with racism, both blatant and systemic that I saw within the organization. I joined last year when I saw that there were people stepping up to correct the wrongs of previous years. I volunteered to judge the RITA in order to promote diverse perspectives in the judges pool. I submitted my novel, Ferocious, in the hopes that it would be judged just as fairly as my non poc counterparts works. My hope for a more diverse and inclusive RWA has proven to be a mistake.
There is only so much fight and effort that I can expend on one thing and RWA has officially tapped me out. I have withdrawn my intent to judge as well as my entry of Ferocious. Which at this point doesn’t matter as the numerous other authors and participants have taken a similar stance the RITA Awards have been cancelled. I am still a current member because I want my recall vote to count but I have no intention to renew my membership when it is up.
RWA is a sinking ship with its current leadership turning it further out to sea when the shore was still within reach. At this point, I’m glad I am safely on the shores and not at all saddened to see it go.
Full Timeline of Events can be found in this article
The Implosion of the RWA by Claire Ryan
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Happy Holiday Reading!
Posted on December 23, 2019 by StellaLove4Life
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There is nothing I enjoy more over the holidays than curling up with a warm blanket and a hot new read. I may be on a social media hiatus but it’s mostly so I can make some kind of progress with my massive TBR. The books listed below are my December/Holiday reads so far. Not all of them were my faves but most are worth the read. Maybe a few will end up in your TBR.
What I’ve Read (in no particular order)
*All links provided are Amazon Associate Links.
December has been a blast and I can’t wait to tackle more of my TBR. You can keep track of most my reading by following me on Goodreads!
https://www.goodreads.com/stellalove4life
Peace, Love and Happy Reading!
-Stella Williams
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Lessons Learned-NaNoWriMo
Posted on December 9, 2019 by StellaLove4Life
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Past, Present, and Future
Posted on November 11, 2019 by StellaLove4Life
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Freakin’ Weekend- NaNo Update 1
Posted on November 4, 2019 by StellaLove4Life
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NaNoWriMo has officially begun!
I wish I could say that I totally rocked this weekends word count. I didn’t. This weekend I had several prior engagements that seriously cut into my writing time. That doesn’t mean I didn’t get any writing done. I just wasn’t able to put up the same spectacular first weekend numbers I did last year.
In fact, I didn’t even break 1,000 words for the entire weekend. That leaves me with some serious catching up to do this week. So remember to check back in next Monday to see if this coming week is more productive and if you haven’t already, check Out the Serpentine Creative Youtube Channel for video updates and virtual write ins with yours truly!
First Weekend Word Count: 813 words
Peace, Love, and Happy Writing!
Stella Williams
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