Of course our desire is to walk within The Kingdom's Neighborhood, but it can be very difficult leaving the alluring amenities of home. We have the protocol down pat; especially when others can witness us witnessing. However, when backs are turned and the sun has set, the righteous hotness of the self-proclaimed saint can suddenly turn lukewarm. Although the tongue can no longer house rationalizations, we still find a way to verbally cover spiritual deficits...thus casting us further into a pit of unrighteous debt surrounded by several unused shovels. 



Excerpt from Tornado in Kansas in Wretched Saints 
by Assuanta Fay Howard and Marc Lacy


“That doggone National Weather Service and their freakin’ tornado warnings. I don’t know if they’re helping us, or trying to scare us. I do know this…it’s 4:30 and I’m headed away from that blasted medical office and removing my medical consultant cap for the evening,” said Kansas to herself as she barreled down the K-180 in her classic ‘81 Midnight Blue Trans Am, listening to the radio in the midst of rush hour traffic. “Tonight’s gonna be busy as all get out and I refuse to let the weather stop me.” 

As more weather updates were broadcast, Kansas called herself trying to pay attention, but she could not stop thinking about her busy evening ahead: 

I’ve got to stop at Target, go home, then I’m gonna meet the girls for a quick cocktail, hit bible study, then ladies’ night at Scofield’s will be in full effect. 

Kansas continued speeding on the K-180 as if she were qualifying for a NASCAR race. Of course her restored automobile was an eye-catcher by itself, but it wasn’t like the driver was hard to look at either. Even though Kansas Dickerson was an unassuming free- spirited and very independent lady, her fiery red long twists, caramel skin, slanty brown eyes, and well-endowed petite figure didn’t hurt the cause either. Kansas was the prime example of forty being the new thirty. 

Target was finally seen on the horizon as rush hour traffic got thicker under a very cloudy sky. Kansas pulled into the parking lot and parked close to the main entrance. As she made her way to the door, Kansas could feel someone’s eyes on her at close range as she noticed a strange lady dressed in Goth and appearing homeless, in the periphery to the left. Kansas never really stopped and looked fully in that direction, but continued walking at an even faster pace. 

Once inside the store, Kansas slowed down slightly and pranced through the aisles looking for a disposable digital camera. A modest feeling of guilt overcame her as Kansas made her selection. 

I hope that lady is not out there when I return to my car, she thought. I get approached all the time and I’m really getting tired of having to be on the defensive. I wish I could help more people out, but it’s just not safe for a lady to reach into her pocketbook in front of strangers. 

Realizing the time, Kansas paid for the camera and dashed out the door moving in a b-line toward her vehicle. She didn’t even look left or right while crossing the pavement between Target and her car. Upon her arrival at the vehicle, Kansas sighed briefly and appeared relieved that the strange lady was not around. As she unlocked the door, a squealing witch-like voice bellowed, “Excuse me, ma’am!” 

Kansas’ camera went straight up in the air as she lunged forward and smashed her shoulder up against the open vehicle...then the camera smacked her dead in the head and bounced off of the asphalt like a rubber ball, before settling on the ground behind the vehicle. 

“Uhh! Woman, are you out of your mind? What in the world do you want from me?” Kansas yelled. “Can’t you see I’m in a hurry? I can’t even make it to bible study without being badgered to death! Will you please go away and get a life? Better yet, get a freakin’ job!” 

“Ma’am, I think your words are totally uncalled for. You have no right to speak to me that way,” countered the lady. 

“And you have no right to sneak up on me like you just did. You probably do that to people all day in different parking lots.” 

“You don’t know that. You don’t even know what I’m about to say.” 

“I don’t care what you have to say. You scared me, I’m late, and I’m pissed. So get the hell out of my face.” 

“One day, you’ll not speak to Matilda like that, Ms. Church Lady who is holier than thou.” Matilda then read the tag on Kansas’ car. “God is My Co-Pilot?” and looked Kansas in the eye and added, “Ah, I see you got the Lord riding shotgun. Looks like all the signs of a Bible belt wearer and proverbial follower to me.” 

