Latanya Muhammad 'The Other Side of Somewhere' Interview | Respect the Author
Where are you from?: I was born and raised in Baltimore, MD where I still currently reside. The city has a lot of of potential and is overflowing with creatives of every kind.
Tell us the story of how you got into writing: I have always loved writing. From the time I was a kid up to now it was always a source of cathartic release. Regardless of how I was feeling, it helped me to process my thoughts. I've enjoyed writing everything from poetry, short stories, plays, to personal essays. At this point in my life, I'm starting to invest more time in writing a novel and learning how to write screenplays.
What was your favorite book growing up?: My favorite book growing up was Corduroy by Don Freeman. I love the message behind the story, or at least what I've perceived to be the message. This little toy bear wanted a home, and to me it highlighted our need for love and acceptance and our desire for people to look past our imperfections.
What is your favorite book as an adult?: The Street by Ann Petry. I loved how she weaved the characters and their stories together. Considering the time period it was written, the themes (poverty, racism, and sexism) are still relevant today.
What is the name of your new book?: I'm in the midst of writing my first book, The Other Side of Somewhere. It's really been a labor of love and I'm looking forward to its further development.
What inspired you to write the book?: As someone that is an avid reader and writer, I've always wanted to write a book. Just the idea of being able to hold something I created in my hand is inspiration enough for me.
Tell us more about your new book: Coming from a counseling background I thought it would be interesting to explore grief from the perspective of a family. It's always intrigued me how one event impacts everyone in a family differently (i.e. how grief is processed and how they each move forward). Death and grief are complex and have the potential to either bring a family together or pull a family apart. With my book I want to illustrate how a single event causes a ripple effect that forces the characters to examine their mortality, their perspective on life, and the family structure.
Where do you go to get into writing mode?: Honestly, I believe any place can be a place for me to get into a writing mode. There have been moments I was at work, in my car, in the store, watching TV, or maybe I see something on the street and an idea comes to mind. I don't want to lose the idea, so whenever and wherever the mood strikes I take advantage of it and scribble a quick note, sentence, or paragraph.
Who needs to read this book?: I believe all audiences would benefit from reading this book, youths and adults. Grief, and what it does to a family, are common themes in our lives. We may not all experience it the same way, but it definitely touches us all.
Who inspires you?: A lot of people inspire me; my children, my husband, my mother, my siblings. A lot of work I've created has been influenced by them.
How important is reading and literacy for youth in this world?: It's very important, and I don't think this just because I enjoy reading. Literacy is one of the most fundamental and basic skills a person can possess, yet there are so many youths that struggle in this area. Lacking this skill leaves them cut off from a part of the world that has the potential to light up their imaginations and creativity and help them feel connected to the larger world.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to create something they dream of?: No matter how small the investment you put into making a dream a reality, just make sure you keep adding to it. When I decided to share my writing and submit it to publishers there were several rejections, and at times I questioned if a future in writing was for me. I had to actively tell myself "you are a writer" versus waiting for other people to validate this belief. When you see yourself for the talent you are it changes your mindset and you begin developing your craft, challenging your skill-set, and putting yourself in uncomfortable situations that encourage you to grow personally and professionally.
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/l.m.muhammad
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