NaNoWrimo

Hey readers!! Well, it's about that time again for National Novel Writing Month aka NaNo as some of us writers call it.  Nano is where you get together with other writers in the world and you write a full novel in one month. I know it may sound difficult, but with the help of your writing buddies, and the Nano website, you can achieve it! www. nanowrimo.org gives you a specific writing schedule daily which is about 1600 words per day for the next four weeks, that's it! I know some of you may say it's easy and some of you may want to pull your hair out, lol.  It's okay, we are all in this together and we can be each other's motivation. This is only my second time doing Nano and I must say my first time I was so nervous and didn't know what to expect. Although I finished the last Nano, this time i'm doing this different. 

Here is a list of things I need to do before Nov.1st 

1. Outline my novel

2.Research on the topic for my book ( My book is called Back Stabber) so I will research bullying, hazing, etc 

3. Give my two main characters a full live from child to high school. Which includes, a birthdate, Zodiac Sign, Blood type, and a personality. ( Characters must be real people although they are fiction.)

4. Get my book cover done

5. Work on time management with the upcoming month. ( I'm also in school and have my own publishing company.)

6. Go over research and revise my outline if need be. 

Suggested Materials for Nano:

1. Note cards

2. Pens/Pencils

3. Different color high liters

4. Laptop/Netbook/Macbook Pro ( Whatever you have)

5. I suggest you use other books that helps with Character Development, and your writing skills. (For me I have Dynamic Characters by Nancy Kress (Great Book!) , Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott and Plot &Structure by James Scott Bell

6. Get into your comfy place when starting to write your novel. 

7. Have your snack and drinks available. ( Must have high energy when writing)

8. Find out what time of day works for you when writing. ( For me I write best after 1 am for some reason). 

9 Finally, BREATHE and RELAX. It will be okay. I know it may seem stressful especially if you have  a job and/or family. but you can do it! I will be your cheerleader! 

10. Write On

 

                               You Can Do It!!! 

 

"Stix" Jack of All Trades Master of None

                                                                       

Psalm 91:11

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.

Stephen “Stix” Josey

“ Stix has done it again!” That’s right, Stephen Stix Josey.  This man is a Jack-of-All-Trades, Master of Some! His award winning film, Angels Around Me, Stephen Stix Josey won Best First Time Director at the 2012 Philadelphia Independent Film Festival! Mr. Josey not only directs but he is an exceptional writer, producer, and actor! He realized that he wanted to be in the entertainment business when he was just a child. Just shy of four years old, Stephen had a love of music from dancing to playing with drumsticks. Stephen states that he held his drumsticks around so much that his family gave him the nick name “ Stix”.  Making his own beats at an early age and playing for church, “ Stix” was a star in the making. Stix first got his claim to fame back in the early 90’s where he was into his first love music.  Being fascinated with this aspect of music he had a yearning of wanting to learn more. While studying its craft, Stephen begin getting himself out there trying to make a name for himself. We all have to start somewhere right? And that is just what Josey did by making his own record that he produced and a rapper named Rock Wielder wrote the song. The hit was such a success that it was making it’s way on radio stations and being played like an A-track!  Once his hit was successful Josey formed a movement titled LAB (Lyrics and Beats).  He was then connected to an NBA basketball player who was connected to Bryant McKnight. Stix was then signed to Infamous/Loud Sony Records. Talk about God showing favor!!  With him getting a lot of airplay it got a lot of people curious as to who this “ Stix” guy was! He’s worked with artist like John Legend and Remy!  Now he has made his debut in the music world and then he graduated to film! What can’t this man do? As stated earlier, Mr. Josey is also a writer. He has written several scripts such as Angels Around Me, The Dirty Game, and Dream Chasers!  Stix is great with his music but he is also an actor. He’s worked with many actors like Some of the Actors are Allan Thicke, Obba Babatunde, Lance Gideon, Renny Roker, Shyheim Franklin, Carl Clemons, Dave Faustino, Corin Nemic, Lucius Baston, Sheree Whitfield to name a few who has mentored him along with writer/producer/director/actor Conrad Glover who has helped groom me in film.  He also was a producing programmer for PBS Florida. During this stage in his career, Stix learned and experienced a lot about television and film!  I asked Stephen what his writing process was and he states, “ A lot of the ideas come to my mind and then I get to a computer and I start writing.”  His advice to me was, “ Think about what I want my films to be like and start watching film geared toward that genre. Once you find a movie that like it and Google scripts of that genre.”  During the interview that I did with Josey he was very humble and willing to give me a few pointers being new to the entertainment industry and film. Mr. Josey is one of my mentors and I’m blessed to look up to a man with such wisdom and humbleness. He could have easily looked down on me and said, “ find your own way.” But instead he has been gracious to answer the questions I have and show me the ropes of the business. You don’t find people like that of his stature everyday!  I was honored to have a sneak peak about his new film that’s coming soon called The Dirty Game, but I won’t spill the beans. What I will say is to stay tuned; this film is going to be Fiyah! The story line is great, and the cast is even better!! This man is unstoppable! Mr. Josey the sky is the limit for you! Can’t wait to see what else will manifest from your talents. 

Written by: Author Krystol Diggs

2% Talent, 98% Business, 100%Faith ~Stephen Josey