“One day, I hope to never see you again, you scary looking hag,” mentioned Kansas. 

“Well God bless you, too,” replied Matilda.


Kansas, boiling, picked up her camera and headed home to change clothes. As she scampered out of the parking lot in route to her loft in Five Points, Kansas was still fuming like parents would when their little girl just lost a beauty contest. 

The nerve of that heifer trying to run up on me like that, Kansas thought. If I weren’t a Christian, I’d place my stiletto in her posterior so far she would be the official spokesperson for Kenneth Cole. I have been looking for a reason to use that old broken down nine millimeter Pop left me. And just what does she mean by proverbial follower?


Purchase the book from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Wretched-Saints-Marc-Lacy/dp/0974971235 

Wretched Saints 
ISBN-10: 0974971235 
ISBN-13: 978-0974971230 
Categories/genre: Fiction/Drama
List distributors of the book: Baker & Taylor; Lushena


About the Author
Marc Lacy, a graduate of Alabama A&M University is a nationally renown, award winning poet/author and spoken word artist. He has performed all of over the country for many national literary events and spoken word venues. Marc is the author of Rock & Fire - Love Poetry from The Core, and The Looking Heart - Poetic Expressions from Within. He is also the producer of REFlux, RTIQLation, and LyriCode 256 spoken word CDs. 

Marc is the contributor to many anthologies such as: The Soul of a Man, Step up to The Mic, and Witness the Truth. Marc is a member of ArtNSoul Society of Expression, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Church Street CPCA, Huntsville Literary Association, and National Society of Black Engineers. He credits his faith in God and love of family for providing energy to succeed. 

Checkout his latest fiction book, Wretched Saints - When the Righteous Path Leads to Hell's Doorstep at: www.marclacy.com, www.myspace.com/mlacy, and www.facebook.com/marclacy.

Black Pearls Magazine Author Spotlight

Author Interview: Marc Lacy

Meet Huntsville’s own Marc Lacy, a graduate of Alabama A&M University. Marc is a nationally renown, award winning poet/author and spoken word artist. He has performed all of over the country at many national literary events and spoken word venues. Marc is a contributing writer to RADAR and The Grove Magazines. He is also a writer for Blogginginblack.com. 

In The Summer of 2009, Marc met up with the cofounder of HBO’s Def Poetry Jam, Mr. Bruce George and Poet Rene Reyes in Los Angeles to serve on the panel at The Annual “So you Think you can Spit?”poetic symposium for youth. Lacy credits his faith in God and love of family for providing energy to succeed.


BPM: Introduce us to Wretched Saints and the main characters.
My book is a fiction short story collection which touches upon very sensitive matters...mainly "so-called" good people who call themselves walking the righteous path; but living an unrighteous lifestyle.

Wretched Saints provides a literary window through which we may possibly see traits of ourselves within one or more of the characters as they learn the hard way to listen when God is talking. Thus His signal, when digested properly allows suppression of sinful urges opening up the door, for spiritual growth. 
Are you a Wretched Saint? Open the covers...and see. 

Of course our desire is to walk within The Kingdom's Neighborhood, but it can be very difficult leaving the alluring amenities of home. We have the protocol down pat; especially when others can witness us witnessing. 

However, when backs are turned and the sun has set, the righteous hotness of the self-proclaimed saint can suddenly turn lukewarm. Although the tongue can no longer house rationalizations, we still find a way to verbally cover spiritual deficits...thus casting us further into a pit of unrighteous debt surrounded by several unused shovels.


BPM: Who were your favorites? Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
There are many who I could deem as favorites. I am sure that you will find several who are intriguing. The characters are purely fictional; however their make-up is partially taken from actual real human traits and actual activity.


BPM: What specific situation or revelation prompted you to write Wretched Saints?
With so many people seeming to struggle with the "lukewarm" disease, Assuanta and I decided to spread truth to the matter in an amplified fashion. Not only do the stories highlight the issue; but offer scenarios in which the characters can make a choice to better themselves.


