Cynsations 2

I’ve been consuming a lot of narratives about publishing lately—Yellowface, then Colored Television, and now I’m watching the Hulu adaptation of The Other Black Girl, which disturbed me when I read it a few years ago. I’ve complained about the publishing industry for years but seeing another author’s searing critique—even in fiction—can make my stomach twist. But this weekend I’ve been able to interact with folks who’ve managed to stay genuine and generous in spite of the pressure to perform another kind of (cut-throat) identity. Marti Dumas has a new series that brought her to Chicago, Secret Society of Rebel Girls: Nina and the Mysterious Mailbox, and we had a chance to catch up. We both started out as indie authors and we both intend to continue self-publishing since the traditional publishing industry opens some doors sometimes but still doesn’t want particular kinds of stories.

In other good news, I did my second interview for Cynsations, which was founded by author/publisher/changemaker Cynthia Leitich Smith. Gayleen Rabukkuk has a background in journalism and the questions she asked were complex and thought-provoking. Here’s one.

You included scenes set during the Red Summer of 1919 in The Oracle’s Door. What tips do you have for writers who want to provide young readers with honest portrayals of traumatic historical events?

I try to curate and calibrate. I’m selective about what I include in my story and I try not to get too graphic. I’m 52 and I tear up every time I read the last chapter of my novel!

It’s fine if kid readers get emotional, too, but I don’t want them to be afraid or ashamed. The Chicago Race Riot of 1919 lasted over a week; I felt that was too much for my audience, which I imagine is likely seven to ten-year-olds. And ultimately, The Oracle’s Door is still a dragon tale!

You can read the whole interview here. I’m anxiously waiting for IngramSpark to approve my files for The Witch of the Woods. I have to have copies for this event on my birthday! Then later than evening I head to Copenhagen…it’s for research—really!!