Voices of Thanksgiving AND Gratitude
Trice Hickman
Trice Hickman, is the award-winning, bestselling author of Unexpected Interruptions, which was selected as a Black Expressions “Dynamic Debut.” The novel also won the Southeastern Virginia Arts Association’s 2008 Afr’ Am Literary Award for Best New African American Voice, and the Best Romance Novel Award at the 2008 African American Literary Awards Show. Her latest novel, Keeping Secrets & Telling Lies, was released June 2009, and has received praise from readers, literary reviewers, and book clubs across the country. Her third novel, Playing the Hand You’re Dealt, was released summer 2010. Website: http://www.tricehickman.com/
What was your most memorable holiday from the past?
Christmas at my maternal grandmother's house was always fun! One Christmas that stands out for me was when I was seven years old and she gave me my first watch! I've always been fascinated by time and could read a clock when I was four years old! Knowing how much I loved time pieces (at such an early age), my grandmother gave me a Mini-Mouse Timex with a pink leather band! I LOVED that watch! You couldn't tell me that I wasn't stylin' that Christmas!
How do you celebrate the holidays? What are the "traditions" for your family?
The holidays are my favorite time of year, so from November 1, through January 2, it's on! I cook tons of food and have family, friends, and neighbors over to help celebrate throughout the season. One tradition that has been passed down from my grandmother has been to decorate the house from top to bottom for the season. My grandmother had a true flare for putting a stylish touch on simple Christmas decorations, turning everything she into a holiday masterpiece. My mother used to get fresh pine needles from the trees in our back yard and decorate the house with them; the smell was wonderful! And now, two generations later, I decorate my house from top to bottom in full holiday grandeur!
What are you most thankful for today?
I'm thankful for so many things, most importantly, for my loving and supportive family and friends who always give me inspiration and encouragement. God has been very good to me!
What message does all your books have in common?
The singular message that my current books (and future books) have in common is this: it's not about the mistakes you make, it's about how you recover from them. We are all going to make mistakes along the way, so don't sweat it. Instead of concentrating on what went wrong, work on how you are going to rebound from the situation. The characters in my novels are good people who sometimes make bad decisions, but it's in how they deal with what they've done that brings about life's interesting learning lessons.
