Q: Can you tell our readers a little about your most
recent book?
In a market where street literature is hot, I wanted to give readers another fantasy---love. It has stood the test of time as the most powerful emotion. Sugar Rush: Love's Liberation is love story written from both the male and female points of view that deals with the complexities of being single, ambitious and in love. Darlene "Dolly" Hunter and Gerald "Blacksax" Washington have a courtship that readers come to enjoy, admire and are tempted to mimic as they search for love or heal from a broken heart. As with many relationships, Dolly and Gerald come up against challenges from their past and even their present. As each page is turned in Sugar Rush: Love's Liberation, readers are asked to choose a side and choose to love.
Q: What other books if any have you written?
In 2001, I published a limited edition book of poetry called A Drop of Brown Sugar In Your Bittersweet Tea. A copy was recently spotted in the hands of a reader in 2004. It remains a favorite among those who had a chance to obtain a it. Interestingly enough, many of the poems are being turned into novels.
Most recently, I helped to co-write The Truth You Can't BeTray by Tray Chaney from HBO's "The Wire." It was released in January 2007.
Q: How did you come up with the story line?
I wanted to create an exciting love story that was realistic. In the four years it took me to develop Gerald and Dolly's life together, I spoke with couples who live healthy love lives. I stayed up numerous evenings with men and women in an attempt to understand the issues both have while dating. Quite simply, I allowed the energy of God and love, because God is love, guide the direction of the story. It was worth the 1,460 days it took to create.
Q: How did you come up with the title?
I love creating titles people can taste: A Drop of Brownsugar in Your Bittersweet Tea, Sugar Rush: Love’s Liberation, Caramel’s Sunday, Blackfrost ---The latter are titles I’m working on for 2007 and 2008. With Sugar Rush: Love’s Liberation, I considered the rush people get off their favorite sweet treat. Each time you see it, you want to relive that first taste. You know too much of it will make you sick, so you try to avoid over eating it. At the same time, you can never get enough. Love is the same way. We are just as discerning about the relationships we pursue. Call or don’t call. Hug or don’t hug. Kiss or don’t kiss. Propose or don’t propose. Also, we tend to find refuge and liberation in love. It makes you feel good, and when someone loves you back---well, there is no better freedom accept the love of God. When both enjoy His love, it makes their love more enjoyable.
Q: What do you think inspired you to write?
Life and people inspire me. I am also inspired by the classics written by such authors as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Harper Lee, John H. Griffin, Dr. Maya Angelou and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Q. When can we expect to see more from you?
Readers can keep in touch with my alter ego A. Brown Girl on www.yolondacoleman.blogspot.com. She travels and loves to share her tales in love and life. In the meantime, look for the sequel to Sugar Rush: love’s Liberation. Excerpts can be found on www.coffeedreamz.com in the Reading Room.
Q. What advice do you have for other writers that are trying to make it?
If you are truly called to write and tell stories---fiction or nonfiction---let nothing stop your blessing and dream with limitless possibilities. Oh yeah, copyright your work (smile).
It was a pleasure talking to you, and we look forward to reading more of your work.
