Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have written three books, “21 Reflections of the Inner Soul,” “Parents’ Playbook: Tips, Tweets, & Other Common Sense Advice,” and my unpublished manuscript, “Living Comfortably Numb” which I plan on publishing later in 2020. I value my friendships and enjoy nurturing them. Hands down, my family is most important in my life. They have helped mold and shape the incredible woman that I am today. I love traveling. I have been to the Louvre in Paris, seen Whistler’s Mother at the Musee d’ Orsay, seen the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum, walked outside of the building in Oslo, Norway where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded, seen the preserved remains of Saint Zeno of Verona, Italy, and stood outside of Torre Garisenda in Bologna, Italy which is the record holder of leaning buildings in the world.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book, “21 Reflections of the Inner Soul” was inspired by my desire to help others go on a journey to rediscover their true authentic self. Sometimes we forget who we are from the inside and it is important to get back in touch with our inner soul. Writing “21 Reflections of the Inner Soul” was a way for me to help heal myself as I allowed myself to become vulnerable and share my personal stories along my own path of self-discovery.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Even though I write during all hours of the day, many times, I get an idea or inspiration as I am asleep. A thought comes to me while sleeping, I wake up, then I immediately start writing. I can’t sleep until I get these thoughts out of my head and onto the page. My writing spurts at night can last hours. Often, I think I am simply going to write down key points. Instead of an outline with key points, I have written complete chapters, or programs, or scenarios. It’s like being in a top fuel race going from 0 to 100 in .8 seconds. My mind is racing extremely fast and I keep writing with no end in sight.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Many playwrights have influenced my writing. I really enjoy playwrights, Samuel Beckett, David Mamet, and August Wilson. My favorite poems are The Road Not Taken by Robert Frost and Still I Rise by Maya Angelou.
What are you working on now?
Currently, I am working on a children’s book about an African-American boy’s first day of kindergarten. Also, I am working on a compilation of my Instagram posts and a compilation of my poetry.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors and writers is continue to write, write, write. Be vulnerable and create stories you want to read.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“Never defend the work you write.” Writers are artists and we have to know and accept that our art is subjective just as the paintings and sculptures you see in The Louvre or at your local Museum of Contemporary Art. There will people who do not connect with your writing and style. That is okay. Know your audience and be confident in your writing. Another piece of great advice I have received is “Teach the world to write. Patience, Perseverance, and Persistence. That is all.”
What are you reading now?
I am currently reading the Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I am writing a children’s book about a young African-American boy’s first day of kindergarten. I am also deciding how I will publish my first manuscript, “Living Comfortably Numb.” My main character, David Trent, is a young businessman who weaves his way through his life emotionally and socially detached from his family, friends, and colleagues until he decides to redefine and rediscover the absolute person that lies deep within his core. Upon the suicide of his younger sister, he sees an apparition of a man. He is drawn to this figure, but when he approaches it, the figure stops him from entering into that realm. I’m also looking forward to doing book signings and speaking to audiences about the many micro-aggressions I receive on a regular basis, how I continue to deal with systemic racism, and learning to be comfortable in my own skin. It took me until I as 25 years old before I could look at myself in the mirror.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
1) 21 Reflections of the Inner Soul. My book will keep me inspired, motivated, and grounded. It will give me the opportunity to keep reflecting on my life and continue on a journey of self-discovery. 2) End Game by Samuel Beckett. I love this play. I love the minimalist writing of Beckett. What isn’t on the page is just as important as what is on the page. 3) The complete works of Mitch Albom. I believe Albom is an amazing writer and his stories are extremely compelling. 4) Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson and bonus book The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper. Both are childhood favorites and the story of imagination and overcoming obstacles never gets old and both are inspirational.
Author Websites and Profiles
Dimitria Cook Website
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