South Florida Book Festival beneficial to aspiring writers/journalists

Mary B. Morrison and Wahida Clark

South Florida Book Festival beneficial to aspiring writers/journalists

By Jalen Williams jalen.williams2@gmail.com

My experience at the South Florida Book Festival at the African-American Research Library was unique and enlightening.

People from the Broward County community had the opportunity to learn about the work of authors and journalists from worldwide who gathered together to present their work to the public.

This information was beneficial to aspiring writers/journalists like myself.

Two of New York Times Best-selling Authors, Wahida Clark and Mary B. Morrison gave a lecture about their career and tips on how to brand yourself and be your own business. Although both of these women have different writing styles, they write to empower women.

“Nobody is training our young women,” said Clark. They both emphasized the importance of finishing your book first and have it typed up in your hand.

Also, they explained the difference between being an independent author/publisher and working for a publishing company.

“Everybody is not going to want what you have so just be confident in what you’re doing,” said Morrison.

“The good thing about being a writer/publisher is that you can be genuine to your style and creativity,” said Clark.

It is important to hook your readers from the very beginning and leave them with cliff-hangers and guessing, “What’s next” Clark also said.

Paul Lewis, author of the book “Sabotage” was also in attendance and talked briefly a-bout his newly released book. This book is interesting because of its focus on the hostility and pressure against President Barack Obama.

Lewis outlines the hostility and says, “It is bigger than political, and it’s racism.” “We want Obama to know what’s going on and we’re behind him,” said Lewis.

     Summer intern Jalen Williams, is a  student at Florida A&M University seeking a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism.