I have been following up with the issue of Black Lives Matter; and I have a LOT to say about it. There are some BITTER TRUTHS that needs to be exposed!! But that would be a story for another day; in the meantime I thought I would share with you this overwhelming, inspiring, beautiful and thought-provoking write up by a Nigerian singer: Cynthia Morgan.
Cynthia Morgan
Before I share with you Cynthia Morgan perspective on the Black Lives Matter; I would like to let you know that I never had a regard for Cynthia Morgan until I read her write up. Upon reading it; I was like WOW!! So this woman has such intellectual prowess and wisdom? Quickly, I followed her in all her social media platforms, downloaded her songs, pictures and started using her song as my caller tune.
I am not an American, but I am a Black woman. Maybe the America saga is none of my business but I am Human, Ok, I have seen two of the most horrific videos in my life time.
Never seen somebody die that way with no respect whatsoever and all I see is black people ranting on social media created by our white friends. Some of them might not like us, just know we caused it.
It all goes back to when it all started. White people bought slaves from who? BLACK people, and who are these slaves? Black people. We sold ourselves out and lost our respect the day this trade took place.
A white man cannot have respect for a race that sold their own race to other race not for marriage or better life but for slavery. White people being smart enough then they thought superior and gained it. Have you ever thought it could have been the other way round?
Like the whites could have been in this position right now? But one race was just smarter at that point in time. Now our forefathers already made that mistake. Can we correct it? Yes. How? By gaining our respect and equality and its not by fighting these white people, its about knowing ourselves and finding our respect and in doing so, regrets and blames won’t help us.
Now we have to stand up and earn our respects back, and it’s not by crying on social media and begging for equality like spoilt babies.
Ya all need a Black Nation.
Invest more on black people and black ideas.
Let every black life count to you as a black person first before you preach it to other people.
White people have every right to be proud and do whatever pleases them. Its only natural, that’s how people act when they see all your comfort and life depends on them.
What we are fighting is more than just color thing, It’s more of mentality problems and it’s a way of the devil putting separation and chaos in the world so we all won’t come together and be in peace.
If we all in peace how then can he fulfill taking people to hell with him? And this has to be fought with God’s knowledge not guns, only cowards pull guns in a towel fight, even this cops knows this.
The only reason why white cops don’t and wouldn’t kill a white man is because they respect themselves and they know what they have put into building their nation. It’s hard before you see a white man pull a white man down intentionally.
Black People are special people, we need to believe more in ourselves. You all can’t even come back to Africa because Africa is not ready for ya’ll. Most of you forgot your roots and stayed angry that they sold your forefathers out but somehow you still prefer it there.
Black people might no longer be in chains of a white man physically but somehow they still are mentally. We need to build our own so we can earn our own respect back. Put some respect in you as a black man, else we are always going to be 2nd choice.
Until black lives matters to black lives, nobody cares. I am good with my black people with a couple of white friends, but if they wouldn’t have me I wouldn’t either. #Bless
I have always been fascinated by the Wrestling sport since childhood. I remember watching the wrestling sport on TV when I was a child. Often times, we watch together as a family. Sometimes I watch it alone with my siblings. As I grow up I became even more fascinated and curious with this amazing and entertaining sport. Sure, I have my favorite wrestlers in male and female. On top of this; I also learnt some skills in wrestling (LOL). To date, the wrestling sits at the top of one of my favorite sports!
As my curiosity about the WWE grew so did my curiosity about the authenticity of wrestling grow! I began to wonder about all the punches, kicks and what have you… that is why today I decided to share with you the real truths about this amazing sport wrestling! I have the confidence you will learn one or two things from the information below.
The World Wrestling Entertainment is one of the worlds biggest and richest companies with millions and millions of fans all over the world. It is normally shortened as WWE and it’s a professional kind of game in the US that is meant to entertain fans all over the world.
This great company was founded in the year 1980 and on the 21st of February and The CEO Vince McMahon is one of the key founders of this entertainment company together with his wife Linda McMahon. As of the reports released in 2020, the company’s net worth still stands at $ 5.71 billion and still counting.
For many years, there have been speculations and questions rose as to whether the stunts done in some of the wrestling matches are real or just meant for entertainment purposes. Ever understood whether or not WWE is a fake sport or a real one? This is a question that many have been asking themselves for years and over the recent years, people are beginning to discover the truth for themselves with regard to how real wrestling is.
To answer and bring satisfaction to anyone reading this article and needs and an answer, then you should know That, WWE is an entertaining sport and there is nothing real about all the stunts that we get to see in the ring.
How do they get winners?
According to WWE rules and standards, it is founder and CEO Vince McMahon who gets to decide the person who wins any match. He works closely with the script writers who ensure that whatever he decides is the exact thing that happens in the ring
The agents also works very well to ensure the matches are properly fixed to ensure everything makes a lot of sense. Another thing you should know however is that despite the fact that the winner is known and it’s already in the script, nobody knows how the winner will win and that is why they are specially trained for that very purpose.
Are there any injuries during matches?
