BMWK TV: Denene Millner Talks Sparkle & Advice for Aspiring Writers

BMWK TV

by Lamar Tyler | on August 9th, 2012 | 7 comments

We’re excited to share our latest episode of BMWK TV! When we tell you that we’re delivring the best content on the web, we’re not playing. Check out our latest interview, which features our good friend, and author Denene Millner. You may know Denene from her days at the NY Daily News, as the creator of MyBrownBaby.com, or as the coauthor of Steve Harvey’s bestselling books Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, and Straight Talk, No Chaser. Ronnie and I know Denene as the gracious friend who we met back in 2009 who agreed to be in our first film, Happily Ever After along with her husband Nick. Denene is also the good friend who drove us around perspective neighborhoods when we shared that we were moving to Atlanta.

Denene’s newest project is the novelization of the Whitney Houston’s last film, Sparkle. Besides the excitement of working on such a beloved and high profile project, this release also marks her 20th book. Yes, you read that correctly, the woman has written 20 books.

Recently we sat down with Denene and talked about her career, the process of writing Sparkle, and how aspiring writers can achieve success. Check out the video below, and be sure to share it with your friends and social networks.

Note: If you’re in the Atlanta area, there will be a book signing with Denene on August 14th at Barnes & Noble’s Edgewood Retail District store. You can find out more info on the event here.

About the author

Lamar Tyler is co-creator BlackandMarriedWithKids.com. He also is the co-producer of the films Happily Ever After: A Positive Image of Black Marriage, You Saved Me, Men Ain’t Boys and Still Standing.

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Comments (7)

Akilah Thursday - 09 / 08 / 2012 Reply

I love the simplicity of your advice, Denene! Dedication! Showing up is such a big part of the process. Thanks for the reminder and congratulations on your Sparkle flow!
- Lamar Tyler Thursday - 09 / 08 / 2012 Reply
  
  I agree Akilah. So many times we often overlook the simple factors that lead to success. Her advice reminds me of one of my favorite sayings, if you stay ready, you ain't gotta get ready!
Jackie Bledsoe, Jr. Thursday - 09 / 08 / 2012 Reply

Inspiring! Great video BMWK! I do have to admit tho...I had never heard of her...I know, I need to get out more! lol Love the advice of exercising/working on your craft/writing everyday. I adopted that practice and I write everyday, no matter what. Keeps me creative and getting better. Just finished my 1st eBook, 2nd is 90% done, and 3rd is 50% done...all from writing everyday. I'll be watching out for Denene now, thx BMWK!
Arlice Nichole Thursday - 09 / 08 / 2012 Reply

THANK YOU, Denene, Lamar, and the entire BMWK crew for THIS! Dedication. That's all.
Briana Myricks Thursday - 09 / 08 / 2012 Reply

Denene, as an aspiring author, your advice was much needed. I'm confident enough to get out and write now, RIGHT NOW.
HeatherH Tuesday - 14 / 08 / 2012 Reply

Congrats on your success! Sometimes people see an end product and think it was created overnight when in fact many weeks, months or even years. Although you wrote the novelization of Sparkle in a few weeks, you were able to do so that quickly (I would assume) because you wrote so many other titles prior. You write everyday, which prepared you for this assignment. Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom for aspiring authors such as myself. I too write everyday and spent several years polishing a manuscript, which is getting a lot of positive feedback. You gotta practice before you show up for the championship game! All the best!