Edwidge Danticat has an obsession with the sea, from The Children of the Sea, a harrowing story from her short story collection Krik? Krak! to her latest work Claire of the Sea Light. The book centers on Claire Limyè Lanmè, a little girl who vanishes in a small fishing hamlet in Haiti on her seventh birthday. It has a thriller-like pace that’s reminiscent of The Dewbreaker. The last time Danticat had a juvenile protagonist was in Behind the Mountain and of course Anacaona: Golden Flower, but there is something extremely odd about little Claire, and she is bound to be ranked among Danticat’s most memorable protagonists.

How did the idea for Claire of the Sea Light come about?
Once, I was watching a TV program about Haitian children who are placed in foreign-run orphanages in Haiti, even though their parents are still alive. These parents, who, for economic reasons, were unable to care for their children, put them in orphanages, hoping that their children will have a better life. I have a dear friend who grew up this way and eventually reconciled with his birth family as an adult. In the program I was watching, someone said that Haitians are not as attached to their children otherwise they wouldn’t just give them away. That stayed with me because I didn’t grow up in a nuclear family. My brother and I spent the early part of our lives with my aunt and uncle in Haiti, in a house full of cousins, whose parents, like ours, were working abroad. I knew how difficult that choice was for our parents and for my friend’s parents, and many other people who find themselves in that kind of situation. I wanted to try to write about someone making that choice and show the very moment that choice is made from these three different perspectives: the parent, the child, and the potential new parent.

Do you sometimes find yourself feeling torn between painting certain realities about Haiti, and painting another picture? Censoring yourself? Like, sometimes do you think to yourself, “Some people’s only exposure to Haiti are my books. So I’d better…
I love Haiti, and I want others to love it too, but I don’t think creating an alternate reality in which all is rosy and perfect is the only way to write about it, even in fiction. I think it’s important to tell nuanced and complex stories that show many sides to our physical spaces as well as our humanity. Nothing new about that though. That’s what some of our best Haitian writers have been doing for generations now.

Who does Edwidge Danticat read in terms of authors and poets? Who are her faves exactly?
I read a lot. I have lots of faves. Currently I am reading Jessica Fievre’s memoir Inheritance in manuscript and it’s spectacular. I am also reading Amy Tan’s new book, The Valley of Enchantment. I am re-reading a lot of older Haitian writers since I am editing a follow up to Haiti Noir, a book called Haiti Noir 2: The Classics.

Speaking of languages, do you think that one day English will supplant French as the language alongside Creole that is spoken and written in Haiti?
I don’t think so. Instead, I’d love to see the role of Creole expand further, in academia, in the educational system. I have now lived in the United States for 32 years. I write in English because of the circumstances of my life, but it’s not something I would want to see imposed on others, especially in their own country.

You tend to shy away from social media and the web…
Believe it or not, I am a little shy, and there is a part of me that feels like social media is the biggest stage in the world. I like the idea of having a book out then fading away for a while to become somewhat invisible again. I kind of need that to reboot and start working on something else. But I am doing a little bit more of the web and social media these days. My publisher does most of the posting on my wonderful Facebook page, but I contribute sometimes as well. And this year, I will finally get a website.

You lived in New York for most of your early life. But when one studies your career history, it seems that since you’ve moved to Miami, it’s like you’ve been producing books practically back to back, with less and less time in between new releases. Do you think that geography has had an influence on your creativity? Like, the closer you are to Haiti, the more inspired you are?
Miami is a great city and living here has definitely made it possible for me to get to Haiti more often. However, I don’t think living in Miami can necessarily be credited for my productivity. Actually I have a lot more responsibility now than I had when I was younger and living in New York. The family. The kids. Aging parents and in laws. Maybe becoming older and having more on my plate has taught me to better manage my time and has given me more to write about.

[Photo Credit: Josephine Demme]

Be sure to connect with the author on her FACEBOOK PAGE. You can purchase the book HERE.

Edwidge Danticat’s latest novel is Claire of the Sea Light, the closest thing she’s ever written to a paranormal novel. The story takes place in Ville Rose, a little town in Haiti, where Nozias—a man of little means—is seriously considering giving his daughter Claire away to a better-off store owner. But Claire disappears and as the story develops, it becomes apparent that Claire Limyè Lanmè is no ordinary little girl.

