Talk about Growing Up Girl. How did the idea for the book come about? How would you like the public to receive the book? What has been the response so far?
A couple years ago I decided to take a break from the “day job” grind and started teaching writing workshops. For the most part I specialize in screenwriting and poetry workshops. For about a year I taught my poetry workshops primarily in shelters, detention centers, and alternative schools. While teaching these classes I would be exposed to some really talented girl/women writers who were desperate to share their stories and get feedback about their writings. Some how I got it in my head that it would be great to put together a book of their writings so that they could touch a larger audience with their work. At the time I was a starving artist so I did not have the resources to take on the project and print the anthology. A couple years go by and I receive an independent artist grant from Prince George’s Arts Council. This seed money put me in a position to bring the anthology to life.
My premise for the anthology was that every woman was a girl at one point and I wanted to see how our experiences might be different or the same. I learned that girlhoold is a period of discovery, danger, transformation, and building a sense of self for all children born a girl. From the submissions I received (which were also international) it did not seem to matter where or when you were born, but simply that you were born a girl that linked the writers’ experiences.
The book has done really well. I’ve sold over 500 copies at this point. That's pretty good for a book that is basically sold of my website and shipped out of my little home office. It has been placed at a couple bookstores and more stores are calling as they see how popular it’s becoming. Just last week it was named the number one bestseller at Busboys and Poets, a local DC bookstore. I was really pleased with that. It beat out books that had been released by major publishers and with more name recognition. It has also been a tremendous tool in a series of roundtable discussions that me and several of the contributors have been involved in. We go to group homes, shelters, or where ever folks will have us and we talk to the girls and women there. The contributors read their piece and dialogue just flows from there. This whole experience has surpassed any and all expectations.
What drives you to the page?
At this stage in my life it’s something I just have to do. I don’t really think about it, I just do it. I consider it a good addiction. I journal every day to mostly get all the anxieties and worries out of my head before I move to my projects. I am often dealing with several writing projects at a time. It helps when you get stuck on one you can move on to another. I love that my job allows me to people watch and listen in on other people’s lives (kinda like being in the CIA but not as scandalous)
Ultimately, I like creating. I like the feeling of creating something from nothing - that feels authentic. I haven’t encountered anything to date that makes me feel so accomplished.
Do you consider yourself a feminist?
YUP.
In March 2003, Ellis Cose published an article in Newsweek about how black women are doing better than black men and says this: “Is this new black woman finally crashing through the double ceiling of race and gender? Or is she leaping into treacherous waters that will leave her stranded, unfulfilled, childless and alone?” Respond to these questions.
I sense he was speaking primarily of my straight sisters. Not that I don’t share the same frustration with the ever looming glass ceiling. Race and gender can absolutely be a tricky combination, but definitely surmountable. It might be a little easier for those who are willing to think outside of the box and not let “define us” to smash the double ceiling to pieces. When it comes to choosing career over the rest of my life I don’t think I have the same concerns - at least when it comes to finding a mate. I am not looking for a “good man” to settle down with and have beautiful ashy babies with. If I wanted to be a mother, it’s something at this point I could accomplish all by myself - dependent on no one but a donor and my gyno. I suspect my straight sisters could do the same, but I don’t think many of them want to be that independent. I am not trying to bash or generalize, but I have heard enough of my straight friends talk about how they feel boxed in by traditional expectations (from their families and themselves) to take their independence too far. They site Condi Rice as an example of how they don’t want their lives to go. Barring her politics, I personally don’t see anything wrong with how she is living her life. But I guess it’s all about your value system and what you feel that you have to give up to get what you think you should want.
Finish the sentence.
I would like to know more about: God.
I would love to: own a house on the beach.
One word for each poet.
June Jordan: powerful.
Amiri Baraka: controversial.
Allen Ginsberg: prophetic.
Audre Lorde: complicated.
Samiya Bashir: beautiful.
Sylvia Plath: melancholy.
Name a poet you love. Pat Parker.
Tell me about your upcoming film.
My newest projected is called “Spoiled.” It is my first attempt at writing a purely comedic script and directing. We go into production in August. It’s a short film that I plan on submitting to the film festival circuit. I wasn’t planning on writing this particular piece, but about a year into our relationship my girlfriend informed me that she thought I was spoiled. I have had my fair share of relationships and “spoiled” has never been one of the things I’ve heard about myself. Loud, drama queen, funny, bossy, too independent, smart, silly, great boobs, and kind “definitely” but never spoiled. So I decided to create my alter ego (Keisha) on paper and see what she would do. Girl is a trip! Here is the logline: How far will Tuffy Alexander go to please her super high maintenance girlfriend Keisha Greggory? The answer might surprise even the “softest” butch.
How is your love life?
Off the hinges! I am in love with this great girl who treats me like I’m the only girl on the planet. I can’t say I’ve felt this cherished in a long time. After two years, things are really good. Really good.
Five things you dream about doing before you die.
Like all mere mortals, meeting Oprah.
Winning a Academy Award
Winning a Pulitzer Prize
Speaking fluent Spanish
Skydiving (although the thought of it makes me want to throw up)
Four people that need to get checked.
The punks who attacked Kevin Aviance. What the @#$% was that all about? Now they are saying that they were provoked.
Whitney. But I am checkin’ her with love. I am so sad to see her struggling. I think its one of those things that we should just embrace her with love and demand that she takes her life back. Addiction is such an ugly thing and it steals so much from the person struggling with the addiction and the folks who love them. Whitney, we want you well.
Bush. And I know that is way easy, but dude is TRIPPIN’ every single day.
The black gay boy who is sitting at the next table breaking all the first date rules. Honey is an OVERSHARER! I hope the guy sitting across from him is listening ‘cause this is going to be a needy brother. He’s going to spend all his time saying “no baby, you don’t look fat in those jeans.” He’s cute but don’t risk it just for the sex. (I’m answering these questions in a restaurant).
Three foods that you cannot live without.
Is salt a food? I swear sometimes I feel like a deer in need of a salt lick.
Pecan Pie
Corn on the cob (although I hear it has no nutritional value).
Two places that you want to visit this year.
Paris (mostly because my girlfriend wants to)
Home (Jamaica). I haven’t been able to get there in a while. It’s such a beautiful island - filled with ugly contradictions.
One principle you stand behind.
I heard this from Maya Angelou and I have really adopted it: Everything you need to know about someone they told you in the first thirty minutes of meeting them. Everything! I know it sounds crazy, but it has turned out to be really true. As a result I listen more carefully to what folks are saying. Really listen. I will need the information later down the road. So if you are out with little Ms. Cute Butch (the first date kinda thing) and she laughingly tells you that one time when she was pissed off at her ex she shredded all her clothes and set it on fire on their porch, but when they made up she replace them all – ‘cause she got it like that. This is not the time to be impressed by pyro-money bags. Get up and walk away. Trust me.
I haven't heard of the book before reading of it here, thank for bring it to life.i offten come by your site, its always a good read. I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful job that you are doing.
Posted by David E. Patton / on Jul 25 @ 5:12 PM