It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, author of The Summoning of Black Joy
Author’s Bio: Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman, Ed.D. is a
cultural curator with over 20 years of applied experience transforming places
into arts and educational spaces. She is award-winning performance artist
Khadijah Moon, and a multi-genre writer who is a producing playwright
and filmmaker. She is currently the 2023 Poet Laureate of Prince George’s
County, MD. She is founder of Liberated Muse Arts Group.
She would love to have the superpower of invisibility.
So, she could protect and navigate spaces to save people without capture.
Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book?
Khadijah Z. Ali-Coleman: The
poems in The Summoning of Black Joy were written over the past 10 years
with many written during Covid-19. I perform regularly as a solo artist and
part of Liberated Muse Arts Group and have performed many of the poems over the
years. When I was appointed as Poet Laureate of Prince George’s County, Md, I
thought it was high time to have a published book that contained my poems.
Note: I will release my
next poetry book, For the Girls Who Do Too Much in December or 2024.
Working on a stage presentation, “Voices of Freedom,” that my arts group,
Liberated Muse, will present at the Kennedy Center in February 2024. It will
highlight the work of Fannie Lou Hamer, Ella Baker, Ida B. Wells and more.
DL: How do you handle writer’s block?
KZAC: I don’t have writer’s
block. One of the ways that I keep ideas flowing is to write regularly using my
phone’s Notes app, having journals all over the house and to use my phone’s
voice app to record ideas. I don’t think every idea needs to be expanded on in
that moment. I have returned to ideas to expand on them and work on completing
days later or sometimes weeks or years later. I believe that spirit will move
me to let me know when it is time to complete something.
DL: What is your writing
process?
KZAC: For fiction writing,
songwriting, screenwriting and playwriting, I am a very good extemporaneous
writer and can be given an idea and shoot something out immediately. I love
projects like the 48-hour film project that helps build that muscle. I have
good formula that I’ve developed to tell a compelling story within a given
timeframe and include elements that are engaging.
I love writing stories with twists,
or those that feature people who aren’t typically centered in certain genres.
But, with poetry, I take way more time. Poetry is much more personal. I often
return again and again to a poem that wants me to release it.
DL: What elements do
you think make a good story?
KZAC: Elements that make a
good story when writing fiction or nonfiction are consistency, realistic
language, dimensional characters, pacing that doesn’t lag and a hero’s journey
that is interesting. When writing poetry, I make certain considerations based
on if the piece will be performed or exist as written word. There are certain
elements of alliteration and metaphor that translate better when spoken by the
performer versus when read by the reader and vice versa. The ability to
evoke feeling and convey meaning through poetry is also dependent on the story.
But, stories coveted through poetry aren’t necessarily as linear as they
typically are in other genres.
DL: What were some of the
challenges when writing this book?
KZAC: I was challenged with
including poems in the book that showed me at my most vulnerable. I don’t like
people in my business. It is much easier for me to write a historical poem or a
political poem or a poem as prayer. I can easily write tribute poems. But, to
write a poem about my mother’s death, or my challenges navigating spaces as a
light-skinned Black woman literally involve pushing through Grief and pain.
DL: Is there any particular
author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult?
KZAC: I think I am like most
women who grew up in the 80’s and read Judy Blume as a child. I loved her books
and all of the themes she addressed. As a playwright, George C. Wolfe and his
play The Colored Museum touched me and let me know that I would write
plays, in addition to films. The Wiz was an early film that inspired me
to want to write films. I was five when it came out in the theater. I love the
film more than the play and will cry and cheer today when watching it, just
like I did as a child.
Today, I find Charlie Brooker,
creator of Black Mirror, Jordan Peele and Donald Glover to be three of
my favorite screenwriters out today. I am inspired by the fiction and
nonfiction of the late great Randall Robinson, and the genius of Toni Morrison.
I had to truly grow up to recognize the masterpieces that Beloved and Song
of Solomon are. Poets Lucille Clifton, Gwendolyn Brooks and Langston Hughes
are consistent influences and inspirations. Maurice White, the founder and
creative genius behind Earth, Wind and Fire is a songwriting and artistic
inspiration. Reading his memoir now and it is deeply touching.
Note: The saying, “Everything happens for a reason, season or a lifetime” has
always resonated with me. I read that first while in college and reading Iyanla
Vanzant’s book, Acts of Faith.
DL: What are the keys to success
in marketing your book(s)?
KZAC: I think success is
relative, but we want people to buy and read our books. I am still unsuccessful
with convincing people to understand the importance of writing positive book
reviews on sites that sell books. Folks may post on social media or send an email
about how important one of my books is, but I wish that they would also post
their reviews in ways that other book buyers will see. It’s hard to have yet to
ask for a review from someone who has already bought your book. But, these are
the things that really make a difference for independent writers. I don’t think
I have a handle on the keys to success on marketing. I’m still trying to
determine best routes as technology continues to expand.
DL: What tips would
you give to aspiring writers?
KZAC: I encourage all
aspiring writers to find a community. There are online writing communities,
in-person writing communities and writing associations. Don’t reach out
to other writers to “pick their brain.” Pay for Coaching and workshops. Build
and develop your craft. Be your best champion. Don’t blame others for not
helping you in your writing career. That is your passion. You aren’t entitled
to anyone being more invested in your journey than you are.
DL: Would you like to share an
excerpt from Poem from The Summoning of Black Joy?
KZAC: Sure, here you go:
Like Water
Rushing
Fluid
Clear yet muddied
Quenching
Never enough
Like water
Freedom stands at arms length
Laughing out loud
At our goggles and swim caps
Our multi-colored bathing suits
Ready to swim
Ready to dive in
Ready to be dipped and saved
To be saved to be saved
Oh, Freedom
Stop laughing
Put out this fire
This unwavering burning
Be salve and cooling
Extinguisher of all that burns
Let us seep beneath your surface
and lay deep
Cover us in your depths
Ocean us within your waves
Stop laughing at our tears
be a balm be a balm
Of courage and conviction
Jewel us sacred stone
and carry us as treasure
to be protected
to be lightened from this
heavy
Rescued from this continuous
drowning
Oh, Freedom
In your murky vagueness,
We seek your light
DL: Where can
readers learn more about you and purchase your
book(s)?
KZAC: Readers can find out
more information here:
- Website: KhadijahAli-Coleman.com
- Facebook: Facebook.com/KhadijahOnline
- Instagram: Instagram.com/KhadijahOnline
DL: Thanks so much for being
here with us today. I know my readers will enjoy getting to know you and
your work.
KZAC: Thank you so much!
Originally Published on https://vocalexpressions.blogspot.com
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