Author Cassandra Washington

What inspired you to pen your first novel? I used to read Stephen King novels and Danielle Steele and Harlequin Romance novels all the time. I used to love them! All that changed when I picked up Omar Tyree's Flyy Girl, because I just fell in love with how it was "black" reality, romance and fantasy. I could relate more to it than the other novels. After I finished reading it I said to myself, I am going to write me a book!

Do you have a specific writing style? Yes! I write the way I like to read and converse with others: to the point. That is great when there are others reading my writing who are just like me with the short attention spans, but it's horrible for those who like to be swept away into a world of descriptive fantasy.

How did you come up with the title for your book(s)? I got the title Brown Paper Bag Brothers for the book because my book is about the division within the African-American race via color barriers. It's a book about men who view beauty as being anything with light skin and others who feel hindered by it. Well, back in the day, "brown bag" tests were issued to prevent Blacks from getting an education, voting, etc. If you were lighter than a brown paper bag then you were what most considered "acceptable." If not, then you had to go! And I feel like that, today, that slave mentality is still housed, only we are doing it to ourselves.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Yes! I want people to realize that beauty is an attitude not a shade. That goes for men and women. There are just as many women who discriminate on the grounds of complexion as there are men who are guilty of it, and it needs to end.

How much of the novel is realistic? The entire novel is very real. Yes, they are fictional characters, and some of the scenes make you go, "no way did he say that!", however the things that happen in the book are really happening every day.

Are experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life? They are based on life in general. Growing up, I've experienced people discriminating against me because I wasn't the lightest in the group. I had to get that confidence fast, and that's what I want this book to do for others who may not be at that point yet to house such confidence in themselves.

What books have most influenced your life? A Do Right Man, by Omar Tyree because I most definitely can relate to the "college" and post-college struggle already. Who Takes The Weight by Kevin Powell (lord I hope I got that title right), I can relate to his struggle of trying to compete in "corporate" America in modern days. There are more, but I just can't think of them.

What are you reading now? Heat Seekers by Zane. Whew, baby girl is on it! There are seriously no words to describe her writing. All I can say is I never sit down with one of her books without having a pen and paper to take some good notes!

What are your current projects? I'm currently working on my second novel, title to be announced, and just doing some side work with my sis and her calendar, as well as working with a talented group of people on an upcoming virtual hip hop magazine.

Do you feel that the boom in African American writers is a fad or another renaissance? Absolutely not! African-Americans didn't just start to have creative minds. They always had them, they just were hindered. You know that old saying, give someone an inch and they'll take a mile? Well, lookout world, because you just gave these brothers and sisters some room, but they are about to take over the scene!

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members. The community as a whole showed massive support. It's amazing how others want to help you out when they see that you want what you are going after. I respect and appreciate everyone who supported me and those who didn't.

How does your family and/or friends feel about your book or writing venture in general? My family of course, hands down, showed massive love and support. They were wanting copies before the book was out of the printer. My true friends as well showed support, and of course you have those who claim to be friends but when something good goes on in your life they start trying to pull you back down. I don't fight to hold on though because I feel like that is God's way of cleansing out my "house", shutting one door so that another one may open. Someone beat the drum now!

Self-Publishing Questions:

How do you feel overall about self-publishing? Overall I feel that self-publishing is awesome. If you have the money to do it, then by all means, go for it.

What do you feel is one major benefit to self-publishing your book? A major benefit of self-publishing is being able to write what you want and how you want it. A big-time publisher may not buy it because it doesn't fit the "formula" but someone will. With self-publishing, your dreams will never be deferred because there is no one there telling you, no, that isn't marketable or you need to use less slang or delete this scene. You are enabled to be yourself and express yourself for yourself and enjoy it in the process. Yes it's hard to promote and market your material in a world where it's all about "who you know" however it can be done with faith, will and determination!


Peace and love!

Cassandra Washington
Visit: www.cassandrawashington.com

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