I am honored to be tagged by http://katerinaklemer.com/ownaccent/ for this interview project, “The Next Big Thing,” where writers answer a series of questions about their recent or forthcoming book, post on their blog/web space, and tag others for the next week. You can read Katerina’s interview if you click on the link above. I am thankful for the opportunity to talk to you about my two upcoming publications. Please read on!
What are the working titles of the books?
“Interiors” is the title of my chapbook of poems due out August 3, 2013 by Finishing Line Press. “insignificant white girl” is my full-length book of poems, which will be published by Evening Street Press May 2013.
Where did the ideas come from for the books?
“insignficant white girl” is based upon my own life experiences. Through poetry, I tell the story of a girl who was raised in an affluent, American suburban home in the 1970’s/80’s. The girl survives incest by the hand of her own father (who, ironically, was a lawyer); molestations by other people; rape at the age of fourteen; a housefire; domestic violence by the hands of two alcoholic parents.
“Interiors” is a departure from this story entirely. It is a thematic chapbook with the extended metaphor of interior design to explore inner-personal relationships. It invites you into the foyer, through a transom, to stay in the guest room, sit at a picture window and even slip into a bubble bath in a claw-footed tub. I call “Interiors” my gem and “insignificant white girl” to be a continuation of my life’s work in championing against childhood sexual abuse.
What genre do your books fall under?
Poetry. Make no mistake… neither books are non-fiction. They are both books of poetry; therefore, the characters, setting, narrative thread… all are creations of my imagination. Perhaps based upon my life, yes… but they are both poetry.
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
No one. There is no child actor I would ever want to act out any part of “insignificant white girl”. I thought about this idea when watching the film “Bastard Out of Carolina”. I really worried about the child actress having to “pretend” to be molested on film. I think it would traumatize a child actor to have to “act out” even one episode of the years and years of sexual abuse I endured. No way.
What is the one sentence synopsis of your book?
Hopefully, “well-crafted” would be the phrase I would most desire to describe both of my books. As a dedicated English teacher, I took great pains in my revisions and edits.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscripts?
“insignficant white girl” was drafted for over twenty years in my private journals; however, once I sat down to actually write it… the first draft was written in the course of thirty-six agonizing hours. Then, I spent two years revising/rewriting/editing it to the final version. “Interiors” was written much differently… it was written in the span of one year, which also included intensive workshopping for the completion of the collection. Actually, “Interiors” was my escape space… the poems I wrote to treat myself when “insignificant white girl” was too heavy emotionally for me to continue and I needed to take a break. But, I couldn’t stop writing… so both books got written.
Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired to write “insignficant white girl” as an on-going effort to support my cause to champion against childhood sexual abuse. Of course, I was inspired by Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison and Alice Walker; but, when I read “Sister” by Nickole Brown, I knew how I wanted to shape my story. Her book is incredibly beautiful, sad and haunting and it taught me how to create a lyrical narrative. Sue William Silverman’s book “Because I Remember Terror, Father I Remember You” was a huge source of inspiration to have the courage to be unflinchingly honest.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
“insignficant white girl” will be published by Evening Street Press in Columbus, Ohio around May 1, 2013. “Interiors” will be published by Finishing Line Press in Georgetown, Kentucky around August 3, 2013. Both book will be available at the press websites, as well as on Amazon and independent bookstores, such as Morris Book Shop.
Tag: Donna Ison @ http://thebourbonista.com/