BPM: Take us inside the book. What are two major events taking place?
Out of several things occurring, I'm highlighting the two following:

1. Tornado in Kansas:  Kansas cannot get out of her own way and as a result she blames everyone but herself for her tragic downfall. So many of us nowadays are victims of our own ignorance and cannot see the forest for the trees.

2. Like Father Like Son:  Anise was born via sin into sin and her mother held the secret for a long time; but was forced to tell all when she found out that Anise might be pregnant...pregnant from a relative. In society today, via shame and embarrassment, families tend to keep reports of past atrocities out of the ears of the young ones; but unfortunately the walls have to tumble down at some point.


BPM: How will reading your book shape the readers lives? 
Their lives will be shaped on the mere fact that they will be able to identify with one or more characters and study their flaws. They will then be able to see how the flaws can be turned into strengths just be realizing God is always working.


BPM: What are some of their specific issues, needs or problems addressed in this book?
Self-righteousness, reactionary, impulsive, arrogance, and hard-headedness just to name a few.


BPM: What do you think makes your book different from others on the same subject?
Assuanta and I wrote this book not to necessarily please a certain populous; but to convey the solid truth through our characters while pulling no punches.

BPM: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. 
I (Marc Lacy) have been nominated as AAMBC Poet of the Year for 2010. Also, there are several spoken word products coming out during the summer and fall of 2010. 


BPM: How can our readers reach you online? Share with us your online contact info.
http://www.marclacy.com 
http://www.avopublishing.com 
http://www.facebook.com 

Sankofa Literary Society Author Spotlight

Intimate Conversations with Author Marc Lacy

Marc Lacy, a graduate of Alabama A&M University is a nationally renown, award winning poet/author and spoken word artist. He has performed all of over the country for many national literary events and spoken word venues. Marc is the author of Rock & Fire - Love Poetry from The Core, and The Looking Heart - Poetic Expressions from Within. He is also the producer of REFlux, RTIQLation, and LyriCode 256 spoken word CDs. 

Marc is the contributor to many anthologies such as: The Soul of a Man, Step up to The Mic, and Witness the Truth. Marc is a member of ArtNSoul Society of Expression, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Church Street CPCA, Huntsville Literary Association, and National Society of Black Engineers. He credits his faith in God and love of family for providing energy to succeed. Checkout his latest projects at: www.marclacy.com  and  www.facebook.com/marclacy 


SLS:  Let the party begin! Marc, what makes you powerful as a person and a writer? 
Marc: I would not necessarily deem myself as a powerful person; but I do think that there is power in the written word. The more we learn about the craft and our abilities, the better off we will be in positioning ourselves to get the message out to the people. Thus creating a powerful force in the act alone.


SLS: Who are your mentors? Where do you find your inspiration?
Marc: I have several mentors (who actually do not know that they are my mentors)...too many to name. But they are fiction, non-fiction writers as well as poets/spoken word artists. My hunger to become a better writer and a voice for the people, with faith in God, keeps my engine churning.


SLS: Finish this sentence- My writing offers the following legacy to future readers...
Marc: A creative instinct which is the by-product of a hunger to always be the best that I can be...no matter what. Write better...and write the best. 


SLS: Marc introduce us to your co-author. 
Assuanta Howard was born and raised in New York City. Howard is known for her dynamic and innovative persona. She began her career in higher education, serving over 17 years in various leadership roles. She managed grant funded programs with budgets over 3 million dollars. Howard is qualified to administer the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, a psychometric questionnaire designed to measure psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions. Howard took her extensive literacy and ESOL experience, leadership and program development expertise and established several business entities within the literary industry. 

She is the proud founder of Asta Publications, LLC, a mainstream and self-publishing company and Asta Public Relations Services, a public relations firm that focuses on brand management and marketing campaigns for literary professionals.


SLS: Introduce us to Wretched Saints and the main characters.
Marc: My book is a fiction short story collection which touches upon very sensitive matters...mainly "so-called" good people who call themselves walking the righteous path; but living an unrighteous lifestyle.

