Women’s History Month’s Feature: Toni Morrison, Renowned Essayist and Novelist

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you, Nobel Prize in Literature (1993), Pulitzer Prize (Beloved, 1987) and National Book Critics Circle Award (Song of Solomon, 1977) winner, Toni Morrison. Morrison was a literary icon having written plays, children’s books, essays, fiction and non-fiction books that have earned her several prestigious awards including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.

She worked as a book editor (first black female editor at Random House in New York City, late 1960s) and was a college professor at various universities. Her prolific style of storytelling explored the African-American (mostly women) within the context of several themes such as racism, sexism, freedom, abandonment, violence, etc. Her best-known novels include The Bluest Eye, Song of Solomon, Beloved and A Mercy.

In 2019, her hometown of Lorain, Ohio passed a resolution to designate February 18th, her birthday, as “Toni Morrison Day.” And most recently, on Friday, March 19, 2021, Prairie View A&M University announced it will establish a Toni Morrison Writing program in her honor and her former student, MacKenzie Scott. Although she is gone, she will definitely not be forgotten for the trailblazer that she was (1931 - 2019).

WRITING TIP: When writing coming of age novels like The Bluest Eye remember to do your research, develop a plot with turmoil, and create interesting characters that allow readers to see them evolve.

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Interview with Jacqueline Seewald, Author of THE INHERITANCE

Author’s Bio: Multiple award-winning author, Jacqueline Seewald, has taught creative, expository and technical writing at Rutgers University as well as high school English. She also worked as both an academic librarian and an educational media specialist. Sixteen of her books of fiction have previously been published to critical praise including books for adults, teens and children. Her short stories, poems, essays, reviews and articles have appeared in hundreds of diverse publications and numerous anthologies. What inspired you to write your book? I enjoy writing romantic mystery fiction. The idea for this particular novel just seemed to evolve organically from my imagination. Is there any particular author or book that influenced you in any way either growing up or as an adult? I would have to say reading the Bible was influential. As far as regular books go, I’m a big fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Is this your first book? How long did it take to start and

National Poetry Month’s Feature: Poet Jahi Trotter

Poet’s Bio: Jahi Minkah Trotter was born in Atlanta, GA, and moved to Alabama when he was six years old. He has been writing poetry since he was 11 years old. He has written two poetry books: It Was Already Written (2016) and Adapting To Life: Poems and Quotes by Jahi Minkah Trotter (2020). He developed a love for filmmaking while receiving his bachelor's degree in social science. Jahi decided to continue his quest for filmmaking at Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA. During his final two years at SCAD, Jahi was encouraged by his professors to go into acting while continuing to work behind the camera as well. This was a crucial time for Jahi. He lost his father in 2019 a month before taking an elective acting class that lead him into acting. He lost his mother in 2021 and continues to act and create films, including his thesis film "The Last Job," in which he acted and starred in. Jahi graduated with a master's degree in film and television from S

It’s A Book Thing Presents: An Interview with Debbie Stokes, author of The Stranger He Knew

Author’s Bio: Debbie Stokes was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. She has always had a desire to be a published author of a fiction novel, but fear stopped her. She often shares how her story ideas come to her in her dreams, and how she jumps up to write them down. Finally, one day, she pushed past her fear and allowed her vision to come to past. She is now a published author, and The Stranger He Knew is her first book. Debbie is a former CEO, blogger, and interviewer for her previous women's empowerment blog called, 3 Women Voices, where she shared empowering stories of how people overcame odds to live their best lives. She is also a former contributing writer for FEMI Magazine, a cultural lifestyle magazine, where she interviewed and shared people’s stories. When not writing, she enjoys singing, dancing, inspiring others, and spending time with family. Deliah Lawrence: What inspired you to write your book? Debbie Stokes: That is a funny story. One day, I went

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