Psst! Anybody there?

Wow, so it's been a while. Last time I was writing Book Two. And you know how these things go. Two became Three and then I went back to One. Nothing like taking 4 steps forward and finding out that you are on a backward escalator. But you know, it's always getting better. And when I come to finish the second, which is really the third, well! Confused? I am. That's the thing I'm finding about writing. You see, unless and until someone says, right this is great; sign here to start your reading tour, I'll be working my way to perfection. And even if that means I have to re-work One, I'll still be flirting and fooling around with structures and POVs for Two and Three. It's like an addiction. Most times it's enjoyable. At other times, life just gets in the way, man.

Number Two

Feels like slicking on that rich lipstick and stepping out for the first date in a long time. It's exciting. My stomach flips; my fingers tingle. Where will we go? I might have an idea. Kinda mapped it all out. He'll say this; I'll say that. There might be a joke and a giggle. A bit of round and round around the spot. Go here, go there, then home free. Done...

But hang on a minute. This book has got to be better than the first. I can't just drum up some formula and expect it to work. It's got to be... convincing. The characters have to live, the voice...the voices have to sing! Even when they are silent. So. This is going to be as inch-wormingly, nit-pickingly and ultimately, as satisfying as the first time. So I heave a sigh then lean in to the screen and prepare to obsess.

This Is It

1. I first encountered Michael Jackson as a cartoon character dancing on my childhood television screen with his brothers. Those were the days....they called me sambo in the playground then I went home to see this afro-haloed boy sing. The next day white and black kids would talk about that guy on tv. And me? I puffed out my chest. You've never seen pride quite like it. It was as if I owned him.

2. Why do people always wait until someone dies before they realise that perhaps they misjudged them?

3. Great wealth can liberate and imprison in equal measure...

4. Any idiot can make a baby. Fatherhood is about responsibility and commitment. Ask Paris Jackson.

5. Charlie Chaplin's, 'Smile' is a great mantra for life

6. 'Don't stop till you get enough', P.Y.T., 'Off the Wall', 'Butterflies', 'The way you make me feel', ...all sign posts of different times in my life. Sounds that are part of my musical DNA. Thank you for the music.

RIP MJ

Sometimes money makes a world of a difference

I haven't blogged for ages but if you have followed this blog for a while you may recall a series of interviews I conducted in Ghana? If not, they are on the side bar of this blog under the 'On Ghana' section. One interviewee named Vivian said that she wanted 15 pounds to change her life so that she could become a trader. I am so pleased to report that she is now successfully trading and has indeed changed her life. Now if she can do it with 15 quid...make's one think dunnit?