Lisa Braxton 'The Talking Drum' Interview | Respect the Author
Where are you from?: I was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut. I currently live in Weymouth, Massachusetts, outside of Boston
Tell us the story of how you got into writing: I became a published writer when I was in high school. I joined the staff of the high school newspaper and wrote my first article about a Black History Month program that was held in the auditorium. It was such a heady experience seeing my byline and my work in print. The staff editor of the newspaper complimented my story. There’s nothing like positive reinforcement to set you on a path. I majored in media when I was in college, became editor-in-chief of my college newspaper, wrote articles as a summer intern for my hometown newspaper and worked as a reporter for a major metropolitan newspaper in Virginia after college. I didn’t do a whole lot of creative writing until years later, but the newspaper journalism helped to lay a great foundation for me as a writer.
What was your favorite book growing up?: Freedom Train, by Dorothy Sterling (The story of Harriet Tubman)
What is your favorite book as an adult?: The Street, by Ann Petry
What is the name of your new book?: The Talking Drum
What inspired you to write the book?: I was writing a story about a man and woman who owned a bookstore in the 1970s and eventually, gentrification entered the story. I supposed it was in my subconscious. My parents owned and operated a clothing store in Bridgeport, Connecticut, beginning in 1969 and going into the 2000s. This was an urban, working class neighborhood. As time went on my parents had fewer and fewer customers because the homes along the waterfront area were being taken by eminent domain for upscale housing and entertainment venues. A lot of their customers were pushed out.
Tell us more about your new book: A newlywed husband and wife move to the fictional town of Bellport. The husband wants to open a bookstore in the largely African American neighborhood where he grew up. She agrees to support his dream. They think they will benefit from the urban redevelopment project that will lead to the building of a civic center arena and upscale shopping and residential district. However, they have mixed feelings because an immigrant neighborhood will be taken as a result. The story is also about the immigrants who will be affected by their neighborhood being taken.
Where do you go to get into writing mode?: Anywhere where I can focus on writing; propped up in bed with my laptop, at a coffee shop, the library, a quiet space at lunchtime during work, the shopping mall food court before the mall opens for the day.
Who needs to read this book?: A general audience. People willing to do self-reflection. We as a society keep knocking down buildings and paving over and building something new on top. Then every so often archeologists do a dig and find the remnants, traces, of a sacred burial ground, or a piece of African American slave history that they want to preserve. If these things were preserved in the first place, we’d have more of our history kept intact. I’m also saying that people need to take a look at themselves. People have biases against other people, whether it’s across races and ethnic groups or within the same race and ethnic group and it doesn’t even make any sense. People need to dissect that, and think about it.
Who inspires you?: My mom and dad. They grew up in The South under Jim Crow with all of its indignities. They married, moved North to Connecticut and after some years of factory work opened up a high fashion men's clothing store fulfilling my father's dream of owning and operating his own business. Their story inspired the major story line of The Talking Drum.
How important is reading and literacy for youth in this world?: They are highly important. Reading and literacy can open up the world for young people, help them to dream big, see so many possibilities.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to create something they dream of?: Find supportive friends who believe in your dream and/or will help you fulfill it. Writing groups can help you build your confidence and stay with a project when you're getting discouraged.
Don't give up until you've tried everything. I must have approached 30-40 literary agents before I switched course and contacted small presses. I contacted agents, editors, and publishers by email and in person at conferences. I was determined not to give up until I found a publisher.
Where can people find your new book?: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1771337419?pf_rd_r=43FZ61QY1XYKN734XPVR&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee
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