In Part 1, Edwdige Danticat discussed everything from social media, to book title choice, and the use of the Creole language in novels. The conversation continues!

The Dew Breaker, The Farming of Bones, Breath, Eyes, Memory. Your novels have the most intriguing and poetic titles. Do you usually come up with the titles, and then write the novel? Or do you name your literary babies after their actual birth?
Some titles come before. Some come after. Some come during. Breath, Eyes, Memory, for example, was initially called Daughters of Haiti, until the editor brought a line from the book to my attention. The Farming of Bones comes from an expression some former cane workers used to tell me about, travay tè pou zo, working the land to the bone. The Dew Breaker is a literal translation of choukèt laroze, a henchman from the dictatorship era.

Your books have had some really interesting covers. Do you have a say with cover design?
The publisher usually sends me covers and thankfully, if I really hate a possible cover, they won’t go with it. They are also very much open to my suggestions. The cover photo for Claire of the Sea Light, for example, was taken by my friend Carl Juste and the cover girl is my oldest daughter Mira.

Do you tend to finish every novel you start?
I have at least four unfinished books in my drawer right now. Two of them might become one at some point in the future and two might never become anything at all.

All your heroines, from Sophie Caco to Ka and down have always inspired pity, empathy, and admiration. They’ve been good, well-meaning girls all around. Do you ever think about having a villainess as your main character?
That’s one of the novels in my drawer.

Out of all your novels and literary works, do you have a favorite?
Brother, I’m Dying because my father and uncle are alive in there.

Which one do you think would make a great Broadway musical?
Anacaona, Golden Flower, one of my children’s books.

At this point of your life, you’ve written nearly a dozen literary works. Do you sometimes revisit, say, your first book; your second book, and tell yourself, “Ugh, why did I write this! If I were writing this now, I’d do it so differently!” Like, do you wish you could rewrite some of your other earlier books, based on what you know now, as a human being who has done a lot more growing up, and a writer whose pen has gotten more mature?
I can’t even read some of the early work. Most writers will say that. Of course there is so much I would do differently, if I were writing those books now, but I had to write them to mature and that’s how it is.

What’s the most off-the-wall interpretation; wait-a-minute-I-never-intended-for-this you’ve ever had about one of your novels, either from a critic or from a reader?
I don’t consider any interpretation off the wall. When I’m done with a book, I realize it is no longer mine. I might disagree with an interpretation of something, but I never consider it off the wall.

Edwidge Danticat. Author. Wife. Mother. Daughter. Should the word feminist be added to the list of your descriptors?
Wi. Feel free to add it on. I am definitely a feminist.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I spend time with my family. I have two small children, so the “time when I’m not writing” is well accounted for.

What’s next for you?
I am currently editing Haiti Noir 2: The Classics. It will be published in January 2014. It’s a sequel to Haiti Noir, with many older stories. We have stories that have never been translated into English before from Ida Faubert—one of Haiti’s first published women writers—Jacques Roumain and Paulette Poujol Oriol. We also have stories from Lyonel Trouillot, Jan. J. Dominique, George Anglade, and Dany Laferrière, among others. I am extremely excited about this book. I think it will introduce—or reintroduce—a whole new generation of readers to some older as well as contemporary giants of our literature. And just as with Haiti Noir, part of the proceeds will go to one or several grassroots organizations in Haiti.

You can purchase Claire of the Sea Light HERE.

Edwidge Danticat was nominated for an NCAAP Award for Best Book for Untwine in the Outstanding Literary Work-Youth/Teens category, her Young Adult novel earlier this year. And now, she’s been named a National Writer’s Conference honoree. She’s receiving her award at the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York. Her book Brother, I am Dying was part of the prestigious The Big Read Miami program.

This is her reaction to both honors, in an exclusive statement she gave to moi:

“I am extremely honored of to have my memoir in The Big Read Miami program. One does not do this kind of work for accolades, but it is always very heartwarming to know that my work has touched people and that they have reacted to it so kindly.

