You’ve read her books; you’ve been to her book signings and every time you’ve read a news notice about her winning a literary award, you beamed with pride. Sometimes, you even wish you could be her; or write like her!

Bet you went ahead and tried to pre-order her latest book Claire of the Sea Light even before it was available for pre-order. You’re that obsessed!

I’m talking about Edwidge Danticat, of course.

You’ll never write like her. Yeah, sorry to break the news to you! But fear not, you will be served with a special treat today! Some heartfelt advice from her on writing.

Let’s get started with the questions!

One…

When you’re writing a book, how do you know when you’ve done all you can on it? When it’s arrived to that level where you’re really satisfied with it, since writers it seems don’t think they’ll ever reach perfection?
I know I’m done when I find myself putting in and removing the same things over and over. In other words, when the editing starts getting repetitive, then I know I’m done.

Two…

What do you have to say to writers who feel that nothing they write is good enough?
When I was just starting out, a teacher of mine gave me the best advice on that front. She said, the mind is infinite and there are only so many words in any language. We all sometimes feel like what we write doesn’t live up to what we imagine. You just have to keep trying to get it as close as possible. You learn to write by writing, so keep writing and you’ll get a little better with each piece. As for doubts, all writers have doubts at some point or other, about the story, about the ability to tell it, even those writers who’ve been writing for a very long time.

Three…

What’s the best way to deal with writer’s block?
Read. Change your pace. Exercise. Go to the movies. Do something else. Have some fun. Take a break. Live your life. Sometimes you just need to put some space between you and the work you’re doing. I’ve been unstuck many times while reading. Take the pressure off yourself for a while and in some cases, the flow returns.

Four…

What’s your advice to aspiring writers about perfecting their craft, developing a style of their own and about writing itself?
Read a lot. Read Broadly. And write. Write. Write. You can only become a writer by writing. You can only discover your singular voice by writing your own singular story, whatever that may be. Don’t be discouraged. Keep at it. Remember you’re the only person who can tell the story you want to tell. Others can tell their story, but only you can tell yours.

Are you a writer? Which of these pieces of advice did you find most helpful?

[Photo Credit: Charlotte Christopher]

Like many published authors, Martine Chevry devoured tome after tome as a kid. Her favorite author during that time was the author Judy Blume. Born in Queens, New York to Haitian parents who immigrated to Harlem in the 1960s, Chevry is a graduate of CUNY School of Professional Studies. She currently holds an editorial position at a publisher in New York that specializes in global science, technology and medical sciences. Her debut into the publishing world isn’t in those fields, however. It’s a sizzling piece of urban fiction entitled Life Interrupted that chronicles the lives of Magdalena, Bryce and Ebony, three strangers whose harrowing, devastating secrets unravel as the book progresses.

In addition to her career in publishing, Chevry is the mother of a teenage daughter and is expecting her second child this year. The BA in Communications she earned from CUNY has served her well, as she heads her own publishing company, Jewel Publications.

How did the inspiration for your debut novel come about?

I was inspired to write a novel because I read so many great novels from authors like Crystal Lacey Winslow, Treasure Blue, Edwidge Danticat and so many others; that one day I was sitting at my computer at home and decided to just start writing a story of my own. At first, it was supposed to be a short story, but the story grew into so much more.

You ended up self-publishing this first novel. What are some of the things you have learned along your self-publishing journey?

A few things that I learned were: Always have your final manuscript professionally copyedited. Don’t short change yourself just to “get your name out there”. If you don’t hustle and market yourself and your book it will reflect in your book sales.

What advice would you like to give to those wanting to write and publish a book?

What I think is really important for writers to hold on to is: that you should never compare yourself to another writer. Your writing is just that—your writing. Just write your story and make sure you have it edited before it goes to print. There are too many self-published books out there with so many typos, and inconsistencies that it’s hard to get into the story and take it seriously.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?

I haven’t been to Haiti since I was a newborn baby and that was 42 years ago.

What’s next for you?

More writing…A follow up to my first book—as well as a self-help book. Also I want to expand my company Jewel Publications and sign writers who want to publish under my imprint.

Be sure to follow the author on Twitter, and check out her book on Amazon!

Award-winning playwright and actress Dominique Morisseau may seem like one of those professionals whose success was handed to them on a silver-rimmed gold platter. The truth is that the University of Michigan BFA graduate has been at it for quite some time. She’s been honored for her creative labors with prestigious prizes like the Jane Chambers Playwriting Award honoree, and even two NAACP Image Awards, and not to mention the John F. Kennedy Prize for one of her plays. Film is in the future, for sure. After all, theatre and film are the dearest of cuzzos. If the intensity present in her plays Sunset Baby, Follow Me To Nellie’s, and Blood At The Root are some indication, then her future features for the big screen are bound to be more complex than the films we’re used to.

