DT:  I thoroughly enjoyed Chief Cook & Bottle-Washer: The Unconquerable Soul of Wilkie Clark. Why was it so important for you to pen this work? What has the response been from other readers?
CCF: First of all, Delores, I really wanted to write a book that (I believed) would change the world! That's probably the reason why any of us write. I have spent the better part of my life in and around the same community where I was born and raised. This gave rise to many opportunities to see it evolve.

One day, I looked around at my community, and I didn't see NOT ONE strong, forthright, black man. I looked out my front door and saw my neighbor(s) children peddling dope right out on the street, where my 7-year-old grandson can witness the transactions taking place all up and down the street. I looked around, and I saw deterioration, desolation and despair; and I saw run-down dilapidated houses and everybody just quietly existing seemingly blind, or either anesthetized by some inert power. I was devastated and in need of an explanation as to how we as a people could have come to such a pass. My mind took me back to a time when people were active, when there was a kind of community consciousness that incited people to action; seemingly everybody was buzzing, and pushing to uplift, and upgrade themselves; people were concerned about the race.

I couldn't help but think about daddy and the awesome role he played in that drama. The writing was totally anointed and inspired by God. It seems like every time I sat down to it, I was under the influence of some kind of power -- not my own. I think I had to write this book, because of my belief that a lot of young black men just don't have a clue about what it takes for African-Americans to succeed as a race of people trying to exist in America.

As for reader-responses to the book, Delores, the response has been awesome! Everyone who has read Chief Cook & Bottle-Washer has had nothing but "good stuff" to say about it. That makes me feel really terrific. My debut signing was amazing!! The community support was phenomenal! I sold in the neighborhood of 150 books! Folks in the community old, and no-so-old came out -- especially those who knew daddy and remembered his work. People are still stopping by my office, or my house, to pick up books. I'm having to leave signed copies with my kids so they can accommodate those who drop by to pick up the book.

Author of Chief Cook & Bottle-Washer: The Unconquerable Soul of Wilkie Clark Charlotte Clark-Frieson

DT: Your father possessed great wisdom. What was the greatest "life lesson" he ever taught you?
CCF: I believe the greatest lesson I learned from daddy was faith. He taught me through faith how to become an "action-oriented" person. And that is how I live today. Because of my dad's strong influence on my life, every act that I commit is based on my faith and belief that whatever I put my heart and soul to, will come to pass.


DT:  As Wilkie Clark's daughter, what do you suppose he would think of the state of Black America today? Would he be pleased or dismayed by the number of Black-owned businesses?
CCF: : He'd be both devastated and heartbroken; there has been a serious "falling off" from the civil rights movement, as well as from the values that we as a people have traditionally held fast to. Daddy would probably not even be believin' what's going on.

DT: Would you please supply the readers here at Blackrefer.com a brief synopsis of Chief Cook & Bottle-Washer: The Unconquerable Soul of Wilkie Clark.
CCF: The poignant, powerful life story of the late Wilkie Clark is lovingly penned by his only child, Charlotte A. Clark-Frieson. The book emerges out of the author's relationship with a strong loving father, who transformed himself into a 20th century civil rights advocate and enthusiast. AN entrepreneur and outstanding role model for the African-American citizenry of his day, he stood tall under the enormous weight of Jim Crow.

DT: What's next for Charlotte Clark-Frieson?
CCF: For the time being, I am really working hard to get the Wilkie Clark Memorial Foundation Launched. We have very good local, and regional support. My dream is to give it a national presence. I believe I can best do that by promoting my book, and continuing to take my message to the people through my writings.

DT: We here at Blackrefer.com thank you for this insightful interview and we applaud your work!

Charlotte's website:   Charlotte Clark-Frieson

---

Every Day Again: Real Life Through Poetry and Short Stories by Carmel S. Victor

This book will really stir the reader. In the "Family" section "Single Mom" speaks of challenges and rewards! Oftentimes society focusus on the negative impact of single parenting, but this piece looks at the love and togetherness. "Love" speaks of the power of a "Queen" as Victor suggests, "As a king you should be able to recognize her." Below Victor uses Haiki, which is a Japanese form that is usually three lines of 5-7-5 syllables:

Such Harmony

The mountains stand tall
And all others below pose
Oh, such harmony

"The Revelation" talks of the first nine months of life being in darkness and the next part of life in blindness. For this reader, the most gripping poem was Haiti, My Heart Bleeds.

