Talk about the genesis of Redbone Press.
Well, RedBone Press started with an idea I had for a book of black lesbian coming-out stories. A friend of my younger sister had followed us home from school one day (true story!), all because she'd seen the pink triangle on the bumper of my car. This was in 1995. My sister's friend was just coming out, and thought that we might have some books on the subject. Well, I searched through my library--I really did have one back then--and didn't find that book. I found a couple of stories to show her... and the thought came to me that this book needs to be done. So I set about finding the stories--not thinking that I'd do the book myself (at first).
It took a year and a half to get the stories together; some were reprints from other sources, but most were originally written for "does your mama know?." During that time I researched publishers to get a feel for whether they'd want to publish the book, and to see how the publishing industry works. At the end of the process, I decided that, contrary to popular opinion, there was indeed a market for this book, and that I could put it out myself--so with the help of a good friend who gave me the money to print it, I did.
RedBone Press arose from that. I had to name my business venture something, and that was it. After the book came out, I discovered that I loved--loved!--all
the aspects of publishing, so I hung out my little shingle. It's a one-woman press, publishing one book a year (more or less).
Since the publication of "does your mama know?: An Anthology of Black Lesbian Coming out Stories," and "the bull-jean stories," by Sharon Bridgforth can you gauge their influence on the ever expanding body of black LGBT literature?
You know, I can't gauge it. I do know that "the bull-jean stories" has been adopted for women's studies classes, and some English classes, around the country, and that "does your mama know?" has been used as supplementary text for women's studies and black women's studies classes too. (Yep, sometimes those are two separate subjects. Go figure.) It's also been a seminal text for the few black LGBT studies classes. Both books have sold thousands of copies and won awards, but that's not a gauge for their influence on others' writing. So I really don't know. I haven't seen too much in the way of bull-jean knockoff stories. :) I do know that our (my and Sharon's) travels around the country have inspired other people to write their own stories, only because they've told us. And I have been acknowledged in other people's books and other published writings, as has Sharon, and that is wondefully gratifying.
What is your dream scenario for Redbone?
I'd like for RedBone Press to publish two to three books a year. I'd like to have a poetry imprint, and do a nonfiction book and a fiction book each year. I'd
like RedBone Press to pay my rent, so I can stay home and focus on it full time.
Describe your five favorite authors with one word.
One word for each? Damn...
Zora Neale Hurston -- Roots
Sharon Bridgforth -- Roots-doctor
Dorothy Allison -- Truth-in-words
Toure -- Language-master
Walter Mosley -- Blackfolklove
What does Lisa do to unwind in her leisure time, (assuming she has leisure time)?
Lisa Moore has free time? When?! Tell me, tell me! No, seriously: I cook when I have down time. It frees my mind. I have to focus on the task at hand, so my mind stops the gerbil wheel of "what next what next what next." When I *really* have down time, I like to read, believe it or not. And I love going to movies, but haven't done that in months. I take it back: I did see one movie in the past five months, and it was "Whale Rider." It's fantastic. Go see it.
Talk about your upcoming publication, "Spirited."
"Spirited: Affirming the Soul and Black Gay/Lesbian Identity" is what I was working on before that unfortunate incident last September called an apartment fire. I was also working feverishly on Fire & Ink, held last September, so the confluence was ... it was something. That's a whole other story.
Anyway, "Spirited" is a book of essays by black gay men and lesbians on religion and spirituality. G. Winston James, my co-editor, and I have picked the book back up during the past two months, since I've finished cleaning up fire-related stuff. The essays have been amazing to read, if only because I've been through my own spiritual journey after the fire. I've learned that many black LGBT folks have been incredibly angry that the mainstream black church has cut them off. I've learned that black LGBT folks have not let that stop them from being religious and spiritual, through whatever means. And those are just two of the revelations. More to come as the book goes to print; I've set a November 2003 release date.
What can we expect from Redbone in the future?
Ooooh... I've been toying with the idea of doing an anthology about butch women. And one on long-term couples, gay and lesbian and trans; a coffee table book of sorts. And a book for black gay youth. And there's some fiction I'd like to see; mystery; history; poetry... but let me get through "Spirited" first. "Spirited" will restart RedBone Press, since I lost all my financial records and equipment in the fire. Let me start with that, and see what comes next.