Wretched Saints provides a literary window through which we may possibly see traits of ourselves within one or more of the characters as they learn the hard way to listen when God is talking. Thus His signal, when digested properly allows suppression of sinful urges opening up the door, for spiritual growth. 
Are you a Wretched Saint? Open the covers...and see. 

Of course our desire is to walk within The Kingdom's Neighborhood, but it can be very difficult leaving the alluring amenities of home. We have the protocol down pat; especially when others can witness us witnessing. 

However, when backs are turned and the sun has set, the righteous hotness of the self-proclaimed saint can suddenly turn lukewarm. Although the tongue can no longer house rationalizations, we still find a way to verbally cover spiritual deficits...thus casting us further into a pit of unrighteous debt surrounded by several unused shovels.


SLS: What are some of their specific issues, needs or problems addressed in this book?
Marc: Self-righteousness, reactionary, impulsive, arrogance, and hard-headedness just to name a few.


SLS: Who do you want to reach with your book and the message within?
Marc: I honestly feel that saints, sinners, churched, un-churched, educated/uneducated, young/elderly professionals, and people of all races can identify with this book. However, if I had to choose a specific demographic, it would be those who want to "do right," but seriously struggle with it.


SLS: Ultimately, what do you want readers to gain from your book, Wretched Saints?
Marc: God never stops working on us or others.


SLS:  Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. 
Marc: I (Marc Lacy) have been nominated as AAMBC Poet of the Year for 2010. Also, there are several spoken word products coming out during the summer and fall of 2010. 


Ella: How can our readers reach you online? Share with us your online contact info.
http://www.marclacy.com 
http://www.avopublishing.com 
http://www.facebook.com 

Join the Marc Lacy FB fan page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marc-Lacy-Spoken-Word-Writing/246558555465?ref=ts 

Media Details
Wretched Saints – Spiritual Short Stories

Of course our desire is to walk within The Kingdom's Neighborhood, but it can be very difficult leaving the alluring amenities of home. We have the protocol down pat; especially when others can witness us witnessing. However, when backs are turned and the sun has set, the righteous hotness of the self-proclaimed saint can suddenly turn lukewarm. Although the tongue can no longer house rationalizations, we still find a way to verbally cover spiritual deficits...thus casting us further into a pit of unrighteous debt surrounded by several unused shovels. 


What impact will this book, Wretched Saint,  have on readers?
Wretched Saints will reinforce the fact that no one, no matter how faithful and strong they may be, is beyond the perils of temptation and human fallacy. However, regardless of the magnitude of negativity and uncertainty one may experience, God's power is always above any issue and He will reveal the best solution possible. Finally, the subject must be willing to make sacrifices and follow, in seeing the light.


Five questions Wretched Saint asks of the readers or society

1. Are you considered to be a "good person?" What in your mind constitutes being a "good person?"
2. How do you know when God is trying to show you something?
3. Do you feel the world is full of "lukewarm" people?
4. When should one draw a line between man-made protocol and a gut feeling?
5. Does society hold the churchgoer to a higher than the un-churched?


List of the major talking points from the book

1. Each of the main characters lived different lifestyles and were considered decent people. However, there was one major characteristic that bound them together.

2. The situations in which the main characters were cast, often made them seem as if they never knew right from wrong in the first place.

3. There were instances in which the main characters listened when God tried to show them the right way. But there were plenty of occurrences where they ignored the signs.

4. The most unlikely people played a role in steering the main characters in one direction or the other.

5. Although a lot of "wrongs" were "right-ed", every story did not necessarily end on a high-happy note.

Book Club or Peer Reviews:

“Wretched Saints is a reminder that we are not always in control. It is torment served on the door mats of Christians, who carry bibles as body armor. It is a revelation to your third-eye.”
- Dionne Character, 2004 Essence Music Festival Best Selling Author/Poet, 7 Pairs of Black Shoes, Street Diva, Twisted Straps and A Sapphire Moon, and WildFlower


“Powerful, gripping, and eye-opening! Walk into the pages of the Wretches Saints and immerse yourself in the captivating stories that lie within. A well-written, thought provoking work of engaging stories.”
- Trice Hickman, National Bestselling Author


