Nubian Sistas would like you to meet the one and only, Delores Thornton.
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DT: Like a first love, Ida Mae, my debut novel, will always hold a special place in my heart. It's a story of rape, racism, transracial adoption, and the love of country music. Babe, based loosely on my mother's life, deals with grief, forgiveness and closure. When I interviewed my mother, I discovered valuable information with respect to my family history, as well as, the struggles of African-Americans in the 20th century. I will always have an affinity with Babe. Junebug was a handyman whom I introduced in Babe, and it was nice to flesh out his character in a work that was all his. In reality, I feel as if all of my titles affected me tremendously, and they continue to do so!
NSBC: The Book Cover for, "Anybody Seen Junebug?" is very creative. Where did the idea come from?
DT: The idea for the cover of, "Anybody Seen Junebug?" came from the story itself. The cover models embody the physical characteristics of the people they represent in the novel. Pictured on the cover are: my paternal grandfather, Mr. Lincoln Lewis; older lady, Gloria Oliver; two teenage ladies, Eboni and Brittany Elmore; and of course, Junebug, my friend, J.D. Clark. I decided to use one face on all five bodies since Junebug actually had five personalities. I asked my two granddaughters to allow me to use their pictures on the cover of the book, and they were overjoyed. They didn't know that I only wanted their bodies, and that my designer would place Junebug's face on everybody. So, I included everyone's actual picture on the inside of the book. People really love the cover--it's an attention getter.
DT: "Anybody Seen Junebug?", presented a special challenge, for it was my first book in which a male was the central character. I write historical fiction, and in all of my books I touch on issues such as: depression, grief, and other mental illnesses. In the stressful times in which we live, I find this type of reading enlightening , enjoyable, and therapeutic.
NSBC: Can you give us a little insight into your upcoming novel, Family Matters?
DT: I'm still playing around with a title for my upcoming work. I've tentatively titled it "Family Matters," but I'm considering changing it to "Airing Dirty Linen" or quite possibly a combination of the two titles. Due out in 2005, this tale deals with a strong inner-city family, with problems that are settled during family meetings. It will offer suggestions for repairing and restoring our families, and will compel us to once again become a mighty race.
I'm also working on a nonfiction work, titled "Divine Appointment: A Care-giver's Guide." I recently became a primary care-giver, and was thrust into a whole new world. To say that I was intimidated would be an understatement, but I've learned many lessons that I feel others should know. This book will look at how terminal illness affects the care-giver; everything from the stress, to the feelings of utter helplessness. It will prepare the care-giver to administer medicines; understand how to effectively manage the patient; how to establish a good rapport with the doctors and hospital personnel, and will even address power of attorney, and burial needs. In a world filled with sickness and disease, this book (due out in June 2004) will be a must for every household.
DT: In an effort to market and promote my books, I have pounded the pavement since 1996. During that time I have also sought to gain exposure for other authors. I am presently a book reviewer, interviewer, and columnist on several on and offline publications and websites. I've prepared author catalogs and ad books, and encouraged authors to get their own works before the reading public. My enthusiasm led me to the airwaves, and my show, "Around2It" debuted on WTLC--AM, 1310, in Indianapolis, on July 4, 2002. On my show which features; authors, poets, publicists, agents, book club members, librarians, singers, models, and other entrepreneurs, I admonish listeners to harness their dreams by finally getting, "Around2It." There is a guest book on the radio page, where guests may leave comments and news of upcoming events. AND �even an "Around2It" store where people may purchase, caps, tee shirts, and other gear! Listeners are also invited to send email messages ([email protected])with questions and/or comments. We read those in our "Mailbag Segment!" This presents yet another promotional tool, for the respondents may include their name, book title and website information, and have it read during the broadcast.
DT: The radio show ( at: www.bookcrazy.net) has been very successful, and I've had an impressive list of guests, including:
Maxine Thompson, Crystal Rhodes, Lena Williams, Fran Yates, Mike Ramey, Alicia Fleming, Debra Kendall, Don Paff, Hetty Gray, Stephanie Groves, Rev. Joy L. Thornton, Rodney Stepp, Bridget Bibbs, Donna Hill, D. Delreverda-Jennings, Carol and Brenda from C&B Books Distribution, Maureen Morah Smith, Alexis McGraw, Tosha Walker, Brittany Elmore, Linda Armstrong Miller, James A. Cox (Midwest Book Review), D. Whiteman, from the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Pat G'Orge-Walker, Bertha Davis, Lois Center-Shabazz, Katherine Bradenburg (Marketing Manager of iUniverse.com), Margaret I. Williams, Adriene Pickett, Shirley Dicks, Barry Eva, Joy Batey, Brenda Novak, and Winners in the First Annual Indy Essay Contest; Courtney Crenshaw, Moniqque Smith, Dia Washington, Ranika Jackson, and Kevin Carter.
Of all of the guests on "Around2It" I'd have to say that the ones who pleased me most were the winners in the "First Annual Indy Essay Contest" which was sponsored by "Around2It." It was so rewarding to see those youngsters ages 7 to 14, who had never been in a radio studio! They were so poised and professional--I was impressed. And, no, none of my guests have inspired me to create a character, but that's a thought....!
DT: I am currently in negotiations with an establishment here in Indianapolis, where I'll rent space for the Marguerite Press Book Nook. It was scheduled to open in January, but I'm working on the, Indianapolis Lifetime of Learning Literary Fest. This is a major literary event scheduled to take place in June of 2004. As soon as the nuts and bolts are in place on this project, I'll be free to open the book nook, which will offer book signings, workshops and literary meetings. The book nook will initially offer self-published titles, but will eventually have mainstream books and CDs.
NSBC: It seems that many other authors see you as an inspiration and a source for support. What advice would you give a new author trying to make their mark in the literary world?
DT: Authors should have a publicist if at all possible. This takes a lot of the pressure off of the writer who is trying to keep up with his creative juices. If it is not feasible to hire a publicist, authors should market and promote themselves as aggressively as possible. Another necessity is an author's website, which should be interactive and contain: a newsletter, calendar, and guest book. By all means, try to be interviewed by local newspapers; contact all of the book clubs; secure book reviews, interviews, and online chats. AND visit my promotional agency at: www.margueritepresspromo.com.
DT: I thank you so much for this opportunity God Bless!
NSBC: Thank you Delores, It was a pleasure!