They say a picture is worth a thousand words, especially
when the only image you know of a person is through social media. And
oftentimes we try to have a distinct image of the voice behind their profile
picture -- and with Author and Editor, Deidra Green, I may have missed the
mark.
And here’s why:
If you follow this highly sought after lecturer, blessed with
respectable titles, you may have seen her collection of work on your timeline.
Green is not shy when it comes to promoting her work. She pushes her books with
no apologies. The countless hours in front of her computer, pounding
rhythmically on her stylish nails only conveys the heart of her brand, which is
after all - Reflected Gifts.
Deidra’s personal story is an inspiring one. But this author
of over a dozen books does not want her legacy based solely from her
heartaches. She has stories to write and characters to build for life in
her pages.
But what impressed me about Deidra Green wasn’t her dedication
to her craft, or the meticulous detail she puts into her stories, but the love
she puts into her characters.
So, yes, I missed the mark of wanting to gel her picture
with a phantom voice. It wasn’t necessary then as it is now. Because for every
word she writes, every book she sells, and every character she brings to life,
Deidra simply has one thing that many authors don’t – and that's heart.
Imani: Finally! I
have Deidra Green in The Pink Lounge -- welcome, ma'am! Of course I have to ask
you this question I ask all of my guest: What makes Deidra the woman she is
today?
Deidra: First let
me say, thanks so much for having me Imani. I certainly appreciate it. With
regard to your question, I think it would be easy to say that pain or loss or struggle
made me the woman I am today. However, that would only provide a limited
purview into who I really am. I am a culmination of the history of my people,
the prayers of my grandparents and the dreams of my parents. I am a reflection
of the strong, beautiful and resilient women around me. The woman I am today is
the result of my pursuits, my dreams, my accomplishments and my falterings. I
don’t say failings because I would have rather tried and faltered a thousand
times than to never have tried at all.
Imani: Besides
being a respected and talented author and editor, you are also a highly sought
after lecturer, presenter, ghostwriter, and educator -- and if that is not
impressive enough, you have more than a dozen books to your name. Where -- and
more importantly, how -- do you have the time to write and still manage to
write amazing work?
Deidra: I have a
very hard time doing nothing… lol. It is hard for me to simply relax. I feel
like time is a precious commodity and it ought not be wasted. I also don’t
require a whole lot of sleep. Even though I have always had several things
going on at once – working a full time job, having my own business(es),
involved in the community, etc., I know that I became a much more focused
individual after the loss of my younger sister. I think subconsciously I feel
like I need to live and do enough for the both of us.
I am a reflection of the strong, beautiful and resilient women around me. The woman I am today is the result of my pursuits, my dreams, my accomplishments and my faltering. I don’t say failing because I would have rather tried and faltered a thousand times than to never have tried at all. - Deidra Green
Imani: You have
an interesting and beautiful story about birthday a gift you have given to your
brother one year. Would you tell us that story?
Deidra: It’s
funny you should mention that because this experience is really how my writing
career began. My brother and I have birth anniversaries that are one day apart.
It was his birthday and I didn’t have a physical present for him. His wife
takes very good care of him so there was no ‘thing’ I thought he might have
wanted or needed. I contemplated writing something for him but still wasn’t
committed to the idea. About 45 minutes before the birth celebration began, I
called my sister in law and asked her would she print something for me if I
faxed it to her. Mind you, at the time I raised the question, I still didn’t
have a gift.
It was getting closer and closer to time to leave for the
party but I still had nothing. Then, I thought about my brother and what he
really means to me. I sat down on the corner of my bed with my laptop and wrote
a poem, “A Sister’s Pride.” I wrote it swiftly with no review and forwarded it
to be printed with the idea that I would give it to him at some point. What
ended up happening was instead of my sister in law giving the poem to me, she
handed it to my brother during gift opening. I was absolutely and completely
mortified when he decided to read it aloud. I sunk down in my chair and
practically covered my face with my hands from embarrassment as he began to
read aloud. After a few moments, I heard my brother’s voice crack. I peeked
through my fingers and saw that he was crying. As I looked around the room of
almost 100 guests, I noticed others were tearing up as well. I felt awful! In
one fail swoop I’d brought down the mood of the party.
Finally, he finished reading and moved on to the next gift.
After all the gifts were opened and people began to mill around again, my
brother found me. The next few words he said to me changed the course of my
life forever, no exaggeration. He said, “You have a story to tell and nobody
can tell that story but you.” Of course I completely discounted what he said.
He was my younger brother so what did he know? But those words stayed with me
days after the party was over. So, with a great deal of ‘bravado’ I spoke to
the atmosphere, “If it is meant for me to write, then I need an undeniable and
clear sign. (Insert – be careful what you speak into the atmosphere).
For the next 13 days in a row, I was awakened from my sleep at
3:00 in the morning. I was wide awake and this flurry of ideas clouded my
brain. Initially, the first night, I thought I had eaten too late or my dinner
didn’t agree with me. By the third night of my mind being flooded, I got out of
bed, went to my desk in my bedroom and wrote down the thoughts, phrases, ideas.
After I did, I was able to go back to sleep. By the 7th and 8th night, I moved
the notebook to the side of my bed and wrote what came to mind. By the 10th and
11th night, the notebook was in my bed. My ‘awakening’ if you will, was a few
years ago. I still have that notebook to this day and there are still ideas,
phrases and thoughts I have yet to write about. That night at the party, my
brother spoke life into my gift.
