Cover of Dancing through the Word Labryrinth spoken word CD.
For the first part of this interview with Red Room member Nordette Adams please click this link. The concluding part three begins here and now:
Aberjhani: What is the last work of fiction you read that made a strong impression on you and why did it move you so deeply?
Nordette: I’m reading Toni Morrison’s novel, A Mercy and while it is a compelling story, I have to say for the moment I am more impressed by how Morrison is telling the story than the story itself. I’m fascinated by the high craft it takes to do what she’s done with language, syntax manipulation to create character and move through time. I recall what one of my fiction writing professors said of her once, “Oh, her. Who knows how she does what she does?” I know I’ll have to read it again.
Aberjhani: I had a similar reaction to A Mercy and will also have to read it again. The manner in which Morrison adopts so completely and communicates through the consciousness of characters centuries removed from her own is phenomenal, especially when you’re talking about a character who shares neither her race nor her gender. That kind of literary alchemy is profound and rare. Have you read either of President Barack Obama’s books and if so, what is your take on him as a writer?
Nordette: I have The Audacity of Hope as an audio book. He is an exceptional writer, eloquent. Wonderful cadence.
Aberjhani: I’ve been reading and re-reading Dreams from My Father, which I have to admit totally floored me with its analytically precise and yet poetically graceful language. It’s very much like something any of the classic African-American writhers, like Ralph Ellison or Richard Wright could have written. But getting back to the wide range of your literary expertise discussed earlier, how is it some publisher has not wooed you to produce a book (or several for that matter) that they could market and turn into a bestseller?
Nordette: Someone is talking to me. Keep your fingers crossed, and it’s a recent development. Other than that, I can only blame myself for not producing a book yet. I think, however, that’s about to change.
Aberjhani: Is there anything you would like to add that I have not asked you?
Nordette: I cannot think of a thing except to give you the easiest way for people to find my work. They can hit the link http://Her411.com to get to feeds of the African-American Books Examiner, the New Orleans Literature Examiner, BlogHer.com, and my blog Whose Shoes Are These Anyway? I may even have a poetry link or two. I got a short catch all URL with Twitter in mind.
Aberjhani: Thank you Nordette for taking the time to engage in some thoroughly enjoyable creative conversatin’ and letting readers learn just a little bit more about you, your very dynamic work, and your world.
Nordette: Thank you Aberjhani for selecting me as one of your interview subjects. I am honored, and it’s been a pleasure.
© by Aberjhani
and Nordette Adams
August 4, 2009
Bridge of Silver Wings 2023 