Robin Ayele...murder has hit African American books!

 

It feels so good to have finally completed the highly anticipated sequel to BROKEN! It was so much easier to write BROKEN IN 2. I finished it in about five months. I think my characters completely took over and helped me maintain a steady flow from beginning to end. And now I'm moving into the production phase, which is the really fun part! Selecting a dazzling cover and shaping the guts of the book will result in another polished mystery novel that I can be proud of and will provide hours of enjoyment for my readers.

 

Stay tuned to the release of BROKEN IN 2 in the Winter 2009!

 

Robin Ayele

 

Sometimes life requires a time out. It means dropping everything and taking a good hard look at where you've been and where you are headed.

I have been through so much in these past three years. I have gotten married, lived in another country, returned to the US, held down two full time jobs, wrote and published two books, and moved domestically twice. Whew, whew, whew! It has seemed like I have been on a stationary bicycle, pedaling as fast as I can but going no where. I have used up my energy to do some amazing things and accomplish my dreams but I have also sacrificed my spirit and soul in the process. And I have been left feeling empty and restless.

Lately I have started declining some invitations and requests. I have decided to be selective because I simply can't do it all. I have realized that I am not superwoman and even if so, I eventually would have to take off that cape just to breath. So I have begun to catch up with myself. I have dusted off my personal journal and jotted down my innermost thoughts including what I really feel about all the good I have done and what I need to do for the next ten years of my life.

I must say that I feel much better. I feel cleansed and renewed just by simply getting to know myself again.

 

I absolutely hate writers block which always hits unexpectantedly while I am in the middle of writing a chapter. I suddenly feel drained like an empty wine bottle. There is not another juicy drop left no matter how hard I pray. And then if I keep writing, the result seems to be flat and boring words, characters that seem dull and repetitive and a plot that lacks direction...yeah, it is a very bad place for a writer to be.

 

At that point I usually start to doubt myself and my abilities. Who ever said I could write anyway? But then I remember the advice I received at a writers conference. All writers get to a point where they can't seem to eek out even one great sentence; however the best thing to do is push through the haze of agony, self-doubt and lack of inspiration and keep on writing. It may not be your best work but it has value because it only helps you build your writing skills. Also it develops fortitude almost like an Olympic athlete who keeps moving past the pain to reach the goal. 

 

So the next time you feel a major block coming on just think about Michael Phelps or other champions who have kept their eye on the prize even at the toughest moment.

 

 

Robin Ayele

This publishing thing has really been a journey as rewarding as moving from conception to child birth. Frankly I've never experienced the actual birth of a live baby but my book has been like one because I have nurtured it, watched it grow and now am watching it emerge as as a living and breathing entity that will live on and carry my name and legacy. It will make me immortal! 

 

So my heart is bursting with pride as I rapidly move towards the delivery date. I am excited and anxious too. This is a big deal. I have poised to pop the champagne and  break out the cigars, preparing to welcome my bundle of joy!