“In Wretched Saints, you will be treated to tales of everyday life, learning lessons through the eyes of both saint and sinner alike, some of whom will never learn...until it’s too late. For what is life, but a test of Faith and the Spirit? I hope you will enjoy the trials and tribulations served up by some of the hottest authors in the business, Marc Lacy, and Assuanta Fay Howard.”
- Eric Pete, National Bestselling Author

“Wretched Saints illustrates how we all fall short of God’s glory, yet by His mercy, we can get back up.”
- Elissa Gabrielle, Point of No Return


Wretched Saints Details
ISBN-10: 0974971235 
ISBN-13: 978-0974971230 
Categories/genre: Fiction/Drama
List distributors of the book: Baker & Taylor; Lushena


Purchase the book from Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Wretched-Saints-Marc-Lacy/dp/0974971235 


Contact Marc Lacy Online:
http://www.marclacy.com 
http://www.myspace.com/mlacy 
http://www.facebook.com/marclacy 

 
Join Marc Lacy's  FB fan page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marc-Lacy-Spoken-Word-Writing/246558555465?ref=ts 



Sample Interview Questions for Marc Lacy, poet and author

1. How many books and CDs have you published/produced? Tell us about your CD RTIQLation.

2. Briefly introduce us to the latest releases:  Wretched Saints, poetry titles and CDs.

3. Do you consider yourself an Indy Artist? 

4. In what ways do you feel that audio enhances literary projects? 

5. Do you feel that poetry is gaining momentum as far as marketing is concerned?

6. Elaborate on your first book "The Looking Heart."

7. Why did you do such a 180 with "Rock & Fire?"

8. Where will you tour this year?

9. What type of reviews have your books Wretched Saints received?

10. What's next for Marc Lacy the poet and author?

MY WRITING GETS NO ATTENTION
by author/poet Marc Lacy

No attention? I know this is not coming from you because your friends and family are ecstatic at the fact that you’ve written a book and are a published author. Your former high school English instructor and her current writer’s guild have been following you as you’ve become versed in article publishing and blogging. Meanwhile, your name has a certain “buzz” attached to it via the internet and your popularity has been increasing gradually. You recently found out a New York Times Best-Selling author has acquired a copy of your monthly e-newsletter and now wants to keep in touch with you. Things seem to be going very well. Fruits of your hard literary labor have become manifest at a quicker rate than your reading radar could have ever forecasted. You now feel “all things literary” while promises from your prose passion seem to be fulfilled generating a smile on your face. You’re saying to yourself how easy you could get accustomed to “this literary thing.”


Several months later, you reach a lull and all the writing (no pun) on your publishing wall leads to the fact that the honeymoon is over! No longer are you a fresh and new face in the game. The initial buzz people acquired from meeting you and reading your material for the first time exists no more. You feel like calling Dr. Phil because you’ve been a victim of a “one write stand.” The book review, tour stop inquiries, and interview requests have waned. Your Amazon sales have dried up and you’ve exhausted all of your local contacts by which a booksigning or discussion could be scheduled. Your publishing bank account has been emptied, shaken, and turned upside down for loose change. 


But the only thing that falls out is a note that reads, “I need money.” At this point you are frustrated because everywhere you go, people are asking, “hey man, how’s the writing going?” Then while you’re in Wal-Mart shopping, the proverbial “Didn’t you write a book or something?” will most definitely be asked…even if it is six months after the release. You’ve reached a place where you just want to toss your pen and pad into the river and call it a career.


Go ahead and react the ways in which you want to react. But after the feelings wear off, make sure you leave the door cracked enough for common sense to seep back in. After it settles into your head, you’ll soon realize…it just “seems” as if your writing gets no attention because you are not getting the reaction now that was received months ago when your book first came out. Hello! Welcome to the life of a writer/author. One of these days you’ll realize that there is a difference between “inside the literary circle” and “outside the literary circle.” If someone is outside of the circle, they may know of one or two household names as far as authors and writers are concerned…but that’s it. 


