Alilia McNeal, author of Sisterhood, took time to share information with The Sistah Circle Book Club. We thank you for your participation, Alilia! 

SCBC, Inc.

Where are you from?  I was born in the Bronx, NY, but I grew up in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?  When I was a kid, I was never exposed to the works of African-American authors. I did lots of reading, however, because the library was the only place my Mom would let me and my sister go on the weekends. That helped develop a love of reading, but it wasn't until I was in high school and college that I learned about the contributions of African-American authors. Maybe that's why I didn't write Sisterhood until after I finished college.  Being exposed to writing that I could relate to inspired me to write my own work.

When and why did you begin writing? I didn't write Sisterhood until I was in my mid-30's. My college professors had encouraged me to write, but I never seriously considered it until after I attended a reading/book signing of a popular African-American author.  After hearing her, I decided that "if she can do it - I can do it."  It's hard to explain but, at the time, it seemed like a good idea!  Anyway, I started developing the story shortly after that and completed it three months later.

Do you have a specific writing style?  When I began writing, I didn't consciously decide on a writing style, I just wrote down my thoughts as they flowed. I think my writing is down to earth and very readable. I have received several comments from readers that they appreciate reading a book that is entertaining and easy to read. If they are reading purely for reading enjoyment, they don't want to be distracted by intellectual challenges. I've decided to take this as a compliment!

How do you feel overall about self-publishing? Self-publishing is an excellent way for new authors to get their work in print. The traditional publishing houses are very difficult to get in to unless you can demonstrate that your work is "marketable," but how can an unpublished author do this? Self-publishing, and the technology that makes it possible, has changed the printing business. I think it is a good way to get your foot in the door, but ultimately, every writer's goal, I think, is to be published traditionally.

What are your current projects? Currently, I am putting the finishing touches on Family & Friends. I hope to have that in print by late summer.

Do you feel that the boom in African American writers is a fad or another renaissance? This is definitely NOT a fad. African Americans are finally getting the literary recognition they deserve and we're not going to go away. Not only is it good exposure for writers, but it is also serves as inspiration for young people. Finally, we can go into the library or bookstore and see shelves and shelves of books about us and by us. There is a market for books written by African American writers and publishers, black and white, will want to be a part of that.

How did you come up with the title for your book? I didn't name the book until I was almost finished writing it. The title, Sisterhood, was a natural choice for the book as the characters came to life. Because of the situations I put them in, their bond of sisterhood became the most prominent theme in the book.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Definitely. The importance of keeping relationships in perspective - knowing which ones are truly important and which ones only "feel" important when you're in the moment - that's what it's all about. Keeping your relationship with God on track helps to keep your relationships on earth straight!  The main characters, Nina and Jeanetta, found that their faith in each other and in God brought them through.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life? Sisterhood is a combination of experiences from my life, from the experiences of people I have known over the years, and some of it is purely fictional.  I'll never tell which is which!

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