Estelle has not only taken the charts by storm with her single American Boy, but has impressed Joy Francis with her funky new album ‘Shine’.
Time Out feature writer and reviewer Tamara Gausi offers some pointers to budding critics including how to cope with adverse reactions to your reviews.
The loss of one of her twin boys inspired holistic complementary therapist, artist and writer Hyacinth Myers to offer other parents a creative outlet. She highlights why.
Susan Yearwood has launched a new literacy agency. As one of a handful of UK-based black book agents she is on the look out for talented new voices.
Read the second and final part in our series - a week in the life of a budding writer - with our short story competition winners. This time it’s runner up Mahsuda Shah.
November/December 2007
Time to say goodbye...
By Marsha Blake, Words of Colour Intern
Alas! All good things must come to an end. (Opening with a cliché – have I learned nothing about the art of constructing an article?)
Seriously though, the time to move on has arrived and I welcome the uncertainty that change brings with open arms.
My time (six months) as the first Words of Colour online intern has offered both challenge and inspiration – two vital ingredients for personal growth. The greatest challenge has been to allow myself the time and space to engage in the creative activities that ignite my soul. I’ve discovered that even with the hectic rush that is everyday life, one must take the time to develop their passions, to do what they love.
I’ve had the good fortune of interviewing some inspirational people in the arts. Learning about them and their experiences has made me even more determined to make it as a writer. It has been a real eye-opener, to discover the wealth of amazing talent that exists in the UK, talent which the mainstream media has the tendency to overlook.
This is why websites like Words of Colour are important: to give a spotlight to people who are working hard, living their dreams and helping others to live theirs. I feel proud to have made some small contribution towards highlighting the achievements of these individuals and look forward to profiling many others in the future.
One notable after-effect of this internship has been my increased frustration towards the ‘day job’! Over the months, I have felt a shift within myself: a yearning for a true self dependence (as opposed to employer ‘pay cheque’ dependence). But, as much as I fantasise about the day I storm triumphantly into my boss’s office, resignation in hand, for the time being I resolve to channel my frustrations through my creativity, using it as fuel to keep my dreams burning bright.
The guidance and feedback I’ve received during this internship has been encouraging and valuable to my development as a writer. I’m especially thankful to Words of Colour co-founder Joy Francis for all the support she has given me.
Going forward, I hope to maintain a working relationship with Words of Colour and to continue to contribute for as long as they’ll have me!
I will continue to pursue a freelance career, writing features for online publications and print magazines and newspapers. I’m prepared to take on the fierce competition and dismissive editors at the top of the food chain, but now armed with greater confidence in myself and my abilities.
Paul Macey exposed the newspaper industry’s complicity in the sex trafficking industry. He explains why.
Joy Francis thanks R&B singer songwriter Estelle for speaking out about the lack of black British musicians being promoted.
Nicole Moore offers a do it yourself guide to getting your book noticed and sold in Kingston, Jamaica.
Paul Macey reveals what happens when young people are given the opportunity to tell their truth through their own media.
