Thanks Devan for your participation in our project!  
-SCBC, Inc. (2001)

Where are you from?

I am a native Houstonian and have lived in Houston my entire life.

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

People have really been drawn to the title, “Where The Sun Is Not So Bright.”  The title came from a poem of the same name.  Initially, I wrote the poem without the intent of writing an entire book, but as I compiled a number of a certain style of poems with all of these unique characters, the book came together.  But the title of the poem, like the book comes from the fact that there are places where opportunities are not so readily available and the sun really isn’t as bright.

How much of the book is realistic?

The entire book is realistic in the sense that there are real people with lives very similar to the characters in the book.  However, I did not base any poem on any real person or situation in my life.  All of the characters and situations in the book are in that, “I know a lady just like that,” category.  A lot of my readers have expressed that sentiment.

How has your environment colored your writing?

I think that my environment and upbringing has everything to do with my writing.  Being biracial, I learned to look at the world with different eyes.  It is hard to explain, but I always felt like I looked at the world two different ways; the way I should look at the world, and the way I have to look at the world.  In other words, see the world for its’ possibilities, but cope with life’s realities.

In addition, I think I have lived in a world rich with characters.  I know saints and I know a lot of sinners.  I learned through my experiences and through my relationships with people that even good people do things that are considered wrong and vice versa.  I have gotten to see good people in bad situations and bad people turn their life around.  So, I feel that I have been enriched by the people I have come across in my life.

Do you have a specific writing style?

I have not released enough work to carve out a distinctive style with the reading public.  My work will show (I hope!), a tremendous diversity.  That being said, I think you will always be able to associate my writings with my characters and with their dialogue.  I love and respect those writers who use beautiful, colorful, and thoughtful language, but I just want to have great characters and tell great stories.  I strive and I pray that all of my characters come across with a reality and substance that make them enjoyable to readers.

Who or what has influenced your writing and in what way?

I think the confidence and power of my father gave the strength to speak out with words.  I think the thoughtfulness and compassion of my mother helped me see behind certain people and situations.  My father wrote several essays about America and the struggle of black people in modern America in the late 70’s.  His work was powerful,  bold and confrontational.  That was an influence.

In addition, writers like Zora Neal Hurston, James Baldwin and Langston Hughes taught me that I could tell stories MY way.  I did not always identify with characters and language of other writers, but reading Hurston and Hughes let me know it was okay to write real dialogue and speak in real words.  Shakespeare is also an influence; his stories are the some of the best ever.  He created tragedy in literature.

How do you feel about being self-published?

At first I thought being self-published took away some of the credibility of my book.  It probably still does in many circles.  However, knowing how screwed up the publishing industry is, it is totally understandable that so many people have to do it.  If your work is something different, you will have a problem getting published.  I do not need the validation of a publishing company to make me proud of my work.  I think the industry will realize that there are thousands of authors who have stories to tell that will sell.  I think groups like “The Sistah Circle” go a long way in assisting the change in attitude.  I may very well sign a book deal in the near future, but I promise you the terms will be a lot better because I did self-publish.

At the same time, if you are going to self-publish, you have to approach it with a business mind set.  Think of every aspect of marketing and promotion and surround yourself with people who can help you realize your dreams.  I am blessed to have surrounded myself with people who have been very supportive.  From my employers KTSU FM and the La Vida News – The Black Voice, to my web designers, Parag and Cheryll Paleja, I’ve surrounded myself with a support system.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of promotion for self-published authors?

Obviously the weaknesses are finances and credibility.  You have to be as creative a promoter as you are as a writer when you self-publish.  Self-published authors usually don’t have $20,000-$50,000 to spend on promotions.  (If you do, I can think of dozens of investments that will yield a higher return).  And $50,000 won’t get you very far nationally.  I think you have to rely on the generosity of the people who can help you.

Also when you don’t have the credibility of a publishing house behind you, not to mention the contacts, it is so much harder to get on the talks shows and community affairs programs.  But there is a niche for African-American writers.  That’s the strength of being self-published.  You really can use any means necessary to sell you book.  The sky is the limit.

Do you feel the boom in African-American writers is a fad or a renaissance?

I think the readers will determine if this is a fad, and the writers will determine if this is a renaissance.  That is to say, if readers gobble up books like they are MC Hammer albums then it is just a fad.  But, if the work of the writers has the quality and content to stand the test of time, then it will be another renaissance.  I think we, as writers should take a picture of society today and tell our stories.  We should also always hold ourselves to the highest standards.  That will make society and history stand and take notice of this period in African-American literature.

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

I would like to thank all of the people who have supported me and supported my book.  I would write regardless, it is in my soul, but to be able to share with others is an incredible thing.  Groups like the Sistah Circle do a great job of spreading the word and I thank them tremendously.  I hope groups like theirs continue to grow and continue to spread the message of how wonderful reading can be.