rstraylor

[rstraylor]

First Draft Worries 😭 (at Peachtree Corners, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CARF8Pego5W/?igshid=7cn394hyf95

[rstraylor]

How do you scare your readers with words?⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #amwriting #writingcommunity #mentalhealthmatters #indieauthor #ownvoices #blackwritersmatter #tcc #truecrime #fiction #bookreviews #betareaders #wattpadstories #amreading #horrorstories #horrorfiction #scarystories (at Peachtree Corners, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B_QRj_sgxiF/?igshid=1mrs1t348nlzx

[rstraylor]

Anyone else get their start with sharing their writing with the world here? Swipe to see my favorite show to read and write about 😂 Hint: When there’s trouble, who do you call?⁣ ⁣ And if you have spent a considerable amount of time here at some point in your life, what was your favorite category to read and write?⁣ ⁣ Let me know below 😁⁣ DM me if you want to know my old username 😂🤦🏾‍♀️ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #amwriting #writingcommunity #mentalhealthmatters #indieauthor #ownvoices #blackwritersmatter #tcc #truecrime #fiction #bookreviews #betareaders #wattpadstories #amreading #teentitans #fanfiction (at Norcross, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-fGej8AaZv/?igshid=11c1ssnrnrf8n

[rstraylor]

Get your free ebook! Today only. Hopefully it can keep you entertained and give you something to think about during this quarantine and lockdown. Please stay safe everyone! Much love 💕 ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #amwriting #writingcommunity #mentalhealthmatters #indieauthor #ownvoices #blackwritersmatter #tcc #truecrime #fiction #bookreviews #betareaders #wattpadstories #amreading #columbine #quarantinereading #quarantinebookclub #quarantineandchill #stayathomechallenge #booksuggestions #bookrecommendations (at Norcross, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B-fDU3vg9aN/?igshid=6fkxhy23k487

[rstraylor]

Meet Andrew “Andy” Flowers and Alexander “Xander” Weiss or as Andy christens him, Xan the Man—the star quarterback and linebacker of the Callahan Cougars.⁣ ⁣ These two are the best of friends and Callahan High’s favorite jocks. These two have a lot of inner healing to and self esteem issues to work on. These uncharted emotional concerns often causes them to take their frustrations out on their “weaker” classmates. ⁣ ⁣ They soon find out this often leads to greater tragedies and trauma.⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #amwriting #writingcommunity #mentalhealthmatters #indieauthor #ownvoices #blackwritersmatter #tcc #truecrime #fiction #bookreviews #betareaders #columbine #wattpadstories #amreading⁣ #blackgirlswhowrite #authorsfollowauthors #authorsofinstagram #coronaviruspandemic (at Norcross, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B92-NibAZ5l/?igshid=1uhu0drzy2xob

[rstraylor]

For the next few days, I am introducing a few of Gunpoint of View’s “main” side characters to the #amreading world. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ First on the list is the lovable, spunky Akiko Short 💕⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Fun Facts about Akiko: ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ 1. Her last name is befitting. She’s 5’2. Yes, she’s heard all the jokes and nicknames.⁣⁣ 2. She’s biracial. Her “pops” is black, and her “mommy” is Japanese. She loves to rep both of her cultures and often mixes them together in fashion and flavor ⁣⁣ 3. She loves to play pranks like her crush, Joshua, but she’s definitely not as bold.⁣⁣ 4. Her favorite dance is the Cabbage Patch. She’s the star of the show at all the school dances 💁🏾‍♀️💃🏾⁣⁣ 5. Cheerleading is her passion 🤸🏽‍♀️ Go Cougars 🎉⁣⁣ 6. Her album of the month is Usher’s My Way. “You Make Me Wanna” is her jam.⁣⁣ 7. She’s the oldest of two. Her younger sister, Namiko, is the complete opposite, especially height-wise.⁣⁣ 8. Watch out, Whitney, Celine, and Mariah. Akiko has the powerhouse voice of some your faves.⁣⁣ 9. Her style icon is the Fresh Prince himself with a little bit of TLC and oddly enough, Baby Spice thrown in 🌈⁣⁣ 10. She’s an avid sneakerhead. Do what you do, but don’t touch her kicks. Her favorite of the season, of course: Nike Air Max 97’s in any colorway 👟🧢⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Gunpoint of View’s ebook is now only $2.99! Grab your copy pronto ‼️‼️ Perfect time to read during this coronavirus scare. ⁣ ⁣ Photo Cred: The lovely @joycewrice. Check out her dope music! (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9uqC6kgBvS/?igshid=m0hxta77voni

[rstraylor]

Back at it again! Thanks for the writer’s block tips. It feels great to be back in the game again 😃 #amwriting (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9KCT2RAZbc/?igshid=sus1cpwz3spv

[rstraylor]