The book also contained several short stories, one of which dealt with a scorned woman. So outraged was she when her married lover turned a cold shoulder, that she became a prostitute. She became infected with AIDS and informed her ex-lover that he and his wife were infected as well!

We asked Carmel to grant Blackrefer.com an interview, please read it below:

---

DT:  I felt at peace the moment I looked at the cover of Every Day Again. Who designed it? What inspired it?
CSV: The picture is a real picture of a park called Orange Park, located in East Orange, NJ. I was fascinated by the scenery, as it represents calmness and city life (with the building in the background) simultaneously. I felt I needed to freeze such a beautiful combination.

DT:  I love your dedication to your native Haiti! Does the bulk of your inspiration come from that love? Are you ever bitter about the unfair treatment Haiti received from the International community?
CSV: Somewhat. It's strange. The more I learned about Haiti's brave history, the more empowered I felt as an individual. That in turn increased the boldness in my thinking and ultimately, in my writing style. I would say, disappointed. Especially in terms of media coverage. Haiti has always been portrayed by the international media as an empoverished, unkempt, and AIDS ridden land. Its breath-taking beauty, rich culture, and awesome architectures and mountains were rarely highlighted. This is just a way of deviating from the most important and influencial factor about Haiti that the rest of the world needs to know about: "Its history."

Every Day Again: Real Life Through Poetry and Short Stories by Carmel S. Victor

DT: How long have you been writing? Why did you start? What motivates you?
CSV: : From a very young age. I started writing as a way of expressing myself when I felt I didn't have a voice at home (if you knew my strict parents, you'd understand). I would find myself a corner and use my pencil and paper to release my emotions. later on, I started writing to expose not only mine, but also, other people's ways of interacting with the world.

DT:  Do you have any mentors? Do you mentor any newcomers?
CSV: Yes, I do have a few mentors who keep me grounded and provide me with a lot of positive feedback as well as criticism. I do mentor some newcomers and help them stay focused on developing their own writing style, rather than just write the way they think people might want them to write.

DT: Please share your favorite poem from Every Day Again.
CSV: Wow. That's hard. I actually have quite a few. But here is one that I felt was very realistic. Give credit where credit is due! Dedicated to every man who has stepped up to the responsibilities of fatherhood. Congratulations for a job well done.

The Tireless Blanket

He gets up before dawn
And hurries to earn the family''s bread.
He tries his very best
To please a wife who needs him
And children whom he may not have fathered.
He takes on his fatherly responsibilities With dignity and pride.
He needs the world to let him know
That he is "indispensable."

He is the father who keeps it all together;
The one who keeps society sane
And the family protected.
He is the father who should be
Praised at all times;
The stranger who made himself comfortable
And became the blanket of the household.
Blessed are all the men who stepped up
To the duties of fatherhood tirelessly.
For when God asks for more angels
He expects them to take over.

DT: Do you have a regular writing routine? Do you journal? Are your manuscripts prepared in longhand or by computer?
CSV: I’m a passionate writer who writes around the clock. I don’t have a routine because I write as it pours down on me. Journals take away from the time I actually have for writing, so I no longer keep one. I’m a hopeless perfectionist who prepares all manuscripts by computer, which has proven effective for me. I’m quick on the keys.

DT: Any upcoming works? Booksignings? Discussions?
CSV: I have a children's book that's waiting to be published in the near future. My next public book signing is scheduled for Saturday May 7th at Kiaca Gallery in Columbus, Ohio. That should be very exciting. In between public book signings, I conduct private signings and discussions with different social groups. On April 16, I'll be doing a book discussion with Akuaba book club. I have also been asked to judge a poetry slam (called HarlemLIVE’s Poetry Slam Series ‘05) in May and June. To find out more about my works and schedule, I would suggest exploring my website at www.carmelsvictor.com. It's a very interactive site that you will definitely enjoy.

DT: We here at Blackrefer.com congratulate you on your continued success!


Carmel's website:  Carmel S. Victor