Given the climate we are in now, with all the electoral rhetoric and anti immigration talk, I am very happy that people will be reading and discussing Brother, I’m Dying at this particular time. I hope the book will shed some light on the lives of people who have gone through and continue to go through similar experiences and I hope it leads to more productive and humane conversations both in private and public places.”

Congratulations Edwidge Danticat. And call the carpenter and have him build another shelf for more awards. Good for you, girl.

CLICK HERE to read other articles (including interviews) about and with Edwidge Danticat.

Cadoushka Jean-Francois is your closest Haitian friend. You are a non-Haitian Creole speaker and ask her to teach you some Haitian Creole to use on a wealthy Haitian-American boyfriend you’re trying to pimp for nails did and hair did money. Cadoushka teaches you a phrase that she assures you will make your wealthy Haitian boyfriend not only pay for your nails and hair, but all your bills and expenses. But when you try out the phrase on the urban Croesus, he hangs up on you disgusted and repulsed. What could have gone wrong? You did rehearse the phrase over and over. Perhaps it was your pronunciation…or…

And what about that time when the two of you go out to dinner to a posh Haitian restaurant, and Cadoushka refused to split the bill? She didn’t order much. And the way she carries herself at work is another matter of huge concern. She caters to her own brand of customer service! You would never recommend her for a position at your job, that’s for sure. She’s snappy, snarky, and just plain crass, and she would be bound to tactlessly share intimate details of your life with your co-workers. With friends like Cadoushka Jean-Francois, who needs enemies?

It’s a good thing that Cadouskha isn’t a real person. Well, phew! She’s the alter ego of Haitian-American comedienne Jessie Woo, and a huge cause of guffaws and laughter all over. Is Cadoushka an amalgam of Haitian moms? Who is her persona based on? Just how did Jessie Woo develop her comedic style? Who are her inspirations? Well…read on!

Kreyolicious: What was your Haitian-American experience like?
Growing up in Miami, I was teased a lot in grade school for being Haitian. I heard a lot of things about myself that I wasn’t aware of like, “Haitians eat cat” or “Haitians are dirty and poor”. I would go home and ask my mom why these kids would say these things. She always taught me that miseducation was the reason for a whole lot of these comments. She taught me that being Haitian was and is a privilege and that people hate what they do not understand.

Kreyolicious: When you were in high school, were you the class funny girl?
I was always the silly girl getting written up for misconduct in school because I did not understand what “sit down and be quiet” meant. [Laughter]

Kreyolicious: Who gave you the nickname Jessie Woo?
My favorite red lipstick is Ruby Woo from Mac. I like to mix it up with other colors and call it Jessie Woo. That is where I got the name.

Kreyolicious: Lucille Ball, a comedian from the 1950s was reportedly inspired by Carole Lombard, a comedy actress from the 1930s. Who are your inspirations?
Jamie Foxx is my idol when it comes to being an all around entertainer. The man is a sketch comic, stand-up comedian, a writer, producer, he can write a jingle for your sitcom while being the lead actor in it simultaneously. Jamie Foxx is a musician who can also be a serious Oscar-winning actor. He does so many things yet he excels at everything he does. He is everything I hope to be and more. Jessie Foxx, that’s the goal!

Kreyolicious: Is Cadouska Jean-Francois your uber-sassy and snappy alter ego based on an actual person?
Cadoushka is me, honestly. She is that side of me that is not afraid to say what I really want to say how I want to say it. This has gotten me into a lot of trouble over the years with work, friends and family. [Laughter] Naturally, as I have gotten older I have learned to sensor myself, but I am Cadoushka, she is me. [Laughter]

Kreyolicious: Fan reaction is always strong for your skits. What inspires most of your story lines?
All of my story lines are things that I have personally been through. I am making fun of myself. I am making fun of my childhood and current experiences.

Kreyolicious: Do you visit Haiti frequently?
I have not been to Haiti recently. It has been over 10 years. Growing up, I would go frequently with my mother and grandmother. My grandmother would take me to see family but my mother would take me for missionary reasons. We would go to give back to children and mothers in need. I look forward to continuing that.

How did you like PART I of the interview with Jessie Woo! There’s more to come. Be sure to be on the look-out for PART II. Meanwhile…

CLICK HERE to visit and watch videos on Jessie Woo’s Youtube channel.

