Cornelle Keveen

 

Welcome once again to The Stress Free Zone and the stylistically mellow-smooth sounds of the one and only Chad Evans.  Spoon tap those glasses and give up those finger snaps because that's how we do things in our little space called The Author's Couch.  But we won't stop the groove there.  Tonight I have the pleasure to have on the Couch with us, the Inspirational New Author...Ms Lorita Childress.  She has penned an uplifting Murder Mystery entitled:   The Turning Point of Lila Louise

So without any further fanfare let's bring out Ms. Lorita Childress.

Lorita Childress.....I've been anxious to get you here on the Author's Couch for this interview for quite some time now.  It's always an adventure to be able to reach into an up and coming Author's mind in the beginning stages of their success.

You Ms. Childress are one such author.  Well, why don't we begin with this remarkable new book of yours?

The Turning Point of Lila Louise:  This is a very intriguing title.  Immediately we're drawn as readers to Ms. Louise.  What did she do?  What happened to her that required her to make that turn?  I want to know and I'm sure my little readership would like to know as well. 

So there's our first question....

Who is Lila Louise and why is she required to make a turning point? Lila Louise is an arrogant, self centered African American dermatologist.  During the novel Lila Louise makes several turning points which allow her to develop into a better human being, deal with her tragic past, rely on, and become closer to God.

You know as African American authors, we are sometimes or rather most times, placed within the confines of certain literary pigeon holes if you will.  We're supposed to write about certain topics that are considered "urban" or "soul'.  Yet you seem to have ventured into the genre of "murder mystery".  If I'm correct, what made you break from the prescribed formula for African American authors? To be honest Cornelle, when I started writing this novel it didn't enter my mind that I was going against the norm by not writing about "urban" or "soul".  I just wanted to write a murder mystery with a Christian twist.  I wrote what was in my spirit.

Do you feel that it is a benefit or a detriment to be categorized as African American literature?  You know, to be placed in that little sub-section in book stores are supposed to cater to "your" audience.  I am proud to be an African American so there is no way being categorized as African American literature could be a detriment.  I believe a good novel will cross racial lines.  It is unfortunate however, that main stream bookstores give us limited shelf space.  Eventually, my work will speak for itself and the benefits will come in due time.

It's not that I'm questioning our African American pride; but more of the practice in bookstore handling of our work.  And I know it's a catch 22 sort of thing, but let's look at it this way.  I spend a lot of time in bookstores and I watch how buyers in general move through the stores.  How many non-black buyers do you see congregating at the AA section of bookstores?  I haven't seen many personally.  But what I do see as a pattern, because even I do so, is buyers spending time at the new release section.  What bothers me is that I seldom see AA authors in the new release section because their new releases are shelved in the AA section.  Wouldn't a new release attract a broader audience in the new release section?  But on the flip side of that point, it is an obvious benefit to have a section dedicated to our books to attract what many deem as our "core" audience.  Or is it?  Cornelle, I agree with you.  If our books were put in the new release section we would definitely gain a broader audience.  Maybe, one day the bookstores will give us our time in the new release section before they automatically place us in the AA section.  It is a sad state of affairs that in 2010 we still have to overcome.  Perhaps in our grandchildren's generation our novels will be perceived and appreciated as a work of art.

I love the name you've chosen for the male romantic interest in your book, Alexander Xavier. (Since I attended Xavier University of New Orleans back in the day)  It's a strong name, for a very strong character.  Where did you derive the inspiration for such a character? Alexander was the name of my grandfather.  He was a strong, family oriented man who didn't take any mess.  He died when I was eight.  If I had a son, Alexander definitely would have been his first name.  As far as Xavier it just sounded good.  I thought the two names together would convey the essence of the character.

How long have you been writing Lorita and what made you decide you were ready to pursue a career?  Was Turning Point your first complete novel?  If not, what happened with those other projects? I used to write poetry when I was younger.  I got discouraged by some teachers in middle school so I stopped writing.  About seven years ago I was recovering from major back surgery and God woke me up in the middle of the night and told me to write.  At first I thought I was nuts but by the time morning rolled around I had the beginning of my first novel, The Turning Point of Lila Louise.  

There are a lot of aspiring authors out there who want to know just how you found success in the publishing arena.  Are you self-publishing?  Do you have an agent?  If so, who are they and what's that working relationship like? I am not self published.  I do not have an agent.  My publishing company, Parker Publishing was looking for manuscripts from un-agented authors.  So I sent a query letter in and the first three chapters.  I got a reject letter from them and about six weeks later the Acquisition Editor sent me an email stating she was thinking about me and asked for the entire manuscript.  The rest is history.  I believe God had a plan and has been orchestrating all of this.  Everyone at Parker Publishing has been very supportive.

I'm going to be kinda tacky right about now.  Being your first time around the block, in terms of finance, is it worth it?  Does money even factor into the equation at all?  Is it just enough to actually hold that first printed book in your hands?  I really didn't think about the money at first.  I just knew I couldn't self publish.  Let's just say I can't quit my day job.  Maybe one day I will and maybe not.  Whatever I am blessed with is fine with me.  However, holding my first printed novel in my hands is priceless.

What is your writing routine like?  Do you set hard personal deadlines or do you just write when the mood hits you? I don't have a routine.  I write when the mood hits me.  It's very hard to be creative when you have worked nine hours a day.  I probably get more accomplished on the weekend.

What's next up for Lorita?  Do you have sequels planned for Lila? No sequels at the moment for Lila Louise.  However, I am working on my second novel.  I am also looking for a publisher for my children's novel.  Before the year is out I have a few poems which will be published in some upcoming anthologies. 

We expect Huge things for you Ms. Childress and we would love to have you come back to visit with us here on The Author's Couch.  Do you have any advice that you'd like to give to readers or aspiring authors before we get up off of this couch? My advice is pretty simple; if you dream it you can achieve it.  Don't let anyone or anything stop you from pursuing your dreams. Trust in God and all else will follow.

As I said earlier, Ms. Childress is an inspiration as she has so eloquently demonstrated in this space.  Keeping that in mind, I'd like to close out this segment of The Author's Couch Interview with a little something to uplift all of our spirits.  Thanks to you Ms. Childress for stopping by and I say to you; be encouraged because God's Got A Blessing with Your Name On It. 

Everyone....Norman Hutchins...