Talking About Race: A Workbook

Monday, June 16, 2014

My Writing Process Blog Tour

JUNE 16, 2014 My Writing Process Blog Tour ~ I was honored to be invited by Catherine McCall, international best-selling author of the memoir, “Never Tell,” to participate in the #mywritingprocess blog tour. 

The following four questions have been asked of everyone who has and will participate in this community of writers.

 1) What am I working on? I am working on a speech I will be giving as Keynote Plenary Speaker on  WHITE PRIVILEGE and a workshop I am presenting with Desiree Jordan titled, THE SPIRIT OF CHANGE: WORKING THE RACIAL EQUALITY MUSCLE at the 2014 (NOW) NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN CONFERENCE at the Hyatt Regency in Albuquerque, New Mexico June 27 -29 2014. In addition, my 2nd book co-authored by Mr. Henry White, producer and host of NCTV's Spotlighting Paradise, is titled: Protocol: Welcome to Paradise, Watch Your Step will be launched in the fall 2014. It is about racism in Northampton, MA. and in small towns across the country also known for their liberalism.

 2.) How does my work differ from others of its genre? It clarifies the affect of systemic racism upon the individual, encouraging my readers to "transform the meaning of whiteness" by taking action in their daily lives to foster racial equality. It also encourages individuals to get validation for their efforts.

 3) Why do I write what I do? I write what I do because white privilege is a perversion of power for its own sake and I prefer to look at the possibilities that do exist for us once we have begun to dissemble systemic racism, since racism permeates our existence no matter where we look, where we live, whom we know or who we are. I am convinced that racism is our inheritance and it is one we can all do without!

 4) How does my writing process work?


  1. Most often I visualize what I believe needs to be said. Then I   start to jot down one liners about the subject. 
  2. Occasionally, I start writing right away and then return to it until it is a finished product. 
  3. Sometimes I do wait until I can see the piece in its entirety. 
  4. Writing is pleasurable and a necessary form of expression. 
  5. It is also work that requires your entire body. 
  6. I walk a great deal in between writing.
  7.  Shut the phone off as much as possible. 
  8. Give myself room to be inspired. 
  9. Create an aura of solitude and serenity when I write. 
  10. It is important to be confident of what I have to say and my right to say it. 
When  you write you are exercising a freedom that cannot be taken away from you.

I recommend that many who are struggling to find their voice sit down and start writing!

The week of June 23rd there will be a real treat for you. Three writer's will be joining the Blogging Tour. They have been associates of mine for years and are brilliant, benevolent and extremely busy humanitarians. I am honored to have met them and sustain such profoundly loving and respectful relationships to each one of them. Be sure to look at their blogs the week of June 23rd to find out more about their work and writing process!

Ms. Sanya Hudson-Payne is a consummate educator. In 1997 she was selected to launch New York City's pilot Inclusion Program integrating general and special education students. As a result, her teaching methods were modeled and instituted in classrooms across NYC. A whimsical writer in 2005, her first book "The Season of Love" was launched. Afterwards she secured a lucrative publishing deal for her second book "A Love I can Trust" which has led to international success, taking her career a step further partnering with 1209 Enterprise LLC to become the Vice-President of 1209 Publishing Co. Ms. Hudson-Payne has contributed numerous articles to Sisterhood Agenda, Moving Forward and the Associated Press. Her latest book is, "Your Dreams Can Come True." "Encourage, Empower, Educate" is her mantra.
www.sanyahudson.blogspot.com

Dr. Allana Graca Toddman holds a Doctorate in Education (Professional Studies) from Capella University. She received a Master’s Degree in Communication with a specialization in New Media from Emerson College. Dr. Da Graca has served as a freelance professional and radio host for notable media conglomerates. She has served on various panels pertaining to community advocacy and diversity awareness. For the past seventeen years, Dr. Da Graca has taught a variety of public speaking and theatre courses at the High School, and University Level. For ten years she directly assisted a non-profit in using arts and communication techniques to foster retention and academic success. Currently she teaches a variety of communication courses (Mass Media, Intro to Comm, Social Media, Group Comm) as an online instructor at Walden University. She is the recipient of the Robert C. Ford Fellowship, Martin Luther King Leadership BHCC Award, and the Chahara Foundation Award. Her focus as an educator is to help adult learners with professional development with respect to they way in which they communicate in personal and professional settings. In addition to this, Dr. Da Graca has an passion for civic engagement with communities and organizations that foster the development of self-esteem and persistence in young girls and women.
Author, Educator & Artist (Music, Theatre, Poetry) Website: http://allanadagraca.wordpress.com/

John T Wills - http://thoughtprovokingperspectives.wordpress.com/Mr. Wills has earned a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He’s been a professor at Sojourner-Douglass College (HBC), Past Board Member of the Bowie State University Foundation, President of JT Wills Consulting, Past Vice President of the MD/DC Minority Supplier Development Council, one of the founding members of the Black Empowered Men group, author of “Just a Season” and “Legacy – A New Season”, a Journalist by way of the Washington Examiner and a blogging; in addition to being supporter of several community organizations, a volunteer, a strong advocate for literacy empowerment and friend to many. A