One question that most people probably ask is about injuries. We often get to see injuries sometimes in some matches and there is nothing fake about the injuries. Even though the wrestlers don’t intentionally hurt each other, accidents do happen and in some cases a knee may be broken or any other injury in any way.
Despite the fact that all things are scripted, there are times when things go out of hand and as a matter of fact the most memorable moments in history of the WWE are those moments that were not scripted. According to reports, most of the scripts in the WWE are written by Bryan Danielson together with other staff members in the writing team.
What of steel chairs?
Am sure you have seen those moments when an opponent had to be hit by a steel chair and you keep wondering whether it hurts. Anything that is steel like landing in your body will definitely hurt and that’s a fact. The wrestlers have however been trained to do it in a manner that the opponent will not be hurt. The only thing that was banned by Vince McMahon was using the steel chairs to hit the head because it would more often than not lead to serious concussions.
The fact that the matches are scripted does not out rightly mean they are totally fake, some of the stunts are real and the only difference is that the people involved have been well trained for that kind of thing.
You will find great enemies suddenly being kept in the same team for a match and all that is to show you that it’s a scripted thing.
In my previous post, I shared some gems of wisdom from the amazing Sarah Prout and today here I bring you another inspiring post from Sarah Prout. It talks about Energy; when I finally came to grasp a complete understanding of the term Energy; I now agree that everything is Energy and your Energy is your responsibility. Read and found out for yourself!
It’s time to take your power back! In the hustle and bustle of our busy lives we cross paths with numerous energetic frequencies and vibrations that can potentially disturb our flow. Too often people hand over their power when they feel that they are being pushed out of their comfort zones – even for the smallest of things. For instance, if someone is being overly negative you might feel drained. People in the spiritual or personal growth space tend to get a little scared of negativity. Or if someone isn’t behaving in the way that you think they “should” you feel annoyed and irritated. This happens time and time again in relationships that need more compassion and understanding.
It’s in these moments that you must remind yourself that you have the power to guide your energy in the direction that will serve you.
Fear or love? Stillness or judgement? You get to choose.
Sarah Prout (www.sarahprout.com)
This magical realization helps to move from the perception that life is happening to you instead of through you. There is a big difference. Do you see it? Life happens through you, as you are the creator of your own reality.
More than likely the energetic obstacles or upsets that get placed on your path (that you think are swaying your vibe) are actually Divine instruments to help you grow spiritually. The Universe LOVES to test the souls that put their hands up to dive into the spiritual lessons of expansion.
Energy management is like building up a muscle The more you consciously guide your awareness to take ownership and responsibility for your own energy, the more you will become a powerful manifestor. You’ll strengthen your capability to spend your energy wisely and understand that nothing can interfere with your energy without your consent.
So instead of blaming a person or situation for depleting your spiritual reserves, remember that you have a choice. You are the pilot of your soul plane and more than likely you’ll experience some turbulence, but the plane will still remain in the air.
The common mistake is to believe that external forces have the power to lower your vibration. When it’s actually the other way around. Think of it as an opportunity to raise your vibration when you are faced with less-than-desirable situations. You are being strengthened. As a manifestor, as a spiritual being, you are being given a blessing to WORK WITH, not against.
I knew about Korra Obidi when the news of her marriage failure with her American husband Justin Dean. Before then I did not know about Korra Obidi; what amazed me most is that Korra Obidi is from my state (Delta State). From there I knew also that Korra is a dancer and singer. In truth, I can say that Korra is a beautiful woman, a woman of substance and truly talented! Suffice to say that I am a huge fan of Korra Obidi as I am following her on all her social media.
Recently Korra wrote a children’s book titled The Last Seed of Odinani; so it means that Korra is also an author. Is this not laudable? Sure it is! As a an ardent follower of Korra Obidi; I have discovered some things about her and I want to share with you the things I have discovered about Korra Obidi—things that makes me LOVE Korra Obidi.
1. Korra Obidi is a Natural Woman. In today’s world, women (especially Nigerian/Black African women and Black American women) are now CRAZE after lightening their skin. Bleaching their skin has become the order of the day. The rate at which most women bleach their skin is very alarming and disappointing (even some are joining in this madness too). It begins to make one to wonder what happens to maintaining your natural skin color. I must also admit that I was once caught up in this madness of bleaching skin during my teenage years. But thanks to personal development and new knowledge that helped me stop towing that useless path of bleaching. There is nothing beautiful about bleaching your skin. I don’t want to start talking about the effects of bleaching skin. I am sure you know about them.
If you look Korra Obidi she maintains her original black skin color and that makes TRULY beautiful!! Honestly, men and women who bleach their skin are just engaging in some madness in practice. You cannot trade your originality for artificiality!! Korra Obidi is a role model to women (being divorced does not mean you are a bad person because I know many women and men are going to start pointing at the failed marriage of Korra Obidi).
2. Korra Obidi loves Buddha. When I started following Korra Obidi I noticed that she used the multiple hands of Kwan Yin as her profile picture in her Instagram page. Then again, I was watching Korra’s song Royal Lamba and I saw the picture of Buddha in the video. In my full transparency, I LOVE this song and it is actually one of my favorites as I always play it on repeat, sing along and dance along! LOL! In the video of Korra Obidi song; the Buddha’s picture is SO visible and close to Korra.
