Questions answered by the author of Wrapping Thoughts Beneath Emotive Rain:
How long have you 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 paper and writing fairy tale stories. I started writing in French because 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. Self-expression is the breath of life and to have the ability to put my imagination into words and have kids be interested in what I had to say gave me intense pleasure. Then at fifteen I started to keep journals faithfully, now I don’t even know how many I have, most of them are in boxes.
So you started writing fiction. Why did you decide to come out first with a poetry book and when is it due out?
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 your inspiration for the poetry book, Wrapping Thoughts Beneath Emotive Rain?
The poetry 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 even when I’m home. 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, Guichard Cadet and a slew of others. Their bodies of work have both inspired and motivated me to get where I’m at today.
What tips or advice do you have for writers?
You must ultimately be guided from within. Keep on writing. Don’t sit and relax. The key to success is work and dedication. Read books, seek advice from other writers or editors, poetry is also another avenue of improving 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 which is another key ingredient. You must also have a positive attitude and welcome criticism. Believe in yourself and your craft. Look for a great support team. For example I’m a member of www.TheNextBigWriter.com, it’s a wonderful website to receive feedback, reviews and have your work analyzed. Everything falls into place if you’re passionate about your craft. As one writer quoted, good writers aren’t born, they are crafted.
Do you have any special writing rituals?
For me there are no rituals, just discipline. As soon as I get home from my day job I cook some dinner then I’m in front of my laptop, and ideas flow naturally in my head. It’s usually quiet at home. I play music when I visualize my characters dancing at a party or if it’s an emotional scene. And with poetry I attend open mic at various cafés to get myself stimulate, to find courage to read my poems in front of an audience.
What are you working on now?
I’m emotionally attached to two novels as we speak. I’m also tackling some short stories, another poetry book, and going back to my love of art. I used to paint, making colorful picture frames, mirrors and magnets. I really miss that form of art so I’m going to bring them back again, this time on canvas. It was a great turnout at the 2007 Harlem Book Fair and I intend to participate in more artisitic venues. My artwork is also for sale, feel free to browse. I'm also having my first art exhibit in November 2007 at the Stain Bar, can't wait. I'm also the founder of Tavern of Creativity, the first annual event was held on 9/15/07 and the turnout was unbelievable with such positive vibe.
What are you future plans?
This website is to encourage artists, writers and poets of Caribbean flavor to express themselves, for us to pat each other on the back. I find pleasure in helping others like myself who seek and need direction in their writing career. I previously had the TLC section (Talented Lyrical Corner) which is similar to an E-lounge featuring skillful poets and writers. Many Caribbean writers have rich and vivid stories to tell, some are reluctant while others need a push. So I'm bringing it back.
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 to friends. My front page artwork provided by Gerri and Linton Vedrene, two great 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, Cathy's enthusiastic advice is to "self-publish" your thoughts first, before approaching an aget or publisher. This method will enable a hands-on approacho become published, Cathy's enthusiastic advice is to "self-publish” your thoughts first, before approaching an agent or publisher. This method will enable a hands-on approach to publishing, allowing you to fully experience what it all entails.