Author, Collen Dixon, a dynamic thriller writer, gives readers a view of her writing...

-The SCBC, Inc.

What is my latest news?
My second novel, “Behind Closed Doors... In My Father’s House” was recently released. It is the second in the “Simon Says” trilogy, and I call it the Black “Sopranos.” It is a unique book, about a Washington, D.C. based Black Mafia family. It is replete with lust, suspense, drama, deceit, lust and murder. It has been met with really great reviews.

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Chocolate City and the Vanilla Suburbs.

When and why did you begin writing?
I actually wrote a book in high school, and always showed an interest in writing. My guidance counselors persuaded me to pursue a career in math and sciences, though. I didn’t pick back up on writing until after I had worked in corporate America for a number of years, and had become quite disillusioned.

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?
I grew up in a very diverse environment. I had exposure to a lot of different stimuli. I have experienced things from busing to the “New Jack City”-style drug epidemic of the 1980’s and ‘90s. But, growing up around DC instilled a great sense of pride as a Black person. I wasn’t called the “n” word until I went to school in Norfolk, Virginia. I really wasn’t exposed to the racial divisions in our culture. Black was black, it didn’t matter if you were light or dark. So, I always grew up thinking that Black folks were large and in charge. That’s my foundation. From that perspective, it is my goal to write stories that show our pride and diversity. Stories that are atypical... what we as Black folks do that is not quite the norm. Things we have always done, but things that don’t get recognized on a larger scale. Things that don’t get trumpeted to the general public. But, to take that basis and create an interesting, thrilling storyline.

What inspired you to pen your first novel?
It was John Grisham’s “The Firm.” I was captivated by the thriller genre, and wondered why no one at the time was writing books like that with African American characters. So I decided to try my hand. But what I discovered was just because I was an avid reader, it didn’t mean that I could write. It took me a while to really understand the craft. And I’m still learning.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?
Thrillers and suspense novels, definitely. You can take poetic license with any work of fiction, but with thrillers, you can really stretch your imagination. Given the world that we live in, anything is possible, and I think people like the complexities of thrillers and suspense novels. Especially when the characters are ones that they can relate to. They can envision themselves as everyday people, getting caught up in similar situations. Then, suddenly we realize, our lives aren’t so bad.

How do you feel overall about self-publishing?
I totally support it. It’s not the easiest thing in the world to do, but it can be extremely rewarding. Especially if an author is seriously dedicated to writing, and wants to see their work in print. It is a wonderful opportunity, but self-publishers should also be committed to putting out a quality product. They should completely comprehend the requirements of self-publishing which can include a considerable investment of resources: time, energy and money. Authors should hire a good editor, invest in a reputable printer and contract with a good book designer/graphic artist. And they should understand how to market the book, once it is printed. That’s when the fun really begins.

What are you current projects?
I am currently working on a short story for a compilation Zane is putting together. She’s my friend and she’s given me an opportunity to work with her, so I’m definitely looking forward to that. I’m also working on my third book, “Every Shut Eye...”, which is being published by Random House. They are re-releasing “Simon Says” this fall, and I’m very excited about that.

Do you feel that the boom in African American writers is a fad or another renaissance?
I think that it is definitely another renaissance. Some of the work may be a little faddish, but I think that like any situation, the cream is going to rise to the top. There are a number of really good writers out here, that may or may not be recognized as such, but we have to be committed to the craft, no matter how long it takes. Some of the best writers never reach the level of acclaim that they deserve until much later in their careers. So, if you’re faint of heart, or in a serious rush, writing may not be for you. You have to love what you do, and be satisfied with what you do. And if others agree and like what you do, then you’ve found your niche. We as African Americans have to expand our horizons to include other genres such as Sci-Fi and suspense. Show us some love, too!

Do you see writing as a long or short term career?
Long term, no doubt. Some writers experience rapid success, and I’m really happy for them. I realized that my genre and my target audience is a harder sell than some of the more popular venues, so I had to calibrate my expectations accordingly. I use fire to symbolize my writing goals. I don’t want to be a flash fire, one that catches on quickly and burns intensely, but only for a few moments. I want to be a slow burn. One that takes more effort to ignite, but once it does, it burns for a really long time.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
The book clubs. They have been so great. Their support has been unquestionable, and I really thank them for motivating me. They give me great feedback and encouragement, and they challenge me to keep writing and developing my skills as a writer. I can’t thank them enough!

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Yes. I want readers to see that we as African Americans are very diverse, compelling, and multi-faceted. I want readers to embrace the concept that we do different things, and want to read about them. As part of the “Black Experience,” we all have distinctly different branches in our family trees, and whereas sometimes we tend to lean toward the dramatic, sometimes that’s not the most compelling.

How would you like readers to best remember you?
As the author that wants to entertain, intrigue and challenge you. I’d also like to be known as “the sister that writes for the brothers.” I know that Black men usually read non-fiction, so I try to reinforce my fiction with very strong non-fiction elements. So, although I want to get more Black men reading fiction, it’s not that I don’t write for the sisters. That’s a given. I am a sister, so I’m sure that the sisters will continue to read and enjoy my works, too. Black women are avid readers and have been wonderfully supportive in the past.

Visit: www.collendixon.com

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