Now, the question is who does not love Buddha or Kwan Yin. If I am going to be honest; I will say that these two Light Beings (Guan Yin (also Kwan Yin) and Buddha are TRULY Light Beings worth loving as they embody wisdom, grace, enlightenment and compassion in its HIGHEST form! I follow the wisdom and teachings of Guan Yin and Buddha and trust me it has been life-changing for me. I actually have the pictures of Buddha and Kwan Yin in my room.
Another thing I love about Buddha and Guan Yin is that they are Universal Beings. They are accessible to anyone who is aligned with them. There are other Light Beings who do not make themselves accessible to everyone. They are only limited to a specific region, person/people. But in the case of Guan Yin and Buddha it is not like that!
Today, I wanted to share with you a story about a family in northern Nigeria. I do not know them by any means. I heard it from a very heartwarming conversation between two friends and I thought I would share with you. I hope you enjoy it!
I shall always remember my old friend, Tanko. Tanko’s father, Alhaji Ibrahim Nuhu was the District Head of Yandaka District, near Katsina. Tanko was the eldest of three sons and he and his brothers all worked on the Alhaji’s farm.
The Alhaji had about six hectares of manure farmland near the village. On this farm he grew groundnuts, cowpeas, cassava and early millet. In addition, he had a bush farm of about five hectares, about three kilometers from the village. On this farm, he grew late millet, more groundnuts, cowpeas and guinea corn. Every year, the Alhaji paid some Cattle Fulani to bring their cattle to the bush farm to manure it. Tanko worked hard on his father’s farm and when he was about twenty four years old his parents helped him to marry. His new wife came and joined him on his father’s compound and Tanko continued to work hard. He helped to cultivate his father’s land. He was very good with the ox plough. During the dry season, he worked as a labourer and also began to sell groundnuts. So when his first child was born his parents did not have to pay all the Naming Ceremony expenses: he paid for some of these himself.
Tanko also found that he could make more money by selling boiled cassava in the nearby market. After a time, he and his family moved to another house in the village. His father lent him some money to help. Tanko’s wife began to trade from the new house, selling roasted groundnuts, groundnut oil, different kinds of cake and tuwo. Tanko too became a well-known trader in grains, groundnuts and cowpeas. He usually bought these at harvest time and stored them for some months before selling.
On the death of the Alhaji, about three years ago, Tanko and his brothers each inherited some of the Alhaji’s land. But by then Tanko was rich enough to buy another farm of his own.
Last year, I went to visit Tanko in his village.
“Tell me, what are the reasons why you are so successful?” I asked
All things are possible by the will of Allah,” he replied. “But a good father, hard work and a good wife also help!”
Competition is an assumption that someone else in your market place is vying for the same money, the same clients, or the same business as you. This whole concept of competition is based on scarcity, the idea that there is not enough for both you and your competitors to have as much as you want.
Competition makes sense in fear-based reality. A reality that says rocks are hard and water is wet, and that’s just the way the world is. In a reality that says, take before you are taken, that you must fight for what you want because the world is cruel and harsh and there is not enough for everyone. It makes sense in a dog-eat-dog world of corporate greed where the big guys take all and the little guys get squashed.” It is reinforced by advertisements such as one that is currently being aired by Chase bank promoting the use of their credit card. In the advertisement they end with this quote: “Chase…so you can.” Every time I watch it, I shout, “No you don’t want to do that!” You never want to have to run after anything—that means it is not within your reach. This kind of mindset and mentality comes from the place of (negative) ego and attachment which ultimately leads to suffering!
That is the ultimate of scarcity. In the frequency of scarcity everything is in short supply which leaves you with very little choice. Manifestation and scarcity energies do not mix. They function in entirely different frequencies, so if you are competing and chasing after, know that you are operating in scarcity and you are on the short end of the stick.
Competition also breeds jealousy. Jealousy is when you think somebody has something that you feel you should have instead. It’s like you want what they have, but they’ve got it, so now you are going to have to go out and really work hard to find other ways to get what you want. For example, as a young girl or boy who is been seen as ripe for marriage can also face the pressure to get married. Parents and siblings do this by comparing you with folks, peers, friends and people. Not knowing that everyone is on a different “time zone” and life path. You do not have to rush into marriage because your mates are getting married. Rather get married because you are ready.
“Marry when you are ready, not when you are pressured, or the marriage will be sad endeavour. People who pressure you to marry will be the same ones who will spread the scandalous stories that will happen when you marry unprepared. When you ask them for loans for food, rent, school fees, they will tell you stories, and later tell others your stories. They told you marriage brings blessings. They did not tell you that those blessings require feeding, and if you can’t feed them, the blessing becomes a lesson. That is why you should marry when you are under treasure, not when you are under pressure!” Reno Omokri
Jealousy is a simple identification with that other person as that person should have been me. Jealousy can also bring a tremendous amount of anger and blame at that other person for having what you want. And that’s why many people who become successful become targets of the jealousy of other people as they wish and hope for an opportunity to sabotage and tear them down. BE CAREFUL with the energy of jealousy. You will always limit your prosperity, your abundance, and the amount of love you can receive, if you judge others who can receive apparently more than you.
