Last week I interviewed one of our most important living American writers, Walter Mosley, at the National Association of Black Journalists Convention. Mosley’s work is important not just because he is so prolific and profound, because he explores everything from the psychology of the mid-20th century African American male to the state of our society in this post-9/11 world in his work, but also because he chooses to engage folk through more than just the printed page. He is truly an activist, a man dedicated to folk – all folk – and working for our liberation. He is accessible to younger writers, critical of our current administration, respected by Americans across race and class lines.
It was an honor to engage him in meaningful conversation at the convention’s Authors’ Pavilion, organized this year by health writer Andrea Collier with the help of publicist Linda Duggins and others. The focus of our discussion was Mosley’s This Year you Write Your Novel, and he provided helpful tips for working journalists interested in crafting a book-length manuscript. Mosley emphasized the dedication to craft that comes from arduous revision. He also articulated the need to write every day, to rise each morning and focus on getting the words out on the page.
I was glad he talked about his work with the Democracy Initiative as well. This project aims to empower all disenfranchised Americans. Mosley formed the initiative after the publication of Life Out of Context.
Comment(s)
Walter is great–he was the first person to push Gary Phillips and I on the Darker mask and has sme jocular (and interesting) opinions on the publishing industry.
I should’ve renewed my NABJ membership! I live near D’Lea Bundles and she has shamed me so I better send a check…