However, with brand-new to mid-level authors (via popularity standards), it is almost a guarantee that the person will not be familiar with that author’s work. That is just how the cookie crumbles in the literary community. And if this fact alone depresses you, you may as well write your eulogy, climb into the wooden box, and just wait on the funeral. Keep in mind, some friends inquire about how your writing is going because they are genuinely happy for you. Do not expect them to know the nuances of what you do (unless you take time to break everything down). All they know is, “My boy gotta book and I’m happy for him. He’s successful…and I want to say I knew him when…” All of that is fine and dandy. Just remember, it is not up to them to know all of what you know about your career.


Writing can be a glamorous profession in some cases; but 90 percent of writers will tell you; there’s nothing glamorous about it. Factor in the business and political aspects and you’ve got yourself a crazy grind. But still, you must find a way to get past the various elements that govern/control the writing/authoring “business.” Understand the God given gift that allows you to put a “spin” on your writing belongs to you. God gave this to you. This is what should bring you joy. Then when another person gains some form of uplift or is impacted in a positive way…and let’s you know…THAT IS YOUR REWARD. That is all of the attention you need to stay influenced to keep churning out books/articles. Remember, your literary creative genius in a published format, may not yield an immediate financial return on investment. 


Also, you may never be able to sell everyone inside/outside the literary circle on your writing; because EVERYONE IS NOT A WRITER. With that being the case, they may not be able to appreciate what you go through to be able to do what you do. Regardless of how anyone reacts, your passion is what drives you. If you are applying the level of passion needed daily in your writing; trust me, your writing will get all of the attention it needs and then some. It may not be today or tomorrow. But when it is time…IT’S TIME. I can’t wait to see you there!


About the Author
Marc Lacy, a graduate of Alabama A&M University is a nationally renown, award winning poet/author and spoken word artist. He has performed all of over the country for many national literary events and spoken word venues. Marc is the author of Rock & Fire - Love Poetry from The Core, and The Looking Heart - Poetic Expressions from Within. He is also the producer of REFlux, RTIQLation, and LyriCode 256 spoken word CDs. 

Marc is the contributor to many anthologies such as: The Soul of a Man, Step up to The Mic, and Witness the Truth. Marc is a member of ArtNSoul Society of Expression, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Church Street CPCA, Huntsville Literary Association, and National Society of Black Engineers. He credits his faith in God and love of family for providing energy to succeed. 

Checkout his latest fiction book, Wretched Saints - When the Righteous Path Leads to Hell's Doorstep at: www.marclacy.com, www.myspace.com/mlacy, and www.facebook.com/marclacy.

 STEPPING OUT ON FAITH WITH YOUR WRITING
by Marc Lacy

It is so funny how some people make a big to do about the fact that they decided to step out on faith and write full time. But what they failed to mention, is the fact that their spouse is making $300,000 a year. With that being the case, not only are the ends meeting – they’re colliding! So technically, this is not stepping out on faith. This is what you call stepping out on knowing you will have funds. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But when you actually decide to step out faith, make sure you step out on faith, and not stupid. Remember, just because it worked for someone else, does not guarantee that it will work for you. There is a “chance” that it will work for you. Everyone’s situation is different. There are different forces and different factors that help nudge the landscape of how things play out in your literary life.


Before you tell your boss to “take this job and shove it” make sure that you have a solid foundation in place to provide the support you need as you take your literary endeavor to another level. For instance, when someone is a full-time writer, it does not necessarily equate to them only writing and collecting a royalty check while living happily ever after. Now some people have paid their dues and have experienced the bumps and bruises that come with authorship…so they have basically earned the right to do the aforementioned. 

However, the percentage is very small. With that being said, there are various components that you could put into play to assist your fulltime writer aspiration. Alongside writing and publishing books, you could actually make a living conducting workshops, engaging in public speaking, and writing copy for various companies. These are just a few of the ways you could sustain yourself financially while developing all aspects of your full time writing career. Money certainly is not the only important thing here; but you need it to live. You also need funding to nurture the development of your writing in every phase applicable. There is nothing like earning a living while developing essential skills within your craft.


