| If by chance you missed one of Delores Thorton's entertaining and exciting interviews, with these very talented authors, worry no more! Black Refer has archived past interviews for your viewing pleasure.... enjoy | ||
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Interview with Rosie Hollins-Jordan
Author of Wanderlust: Out Of The Dust
Hollins-Jordan had me glued to every page! This is the tale of a family who struggled to escape from an Arkansas plantation called Kokomo, in the 1940s. Wilbur, along with his wife, Babe, and their children make it to Toledo, Ohio, but there are plenty of trials along the way.
The story examines the common practice of plantation owners cheating African-Americans out of their money after a grueling year of working the land. At first, Wilbur is reluctant to leave, but after Babe becomes mentally drained, he knows leaving is the best thing. When the opportunity arises, the family takes it. They do, however, regret leaving their married daughter, Leangel.
There is a strong sense of family in Wanderlust, as Wilbur and his clan has parents, siblings, cousins and in-laws willing to help. There is also a white land-owner in Ohio who risks his life to sell land to Blacks.
DT: Why did you write Wanderlust: Out of the Dust?
RHJ: Writing Wanderlust: Out of The Dust (A compilation of tales and
adventures) gave me the opportunity to preserve and share a legacy that was common amongst many African-American families during that era. As a young child in the early 40's, I was a part of the migration out of the old south to the north when my family risked all of our lives to escape an Arkansas plantation in search of a better life.
Having seen this transformation with
my own eyes prompted me to use my artistic talents to compile a story in a series of paintings. But to write the story, I had to gather more information from the elders of my family about our lives in the south and the events of our migration.
DT: I loved the sketches throughout the book. Did you create the
pictures first? Or did you sketch them after you'd fleshed out the
characters, and described the scenes?
RHJ: Yes, I created the pictures of the characters and the scenes first as
I remembered them. Art was my first love, long before the thought of writing
ever entered my mind.
 Wanderlust: Out Of The Dust by Rosie Hollins-Jordan |
DT: Did you experience writer's block? If so, what did you do to get around that obstacle?
RHJ: : Yes, I occasionally experienced writer’s block, sometimes lasting for years. I joined a literary club, which helped me out a lot. I learned from an editor that I had too much information for one book. My first rough draft was about three books in one, so I experienced a block just in sorting that out. I often turned to painting and documenting events from my own experience for my inspiration when I experienced blocks.
DT: What is your writing schedule?
RHJ: I found that late night, when most of my surroundings were quiet, became the best time for me to write.
DT: Who has had the greatest influence on your writing? Why?
RHJ: My father and mother were the greatest influences on my writings. They both continued to encourage me over the years. Unfortunately for me, they died before the book was published. My mother in 1999 at the age of 83, and my father at the age of 91 in 2002. Because of my own frailness, I spent most of my time inside with my father while my mother worked nights.
He often entertained me with stories of the past while my siblings played outside. My mother finally told me the stories of her life a few years before she passed. Because so many of the characters are still living, the book was fictionalized. However, it is based on a true story and actual accounts.
DT: Who are some of your favorite authors?
RHJ: Zora Neale Hurston, Maya Angelou, Terry McMillian, and Langston Hughes
DT: What's next for Rosie Hollins-Jordan?
RHJ: A novel titled, Where The Sun Goes Down, to be completed by the spring of 2005. This is a story about a young girl who has the "lust" to wander and take readers on a whirl wind of adventurous journies in search of her destiny.
DT: Any pearls of wisdom to pass along to aspiring writers?
RHJ: Any aspiring writer should learn about the industry, read books on publishing, and keep a positive environment. Study book on plots. Oh yeah, and as I was always told, "write it down". Keep your passion alive.
DT: On behalf of Blackrefer.com, I'd like to thank you for your time and commend you on an excellent work!
Interview with Peggy Butler
Author of My Head is Bloody, But Unbowed
I enjoyed My Head is Bloody, But Unbowed, a collection of commentaries about the African-American experience. Butler touched on topics such as Academics vs. Athletics; Debunking Black Myths In The 21st Century; and my favorite, Have Food --African-Americans Will Travel. Part two of this chapter deals with obese black women. This work will prove to be thought-provoking as well as controversial!