Remember, we are all walking in our own unique life paths. There is no need for competition or comparison
So must you compete? Must I compete? Must we compete? There are people who are trying their best to have successful businesses, and yet it is difficult not to fall into the current model of competition which can also lead to jealousy. The current model of running a business to put it in one word is to become a workaholic, to push and drive because by golly you are competing and you’ve got to out compete.
However, the energy of the workaholic is the energy of not enough. In this energy you feel you are not successful enough. You always feel like you are not doing enough, and you always have to be doing more because you are competing with these other people and if you don’t run faster and harder than them, then they are going to take over and make the big bucks and leave you behind.
BE CAREFUL with the energy of jealousy. You will always limit your prosperity, your abundance, and the amount of love you can receive, if you judge others who can receive apparently more than you
The truth is you don’t have to compete. Competition exists because of a belief in lack and a belief in fear of failure. So here’s what you can do. The first thing to know is that there is no competition because you can create whatever you choose. There are statisticians out there that will tell you that your market is so big and only so much of the pie can be yours. Don’t fall for it. Statistics don’t count. They don’t make any difference. YOU are the one that makes all the difference. As a reality creator, you are creating your clients and your business. You came into this world with talents, strengths and capabilities that are unique to you. As such, nobody is going after the same market as you and you don’t need to compete against anyone.
If you will let your talents, strengths and capabilities be an expression of what my dear Unseen Friends Galexis calls the 3 Divine Channels of Creativity as opposed to doing whatever you do solely for money, you will find that you will be fulfilled and you probably will make lots of money because you will be doing what you love. When you base what you do according to money, you probably won’t be successful because you are making money more important than you.
Galexis is a group of beings who speak as One through the channel Ginger Metraux, Ph.D. These beings come from various levels, planes, dimensions, and planetary systems. Most members of Galexis have been physical on earth, so they have direct knowledge of physical body experiences and have tremendous compassion for all of us beings who are having a physical plane experience. The members of Galexis have no competition with each other and can merge into one entity/soul while still retaining their individuality. Occasionally, an individual spokes-being for the group can be distinguished by a change of accent or body posture of the channel.
The 3 Divine Channels of Creativity as described by Galexis are as follows:
The first is to Love, Touch and Heal which is to connect with others, to give and receive energy to love, touch and heal.
The second one is to create, to imagine, to dream, to put together something that’s fun for you, to activate your own energy, your passion, your drive and your divine flow.
The third channel is to learn, to grow and to expand your awareness of yourself as a Divine Being.
Try activating any one of these three channels in whatever you do and see if you don’t find your life and your business running more smoothly.
And finally, look at a person who is successful and who is happy and enjoying what it is that you have been desiring and raise your resonance by inspiration to a level where you too can participate and experience that same joy and success that they have. You do it by saying, “This person is an inspiration for me. If they can have it, I can too. I want that for me and I choose that for me.” Rather than being jealous of them, celebrate in their success KNOWING that there is MORE THAN ENOUGH to go around!!!
Until next time, stay detached, with mindfulness and Higher Consciousness!
In today’s post, I want to share with you some gems of inspiration from Sarah Prout. (side note: Sarah Prout has been very influential to me. She is among my mentors and influences who have helped in having a better understanding of Law of Attraction and Life. Without wasting any further time; do yourself a favour to read through these gems of inspiration that is capable of setting the tone for a positive life momentum–albeit serving as a “game-changer.”
To your EMPOWERMENT and Reality Creation!
Are you a powerful creator? Do you set an intention and then it manifests easily and effortlessly?
If your answer is NO (or even a maybe) then I have something really important to share with you. Over the last (nearly) 20 years I’ve worked with people on how to guide their energy and set inspired intentions to manifest. One of the things that I’ve noticed is the radical difference between those that take ownership of being a “Powerful Creator” versus those that like to play it safe and not step out of their comfort zone.
This spiritual work requires bravery.
You wouldn’t be reading this article right now if your soul wasn’t calling you to play a bigger game that is more inspired by GRACE and meaning.
It’s really quite simple. If you change your thinking – the way you think – then you will see different results start to show up in your life.
Here are 7 Ways Powerful Creators Think Differently To Manifest Their Desires. Focus on trying these methods and watch the magic begin to appear into your life.
1. Powerful Creators Visualize
Seeing your desired outcome in your mind’s eye is the most effective way to spark the process of manifestation. When you have clarity and you can picture and tune into how your desire will make you FEEL then the Universe will respond to your request and begin to co-create with you.
2. Powerful Creators Ask For Support
Have you heard the saying that it takes a village to raise a child? Rarely, has anyone ever achieved something great without having the guidance, wisdom or mentorship to support them along the way. This is a key element in my Manifesting Academy Soul Tribe where if my students have a question or a concern they can get the support they need to inspire them on their journey. If you can’t ask others for support then the Universe won’t know how to support you better.