Remember, there is no such thing as an overnight rockstar author. This is a big misconception. Yes, we are living in a literary age and yes just about “everyone” is publishing books and writing now. Some are actually making a good buck in the literary industry. There are some hot topics out here in our crazy world and people are taking advantage of human attraction to crazy, shocking, and alluring stories and subject matter. Trends and fads are two major factors that are heavy influences within several industries, especially fashion, music and literature. Unfortunately a trend goes out as quickly as it comes in. Like an aggressive stock, there is potential for quick and extreme success as well as quick and extreme failure. You cannot be angry with someone for taking advantage of a trend because they are just giving the people what they want right? 

The industry is wide open and if some just want to make that paper, then so be it. Do not waste any of your time and energy downing them if that is their focus. None of us are the law in terms of literary genres, so we cannot drag anybody to trial for capitalizing on their rights for creative expression. However, you are encouraged to put yourself in a position to where trends and fads will impact; but not control your writing. In essence, if you focus on good writing and improving the quality of your writing, you will establish “staying power” in the literary world. Your writing will be so solid that people will be able to enjoy it down the line as we incur various phases and changes within overall writing styles and subject matter that people are attracted to.


Finally, if you step out on faith in your literary career, quality writing should be your main focus. Every step you take and every breath you make should illustrate your hunger for improved writing. If you conduct writing workshops, not only will you help others with their writing, you are also helping yourself. Should you engage in public speaking, it should be a reflection of how serious you are about writing. When you land that contract to write copy for a company, it would be yet another tool in the chest to assist you with high quality writing. Your literary shoes should be so big, that absolutely no one can fill them. Step out, and step high!


About the Author
Marc Lacy, a graduate of Alabama A&M University is a nationally renown, award winning poet/author and spoken word artist. He has performed all of over the country for many national literary events and spoken word venues. Marc is the author of Rock & Fire - Love Poetry from The Core, and The Looking Heart - Poetic Expressions from Within. He is also the producer of REFlux, RTIQLation, and LyriCode 256 spoken word CDs. 

Marc is the contributor to many anthologies such as: The Soul of a Man, Step up to The Mic, and Witness the Truth. Marc is a member of ArtNSoul Society of Expression, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Church Street CPCA, Huntsville Literary Association, and National Society of Black Engineers. He credits his faith in God and love of family for providing energy to succeed. 

Checkout his latest fiction book, Wretched Saints - When the Righteous Path Leads to Hell's Doorstep at: www.marclacy.com, www.myspace.com/mlacy, and www.facebook.com/marclacy.

SELF-PUBLISHED POETS, BE ENCOURAGED
by author/poet Marc Lacy

If you are a self-published poet, or an aspiring poet considering going that route for your first publication, I’m sure you’ve just about heard it all by now. “Poetry doesn’t sell.” “You’re better off writing a novel.” “You will not be accepted as a legitimate writer while writing poetry.”

Well, I know I have. People have been on my back since day one with regards to publishing something other than poetry. I mean I’ve had some knockdown drag outs about what “I” should do with “my” career. I’ve listened to just about everything people have to say. I take everything with a grain of salt. People are entitled to their opinion. It is what it is…and what it is, is “their opinion.” But, in processing all of the opinions, I realized how valuable their takes were and still are about writing and publishing.

Although I have produced works in other genres, I’m currently making a segue into the realm of fiction. Even though I have made my mark as a poet, I certainly want to be known as a quality “writer” first. So why now Marc, especially since you’ve been such an ambassador for poetry and spoken word? I’ll tell you why. Throughout all of those years of getting hounded (respectfully) by literary enthusiasts, book clubs, fellow authors, friends, and family…there was a perception that my only goal throughout my entire literary career was to only publish poetry and produce spoken word cds. No one ever asked me what my future plans were? All along, I knew I would someday take the fiction leap of faith; but I did not know exactly when. So why now? Well, if I’m going to make a transition, it is going to be at my own pace and on my own time. I humbly refuse to let another dictate how and where I should throw my passion’s weight around.