K. St. Fort: When you’re writing a play, what do you do when you get stuck, whether what direction the plot should take…or how the character should be developed?

I go back to my outline. Rarely will I start a play these days without some outline or story structure that I’ve written out. It helps me not get stuck in the play. But occasionally when I do write blindly (with no outline) and I get stuck, I stop and think about where I want the story to go. I may begin an outline from that point forward so that I can see the finish line. It’s hard to write without visualizing the finish line. Once I know where I’m trying to go, I can always find the words to get myself there. Knowing where I’m going is the hardest thing to figure out and the most necessary.

K. St. Fort: If you could recommend three books to the creatives out there, what would you recommend? And what effect have these books had on you?

I’d recommend four: Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi, The Street by Ann Petry, Native Son by Richard Wright [and] Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat.

K. St. Fort: What effect have these books had on you?

Each of these books opened up my senses, made me laugh and cry, charged me to wrestle with my social and racial politics, and asked me to look deeper into my own soul. Loved them all.

K. St. Fort: What would you say to someone who wants to be a film director or a playwright?

Find a mentor who can help you measure your steps and who can help you strengthen your voice as an artist. We can’t do any of this alone, so find someone who you admire—several people, actually—and look at their work. Try to decipher what about it excites you. And then, seek their guidance so that you have resources to build your art. But first and foremost, exercise your craft whenever you can. Write. Write. Write. Direct, direct, direct. Whenever. However. Just do it.


K. St. Fort: Anyone observing your career can see that you’re on the brink of making the transition from stage to screen.

I’m expanding, for sure, and adding the screen into my repertoire. I deeply respect television and filmmaking these days. However, I’ll never be fully finished with the stage. Just expanding. Not replacing. I will love and practice theatre forever!

K. St. Fort: Where do you see yourself…say five years from now—career-wise?

Doing more of what I do now but better and more efficiently. I’m still growing as an artist. I plan on having a long career in Theatre, TV and Film. I want to write more about Detroit, Haiti, NYC, and other places that I’ve been or that resonate with me. As a filmmaker, I’m only just beginning. So in five years, I see myself with a completed film and perhaps my own TV series. That’s the plan. Let’s see what happens.

CLICK HERE TO READ PART ONE OF THE INTERVIEW WITH DOMINIQUE MORISSEAU.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT DOMINIQUE MORISSEAU’S WEBSITE.

Rose-Anne Gabriel is a professional chef and caterer living in Canada. Born in Montreal, Gabriel moved to Haiti as a child, and returned to live in Canada in later years. She is the owner of Chefanista, a full-service personal chef company based in Montreal that serves clients healthy and delicious meals. Gabriel attests that some of her dearest food-related memories occured during holiday times in Montreal when she would help her mother make pen patat [potato pudding] and kremas [a coconut drink].

So you started cooking when you were…

I actually started cooking at the age of 4. During that time, my family was living in Haiti. It was there that I fell in love with the culinary world. The first dish I prepared was diri kole ak pwa ak poul—rice and beans with chicken—my mom was so proud.

At which point did you decide it was a must to pursue cooking professionally?

I never thought I would be doing this until I had my first child. My decision came out of my own struggle of balancing family life and professional life. It was the solution to my problem, which I later realized was a problem shared by many.

Have you ever had a kitchen disaster?

I can’t really say I’ve had major disasters, but rather kitchen fails. And those usually happen when trying out new recipes, such as using baking soda instead of baking powder or simply forgetting certain ingredients.

Who was the best cook you knew growing up?

It might sound cliché, but it has to be my mom. She’s not the typical Haitian mom. Growing up I called her “Haitian mom New Age”, as she exposed us to many different things.

And what was her specialty?

Her specialty was Italian.

You worked at the Fairmont Reine Elizabeth and the Ritz-Carlton in Canada. What were some of the lessons you learned while working at those two prestigious facilities.

I wasn’t a chef during those times. I studied Hotel Management, and during those years, I worked at management levels in various departments such as housekeeping, front office and outside catering. The most valuable lesson I learned was to have discipline in the midst of constant change. I love change, but in order to be effective you most be disciplined.

What advice do you have for home chefs?

The right seasoning can make the difference between an ordinary and a fabulous meal. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs.

