Independent Sources

In 2012 I had the honor of being featured on a CUNY TV show, Study with the Best. At the time I was a professor at Borough of Manhattan Community College and had just published Ship of Souls. We got permission to film at the African Burial Ground National Monument and it was amazing to stand inside the monument and read from my novel. A couple of weeks ago I got an email from a producer inviting me to tape a segment for Independent Sources, another CUNY TV show that focuses on stories from NYC’s many immigrant communities. A lovely professional makeup artist got me ready for my close-up and after thanking her, I immediately started fussing because I’m not used to wearing eyeliner or eyeshadow or blush—I didn’t feel like myself. But once I sat down and Zyphus Lebrun asked me about Dayshaun’s Gift, I forgot about the makeup and just rattled off a very long answer about what inspired me to write a time travel novel set in Weeksville. The poor host hardly got a word in edgewise after that, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity to share my love of magic with CUNY TV viewers. I’ve already heard from one teacher trainer and hope I can connect with more educators, readers, and aspiring writers!