The Introduction

I guess the best way to start this off is to properly introduce myself. As much for my own edification as anyone else's. Sometimes we lose sight of who we are in the grand scheme of things. In such case it helps one to refocus in order to gain perspetive.

My name is Vanessa Lynne. I'm the sixth of seven children born to Daniel and Merle. I have four brothers and two sisters. All but one is much older than myself. I was born in West Islip, New York but lived in Wyandanch. We moved to Cleveland when I was 8 but one brother still lives on Long Island.

I have always been a thinker. I was always somewhere reading something. From Anais Nin to Sam Greenlee to Nikki Giovanni to Alex Hailey. Masters and Johnson, Kensey, Iceburg Slim. There is no rhyme nor reason to what you'd see me with. Basically, anything with a cover is fair game. It is also what sparked my own interest in writing. I love it, it's like air to me. Something that I must have in my life even if I never show my work to a soul. For at least the past 9 years, maybe 10, I have had people approach me about my writing and finally I'm ready to have a piece published. My first piece is still in progress but it's a beautiful baby, at least in my eyes. It started as a merely a novel but ended up one hell of a commentary. I'm proud of where it's going but it's been hard getting it together.

Like every other artist I'm sensative bout my sh!t. It's hard to put it up for critique. Don't let my insecurity stop you from letting me know what you think tho. I need feedback, both negative and positive, as I hone my craft. If I am going to write professionally, I have to toughen up for editors, agents and critics.

In closing I'm just me. Plain old Nessa as I like to call myself. I don't know how to be anyone else and refuse to try. I have the same failings as any other human, I am just not ashamed to admit them. I hope to use my time here making friends, sharing views, speaking truths, blowing hot air, learning from my people. I extend an invitation to my brothers and my sisters. Let's take this ride together and come out better on the other side.