You once won an award from a young Canadian-Haitian entrepreneurs for your talents. As a food entrepreneur, what are some principles you’ve learned that you feel would be helpful for those following your path to know?

The first one is discipline, self-discipline is not always easy, but necessary to reach your goals. The second is perseverance. Just because you failed in the past, doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea. It could be that the timing wasn’t right or that you needed to fine tune a few elements. Third, don’t ever forget what drives you.

And those wanting to become professional chefs.

The same principles apply to those who are looking to enter the world of the culinary arts. Your passion will help you surmount obstacles along the way. Discipline will get you through the rigorous training. And perseverance will help set you apart from the pack.

Do you think Haitian cuisine will come to be appreciated on a bigger scale in the future?

I believe so. There are more and more dedicated and passionate entrepreneurs appearing and opening fine dining establishments and catering companies.

When Chef Rose-Anne is outfitting a new kitchen, what are some of the tools she can’t do without?

My top three are, top quality knives, hand-held blender and mandoline.

Okay, this is a question that’s asked of practically everyone here. When was the last time you went to Haiti?

Wow, it’s been 23 years…way too long.

Where do you see your career going?

I will be gradually moving out of the kitchen and fulfilling a management position. I’m also working on a modern Haitian cuisine cookbook. And looking to market a few food products. Still have many projects I’ve had to postpone that I will be working on over the next few years. I’m not done yet!

Visit Rose-Anne Gabriel’s website and learn more about Chefanista BY CLICKING HERE. Check her out on the Montreal Chefanista Twitter page and Pinterest page

Call him Monsieur Blain. Call him Mr. Youtube, rather. With his growing subscriber base, his fun videos and zany commentary, Mr. Blain has one of the fastest-growing channels on the Youtube platform. We’re done discussing the creative aspect of his work. And now, let’s move on to heritage…

Kreyolicious: The Haitian-American upbringing varies. What was yours like?
Monsieur Blain: My upbringing was very interesting. My dad was very stern. I was terrified of him as a kid. My mom was very caring. She’s prob the best cook of all time. Everybody from church would actually come to my house just to eat her cooking. But my upbringing was at times very Haitian. We went to Bobby’s every year for school shopping. My mom made rice for my lunch. One time, My dad whipped me one time because I cursed in kindergarten then he made me go on my knees then he forgot me and fell asleep! I grew up in Hamilton, New Jersey and I must say there were so much Haitians at school I got tired of seeing Haitians. The white people at my high school started speaking Creole with us because we almost outnumbered them. My life is very much Haitian, but also strongly mixed with American culture. I didn’t have a chicken farm in my basement like some of these other guys.

Kreyolicious: Have you traveled to Haiti?
Monsieur Blain: I traveled Haiti when I was two years old sadly. I barely remember it, and my parents didn’t budge to visit when we were growing up. They say it’s too dangerous, but I want to go back actually sometime [next year]. I want to feel the beautiful weather, vintage Haitian food, and just relax and learn of my roots.

Kreyolicious: I recently realized that although I’m always asking females that I interview on this site when do they feel the most beautiful, I never ask male interviewees the same question…this said…When do you feel the most handsome?
Monsieur Blain: Now that you gave me permission, I can have my light skin moment right now [Laughter]. I feel most handsome definitely when I dress up for black tie events, Galas, weddings etc. I’m a huge fan of dressing up. Clean suit, shining watch, elegant bow tie, shiny shoes, and topping it off with a stylish but clean haircut. Trendy, yet still classic. I love it. My confidence level is on 100 right at that.

[Photography Credit: Drum It Up Photography]

Kreyolicious: Give some words of wisdom to someone who wants to start a Youtube channel but has too many interests and can’t seem to decide on just one theme.
Monsieur Blain: One thing I struggled with when I first made this page was trying too hard to get huge amount of views. So, I made random stupid videos trying to go viral. If you like hair, do hair tutorials. If you like singing, make song covers. You like cooking, make cooking tutorials. You want people to watch your videos and feel like they’re watching the real you, not a fake who’s thirsty for fame. Make videos because you love it and videos that represent you. Last thing, work hard on your videos. People can tell at the start if you don’t put the time into your work (editing, shooting, good lighting, no background noise). Good quality will bring you a lot of subscribers and views.

Kreyolicious: What was the best advice you’ve been given?
Monsieur Blain: Do something because you love it, not because of the money and fame.

This concludes PART II of the interview with Youtube lifestyle vlogger Monsieur Blain. CLICK HERE if you missed PART I.