3. Powerful Creators Are Positive (but don’t make negativity wrong)
There’s a beautiful sense of optimism and positivity with powerful creators. They TRUST that everything will work out as it’s meant to in perfect timing. They don’t dwell on the past or the negative, but they KNOW that sometimes these emotions are helpful and must MOVE THROUGH YOU for a purpose.
4. Powerful Creators Don’t Do Drama
Gossiping, bickering, feuds, grudges, complaints, and bullying is so high school! A powerful creator detaches from drama and can remove themselves energetically from the bullcrap of others. Why waste your energy? Focus on what serves you.
5. Powerful Creators Trust In Divine Timing
Powerful Creators remember that life is seasonal. It’s cyclic and that just because they are going through a rough patch right now does not mean that it will last forever. Powerful Creators trust in Divine Timing.
6. Powerful Creators Guide Their Energy
The wisdom of discernment is something that a Powerful Creator has dialed into their soul. They know when their vibration is high or low and can troubleshoot a course of action that will be helpful. For instance, if you feel cranky you can meditate or watch your favorite TV show of dab on some Wild Orange essential oil to tune into the energy of abundance. WE get to choose how to guide our energy. We release others from the burden of being responsible for the way we feel.
7. Powerful Creators Understand The Process
Ah manifestation! It’s a process. You set the intention, you align your energy with that which you desire and you SURRENDER. You also surround yourself with like-minded kindred spirits that support you on your journey. Powerful Creators understand the process isn’t going to work for them if they don’t follow the steps and relax into the unfolding.
In the course of my writing journey and career, I have made many mistakes. But those mistakes served as a lesson and I have used them as a stepping stone! Before I start bringing out the tips; let me tell you more about some of the mistakes I made. I am sure you will learn from it. First of all I am kind of ashamed it but I have to make the confessions (LOLS).
At the beginning of my writing career; I used to have the worry that “oh…there are lots of books in the marketplace; who is going to buy my book? How can I get attention, wider readership and blah blah blah… but I was able to overcome this limiting belief. I finally came to realize that the Universe has more than enough space for everyone to express their talents and potentials. That there are millions books in the marketplace will not serve as a barrier for me and my books in any shape or form. One thing I learnt along the way is that everyone has their own audience and followers.
Let me illustrate the analogy that helped me burst through that limiting belief: if you walk into a market you will see that not only one person sells clothes, food items, meat, fish, etc. in that same market you see many people selling the same wares and stuffs and it does not stop them from having customers and patronages. So the same thing applies to my writing. Just because there are millions of books out there do not mean that I will not have readers, buyers and followers. I SURE will and I am having them already because I have empowered myself with the belief THAT I HAVE my own audience and it is just the fact.
I used to have this belief that once I have my book published by a publisher; it will start selling and my royalties will start rolling in (smiles). But the reality I have experienced is quite a different one! Although it has served as a LESSON for me! Yes, I am “Traditionally Published” but as it stands now, I am determined to take the route of self-publishing in my next books. I was rejected by 13 publishers before I finally found a publisher in America who agreed to publish my book.
Today, my story of how I became a published author is published in a South African platform (I will share the details later in this article; in the meantime keep reading)
I have a dream of establishing my own Self-Publishing platform subsequently. I want to be in charge of my books completely. I want to be the only one to receive whatever dime that comes from my book as a royalty; I want to take it up as my own personal business and investment—so that when I am using my resources to promote my books I will know all the benefits are coming back to ONLY ME. I am faithful that my dream of having my own Self-Publishing platform will inevitably become a reality.
After having a deeper understanding of how the publishing industry works and the way it is going; I conclude for myself that self-publishing is the best option for me. It no longer pleases me to “hand over” my manuscript to a publisher (unless on a “special situation” because there are always exceptions)
So, here are the advices I have for any upcoming writer or anyone who wants to consider going into writing:
Writing is a craft, like playing a musical instrument or painting with oils. Every aspiring writer must acquire this craft, just as every musician must learn his or her instrument. Today some high schools and most colleges offer creative writing courses, and so do various writer’s critique groups. If you look around you will undoubtedly find one in your area.
Whether you take a formal course or not, most of the craft must be acquired on your own. The best place to begin is the public library, which is full of good books written by people who know how to write. Check out good books by good writers in the genre in which you are interested. Analyze their styles, see how they set up a scene, how they do dialogue, how the characters are introduced and developed, how the writer makes the names memorable or fails to do that, how the story is paced, how the action unfolds, how the conflicts develop, how the subplots are made part of the story, how the climax is handled. Analyze the scenes, find the key words which bring out the emotion of a scene, study how the writer got his effect, how he uses verbs and adverbs, try to decide why he used the key words he did. Why did the writer choose the point-of-view he used, did he shift verb tenses, why are the paragraphs where they are, why did he use action verbs in one place and “to be” verbs in another?
I recommend that every aspiring writer join a critique group. Smaller is usually better. Each person in the group must commit to write on their story every week and submit it for criticism, and they must agree to make the time to read everyone else’s submissions. Craft is learned here, and you can see how your stuff strikes readers. And by pointing out weak places in other people’s craft, you are forced to reexamine your own.
