An interview series featuring T&T and Caribbean writers of newly published works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, with a focus on self-published and independent books.
A. K. Herman, author of The Believers
Q. What was your first inspiration to become a writer?
A. I was born in Tobago and growing up, my mother told me so many stories about Tobago, its people, language and village customs. I didn’t see any of the people my mother talked about in print. I wrote the people I didn’t see into Caribbean Literature. Some reviewers have commented that these are the first stories they have read that are set in Tobago. There’s more coming.
Q. Describe the most challenging aspect of writing this book to us.
A. The emotional toll. To create realistic characters–predatory pastors; a pregnant teen estranged from her mother; secret lovers– that keep readers invested in the stories, I feel the emotions as I write, as I try to convert feelings and thoughts to words.
Q. What is your favourite Caribbean work of fiction/non-fiction/poetry?
A. I don’t have one favourite. When I decided to become a writer I read and re-read as much Caribbean writing as I could, starting with Wilson Harris’ Palace of the Peacock. I’m nourished and inspired by Harris, Naipaul, Lamming, Lovelace…all. The imagery in my work is inspired by Walcott’s poetry. I admire his “Nearing Forty.” It’s beautiful and scary, what it says about the narrowing of vision as an artist ages. This poem haunts me and keeps me writing.
Q. What’s the best feedback you’ve received from a reader?
A. The best feedback, hmmm. I’m so grateful to have people read and review my book that I’m excited anytime a reader shares anything. The best feedback was from a reviewer who said “once I started reading. I couldn’t stop.”
Q. Share your best advice for upcoming writers in Trinidad and beyond.
A. Write like you are the dominant literary voice. Without explanation. Without curving your story’s shape to fit some other mould. Without adjusting your language to match another’s notion of syntax and expression. Your story is worth telling in the way you tell it.
A.K Herman, based in New York City, was born in Scarborough: she was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize, and won second prize in the 2011 Small Axe Literary Competition. The Believers, published this month by A. R. Phillips Press, contains stories that traverse Tobago and the Caribbean diaspora, told with elements of local folklore, faith, superstition, and tradition. Also a poet, Herman’s writing has appeared in various print and online literary journals, including Doek! Literary Journal, Lolwe, The Waterstone Review, Shenandoah and others.
A. K. Herman joins the end-of-year festivities at The Writers Centre on November 30th, with a special reading from her debut collection of short stories, The Believers. From 11:30 am to 1 pm, Herman will read from the book, engage with audience questions, and autograph copies for attendees. Paper Based Bookshop will have copies of the collection for purchase.
All are invited; the event is free and open to the public.
The Writers Centre, 14 Alcazar Street, St. Clair, is the home of the Bocas Lit Fest, Paper Based Bookshop, and the Sleepy Cat Café.
