I recently interviewed author friend, Ruth Sadi El. See what this amazing sister has to say:
1. At what point in your life did you know you were a writer?
I was born a poet but, I didn't realize I was a writer until I joined a writer's group called, The Charlotte African American Writers & Poets. They had just started a pilot novel and had an opening for one of the chapters so I jump to the challenge. I surprised myself being able to come up with a whole chapter from just the title. The head of the writer's group told me a little about what the chapter should be about and I took it from there. It was challenging but, I enjoyed being able to use my creativity and come up with character and a story plot from beginning to end with the help of my husband who is also my muse he had a lot of creative input as well. I use him as my audience and when he liked what I wrote I knew is was a winner.
2. With all the criticism writers receive on a constant basis, is there one particular moment or episode when you felt you should just stop and be finished with this career?
There were many moments in writing this chapter I wanted to stop because having my work critiqued was painful. I literally took it personal without realizing this was to help mold me into a better writer. It took me a little while to acquire a tougher skin and learn to roll with the critiques. I can't say that it still doesn't pinch my nerves but, I am not a quitter.
The required word count for the chapter was 12,500 words and the novel we wrote was a collection of short stories about the life of one main character and six writers which created the life of Belinda Norris of "Show A Little Love."
Writing Poetry is in my blood and this is something I know I have to do but, writing novels has become something I want to do because I've found another talent; being able to create characters.
3. What genres do you write in? Reason?
My genres are first and foremost poetry because I have found that I can express my deepest concern and thoughts.
Next is children's books, Little David is my first picture book which will be in a series. The reason for this particular children's book was created from my own disabilities. Not being about to get around without pain was something that has taken me some years to get use too. Then I thought about children with physical limitations and the depression they must go through not being able to play and run around like other children. That is quite a mental adjustment to live with and hence Little David was created. This character can't walk but, through the help of his mother and sister he has learned to be happy with his life. Children with limitations and those that don't have any, must be made to feel special and important and most of all loved by those who take care of them whether it be the parents or teachers.
My third genre is fiction/non-fiction; I love being able to create characters on a normal level and in the science fiction arena I am working on three manuscripts that are out there on the ether plane. One has to do with a dream that came to life after going into a coma. This one could possibly be non-fiction. The second one is about thousands of people turning; sorry I can't give that one away. My third sci-if novel has to do with a strange light that does some awful thing within a community.
4. What do you hope a reader takes away from your writing?
First I want people to think. Most of my poetry is food for the mind. Second I would like the reader to take away a sense of adventure and a knowing that in the end everything will always work out. Sometimes we can get in some serious situations that seem like there is no escape but, we have to realize Father God will always make a way for His children if we just have faith and believe.
5. Are you traditionally published or self-published? What determined your publishing decision?
I am a self-published author and would love to get published traditionally. What made me self-publish my children's book was doing my own illustrations. I felt that I knew what I wanted and no one could see inside the mind of my characters. When I did research on children's publishers they would want my story but, they had their own illustrators and at the time that didn't set well with me.
6. If you could have lunch with one person--dead or alive, who would it be? Why?
I would love to have lunch with Mya Angelou because I have always admired her as a strong poet.
7. If you were given one specific wish with your writing (no, it cannot be general like-make me a best selling author), what would it be?
I would love to be given the opportunity to read my Little David picture books in elementary schools all across the country so that I can touch the hearts of not only the physically challenged but, all children. I want to be able to tell them they are special, loved and their lives are important to Father-God.
8. If you had to compare yourself to another writer, who would it be?
I would not compare myself to anyone else because I love being me and no one else has my style and creative flair.
9. What books do you have in print now? Where are they available?
I have in print Show A Little Love co-authored adult novel can be purchased online at LuLu, http://www.lulu.com/content/101218. Little David children's picture book, Truth In Rhyme, poetry keys for the Moorish thinking mind. God Cares For You, spiritual poetry. These books are available online at my LuLu Storefront: http://www.lulu.com/RuthsBooks
10. Best selling author or Literary recognition (Pulitzer, Nobel)? Which would you choose?
I would choose literary recognition (Pulitzer)
Visit Ruth on the web @http://www.lulu.com/RuthsBooks. And remember, you heard it here first!
Syd
