KWEE Liberian Literary Magazine Jan. Iss. Vol. 0115 May Issue Vol. 0515 | Page 33

Liberian Literary Magazine Author Interview 3 SPOTLIGHT AUTHOR Renee’ B. DrummondBrown Promoting Liberian Literature, Arts and Culture displayed through my very unique style of poetry. My poetry is inspired by God and Dr. Maya Angelou. Because of them I pledge this: “Still I write, I write, and I’ll write!” “Renee’s Poems with Wings are Words in Flight” is flown across the seas by God’s raven. There are several Scriptures that I love; however, this one speaks volumes during this ‘season’: “And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth.” (Genesis 8:7 KJV) 2. Why writing? Renee’ B. Drummond-Brown Thank you for taking this time with us, we appreciate it. Let us kick off by you telling us a little about youchildhood, education, upbringing etc. Tell us a little about yourself I, Renee’ B. DrummondBrown, am the wife of Cardell Nino Brown Sr. and from our union came Cardell Jr., Renee and Raven Brown. I am the offspring of Mr. and Mrs. Peter C. Drummond of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My siblings are Delbert D. Drummond and the late Pastor Shawn C. Drummond. I was born in North Carolina, at Camp Lejeune US Naval Hospital. I am a graduate of Geneva College of Pennsylvania, and my love for creative writing is undoubtedly Because; as previously stated in my book SOLD TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, “WRITING IS MY OXYGEN” (Drummond, R., p.xii). 3. What books have most influenced your life/career most? First and foremost, The Holy Bible containing The Old and New Testaments, King James Version; A Regency Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers. However, I absolutely love, love, love, The Color Purple by Alice Walker, because her writing prose impacts my soul every-time I read her book and/or watch the movie! I believe that Author Walker wrote on the subject of purple based on using literature to elaborate, and exaggerate the hidden affect contained in colored women. In juxtaposition, purple also represents intelligence, 33 religion, and royalty. Walker proved this in her Novel, The Color Purple; that there was power (God) in the midst of darkness by keeping her character’s sanity through the letters in her mind, meant for God only. Although, her character Mrs. Celie never knew hope existed, I still do not believe that it was ever the intention of the author to have God answer those (cries) within the letters. This would then allow validity in the inner character to reveal Celie’s darkest place and for this very reason; I love Walker’s brilliant work. I also absolutely love the work of Dr. Maya Angelou. She was a brilliant poet as well and her work has truly influenced my writing career. 4. How do you approach your work? First with prayer and then using a systematic collection of poetic accounts before I write pieces that are “designed to have colorblind justice, hear the truth, touch freedom, taste love, and smell the Rose of Sharon”. 5. What themes do you find yourself continuously exploring in your work? The recurring theme running through the vein of my writings could be viewed under the spiritual genre lens, but… it is safe to say, that I am not boxed into any particular category. I am extremely versatile in my writing prose