Intimate Conversation with Rekaya Gibson
Rekaya Gibson is the author of three fiction titles: “Mama Don’t Like Ugly,” “The Food Temptress,” and the sequel, “The Food Enchantress,” She launched her freelance writing career in 2005 by writing for several magazines. She reviews cookbooks for Cuisine Noir, a foodies and wine magazine for African Americans, as well as writes articles for the Hampton Food Examiner. In addition, she offers grant writing services/consultations and grant writing workshops. She resides in Virginia.
BPM: Introduce us to your book and the main characters.
“Mama Don’t Like Ugly” is a fiction story about Dana, a dark-skinned girl, growing up in a household with a mama who dislikes her because of her skin color. Her mama not only abuses and neglects her, but she constantly compares her to her light-skinned sister. In spite of her situation, she still loves her mama unconditionally.
BPM: Who were your favorites? Are your characters from the portrayal of real people?
My favorite character is Dana. I want readers to connect with her because she is intelligent and resilient. In spite of her situation, she still loves her mama unconditionally. Most importantly, her beauty radiates from the inside and she does not let her imperfections dictate her destiny.
BPM: What situation or revelation prompted you to write your book?
I am fascinated that people’s behaviors and/or perceptions about skin color are passed from generation to generation - consciously and subconsciously. I have seen this in so many families. It has made some stronger while it has destroyed others.
BPM: What do you think makes your book different from others on the same subject?
It has a good balance of drama, humor and suspense. Also, it will resuscitate nonfiction discussions about beauty and skin color. I am hoping that families will stop being in denial about their prejudices toward other family members.
BPM: Share with us your latest news or upcoming book releases.
My next release is “My Mama’s Sweet Potato Pie” a bi-lingual coloring book for ages three and up. The 20-page story offers 10 illustrations with its 10 Spanish translations – making it a delicious treat. Grab your crayons and discover how mama makes a sweet potato pie for her son.
BPM: How can our readers reach you online? Share with us your online contact info.
Readers can connect with me by becoming a fan of Author Rekaya Gibson on Facebook and following me on Twitter. Also, they can find me on the Food Temptress Blog and my website. All my books are available at online retailers such as Amazon (paperback and Kindle), Barnes and Noble (paperback and the Nook), and Smashwords (Other e-Readers and Computers). In addition, folks can request them at their local bookstores and libraries.
Rekaya Gibson, Author and Hampton Food Examiner
Mama Don't Like Ugly - (Paperback, Download on Kindle or Nook)
The Food Temptress and the Sequel, The Food Enchantress
Mama Don't Like Ugly by Rekaya Gibson
Mama Don't Like Ugly takes readers on a journey of Dana Calhoun's life growing up in Nautica, Louisiana - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Her Mama, a young light-skinned pharmacist, holds the title as her number one hater, all because she dislikes her dark skin. Regardless of her unconditional love for her Mama, she encounters a cycle of torment.
When Mama bathes Dana, she tries to scald her with hot water. She neglects her to the point where she is malnourished. She tosses her around like a doll. Out of shame, she relaxes her hair two days in row. She watches a pedophile grab her. She steals money from her just to prove a point. Once Dana challenges her, she finds Mama's hands wrapped around her neck - praying that she does not die.
These snapshots of Dana's life give insight into the abuse and neglect that she endures growing up. Still, she longs for her Mama's acceptance before she goes off to college. Will Mama finally realize that Dana is a beautiful person in spite of her dark skin or will she spew those hateful words, "Mama Don't Like Ugly!"
Order books: http://www.amazon.com/Rekaya-Gibson/e/B003JYCEXK