CLICK HERE to read interviews with other Haitian-American comedians.

Comedian Jessie Woo will have you burst into prolonged laughter with her skits. The Miami-bred funny girl of Haitian descent has carved out a specialty niche for herself by spoofing her Haitian-American upbringing. She caught the attention of many with her video “Dear Haitian Crush”, in which she re-imagines Alicia Keys’ “You Don’t Know My Name”, with an improvised Haitian accent. She laces the video conversation with references to Haitian culture and traditions, making the video amusing, all the while showing her gift for bringing ingenuity to her videos. In another video, she parodies dramatic mourners at funerals in the Haitian community. Playing the mourner, Jessie Woo bewails the fact that the Sister Natasha, the deceased was not given a ponytail, but another hairstyle. And the makeup job, she complains, is disastrous, and the complexion of Sister Natasha ruined by bad foundation.

In another skit entitled “A Haitian Mother’s Prayer”, Jessie Woo’s mom supplicates the Lord for her daughter to shun all the vakabons of the world. “Why you don’t make Jesus your boyfriend?” The mother cajoles at one point. Well, Amen.

And then there’s Cadoushka Jean-Francois, Jessie Woo’s alter ego. Cadouska is the sort of person you absolutely love to laugh with, but would probably prefer to love at a considerable distance. She spews sarcasm and nastiness most people would rather do without. Delightful, but toxic and a straight-shooter who speaks crooked, that’s Cadouskha! When Cadouska is asked by her friend to give her opinion regarding an outfit for an outing, she tells her friend that one of the potential outfits make her resemble “a walking garden”. How’s that for honesty!

Check out PART II of the interview with comedian Jessie Woo below!

Kreyolicious: What do your parents think about your career as a comedian?
Jessie Woo: I did not tell my mother what I was doing. Someone showed her the McDonalds video and she called me like, “Really Jessica? Why didn’t you tell me you were doing this?” She loves it and is very supportive. I was worried because I do not use squeaky clean language. I can be a bit vulgar depending on the video, but she loves it and she is optimistic about the things to come. She wants everyone to know that her baby is talented. [Laughter]

Kreyolicious: It’s been said that you are the sum of the five people you are around the most. Now, if you could be around five comedians for the rest of your life…whom would you choose and why?
Jessie Woo: I would definitely want to hang out with Jamie Foxx, Whoopi Goldberg, Tiffany Haddish, Mo’nique and Martin Lawrence.

Kreyolicious: What was the biggest three lessons you’ve learned in your life so far? And how do you apply them to your life?
Jessie Woo: One, God’s timing is better than yours. Two: Everything does not happen the way we want them to or WHEN we want them to, and that is okay. Three: Be true to yourself, always.

Kreyolicious: You post makeup tutorials at time…which are so fun to watch…and speaking of which…have you ever felt ugly…and if so…how did you get over that? If not, what advice would you give to those who lack confidence in their looks?
Jessie Woo: I’ve been called ugly plenty of times. When you are pursuing a career in entertainment, you hear things like being dark is ugly. [Laughter]. Having a natural body is ugly. You hear alot of weird things. My younger self was very impressionable. Now that I am an adult, those things do not phase me. I know I am f__ gorgeous. I am beautiful. My skin is amazing. I have all my edges, five fingers on each hand, ten toes. I am alive and well. I am beautiful.

Kreyolicious: Tunnel vision! Where do you see yourself around this time three years from now?
Jessie Woo: I see myself doing what I love and being happy.

This is the concluding part of the interview with Haitian American comedian Jessie Woo. CLICK HERE if you missed PART I.

CLICK HERE to read interviews with other Haitian-American comedians.

Here are some very EXCLUSIVE footage of that historical night of Feb. 7th 1986, the night of the departure of Jean-Claude DUVALIER, his family and a few members of his political regime fled the country! 🎥🇭🇹
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#duvalier #1986 #february #fevrier #footage #exclusive #dictatorship #regime #politics #political #tonton #boogeyman #violence #haiti #ayiti #haiti1804 #1804 #istwa1804 #pap #gouvernment #escape #babydoc