One thing that kept me motivated and inspired while writing Gunpoint of View was music. Music has a way of raising your vibrations and making you feel a variety of emotions, sort of the way writing and reading a provoking novel does.⁣ ⁣ So, just in case anyone loves music like I do, I’m sharing my Spotify playlist that kept me going while writing! I’m actually Team Apple Music 😅 but I’ll show Spotify some love as well. ⁣ ⁣ There are literally songs on the playlist for everyone. Music from bands like Metallica and Nine Inch Nails to the Backstreet Boys and Mandy Moore to Monica and Brandy, a little Mariah and Beck and even Tupac and Lil Kim 😂 111 songs guaranteed to have you feeling all the great 90’s nostalgia 😆⁣ ⁣ If you’re interested, check out the link in the bio or my Amazon’s author’s page.⁣ ⁣ #amnotwriting #amwriting #writingcommunity #mentalhealthmatters #indieauthor #ownvoices #blackwritersmatter #tcc #truecrime #bookreviews #selfpublished #supportindieauthors #columbine #blackgirlswhowrite #blackauthors #bookclub #bookreviewer #bookblog #davecullen (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8t3GSzAZMj/?igshid=t15ez2tnioiu

[rstraylor]

Unfortunately, I’ve had major writer’s block for almost a year now. I randomly get spurts of motivation and inspiration. Yet, when I open my document to write, I struggle to find words. I even created a proper outline for this novel, which I usually don’t (yep, I’m totally a pantser 😂). Somehow, I still find myself stuck.⁣ ⁣ What are some ways you overcome writer’s block? I could use a few (hundred) tips 😭😁⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #amnotwriting #amwriting #writingcommunity #mentalhealthmatters #indieauthor #ownvoices #blackwritersmatter #tcc #truecrime #bookreviews #selfpublished #supportindieauthors #columbine #blackgirlswhowrite #blackauthors #bookclub #bookreviewer #bookblog #davecullen (at Atlanta, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8r1FRvgDfG/?igshid=1s15dicxhb36f

[rstraylor]

The Perfect YA Fiction for True Crime Lovers. Understand the depth of those who create the most heinous crimes.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Happy Valentine’s Day 💕 In honor of spreading love, self-care, and mental health awareness, GUNPOINT OF VIEW eBook is free on Amazon Kindle for a limited only. Link is in bio. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Share the news.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #amwriting #writingcommunity #mentalhealthmatters #indieauthor #ownvoices #blackwritersmatter #tcc #truecrime #bookreviews #selfpublished #supportindieauthors #columbine #blackgirlswhowrite #blackauthors #bookclub #bookreviewer #bookblog #davecullen (at Peachtree Corners, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8iUs1YgMzj/?igshid=1f3s8u2oaf1tq

[rstraylor]

Late night first drafting at 11:11. Can I just wish to be done? 😫⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #amwriting #writingcommunity #mentalhealthmatters #indieauthor #ownvoices #blackwritersmatter #tcc #truecrime #bookreviews #betareaders #columbine #bookstsgram #blackwomenwhowrite #kindleunlimited #supportindieauthors #authorssupportingauthors #authorfollowloop (at Peachtree Corners, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8VRpVyg_1Y/?igshid=laluewccej2z

[rstraylor]

I’ve been waiting forever for my new mug to come in, so I can take a cool #bookstagram post. It’s taking forever, so I figured what the hey? I should just post something. Anything 😂 So, how about 10 facts about me?⁣ ⁣ ⁣ 1. My favorite colors are purple and black 💜🖤⁣ 2. I’m an empath 🙏🏾⁣ 3. I love cartoons (Rugrats, Looney Tunes, Teen Titans, etc.) 😃⁣ 4. My favorite movie is Scream 😱 (horror movies are the best)⁣ 5. I’m from Louisiana. Lived there most of my life until I moved to GA 3 weeks ago 🍑⁣ 6. I’m 5’8. So, tall for a woman, short for a human 😅😂⁣ 7. I’m a social worker, which you probably know if you checked out my bio (or my book). Yet, I’m also an entrepreneur—fashion blogger, clothing designer (the shirt I’m wearing here is from my website 🔲). You can check out those pages @ravenshonice and @selfbyshonice. ⁣ 8. I’m a Cancer sun, Scorpio moon, Virgo rising so I’m kind of crazy 🤣⁣ 9. My favorite subject in school was math 🤣 even though I’ve always loved to read and write. Nothing beats derivatives and quadratic formulas ig 😅⁣ 10. My favorite song is “If You’re Happy and You Know It” 🙃🙂⁣ ⁣ Tell me something about you! I’d love to get to know my follows better 💕⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #amwriting #writingcommunity #mentalhealthmatters #indieauthor #ownvoices #blackwritersmatter #tcc #truecrime #bookreviews #betareaders #gettoknowme #columbine #10factsaboutme #blackwomenwhowrite #kindleunlimited #supportindieauthors (at Norcross, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B79w_zsAkdg/?igshid=d2aivuj83c6n

