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Author's Bio
My love for writing began in 9th grade when I was Editor-in-Chief of the school
newspaper at Stephen Decatur Junior High School in Clinton, Maryland. I won an award
for the position, and cherish it as the first “marker” that I “had what it takes.”
Becoming a single parent required a rearranging of priorities, so my writing took
a back seat for several years, although I would jot down a poem or write in my journal
every now and then. I immersed myself in creative writing and English classes to
learn all I could about the publishing world, never knowing when I would be able
to draw on that knowledge to make a name for myself as a writer.
In the early 90’s, I completed my first novel, “Just Because He’s Black,” about
an interracial couple who faces many hardships as they find themselves in a black
or white, never mixed, world. After several rejection letters, I set the book aside
to gather dust. In 1994, I submitted my first magazine articles and will never forget
the feeling of utter euphoria of seeing my words in print.
In 2003, I attended my first writers’ conference, and realized the newest book about
forgiveness I was working on was not ready to be written, so again, I put it aside.
I continued to attend conferences and joined writers and critique groups so I could
further hone my craft.
About a year ago after resigning from the rat race to write full time, I dragged
my memoir back out, dusted it off, and began writing again. I recently submitted
my proposal to an agent, so cross your fingers it gets accepted soon!
I provide editing/proofreading services as well. Contact me at
srmerchant326@hotmail.com for price information.
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