The weak point of critique groups is that egos occasionally get involved. If the discussion is collegial and everyone is trying to help every member get better at the genre they have chosen, all will go well. But if egos get out of control, the wise course is to find another critique group.
I also recommend that every aspiring writer attend one or more writer’s workshops which are held on an annual basis all over the country. Google Writer’s Workshops and see what pops up. In addition to discussions of craft which are scheduled throughout the workshops, attendees bring samples of their own work to show to the professional editors and literary agents who often attend. It is here, in a writer’s workshop, that you will have your first opportunity to pitch your work to an agent. The agent you meet at a workshop may well be the agent who ultimately takes you on as a client when you finally have a truly commercial manuscript ready to go.
Originality
Beginning writers are well advised to write about something they know. Many beginners try to write about people and places and events that they know absolutely nothing about and consequently expend vast quantities of time and effort but cannot get the story to read right.
The flip side of writing about what you know is the publishing reality that originality sells. To break into publishing and establish a major career, you must go boldly where no one has gone before, to steal a phrase. First novelist J. K. Rowling wrote of a boy wizard at an English school. Original and fresh, her novels to date have been mega-bestsellers world-wide and made her our first literary billionaire. The list goes on and on. So the formula is originality and craft, workmanship and sweat. Lots of sweat and Grace too.
Book Doctors
First time writers, or indeed, any writer struggling with a manuscript, might consider the services of a book doctor. In the past editors at major publishers might labor over a manuscript, writing, rewriting, and if necessary, inserting or eliminating subplots, all in the effort to get a manuscript up to publishing quality. Today editors at publishing houses do not do this—they simply don’t have the time. Nor can the publishing houses afford the cost. The manuscript must arrive in-house polished and ready for the line editor, who merely checks spelling, punctuation, capitalization and the like. The book doctor, paid for by the writer, fills this empty niche. You can find these services on the web, but check out their references before sending money.
Craft aside, to write successfully you must have something to write about; every word you write is a distillation of everything you know about life, about how the world works, about how people think and feel, their motivations, their hopes, their dreams, and so on. How do you write a woman in love? Well, if you are not a woman, it would help a lot if you had known one or two who were desperately, hopelessly in love. To write successfully you must understand what it is to be human. Only then can you reduce the human experience to language and put it on paper. Our best writers drank deeply of life. Students of writing must write about other people, learn to create characters that live within the boundaries of the fictional world created by the writer. This is the very essence of the craft, without which you cannot progress.
At some point every aspiring writer must evaluate his or her work and make a realistic appraisal of its worth. Are you just laying bricks? Here is where a critique group can be of real value. Do not try to write unless you are willing to fail. If you are unwilling to let your friends read your stuff because they might not understand it, it is unpublishable–the book buying public won’t understand it either. This leads inexorably to my next point: if you have to explain to a reader what they should have gotten out of a story, it didn’t work. Go back and work on it some more. The story must stand on its own. How well it stands is a direct measure of how well you have mastered the craft of writing.
The Courage to Fail
Speaking of the courage to fail, through the years I have noticed a curious phenomenon. People who are experts in literature, who know grammar, who can discuss the intricacies of plotting, characterization, setting, pacing, etc., until hell won’t have it, people who seem to have all the equipment necessary to succeed at writing fiction, rarely try it. I have no ambitions about masterpieces–I just want to write for the passion and fun books that entertain people and make a living doing it. I want to write the kind of books that I like to read. So I write and the experts read. In a way it’s sort of sad.
Once the manuscript is well written, all typos and misspellings removed, you are ready to try to get it published. The manuscript should be double-spaced on plain white paper, one side only, not bound in any way. Your name, address and phone number should be on the first and last pages of the manuscript. Do NOT submit the manuscript anywhere until you are convinced it is the best it can be.
Agents today perform the screening process that used to be done by publishing houses. Agents read unsolicited submissions and accept those they think are publishable. Today most publishing houses will not look at an unagented submission. Don’t even try. Get an agent (if you think it is your best option because you must always consider your circumstances and pocket too).
Literary agents make their money selling manuscripts to publishers, not reading them. However, do not expect a bona fide agent to return your manuscript with a long letter full of incisive literary criticism. If you want literary criticism it is only fair that you pay for it.
Breaking In
Publishers and agents all say that they are actively searching for the raw material required to keep the presses running and cartons of books on the way to bookstores. There is no conspiracy to lock out unpublished authors. Two hard realities govern the publishing world, and you must overcome them both to break in.
Book buyers like to buy brand names. They will buy a new book by an author they have read and enjoyed without even reading the blurb on the dust jacket. The consumer’s focus on established talent makes it incredibly difficult for a publisher to make a first novel a commercial success.
Most aspiring writers haven’t acquired the craft of writing, so 99% of the stuff agents and publishers see is unpublishable. Consequently, while book people are looking for publishable material, finding the jewels is like searching a hog pen for diamonds. (One editor told me that editors see so much trash, sometimes the glitter of the mediocre seems irresistible. The book-buying public, less jaded, is more fickle.)
