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For me, writing a book can be compared to a mystical quest. It’s like the story already exists in my creative realm, ready to be “downloaded” into the hard drive of my brain. Any book begins with inspiration, and the ongoing triangle that puts black women in competition with white ones for the affections of black men was mine. It’s a topic I’ve never read a book about so I became motivated to write “The Only One”, a novel based on this scenario. I wasn’t sure where this subject would lead me but, equipped with my personal observations and input from my children and their friends, I sat down at my computer, placed my fingers on its keyboard, accessed its word processor and got on the same wave length with my Muse. The first step was to conjure up a cast of characters to star in this little melodrama, and this involved crafting the roles they would play in the plot. Once that was done, I visualized how they’d look and tried out names on them until they answered to what I called them. As soon as I started putting words in their mouths, these people came to life, steering me to where they needed to go. Settling on a “sista” as my protagonist was what determined the book’s setting. A big city environment pulsating with the uniqueness of the black experience was what made Chicago the perfect choice. Then, I got into the flow and let the words have their say. Realizing the value of taking a break, from time to time I would do so, then return to the manuscript with a new set of eyes. This was how I eventually recognized the need for a sub-plot that would add an element of suspense and keep things interesting. Filling this void called for a villain and he emerged from the shadows of my imagination, groping his groin. With this addition, more inspiration kicked in showing me the technique for creating a mystery by inserting misleading clues to stump the reader. Finally as one chapter led into another, the story ran its course. All the scattered parts came together completing the puzzle that had been waiting to be assembled by the creative process that turns writers into authors, and an idea into a book. At this point, my characters met their fate and faded to black. Months later, I held the latest version of “The Only One” in my hands. It was fresh off the press and it was if it vibrated with life! Print book: http://www.lulu.com/shop/connie-divers-bradley/the-only-one-an-urban-tale-of-romance/paperback/product-21905171.html eBook: http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/the-only-one-an-urban-tale-of-romance/15716552