March Featured Writer: Addie Citchens Book - The Fire-Starter

Purchase The Fire-Starter by Addie Citchens

Knowing Addie, since my undergraduate years at Jackson State, I was so happy to read her first book. She is so talented. I recently finished the book, The Fire-Starter. This book is amazing. Every word stuck to me like glue. Stay tuned for my official review of the book. I cannot wait to read more of her books. 

Check out the Q&A session with Addie! Don't forget to purchase The Fire-Starter. Visit her website to learn more about her text. 

Questions and Answer Session

1. Give us some background, what did you do before writing this book?

Before writing this book, I lived a lot, observed people, asked questions, wrote 50 bad drafts, and read many books, sometimes over and over. I write because I’m nosy, and I love people and want to live their lives, too. That might sound crazy, though. I write because I want to understand.

2. What were the events that inspired the book?

I was watching a crime show on television where a girl was murdered and raped, and her murderer got like seven years. The prosecutors couldn’t “prove” rape, so he ended up getting off on some version of manslaughter. I was incensed and very, very sad. I began to wonder what a black girl’s life was worth to the justice system and to the community that made her. I didn’t like what I was seeing.

3. What was your favorite part of writing this book?

My favorite parts of writing are the ritual I create around it as well as the feeling that I have stepped into someone else’s world or alternate universe.

4. Do you anticipate a sequel? No

5. What was the most difficult part about writing this book?

Sometimes some of the scenes were a bit much to go through. I also edit over and over in a single section, and it can get irritating as well as ineffective.

6. What were some of your favorite books?

My favorite books are Their Eyes Were Watching God, Sula, The Color Purple, The Little House on the Prairie books, Night by Elie Wiesel, The Hunger Games, Song of Solomon—those are just the ones off the top of my head. It’s really too many to narrow.

7. Who is your favorite author? What were a few books that inspired your writing?

Photo Courtesy of Addie Citchens

My favorite author is Zora Neale Hurston. Her books inspired my writing because she did what I want to do. She chronicled blackness in a way that is soulful, gorgeous, appreciative, respectful, unflinching, authentic, and unforgettable.

Each month I will feature a new writer. Stay tuned to next month's featured writer. If you are interested in being featured, send me at email bkwrmdva@gmail.com!

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Check out my other blog: Transitioning to Me: Life after Divorce.