One Blood (50 page)

I completed the first draft of the novel at that time titled
Bad Blood
in May 2006. Based on advice I’d taken to heart from Stephen King’s
On Writing
, I printed out several copies of my book and sent them off to a few close friends for their thoughts:

Mike M., aka the one-man-book-club, you were the first person to complete my book, back when you were my boss. You read it in like 3 days, carrying an additional 8 pounds in your luggage. You correctly identified the fact that I’d written
Sunbird
(a novel by Wilbur Smith) when I should have written
The River God
. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the final product inspired by your feedback.

Samantha T., I still remember sitting in my flat in Brazil and nearly tearing up when you said, “I love it.” More beautiful words have never been expressed. Isn’t it funny how parallel our lives have been over the years? I can’t wait to reciprocate for you with
Seventeen Seasons
.

Julye A., you don’t even read fiction and yet you took the time to read my book. Your enthusiasm has definitely kept me going in the tough editing moments since you finished. The “Big Joker” didn’t make the final cut, but I hope you dig the book, nonetheless.

Aunt Sandra, your stewardship and advice has meant the world to me. Knowing I had someone within 2 degrees who had a book in bookstores (
Faradays Popcorn Factory
– check it out!) made me believe my dream was possible.

Ceallaigh P., you were there when I got to the end the second time around, and your laser sharp insights definitely contributed to the elevated level of the story—especially your thoughts on how badly I had written Juanita’s pregnancy scene!

Courtney W., my last official roommate! Thanks for always being a welcome ear to bounce ideas off of. Andrew M., aka Groo Man, Juanita Simmons crawls like an “awkward spider” thanks to your feedback! Brad and Emily H., our many discussions on race over the years have been very enlightening. Thanks for always welcoming me into your home! Jeremy C., the fact that I could impress you with some of the early chapters let me know I had something. Tanisha L., I know you couldn’t get through it, hopefully it will be better this time! Steve P., my best friend since 1995, thanks for always being in my corner! Canise J., I appreciated your willingness to read those pages and be a part of the beginning of TPC! Fede, aka Rico, our many conversations about life were so important. Thanks for being my brother, friend, and great early reader. Lauren M., you came into my life at the perfect moment and immediately made a significant impact that extends far beyond writing!

No book would be possible without editing, the least glamorous, most grueling, and arguably most thankless task of book production. I have had the extreme fortune of having 6 outstanding editors over the years:

Michelle Chester, my first editor, you had no idea what you were signing up for after we met at the Black Writer’s Reunion and Conference (BWRC), did you? Looking back on it now, would you ever again agree to content
and
copyedit a six-hundred page, one hundred eighty thousand word behemoth in 2 weeks? But you pulled it off, and in the process showed me how much work I still had left to do!

My sis, Sameerah! I could write a one hundred twenty-thousand word book using only the phrase THANK YOU and it still wouldn’t accurately express how much I appreciate what you have done for me, unsolicited, to make this book a reality. You took it upon yourself to not only read, but edit the book TWICE! Your discipline and work ethic have always inspired me. I may be your older brother but I have learned a lot from watching you blossom over the course of our lives.

Ms. Anita Diggs, the manuscript editor, thank you for forcing me to address many serious issues with my manuscript, from character motivation to genre. Your feedback was a bitter pill to swallow, but like most medicine that tastes bad going down, it got the job done.

Stephanie Casher, aka KINDRED, meeting you changed my life. I had no idea back then just how pivotal you would prove to become – the official editor of
One Blood
(I’m sorry for putting you through hell twice!), my business partner with the Pantheon Collective, and my business conscience reminding me to slow down and smell the roses every now and again. I am so happy we have taken this independent publishing journey together. It goes without saying that your editing perfectionism, skill, and professionalism is unmatched. Authors, consider yourself exceptionally
blessed
if you ever get some of Stephanie Casher’s magic red ink on your manuscript.

