Bebe Moore Campbell - Interview
Where do you get your ideas?
A good idea for a book is one
that doesn't have to be written down, because it sticks
with me. It haunts me and will not got away. From the
moment I start thinking about it the idea seeps into
my soul and begins to germinate. When I wrote Your Blues
Ain't Like Mine the idea had been on my mind for three
years, which included the time I spent writing Sweet
Summer.
When an idea for a book hits me I sit on it for a while
to see if it will go away. If it doesn't, I begin to
play with it in my mind. I shuffle beginnings, endings
and the so elusive middle. Characters begin to emerge,
usually the main ones. That's all I need to begin. After
some time it will take on a life of its own.
I'm not much of a journal person but occasionally I'll
have a stint of writing down what's going on with me.
This usually happens when I'm in some kind of personal
crisis.
I've started lots of books and changed my mind. Before
I began What You Owe Me I began three other books.
I discuss my ideas before, while
and after I write my books with my deal ole mom and an
editor friend. Thumbs down from either one makes me think
again. On the other hand, if they like it. watch out
New York Times.
What is your idea of the ultimate dinner party?
This is girl's night out. My
guests are: Harriet Tubman, liberator of slaves and union
spy; Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of an historically
black college immediately after the civil war; Madam
C. J. Walker, early twentieth century entrepreneur and
philanthropist who perfected the straightening comb,
developed door-to-door sales as a means of reaching her
market, and created the modern beauty industry for black
women; Billie Holiday, the incomparable jazz singer;
and Katherine Dunham, a dancer who developed dance techniques
that showcased African and Caribbean-inspired movements.
The menu is down home. We're
eating fried chicken, candied yams, collard greens, corn
bread, mashed potatoes and gravy, lemonade, with pound
cake for dessert.
The dinner is taking place at my house.
Come as you are.
I'll ask the women how they had the courage to accomplish
what they did. I'll ask them how they got over the roughest
times of their lives.
I wouldn't play any games. I'd ask each of the women
to say a prayer.
