Posts

Why Independent Authors Need A Book Editor

By -
Image
Book editing is an essential part of the writing and publishing process, that will consume many rounds when producing a manuscript through a professional publishing house. As an independent author, however, there are particular luxuries and processes that may have to be adjusted or eliminated in the name of resources, finances, accessibility, or expertise. Copyediting should not be one of those cuts. By nature, most authors already have a way with words, sentence structure, punctuation, and can maneuver their way through a Google Doc, Microsoft Word document, or word processing program. Regardless of the preferred method of recording the literary masterpiece (by hand, or on your smart phone or tablet, perhaps?), it is still important to have another set of eyes go over your words. Having a friend or family member read your book is a great idea...but it is still crucial to have a skilled editor give your manuscript a careful scan. Here are a few specific reasons why even independent aut
Post a Comment
Read more

Selecting a Caribbean Carnival Band to Play Mas With

By -
Image
In the spirit of preserving, enhancing, and operationalizing the culturally significant event that is Caribbean Carnival, we have created a template that can be used in any city, for carnival enthusiasts who are looking to select a band to play mas with. MAS BAND EXPERIENCE: There are many factors that contribute to the overall experience participants will have with the mas band they select, from the band launch to crossing the stage and the road march. We've listed 20 items to consider including the band leader, DJs, road performers, trucks, refreshments, the band launch, costume registration, pickup, and quality, the mas camp vibe, website and social media performance, customer service, special events, band reputation, and participants diversity. By giving each area a score from 1-5, the template will automatically tabulate the overall grade for the band, which you can compare across 5 bands using our worksheet. Additional factors to consider, for reference: mas band size, the ma
Post a Comment
Read more

They Not Like Us: Hip Hop's Accreditation (Part 2)

By -
Image
Just so we're clear: this isn't about Drake. This isn't about Kendrick. This is about the headlines, the vloggers, the experts, and the discussion that continues to circulate within Elon's galaxy, in Mark's metaverse, on Beyonce's internet. This #TheyNotLikeUs conversation, as I understand it to be, is fundamentally about hip hop music. Preserving hip hop culture. Respecting hip hop culture. Protecting hip hop culture. Gatekeeping, and raising standards. Policing authenticity. Identifying and eliminating wastemen. Elevating leaders. Keeping it Black, and keeping it real. This isn't about these two individuals--although they have ignited and amplified the conversation--it's about the longevity of hip hop. The blessing about hip hop is, is that many of us can actually remember the early days. It's a relatively young phenomenon, with living legends to verify and authenticate the origin stories and details. The history is still quite tangible. We were th
Post a Comment
Read more

They Not Like Us: A Drake Thinkpiece (Part 1)

By -
Image
When Toronto Raptors' DJ 4Korners released his refix/flip of Drake's "Worst Behavior" last week, on the "They Not Like Us" riddim I thought to myself: that's exactly it. Maybe Drake has been aware all along, because 10 years ago he said it was a fight to the finish.  He remembered the days when no one cared, was catapulted into hip hop royalty, and most likely was preeing the entire situation carefully from start until...the other day. The perceived finish. The end of the historic hip hop battle to the top. The night Drake was allegedly buried, when west coast hip hop stars, gangsters, athletes, community members, and supporters came out in allegiance to cheer and chant "They Not Like Us" on repeat. I couldn't enjoy the performance, although I can acknowledge Kendrick's appeal and intellect. The chants felt eerie, viewing as a Canadian. I still can't watch it all the way through. What's odd is...they used to never want to hear
Post a Comment
Read more

Black Women in the Automotive Industry

By -
Image
What's not to love about the automotive industry? Beautiful designs, luxury, and of course...an everyday need: transportation. I love to attend the auto show to check out the latest innovations, the artistry, and the creative concepts. Since the late 90's, I've walked the Metro Toronto Convention Centre floors annually to take a look at "what's new" and "what's hot" on the car scene. I've even purchased a specific car model that I first lay eyes on at the show, and always appreciate the opportunity to get the up-close look at the interior and variations as well. I enjoy attending the event, even moreso now that I can participate in the Media Day, and share perspectives such as these. Beyond my lens as an amateur car enthusiast, I still walk away from each event wondering: where are all the Black folks in this industry? There was definitely diversity evident yesterday: I noticed a good amount of Asian, South Asian, and Caucasian folks present.
Post a Comment
Read more

AFRICVILLE // Lessons in Resistance & "Righting Canada's Wrongs"

By -
Image
It's the time of year when we get an extra dose of reminders of all of the horrible atrocities committed openly against Black people here in Canada, and around the world. Reminders of the disrespect, the discrimination...and an annual reminder of how much more work needs to be done to attempt to repair the damages deliberately invoked on peoples of African descent. It would have been so wonderful to learn these stories in school from a young age, in addition to at-home lessons. To have everyone learn about the collective histories of settlers, and of the Indigenous, as we coloured maps of Canada and memorized capital cities in each province. Now designated as a National Historic Site, the spirit of the town of Africville holds so much more power and inspiration that geography class could have been enhanced with. Decades ago, had the truth been communicated openly. James Lorimer & Co. Ltd., Publishing, 2021 In the  Righting Canada's Wrongs  collection of anti-racism resourc
Post a Comment
Read more

THE HOOP AND THE HARM // An Enlightening Novel for Young Athletes

By -
Image
Inspired and informed by the experiences and journey of Canadian author Jawara Pedican , the YA novel The Hoop and the Harm features the life and internal struggles of a university student who has dedicated his life to the game of basketball.  Pedican, a former varsity athlete at McGill University and the University of Toronto, uses his wisdom to share the fictional story of  Udoka (aka "Yoosie") Clendon, who is working to overcome challenges with his confidence, family influences, and his vision for the future...in addition to navigating everyday circumstances growing up in Toronto as a young Black man. There are many energetic in-game descriptions that make this an exciting sports novel, but there is also a rare intimate look offered in this text, highlighting the thoughts and emotions of a star athlete with infinite potential for success. Through discussions with his therapist, and special chapter segments focusing in on "Feldbrook's Lesson," there is amazin
Post a Comment
Read more