Women’s History Month’s Feature: Pearl Cleage, Playwright, Essayist, Novelist, Poet, and Political Activist

Hello book lovers! In celebration of Women’s History Month, I would like to present to you, playwright, essayist, novelist, poet, and political activist, Pearl Cleage. In 1981, she produced her first play, Puppetplay, followed by Hospice in 1983, Good News in 1984, and Essential in 1985. She also produced three of her most well-known works Flyin’ West (1992), Blues for an Alabama Sky (1995) and Bourbon at the Border (1997) at the Tony Award winning Alliance Theatre in partnership with artistic director Kenny Leon. She is currently the Distinguished Artist in Residence at this same theatre.

In 1987, she became the founding editor of Catalyst Magazine, an Atlanta-based literary journal. In the 1990s, she wrote a recurring column called “Stop Making Sense” in the Atlanta Tribune. She has also had her articles published in Essence and The New York Times Book Review.

She didn’t start writing novels until the mid-1990s and enjoys writing across genres where she has earned critical acclaim. Her works are centered around topics/themes of sexism and racism specifically related to issues of domestic violence in the black community. She has won many awards including the AUDELCO for her play Hospice (1983) and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction in 2007 for her novel, Baby Brother’s Blues (2006).

As a political activist, she self-identifies as “a third-generation black nationalist and a radical feminist” having grown up in the 1960s amidst the three social movements of the time: the Civil Rights Movement, Antiwar Movement, and the Women’s Movement. She is also an advocate for AIDS and women’s rights. She pulls these experiences into her writing thereby imparting the message of hope and motivation to Black women who have faced unique challenges.

Writing Tip: I will focus on the plays written by Pearl Cleage. When writing plays, you should have a message that you impart to your audience. I love that Pearl Cleage's plays tell real stories that dive into the lives and emotions of people living in urban African American communities. She pulls no punches by delving into the realities of the good and bad life choices that they make and the impact these choices have on them.

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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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