Imani: What an
amazing story!
Now I’ve read your bio about the tremendous losses of your
loved ones; namely, your sister. You have my condolences. However, you also suffered the loss of your husband days before the
birth of your child. I know you had your faith to get through those difficult
times; but did you use that sorrow toward your writing?
Deidra: In all
honesty, I was too busy being a mommy to deal with the sorrow let alone write
about it. I didn’t write for others to read until several years after my
husband died. In a lot of ways I was still numb from losing my sister some 18
months earlier.
Imani: Now let's
go deeper with your work -- are you character-driven or plot-driven, and why?
Deidra: My
stories are definitely character driven. I don’t plan a story. I never know
what’s going to happen. The characters drive the story and I am merely the
conduit by which the words get on the page.
Imani: Of all of
your characters, which one you would like to meet and what main question
you would ask of them?
Deidra: I would
like to meet Gina from the Woman at the Top of the Stairs series. The main
question I would ask her would be, “Why has it taken you so long to take care
of yourself?”
Imani: What's
your methodology of a memorable character?
Deidra: This is a
great question! I don’t know that I have a methodology. The characters reveal
themselves to me over time and I try to capture their very essence in the words
that I use.
Imani: I know exactly what you're saying. When I write, I
don't plan; I let my characters reveal themselves over time, as well. So with
that said, which character do you enjoy creating -- the perfect hero or the
imperfect human?
Deidra: I could
never write about the perfect hero because I don't think there is such a thing.
Even those perceived to be perfect may have flaws, issues, insecurities that
the average individual can't or won't see because of the role the person plays
in their life. Besides I think that would be boring. :) I much prefer to write
about the imperfect person. That person has dimension, flavor, nuance... for me
there is no comparison. I will tell imperfect every time.
I much prefer to write about the imperfect person. That person has dimension, flavor, nuance... for me there is no comparison. I will tell imperfect every time.
Imani: We all have that person(s) that help shaped our
craft. What person(s) inspired you, and what would you say to them if they were
here?
Deidra: Most people who know me know I am a huge Stephen
King fan. He is certainly an inspiration to me; not just because of his
prolific writing but also his work ethic. If he were here I would simply say,
‘thank you’.
Imani: Do you
have any future projects in store, and if so, do tell.
Deidra: Yes, I have a few more projects I’m working on. I
can say that I am working on the sequel to “Sick, Sicker, Sickest”. I am also
finalizing “Suddenly Single”. The other projects are a hush… lol!
Imani: I
understand. So Deidra, tell me, where do you see your career in five years?
Deidra: In five
years I would hope to be even more passionate about my writing and still
committed to telling great compelling stories. I am not into list's although
lists are great. I want to still love the written word and penning stories that
people talk about long after the reading is over.
Imani: Now I
would be wrong in this interview if I didn't mention the jewelry you've been
posting online. Did you create it, and where did the idea come from?
Deidra: KandiKissedJewels
are handcrafted jewelry designed and created by my daughter and myself. I use
to design years ago but decided it would be a great opportunity for my daughter
and I to go into business together so she can earn money while going to college
without having to go and work for someone else.
Imani: Awesome
idea! If someone is reading this, and they would like to purchase one of
them, where should they get more
information?
Deidra: Friend me
on Facebook as I have an album with most of the jewelry listed. I update as
pieces are sold. The website is under development.
Imani: And
finally -- in one word, describe Deidra Green's work.
Deidra: Enthralling!
Imani: Thank you
again for stopping by The Lounge; it's been truly a privilege and honor. Please
know, the welcome mat is always here.
To learn more about Deidra DS Green’s work visit her
website:
You may also find her at these sites:
To read a sample and purchase her collection of books visit:
Also visit Deidra's free read page on her website filled with amazing stories and characters.
TyLeishia L. Douglass is a native of Baltimore Maryland and
a voice of hope for this generation. Douglass is an author, online radio talk
host, promoter, public speaker and published author. TyLeishia is on a mission
to encourage and empower others. Her imprint is embedded in the hearts of her
short story readers. One of her personal favorite mottos is, "Helping to
make a difference one page at a time." TyLeishia earned publishing credits
from "Student Life Magazine", was featured on LA Talk Live
“Perspective’s Corner” with Rhona “Rho” Bennett and credits from the soul diva
songstress and life coach and member of the group EnVogue (The Real Funky
Diva’s). TyLeishia's poetry and comments are also featured on askrho.com. The
Baltimore Times featured Douglass online as Indie Soul Entrepreneur of the Week
which speaks of her writings and blogs as self-help tools which she shares
worldwide. TyLeishia is poised to offer solace and confidence to motivate
others in their personal struggles through the poignant story of the main
character of her novel, "Jewels Declaring New Miracles." New books
are underway and additional short stories by TyLeishia are available on
Amazon.com, Kobo, Smashwords and Barnes & Noble’s. Douglass continue her
education and aims to achieve and earn her AA Degree in Mass Production and
Communications in hopes that her online blog radio talk show, “JOTU & GEMS”
will take flight in a future worldwide televised broadcast which serves as a
platform that supports all arts in and around communities.
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