Questions answered by the author of Wrapping Thoughts Beneath Emotive Rain:
How long have I been writing?
At eight years old I picked up a pen and ran with it. I wasn’t the one playing with Ken and Barbie dolls with my sister, I was the little girl hiding under the bed with stack of papers and writing fairy tale stories. I started writing in French, back then I lived in Haiti. I used to sell my short stories to kids in school; in exchange they would give me more sheets of paper. At fifteen I started to keep journals faithfully, now I don’t even know how many I have, most of them are in boxes.
About writing fiction. Why did I decide to come out first with a poetry book?
Initially, my idea was to publish my first novel, Sweet Orchid Among Thorns, but I fell in love with the versatility I found in poetry and the usage of feisty playful words makes it more enticing.
What was my inspiration for the poetry book, Wrapping Thoughts Beneath Emotive Rain?
The book is a compilation of thoughts, ideas that were brewing inside of me for years and I felt compelled to jot them down. Before I knew it, they blossomed into something more.
Inspiration walks in and out of my life daily, once I step foot outside my door I get a whiff of it. In addition I must say writers such as Rene Depestre, Boadiba, Ben Okri, and Eric Jerome Dickey, Jennie Orvino, Carol Taylor, Sonia Sanchez, Nikki Giovanni, Edwidge Danticat, Makendal, Guichard Cadet and a slew of others. Their bodies of work have inspired and motivated me to get where I’m at today.
What tips or advice do I have for poets and writers?
You must ultimately be guided from within. Keep on writing. Don’t sit and relax. The key to success is to work hard and dedication. Read books, seek advice from other writers,poets or editors, poetry is a great avenue to improve your writing skills. In this industry you can’t be shy, let men, women and children know you have a story to tell. Be aggressive, network, network, network with a positive attitude and welcome criticism. Believe in yourself and your craft. Look for a great support team. Everything falls into place if you’re passionate about your craft. As one writer quoted, good writers aren’t born, they are crafted.
Do I have any special writing rituals?
For me there are no rituals set in stone, just focus. I play music when I visualize my characters or if it’s an emotional scene. And with poetry I attend open mics at various cafés to get myself stimulated, it helps a lot.
What am I working on now?
I’m emotionally attached to painting and working on some new manuscripts. I’m also tackling another poetry book, and going back to my love of art. Other projects i'm focused on for example is the 3rd Annual 2010 Tavern of Creativity happening in May 2010, it was a great turnout last year.
What are my future goals?
To encourage artists, writers and poets of Caribbean flavors to express themselves, for us to pat each other on the back. I find pleasure in helping others like myself who seek and need directions in their writing career. I'm working on an E-Lounge to feature skillful poets, artists and writers. Many Caribbean writers have rich and vivid stories to tell, some are reluctant while others need a push. My goal is to help as much as I can.
I must say thank you to all the wonderful people who have reached out their hands to make this dream come true for me, especially my family and friends. My front page artwork provided by Gerri and Linton Vedrene, two wonderful, gifted artists. Hopefully I will feed your mind intimately with my poetry and art in this site. Thank you for stopping by and have fun. Leave your footprints in my guestbook.
Cathy Delaleu
For those wishing to become published, my enthusiastic advice is to "self-publish" your thoughts first, before approaching an agent or publisher. This method will enable hands-on approach in being published.