However, I’m no dummy. Remember…I “do” listen. I understand the reality of the situation. When people walk into a bookstore, the last thing they may say to themselves is, “Hmmmm, let me go to the poetry section.” Even if they convince themselves to do so, what makes me think my book is going to standout over a beautiful hard-covered Nikki Giovanni coffee table edition of a poetry collection? Yes, Nikki is the bomb. Or a nice volume of famous works by Edgar Allen Poe? Edgar was a poetical genius. Nothing wrong with having gumption, confidence or desire; but if you are a fish, compete with the best fish and do not try to fly with the fastest birds.

Be realistic in your goal-setting. In some areas, it’s okay to take the path of least resistance. If you are a pioneer and have visions of setting a trend, understand that you will be your own sacrificial lamb. In layman’s terms that means, you will go through more hardship before you realize any pleasure or relief. But, it is ultimately up to you. I do not want to be the one to deter someone from chasing dreams. We all have them.

As odd as it sounds, there needs to be some “reality” factored into our fantasies. Nothing wrong with learning to work smarter while pursuing goals. There is also nothing wrong with applying logic and truth to a creative vision and going forth.



WHY SHOULD YOU BE ENCOURAGED?
There are several reasons to be encouraged. So many that I do not have the real-estate to cover them in this blog, but I need you to know this: although people tend to purchase fiction and other genres at a way higher rate than they do poetry, if they see you perform or somehow hear your material, they will at least be attentive for that time period. Once you have them, you have them. So continue honing your craft of writing poetry and performing spoken word. 

If poetry is your thing, then that is what it is, however, you can still retain these skills while going through a writing genre transition. Just think about it…if you are invited to present your material with a group of authors who write in other genres, depending on how your performance goes, you have the potential to stand out like no other. Why? Because you are performing your material and not necessarily just talking about it. If you stand out, then people are more apt to purchase your material; especially if you are the only one on the program performing or doing some sort of skit. Take full advantage of this opportunity should it arise. However, make sure you think about getting double the exposure by developing your writing skills in another genre.

Once you become acclimated to and sharp in another writing category, you will then have extra power in your literary engine to flex when it comes to publishing and presentation. By respecting all facets of the craft of writing, your game can be potentially stepped up more than you know.



WHY SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED ABOUT BECOMING A BETTER WRITER?
If you are published and have aspirations of continuing to publish, your main objective should not only be selling books; but becoming a better writer. Even if you a performing poet, you should still focus on becoming a better writer. People get into the game for a variety of reasons. Some people are not concerned for state of being of the craft of writing as they are about making a dollar from selling a book. If you are passionate about any genre, then you should be just as passionate about improving your writing. 

Be encouraged to constantly digest and embody the change you are trying to make. If you are a poet or spoken word artist; continue being the best you can be; but also be encouraged to know that your talents are appreciated. Being that such is the case, why not take your writing to the next level by delving into another genre while still maintaining your skills in the realm of poetry/spoken word? I’d like to leave you with this thought: If you develop your writing in another genre, publish books to the effect, that fact alone may bring more attention to your poetry than that which was gained when you wrote only in that genre to begin with.


About the Author
Marc Lacy, a graduate of Alabama A&M University is a nationally renown, award winning poet/author and spoken word artist. He has performed all of over the country for many national literary events and spoken word venues. Marc is the author of Rock & Fire - Love Poetry from The Core, and The Looking Heart - Poetic Expressions from Within. He is also the producer of REFlux, RTIQLation, and LyriCode 256 spoken word CDs. 

Marc is the contributor to many anthologies such as: The Soul of a Man, Step up to The Mic, and Witness the Truth. Marc is a member of ArtNSoul Society of Expression, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Church Street CPCA, Huntsville Literary Association, and National Society of Black Engineers. He credits his faith in God and love of family for providing energy to succeed. 

Checkout his latest fiction book, Wretched Saints - When the Righteous Path Leads to Hell's Doorstep at: www.marclacy.com, www.myspace.com/mlacy, and www.facebook.com/marclacy.

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