DT: I found My Head is Bloody, But Unbowed, to be very insightful. Did you do extensive research? How long did it take to write?
PB: My research was based exclusively on my experiences as a Black woman who has seen the best and worst of Black America, from an observatory, albeit emotional standpoint. In layman's term that means, I have examined Black America at its most courageous and its most baffling.
To reiterate, because the book is based on personal experiences, it took me an hour to develop the concept and three months to write the book, with research dominating the entire project.
DT: When did you discover that you wanted to become a writer?
PB: When I was 10. In my fifth grade class, each Friday we were assigned the task of writing a short story, using only our imagination. The majority of my classmates hated this, and several asked me to write their stories for them for a 25 cents fee. And since I enjoyed writing, I gladly took on the task. Consequently, I had 12 students who became regular customers.
Thus, not only was I able to develop my writing skills, but I became quite an entrepreneur. Hey, no snickering. I mean come on, $3.00 a week was a substantial amount of money for a 10-year-old in 1971. Speaking of discoveries, I can't forget the person who listened to my childish tales about "Tony Toes" a magical mouse and who encouraged me to write; my mom, Mrs. Ollie Butler.
 My Head is Bloody, But Unbowed By Peggy Butler |
PB: : The responses have generally been positive. However, I've had more than my share of criticism from people who insist that Blacks should not reprimand each other under any circumstances. They maintain that to do so, is to issue a strike to every bigot in America. But my primary reason for writing the book was to assist Blacks in facing the truth about who we are and what we are.
Hence, in our attempt to determine our future, we must bring into focus all our assets and liabilities. Not only must we concentrate on our strengths, but our weaknesses as well. And that means coming to terms with the way we interact with each other, which is generally unpleasant and facing problems that we have chosen to ignore, such as color consciousness (light vs. dark) Black-on-Black violence and parents who have a tendency to place more emphasis on athletics than academics.
Although this is a bitter pill to swallow, we must take off the rose colored glasses and face the truth. Only then can we experience power and true freedom. To paraphrase Bill Cosby who was criticized for airing Black people's "dirty laundry" earlier in the year, we have got to start taking responsibility for ourselves. If not now, then when?
DT: How have you promoted your book? Are you a member of any writing organizations?
PB: I promoted my book via my website, press releases and I have been adamant in letting people know that the book can be purchased from the following online distributors: amazon.com. barnesand noble.com, and booksamillion.com.
Regarding writing organizations: I am a member of Authorlink.com, Writing.com ( www. http://writing.com/authors/literarygem) and Black Girl International Writers (http://www.blackgirl.org/writers.html). Future plans include membership in the AALBC (African-American Literature Book Club).
DT: Do you have any upcoming signings or book discussions?
PB: Not at the present moment, but with the holidays coming up, I'm sure that may change. Also, I am open to all suggestions
DT: Are you working on any projects now?
PB: Yes. As a matter of fact, I am working on my next book, appropriately titled "Fit, Fabulous and Fantastic at 40." It's for all those women who are under the impression that once a woman turns 40, it's all down hill. However, that is not true. The book will contain chapters on exercise, skin care, make-up and interesting tidbits on how to overcome stress.
As a woman who can still slip into a size 3 dress with ease, I'm tired of hearing sisters 40 and over say that their life is over. Ladies, it's time to unite and show the world that 40 is only a number, and not a state of mind. How's that for a dose of reality?
DT: Any parting words for new writers?
PB: Of course. Regardless of what anyone says, DON'T GIVE UP. The key to writing lies in using all your talent, targeting your audience and writing from a bold and unusual angle. Over the years my writing has evolved from unpretentious to controversial, with a dash of antagonism thrown in to elevate the lively aspect.
Moreover, I encourage all new writers to base their novels, articles, commentaries, etc, on topics that they are familiar with. The worst thing any writer can do is write about a subject they are unfamiliar with. Not only will your audience recognize the mistake, but your credibility will be shot to pieces.
Therefore, practice, give it all you've got, and just remember that you are your very own critic. Now, polish off that manuscript and give Alice Walker and Walter Mosley something to talk about.
DT: We thank you for taking this time to share with our visitors here at Blackrefer.com. God Bless
http://www.psbwrite.com