The challenge to beginners is this: you must write a book so good, so compelling, the agents and publishers decide that the book can be sold despite the brand-name focus of the book-buying public. Remember, these people are trying to make money publishing books; they must sell books to survive. So the question is who will buy your books? Yet even if there was an audience out there, a publisher would not sign a writer unless he was firmly convinced that writer could deliver a commercial manuscript ready for the line editor with a minimum of editorial guidance, or he was holding such a manuscript in his hand.
NEVER forget–publishing is a FOR PROFIT business. Your manuscript must convince everyone all along the line that they can MAKE MONEY by publishing it. Notice that I said “your manuscript,” for truly, it must sell itself. Regardless of who you know or how persistent your agent is, the manuscript must be good enough that publishers can see how it can be sold.
More people are writing today than ever before in history. Word-processing programs and PCs have freed writers from the clerical drudgery that plagued the craft since the invention of the alphabet. In addition, the booming economy has given huge numbers of people the luxury of time, which many folks are spending at the keyboard of one of those PCs. The result is an unprecedented flood of manuscripts. The market for books, however, continues to grow slowly–while more books are sold today than ever before, the percentage of people reading continues to shrink as technology and lifestyles change. As you might imagine, all these writers searching for agents and publishers have created a bonanza for scam artists.
Be Wary
Anyone can claim to be a literary agent; there are no licensing or knowledge requirements and ethics are strictly optional. Many writers have been rejected so often by the bona fide publishing industry that they become easy prey for the unscrupulous. A few words of praise is the usual hook. Regardless of how the scam starts, eventually the subject of money will come up. The writer is requested to pay reading fees, acceptance fees, all kinds of fees, and promises flow like beer at a biker bar. Once your money is gone, it’s usually gone forever.
Once your novel is accepted by a publishing house, you will find that today you MUST get actively involved in publicizing the work. Publishers used to do all the publicity and promotion, but we live in a changing world beset by inexorable economic realities. YOUR ability and willingness to help sell the book will be a huge factor in its success. You see I emphasized the “must”–that is why I am deciding to go into self-publishing so that I can channel all my energy and resources to the success of my book with the BEST of my abilities!
My book (Cindy And Her Beautiful Bird) is available worldwide and it was nominated for the Readers Choice Awards in 2020. Here is a trailer for my book
The negative operates from a lower vibration and a powerless place. When you are in the negative ego, you NEVER win. Some forms which the negative ego can take are: pride, bragging, pretense, fear, jealousy, fear, desperation, limiting beliefs, negative thoughts/voices, feelings of unworthiness etc. The negative ego is another EPITOME of lies (as limiting beliefs ARE!!)
I am very grateful to Lazaris, a Non Physical Entity of Light channeled by Jack Pursel. Lazaris explains in detail what the ego is. The ego is two types: negative ego and positive ego. But many people generalize it as ego which is not true! Self-love, self-confidence, gratitude, mindfulness, humility, honesty etc are egos too; but these are positive ego.
Our Higher Selves works with the Positive Ego. The Negative Ego can be correctly named the Devil in every human; the dark side of human beings. Assuming we as human beings do not have the negative ego we would be more like the Angels in terms of Consciousness—because Angels of Light and other Light Beings do not have the negative ego. And the positive ego is full of unlimited possibilities, celestial mandates, higher vibrations and higher consciousness all-round.
I used to wonder why someone cannot change completely. For example, nobody is perfect. Even if you are a religious leader, spiritual teacher etc you still have the negative ego in you. Only very few humans has been able to dethrone their negative egos. When someone changes from a bad habit or deed to a good path; I used to think within me in my cradle days of spiritual development and awakening that once you turn away from whatever bad thing you used to do that you will become perfect because you God/Universe will give you perfection; but I come to realize that having the negative in us is like a learning curve for us, a reminder to keep embracing the light and using our freewill. But I think it is “WORK”!! because you know how I see it and how I am feeling about this is that—if God/Universe/Angels removes the negative ego from humans we would not need their help because we will be vibrating at the same level of Consciousness as they are—and even if not exactly; our own Consciousness will be at a very high level—one worth adoring and being a force to reckon with!!
To help us further understand the Negative Ego (Devil) and the Positive Ego (Angel); here is an illustration of the Negative Ego (Devil) and the Positive Ego (Angel) as explained by Morihei Ueshiba (aka O-Sensei):
No matter how you ‘chop off’ negative thoughts they will keep appearing according to the law of action and reaction. That’s why you needn’t fight with them. You should withdraw from them, artificially developing positive thoughts inside yourself. In other words, concentrate on something good or recall something good. Only in this smooth withdrawal will you be able to defeat your negative thought.
And why can thoughts sometimes be the absolute opposite of each other? Let’s put it this way: in the human body, there is a spiritual nature, or soul, and a material nature, or animal, beastly, call it as you wish. The human mind is a battlefield of these two natures. That’s why different thoughts arise in you. And who am ‘I’ then, if thoughts are alien? Not alien, but yours. You are the one who’s listening to them. And which nature you give preference to, that you will become. If you prefer the material, animal nature, then you’ll be evil and nasty, and if you listen to the advice of your soul, you’ll be a good person, and it will be pleasant for other people to be around you.
