Official Apex Reviews Interview: Kathy Marsh (The Aura Of Love)

Kathy, thanks for joining us for this interview. We greatly appreciate having this opportunity to learn more about your book.

And thanks to you for giving me the opportunity to share more about my book.

Where did the idea for The Aura Of Love come from?

The idea came from an article I read in Essence Magazine that stated more and more black women were beginning to date outside of the race and wanted to read more stories about themselves.  So, since I’m just a little bit weird, I decided to create my own beings, which meant I had to give them a visual difference, like our skin color.  Out of that, came Auralites and their blue and purple auras.

Our reviewer commented that the plot structure is a clever commentary on human nature, particular race/class conflicts. Has anyone else mentioned that observation to you? If so, how did they respond to it?

Yes, almost everybody who reads it makes that observation.  The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and that has come from non African Americans as well as African Americans.  It’s been interesting because, though everyone thinks the book is a great social commentary on intolerance, they view the conflict differently.  Some see it as racial intolerance, while others see a clash between light- and dark-skinned black people, and still others see a class war.  I find it fascinating that people can read the same book and come away with such different ideas.

Why do you think it's so difficult for people to set aside their differences for the common causes of love, harmony, solidarity, etc.?

I wish I had an answer to that question.  It’s baffling and frustrating that people become so entrenched in their way of thinking that they seem unable to step back and look at a situation from another’s point of view, even for the greater good. 

There are many lessons to be learned from reading The Aura Of Love. Have you considered pitching the book to college English, History, and Philosophy departments?

Yes, as a matter of fact, my book’s first reviewer suggested that.  She thought since the characters aren’t black and white, classroom discussion could take place without anyone feeling attacked.  So, I’m in the process of pitching the book to that audience.  And anybody who knows any professors you think would be interested, please, feel free to mention The Aura of Love.  J

Likewise, have you considered turning the book into a stageplay or movie?

I would love for that to happen, though I haven’t done anything to make it a reality.  Promoting this book, writing the next book and working has left me with no time at all.  Again, anyone who knows somebody who might be interested in turning the book into either, please, feel free to mention.  J

The Aura Of Love has generated an incredible amount of acclaim since its release, including winning an IPPY Award (congratulations!). Has all the fanfare sunk in yet?

It’s been wonderful!!  It’s so very gratifying to be recognized by those in the industry.  I’m not sure if it’s sunk in, yet.  All I can say is, I’m still grinning.  I’ve considered doing a couple of back flips, but I don’t want to hurt anything.

What's the overall message you want people to take from the book?

There are two things I want people to take from this book.  Firstly, slavery, though it occurred in our past, still has such a detrimental effect on not only our race, but our society as a whole, and I don’t think we, as Americans, are going to be able to remove the tension and distrust in our country until we deal with it.  Secondly, don’t let others dictate your life choices.  If you’re happy and not hurting anyone, I think your choices should be your own.

With all the great success you've achieved, what can you possibly have planned for an encore?

My next book, Suddenly Younger, is about a middle-aged woman who finds that she’s suddenly getting younger.  As she tries to figure out what’s happening with her, and why, I explore feminine ageism.  When she gets involved with a much younger man, who just happens to be her doctor, I once again explore secrets and the dynamic between an older woman and a younger man.  The fact that she’s chronologically older, but physically younger, adds a new twist.  Because I’ve gotten so many requests (thank you, readers), I plan to write a sequel to The Aura of Love, once I’ve written Suddenly Younger.

Any final thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?

I really appreciate my readers and their voices because without them, I’d be writing in a void.  Thank you all.  And again, thank you Apex Reviews, for doing what you do to help us.

Thanks again, Kathy, and continued success to you in all your endeavors!