[rstraylor]

I’ve been waiting forever for my new mug to come in, so I can take a cool #bookstagram post. It’s taking forever, so I figured what the hey? I should just post something. Anything 😂 So, how about 10 facts about me?⁣ ⁣ ⁣ 1. My favorite colors are purple and black 💜🖤⁣ 2. I’m an empath 🙏🏾⁣ 3. I love cartoons (Rugrats, Looney Tunes, Teen Titans, etc.) 😃⁣ 4. My favorite movie is Scream 😱 (horror movies are the best)⁣ 5. I’m from Louisiana. Lived there most of my life until I moved to GA 3 weeks ago 🍑⁣ 6. I’m 5’8. So, tall for a woman, short for a human 😅😂⁣ 7. I’m a social worker, which you probably know if you checked out my bio (or my book). Yet, I’m also an entrepreneur—fashion blogger, clothing designer (the shirt I’m wearing here is from my website 🔲). You can check out those pages @ravenshonice and @selfbyshonice. ⁣ 8. I’m a Cancer sun, Scorpio moon, Virgo rising so I’m kind of crazy 🤣⁣ 9. My favorite subject in school was math 🤣 even though I’ve always loved to read and write. Nothing beats derivatives and quadratic formulas ig 😅⁣ 10. My favorite song is “If You’re Happy and You Know It” 🙃🙂⁣ ⁣ Tell me something about you! I’d love to get to know my follows better 💕⁣ ⁣ ⁣ #amwriting #writingcommunity #mentalhealthmatters #indieauthor #ownvoices #blackwritersmatter #tcc #truecrime #bookreviews #betareaders #yawriter #gettoknowme #columbine #10factsaboutme #blackwomenwhowrite #supportindieauthors (at Norcross, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B79wv7sAVc1/?igshid=1jig0w09gsdep

[rstraylor]

I guess for me it’s a little of both, but mostly I write what scares me. It’s an unconscious thing, but a lot of my writing leans towards the dark, realistic, raw and emotional side of life. My debut novel, Gunpoint of View, is the perfect example. The Columbine Massacre scarred me as a young child. I was only four when it happened, but once I was old enough to realize that there was a possibility that I could be killed at school, it terrified me. I remember being at school during incidents, such as the Virginia Tech and Sandy Hook tragedies, and seeing the impact they had on everyone. Even throughout college, in every class and lecture hall, I would be sure to make note of the exits JUST IN CASE I had to run for my life. I hated all school shooters because they terrified the crap out of me. Until, I met a certain client during my social work internship at an adolescent psychiatric hospital. I recall being so scared during our intake meeting where they told us we would be getting a client who had thoroughly planned a school shooting and I had to work with him 🤦🏾‍♀️ Yet, through building rapport and interacting with this kid, I noticed he didn’t show any classic antisocial traits or violent behaviors. When we did get him to open up, he came off as a very insecure kid who didn’t know his self worth and was often mistreated and bullied at school. He was very misguided. This intrigued me and inspired me to research various mass and school shooters. I was interested in understanding their minds. Hence, Gunpoint of View. I was scared for many reasons to publish this book. I knew it would be very controversial. I didn’t want to come off as anyone who supported shooters. If you read it, you know this is not true at all. I know there are others out there who are also interested in the psychology. I noticed in reviews for similar books such as @mariekeyn ��s This Is Where it Ends and Jennifer Brown’s Hate List, people often wished they could’ve read the shooter’s POV. So as scared as I was, I took on that challenge. There’s no way I can ever actually understand why someone would commit such a crime, but if you’re interested in seeing and discussing (con’t ⬇️) (at Norcross, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B7hIlDwg5rd/?igshid=1pc2fnjlc1qrj

[rstraylor]

10 posts!

[rstraylor]

hey true crime community

just a reminder it’s okay to

•learn about cases

•learn about what made them do it

•learn about mental disorders

you know what’s not okay:

•fan pages

•mood boards

•”kin” bullshit

•edits of them

there is a big difference between learning about cases and being interested than wanting Eric Harris to fuck you- and if you even think that way please block me

[rstraylor]

Don’t forget to leave a review! Leave your book or a suggestion in the comments, & I’ll be glad to return the favor 📚✨💜 #TheWriteYear2020 #supportwriters #supportwritersandauthors #supportauthors #writingcommunity #writercommunityofinstagram #ownvoices #blackwriters #blackgirlswrite #indieauthor #bookreviews #debutnovel #ebooksale #selfpublished #bookwriter #blackwomenwriters #blackcreatives #blackbookstagram #tcc #truecrime #columbinemassacre #bookclubofinstagram (at North Monroe, Louisiana) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6_sYcdl4yu/?igshid=13fc5y3yyxwih