IN S. D.’s OWN WORDS…I am S.D. Lewis, trueauthor45@yahoo.com, the author of Changes and Moving Forward in Reverse. I am an intelligent African-American woman, twenty-five years of age. I enjoy reading, travel, live music, walks in the park…Okay, this sounds like a personal ad. If you want to know more about me or the books I’ve written, just read my interview responses below. Thanks! ; )
How long have you been writing and how did you get started?
I have been writing since I was a child. I was an only child for a long time, so I wrote to entertain myself.
Give us a brief synopsis of your books, Changes and Moving Forward in Reverse.
Changes and Moving Forward in Reverse each tell of three young African-American lesbians and their experiences. However, in my opinion, these books do not focus on their lesbianism. Instead, it shows what the characters believe to be their way of life and loving women is just a part of it. That’s what makes these books so appealingly different. They are a real reflection of many who haven’t had a voice.
How did your debut novel, Changes, come about? How well was it, as well as your second novel, received?
Both of my novels came about because I hadn’t ever read a book about African-American lesbians that I could relate to. I felt that there was a story to be told and I could tell it. I didn’t know if my books would sell or if people would like them, but I had to represent what I feel to be my people. To promote my books, I would go to bookstores, hand out flyers, business cards, postcards, and even bookmarks. I hustled for people to notice my books and it’s been worth it.
Moe, Jasmine, Lelani and L. D. were very realistic portrayals of black lesbians. Where did you get the ideas for the characters?
The idea for these characters came easily. It was always in me, just waiting for a time to come out.
It was like I could see each of their lives in my eyes and I liked the view.
Were any of the characters based on your own experiences?
Well, I must admit that I have had a few of the experiences I wrote about. However, I didn’t create
a particular character based on a personal experience.
Which character, if any, do you think is most like you?
*lol* I can relate to each character, but probably Moe most of all. Ironic, isn’t it?
What are you working on next?
I am currently working on a novel introducing a new set of characters, yet a few of the familiar
characters may appear as well.
Why did you choose AuthorHouse to publish your novels?
It was best for me to self-publish my first books with little modification to the plot or the characters. This allowed me to get the feel of being published. Now, I feel prepared to pursue a commercial publisher.
Who are some of your favorite authors? Favorite book?
I don’t really have a favorite author or a particular book, but I do enjoy reading books by E. Lynn Harris, Eric Jerome Dickey, Zane, and Donald Goines. I know I came from left field with the last one, but it’s true!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
*smile* I hope to be a well-known successful author. As always, I pray that I am able to provide well for my loved ones and myself.
What advice do you have for aspiring writers?
My advice for aspiring writers is to pursue your dream and never give up. I know that may sound generic, but you have to trust that your ship will eventually come in. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will either.
Why do you think it’s important for black lesbians to tell our own stories?
I feel that it is important, because the people who personally know it or have lived it can tell the story
best.
Interviewed August 2005
S.D. Lewis’ Reviews