The choice is always yours; you are either a tyrant or a saint. You turned to the soul, your wish was fulfilled. When you weakened your control over yourself, you were pulled over by the animal nature, imperceptibly for you at that, by your own favourite egoistic thoughts. There is a constant war of two natures inside of you for you. And your future depends on which side you choose.
It is possible to fight with the one who offers resistance. But fighting with a vacuum is senseless. Against a vacuum of negative thoughts, it is only possible to create the same vacuum of positive thoughts. In other words, as I’ve said before, to switch to a positive and to think about good things. But always stay vigilant, listen to what your brain is thinking about. Observe yourself. Be aware of the fact that you don’t make any effort, but the thoughts in you are constantly swarming. And not one thought. There can be two and three or even more at once.
It is like in Christianity, they say, on man’s left shoulder sits the devil, and on the right, an angel. And they are always whispering “something…” But for some reason, the devil whispers louder, he probably has a rougher voice. What’s called the devil in Christianity is the manifestation of our animal nature (Negative Ego).Well, if the mind is a battlefield of two natures, and as far as I understand it, their weapons are thoughts, then how can you distinguish who is who? How do the spiritual and the animal nature manifest in thoughts? In which way?
The spiritual nature are thoughts generated by the power of Love, in the broad sense of the word. While the animal nature are thoughts about the body, our instincts, our reflexes, megalomania, desires, which are entirely consumed by material interests, and so forth. (Sense I The Primordial of Shambala by Anastasia Novykh)
Just imagine how it would look like when you become the individual who does not have limiting beliefs, negative thoughts, negative energies and vibrations. Your aura and third eye are highly activated, clean and fortified at all times. You are in mindfulness and well connected to the Ethereal. In that kind of reality you are an Enlightened Being (suffice to say an Angel) because negative entities and energies cannot penetrate you because you are too much of a high vibrational being for them to come near to or try to penetrate!
Another thing is that the Earth has its own troubles and hiccups. As the beloved Ascended Master Kwan Yin taught us; “The realm you’re in has a heaviness that mutes energy. You can penetrate through it, no matter how dark and heavy.” It takes spiritual muscle to penetrate through the denseness of this earth (trust me!) but it is possible to penetrate through it.
It is my joy to see humans dethrone and starve their negative egos. But wait; are my daydreaming by saying that? Lols! No. Subliminally and honestly I know that this cannot happen once! It will take centuries for humanity to have come to this state of Higher Consciousness. Right now, the earth is healing, humans are healing. And humanity’s consciousness is rising to a higher level. Many are awakening (spiritually) and we are all at our own pace and time.
Always remember that your (negative) Ego is not your Amigo; because if you do not take your time the (negative) Ego will tear you down and destroy you in a twinkling of an eye. You do not want to be in that reality because like Lazaris said; the (negative) Ego can destroy all your efforts and achievements that you have laboured to accomplish in an instant.
I will say it again; if you are living from the negative Ego you will NEVER win. Quote me anywhere! I used to feed my (negative) Ego. But having caught the tricks of my (negative) Ego I now disrespect and disobey my (negative) Ego because it is not going to lead me into a positive life momentum. You have got this!
Until next time, stay mindful; in Higher Consciousness with constant Divinity.
Hi there! What are you up to recently? As you go about your schedules and journey through Life I wish you Illumination and Higher Consciousness with Constant Divinity.
I thought to sprinkle some doses of inspirations to you; hence I am sharing these Sages with you. I am sure you draw in inspiration to help you step into a more positive life momentum. So there have you the inspirations below! Feel free to pass it on to others.
Born To Shine
Our deepest fear is not
that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are
powerful beyond measure.
It is our light,
not our darkness,
that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves,
who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be?
Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened
about shrinking
so that other people
won’t feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine,
as children do.
We were born to make manifest
the glory of God that is within us.
It’s not just in some of us,
it’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same.
As we’re liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically
liberates others.
— Marianne Williamson
The Law of Least Effort
The Law of Least Effort is the principle of least action, of no resistance. This is, therefore, the principle of harmony and love.
Act from love. Least effort is thus expended, because nature is held together by the energy of love.
Attend to spirit rather than ego. When your internal reference point is your spirit, you are immune to criticism and unfearful of any challenge.
Accept people, situations, circumstances, and events as they are, not as you wish they were. When you feel upset, remember that you are not reacting to the person or the situation, but to your feelings about the person or the situation.
Do not blame anyone or anything for your situation, including yourself; then every situation will become your teacher, and an opportunity for the creation of something new and beautiful.
Completely desist from defending your point of view. Relinquish the need to convince others of your opinion. Make a commitment to follow the path of no resistance: simply declare your intent to yourself, and you will experience fulfillment, delight, joy, freedom, and autonomy in every moment.
Ultimately you come to the state where you do nothing and accomplish everything.
– adapted from Deepak Chopra, Seven Spiritual Laws for Success
Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery; but let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann
I got these bunches of inspirations from the beautiful and magical erin Dragonsong; the Founder and Chief Esoteric Officer of Wicca Spirituality. So pass it on! Blessed Be!
Kingsley Osajie 