James W. Lewis, aka BigLew, J-Willy, Captain America, and TPC Leading Man, suffice it to say, I’m so happy you “stalked” Stephanie on Mondella’s blog, haha. I am very appreciative of how our relationship has grown. You have taught me a ton about what it takes to be a successful author. Your hustle is unparalleled and your feedback as one of the final readers of
One Blood
was the icing on this bloody cake. Thank you for showing me the value of keeping things simple!

Author and Editor, Cateena Davis, put the final spit shine on
One Blood
, completing three lightning fast (but thorough) proofreads, and doing the final check that all my t’s were crossed and i’s were dotted. Thanks for your responsiveness, flexibility, availability, and help!

I also have to give a huge thank you to the entire Gotham Writer’s Workshop 2010 Spring Advanced Novel II writing class led by Diana Spechler, author of
Who By Fire
and
Skinny
. Terri, Kathryn, Sue, Mia, Sam, Patrizia, Todd, Frank, Elizabeth, and Nick, thank you for all the feedback and challenges. Your collective fingerprints are all over the first 50 pages of this novel, which got considerably better as a result of your questioning. I can’t wait to see the final incarnations of each of your projects as well!

Urbis.com was a huge resource to get real-time feedback from other writers on problem chapters.

The entire Black on Black Rhyme family and especially Keith, Hazel, Shadow, Paul D., Ali, Salaam, and Brotha John – The Ancient Newcomer, thanks for expanding my world and accepting me into this awesome collective! You showed me the power of collaboration and bringing the right group of people together at an early age!

Tia Ross, thank you for starting and maintaining the Black Writer’s Reunion and Conference. Without you, The Pantheon Collective and our books
Sellout
,
When Love Isn’t Enough
,
A Hard Man is Good to Find
, and
One Blood
might not exist.

Book Expo America Writer’s Conference, thank you for providing a place for writers to up their I.Q. on the business of publishing. It was only through attending three of your conferences that I gained the confidence, and more importantly, the knowledge to get into independent publishing.

Literary agents who rejected my manuscript, thank you for forcing me to turn a lump of coal into a diamond. You knew I wasn’t ready back when I thought I was, and you became the fuel for everything that has come since. I get it now, and respect your role, and more importantly, your process more than ever.

Book Cover Express: Cathi Stevenson – you took the image I’ve had in my head for years for the book cover and elevated it to another level. You were amazing to work with and I look forward to many future collaborations.

Multivision Productions
: Rob, Edu, Ricky; Raven and Monica (makeup); Sheik (drums), and Danielle (actor) – it was amazing to see a scene from my head unfold on film. What a team! You all exceeded my expectations in every way. The book trailer you created was worth every penny!

Vanessa V., of Girls Gone Geek and Professional Illustrator David Benzal: I admit to being quite nervous about having virtual stranger bring my characters to life, but your recommendation weighed a ton Vanessa! And as soon as I saw David’s vision for Randy Lafitte, I knew he was the right man for the job. Congrats again on the new addition to your family, David! You have an amazing gift and I hope these illustrations you did for
One Blood
bring you a lot of additional lucrative interest!

Of course I have to thank my parents: Samuel and Sameerah, my older brothers: John, Patrick, and Kamau, my younger sister: Sameerah, my Aunt Janis, my niece, Kiarra, and my nephew, Hamilton. Everything I am, I owe to all of you. To my grandmother, Mabel Harris, who passed away earlier this year at the blessed age of ninety-four, I wish you had lived to see this day, but I am grateful for the lifetime of lessons you bestowed upon me.

And last but not least, I have to thank YOU, for taking the time to read my debut novel and this rather lengthy acknowledgements section. Every writer claims to write for his/herself but at some point we have to get out of our own way and let the world have it. I know
One Blood
will be very safe in your hands and I look forward to many journeys to come. As always, Amazon reviews are greatly appreciated!

Qwantu Amaru

Jersey City, NJ

11/27/2011