-SCBC, Inc..

Where are you from?

I live in Brooklyn, but I am from California. Born in Oakland, lived there until I was about ten, then moved to Los Angeles, where I lived with my mom and sis until until I was was eighteen. Then I moved back to the Bay Area. Remained there until I moved to New York in 1993.

Tell us your latest news?

My first novel is coming out in January. It's called 'More Like Wrestling,' and it's about two sisters growing up in Oakland, California.

How did you come up with the title for your book?  

The title is from a quote ... You have to read the book to see how it fits in!

When and why did you begin writing?
Whew! I began when I was small. Like in the first grade or something. I've almost always kept a journal. And since 1989, I've been a reporter, critic, editor ... in the land of magazines and newspapers. In 1996, I started writing fiction. This book is what came of that.

How has your environment/upbringing colored your writing?

It has colored my writing so far in that I love California, especially the Bay Area. I love the freedom and and the spirit that California represents.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

I am probably most comfortable writing profiles, reviews ... journalism. But I love writing fiction. It's a higher calling. It's harder, too. But deeper

Definitely Zora Neale Hurston. I love Janie and Teacake in 'Their Eyes Were Watching God.' Also Terry McMillan, for her style, her confidence and her nerve. Toni Morrison for 'Song of Solomon.' Gloria Naylor for the perfection that is 'Mama Day.' Joan Didion for writing about California. Cristina Garcia for her writing about sisters. Sister Souljah for cutting a path, and for writing from a true place. I especially love 'No Disrespect.'

What do you do to set the mood for writing?

Boy oh boy. It's hard to sit down at the computer sometimes. I try to wait until it's about 11 p.m., when things are quiet, dishes are done, dog's walked, apartment is asleep. Then get some water or juice or coffee, put the TV on mute, just so I have some company. And then get at it. Type. Write. Until about three a.m., if I'm really industrious, or on a good roll.

Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

I have great, supportive, patient friends and colleagues. My boyfriend, also is a blessing. Not to mention the guidance of God. The ultimate creator loves to help people who are trying to create. I used to try and wait for his guidance, then I realized He was waiting on me.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Just that sisterhood is complicated. That relationships between women, especially mothers and daughters, are difficult sometimes, but ultimately rewarding. That love relationships between men and women are about that "zing," but are mostly about dealing with someone, building on the partnership so it stays
strong when the going is truly rough. Also that Oakland California is a wonderful place to grow up. Even when it's not. 

What are your current projects?

I am working on a second novel, as yet untitled.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything?

Of course!!! No, not really.

Is there anything additional you would like to share with your readers?

I hope you find yourself in the book somewhere. Email me at me@danyelsmith.com anytime.