Urban Reviews: Tell our
readers about I Can't Live Without My Radio.
LaDessa: The story is a coming of age
story of sorts. The story's protagonist like me was raised in
church except she is a preacher's kid (PK). Like all the tales
told about PK's, soon as she leaped out of the choir stand she
becomes wayward as she chases her dream to be the next big
thing in radio. At all costs she is determined to see her name
and face on those huge billboards that keep you company along
America's interstates.
Urban Reviews: How did the
concept for this book come about?
LaDessa: Before moving to Milwaukee, I
was on the radio in my hometown of Seattle and too wanted my
bus bench and Clear Channel billboard. When it never happened,
I decided I would use my freelance writing skills and become a
huge radio personality through my main character Brooklyn
"Willow" Waters.
Urban Reviews: What was it
that pushed you to want to write a novel?
LaDessa: When I hung up my headphones and
decided to write the book, I needed to know I could see this
idea through to the end. Many of my friends and family loved
the story and encouraged me to send the manuscript out, but I
couldn't. This was with my first baby; I had to carry it to
term and push it out on my own...no meds. ~smile~
Urban Reviews: What have
been some of the biggest challenges in regard to your debut
novel?
LaDessa: I would have to say trying to
stay encouraged and find my own lane. Whenever I am out, I
always check the book aisle of Wal-Mart or the African
American section at book stores. I'm making sure my story is
true to the culture, is uniform to retail standards and
looking to see if my book laid next to some of the who's who
in African American or Urban Lit would my cover stand out. If
mass market retail should ever come for me I don't want to be
washed out, there are so many African American authors now. It
becomes intimidating at times yet I am still at it; like I
said this is my baby and I have to see it grow and become a
great contributor to those who read.
Urban Reviews: What word
of advice do you have for those that may consider writing a
book?
LaDessa: Simple and plain walk in your
own truth! Just because you like Mary Monroe or Shannon
Holmes, if that is not your truth don't write about it; even
if you can come up with the type of stories they do. As
oxymoronic as it sounds, if those tales are not your truths as
you write your fiction, your voice becomes just one of many. I
just can't believe anyone who takes on this labor of writing
does it to become just one of many.
Urban Reviews: What author
or book would you point to as being your main inspiration?
LaDessa: There are too many to name. I
will say this, when I first moved to Milwaukee almost two
years ago, I blindly reached out to Venesha. (Mistress Me &
Notorious) She came up as I did a search for Milwaukee based
authors via Myspace, she didn't know me from a can of paint
but she trusted her gut and loaded me down with so much
encouragement and advice. She walked with me through my
journey as a new writer and I will forever be grateful to her
for that.
Urban Reviews: Do you
have any ideas or plans for any upcoming projects?
LaDessa: Yes, the sequel to I Can't
Live Without My Radio, titled Don't Touch That Dial
is coming. Brooklyn Waters, who is now Brooklyn Chandler,
still has some lessons to learn about the dangers of pride. I
am hoping to make my sophomore debut in March 2010.
Urban Reviews: Do you have
any favorite authors or books?
LaDessa: I have found myself in love with
audio books lately and right now my favorite authors have been
replaced by my favorite narrator, Bahni Turpin. The way she
brings a story to life is amazing. I love anything she puts
her voice to.
Urban Reviews: What things
do you like to do outside of writing?
LaDessa: I have turned into quite the
craftnista lately. I love gluing and bedazzling things now. I
recently reupholstered my dining room chairs so who knows
what's next. Look out Bob Villa. I love, love, love the old
reruns of Golden Girls. I watch them every day and night. It's
so bad my husband and daughter both leave the room or close
the door to the living room soon as the first note of the
theme song starts to play. Picture it, Sicily 1929... RIP
Sophia and Dorothy.
Urban Reviews: Is there
anything else you would like to share about yourself or your
novel?
LaDessa: I am just LaDessa from the mean
streets of Seattle J (not really...I have just always wanted
to say I was from the mean streets) A simple church girl, the
Lord gave many talents to. After two kids and life's trials, I
learned it is never too late. It has always been my desire to
bring to fruition all the hard work my parents put into me and
now thanks to writing I have one more avenue. Now that author
has been added to my many hats, I sincerely hope those who
come in contact with me physically or via my writing are
pleased. |
