JoeyPinkney.com Exclusive Interview
5 Minutes, 5 Questions With…
Rekaya Gibson, author of Mama Don’t Like Ugly
(NCM Publishing Company)
“Mama Don’t Like Ugly” is a fiction story about Dana, a dark-skinned girl, growing up in a household with a mama who dislikes her because of her skin color. She is abused, neglected and constantly compared to her lighter skin sister. In spite of her situation, she still loves her mama unconditionally.
Joey Pinkney: Where did you get the inspiration to write Mama Don’t Like Ugly?
Rekaya Gibson: I am fascinated that people’s behaviors and/or perceptions about skin color are passed from generation to generation – consciously and subconsciously.
JP: What sets Mama Don’t Like Ugly apart from other books in the same genre?
RG: It has a good balance of drama, humor and suspense. Also, it will resuscitate nonfiction discussions about beauty and skin color.
JP: As an author, what are the keys to your success that led to Mama Don’t Like Ugly getting out to the public?
RG: One, I have an awesome publisher who is one of my biggest promoters, supports my efforts and shares ideas with me. Two, I am in a committed relationship with non-stop book promotions. It is mandatory. Three, I am willing to learn, evolve and take risks.
JP: As an author, what is your writing process? How long did it take you to start and finish Mama Don’t Like Ugly?
RG: I write – on the computer – when I have something to say. Then, I let it all out until I’m done. This can mean five minutes or several hours. I am not good at writing during a slotted time; it is the rebel in me. However,I have to write on paper first to get my flow going.
It took me approximately 18 months to start and finish the book – talk about labor pains.
JP: What’s next for Rekaya Gibson?
RG: Currently, I am working on a cookbook entitled Cooking Matter, with a food-temptress theme. In the last chapter, I will feature book club recipes, so I will be seeking submissions for them in the near future.
In addition, I am slowly writing a fiction novel that will star a character from Mama Don’t Like Ugly. It will challenge my creativity as well as surprise some folks. Also, it will allow me to introduce another character for a future book.
http://www.rekayagibson.com
http://www.foodtemptress.com
http://www.thefoodtemptress.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Rekaya-Gibson/355017565812
http://www.twitter.com/RekayaGibson
http://www.linkedin.com/in/rekayagibson
Thank you to the fans for their support. Thank you, Joey, for the interview.
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This was a great interview! I love your blog!
Great interview, Rekaya! Gotta’ get this one!
Great interview, I would love to read this book and have placed this on by to be read list, I did not realize this growing up but notice the difference by aunt made with my two cousins and never could understand until I saw it happening so much, and saw the pain.
I can’t wait to read this amazing story! Great interview JP
KUDOS Joey Pinkney does it again, bring us outside the box thinkers!
Great job on this one.
LG
woop woop u doin it big bru!
I’ve been on vacation, but I wanted to stop by to say thank you for your kind words Cheryl, Imani, Joyce, Lucy, Levon, and Godly Content. I appreciate it. Enjoy!